General Management Opinion Articles

April 25, 2025

Harry Theoharis wants to leverage Public-Private Partnerships for Tourism's Global Advancement

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving in both the private and public sectors, gaining invaluable experience in technology, digitalization, and banking. This diverse background has shaped my perspective on the pivotal role that public-private partnerships (PPPs) play in accelerating global tourism and addressing the pressing challenges our sector faces.

By Harry Theoharis, Candidate for Secretary-General, UN Tourism

Opinion Article

April 22, 2025

How Uniforms Impact Branding and Guest Experience in Hospitality

In hospitality, uniforms are the signals that convey identity and enhance guest experience through design and presentation. Beyond appearance, these carefully designed clothes are visual ambassadors that connect a brand's value and premium service quality. According to a 2023 Cornell Hospitality Quarterly study, 73% of guests believe staff uniforms directly reflect the general quality and professionalism of a hotel.

By Nick Warrick, Sales Manager, All Seasons Uniforms

Opinion Article

April 9, 2025

Renewing a Hotel Restaurant Lease in France: Mastering the Concept of “Monovalency”/Single Use for Rent Optimisation

When a commercial lease comes up for renewal, the new rent amount is usually determined through indexing. However, there are exceptions to this rule. In particular, this does not apply when renewing leases for “monovalent” or “single-use” premises. Understanding and applying this principle can help secure more favourable rent conditions. Below, we discuss how to navigate this tricky issue.

By Christopher Boinet and Anne Epinat

France

Opinion Article

March 21, 2025

Why reps and warranties in France are essential when selling a hotel

The bedrock of any hotel transaction, representations and warranties (“reps and warranties”)1 offer protection to the buyer by guaranteeing that a business’s assets and liabilities conform to the statements of fact made by the seller. Here, we outline the key points and strategies for successfully negotiating reps and warranties when selling a hotel.

By Christopher Boinet and Anne Epinat

France

Opinion Article

March 7, 2025

President Trump’s $5 million Gold Visa for foreign investors. An end to EB-5 or simply an additional avenue for wealthy foreign investors?

The news is full of headlines about President Trump’s announcement last week (February 25, 2025), that in the next two weeks, he will propose a $5 million “Gold Card” program to replace the EB-5 program. The new program would allow wealthy individuals to pay $5 million directly to the US government to obtain US citizenship.

By David Sudeck and Jim Butler

United States

Opinion Article

February 28, 2025

The Art of Connection and Building Guest Loyalty

Guest loyalty isn’t built on points alone—it’s built on moments. It’s the warm welcome at check-in, the server who remembers a guest’s favorite drink, or the housekeeper who goes the extra mile to personalize a stay. In today’s hospitality landscape, where options are endless and travelers expect more than just a place to sleep, creating meaningful connections is what sets a hotel apart.

By Brendan McCoy, Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, Newport Hospitality Group

Opinion Article

February 19, 2025

Sterile Controversies: The Real Issue Lies Elsewhere

While our country is burdened with some of the heaviest taxes in the world, the debate has resurfaced with the introduction of new tax measures aimed at closing a budget gap that remains, despite everything, €150 billion in deficit.

By Vanguélis Panayotis, CEO MKG Consulting & Hospitality ON / MRICS, Hospitality ON

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Why Hospitality Net Leads B2B in Hospitality

Learn what makes us the industry-leader in what we do.

Hospitality Net

Opinion Article

February 11, 2025

Top 10 Procurement Strategies Every Hospitality Leader Should Know in 2025

The hospitality procurement sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, accelerated by technological advancements, heightened sustainability demands, and the pressing imperative for operational efficiency. In 2025, procurement leaders must not only adapt but also innovate to maintain a competitive edge. In this dynamic environment, ten pivotal procurement trends warrant the close attention of hospitality professionals, alongside strategic recommendations for their effective implementation.

By Johannes Vocke, Chief Financial Officer, FutureLog AG

Opinion Article

February 10, 2025

Brand Managed Hotels Vs. Third Party Managed Hotels

Hotel owners face a critical decision when selecting a property management structure: should the property be brand-managed or be managed by an independent, third-party operator?

By Tom Engel, Founder, T.R. ENGEL Group LLC, T.R. ENGEL Group, LLC

Opinion Article

February 5, 2025

Successfully negotiating a “reverse” hotel management agreement in France

With the rise of “reverse” hotel management agreements (HMA), efficiently negotiating with international hotel operators makes it possible for owners to reconcile investment profitability with operational and financial risk control.

By Christopher Boinet and Anne Epinat

France

Opinion Article

January 29, 2025

Hospitality in 2025: How Geopolitical Conflicts are Shaping this Year

As the world continues to face ongoing geopolitical conflicts, the hospitality industry is set for a transformative year in 2025. These conflicts are reshaping travel patterns, challenging operational stability and highlighting the need for innovative risk management strategies. For hoteliers, understanding these dynamics and preparing to adapt is crucial for resilience and success.

