Smack Hospitality Cast

First it was finance spreadsheets, now it's suite dreams: Ian Di Tullio's journey to the top of Minor Hotels is anything but ordinary. Let's just say: it started with data and ended with loyalty (lots of it). We mic'd up with the Global Chief Commercial Officer, Ian Di Tullio, who went from flying high with Air Canada & Accor to shaking up hospitality from Bangkok with brains, heart, and some serious backend magic. In this one, we get into: - What the airline industry taught him about innovation and squeezing margin magic - How data & AI = power (when you actually use it right) - And why respect > synergy when it comes to brand acquisitions Enjoy the show!

Say hello to Samuel Njoroge, Director of Quality Assurance & Sustainability at Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, joining our latest Breaktime episode with the fabulous Mari. Talking trash (literally), tech, and turning purpose into planet-saving action. From phone operator in 2009 to full-blown eco-legend today, Samuel's journey is pure SMACK: hustle, heart, and a whole lot of green ambition. What's on the Breaktime menu? - Climbing the ranks and building a regional sustainability strategy that actually works - AI-powered bins, data-driven food waste reduction, and how Winnow helped save 21,000+ meals - Why educating kids to plant trees and clean beaches is both adorable and revolutionary (warning: might trigger proud-parent tears) His vibe? Calm, clear, and climate-conscious: “Sustainability isn't just CSR. It's everyone's responsibility – and it starts at home.” Enjoy the show!

From courtroom to boardroom, now serving global hospitality with that Spanish spice. Meet María Zarraluqui, VP of Global Development at Meliá Hotels International, lawyer-turned-development-queen and Mallorca-based hospitality firecracker. We caught up with her at IHIF2025 in Berlin, where our host Florian had the mic, and María brought the magic. In this episode: How a life twist landed her at Meliá... where 25 years later, she's still rocking the show. Why Spanish hospitality isn't just service: it's soul, sunshine, and secret sauce. How “Mujeres en Hospitality” started as a Friday video call and turned into a full-on movement of mentoring and powerful community. Her vibe? Big energy, bigger wisdom: “Believe in yourself, raise your voice, make your knowledge and your capabilities visible.” Enjoy the show!

Swiping Right on Luxury & Small Hotels. The wait is finally over… As you might know, Richard Hyde, COO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, took the hot seat SMACK Live at Young Hoteliers Summit at #EHL in Lausanne and here comes his podcast episode. From his slide into hospitality to building what he calls the “Tinder of Hotels” – matching dream stays with the perfect guests – Richard spilled the tea about working with SLH with style, wit, and a whole lotta love for the world of small luxury. This exclusive SMACK Live episode dives into: - What a day in the life of a COO really looks like (spoiler: it involves strategy, sales, numbers, and his amazing team). - The secret life of SLH's mystery inspectors (yes, they're real – and no, they're not paid). - The new Unplugged Collection: massive phone detox, luxury edition. - His dream hotel: small, warm, Italian, and family-style hospitality that sticks with you forever. Also, if you're someone who tries to dodge long emails and Zoom marathons to have real conversations instead: Richard might just be your new role model. So tell us… If hotels were on Tinder, who would you swipe right on? Enjoy the show!

Are you ready for some stories about waffles, wellness, and the CIA? Adam Crocini isn't just shaping Hilton's F&B scene across 8,000+ properties - he and his team have also been pushing those legendary DIY waffles like true breakfast evangelists. Yes, the iconic Hampton by Hilton ones. As SVP of Global Design, Wellness, and Food & Beverage at Hilton, Adam oversees everything from restaurant concepts to wellness initiatives. But don't let the fancy title fool you - he believes real hospitality leadership starts at the bottom, sleeves rolled up, hands in the action. No shortcuts here! Adam and Fritz met up at the Taste of Hilton F&B Conference in Istanbul, where Adam dished out some insider stories about his work and his involvement with the Culinary Institute of America... From his early days in the kitchen to running Michelin-starred operations and massive casino resorts, Adam has seen it all. And now, he's on SMACK to tell you all about it... Enjoy the show!

Buckle up, hospitality fans, this episode is double trouble on the mic! Glenn Hausman, Podcast Host and initiator of THE No Vacancy Podcast, joined Flo to discuss how one moves from editing hip-hop videos to running one of the biggest podcasts in #hospitality. Flo and Glenn chat about personal branding, career moves, and why AI will never be able to replace real human connections. Glenn gets real about his early struggles, the podcast boom, and the importance of showing up as your true self. If you're looking for a lesson on authenticity, passion, curiosity, and how to skyrocket your own personal-brand… then listen closely to this one! What moment during a hotel stay makes you most excited?

