Pamala Baldwin

Chefs talking about Mental Health, humble and hard beginning and changing the kitchen culture for the betterment of the industry.... you don't want to miss this episode with Chief Culinary Officer & Chef, Michael Santoro!

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Hearing more about Citius Retreats, this growing business, from Dr George Bownes today was fantastic. I feel grateful to be working in this market at such an exciting time, due to the innovative business models coming out across health, performance and well being. People want to meet their goals, rehab their injuries, and perform for life. There are expert practitioners ready to assist. The challenge has been providing this integrated multi-disciplinary service similar to Elite Sport and Military Rehab models in a private market. What does this look like in practice? Medicine + Health + Wellness = Recovery + Results + Return to Sport What are your thoughts? Would you go to one of these retreats? #health #performance #sportsmedicine #rehab #recovery #wellness

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The hospitality industry, once a symbol of prosperity and vibrant community life, is facing unprecedented challenges. Sadly, hotel insolvencies are climbing, and beloved pubs and bars are closing their doors. The landscape has shifted dramatically, making it clear that running a hotel today is no longer just a lifestyle choice—it's a significant business risk. I remember when a hotel brigade could easily consist of over 100 chefs, constantly debating the teachings of Escoffier. Even at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre, we had a brigade of 50 chefs, a stark contrast to the last time I visited, where a mere 2 chefs were supported by temporary hires. The Savoy still boasts a brigade of around 120 chefs, and The Ritz operates with about 60, but such large teams are becoming rarities. Minimum wages, skill shortages, and Brexit have gradually reduced brigade sizes, forcing many chefs to multitask. In recent years, we've lost many famous venues, and even Michelin-starred chefs are reporting that they barely break even. Our industry faces increasing challenges daily. When will the government provide the support we need, including greater mobility of staff with Europe and a much-needed reduction in VAT? Despite these pressures, renowned establishments and high standards keep our industry afloat. However, the ever-increasing operational difficulties are straining what was once the backbone of our country. Several factors are driving this change: - **Rising Inflation:** Increased costs across the board are squeezing profit margins. - **High Interest Rates:** Financing for operations and expansions has become more expensive. - **Skyrocketing Utilities:** Energy and utility bills are at an all-time high. - **Higher Minimum Wages:** While fair pay is crucial, it adds pressure to already tight budgets. - **Reduced Customer Spending:** People are going out less, impacting revenue. - **Brexit-Induced Staff Shortages:** Finding and retaining skilled staff is more challenging than ever. - **Impact of COVID-19 and Other Black Swan Events:** The pandemic and other unforeseen events have left lasting scars. In this difficult environment, it’s no surprise to see a pub close and a supermarket open in its place. Supermarkets thrive with high profits, low staff headcounts, and self-service models—traits that starkly contrast with the labor-intensive hospitality sector. As more people choose to eat at home, the need for innovation and resilience in our industry has never been greater. Let’s come together to support each other, share solutions, and advocate for policies that help our beloved industry weather this storm. #Hospitality #IndustryChallenges #SupportLocal #BusinessResilience #Community --- Feel free to tweak this to better match your personal voice or specific focus!

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Discover how online reviews can make or break your hotel’s reputation and learn actionable strategies to turn reviews into your biggest strength. Tune in and take your hospitality game to the next level! Read the blog below. 👇

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In this short snippet taken from the 5-Star Conversation with Gavin M. Faull from Swiss-Belhotel International we discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry and the growing trend towards impersonalisation. Gavin expressed concern that removing human interaction from hotels, such as eliminating front desk staff, could be detrimental. He emphasised that people are essential in hospitality, as everyone seeks human connection, especially in a time of widespread loneliness. Gavin highlighted that while there are innovative hotel concepts like pod hotels, the core of the industry remains its people. He pointed out that hospitality is unique as it continues to employ people, and maintaining this human element is crucial for the industry's survival and growth. Watch the interview on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify. You will find the link in the comment below. #hotelmanagement #hotelleaders #technology4hotels #hotelindustry #hotellife

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In this short snippet taken from the 5-Star Conversation with Gavin M. Faull from Swiss-Belhotel International we discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry and the growing trend towards impersonalisation. Gavin expressed concern that removing human interaction from hotels, such as eliminating front desk staff, could be detrimental. He emphasised that people are essential in hospitality, as everyone seeks human connection, especially in a time of widespread loneliness. Gavin highlighted that while there are innovative hotel concepts like pod hotels, the core of the industry remains its people. He pointed out that hospitality is unique as it continues to employ people, and maintaining this human element is crucial for the industry's survival and growth. Watch the interview on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify. You will find the link in the comment below. #hotelmanagement #hotelleaders #technology4hotels #hotelindustry #hotellife

