Shows
Nxt Gen HotelsCreating a cultural icon! With Hanan Eissa - VP of Marketing & PR at Atlantis DubaiOur final episode of the season has some unmissable insights as we sit down with Hanan Eissa - Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations at Atlantis Dubai. Hanan and her team are behind the creation of one of the world’s most iconic brands: Atlantis Resorts. Learn about her fascinating road to hospitality, the importance of building a brand over time and bringing extraordinary experiences to guests.
A fantastic listen and a pleasure to speak to such an inspiring leader.
If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe.
2024-07-0338 minNxt Gen HotelsDon't wait to be discovered - Pavlina Tarabova, GM Meliá Desert PalmIn this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Pavlina Tarabova. Today's conversation features highlights on her career, luxury hospitality in Dubai and it's challenges as well as balancing a career with family life. Loads to unpack!
If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe.
2024-06-2631 minNxt Gen HotelsGuests remember service - David Wilson, GM Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm JumeirahSitting down with David Wilson for this week's Nxt Gen Hotels podcast episode, we delve into to the world of luxury hospitality. Today's conversation touches upon leadership, Dubai, the meaning of hospitality, the difference between function and purpose and many more insightful bits.
If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!
2024-06-1939 minNxt Gen HotelsThe walking talking hospitality encylopedia - Andy Cuthbert, GM Jumeirah CreeksideThe title says it all! In this week's episode we sit down with Andy Cuthbert, GM at Jumeirah Creekside. A visionary who's been there and seen it all in Dubai, having spent 30+ years here. What you can expect from this episode are anecdotes, stories, a re-telling of the history of hospitality in Dubai and insights into a truly illustrious journey.
If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!
2024-06-1250 minNxt Gen HotelsThe comfort zone is a killer - with Husam Malki, GM Anantara Downtown DubaiPacked with loads of wisdom, this week's Nxt Gen Hotels podcast episode with Husam Malki is intriguing to say the least. Topics of conversation ranging from his career, growth, leadership style, advice for aspiring hoteliers, challenges facing the industry - this one's a real learning for all industry professionals.
If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!
2024-06-0524 minNxt Gen HotelsHealth & Hospitality with Desmond Cawley, Hotel Manager - SIRO, One Za'abeelIn this week's episode, we sit down to chat about all things health and hospitality with Desmond Cawley, Hotel Manager at SIRO One Za'abeel. A one-of-its-kind concept hotel focusing on both physical and mental wellness, there's loads of secrets to know about the newly opened property in Dubai. Fitness enthusiasts, business travelers, industry specialists - this one's unique it's own way with loads of take backs.
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe!
2024-05-2927 minNxt Gen HotelsAct equally to be treated equally - with Maria Bou Eid, Head of Operations KSA, Kerten HospitalityIn this week's episode, we sit down with Maria. An intriguing conversation that taught us a lot about the hospitality industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, future plans for the group, her leadership style, women empowerment programs and more!
If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe.
2024-05-2218 minNxt Gen HotelsHospitality comes from the heart - with Tom Roelens, MD - Atlantis the RoyalIn this week's episode, we sit down with the renowned Tom Roelens, who's at the forefront of one of the most well-loved hotels in the world - Atlantis the Royal. This episode, filmed in the most expensive suite in the world delves into his career, the meaning of hospitality, property fun facts, the future for the hotel, industry challenges and much more. A glamorous episode, to say the least!
If you enjoyed it, don't forget to subscribe.
2024-05-1542 minNxt Gen HotelsAn industry that's always playing catch up - with Patrick Antaki, COO HMH HotelsWhen we first started this podcast, we knew we'd learn a lot and get incredible insights into hospitality as an industry and the different markets - but we never thought we'd learn this much from one single episode. This week, we sit down with Patrick Antaki, COO at HMH Hotels to deep dive into a range of interesting topics including tourism, Dubai, Saudi Arabia's emerging market, lessons the industry needs to learn and more. We've taken so much from this episode and we're sure you will too.
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget...
2024-05-0841 minNxt Gen HotelsIn hospitality for money? Big mistake - with Spencer Wadama, GM - SLS Dubai Hotel & ResidencesIn this week's episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast, we sit down on the 73rd floor with fabulous views of Dubai to chat with the General Manager at SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences. Having worked in the luxury segment of hotels, this conversation explores everything from sustainability vs luxury, market differences across the globe, advice for the industry, tech improvements and more.