What do sustainability, the future of hospitality, and King Charles III have in common? Turns out, more than you'd think – and Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, is here to spill the tea (or should we say, the royal Earl Grey?). In this episode, Glenn met with Phil to chat about what sustainability really means for #hospitality and tourism and how ‘the Alliance' is planning to get the whole industry on board to go #netpositive. From practical tips to planet-sized challenges, he keeps it real about why going green isn't just a trend – it's the only future. Glenn paints a clear picture of how hospitality can step up and lead the way to a greener planet – with actionable insights for big and small players to tackle issues like modern slavery, food waste, and other sustainability topics – one initiative at a time. Hit play and join the conversation! Enjoy the show!

How to avoid cranky customers and rainy days

What makes The World's 50 Best Hotels award so iconic? In this Breaktime episode, Mari has a delightful chat with Emma Sleight, Head of Content at The World's 50 Best Hotels - aka the Oscars of hospitality. Emma gives us a peek into the special award categories, like the SevenRooms Icon Award, Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award, and Nikka Best New Hotel Award… plus all the behind-the-scenes magic that comes with being the list every #luxuryhotel dreams of making. Get ready for insider insights, plenty of laughs, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to reach the top! What's the one thing you think every hotel should have to make it onto The World's 50 Best Hotels list? Enjoy the show!

What's the secret behind leading a team to the World's 50 Best Hotels award? Hint: It's not a killer minibar! John Blanco, General Manager of Capella Bangkok, sits down with Phil to share his journey. From chef to hotel industry pro, John's worked on every continent and brought those global insights with him to create a winning team at Capella. It's a mix of leadership, passion, and a whole lot of hard work (with a dash of fun along the way, of course ). Tune in and find out what makes Capella Bangkok truly stand out. Now we're turning the spotlight on YOU! What's the magic that makes a hotel stand out? The little details? The big ideas? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Enjoy the show!

How does Hyatt approach hotel development? For this episode Felicity Black-Roberts Senior Vice President of Development for EAME at Hyatt met with Fritz at the FHS world to chat about hotel development in Europe and the Middle East. They explored how the hotel investment landscape has transformed and what this could mean for the hospitality industry's future. Felicity gives us a peek into how Hyatt is positioning its brands to meet the unique needs of each acquisition – and the benefits that big brand names offer to hotel owners. What would your ideal brand portfolio look like? Hit play, relax, and enjoy some top-tier insights that might just change the way you think about the industry. Enjoy the show!

Ever dreamed of living in Karl Lagerfeld's world of fashion and design?  Well, it's about to get real!  In this SMACK episode Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld, shares exclusive insights on how the brand has evolved since the maestros passing, his visionary approach to luxury, and the creative legacy he left behind. Fritz and Pier Paolo met during #FHSworld to discuss how Pier is guiding Karl's intimate vision for the brand forward. This conversation is packed with style and insider details.  And, of course, we explore their latest move into #hospitality with Lagerfeld's plans for #brandedresidences. Imagine stepping into a space that captures the essence of the iconic #Lagerfeld style - every bit as glamorous and timeless as you'd expect… and sweatpants would most likely be forbidden.  Tune in on our website for the full elegance. Enjoy the show!

This is hotter than your morning coffee! Join us for our very first #Breaktime episode on SMACK! Mari is kicking things off with Mieke Berkers, Director of European Business Development at Montgomery Group, who's giving us the inside scoop on the Independent Hotel Show Munich making its first German appearance. Ever wonder why this #event is such a unique show for hoteliers? Or why Munich is the perfect spot? Mieke's got the answers - plus some fun insights into what's next for boutique hotels. So, if you're up for a little inspiration and some fresh ideas, this one's for you. Come hang with us and hear what's brewing! Enjoy the show!

