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A safe space
A widely anticipated event in the hospitality calendar, the Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) struggled against the chaos of Covid-19 to deliver its annual conference, HOSPACE, to the virtual sphere in November. Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, talks about her mission to deliver an insightful and engaging event against the odds.
Virtues of a virtual event
In October 2020, HFTP held its premiere virtual event Cyber HITEC, which hosted over 1,840 registered participants engaging in hospitality technology-focused education sessions, 18 virtual exhibit halls and multiple networking opportunities. Cyber HITEC was a virtual adaptation of the 48-year hospitality technology convention and trade show HITEC (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Tradeshow), which traditionally is an in-person event. The HFTP Annual Convention was also included within the programming, with a hospitality finance-focused education track.
The new Covid-19 curriculum
Training has been fundamental to hotel life for years – but there is the sense that we’re witnessing something new. With the pandemic terrifying staff and customers alike, and everyone now expected to obey strict hygiene rules, hoteliers and academies are scrambling to update their training regimes. Andrea Valentino talks to experts across hospitality training to learn how the pandemic has changed the field over the past few months and how technology in various guises might transform it going forward.
A learning moment
Recognised by Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential people, Martin Lindstrom is the author of several New York Times bestselling books that have been translated into 60 languages, along with the upcoming The Ministry of Common Sense: How to Eliminate Bureaucratic Red Tape, Bad Excuses, and Corporate BS. He shares his fears that the industry, and society as a whole, is losing its sense of empathy and common sense.
The view from a distance
In recent years, the hotel lobby has become a go-to space for cool aesthetics and convivial encounters. Now, with ubiquitous social distancing, it remains to be seen whether it can stay relevant during a time of little social interaction. Abi Millar speaks to James Dilley, head of hospitality and interior design at Jestico + Whiles, and Kate Mooney, founder of Occa Design Studio, about how the lobby can remain a vibrant part of the hotel experience, while being recalibrated as a more fluid and versatile space.
Somewhere to start
A not-for-profit trade association dedicated to fostering collaborations and partnerships among hospitality professionals and technology providers, Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) is firmly dedicated to improving technological proficiency within the hospitality sphere. Here the group outlines some of the insightful recent publications and workshops available to all hoteliers, large and small.
The funds and the faithful
It’s no secret that the European hotel market has been adversely affected by Covid-19. Revenues have dropped, though there have been green shoots of recovery when lockdown restrictions have eased. Meanwhile, the recent announcement of several successful vaccines suggests there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Jim Banks speaks to industry experts about where the hotel market will see the most investment and how long those investors might have to wait to see long-term growth.
Route to recovery
From the moment the global economy and most of the world’s inhabitants went into lockdown, international travel ground to a halt. Immediately, Gloria Guevara, CEO and president of The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), made it her mission to ensure that the travel and tourism sector would not be overlooked, pushing governments to recognise the value travel and tourism delivers to the global economy. Will Moffitt asks Guevara where those discussions currently stand, what lessons can be taken from the pandemic and whether governments are doing enough to protect the hospitality industry.
Data hub
Even in the age of ubiquitous Wi-Fi and cloud-based software solutions, many hotels have yet to fulfil their data-gathering potential. In the age of Covid-19, however, many hoteliers are monitoring and analysing data like never before, enabling data scientists to fulfil a more prominent role in the industry. Jim Banks speaks to leading IT experts from the hotel sector about using data to create change.
A new hope
European hotels have faced a challenging winter period, with some forced to close their doors once again after showing spirited signs of recovery. The announcement of a vaccine, however, brings hope to hoteliers large and small. As EHMA president Ezio A Indiani says, now is the time for hoteliers across Europe to stay strong, remain positive and help the local community.