If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!
2024-05-0125 minNxt Gen HotelsRevolutionising Dubai's dining scene with Tom Arnel, CEO - EATXFor all of you watching from Dubai, you're definitely familiar with Common Grounds, Tom & Serg, The Guild and more. For those from elsewhere, these are amongst the most well known and well loved restaurants in Dubai. In this week's episode, we sit down with Tom Arnel, Founder at EATX to learn all about how he revolutionised Dubai's dining scene, his story, the market and much more. This one's for all you food and dining experience lovers.
Bon appetit!
2024-04-2431 minNxt Gen HotelsHow to be a memory maker, with James Berry - Radisson Blu Media CityIn this week's episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast, we sit down with the lively GM at Radisson Blu, Media City Dubai - James Berry. With a ton of experience under his belt, having worked across geographies plethora of tips and advice we can all learn a great deal from. Delve into his career journey, leadership style, tech and lots more!
2024-04-1730 min
Nxt Gen HotelsWhat exactly is "Prideology?" with luxury hospitality leader - Bill WalsheIntroducing our Hospitality Hall of Fame series with the legendary *drumroll please*, Bill Walshe 🙇♂️ .
Deep dive into what hospitality means to him, his journey, his renowned concept of "Prideology" and lots more. This episode is the longest one we've recorded so far and for good reason: it's inspirational, informative and incomparable.
2024-04-101h 06Nxt Gen HotelsHow to stand out & get a job in Dubai's hospitality industry with Jeff StrachanAll aspiring hoteliers or ambitious ones - this one's for you! In the this episode, you will gain invaluable insight on to the Dubai job market, and understand what helps candidates stand out to secure jobs. Jeff, AVP Business Operations at Dubai College of Tourism delves into the topics about the industry, career development and how to gain a competitive edge.
2024-04-0323 minNxt Gen Hotels"If hotels had the investment capabilities of OTAs..." - Glenn Nobbs, GM - Millennium Place Barsha HeightsDelving into OTA's, the use of technology in hospitality, the differences in the industry based on regions across the globe and a very interesting career journey - this week's episode features the superb Glenn Nobbs. Watch to deep dive into relevant issues facing the industry today with some rapid fire fun to wrap things up!
2024-03-2029 minNxt Gen Hotels"Your leadership style is a reflection of you" - Gurnoor Bindra, GM - Sheraton Mall of the EmiratesIn this week's episode, we speak to Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager - Sheraton, Mall of the Emirates. Delve into her hospitality career journey, her leadership style as a female leader, motherhood, work-life management and more. She is a force to be reckoned with - have a listen for yourself.
2024-03-1332 minNxt Gen HotelsSustainability is about creating guilt-free luxury - Mark Hehir, GM at Jumeirah Zabeel SarayIn this week's episode (and one of our favourite episodes this season), we chat with the magnanimous Mark Hehir - General Manager, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. With a plethora of fascinating experiences under his belt, he shares his journey from being a chef in the kitchen to managing one of the most beautiful properties in Dubai. It would be an understatement to call this chat interesting! We've watched it many times over, and have a feeling you'll thoroughly enjoy it too.
2024-03-0634 minNxt Gen Hotels"If you don't innovate, you die" - Manish Jha, NH Collection Dubai The PalmIn this week's episode, we sit down with Manish Jha, General Manager - NH Collection Dubai The Palm. Amongst the various discussion topics, Manish speaks to us about his journey in hospitality, managing crisis like the 2004 tsunami a GM in the Maldives, how fitness integrates into his work ethic and of course sustainability. There's this and loads more to unpack in this episode. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
2024-03-0123 minNxt Gen HotelsLeading with Happiness - Mark Lee, GM Media One HotelTune in to the latest episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast. In today's episode, Mark Lee - General Manager at the iconic Media One Hotel in Dubai sits down with Mark to discuss his journey. Topics of conversation here range from sustainability in hospitality to banter between two football team rival supporters. This one's a must watch!
2024-02-2129 minNxt Gen HotelsInclusivity in Hospitality, with Sophie BlondelTouching on a topic that's never been discussed on the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast previously, Mark and Sophie sit down to have a conversation about inclusivity in hospitality. As the GM of the first and only property in Dubai to be certified as an autism friendly hotel, delve into the depths of Sophie's journey, her and her teams passion and how they address a very real challenge.
