How will Bethlehem Reborn project revitalise Faith Tourism to Bethlehem. TSHS-0029

I spoke with Hani Abu Dayeeh, President NETOURS, and Chairman of the Board, Bethlehem University Tourism Institute.

He was reflecting on the challenges facing tourism in Betlehem Post Covid, and how it has affected people in the Palestine region.

He also spoke about
– Plans for Project Betlehem Reborn 2021 starting with the First Advent and of course about Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem that went through unprecedented renovations that lasted almost ten years. The Basilica has been restored to its original beauty. A symbol of humanity has been given back to the faithful all over the world and to today’s pilgrims who follow in the footsteps of the women and men who over the centuries have venerated the birthplace of Jesus.

Key trends driving innovation in the restaurant industry. TSHS – 0028

Thrilled to speak with the Bangkok based Rohit Sachdev – Chief Executive Officer Soho Hospitality, about innovation and changes in restaurant and bars offerings, operating models and dining preferences. What are the KPI’s, key pillars that make restaurants and bars succesful. Rohit outlines ways to find new customers. He also talks not only experiential but actually how authenticity is key drivers.

How to inspire confidence in the events industry – USA & Global TSHS – 0027

Hospitality Insight is thrilled to have Paul Steen, Director of Global Accounts, Tonja Barwick, Managing Director and Brian Plott, Regional Vice President, HelmsBriscoe.
We will have an opportunity to hear from the global leader in meetings procurement & site selection about the state of the meeting, incentives, conferences and events industry, emerging trends and recovery efforts.
We hear about the initiatives that are helping the industry to move forward.

How to inspire travel confidence to the Mediterranean basin. TSHS-0026

I am absolutely thrilled to bring the following industry leaders, Dr, Hisham Zaazou, Former Minister of Tourism Egypt, Serkan Ceylan, Bodrum Promotion Foundation, Turkey, and Nikos Hadjos, Strategic Advisor, Hotel Investments , to discuss industry challenges and opportunities in the Mediterranean Region.
Serkan Ceylan:
• Share with us what is the attraction of Bodrum, who are attracted to stay there.
• Recap of 2019.
• What was on your to-do list for 2020 and what has survived in light of COVID.
• What has changed in Bodrum light of COVID.
• What are the key economic drivers. Capital markets, availability of debt – Investment appetite
• What are the changes in business models.
• What is next for Bodrum
Nikos Hadjos:
• Recap of 2019.
• Type of hotels that will perform better; immediate and midterm
• Business segment recovery; Leisure, Business, Group
• Markets showing recovery promise
• What will not change in our industry; consumer behavior, services, guest experience, valuations etc
• What is the industry sentiment in general?

Dr. Hisham Zaazou
Former Minister of Tourism Egypt

• Egypt has experienced peaks and valleys in tourism arrivals since 2010. Could you share with us the current situation in Egypt as an effect of the global pandemic?
• What is the industry sentiment in general?
• During the challenging times of Egypt when you served as Minister of Tourism there were travel warning to visit Egypt. You were known to develop public relation campaigns to entice people to come back to visit Egypt. What lessons from the past can guide us to inspire travel confidence?
• How do you see the cooperation between the Government and Private sector working together to stimulate the travel business not only for Egypt but also for the Mediterranean basin?

Wrap Up
• Q&A
• Future of travel
• Who do you look up to for inspiration?
• What have you learnt about yourself during this period?
• What generous acts have you seen during the COVID lock down?

How will mobile technology change the future of hotel customer service and customer experience. TSHS – 0024

Discussing with Abhisek Bose and Anupam Verma, co-founders of revo-ex technologies.
How innovative hospitality solutions may revolutionise the guest experience with mobile technologies. revo-ex has developed a mobile technology solution for hotels that responds to the current business traveler needs of app based solution to provide convenient services for the hotel guests.

