voco™ opens first hotel in France
IHG® Hotels & Resorts (one of the world's leading hotel groups) launches their newest upscale brand voco™ in France with the opening of voco Paris Montparnasse.
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Thierry Pecorella has been appointed as General Manager at Ultima Courchevel
Ultima Collection is delighted to announce the appointment of Thierry Pecorella as General Manager of Ultima Courchevel, the Collection's newest 5-star alpine resort. Thierry Pecorella has recently joined the Ultima Collection team and will manage the preparations of the Grand Opening of the resort on Saturday 12th December 2020 and launch the new 2020/2021 ski season. The management at Ultima Collection is thrilled to welcome this new talent within a dedicated, exceptional and ultra-dynamic team that has successfully developed the young and cutting-edge luxury hospitality brand. Thierry will be the lead of the grand launch of this new ultra-luxury resort comprising 13 sumptuous chalets complemented by an array of exceptional beauty and wellness amenities in the most sought-after winter destination in the French Alps.BiographyAs a French-Italian hotelier from the French Riviera of Nice, Thierry is married with two children. He has spent 27 years working for prestigious Le Méridien and Radisson Blu hospitality brands where he has forged remarkable experience in high-end hospitality in France and Italy. Originally, he discovered his passion for the industry when working at the reception of a private 4-star hotel in Nice to finance his studies. He has remained in the industry since then and has developed his sales and management skills during his first 11 years in Juan les Pins (France), Milan and Lake Garda (Italy). Following this, he took over General Management and Operations roles in hotels in Nice, Aix les Bains, Toulouse and Lyon. Before joining Ultima Collection, he managed the reopening of Tour Crayon in Lyon, an iconic hotel that had closed for three years for refurbishment, and the conversion of a prestigious 5-star hotel with a starred gastronomic restaurant in the Cour des Loges collection. Thierry is now joining Ultima Collection, bringing his exceptional experience in the opening and the management of luxury hotels and restaurants to finalise the building work, recruit and train the new team as well as launch Ultima Courchevel, the latest property in the collection in one of the most prestigious skiing destinations in the world.As for his style and personality, Thierry thinks that "nothing great in the World has been accomplished without passion", a quote from Friedrich Hegel that defines his state of mind and vision of the hospitality industry. His career was built over time thanks to opportunities coming up from his professional and human meets with other devoted hospitality professionals. On the managerial and personal development sides he states: "I consider myself as a mentor, I think that self-motivation and performance recognition are essential in every organisation and in particular in the hospitality sector". His motto is "my staff make the whole difference: they do not just deliver what's expected but also the unexpected". It shows how Thierry emphasises on human and personal dimensions in his management style, as well as his high expectations to offer exceptional service to the discerning clientele of Ultima Collection.On a personal side, Thierry is fond of mountains and downhill skiing which he has been practising since his childhood in the Southern Alps when he used to live in the Nice region. He feels a natural bond to this region: "the specific affection I have for the Savoie region dates back to my adolescence when I started practising my passion for downhill skiing for the first time at Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil skiing area". He is also deeply inspired by the Aiguille du Midi peak facing the majestic and awe-inspiring Mont Blanc, a real source of meditation and inspiration for Thierry.
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland signs academic partnership with the Comité Champagne
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland (CRCS), a member of Swiss Education Group, the largest private hospitality educator in Switzerland, has signed a strategic partnership with Comité Champagne (Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne - CIVC) - the official trade body that represents the interests of Champagne Growers and Houses
WTTC Says France Looks Set To Lose €48 Billion From Missing Tourists And Visitors Due To Pandemic
A staggering €48 billion looks set to be lost from the French economy due to the collapse of international travel during 2020, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Ultima Collection to launch Ultima Courchevel in December 2020
Ultima Collection is delighted to reveal the Grand Opening of Ultima Courchevel on Saturday 12th December 2020 for the new 2020/2021 ski season. The new ultra-luxury resort will be launched with 13 sumptuous chalets complemented by an array of exceptional beauty and wellness amenities in the most sought-after winter destination in the French Alps. The Grand Opening follows the completion in Summer 2020 of the last lot of chalets, two world-class spas, an impressive lobby, treatment rooms, a lavish restaurant and ski rooms with direct exclusive access to the slopes, for the utmost privacy away from the crowds. Occupying a pristine slope-side position at the heart of the world's finest ski region on the heights of the Tarentaise Valley, Ultima Courchevel will offer the signature luxury services of a five-star resort within the confines of fully serviced private chalets on demand. The residences will be available for weekly bookings as well as full-season reservations. Located in the charming neighbourhood of Belvedere, Ultima Courchevel is spread over 3,700 square metres and consists of 13 private chalets with spectacular views of the valley and the Dent du Villard summit (2,284 metres). Each chalet is home to four or five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, sleeping