2024-02-1521 minNxt Gen Hotels"I like to break rules". Judit Toth, CEO & Founder - INK HotelsJoin us as we speak to Judit Toth, CEO & Founder at INK Hotels. In this podcast episode, she shares her incredible story of how she likes to break the rules and has paved her own path in hospitality. From building a homegrown brand INK hotels, setting it up in a new location - get ready for insights, laughter, and an inspiring story to say the least.
2024-02-0724 minNxt Gen HotelsPainting the town RED with Stuart BirkwoodLaunching into the New Year with a bang! 🚀 Tune in to our latest episode featuring the incredible Stuart Birkwood, Curator (or as we know it, GM) at Radisson RED, Dubai. Join us for an insightful chat about his career journey, the unique Radisson RED brand, and a sneak peek into what's on the horizon. Stick around for some rapid-fire fun to wrap things up!
2024-01-0434 minNxt Gen Hotels“Happy Staff. Happy Guests” - Mohamed Awadalla, CEO - TIME Hotels.Embark on a captivating journey with Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of Time Hotels. From humble beginnings to leading a global brand, explore the pivotal moments that define his remarkable career.
In this episode, Mohamed unveils the intricacies of his journey, offering an insider's perspective into his rise in the hospitality industry. Gain exclusive insights into Time Hotels' exciting future as he shares strategies and innovations that redefine the landscape of modern hospitality. The episode also serves as a compass for aspiring hoteliers with some invaluable advice on navigating and thriving in the dynamic world of hospitality.
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2023-12-1420 minNxt Gen Hotels“Mummy WANTS to go to work”. Jaime Simpson, General Manager - Jumeirah Mina A’SalamGet ready to be inspired (once again)! Join us in celebrating the extraordinary Jaime Simpson, General Manager of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, in our latest podcast episode.
Today, we re-welcome her as she shares her incredible journey of seamlessly balancing motherhood with a flourishing career in hospitality. Discover the secrets to her success, staying relevant as a leading woman in the industry, and the exciting milestones as Jumeirah Mina A’Salam commemorates its 20th anniversary.
Tune in to this conversation with a true powerhouse shaping the hospitality landscape.
Recorded on: 15th Se...
2023-12-0637 minNxt Gen Hotels"Hotel ops: There's an awakening that needs to happen." - Rob Paterson, Global Hospitality AdvisorIn this episode, Rob Paterson shares 30 years of industry wisdom, discussing the internet's impact, COVID challenges, and the evolving hotel landscape. Dive into the rebalance of ops vs. commercial focus, the tech revolution, and the awakening needed in the industry.
💡 Don't miss his take on why hotels shouldn't compete with OTAs but should instead run their own race. Join us for a game-changing conversation on the mindset shift, industry fragmentation, and the urgent need for change in hospitality. 🚀
2023-11-3048 min
Nxt Gen HotelsPurpose is not a destination, it’s a journey with Augusto Valverde, Creator & Host - Global ChildWe say this every time, but this episode really isn’t one to miss. A slightly different format than usual, where we step away from the hospitality industry and dive into the world of travel and experience; the craft of curiosity; discovering our purpose and what it takes to build a brand from the ground up. With a whole ton of insights in between.
Our guest, Augusto Valverde, Creator & Host of Global Child has gone from filming with a selfie stick to building one of the top travel shows around, with over 7 billion viewers over 7 years. Not a...
2023-02-091h 01Nxt Gen HotelsThe role technology plays in creating a seamless experience with Thomas Greggory - Directeur Général, Park Hyatt Abu DhabiThomas Greggory, Directeur Général at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas joins Mark to discuss the role technology plays in creating a seamless experience within hospitality. Thomas shares a wealth of knowledge, outlining the importance of investing in your team and how this translates into the hospitality guests will receive.
Thomas’ hospitality journey started by accident back in 1999, where he has since gone on to work in a multitude of incredible locations across the globe; Monaco, Tunisia, Egypt & Paris to name but a few. He now resides in Al Saadiyat Island - Abu Dhabi, the Baha...