🔴Sam-Erik Ruttmann shares videos on Hotel Tech and emerging technologies for hotels.. Tips on livestreaming and podcasting, audio, interviewing, hosting shows and interviews with world-class speakers, leading industry suppliers, top performing hoteliers, sharing about their inspiration, lessons they learned and how to make an impact to grow business.

What are the most important deep tech solutions for travel and tourism, and why they matter! TSHS-0023

What are the most important deep tech solutions for travel and tourism, and why they matter for hotels current and post covid era!

1) Latest travel & tourism industry news, as the first set of lockdowns are lifting

2) Deep Technologies based solutions for Travel & Tourism industry for the current and post-Covid era.

Links to the topics we discussed:

– China’s Smart Hotels Article – https://s.nikkei.com/3deSLOv
– Computer Vision AI-based Safety and Security Solutions – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulUYr…
– Personal Concierge Solutions – Revo-Ex – http://www.revo-ex.com/#how-it-works

3) Deep dive analysis key learning s from AirBnB… as a technology company and a brand in the Hospitality industry

Where may the next paradigm shift and innovation in the Travel & Tourism be coming from? TSHS-0022

The next innovation and disruption in the Travel and Tourism industry could come from… Banking & Financial Services and Technology industries

According to a research made by Podium 96% of businesses say a fast response to customers is important.
Yet, 82% of customers say businesses aren’t fast enough.
There is a huge gap between expectation and actual when it comes to speed and responsiveness. But smart organizations can close that gap, attract more customers, and steal market share.

I discuss with Jayanth Kolla, Founder and Partner, Convergence Catalyst
potential Disruption, Marketing Ideas and Tips and Deep Technologies based Solutions for current and post-Covid world for the Travel and Hospitality industry

Hotel Industry challenges during a pandemic! TSHS-0021

In this segment of Hospitality Talks, Sam-Erik Ruttmann and Abid Butt invited.industry professionals to discuss industry challenges in the current environment. Guests include Alex Cabanas – CEO Benchmark Global Hospitality, Dr. Erinn Tucker, PhD, MBA, MS, CDMP. – Faculty Director & Associate Professor Georgetown University and Michael Frenkel – President MFC Public Relations.

Here are the talking points of the episode, called, ¨ Industry challenges during a pandemic ¨

Dr. Erinn Tucker
Faculty Director & Associate Professor
Global Hospitality Leadership
Georgetown University

* • What can the students learn from this chapter?
* • How will the education evolve?
* • What questions have the students brought-up during this time?
* • How will the industry change with this pandemic?

Alex Cabanas
Chief Executive Officer
Benchmark Hospitality

* • What have Benchmark done to address the various stake holders, associates, guests & owners?
* • What can the industry learn from this episode in preparing the associates?
* • How do we balance the safety and the fiscal responsibility?
* • What can be done to prepare for the restart?
* • How will the industry change with this pandemic?

Michael Frenkel
President – MFC Public Relations

* • Communication is pivotal in emergency situations? What can the industry do to stay connected with all stake holders, associates, guests and owners?
* • What are the lessons learnt from communication perspective?
* • How can the industry gain consumer confidence moving forward?
* • How will the industry change with this pandemic?.

Discussing with John Podaras – The Gulf Hospitality Scene! TSHS-0020

John Podaras is a long term resident and hospitality expert based in Dubai. He is sharing his experiences and observations of the interesting changes in Saudi Arabia with the launch of Hospitality Giga projects supporting the Saudi Arabia 2030 vision. John also shares the attitude of Dubai and Saudi Arabia dealing with the corona virus, and how the pandemic has been effecting daily life.

How is Indonesian Tourism coping with the Corona Virus outbreak! TSHS-0019

I am discussing with Yasha Chatab, based in Jakarta, about everyday life in Jakarta.
We also talk about government encouragements for people to travel more.
Bali announced ¨Love Bali ¨campaign to entice travellers to visit The island of Gods. Does this approach work?