Are you the driver of your career or just a passenger along for the ride? In this episode, Pat sits down with Daniel Afonso, Senior VP of People & Culture at Radisson Hotel Group, and trust us, staying stagnant is not on the agenda. Daniel shares his story – From a start in finance to his accidental start in #hospitality, and how he seized every opportunity to create the life he wanted. They dive into what makes hospitality so addictive, and how to keep talent by offering hybrid roles that help them grow and evolve. For the Radisson team it's all about training for skills and letting people experiment, learn, and thrive. Get ready for some real career talk with Daniel! Whether you're navigating through twists and turns or cruising toward your goals, Daniel's insights will inspire you to take charge and drive your career forward. Buckle up and tune in! Enjoy the show!

We're kicking off Season 6 in the vibrant streets of London, where Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench, met with Fritz to explore the past, the present and the future of hospitality and its exciting global development. With the FHS World in Dubai just around the corner, Jonathan shared his insights on the Middle East's remarkable transformation over the past two decades and highlighted various success factors for the sector, including the vital role of women. Guess what: Nothing works without…? Women, correct! ;) Jonathan explained why involving the topic of sustainability in his events is crucial, what impact new technologies like AI have in the field and he shared how hospitality investment conferences have evolved over the last 25 years. And if anybody knows, it's him! As co-founder of the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) Jonathan was largely involved in establishing successful hospitality events across the globe. As a member of the board, he serves as a trusted advisor to, among others, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Freshontable and Envi Lodges. Luckily, Fritz has, for once, done his homework and asks Jonathan to spill the beans about some of his highlight moments, like an epic charity bike ride from Amsterdam to Berlin, skiing in Iran and unforgettable mishaps at award shows. Jonathan's journey is nothing short of inspiring and this episode is packed with personal insights. Tune in and enjoy the show!

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:37:52 +0000 https://smack.podigee.io/93-new-episode ca539fa5a3733f3d7f9ff040d0b2e56d Hi there, and welcome to Smack. In case we haven't met, we introduce the most knowledgeable experts in hospitality legends in a very personal way. Here, you'll find some great insights and updates from within the hospitality and tourism sector. And besides our podcast, we have some more exciting formats like Dirty Laundry, Ask Me Anything, and Humans of Hospitality. We're all about the cool stuff in hospitality and those that know how to talk about it. In general, what you'll find here is hospitality, but really fucking fun. Follow us here on Spotify or on our social media channels and enjoy the show. 93 full no SMACK Hospitality

Traveling under the rainbow flag During the recent pridemonth, Phil sat down at TSH Berlin with Simon Mayle Event Director at Reed Exhibitions, for, among others, PROUD Experiences and ILTM Cannes. At PROUD Experiences he connects hotels, travel advisors, and LGBTQ+ travel trailblazers and helps them to customize their offers to the community's needs and wishes. Simon and Phil had a jolly exchange about the status quo of #gaytravels, the problems rainbow families are facing during their holidays, the importance of brand values, boycotts, and the potential that the target group holds – especially in the luxury segment. Don't get all glittered up before you hear about the hottest top or flop destinations for travelers and fabulous queer adventures. The full sparkly episode is out now! Stay proud and loud and enjoy the show!

Pat had a chat with Chris Nader, Co-Founder and CEO of ENVI Lodges, who is on a mission to revolutionize outdoorhospitality and combine it with sustainableluxury. Chris and his team find themselves facing the challenge of meeting sustainability standards while satisfying the demanding needs of #luxurytravelers. But there's no doubt that the soon-to-open boutique properties immersed in nature will manage to close this gap. ✨ Chris shared insights into his adventurous entrepreneurial journey and gave plenty of great advice for curious hotel entrepreneurs-to-be. One of the most important factors in launching one's own company? The right co-founder and team to jump all the bumps and bombs along the road with.

Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, CEO of Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA, joined Fritz at the FHS in Riyadh for a chat about Saudi Arabia's booming travel market, the plans of Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the middleeast and African region, and the future of brand evolution. Fahad found his true calling in hospitality through numbers. He went from accounting to real estate and landed in hospitality with a passion for showcasing Saudi Arabia's beauty to the world. The Vision 2030 and the country's transformation coming with it are spectacular. Today's travelers crave authentic experiences, and Saudiarabia delivers – stunning landscapes, rich culture, and history. And the food! Ever tried local Saudi honey? It's not just about breakfast; it's about tasting the essence of the land.