2023-02-0326 minNxt Gen HotelsHospitality, your passport to the world! With Pascal Eggerstedt - Director and General Manager, Paramount Hotel DubaiThis week on Your Next Generation Hotel podcast we sat down with Pascal, Director and General Manager of the amazing Paramount hotel Dubai, a flagship property and extension of the iconic Paramount Studios. Pascal shares insight into the properties’ link to the cinematic era and how this is reflected throughout.
Falling in love with the industry at just 12 years old, Pascal shares a wealth of knowledge to young and aspiring hoteliers, shining a light on the wonderful opportunities a career in hospitality can lead to.
2023-01-2528 minNxt Gen HotelsFocusing on the end destination, not the next step with Mads Wolff - General Manager, 25Hours Hotel Dubai One CentralAnother episode for all young hospitality professionals! Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast is delighted to welcome Mads Wolff into the hot seat for this week's episode. Mads, who served as Hotel Manager since 2019, now sits at the helm as General Manager for 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central.
Mads joins Mark to discuss his journey from trainee chef in a Michelin Star restaurant in Denmark; to now overseeing Ennismore’s flagship property in Dubai!
A shorter episode but packed full of great insights. It’s worth mentioning, we think he may well have psychic powers… correctly predic...
2023-01-1314 minNxt Gen HotelsCreating unforgettable guest experiences and the importance of ‘the personal touch’ with Recep Pamukcu, General Manager, Ajman HotelCalling all young hospitality professionals! This week’s guest Recep Pamukcu shares his philosophy and expertise on the key behind creating an amazing guest experience and getting the best out of your team.
Recep, General Manager of the breathtaking Ajman Hotel has a wealth of experience across all areas of the hospitality industry, and also happens to share some Irish roots having previously worked at The Croke Park Hotel, spending 10 years in Ireland before settling in Dubai.
2023-01-0522 minNxt Gen HotelsLetting the body heal itself with Salem al Said, VP of Business Development, ZOYA Health & Wellbeing ResortRecorded at the breathtaking oasis, ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort, in this week's episode of YNGH podcast Mark is joined by ZOYA’s VP of Business Development, Salem al Said.
Salem, son of founder Ameer Said, gives us an inside look at the UAE’s first fully-integrated health resort and its unique and holistic approach to mind and body rejuvenation.
Discover more about ZOYA's incredible treatments and facilities at zoyawellbeing.com.
2022-12-2219 minNxt Gen HotelsSustainability and reducing the environmental impact in hotels with Tolga Lacin - Area Manager of Marriott InternationalIn this episode of Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast, Tolga Lacin - Area General Manager of Marriott International, sits down with Mark to chat all things sustainability and the wave of innovation sweeping across Dubai.
Tolga has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and tells his story along with fascinating insights into their sustainable initiatives to reduce the environmental impact across their properties as well as Dubai.
Tolga is the Area General Manager, Marriott International, overseeing properties including W Dubai -Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Méridien Mina S...
2022-12-1530 min
Nxt Gen HotelsThe importance of self belief and work life balance in a successful career with Laura Eggleton.This week on Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast we sit down with yet another inspiring leader in the industry, Laura Eggleton, General Manager at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. Laura chats about her career so far, transitioning from UK hospitality to the Middle East and the importance self belief has had in her career so far! Laura discusses her thoughts on the importance of work life balance and how she empowers her team to be themselves at work.
Starting in the industry at just 13, Laura went on to be the first ever female General Manager at IHG at...
2022-06-2921 minNxt Gen HotelsBalancing motherhood with career progression and the misconceptions that impact female leaders in the industry with Jaime SimpsonWe are back with another episode of Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast and we promise this is one of the best yet!
This week we sit down with Jaime Simpson General Manager at Jumeirah Group / Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts to discuss balancing motherhood with career progression, the misconceptions that impact female leaders in the industry and both the challenges and learnings Jaime has had over the years of finding work-life balance.
Jaime is one of the industry's most influential leaders, not only has she been named as one of the Middle East’s Top 25 Power Women, sh...
2022-06-1642 minNxt Gen HotelsAn insight to managing a world class Golf Resort with Casper Schonfeldt.This week, Mark chats to Casper Schonfeldt, General Manager of Trump International Golf Club, on what sparked his interest in the hospitality sector and his journey to getting to where he is today. Casper offers advice to aspiring hoteliers and emphasises the importance of guiding and investing in talent.
