All articles by Ky Nikitha
Ky Nikitha
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.
On the horizon
In February 2019, Meliá Hotel International revealed its annual results for 2018, marking the end of a three-year strategic plan that had seen a 250% increase in earnings per share, nearly 15,000 rooms added to its portfolio, and an intense period of investment and repositioning. Global development managing director Maria Zarraluqui speaks to Hotel Management International about the impact this has had upon development strategy and where the group is looking to go next.
Gulf in demand
The UAE hotel industry has seen phenomenal growth over the past decade, with international operators opening properties at an incredible rate. However, as certain segments become increasingly saturated, how dynamic a market does it remains? Abi Millar hears from industry leaders, including Matthew Tripolone, vice-president for Middle East and Africa at IHG, about where the opportunities still lie.
A seat at the table
Traditional operators have long avoided any association with hostels but, running out of niches and labels for different consumer demographics, some are beginning to explore whether the shared accommodation concept can help them capture millennials and Gen Z. Tim Gunn asks Generator’s Alastair Thomann, Etienne Matichard of Jo&Joe and Hostelworld’s Paul Halpenny about the potential of communal living.
The full works
Small lifestyle concepts and big global players are making moves to try and harness the potential of co-working within their portfolios. Elly Earls meets Accor Innovation Lab’s Frédéric Fontaine and Zoku’s David Kijlstra to discover the extent to which their efforts can make hard work pay.
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.