Briefing: a focus on the 5* hotel segment

At the top end of the hospitality market it is not all about growing an empire as quickly as possible. It is about getting things right and pushing the product to be the very best it can be.

There is a focus on attracting ‘the right kind of customer’, who will bring in a lot of revenue. Consumers are attracted to 5* properties because they are a step above the rest and can be relied upon to offer them what they need.

So what kind of customers use 5* hotels? How important is it to build brand awareness? And where does a 5* product sit within the rest of the market? Answering these questions are:

  • Andrew Boshoff, Head of Strategy & Development, Global Hotel Alliance on a loyalty programme that targets upmarket, international travellers

  • Haddis Tilahun, Executive Director, United Africa Group on leading the way with five star hotels

  • Reto Wittwer, President & CEO, Kempinski on the idea that luxury equals individuality

  • Taras Ettl, VP – Development, Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group on answering the demand for a five star business brand

 


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Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: African economy is an environment for growth

There is enormous potential for the hospitality industry to expand in Africa. The long term trends suggest that there is a positive future to be had. Continued economic growth and improved infrastructure is giving companies a strong environment to work in.

The hotel market in Africa is still relatively new so there are gaps to be filled, new customers to be reached and new services to be offered. There is great scope for experienced companies to find their place in Africa. Discussing the African economy are:

  • Daniel Silke, Political Analyst & Keynote Speaker, Political Futures Consulting on democratisation in Africa
  • Philippe Baretaud, SVP, Development Europe, Middle East & Africa, Accor SA on the African economy in five years
  • David Harper, Head of Property Services, Hotel Partners Africa on Africa’s hotel shortage and economic growth
  • Filippo Sona, Director – Head of Hotels & Hospitality (MENA Region), Colliers International on Africa offering a virgin market as well as economic growth

If you’ve been sent to this page and you’re not yet on the circulation list to receive these regular briefings and you would like to sign up, you can do see here. It’s free.

Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: Government must clear path for hospitality growth

A well governed organisation offering quality services will engage customers. But without government cooperation and well developed infrastructure the delivery of the product is more difficult. Visas, travel restrictions, expenses and security fears can put customers off.

Collaboration within the industry is needed to highlight these barriers to business. Also, more communication between the governments of neighbouring countries could help create solutions to these issues. Comment includes:

  • Peter Norman, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Hyatt Hotels Corporation on why hospitality needs a united voice to lobby against restrictions

  • Patrick Fitzgibbon, SVP – Development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide on visas, air travel and infrastructure

  • Daniel Silke, Political Analyst & Keynote Speaker, Political Futures Consulting on making business and travel easier in Africa

  • Muhammad Al-Amir, Founder & MD, Riyada International Hotels & Resorts on the need for cooperation among the Gulf States

 


If you’ve been sent to this page and you’re not yet on the circulation list to receive these regular briefings and you would like to sign up, you can do see here. It’s free.

Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: fair deals and trusting relationships

Deal-making at its best involves two parties working together towards a common goal. While profit will always be an underlying concern there is much more to a successful collaboration.

In an industry that is about people at its core, partners must create a solid relationship and be open with each other from the start. This briefing has four perspectives on the deal-making process from industry experts including:

  • Rui Barros, SVP & MD – EMEA, Wyndham Hotel Group on why a great partnership makes a great deal

  • Anil Bhardwaj, Director, AA Almoosa Enterprises on the importance of balance in deal-making

  • Olaf Schmidt, Global Sector Head – Tourism, Retail & Property Sector, IFC – World Bank Group on the need for solid counterparts.

  • Giorgio Manenti, Executive VP, Jones Lang LaSalle on how hotelier transparency will help see deals through

 


If you’ve been sent to this page and you’re not yet on the circulation list to receive these regular briefings and you would like to sign up, you can do see here. It’s free.

Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

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