By Suzanne Sangiovese, Director of Travel and Technology, Riskline

Opinion Article

January 10, 2025

Hospitality Procurement Trends: What's In and What's Out in 2025

The hospitality industry is continuously evolving, significantly influencing operations and guest experiences. Comparing procurement trends in the hospitality industry from 2024 to 2025 shows that procurement is no longer just an operational task. It has become a crucial part of driving innovation and sustainable growth. Trends like full automation, AI, open access to data, and strategic partnerships with vendors powered by P2P solutions are improving efficiency and creating value in new and transformative ways.

By Johannes Vocke, Chief Financial Officer, FutureLog AG

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Why Hospitality Net Leads B2B in Hospitality

Learn what makes us the industry-leader in what we do.

Hospitality Net

Opinion Article

December 10, 2024

CapEx 2025: Find the Cash, Build the Team, and Go for Depth

Last month while on a CapEx panel in NYC at the BDNY conference, the moderator asked each of us a final “speed round” question to close out the session. The question was “Given the current economic climate and evolving guest expectations, what do you foresee as the biggest challenges for CapEx in the hospitality industry over the next few years?” My reply was, “Two items: Lack of Capital and Lack of Human Capital”.

By Alan Benjamin, President, Benjamin West

HN Original

Opinion Article

December 9, 2024

Reducing the Hidden Costs of Tail Spend in Hotel Procurement

For those not directly involved in purchasing decisions or analysis, the concept of ‘tail spend’ may be a foreign or seldom discussed term. For hotel procurement officers, it’s often the bane of their existence. That’s why we’re keenly interested in platforms and systems like Amazon Business that can help hotel teams mitigate the challenges of tail spend that purchasing managers contend with each and every day.

By Adam Mogelonsky, Partner, Hotel Mogel Consulting Limited

Opinion Article

November 26, 2024

Recommended governing law and jurisdiction clauses in French hotel management agreements

Dispute resolution is a key discussion point, all too often overlooked in complex, long-term hotel management agreements (HMAs). The same applies to the prevailing language clause, and French investors should pay particular attention to such issues when negotiating with international hotel operators[i].

By Christopher Boinet and Anne Epinat

France

Opinion Article

November 14, 2024

Remembering Bob Gilbert For His Humanity

Ever since I got the news of the passing of Bob Gilbert, HSMAI’s President and CEO for 30 years, I have found both comfort and inspiration in the tributes that others have shared on social media, LinkedIn, and the tribute wall set up in his honor. I have loved reading about all he accomplished in his career, first on the hotel management side, then by rescuing HSMAI and leading it to its enormous successes.

By Doug Kennedy, President of the Kennedy Training Network, Kennedy Training Network (KTN)

Opinion Article

November 1, 2024

Learn-by-Going: Study Abroad in Thailand

When I signed up for the 2024 Thailand Collins College Study Abroad Program, I did not anticipate a life-changing experience. I had no expectations beyond learning how to cook Thai food in Thailand for course credits, and I had not researched much about studying abroad before the trip. However, during my time at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), I immersed myself in Thai culture, gained new insights into the hospitality industry, and broadened my global perspective in a new environment. Participating in this study abroad program has significantly contributed to my academic journey, professional development, and personal growth.

By Linchi Kwok and Cecilyah New

Opinion Article

September 30, 2024

Building and Sustaining High-Performing Teams

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, the strength of a company lies not just in its products or services but in the team driving those results. How do you build a team that not only works together but thrives together? It goes beyond job descriptions and competitive pay; it’s about creating a shared sense of purpose and fostering an environment where individuals are aligned with the organization’s mission and values. To cultivate a high-performing team, leaders must focus on three essential pillars: Talent, Leadership, and Team Culture.

By Warren Coore, Vice President of Operations, Newport Hospitality Group

Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

Opinion Article

September 27, 2024

The UN Pact For The Future – And Its Impact On The Hospitality Sector

The UN just introduced its Pact for the Future, and we examine [with the help of ai] its potential impact on the hospitality sector, primarily through its focus on sustainable development, climate action, technological innovation, and social inclusivity. Here's an analysis of how various elements of the pact could affect the industry:

By Terence Ronson, Founder & Managing Director, Pertlink Limited

Opinion Article

September 27, 2024

Redefining Hospitality: Strategies for Soft-Brand Lifestyle Hotels to Attract the Evolving Traveler

As the travel landscape continues to evolve, lifestyle hotels find themselves uniquely positioned to meet the demands of today’s diverse and discerning travelers. These travelers are no longer just seeking a place to sleep; they’re searching for unique, memorable experiences that align with their values and preferences. By leveraging their inherent flexibility and distinctive character, soft-brand lifestyle hotels can rise to meet these evolving expectations. These properties must focus on several key strategies, the most important of which often falls by the wayside: marketing.

By Mauri Berry, Vice President of Marketing & Digital Strategy, Remington