A business affair of data and sustainability. Meet Caroline Tiveus, Senior Vice President of Sustainable Business at Pandox - one of the forefront players in bringing the #hopsitalityindustry to the next level sustainability-wise. Caroline and Flo discussed the work she is doing to help hotels reduce their CO2 emissions, along with how different standards throughout the EU affect business decisions, and how it is time to take proper action instead of just #greenwashing. Caroline doesn't just talk the talk; she manages several #hotelproperties throughout Europe and implements direct actions in all departments and teams. Her work showcases how businesses can actually save money while at the same time, becoming more eco-friendly. Even though she doesn't consider herself an activist, she proves every day that passion and data work hand in hand. For her, the most important part is doing meaningful work, to be able to look her children in the eye, and actually be proud. Tune in to the full episode! Enjoy the show!

Let's say 2023 was not quite the year of deal-making within the industry. Then what does the future have in stock for #hospitality and #realestate? Alexi Khajavi President Hospitality, Travel and Wellness at Questex set down with Flo at last week's IHIF to discuss trends, the role of technology and his personal “meandering” career journey. Alexi and his team are deeply embedded in the #hospitalityindustry and run events to inform and connect industry insiders around the globe. With the help of the Investor Sentiment Index and at least one ear on the track at all times, they have been spotting trends from afar for 25 years. And they have good news: there are great opportunities for the industry - in trends like senior living and also, strangely enough, in the epidemic of loneliness that is roaming the world. Like Flo said, “This was a really inspiring and insightful conversation.” , so we highly recommend you tune in to the full episode. Enjoy the show!

Have you ever wondered what grows in the desert? We have. So we sent Phil to talk to someone who knows - Atul Chopra, Founder and CEO of FreshOn Table, who supplies restaurants and hotels in UAE with fresh greens and other edibles. Minimum emissions, maximum nutrition is his motto and led him to create a company that connects farmers to #chefs - so close, that they can harvest on demand. Atul has a lot to tell about circular economy and agritech, because six hours from field to kitchen don't come from nothing. It takes a lot of data analysis, entrepreneurial expertise and education to get this loop going. As Phil found out, there is a lot more we can learn from Atul, who moved from banknotes and Excel sheets to soil, water, and baby carrots. The serial entrepreneur calls 16 African countries his “playgrounds” and has lived in many more countries. Besides this, Phil outs himself as a country boy – you better tune in to this episode! Enjoy the show! ________________________________________

This is real, luxurious, family business! We had not only one but two guests on the show! Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman and Lydia Forte, Group Director of F&B at Rocco Forte Hotels brought some great topics and giggles to this episode with Fritz, recorded at the famous The Browns Hotel in London on Sir Rocco's birthday. The #RoccoForte vibe isn't just a concept, it's a way of life and you can hear this in every word. Decades of family dedication have created this brand. Each hotel tells a story, blending local heritage with personalized service that leaves guests and staff feeling like part of the family. Lydia and Sir Rocco spilled a bunch of secrets on how the #luxuryhotel brand developed over the years and their take on F&B and the impact (new) restaurants have on the whole identity of a hotel concept. Of course, Fritz had to ask about the future of the 5-star collection, following the recent announcement of a partial sale to Saudi Arabia's wealth fund PIF. We are so excited about this episode that we are about to swing from the chandelier. Tune in to the full episode on our website. Enjoy the show!

This was a first! As you might know by now, we had the pleasure of teaming up with YHS and hosting the very first SMACK Live! #podcast event with Patrick Mendes, CEO at ACCOR for Premium, Midscale & Economy in Europe and North Africa. Patrick shared a lot of insights with Fritz and the students at EHL about his career path (which he actually started off by quitting #hospitality and the #hotelbusiness), and the possibilities the ACCOR world has to offer but especially the “PME” – Premium, Midscale and Economy sector, which seems to be generally, slightly underrated. He talked about his personal experience in Latin America and about heartfelt topics that he likes to personally support such as #diversity and #inclusion. The adventures he witnessed in #hoteldevelopment from the West to the East and of course also about what's cooking at ACCOR's development these days, as well as #paris2024 and #loyaltyprograms. Patrick lifted the secrets about ACCOR's vast structure of brands and regions and answered a gazillion questions from the students during a live Q&A and in individual chats after the recording. Do listen closely to what he says about #worklifebalance, especially if you are aiming for a #clevel position! Best now, if you tune in to the episode yourself! Enjoy the show!

Who has united 530 hotels, resorts, and eight kick-ass brands under one roof?

