Full House at R&R 2023 at the Panel Discussion "Creating Value from Experiences"

Humour, insights, and industry revelations — a full house at the Leisure Hospitality Leaders Panel discussion on "Creating Value from Experiences".

Our CEO, Roger Allen, gracefully navigated the dialogue with industry titans:

Dionisio Pestana - Chairman & President of Pestana Hotel Group

Dimitris Manikis - President EMEA of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA

Antonio Trindade -CEO of PortoBay Hotels & Resorts

Industry leaders convened to converse about the pressing challenges and burgeoning strategies shaping the hospitality world.

During the warm-up session, a shared sentiment revolved around the necessity to harmonize owner profitability with exceptional guest experiences. Dimitris shed light on the transformation of owner relationships in the post-pandemic age, emphasizing a renewed sense of collaboration and adaptability. Meanwhile, Dionisio broached the intricacies of expanding in a saturated market, hinting at innovative tactics for securing prime locations.

Economic concerns, especially the mounting operational costs, were a significant talking point. While technology adoption and supplier renegotiation were cited as potential remedies, Antonio turned the spotlight to HR challenges. He highlighted the significance of valuing employees, championing continuous training, and cultivating a robust company culture. Shifting gears, Dimitris introduced an avant-garde revenue model pivoting on space optimization, setting it apart from the age-old RevPAR methodologies. Concurrently, Dionisio articulated apprehensions about the financial trajectory, emphasizing a tempered approach to expansion underscored by strategic location choices.

Antonio took a moment to highlight Portobay's edge in the market, attributing it to its genuine, bespoke services. The age-old debate of OTAs versus direct sales saw a unified conclusion: the necessity to strengthen and personalize guest interactions for heightened profitability.

In essence, the R&R panel demystified the dynamic landscape of the hospitality industry.

Read related content at Hospitality Investor.

Snapshot of the Panel Discussion

Epic leaders - Antonio Trindade and Dimtiris Manikis

Great insights and humour, Dionisio Pestana

Roger - meeting old friends, colleagues and industry leaders/stakeholders at R&R 2023 in Portugal.

Nice vibes wtih Paul Sawford and Simon Saunders

Meeting at the RLA Global's stand