Briefing: appreciating the growth opportunities in Africa

The Tipping Point for Africa has been imminent for a long time. The continent clearly holds huge opportunities, but the complexity and size of the 50+ countries means it is often very difficult to get product there. Having said that, many Governments are working together to try to encourage and break down the barriers for investment, as explained by Dr Nelson Githinji, the Tourism Secretary for Kenya.

For whatever reason, some African countries currently have no branded hotel product within their borders at all and although there are intricacies which need to be ironed out, you certainly shouldn’t dismiss Africa. Reasons why are explained in this briefing by:

  • Patrick Fitzgibbon, SVP Development – Europe & Africa of Hilton Worldwide describes the plethora of opportunity on the continent.
  • Dr Nelson Githinji, Tourism Secretary of the Ministry for Tourism – Kenya, on the concessions for those who invest.
  • Jalil Mekouar, of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels on the resurgence of curiosity seen for Africa
  • And Joy Albright of the African Export-Import Bank on where she sees the appetite for investment

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Briefing: hospitality being noticed by global Governments

One of the biggest problems hospitality has is demonstrating to the Government’s of the World the value the industry brings to their economies. Hospitality seems to continually fall off the radar when it comes to the key drivers of change and growth across the World.

With the work of Taleb Rifai at the UNWTO and David Scowsill of the WTTC the industry is beginning to put its head above the parapet and be noticed.

In this briefing we hear from:

  • Taleb Rifai on the UNWTO and the WTTC tackling Governments together.
  • David Scowsill of the WTTC on how much tourism generates for the global economy.
  • Ed Fuller, former MD at Marriott International on the need for Governments to help the industry.
  • And Sir Nigel Knowles, co-CEO of DLA Piper LLP on problems faced by Governments at the moment.

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Briefing: adopting big brand strategies

All hospitality companies strategise over where the next growth market is, where can I cut costs in the current business and how can I appeal to my consumer even more? But what do the big brands think and planning for the future?

In this briefing we hear from executives at Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotel Group and Accor Hotels on where they believe the growth of their brands will be. Understanding what they believe the development pipeline is can help shape the trends we may see in the future of hospitality.

Experts this week include:

  • Robert Shepherd, SVP Development and Design – Europe of InterContinental Hotel Group on strategies for a multi-brand organisation.
  • Andrew Sangster, Editor at Hotel Analyst, on what strategies the big hotel brands are employing.
  • Simon Vincent, President of Hilton Worldwide for Europe on the expansion of the Hilton brand.
  • And Yann Caillere, President & COO of Accor Hotels on the hospitality market in general.
 


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Briefing: understanding successful hotel operations

The components of a successful hotel may seem simple, however, mastering how a hotel ensures repeat business and customer loyalty is hard. There are many variables which can affect a customer’s perception, right down to the towels, glasses and coffee you provide.

With the immediacy of online commenting, it is essential that all staff and stakeholders are up to scratch with how you operate. Successful hotels are able to ensure great stays for their customers by managing their expectations and understanding exactly what they want.

Some hospitality experts share their thoughts on what they believe ensures a hotel’s success. Including comment from:

  • Simon Vincent, President – Europe for Hilton Worldwide on the core component of any hotel.
  • Mark Wynne-Smith, Global CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels on the commoditisation of hotels which diminishes service.
  • Chris Boulton, CEO of yoo Hotels, on creating a memorable location for guests.
  • And John Brennan, CEO of Jurys Inn Hotels on instilling passion in the workforce to ensure success.
 


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Briefing: challenges for the hospitality industry

Hospitality is a global industry, a sector which cannot be protected from international challenges. The economic downturn in Europe is one of these challenges.  What has happened in hospitality for the four years since the recession first hit, and is trust finally filtering back into the market?

Our experts this week discuss what they are seeing in the industry as well as highlighting some other challenges that could be faced in the next 10 years.  Some believe the likelihood of another, harder-hitting, recession is just around the corner but interestingly hospitality consistently outperforms the market.

Experts this week include:

  • Sir Nigel Knowles, co-Global CEO of DLA Piper, on the trust sought in the markets
  • Prof. Ian Goldin, of the Oxford Martin School at Oxford University, on the challenges hospitality could face in the next 10 years.
  • Mark Wynne-Smith, Global CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, on the confidence seen in the market despite economic issues.
  • And David Scowsill, CEO of the WTTC, on hospitality outperforming the economy.
 