eight to ten adults, ideal for families or groups of friends looking for the privacy and space to relish an ideal post-lockdown escape. Designed as a tranquil retreat in a buzzing destination, the floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies will offer guests the most spectacular views of the verdant alpine landscapes covered in immaculate white snow and fill the chalets with natural light. Leading feature of the resort, the world-class 350 square metre wellness, beauty and fitness centre at Ultima Courchevel will be for the exclusive use of its residents and provide an oasis of pampering and indulgence. With two spas, an inside/outside swimming pool, a sauna, a hammam, a jacuzzi, and specialist treatment rooms, Ultima Spa will provide the epitome of holistic approaches to beauty and wellbeing. Ultima Courchevel will also introduce a new restaurant and terrace with scenic views of the mountains. It will be open to non-residents and locals who want to indulge in a gourmet lunch experience with views of the ski slopes or savour a sumptuous dinner with family and friends. Each chalet comes fully equipped and is available with all the signature Ultima on-demand luxury services including a 24-hour concierge on hand to arrange every element of the guests' stay from beginning to end, as well as housekeeping, butler, and private chef for intimate meals in the comfort and opulent setting of the chalet's private dining room. Located in one of the most accessible ski resorts in the world, guests may travel by car and train, or simply fly to Geneva or Lyon international airports and be picked up in a luxury vehicle. Private jet and helicopter transfers to Courchevel Altiport and Chambéry Aerodrome can also be organised by request for guests expecting extra-privacy and a swift journey. Renowned for its award-winning interior design, Ultima Courchevel will bring together contemporary lines and traditional French chalet architecture in a true Ultima signature fashion. The finest materials have been meticulously selected to create a luxurious and cosy atmosphere to welcome guests in the most expansive and elegant settings. The pinewood blends in perfectly with the Italian nubuck leather. Bronze mantelpieces, chesterfield leather bed headboards and vast white-veined black marble bathrooms are subtly accentuated with colourful signature artwork. Located in one of the most elegant and renowned skis resorts, Ultima Courchevel lies at the heart of The Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées), one of the largest winter ski destinations in the world also including Val Thorens and Méribel. With private ski-in and ski-out access to the slopes, Ultima Courchevel brings the biggest skiing area in the world to guests' front door: 600km of meticulously maintained slopes, 166 ski lifts, and 35,000 hectares of nature.. Ski guides and instructors will be available by request, providing ski lessons and excursions for all levels, for a first alpine discovery or adrenaline-fuelled outings tumbling down the ski runs after admiring the jaw-dropping view from the Creux Noirs summit (2,700 metres). The resort's proximity to the Cime Carron glacier (3,200 metres) also makes for an extraordinary skiing expedition to the glacier all year-round, a truly unique alpine experience. For more information please visit www.ultimacollection.com
Les Hotels Baverez Selects IDeaS Revenue Solutions to Boost Competitiveness in Paris
One of Paris's leading luxury hotel groups, Les Hotels Baverez, has selected IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System (RMS) to improve its forecasting capabilities and boost its competitiveness in Paris.
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris to Reopen 1 September 2020
One of the world's most famous hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris will re-open its doors to guests from Tuesday, 1 September 2020.
Luxury Paris hotels to stay closed this summer
Most top Paris hotels - classed as "palaces" - are set to stay closed until September 2020, it has emerged, due to lack of bookings following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hospitality Brand onefinestay Grows Its Villa Collection With The Launch Of 40 Premium Villas In Saint-Tropez
Paris - onefinestay , the leading hospitality brand offering the world's finest homes and service, announces the addition of Saint-Tropez to its growing Villa Collection. From super-slick hideaways to classically French retreats, onefinestay has curated 40 exceptional villas in the sunkissed region, all of them personally vetted for their quality, location, elegance and comfort.
Christophe Thomas has been appointed as General Manager at Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris
Christophe Thomas has an important international career, from Europe, to South America, passing through the Caribbean and then the United States.It all started at the Lycée Hôtelier de Strasbourg where, then graduated with a Bachelor, he became passionate about the art of hospitality and the excellence he wanted to sublimate and perpetuate around the world.His determination and expertise lead him as Managing Director in prestigious hotel establishments in the United States for 20 years. He notably orchestrated the repositioning strategy of the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, the iconic hotel "The Luxury Collection".More recently, in 2016, Christophe Thomas joined the teams of the SLS Beverly Hills hotel in California, where in 2019, the Somni restaurant obtained 2 MICHELIN stars, positioning the restaurant among the best tables in Southern California.
Judicial Tribunal Of Paris: Airbnb Liable For Civil Damages Caused Through Their Platform
The judicial tribunal of Paris has issued an important verdict deeming Airbnb a "publisher" of the ads which appear on its site and, for the first time, requiring AirBnB to pay damages for illegal activity which took place through its platform. While AirBnB plans to appeal the decision, if the judgement stands it could have significant legal repercussions across France and Europe.