Josiah Mackenzie, Host of Hospitality Daily, and Florian held a Double Trouble Super Trooper podcast episode, co-hosting and exchanging their passion and inspiration for hospitality. They are telling stories about the early beginnings of SMACK and the Hospitality Daily podcast. Inspired by the many conversations they have had with some of the greatest minds in the industry, they explored the latest technology and their favorite brand concepts, while comparing some of the similarities and differences between Europe and the U.S. in the world of hospitality. From traveling with budget airlines through the hostels of Europe to creating a daily inspiration for hospitality enthusiasts, Josiah listened to a gut feeling he had, saw the opportunities the industry has to offer, and created Hospitality Daily in the process. His fundamental belief that “Hospitality roots in the sense of place” has driven the success of the format, shining a spotlight on all sides of the industry. Rethinking space and technology, fostering a sense of community, and focusing on reconnecting people with the spirit of hospitality, are just a few examples of why the two would not trade their life in hospitality for any other profession. Enjoy the show!

Yes, you can do things differently! Even in the hotel business. Listen to 2024's first smack episode and learn from YOTEL CEO Hubert Viriot how the brand has established a new status quo in the travel business over the past decade. YOTEL has been rocking its own way from the beginning, by focusing on highly tech-savvy customers and the future of traveling, instead of sticking to beaten paths. Some of its milestones: being the first non-luxury brand in an eternity to construct a new property in New York and making hourly hotel bookings sexy again. Hubert has not only seen this baby grow, but is said to be majorly responsible for pushing YOTEL from a unique airport hotel to a global player.

Winter wonderland vibes coming your way!

What happens when Airbnb meets hotel management? Well, confessions were made by Dr. Ellen Madeker Head of Public Policy for Germany, Austria & Switzerland (DACH) & Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) at Airbnb and Phil during a live podcast recording at the Berlin Travel Festival. A lot has changed in the apartment rental business and sharing economy in the last couple of years and some of that is thanks to Airbnb, which has given a face to a formerly often overlooked part of the hospitality industry and offered a new economic lifeline to a bunch of people.

Attention please: “Hospitality Rising” That's the title of Mark McCulloch's campaign, which is addressing the painful topic of #staffshortage in the UK hospitality scene in an unseen way. And one thing is for sure: This is a game-changer in how employment in #hospitality is seen, not just in the UK, but potentially everywhere. If you want to know how to convert one in three GenZlers to potential hospitality-fans you better tune in to this SMACK episode.

This episode will leave you hungry for more!

Do you ever run out of battery? This man surely doesn't! We are proud to welcome Dr. Jeffrey O - Chairman of the Directors Board at St. Justine, President of the International Hospitality Institute, coach, mentor, writer, and simply put: One of the most influential people in #hospitality.

Have you ever been to a large arena and thought to yourself, “Damn – this place is huge.”?!   John Langford, the COO of Anschutz Entertainment Group for Europe, knows all about that feeling as he is responsible for the operations of some of the largest arenas in Europe, including The o2 in London, Mercedes Benz Arena in Berlin and the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg. We are beyond proud that he took the time to join us on the podcast and shared his story with us.   Philip and John had a beautiful conversation about John's career path, the importance of live music and the immense responsibility that comes with it. John, who grew up in South Africa explained how he got into managing well-known arenas that host world stars on a regular basis. He lived in Alaska, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, while constantly traveling the world. His love for live music is evident, especially after his experience at a Michael Jackson concert he couldn't attend, but still managed to somehow be there. Curios? You should be.   He also told us about the interesting and impressive way of responsibly handling the sustainability part of arena operations. Philip and John finished off by sharing their love for beer and the German Reinheitsgebot.    Enjoy the show!

Welcome Tao Tao, co-founder and COO of GetYourGuide, the revolutionary of travel experiences and one of the best people to hang out with if you need top travel advice in any city on this planet. For the opening of SMACK's fifth season, Florian had the honor of hosting Tao Tao and discussing his founder story, the tough times GetYourGuide had to face during the past couple of years, and what experiences mean to the travel industry today.

Hey there, Hospitality Fans! We missed you… and didn't want to wait until Season 5 starts in September, so we sat our 4 hosts down together and sent them on a trip down memory lane. It's been 4 years already – yeah, that's right: 4 years since SMACK first started. Pat, Flo, Phil, and Fritz reminisced in a bit of nostalgia and a lot of laughter going through the past 4 seasons of their favorite SMACK moments thus far. From how everything started, in times when Phil was still in a suit, and our mother ship wasn't called Studio49 yet. By the way: We swear we've worked on the microphone situation by now. Join us on this journey as we rewind the last 4 podcast seasons and get a healthy dose of "wait-did-they-actually-do-that”-moments, stay tuned for the highest highs and lowest lows of SMACK history. As always: Enjoy the show!

