All articles by Blatha
Blatha
The bigger picture
Deloitte’s European Hotel Investment Conference encouraged delegates to consider the long view when it can be all too easy to become distracted by more immediate concerns. Hotel Management International travelled to the Dorchester in London to hear some of the sector’s biggest names debate challenges and opportunities coming over the horizon.
Further afield
After almost 50 years in the hotel industry, finishing his career as GM of The Churchill in London, and Hyatt International’s VP for UK and Ireland, Michael Gray retired from front-line service in March 2016. However, he remains the UK and Ireland national delegate for EHMA, is committed to growing membership beyond the UK capital and will be visiting hoteliers across the region throughout 2019 in an effort to promote its benefits.
Proceed with caution
After another strong year of hotel performance in Europe, a sense of caution is now creeping in with signs of slowing growth and a shift in the profile of investors. Andreas Scriven, lead partner, hospitality and leisure at Deloitte, and Peter Szabo, associate at HVS Hodges Ward Elliott, give Patrick Kingsland their insights.
Push it forward
The priorities and requirements of guests change rapidly, and hoteliers need to stay alert in order to provide for their needs. Accor Hotels president of Europe Franck Gervais, COO and founder of citizenM Michael Levie, Hilton president of EMEA Simon Vincent, and Andrea Jones, senior vice-president of international development at Marriott, discuss the ways their brands remain focused on the operations of the future.
In the face of adversity
Despite ongoing political and financial instability within the country at large, the numbers for the Italian hotel market continue to look relatively healthy. However, with transaction volumes down this year compared with 2017 levels, how is the investor profile changing, where are they looking to get deals done and how attractive is the hospitality segment compared to other real-estate opportunities? With the help of Colliers International, Hotel Management International takes stock.
Soft sells
Soft brands have enjoyed significant success in the luxury segment in recent years, but a number of operators are switching their focus to independent midscale hoteliers, launching new offerings that promise the retention of independence and the ability to leverage global scale. What accounts for this shift, and how can the concept be adapted for a segment more associated with consistency and standardisation? Patrick Kingsland speaks to Philippe Bijaoui of Wyndham, Hilton’s Mark Nogal and hotel consultant Bjorn Hanson.
Size does matter
Global brands are betting big on small hotel rooms in an effort to appeal to the younger generation of travellers who want an affordable experience that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or privacy. Hilton’s Tripp McLaughlin, Premier Inn’s Carlo Del Mistro and Pod Hotels’ Richard Born make small talk with Elly Earls.
Under the influence
The rising popularity and influence of Instagram means hotels must invest in striking and unique design to attract customers. Hotel Management International hears from experts on the Instagram effect and the steps designers need to take to maximise this new source of exposure.
All’s well that starts well
The wellness industry is booming and hotels at all levels are looking to benefit. However, increased opportunities also mean an increasingly savvy guest demographic demanding something genuinely new and different. Paul King speaks to global spa leaders about the challenges of meeting those demands and why operators must adopt a ‘software approach’ when it comes to devising and delivering appropriate programming.
Healthy profits
For chefs at all levels, vegetarianism and sustainability can no longer be considered niche concerns. Chloe Scott-Moncrieff talks to restaurateur and activist Peggy Chan about blazing a trail for plant-based eating, and a hospitality career spanning three continents and a number of different incarnations.