Branded Residence A Luxury Illusion or Real Value. TSHS-0065

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The episode titled “Branded Residences A Luxury Illusion or Real Value” discusses the concept of branded residences in the hospitality market.

I am joined by my guest Mark Dardenne, an expert in the development of branded residences in the Gulf area. Branded residences have gained popularity in the past few years, especially in Dubai.

Mark explains that branded residences are properties that are associated with a specific brand or hotel operator. These residences offer a luxury lifestyle with various levels of amenities. During the discussion,

Mark emphasized the importance of doing thorough due diligence when considering buying into a branded residence. He emphasizes the need for partnerships with the right developers who share the same vision and respect the brand’s positioning. The conversation also touches upon the potential challenges and risks associated with branded residences.

Sam-Erik mentions a case where a developer in Dubai used a luxury brand’s logo without fully understanding the rights and intentions of the brand, leading to a mismatch and uncomfortable situation for both parties. Overall, the episode emphasizes the growth and sustainability of the branded residence concept in the hospitality market, while emphasizing the need for careful consideration and partnerships when venturing into this segment.

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The Roller Coaster Ride: What aspiring Entrepreneurs need to prepare for – Chris Nader. TSHS-0064

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The Roller Coaster Ride: What aspiring Entrepreneurs need to prepare for – Chris Nader. TSHS-0064

Chris Nader, CO-founder, of ENVI lodges talks about his background growing up in a family of hoteliers and his early exposure to the hospitality industry working at his family’s beach club at a young age. He later got a hospitality MBA from EHL, and worked with various hotel brands before deciding during the pandemic in 2020 to launch his own sustainable hospitality company focused on luxury eco-lodges.

He co-founded ENVI Lodges intending to create a global brand of lodges immersed in nature that provide unique guest experiences while operating responsibly towards local communities and the environment.

Chris discusses the key attributes entrepreneurs need – the courage to take risks and be disciplined to see things through.

He talks about the fundraising process, investing partners they targeted like high net worth individuals and family offices, and differences of raising funds in Europe vs the Middle East. Chris elaborates on ENVI Lodge’s brand vision centered around community and distinguishes it from safari resorts.

He shares perspectives on technology’s role at the lodges to enhance the guest experience while allowing people to disconnect.

The interview concludes with Chris emphasizing the importance of supporting and collaborating with local communities wherever ENVI Lodges launches.

Chris Nader can be contacted on Linkedin and Instagram, @envilodges and @hotel_trotter. When you contact Chris Nader please add #thesocialhotelier

Enjoyed our discussion. Feel free to Buy me a Coffee right here.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/samerik ☕️

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Kristoff D’Oria di Cirie: Designing for next-generation luxury customers. TSHS -0062

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Designing for next-generation luxury customers.

In this fascinating episode, we explore the changing landscape of luxury experiences with my guest Kristoff d’Oria di Cirie, Experiential Creative director and co-founder of Insogni Studio. Kristoff shares his insights on how the next generation of luxury customers value experiences over material possessions, and how brands can create meaningful and memorable experiences for their customers. Kristoff further explores the concept of sleep in hotel rooms and the lack of attention given to providing the best sleeping environment for guests. From lighting design to calming music and customizable pillow menus, he discusses how Asia has been ahead in this regard. He also emphasizes the importance of sleep for productivity and the need for further exploration in this area.

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Robin Woodhead: From Childhood Travels to Antarctic Trailblazer. TSHS – 0061

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Join host Sam Erik as he speaks with Robyn Woodhead, who turned childhood travel adventures into a career pioneering luxury polar expeditions. Robin shares how her parents fostered her insatiable curiosity through globe-trotting from a young age. 

Hear how a failed Antarctic expedition in her 20s spent stuck in a tent led Robyn to establish  with her husband the world’s first luxury camp in Antarctica’s interior. She reflects on the hard-won lessons from that formative experience which shaped her calling to share the transformative power of Antarctica’s extremes.

Learn how Robyn  built a company enabling scientific projects and founded on sustainable principles out of a naïve start buying seats on a cargo plane. She explains the extraordinary logistics and meticulous planning required to deliver gourmet meals and renewable comforts to one of the planet’s most remote wildernesses.