In recent years, there have been notable acquisitions of boutique hotel brands by large hotel chains - we will not mention any names here. However, it is sad to see the erosion of their boutique individuality, offerings, and distinctness. A part of me can't help but wonder - can these "boutique spin offs" truly capture the same sense of personality that makes boutique hotels so special? Or is it all just surface-level window dressing to replicate what makes independent properties so alluring in the first place?      Independent boutique hotel owners made their name by offering travellers a one-of-a-kind traveling experience. But now that these independent gems are being snapped up, they may end up blending into the crowd, their unique identities at risk of getting eroded.   Ultimately, being part of a large hotel chain certainly offers benefits such as greater support with marketing, distribution, and loyalty. However, the challenge is when these brands can still preserve their unique identity and character post acquisition and enjoy the benefits that a large chain offers.                                             Is the "boutique-ification" of major chains a lasting trend? I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Read the full article "Why your ‘boutique’ hotel stay may not be so boutique after all": https://lnkd.in/gZyDDbA6 #boutiquehotels #brand #acquisition #hotels #hospitality

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5 Key Trends in #TourExperiences - The sector faces consolidation pressures, but fragmentation & specialization provide opportunities. Demographic targeting is on the rise. #AI & #climatechange loom as disruptive forces.

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I love this/ and completely agree. Retail and hospitality are inextricably linked (or at the very least they should be) and the great retail companies out there have shown the remarkable things that happen when they are. LVMH and The Bicester Collection are two of these companies that I respect the most- each has focused for a long time on bringing hospitality into the customer experience, understanding the remarkable impact it can have on the bottom line. So it’s unsurprising (and very cool) to see them join forces in this way. Excited to see what this leads to, and for more companies follow their lead. #unreasonablehospitality

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Leisure travel is surging and shows no signs of slowing down in the next 12 months, says the latest Annual Travel Survey by the Cheval Collection Ltd. Full story: #HOTELS #hotelnews #hospitality #hospitalityindustry #hotelindustry #hospitalitynews #leisuretravel

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How to Enhance Hotel's Operational Efficiency?

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Wellness that works indeed. One of the things I truly admire about working in wellness is our industry's openness to collaboration. It's one of our greatest strengths. Citius are a shining showcase of this – by bringing experts together, merging their skills, experience, networks and ideas, they are creating truly innovative injury recovery and wellness services. By working as a team, we can accomplish far more than any one person could alone. The result, we can make a far greater impact, and improve the quality of more lives. This is what matters, this is why we do what we do.

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We want to feature your hotel's sustainability initiatives in The Hotel Magazine! In our November edition, our Sustainability feature is looking at ‘Carbon Footprint Reduction’, where we will be discussing strategies for cutting emissions. Within the piece I would like to share a select few case studies on hotels that have successfully implemented strategies that have helped cut their carbon footprint. Comment below or get in touch with details on how your hotel has reduced its carbon footprint!

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Minor Hotels AvaniWell's wellbeing approach is underpinned by holistic spa therapies, nutrition, fitness, medical diagnostics and wellness interventions. Spa Business #adventure #wellness #spa #ThaiMedicine #wellbeing #holistic #nutrition #fitness #medicine #AvaniWell https://bit.ly/47lz4SI

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Prince Rainier was dubbed “The Builder Prince” due to the physical expansion of Monaco. Along with his many initiatives to save the planet I would like to suggest that Prince Albert II could reasonably be called “The Digital Prince” because of the world leading innovations to fully digitize The Principality Of Monaco, Monte-Carlo. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dhkTJ7mJ In addition to Prince Albert’s governments initiatives he has also offered his patronage to one of the world’s leading digital events called MEWS - The Metaverse Entertainment Worlds https://www.themews.world lead by Steven Saltzman  showcasing and celebrating outstanding industry leaders, talent, virtual worlds, innovations, entertainers & content creators globally in AI, Gaming, Spatial Computing, Metaverse Worlds, NFTs and Web3. We have also started a new Group called “Monaco WEB3” to continue the conversation, hold events & drive adoption of digital technologies, in Monaco and beyond,  for for high net worth (HNWIs), ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), family offices, and private banking: https://lnkd.in/dy-w65Mg and you are invited to join us! Monaco, Monte-Carlo has a comprehensive digital agenda, here is a list of the key areas of activity: Monaco's Embrace of Web3 and Digital Technologies 1.   Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency 2.   e-Government Services 3.   Smart City Initiatives 4.   Health and Well-being 5.   Education and Innovation 6.   Financial Services Benefits to Nationals and Residents 1.   Improved Government Services 2.   Enhanced Quality of Life 3.   Economic Opportunities 4.   Sustainability Monaco is well on the way to becoming a world leader of digital technologies, I am enjoying being a part of this story. Please contact me to discuss digital opportunities and technologies. Carl Henry Photo by Ed Wright Images Monaco Edward Wright

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