All articles by Ky Nikitha
Ky Nikitha
Marks of distinction
Perhaps the biggest issue facing the European hospitality industry is a war for talent, between direct competitors and against other industries often seen as offering more attractive career prospects. Setting a clear career path, and establishing ongoing learning and training programmes are prerequisites for any operator. Abi Millar discusses the challenges with Hyatt’s Yves Givel, Rob Zajko from Hilton and citizenM’s Michael Levie.
Collaborate and captivate
A multimillion-dollar rebrand will see Millennium Hotel London Mayfair converted into The Biltmore this spring, the first European member of Hilton’s new luxury brand, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Greg Noone talks to Martin Goddard and Jo Littlefair, the husband and wife team behind the renovation, about the genesis of their design studio, the meaning behind modern luxury and how they have learned to collaborate with some of the biggest high-end operators on the hospitality scene.
Among the stars
Receiving his third Michelin star earlier this year was just the latest highlight of Mauro Colagreco’s remarkable career. The Argentine chef talks to Tina Nielsen about the journey from dropping out of university in his home country to opening one of the best restaurants in France and creating a global culinary portfolio.
In it together
Within what remain quite niche circles, there has been a lot of excitement surrounding blockchain technology’s potential to revolutionise the hospitality sector, with some even christening it ‘a new internet for the travel industry’ with the potential to end online travel agency (OTA) ascendancy. Will Moffitt speaks to hoteliers, entrepreneurs and academics in an effort to separate hype from reality and asks how close we are to seeing mainstream implementation.
Kings of Europe
As part of the STR 500 launch, STR revealed Europe’s 100 largest hotel groups during the 22nd International Hotel Investment Forum in March. Our partners at the industry leader in hospitality analytics look at some of the stories behind the numbers.
A bright future
Ezio A Indiani, the newly appointed president of the European Hotel Managers Association, enthuses on the honour of receiving such an appointment and outlines his virtuous aspirations for the organisation.
Shifting brands
In a little over a year in charge, Deutsche Hospitality CEO Thomas Willms has launched one brand, acquired another and now has his sights set on transforming the group’s flagship offering, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts. He tells Phin Foster about the importance of leveraging one’s heritage, the transformative impact of entering the conversion space and why Deutsche is willing to bet big on the economy segment.