Back with another podcast episode you simply don't want to miss. Join us on a heartfelt journey as Phil sits down with Ronisha Goodwin, the Director of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Hyatt Corporation, at the Proud Experience conference in Los Angeles. Prepare to be moved by Ronisha's inspiring story of discovering her passion for hospitality through a TV show and her mission to foster inclusivity and belonging for Hyatt's guests, colleagues and partners worldwide. Together Phil and Ronisha embark on a captivating exploration of diversity in the United States and Germany, shedding light on the much-needed progress within the hospitalityindustry, the role of mentors, and the evolution of Human Resources, from tracking diversity to challenging discriminatory environments in the workplace and embracing flexibility. Wrapping up the episode, Phil grants Ronisha a wish, for which Ronisha envisions a future that is driven by the realization that race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and immigration status are not things that need to divide us and in which we know that we can all rise together. Enjoy the show!

Here's one very inspiring SMACK podcast episode. Pat had the chance to chat with Jeremy McCarthy, Group Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and they cruised through a bunch of topics, that will make you feel well - from innovation in Spas to #positivepsychology and general life advice. What does a day at work of someone look like, who is responsible for all the good stuff? Jeremy McCarthy oversees the strategy and marketing of wellness-, spa-, and fitness offers, as well as kids' clubs, water sports, and activities of the 36 hotels and resorts of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. He is also majorly involved in the design and development of new projects worldwide. Jeremy and Patrizia had a chat about the difference between wellness and well-being, and discussed what positive psychology has in common with spa- and wellness institutions. They explored how the past couple of years and technology have changed the spa industry and what is the best way to guide guests through today's wellness experiences, while slaloming between the necessary digital connection and its greatly desired absence. Jeremy and Patrizia also got to the root of what differentiates Mandarin Oriental from other luxury brands, as well as Jeremy's personal path through the world of well-being. Don't miss his advice on lifelong learning, the up-and-coming spa destinations, and last but not least how to propose perfectly to your significant other. Enjoy the show!

Donald Leadbetter, the Tourism Program Manager at the National Park Service (NPS) based in Washington D.C. joined us on the show and talked us through his passion for national parks, tourism and nature. Patrizia and Donald dove into the specific tasks that Donald carries out as a Tourism Program Manager, which include researching and creating memorable experiences for visitors, as well as making strategic decisions for the NPS. The two of them discussed the history of the NPS, which has been responsible for managing lands, parks, historic sites and waters for over 100 years. Donald explained how he leads the development of new units and communities within the NPS, as well as the challenge of managing access to certain areas of national parks for tourists and avoiding over-tourism in the process. Before he left, Donald shared his wish for people to reflect on the importance of nature more frequently and we couldn't agree more. Enjoy the show!

Take a deep dive into the world of hospitality with Dimitris Manikis, the President & Managing Director for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as he shares his insights on the future of business and corporate travel, sustainability, and building brands that leave a lasting legacy. From his personal story of falling in love with the industry to his vision for uniting people through travel, this podcast episode is a must-listen! Dimitris and Florian had fun discussing their meeting at ITB Berlin 2023 and their shared fascination for the hospitality industry. Dimitris emphasized the importance of conscious travel and the advantages of being able to work from anywhere. Dimitris and Florian discussed franchising challenges and the importance of trust among business owners and employees, as he stressed the need for keeping relevancy in mind when developing brands and embracing new trends to meet the evolving needs of travellers. They discussed sustainability, emphasizing the importance of leaving a better world for future generations through sustainable hospitality. Lastly, they talked about the need to employ younger generations in ways that show respect and provide learning opportunities from an early stage in school, university, and internships. In his closing remarks, Dimitris talked about his personal outlook on finishing his hospitality career with more travellers andfulfilling the purpose of uniting people in hospitality. Enjoy the show!

