Tag Archives: hospitality

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

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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.

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

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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.

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4 tips how to plan for a safe and succesful festive season trip. TSHS – 0040

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I discussed with my guest Abid Butt about the current situation that effects our plans to travel during Christmas period. We covered Europe, USA markets and especially why Home Stay Sector is doing so well.

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Sharing the secrets of defining strategies to reach business goals with digital marketing. TSHS-0034

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Welcome to the 2nd episode of 3 part series called The Why, What and How of digital marketing in tourism and hospitality
I am with Juha Pesonen,  Head of eTourism Research at University of Eastern Finland
In this episodes we are discussing about  Defining a strategy to reach business goals.

We will talk about
Where does strategy work start in tourism business? -> Strategy defines how we get from where we are now to where we want to be in 5, 10 years.
How to build a successful strategy?
Digital transformation is one of the buzz words in the tourism industry at the moment. What role does technology play in strategy work?
How to manage strategy execution? -> Using SMART  metrix.

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The future of micro hospitality, how will Space of Mind get you there? TSHS – 0032

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When it comes to size, today, modern hospitality faces two extreme trends: either over-extending with large facilities featuring pools, restaurants and luxurious amenities, or paring down to the simplest form with practical, mobile concepts. Focus on the latter which are shaping the future of hospitality.Discussion with Willem van Bolderen, Architect, Partner of Studio Architects.

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How can mental health issues affect an individual during pandemic. TSHS -0031

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The hospitality industry faces overwhelming uncertainty and risks right now. The loss of a job and loss of stability increases a person’s risk to experience mental health issues… and they are at a much higher risk to attempt drastic actions”

Maintaining mental health is both more challenging and more important in these unprecedented times. Sam-Erik Ruttmann is speaking with Dragan Donkov
Manager Learning & Development, EMCC Accredited Coach, MHFA Instructor
How this effects leadership, how to recognise the signs of mental health issues, and how to provide help for those affected.
How to seek help? How to help each other and provide ¨mental health first aid¨.

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

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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

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Hotel Industry challenges during a pandemic! TSHS-0021

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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?.

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