Luxury resort in France, Lily of the Valley, selects Cendyn
Cendyn, the leading innovator in CRM, sales, and revenue strategy for the hospitality industry, announces that Lily of the Valley has selected Cendyn to power CRM at their luxury resort in the South of France.With eInsight CRM, Lily of the Valley will benefit from a CRM and guest intelligence solution that allows them to learn more about their guests. Collecting data from multiple sources to provide an accurate, single source of truth for each guest, eInsight CRM will provide enhanced guest profiles, automation, segmentation, and reporting to put the power of true personalization with Lily of the Valley. As the luxury resort plans to open in mid-June following the COVID-19 closure, implementing CRM now will enable them to listen to their guests, provide peace of mind and drive success through the recovery as hotels across the globe re-open."We pride ourselves on the fact that our guests are given a tailored experience throughout their stay at Lily of the Valley. A big part of this is providing a truly unique experience for them," said Manon Smagghe, Rooms Division Manager. "The only way to do that effectively now is with a truly integrated CRM system. eInsight CRM will enable us to learn more about our guests and tailor their experiences based on their preferences. Our guests' needs and safety has never been as important as it is now, so we are pleased to partner with Cendyn to help us achieve this.""Lily of the Valley is a truly unique resort, providing tailored experiences for every guest. This is the core foundation of what they do, and what makes them stand out, so we are delighted that they have chosen to partner with us to power their CRM and continue to build on that guest experience," said John Seaton, Chief Commercial Officer at Cendyn. "Using data from multiple sources and creating a single source of truth for their data will allow them to take their offering to the next level and provide a truly tailored experience throughout the travel journey."Lily of the Valley is a resort that offers so much; all guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, light and delicious cuisine, and expert wellness treatments. Founded by a father and his daughter, Lily of the Valley is set between the tranquil charm of the Riviera and the bustling atmosphere of Saint-Tropez, in La Croix Valmer. The hotel takes pride of place on the hills of Gigaro, looking as if it has always been there, surrounded by unspoiled nature and with over three miles of fine sandy beaches below.
Pierre Brochard has been promoted to Operations Director at Hyatt Hôtel du Louvre
Cycas' French team is further strengthened by the appointment of Operations Directors for each of its two new Paris properties. Pierre Brochard, meanwhile has spent eight years working across Hyatt properties throughout Europe and the Middle East. He joins as Operations Director for the Hyatt Place from Hôtel du Louvre, where he has worked as Front Office Manager for the last two years.
Nicolas Dubas has been appointed as Operations Directors at Hyatt House Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport
Cycas' French team is further strengthened by the appointment of Operations Directors for each of its two new Paris properties. Looking after Hyatt House Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, Nicolas Dubas previously spent eight years working for Cycas's first dual-branded hotel in London and graduated last December from the company's in-house 'Cyfari' leadership development programme
Béatrice Puma has been appointed as Director of Sales for France at Cycas Hospitality
Béatrice Puma joined Cycas in April as the company's first Director of Sales for France, and will be a key part of the pre-opening team for the double-decker Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel at Charles De Gaulle Airport. With over ten years' hospitality experience, including six focused on the Charles de Gaulle and Roissy region, Béatrice is well placed to capitalise on the growing market for aparthotels around the airport, of which Hyatt House will be the first.
Resolutely Future-Oriented Reopenings - École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie and Centre de Formation Alain Ducasse
The École Ducasse - École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (ENSP) opened again on May 12th, closely followed on May 18th by the Centre de Formation Alain Ducasse in Argenteuil. The management prepared for the reopening of its schools with the support of its medical reference specialist in prevention and public health and devoted particular attention to the implementation of the precautionary measures issued by the authorities. Students are delighted to be resuming their classes and preparations are under way for the start of the new academic year.
France Launches $19 Billion Bailout for Ravaged Tourism Sector
France on Thursday announced measures worth 18 billion euros ($19 billion) to support its tourism sector, which has been hammered by the coronavirus crisis and resulting shutdown in beaches, leisure attractions and hotels.
France to Build Online Platform to Rival Airbnb, Booking.com
The French government will join forces with the tourism industry to build an Internet site aimed winning back customers from U.S. online travel giants such as Airbnb Inc. and Booking Holdings Inc.
HVS: Paris Profile – Exploring How the City Will Recover from the COVID-19 Lockdown
The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have severely hit the hospitality industry worldwide. In Paris, a small proportion of all hotels currently remain in operation, and the occupancy levels for these opened hotels is currently in single digits.
By Sophie Perret and Maria Coll
Coronavirus (and other problems): 2020, a dark year for global tourism
The coronavirus health crisis, tracked statistically in real time by Johns Hopkins University, is hitting the global economy hard and the tourism industry most of all. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is expecting a drop in tourism revenue of 300 to 500 billion dollars in 2020, up to one-third of the 1,500 billion generated in 2019. France could lose out on up to 40 billion euros per quarter. Millions of jobs in the sector are under threat worldwide. Anne Gombault and her co-authors Claire Grellier Fouillet and Jérémy Lemarié analyse the drastic consequences of the crisis for global tourism, the strategic issues that it emphasises and the opportunity for transformation and learning that it offers.
By Anne Gombault, Professor of management, KEDGE Business School