All articles by Venugopal Immadi
Venugopal Immadi
Brand together
Newly acquired by Nasdaq-listed Huazhu Group, the world’s fifth-largest public hotel company, Deutsche Hospitality, is beginning a period of growth. CEO Thomas Willms had introduced two new brands in his two years in charge already, and is now celebrating both his company’s 90th anniversary and overseeing its most significant development yet. He tells Isabel Ellis how it came together and just what it means.
A smart balance
From phones to fridges to cities, it seems as though everything from the mundane to the colossal is fast becoming ‘smart’, but what should ‘smart’ mean in the context of the guest experience? Ben Walker hears from Lennert de Jong of citizenM on striking a delicate balance between simplifying and optimising processes through the latest technology platforms.
A whole new world
The Covid-19 pandemic could lead to the world’s most valuable hotel brands losing up to $14 billion of brand value, according to the ‘Brand Finance Hotels 50 2020’ report. As one of the most impacted sectors, the global hospitality industry is bracing itself for the full financial impact of the crisis, but how best can it protect itself from the worst of the fallout and might there be some opportunities among the chaos? Irenie Forshaw explores the extent of the damage and where the industry goes from here.
The journey back
The UK government has faced significant criticism, both domestically and abroad, for its handling of the
coronavirus crisis, but the country’s recovery and a return to international travel is important to hoteliers and economies across the continent. Stephen Collins, associate director with HVS’s London office, outlines what that route could look like and how various domestic markets might perform in the interim.
Stronger together
In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, the global hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Ezio A Indiani shares his advice and message of positivity for the industry in these challenging times.
Hurry up and wait
As European economies begin gradual reopening strategies, what can be learned from the experiences and sentiments in countries further ahead in the process – and how should the travel and tourism industry interpret the results? Chris Klauda, senior director at STR Market Insights, looks at differing regional attitudes and explains its decision to temporarily pause research studies as the crisis enters a new phase.
Balancing act in the hotel industry: ‘asset-light’ to ‘asset-right’
For many years, the international hotel development landscape has been dominated by the ‘asset-light’ model. Now, however, an increasing number of operators are beginning to talk about ‘asset-right’, demonstrating a renewed willingness to enter leasing agreements in order to win opportunities in particularly competitive markets. Patrick Kingsland speaks to Deloitte’s Andreas Scriven to find out more.
Southern comfort: Greece, Spain and Portugal
A cocktail of economic stability and concerns over security in North Africa has led to a
boom period for southern Europe’s resort market. From the traditional destinations of Spain and Greece to new kids on the block in Croatia and Montenegro, investments are gaining momentum all the time, reports Ross Davies.
Now trending: keeping up to date
In the second instalment of his two-part series for Hotel Management International, EHMA president Hans Koch reveals why hoteliers must keep up to date with drivers and trends in the industry, while also learning how to disrupt the disrupters.
Room to grow…with Deutsche Hospitality’s Thomas Willms
Appointed CEO of Deutsche Hospitality in January, Thomas Willms has wasted little time in making his mark, launching a new upscale brand that promises to help the German hotel operator gain a greater foothold in the franchise space, and open up an array of new opportunities at home and abroad. He speaks to Phin Foster about the value of honest branding, forging new partnerships and his vision for the next phase of Deutsche Hospitality’s evolution.