Big interview
prudently optimistic. We choose to believe that the future of our company and the industry most importantly, is quite positive.”
A yearning for bespoke hospitality A cursory glance at Radisson Hotel Group’s figures gives credence to Younes’s cautious but optimistic outlook. Last year the group made 40 signings, an impressive haul in any year let alone one reeling from the impact of a global pandemic – and the economic depression that ensued. So far, in Q3, RHG has made 50 hotel signings and nearly 30 openings to date, with notable expansion in Morocco – where seven new hotels have been signed, four of which opened this summer – Saudi Arabia and Russia. The group has also enjoyed sustained growth
across the Asia Pacific region (APAC). Alongside India, where it has fostered an expansive, nationwide presence, China remains a significant asset. Bolstered by the support from international Chinese shareholder Jin Jiang, Radisson Hotel Group is intent on delivering 800 hotels in the APAC region in five years. Most of these are in China. Younes refuses to take credit for any of it. “This is the fruit of great people in the company,” he says, “not just in my team, but across the company, and our shareholders. Their commitment to continue
the growth journey of the company.” Speaking of his own leadership style, he argues that
clarity and empowerment above anything else are the one quality he strives for. “When it comes to interacting with your teams, there is an increasing need for very clear communication,” he says. “Which becomes key during periods [of adversity] and you also have to have trust. Trust in your people and trust in yourself.” The creation of a new brand, Radisson Individuals, has only enhanced the group’s appeal, bringing stylish hotels into the group’s portfolio while allowing them to keep their unique sense of place and personality. With 20 properties firmly established a year since it was launched, the concept has been a resounding success. After the launch of a flagship property in Bath,
UK, the brand has signed hotels in places as diverse as Estonia, India, Serbia and Scotland. More recently, it has debuted in Italy, with the opening of two properties in Sicily and Piedmont, while Anda Hotel Athens will see Greece enter the fray. “Our view moving forward is that people will be less attached to standardisation,” Younes explains. “There will be many people that will continue to want that. But there will be an increasing element of people that say ‘I don’t want standardisation, I want an element of bespoke’”. Russia continues to be a major focal point for RHG
where it is the leading international operator with 47 hotels and 12,220 rooms in operation and development.
Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com
This monopoly has only been strengthened through an agreement signed between RHG and Cosmos Hotel Group (part of the AFK Sistema company), which will see seven existing hotels join the Radisson Individuals brand, with another four set to open by 2025. The Kingdom of Saudi, on the hand, represents
something of an untapped resource with the state barring tourist visas until 2019. As the country seeks to diversify its reliance away from oil reserves that are drying up, it has been working double-time to enhance its hospitality portfolio. Like other large hotel groups, RHG has jumped at the chance to build its presence in region, doubling its offerings in Makkah (Mecca) by adding nearly 1,000 rooms and serviced apartments in Thakher City.
Above: Elie Younes (pictured) brings an unwaveringly optimistic perspective to his role at the Radisson Hotel Group.
Opposite page: The Radisson Hotel Gorizont in the district of Rostov-on-Don in Russia.
“When it comes to interacting with your teams, there is an increasing need for very clear communication, which becomes key during periods [of adversity] and you also have to have trust. Trust in your people and trust in yourself.”
While it represents an enticing business opportunity on account of its wealth, heritage, and picturesque landscapes, questions still swirl around the countries conservative attitudes. Not least the intentions of its ruler Mohammed bin Salman, who has been accused of trying to purify Saudi Arabia’s image through sportswashing and foreign investment schemes.
An open future
Having spent considerable time in the Middle East, Dubai in particular, Younes more than understands these concerns, but sees the kingdom as a work in progress rather than a readymade hospitality package. “I think we as people living in the West take for granted the social liberties that we have here. Saudi
50 Radisson Hotels 17
The number of hotel signings that RHG has made as well as nearly 30 openings to date, with notable expansion in Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Radisson Hotel Group
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