Casper now oversees the iconic and award-winning Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, with over 30 years experience in some of the world’s most renowned Golf Resorts across multiple regions.
We hope you enjoy and don't forget to share with a friend!
2022-01-1222 minNxt Gen HotelsThe importance of business excellence and sustainability in todays hospitality with Samuel Njoroge, Cluster Quality Assurance Manager at JA Resorts and Hotels.This week Mark sits down with Samuel Njoroge, Quality Assurance Manager at JA Resorts and Hotels to discuss all things business excellence and sustainability. Samuel discusses his path in the industry so far, giving an insight to his passion for sustainability and the journey in becoming Dubai’s most sustainable 5 star resort hotel.
2021-12-2034 minNxt Gen HotelsThe impact of evolving expectations on projects and design with Najee Syriani, Corporate Vice President of Projects at Rotana Hotels.In this week's episode Mark sits down with Najee Syriani, Corporate Vice President of Projects at Rotana Hotels to chat about everything from culture to hotel design. Najee highlights the importance of staying agile to keep up with the ever evolving guest expectation and shares how Rotana collaborates with the local community to enrich a strong culture for their travellers.
After 18 years in the Architecture and design space, a Masters Degree and an Executive MBA, Najee celebrates over 16 years with Rotana Hotels, where he is currently heading a team of architects, interior designers and engineers responsible for...
2021-12-0827 minNxt Gen HotelsStaying ahead of the ever evolving guest expectation, in an increasingly competitive hotel market with Nathalie Cockayne, General Manager at Meliá Desert Palm.We are back with Series 3 of Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast, this season Mark heads to the Middle East to chat all things Hospitality, with some of the industries best leaders 🚀
Our first guest this season is one you won’t want to miss 👀
We sit down with Nathalie Cockayne, General Manager at Meliá Desert Palm, to discuss the highlights of her career thus far, inspiring future talent in the industry, and how Nathalie stays ahead of the ever-changing guest expectations at Meliá Desert Palm.
With over 20 years experience in luxury hotels, Nathalie has travelled al...
2021-12-0127 minNxt Gen HotelsHow Technology Can Drive your Strategic Hotel Decisions with Jon Davis, CTO of Village Hotels.Jon Davis is the CTO of Village Hotels. Village Hotels operates 31 hotels in the United Kingdom, with a plan to open 50 by 2025. The company was founded in 1995, and is now owned by Denver-based private equity firm KSL Capital Partners.
Jon has a fascinating background from the operations side as hotel manager to running his own hotel technology consultancy business to his current role with Village Hotels. We discussed everything from the impact of covid to the use of chatbots after analysing call centre data.
It's a must listen episode.
Hope you enjoy!
2021-03-1720 minNxt Gen HotelsThe Current State of the Hospitality Industry and how Jane Pendlebury of HOSPA can Help.Jane Pendlebury is the CEO of The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA). HOSPA is the Association that helps hospitality’s professionals to develop their careers, network with colleagues and keep up-to-date with industry trends and developments. They also have a crisis support page on their website hospa.org that gives super valuable advice around COVID with help on re-opening being one example.
In this episode we discussed topics varying from the benefits of having a Minister for Hospitality in the UK to how the hospitality industry will bounce back stronger than ever.
Hope you enjoy this epis...
2021-03-0319 minNxt Gen HotelsLuxury Family Hospitality with Chitra Stern, Owner of Martinhal Hotels & ResortsChitra Stern is the recipient of the prestigious Deloitte Institute “Accomplished Entrepreneur Award” at the London Business School, “Person of the Year” Award by the international Family Travel Association and the “Family Traveler Award” for special contribution to the Family Travel Market. She is an Electronic Engineer, Chartered Accountant and MBA (London Business School). Between 2017 and 2019, Chitra was on the Committee of Portugal IN, a special task force created by the Portuguese Prime Minister’s office to further enhance Foreign Direct Investment into Portugal (www.portugalin.gov.pt). She is also an invited professor for Luxury Marketing at the Nova School of...
2020-11-1826 minNxt Gen HotelsHospitality in the Indian Ocean with Constance Hotels & Resorts CIO, Roshan KoonjaConstance Hotels & Resorts is a collection of luxury hotels in authentic destinations across the Indian Ocean.
Beautiful Mauritius, Magical Maldives, True Seychelles & Authentic Madagascar. Don't they sound wonderful.