Have you ever been on a cruise ship? No?! If you need some convincing, this podcast episode featuring @Wybcke Meier, the CEO of @TUI Cruises, will tell you all you want to know about the cruise world. Wybcke spoke to @Philip about how TUI cruises came together and told us how traveling on a #cruise works with the incredible size of the ships and the number of passengers on board. She also explained how people experience cruises and activities on shore, as some plan them themselves and others use cruise offers. Wybcke also highlighted that the crew members are the most significant part of the business, as they play the most important part in making each cruise work and the experiences unique. As Phil and Wybcke discussed sustainability and ways to reduce our carbon footprint, she also mentioned the upcoming latest addition to the TUI Cruises-fleet, which will be much more environmentally friendly than previous ships. Last but not least, she also let us in on the secrets surrounding her family's bakery and her favorite thing in her day-to-day life as CEO: working with the best team to improve the cruise experience for guests. Enjoy the show.

After 3 years of absence, the ITB Berlin, the world's largest exhibition event for the hospitality industry, will be back in full throttle this year. We know you are as excited as we are, so here is a little personal service for you from us. Deborah Rothe, the Exhibition Director of the ITB Berlin, joined us on the podcast and we asked her what to expect from ITB Berlin 2023 and how it will differ from the last live ITB Berlin event back in 2019. Deborah told us about her career path to becoming the new exhibition director just weeks prior to this year's event and the most memorable exhibitor stand from the years she has been involved with the ITB. Needless to say we asked her about the infamous afterparties that take place throughout the city during the week of ITB and Deborah shared the craziest moment of her career in working on exhibitions related to the ITB with us. Enjoy the show.

Missing the beach? So are we, so we brought somebody to the podcast that knows all about beaches, hotels and hospitality. Alexander Schneider, president of Nikki Beach's Hotels & Resorts division came to visit us and told us the touching story of how the name “Nikki Beach” came about, the company's transition from beaches and F&B to hotels and what a true “Nikki Beach experience” for guests is all about. Alex and Fritz discussed the evolution of Nikki Beach, where Alex would like to open other locations and why city locations are very much an option for the brand. The two of them also debated about the change in tourism and travel, the social responsibilities in developing new destinations, as well as the importance of creating a positive workspace. Lastly, Alex let us in on the hype around one of the hottest (quite literally!) destinations in hospitality development at the moment and told us about his most memorable travel moment. Enjoy the show!

Christoph Hoffmann, Founder of the 25hours Hotels, came to visit us on the show and talked to us about his path into hospitality and founding 25hours Hotels, their success, his way of thinking in concept & design to create a certain atmosphere with food & beverages, staying local and his future plans with Bikini Island & Mountain Hotels. The successful hotelier, who started in a wine shop, explained to Philip how his past experiences in gastronomy developed his interest in hospitality. From #NewYork, to #Jerusalem, to #Hamburg and working in Sales & Marketing at Kempinski's Atlantic Hotel, he decided that he wanted to do something of his own. That's where the story of the famous 25hours Hotels commenced, starting one of the most successful stories in recent hotel history. Christoph told us about the meaning of concept and atmosphere in the design of his hotels as well as the importance of well-thought-out F&B Outlets. He also explained to us why he is very optimistic in the partnership with Ennismore and Accor and told us about his latest project, the development of Bikini Island & Mountain Hotels. Needless to say, we couldn't let Christoph go without asking some of our usual questions about his favourite books, most memorable vacation destinations, podcast recommendations and more. Enjoy the show!

Torgeir Silseth, the CEO of Nordic Choice Hotels, joined us on the podcast after the Nordic Hotel Conference in Copenhagen and talked to us about the Conference itself, including his participation in the talk “The Battle of the Giants”, how he got to Nordic Choice Hotels, their challenges and what's coming in the near future. Patrizia and Torgeir talked about his way into hospitality and the industry, as well as his journey to becoming a General Manager and ultimately a CEO. Torgeir let us in on the growth of Nordic Choice Hotels, from being a small chain that grew into a hotel group with more than 200 hotels in Scandinavia and the circumstances of expanding in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Lithuania. Since the NHC in Copenhagen had been postponed due to the pandemic, Torgeir also shared with us the importance of keeping the culture intact during times like these – prioritising open and transparent but also welcoming communication towards your employees since the situation was hard on both parties. To round off the podcast, Pat and Torgeir discussed the bright future ahead of us in the hospitality industry. Enjoy the show!

