What are the Do’s and Don’ts of Influencer Marketing in Hospitality – Discussion with Sarah Saffari, Founder of InfluencerNexus. TSHS-058

What are the Do’s and Don’ts of Influencer Marketing in Hospitality

In this episode with my terrific guest Sarah Saffari, Founder of InfluencerNexus we dive into the Do’s and Don’ts of Influencer Marketing.

Sarah shares a goldmine of ideas! Implementing these strategies thoughtfully can significantly impact your hotel’s success.

We will cover the following topics:

* The role of influencer marketing in the overall marketing strategy.

* What is the danger of having a  ¨me too¨ approach and in isolation hiring an influencer to boost the visibility of the hotel?

* What is the difference between micro, nano, and celebrity influencers, and what do they mean?

* What are the benefits of using say micro and nano influencers vs celebrity influencers.  Someone may think that spending marketing funds on a celebrity influencer is the ¨road to salvation¨.

* Many hotels tend to opt for having someone work on influencer marketing internally rather than hiring an influencer agency. What are the benefits of hiring an influencer agency?

* How does Influencer Agencies work?

* How to measure the effectiveness of a campaign and the influencer’s impact on the brand?

* Influencer fraud, the too-good-to-be-true influencers promising the world.  How exactly can you find fraudulent influencers and prevent them from hurting your hospitality campaigns?

What is the AI’s Role in Modern Hospitality – Discussion with Tamina Wuerth, Founder Aivolution. TSHS-057

We are discussing with AI trailblazer Tamina Wuerth, CEO and founder of Aivolution how artificial intelligence enables next-level guest personalization. Tamina shares how AI systems capture guest preferences to curate personalized stays across properties.

We are discussing the challenges of balancing guest data collection with privacy. Tamina explains how AI can store guest details and empower staff with personalized recommendations for repeat visitors. This enables the delivery of consistent, tailored service that guests love.

Centralized guest profiles and AI systems create effortless, meaningful personalization for modern travelers. Tamina provides tips for hotels to leverage AI, avoid sounding robotic, and focus messaging on seamless guest experiences.

Overall, we explore in this episode, how AI delivers personalization at scale – understanding guests to provide customized, memorable stays. Tamina gives insider perspectives on AI creating the kind of individualized experiences travelers increasingly expect.

Hotelier Learning Curve: Humility & Curiosity – Discussion with Marc Dardenne. TSHS-056

Hotelier Learning Curve: Humility & Curiosity – Discussion with Marc Dardenne

We are reflecting with my guest Marc Dardenne on our decades-long careers and sharing insights learned along the way. Starting as management trainees Marc with Hilton and me with Hyatt, we gained experience across multiple countries and cultures. Early challenges included adapting to new places, understanding cultural norms, and taking the initiative to learn. 

 

Key lessons covered are being curious and proactive, embracing humility, respecting local cultures, and cultivating a passion for hospitality. We emphasize the need for self-learning, adjustment, and developing skills over time.

 

Discussion topics also include changes in the industry, attracting young talent, and offering better career paths. Flexibility, work-life balance, training, and shaping hotel culture are noted as ways to engage the new generation. 

 

Overall, this candid discussion between seasoned hotel professionals provides an intriguing look at their global journeys and the evolution of the hospitality business. The humor and stories offer both wisdom and entertainment.

 

Stand Out in a Crowded Market – Hotel Branding Strategies. TSHS-055

Stand Out in a Crowded Market – Hotel Branding Strategies

Join me with my guest hospitality expert Marc Dardenne as he shares insider tips and anecdotes from career-launching iconic hotel brands, like Armani Hotels, The Address, and Patina Hotels. – Learn Marc’s perspective on what makes a successful brand, from identifying your market niche to crafting memorable experiences.

– Discover the intricacies of brand creation – from selecting the perfect name to instilling a vibrant culture that brings your brand identity to life.

– Gain invaluable insights on brand storytelling, designing for your target demographic, flagship properties, maintaining integrity as you expand, and avoiding common pitfalls. – Whether you’re looking to launch a new brand or strengthen an existing one, Marc imparts his wisdom on standing out in a crowded hospitality marketplace and connecting with guests through authenticity.