Robyn  also discusses the profound emotional shifts Antarctica fosters in adventurous spirits, from entrepreneurs to astronauts. Join us for an inspiring look at one explorer’s journey to ethically share the awe-inspiring beauty of the South Pole.

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Pioneering Luxury Camps in Remote Wildernesses with Luca Franco. TSHS-060

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In the world of adventure travel, there are individuals who have transformed their passion into a thriving business. One such trailblazer is Luca Franco, a true connoisseur of experiential travel, and the founder of Luxury Frontiers. In this episode, we will delve into Luca’s remarkable journey and the evolution of luxury travel. We will also explore the importance of sustainability in this industry, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the strategic partnerships that have propelled Luxury Frontiers to success.

The Birth of Luxury Frontiers: From Passion to Business

Luca Franco has been an adventurer at heart since childhood, always seeking unique and immersive experiences. However, it was the global economic crisis of 2008-2010 that triggered a shift in consumer behavior. People began valuing memories over material possessions, giving rise to the experiential travel trend. Luca noticed the success of experiential travel concepts in Africa and decided to bring these unique experiences to North America.

Initially met with skepticism, Luka persevered and embarked on a journey to establish Luxury Frontiers. The concept of luxury tented camps in remote wildernesses, a model already successful in Africa, was met with doubt in North America. However, ten years later, Luxury Frontiers has forged partnerships with some of the biggest players in the industry and stands as a pioneer in the luxury outdoor hospitality sector.

The Evolution of Luxury Travel: From Transformational to Sustainable

Over the last two decades, luxury travel has seen a significant shift in consumer behavior. Two key events, the 2008 economic crisis and the wake-up call of the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to transformational changes in the industry. Experiential travel, sustainable practices, regenerative tourism, and a growing focus on impact awareness have become central themes.

Travelers now seek not just to accumulate experiences but also to connect with the natural world, local communities, and host properties in a more empathetic way. Luka aptly describes this transition as “empathetic travel,” where travelers want to engage in more meaningful and sensitive ways during their journeys.

Sustainability as a Guiding Principle

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Luxury Frontiers. It is not just a marketing buzzword but a deeply ingrained principle. The company’s approach is based on biophilic design principles and mimicking nature, creating a harmonious relationship with the environment. They respect and collaborate with landowners, ensuring that their projects are not just sustainable but regenerative, giving back to nature and local communities.

Luka emphasizes the need to move beyond superficial “greenwashing” and adopt a holistic approach that addresses every aspect of a project, from sourcing materials to food production. Nature, which has sustained itself for billions of years, holds valuable lessons for how we can ensure our practices are truly sustainable.

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What Matters for Hotel Brands: Culture vs Strategy. TSHS- 059

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In the competitive world of hotel brands, what truly matters – culture or strategy?

Join us in this thought-provoking video as we delve into the importance of culture and strategy for hotel brands and discuss which one truly reigns supreme.

Culture, often referred to as the heart and soul of a hotel brand, plays a vital role in shaping the guest experience. It encompasses the values, beliefs, and behaviors that define the brand’s identity and create a unique atmosphere. We explore the significance of being the guardian of the culture and the impact it has on delivering promises to both colleagues and guests.

On the other hand, strategy plays a crucial role in guiding the direction and goals of a hotel brand. It involves making calculated decisions about distribution systems, loyalty programs, and brand positioning.

We discuss the strategies employed by top hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and Accor and how they adapt to the evolving hospitality landscape. Through engaging anecdotes, we illustrate the changing dynamics of the workforce, with a focus on the needs and expectations of the young generation.

Discover how the new generation of colleagues and customers are reshaping the industry and how hotel brands must adapt to stay relevant. We also shed light on the evolving landscape of the hotel industry, where lesser-known hotels are emerging as top contenders, surpassing traditional luxury brands.

Through real-life examples, we highlight the power of creating a truly special experience that transcends brand recognition. So, if you’re curious about what truly matters for hotel brands – culture or strategy – this video is a must-watch.

Gain insights from industry experts and gain a deeper understanding of the elements that contribute to a successful hotel brand.

Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest content and explore the fascinating world of hospitality.

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

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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?

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

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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.

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

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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.

 

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