The Leading Hotels of the World have cemented their legacy in hospitality for years. Their current President and CEO, Shannon Knapp, joined us on the show and Patrizia and her spoke about the importance of remaining open to new opportunities, that success is not always a linear path and the essence of having mentors in your life that help you navigate through your career. Shannon highlighted the great opportunity of having been able to restructure the organization and invest in developing the data and technology infrastructure. She also spoke to us about the importance of matching the right guest with the right hotel as a travellers preferences are shifting towards emotional wellness, sustainability as well as trading up. We could not let Shannon go without talking about gender parity, female leaders in hospitality and learned that the first president of LHW was in fact a woman named Edith L. Turner. On a final note, Shannon gave us an insight into how she wants the legacy to remain and what goals LHW is striving to achieve in the next ten years. Enjoy the show!

Pascal Jenny, the president of Arosa Tourism in Switzerland came to visit us on the show and talked to us about saving bears, the Arosa 2030 vision and the uniqueness of skiing. The former professional handball player told Philip about the Arosa Bärenland Foundation, whose mission is to save bears, and how they do it by complementing their tourism marketing efforts. Pascal talked to us about visitor numbers in the region, Arosa's target group marketing and the Arosa 2030 vision, which aims to reduce the ecological footprint of the entire destination year by year. Philip and Pascal also spoke about their thoughts on employee satisfaction in the hotel industry, appreciation, consumption today and how it used to be. Obviously we couldn't let Pascal go, before he answered some fun questions about sports, sustainability, and board games! Enjoy the show!

You heard it here first and to mark the occasion, Mieke Veldhuis, Chief People & Culture Officer at The Social Hub, is our guest on our next podcast episode. She revealed to us why The Student Hotel outgrew its name and is changing it to The Social Hub and why the new name is true to the core meaning of TSH. Fritz and Mieke talked about hybrid hospitality and how it resonates with the hub, change management and the challenges that TSH had to face in the past. The Social Hub connects all kinds of stays under one roof: students, short stay hotel guests, long stay hotel guests, co-working and co-living and so Mieke explained the role and importance of people and culture in all that. Mieke also highlighted why she got into hospitality and how her paths crossed with TSH, having worked in retail most of her life. To wrap up, Mieke let us in on a personal secret, what the future holds for The Social Hub and her most memorable hotel experience. Enjoy the show!

In this episode we had the chance to speak to the Co-founder and Managing Director of Limehome, Dr. Josef Vollmayr. We were introduced to the rise of alternative accommodations and the success of sharing economies. Florian and Josef spoke about the companies USP of having no manual interaction in the guest journey as well as building value through technology following the change in customer behaviour. As Josef is a founder, the gentlemen shed light on the key challenges of start-ups and we got an insight into the dynamic venture capitalist scene for tech-enabled hospitality products. Josef reflected upon the benefits of focussing on smaller cities and properties, gaining insights from American concepts and logically we couldn't end the episode without talking about our dreams and wishes for the future. Enjoy the show!

We are back with a brand new podcast season of #smackstories and stopped at nothing short of one of the biggest names in Hospitality globally to kick off the season in style. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor Group, joined us on the show and had a lot of fun giving us a recap on his past 10 years with Accor and what is planned for the upcoming years. Sébastien & Fritz discussed Accor's idea of augmented reality, a more leaner and agile business concept, a shift in the developers mindset as well as an orientation towards sustainability. Sébastien also explained to us what the core of Accor's Heartist® concept is and why the love for people is so important for this industry. We also learned how to make a loyalty program sexy and how to connect with local communities. Needless to say that Fritz and Sébastien couldn't help but briefly talk about their mutual passion for football and do a quick analysis of Fritz' discoveries while visiting one of the Mama Shelter properties for the first time as he was on a date there several years ago. Enjoy the show!

For our 18th episode this season we got the chance to speak to Edith Gerhardt, CEO of Hirmer Hospitality. We discussed her personal career path from The Ritz Carlton to Marriott International, which ultimately lead her to Travel Charme and Hirmer Hospitality. Edith told us about employee motivation and success factors for a hospitality company and emphasized the importance of clear values and measurability to inspire others as visionaries. Further, she elaborates on the significance of positive mistake culture and in that context introduces Mr. BIV, a documentation program to track and learn from mistakes. We learn more about Hirmer Hospitality and the three different brands in the portfolio, namely “Travel Charme”, “Urban Nature” and “truuee” and discuss the difference between operational and strategic thinking. As if all that wasn't enough, Edith also shared her favorite sports with us, causing our host Philip to propose a challenge to Edith at the end. Enjoy the show!