Why Interior branding has the incredible ability to connect brands with their guests. TSHS – 054

Why Interior branding has the incredible ability to connect brands with their guests. Discussing with Bruna Rodrigues, Founder and principal designer of INPAR Hospitality Concepts, a boutique design studio specializing in the hospitality sector. Originally from Brazil, and based in Malaga, Spain, she is passionate about helping businesses realize the full potential of their interiors.

 

 

2 Hospitality Events, 3 Takeaways with 5 Guests. TSHS -053

2 Hospitality Events, 3 Takeaways with 5 Guests

I attended IHIF ( International Hotel Investment Forum, Berlin and Eco Resort Network Event, in Montenegro. I thought it would be great to get some people who joined either or both events to share their views, in this way to give a balanced takeaway for you the listeners.

Let me introduce my guests who made this episode possible.

Dr.Willy Legrand is, Professor at the IU University of Applied Sciences in Germany, with specialization in sustainable hospitality development and management. His recent publication co-edited with Henri Kuokkanen and Jonathan Day, Critical Questions in Sustainability and Hospitality is a must-read. Contact: linkedin.com/in/prof-willy-legrand. Website. www.willylegrand.com

Robyn Woodhead, is a polar explorer who co-founded with her husband White Desert Antarctica, operating three separate luxury camps in Antarctica, and aiming to be a positive influence on the entire continent’s Climate Change legacy.  website: www.white-desert.com. Email: robyn@white-desert.com

Maribel Esparcia Perez, is an Independent Advisor, Professor and Managing Partner of the European Sustainable Hospitality Club, Certified Change Agent by ISSP, part of the CSW63 SDG’s at UN. Contact: linkedin.com/in/maribelesparcia , website: www.eshclub.com

Tariro Madzingira is a banking professional and community builder, interested in getting underrepresented groups into nature for mental health benefits. She is building a diverse online community encouraging high-potential professionals and students to intentional breaks in the outdoors. Contact: linkedin.com/in/madzingira

Chris Nader is the Co-Founder and CEO of ENVI Lodges, the first luxury ecolodge brand and management company to launch from the Middle East, with a presence in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Contact: linkedin.com/in/christiannader

How to achieve a sustainable and profitable future for a hotel.

Discussion with Hylton Lipkin the General Manager for Garrya Mu Gang Chai and Homm Tu Le in Vietnam, part of The Banyan Tree Group.
Speaking about his approach to operate a hotel sustainably with a focus on People,Planet and Profit.
Hylton is passionate about Environmental Wellness and describes his approach.

Is there a real potential for generative AI in the Hotel industry?

Is there a real potential for generative AI in the Hotel industry?
Discussing with Jaynath N Kolla, Head of Strategy for a Big Tech Firm, Building the new Internet of Health. Jayanth insight on emerging tech is invaluable and will surely leave you inspired. He is sharing his views about the Technologists, what happened to their Rock Star status, and the latest trends with Generative AI shaping the future of the hotel industry, with some practical tips.

Critical Questions in Hospitality explored with Celine Vadam. TSHS – 050

Critical Questions in Hospitality.
My guest in this episode is Celine Vadam, Co-founder of Hospitality of the Future Think Tank contributed with the team from the Hospitality of the Future Think Tank to Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand’s book¨Critical Questions in Sustainability and Hospitality.¨

We will discuss with Celine Vadam how to make better choices and prioritize a more holistic commitment to protecting the planet.

The future hotel leadership – discussion with Aki Keskitalo. TSHS-049

The future hotel leadership – discussion with Aki Keskitalo, Hotel General Manager, Hotel Torni & Solo Sokos Helsinki
Interesting discussion with Aki Keskitalo, besides his passion for hospitality, and empowering his colleagues, he is known to get out of his comfort zone.
He is the contestant in the Finnish version of The Apprentice aka DIILI 2023.

Learn more what drives him to excel in Life and his views on the future of hotel leadership.