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

Briefing: building customer loyalty in the digital world

The new digital world allows all brands and individuals to communicate with each other with the click of a few buttons. But is the hospitality sector fully utilising all the tools available?

Mobile technologies now allow General Managers and other executives to understand exactly what is going on in real-time. This has never been achievable before, and it will only improve over time.

By being clever with contemporary technologies, brands can build advocacy and loyalty in a very personalised and specific way. Building this loyalty and the techniques of doing so are discussed in this week’s briefing.

Including comment from:

  • Sean Worker, CEO of Bridgestreet on understanding his customer needs 24/7.
  • Andrew Sangster, of the Hotel Analyst, on building a picture of consumers in real-time.
  • Robert Shepherd, SVP of Development and Design for IHG Europe, on what techniques IHG are implementing to build brand advocacy.
  • And Peter O’Connor, of the Essec Business School, on tactics for achieving loyalty with online consumers.

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

Briefing: consolidation in the hotel industry

As the market for deals is still stuttering to start, hoteliers are looking for alternative avenues to do deals. Where there is over-supply and low room rates consolidation seems like the logical step. But what does this mean in real terms? and when will we see consolidation come to the market in a serious way?

In this briefing we hear from key industry experts about understanding where the future lies for hotel deal-making. Including comment from:

  • Nick van Marken, of Deloitte LLP on banks and hotels consolidating their positions.
  • Sir Nigel Knowles, co-Global CEO of DLA Piper, on factors delaying consolidation in the hospitality industry.
  • Andrew Sangster, Editor of Hotel Analyst, on after the economic dust has settled, what happens now?.
  • And Timothy Lloyd Hughes of Deutsche Bank on hoteliers adding value to current assets.
 


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Video clips produced by yBC.tv for the Hospitality Channel, including interviews from industry conferences such as the most recent IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: opportunity in Africa

The African continent is vast and one where there is a wealth of opportunity. Risks associated with the continent means many approach investing in the area with trepidation. However, many believe we are seeing its final dawn.

Some countries don’t have a branded hotel located within it, others are resource heavy and with a growing middle class the chance to really make headway is apparent.

Experts this week include:

  • Gordon Drake, CFO of Kingdom Hotel Investments, on a resource-laden continent
  • Timothy Lloyd Hughes, of Deutsche Bank, on Africa being another arrow in the BRIC bow
  • Peter Norman, of Hyatt International, on the inevitable chance there is now with Africa
  • And Nick van Marken, Hospitality Leader of Deloitte, on how Africa’s fragmentation resulting in opportunities for many.
 


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Video clips produced by yBC.tv for the Hospitality Channel, including interviews from industry conferences such as the most recent IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: new look investment market

With the remaining liquidity issues from the recession feeling like a little bit of a hangover, the market for investment has seen real change. Appreciating and understanding the new ways as to where hospitality will see investment is integral.

Who are the new investors? What does the market look like at the moment? How can you ensure investment into projects? These are just a few of the questions answered in this week’s briefing.

Experts include:

  • Timothy Lloyd-Hughes, of Deutsche Bank, on the new investment coming to the market
  • Mark Wynne-Smith, Global CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, on the organisations in the middle of the financing gap.
  • Nick van Marken, Global Hospitality Leader of Deloitte LLP, on the new product that is coming to market.
  • And Kingsley Seevaratnam, of Westmont Hospitality Management, on the power of relationship lending against new investors.
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Video clips produced by yBC.tv for the Hospitality Channel, including interviews from industry conferences such as the most recent IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: Dragon breathing fire on Chinese market

The emergence of China as a dominant global player is no secret. Capitalizing on this new opportunity is something which many hospitality brands have been looking to tackle for some time.

Many questions have arisen due to the assumption that Western products will appeal to Chinese consumers. This is not the case. In this briefing we hear from key executives on tackling this exciting and growing marketplace, including:

  • Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Trade Organisation (UNWTO), on the wrong perception of the Chinese market but the opportunity that lies there
  • Ed Fuller, Former President & CEO of Marriott International, on the markets that the brand are looking to enter
  • David Scowsill, President & CEO of the WTTC, on the growth seen in China
  • And Yann Caillère, COO of Accor Hotels on appealing to the Chinese consumer.
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