Author: HPG Advisory

Briefing: Industry disruptors – Innovative hospitality business models

Posted on by HPG Advisory

Hospitality is changing. Consumers have more and more options to choose from and increasingly original ways to purchase them. Innovative companies are creating new business models to maximise income from hospitality products. Consumers are even selling amongst themselves in the so-called “sharing economy”.

According to experts, disruptive plays and business model innovation are now more important than traditional strategies based around competition and internal efficiency. Accessibility via digital platforms means disruptors can build large market share within just a few years. Therefore every company must look at their assets and how they might innovate, even if primarily to defend their market.

Discussing these new hospitality business models are:

  • Frank Croston, Partner, Hamilton Hotel Partners on how consumers win in the competition with new wave hospitality

  • Preben Vestdam, Managing Director, HotelSwaps on a bartering programme based on hotel rooms

  • Stephen Balzer, Chief Executive Officer, Red Onion GmbH on what the sharing economy means for consumers

  • Sean Worker, Chief Executive Officer, BridgeStreet Global Hospitality on a company re-branding that responded to customer demand for transparency

 

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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: Women at the top

Posted on by HPG Advisory

Although women have always accounted for over 50% of the hospitality workforce, this has typically been disproportionately towards the bottom of the pyramid. Things are gradually improving with women being promoted into C level roles, but there is still plenty of work to do to address the gender gap. In this briefing we speak to three women who have built successful hospitality careers about what the industry can do to bring more diversity at the top.

Comment from:

  • Kathleen Matthews, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, Marriott International Inc on why women are still disproportionately represented in the hospitality industry

  • Karen Friebe, Partner, Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, on why women need more role models in the industry

  • Wolfgang Wienz, Senior Technical Specialist, Hotels, Catering & Tourism, International Labour Organization on whether the industry can overcome gender gaps

  • Elizabeth Winkle, Managing Director, STR Global on how women in the industry would benefit from mentor relationships

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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: ensuring customer loyalty in hotels

Posted on by HPG Advisory

Customer loyalty is crucial for a successful hotel business. Small and boutique hotels need to offer something special to their customers in order to compete with the chains. Meanwhile international brands are rolling out increasingly sophisticated loyalty schemes to ensure that their customers return to them wherever they go in the world.

While loyalty schemes are not new, hotels are now connecting with customers on an individual level to make them feel appreciated and valued. These operations require careful management and the right technology. Comment from:

  • Mark Weinstein, VP – Strategy & Loyalty, Hilton Worldwide on why loyalty schemes are critical to business growth

  • Taras Ettl, VP – Development, Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group on InterContinental’s loyalty programme

  • Andrew Boshoff, Head of Strategy & Development, Global Hotel Alliance on loyalty being the largest area of opportunity for hotels

  • Sinai Pedreschi, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Stafford London on The TNTs that make customers come back

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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: innovation to reinvent, evolve and adapt to markets

Posted on by HPG Advisory

In a changing world, products and operations must respond to disruptions and shifting markets. Business plans cannot be too rigid, especially when applied in new markets where the risk factors are unknown. Old technology and systems that are in place are not always appropriate to deal with new problems.

So what do businesses need to do to keep up to date? How can brands adapt to new environments? And how can smaller hotels compete with the resources of larger brands? This briefing has comment on all these issues:

  • Christine Hodder, General Manager, The Stafford London on balancing consistency with innovation

  • Simon Schwitalik, Director of Business Intelligence – EMEA, TravelClick on turning legacy systems into effective marketing platforms

  • Sanjay Tanna, Director – Commercial &  Investments, ADNEC on why constant reinvention and adaptability is the key

  • Peter Norman, SVP – Acquisitions & Development, Hyatt Hotels Corporation on why hotel brands must continually evolve

 

 

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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: like, share and embed travel experiences

Posted on by HPG Advisory

Online feedback has transformed the hospitality industry. Comment cards and guest books have always allowed customers to share their thoughts on their stay, but now these experiences, both good and bad, are being shared immediately online and it’s influencing where customers choose to spend their money.

Consumers want to get a glimpse of holiday destinations before they go. They are getting their ideas directly from other visitors, not just marketing teams.

So how are hotels dealing with review websites? In what new ways can the holiday experience be shared? And can digital communities be integrated into the marketing plan? Comment from:

  • Charlie Osmond, Chief Tease, TripTease on content creation & social media driving business growth
  • Sinai Pedreschi, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Stafford London on TripAdvisor and customer feedback
  • Satyan Joshi, Industry Manager – Travel, Google on the impact of video reviews on hotels and OTAs
  • Christopher Michau, VP – Global Partner Group, Expedia France SAS on integrating social media into the travel business model
 


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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: securing a resilient, lasting hospitality industry in Africa

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There is exciting growth in Africa, but what does the industry need to remember in order to build a market that works? Deals need to be solid, finances need to be secure, and the existing culture and infrastructure needs to be considered.

There is little point in rushing through a development that cannot be sustained for the future. It is also vital that there is quality in the product on offer. In this briefing four experts give their views on the key elements for successful developments in Africa:

  • Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor, CBS News with three pieces of advice for the hospitality industry

  • Olaf Schmidt, Global Sector Head – Tourism, Retail & Property, IFC – World Bank Group shares three messages from the IFC

  • Philippe Doizelet, Managing Partner, Horwath HTL – France on what the African hospitality industry could improve on

  • Rohan Patel, Director, Sankara Hotel Group Kenya Ltd on why hotel development projects must be sustainable

 


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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: a focus on the 5* hotel segment

Posted on by HPG Advisory

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

Posted on by HPG Advisory

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

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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: Government must clear path for hospitality growth

Posted on by HPG Advisory

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

 


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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: fair deals and trusting relationships

Posted on by HPG Advisory

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

 


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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.

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