We were delighted to be joined by Roshan Koonja who is the Chief Information Officer at Constance Hotels. We discussed all things technology on a luxury resort and how it differs from that of a city centre hotel.
Please do share with some colleagues and friends. We hope you enjoy.
2020-11-1217 minNxt Gen HotelsJan Hejny, CEO of HotelTime Solutions, why cloud based hospitality product are the now and the future.Jan Hejny is the CEO of HotelTime Solutions, a company that provides cloud-based systems to hospitality industry in the EMEA region. They develop, distribute and support 4 main products - HotelTime (online property management system), Vento (ePOS system), Libero (PMS for wellness&spa centers) and Confero (Conferencing&Events system) and currently serve more than 500 customers in 11 countries world-wide.
HotelTime is a long-established independent software developer and provider of cutting-edge, yet affordable cloud-based systems to the hospitality industry. On the market in Europe for over 16 years, the software they first developed 18 years ago.
We discussed why cloud...
2020-11-0417 minNxt Gen HotelsMichael Bonsor, MD of Rosewood London discusses team work, attracting new guests and life at the pinnacle of hospitality.Michael Bonsor is the Managing Director of the Rosewood London. An iconic hotel, an iconic brand and an exciting future.
We discussed it all from keeping the team positive to tackling covid. Michael joined the Rosewood in 2013 as Hotel Manager before taking up the position of Managing Director in 2017. During this time, he has led the hotel to Forbes 5-star rating and Conde Nast #1 Hotel in London 2019.
A true great in the hospitality industry who is leading the hotel into an exciting period where new geographical regions will be opened up because of covid and ne...
2020-10-2727 minNxt Gen HotelsKate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality leading the charge to protect everyone in hospitality across the UK.Welcome back to "Your Next Generation Hotel" podcast.
Season 2 kicks off with Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality.
UKHospitality is the powerful voice representing the broad hospitality sector – covering everything from bars, coffee shops, contract catering, hotels, nightclubs, visitor attractions and other leisure venues.
Kate is facing the toughest challenge the industry has ever encountered with Covid-19. We discussed her suggestions to government on how to protect all that rely on this wonderful industry for their livelihoods as well as how UKH can help its members.
Please share this episode with your coll...
2020-10-2124 minNxt Gen HotelsThe Immigration Policy & Hospitality Talent with Louise Phelps, Robert Richardson & Chad Smith.When brilliant, committed people come together, anything is possible. At a time when the governments' recent immigration policy announcement has understandably caused concern, it has been an absolute pleasure for us to welcome Louise Phelps, Robert Richardson and Chad Smith to collaborate on this episode to help the hospitality industry stand together and face our recruitment challenges constructively and head on, so as to stop them negatively impacting the next generation of hotels.
This episode is a follow on from what was supposed to be a conference on March 27th at The Savoy London but due to...
2020-07-2127 minNxt Gen HotelsHospitality in Ireland with the President of the Irish Hotels Federation, Elaina Fitzgerald KaneElaina Fitzgerald Kane is the 38th President of the Irish Hotels Federation, succeeding Michael Lennon. She is Sales Director of the Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, a family-owned, four star hotel at Adare, Co Limerick. The 89 bedroom hotel, which currently employs 200 people, was established by her parents, Mary and Dick Fitzgerald in 1983. Mary Fitzgerald is a former President of the Irish Hotels Federation.
A graduate of the Shannon School of Hotel Management, UCG and UCD’s Smurfit Business School, Elaina has been an active member of the IHF for many years. She serves as a member of t...
2020-07-1540 minNxt Gen HotelsA Life in Hospitality with Robin Sheppard of Bespoke Hotels.Robin has worked in hospitality ever since he graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 1977, with his background prior to Bespoke consisting of a range of General Manager positions across the country, including the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews and the Royal Berkshire in Ascot, before becoming a Regional Operations Director for Forte Hotels, based primarily in Bath.
Bespoke Hotels has grown to represent over 200 properties worldwide, and stands as the UK’s Largest Independent Hotel Group. Founded in 2000 by Robin and Haydn Fentum, Bespoke has consistently grown to the point where they now ma...
2020-07-0823 minNxt Gen HotelsOn the Shoulders of Giants: The History and Future of Innovation within Hotels with Nassar KhalilNassar Khalil FIH MBIFM has just been named an industry giant by Boutique Hotelier. Even by only looking at the list of roles he currently occupies it's hard not to see why. Nassar is the Owner & Chief Exec of Rogue City Hotel Group, Director of Hotels and Leisure at Henley PLC, CEO of his own independent hotel and hospitality consultancy, a Managing Director at no less than three hotels and a visiting lecturer at the Vatle Hotel Institute. If that wasn't enough previously he was also the Head of Standards for the Nikko Hotels Group.
During this...
2020-07-0238 minNxt Gen HotelsHospitality in Northern Ireland post Covid with Janice Gault, CEO of the Northern Ireland Hotels FederationJanice Gault is the CEO of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation. On a positive day for hotels in Northern Ireland where the re opening date has been brought forward to July 3rd, we spoke to Janice about her time with the NIHF, how Covid has impacted hotels but more importantly how hotels will manage their way through this crisis.
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation is a not-for-profit limited company representing the hotel and guesthouse sectors in Northern Ireland; it's main roles are identifying and reviewing issues affecting the hospitality industry and lobbying governments and the NI Assembly o...
2020-06-1524 minNxt Gen HotelsHow to Increase Your Direct Bookings and Take Your Reliance Away From OTA's With Mark Simpson of Boostly.Boostly is an award winning hospitality training and website design company which is owned by award winning social media guru Mark Simpson. Mark's goal is to help 1 million hospitality owners increase their direct bookings, cut down on commission costs and boost their profit margins. In this episode, Mark gives actionable insights on how to do that.
In 2016 he became frustrated by the lack of online support for hospitality owners in Scarborough and Whitby with online marketing tactics, he decided to start the Hospitality Community Facebook Group. It was designed for only the local accommodation owners. Word of M...
2020-06-1134 minNxt Gen HotelsRobert Walton MBE: Hospitality and ResilienceJust before Easter we had the pleasure of speaking to Robert Walton MBE. Robert is a recognised and respected figure in the hospitality industry and is President of the Restaurant Association of Great Britain. Having trained as a West-End chef and then becoming a hotel owner, he has unique hands-on experience and insider knowledge of the sector.
Robert is the founder of The Nth Degree Global which runs some of the most prestigious hospitality events in the UK including the Michelin Revelation, Young Chef Young Waiter and the Restaurant Association Gala Dinner. The Nth Degree Club which f...
2020-06-0124 minNxt Gen HotelsThe Future of Hotels with Boutique Hospitality Manager of The Year Robert Richardson FIHOn this week's episode of Your Next Generation Hotel podcast we talked to Robert Richardson FIH, GM at The Grand Folkestone, boutique hospitality manager of the year 2019, and winner of many other awards (below). We discussed his own approach to the Covid-19 crisis as well as looking at how hotels can meaningfully incorporate technology to improve the guest experience.
Below are a list of the distinguished awards Robert has won:
• The Boutique Hotelier 2020 Power List – Young Trailblazer
• Winner of the Southern Enterprise Awards’ Boutique Hospitality Manager of the Year 2019
• Shortlisted in the category of General...
2020-05-2528 minNxt Gen HotelsHospitality Post-Covid: An insight into the future with Dr Nick NaumovToday on Your Next Generation Hotel we talked to senior lecturer Dr Nick Naumov about how he believes the hospitality industry can adapt and grow in a post-covid world. Listen out particularly for his insights into how rural hotels can leverage their location and what role technology has to play.
Nick’s industry background is in hospitality management and more specifically, front office operations and F&B Management. Having worked in his native Bulgaria alongside the UK and USA, he is very interested in service quality, customer experience and service innovations.
Nick teach courses at un...
2020-05-1829 minNxt Gen HotelsInnovation in Hotels With James Lemon, Strategy & Innovation Lead at IHG & Founder of The Growth Works.James Lemon is a leading start-up and travel consultant helping founders & enterprising leaders to grow their business in novel ways. His expertise in strategy & performance has been built over 10+ years in senior positions at IHG, Travelport, as well as COO of Series-B scale-up Hostmaker.
James operates both independently under The Growth Works umbrella, and as a Partner at AJL Consulting, with a special focus on short stay and vacation rental management.
He is currently on assignment with IHG, leading a large programme to revolutionise global approaches to e-commerce and online distribution; and advising start-ups and...
2020-05-1123 min