Latest news with #EHLHospitalityBusinessSchool
Hospitality Net
a day ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
EHL Innovation Rewind: Ian Millar on Fixing the Tech Mindset Before Chasing Tech Solutions
At theEHL Open Innovation Summit, we had the chance to speak with Ian Millar, Senior Lecturer at EHL Hospitality Business School. Our conversation focused on why the biggest challenge in hospitality tech today is not the technology itself, but how we think about it. Ian argues that before adopting new tools, the industry must adopt a new mindset. It should prioritize understanding the real problems, embrace frontline insights, and welcome a culture of curiosity and change. Which innovation or technology do you think will have the biggest impact in our industry over the next 5 to 10 years? If I could answer that perfectly, I would not need to work anymore. But here is what I see. One of the simplest yet most overlooked shifts is still cloud computing. It might sound basic, but we have not properly adopted it at scale in hospitality. It is foundational. Without getting into the usual buzzwords, the reality is many in the industry still do not have their tech stack in order. We need to fall in love with the problem, not the solution. Too often we jump to the latest tech trend without truly understanding what issue we are trying to solve. Our industry is still full of manual processes, especially in the back office—things like finance, reconciliation, and revenue management. These areas are ripe for automation, but the technology is secondary. What matters is understanding what is broken and fixing that. Who is responsible for shifting the narrative—from loving solutions to loving the problem? It is not just the CTO, the CEO, or academia. It is people who are passionate about solving problems. It could be anyone who takes the time to sit down and ask the right questions. Personally, I believe it should start with the frontline. Go ask your staff, 'What is one thing you do every day that you hate doing?' That is where the real problems are. We need to move away from top-down strategies and start listening. There is often a disconnect between what general managers think is happening and what actually happens on the floor. Culture plays a huge role here. And yes, I once spent two weeks working in a retail store tagging shirts and packing bags just to understand what needed to change. It was the most insightful thing I ever did. Can you tell us more about your article on the 'technology mindset' for the Hotel Yearbook? The article explores the difference between a traditional mindset and a technology mindset. Hospitality has always been about people and service. That is valid. But guests' expectations are changing. Why should it be so radical to let someone check into a five-star hotel themselves if they want to? Technology should offer choice. Unfortunately, many decision-makers in the industry neither like nor understand tech. And we do not have enough technology advisers at the executive level. Tech is often treated as an afterthought. The mindset needs to shift from resistance to curiosity. Does academia have a responsibility in helping drive this change? Absolutely. That is my job. I train the future managers of hospitality, and it is my role to challenge the norms. I ask students: does this process still make sense in 2025? We need more mavericks, more people willing to shake things up. Hospitality is a wonderful industry, but we are risk averse. We like the status quo. If we want to stay relevant and create better guest experiences, we must think differently and mix things up. About the EHL Open Innovation Summit 2025 This interview was recorded during the EHL Open Innovation Summit in Lausanne, where Hospitality Net joined as official media partner. The event brought together a global mix of thinkers and doers to explore the future of hospitality, food, and travel through open innovation. What made it special was the mix of ideas, formats, and people. It was not only about tech or talks. It was also about people showing up, working together, and sharing energy in real time. Key Figures 385 participants 48 speakers and contributors from more than 20 countries 7 innovation challenges collectively addressed 45 sessions 25 student volunteers 15 F&B startups letting us taste the future 1.5 days of connection, learning, and co-creation Key Insights from the Summit
Independent Singapore
21-04-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Analysts: Lady Gaga's Singapore Mayhem Ball concert to bring in 200K visitors and up to S$250M in revenue
SINGAPORE: Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem Ball' concert in Singapore, her only Asian stop, is expected to draw around 200,000 visitors and generate up to S$250 million in revenue, according to analysts. While the impact may not match Taylor Swift's Midas Touch, which boosted the city-state's economy by S$540 million , analysts still expect The Gaga Effect to lift Singapore's tourism and retail sectors, Singapore Business Review reported. Lau Kong Cheen, an associate professor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, expects the concerts to bring in between S$200 million and S$250 million across sectors, including entertainment and tourism. While Taylor Swift's shows may have brought in higher direct revenue, Mr Lau believes Lady Gaga's overall impact could be on par. Dr Natt Srinara, a marketing lecturer at EHL Hospitality Business School, estimated that Lady Gaga's concerts could bring in between S$100 million and S$200 million in tourism receipts, lower than the about S$300 million generated by Taylor Swift's six-night shows last March 2024. Dr Srinara told Singapore Business Review that the current trade dispute situation could soften demand slightly, pointing to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. He added, 'But because Singapore is really the most viable venue in all of Southeast Asia, even possibly Asia, we should still see decent numbers [of economic value].' In early April, Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong said in Parliament that while Singapore may or may not avoid a recession this year, the economy of the city-state will still be 'significantly impacted' by the waves of tariffs . Christopher Khoo, managing director at MasterConsult Services, said the concerts are expected to attract 200,000 visitors. He noted that although anticipation for Lady Gaga's return is high, 'it will not measure up to what Taylor Swift achieved last year.' According to the Singapore Tourism Board, Taylor Swift's exclusive appearance in Singapore last year, which brought in criticism from regional neighbours, brought in more than 300,000 fans from Singapore and across Southeast Asia. Data from the Monetary Authority of Singapore revealed that tourism receipts from her concerts, along with Coldplay's, reached between S$350 million and S$450 million. DBS data cited by Bloomberg said Taylor Swift's shows alone may have brought in S$300 million to S$400 million. Preliminary data from CoStar Group Inc. showed that Taylor Swift's six-day concerts led to the highest average daily hotel revenue in March and set a new record for revenue per available room. Mr Khoo noted that Lady Gaga's four-night May stop in the Lion City could be a 'strategic opportunity', as the month is usually a lull period for Singapore tourism. He added that Singapore could easily absorb the expected crowd without affecting regular tourist traffic, noting that, unlike Taylor Swift's concerts last year, which came right after the Singapore Airshow and led to a crowded Singapore. The airshow was held from Feb 20 to 25, 2024, while Taylor Swift's concerts followed soon after, from Mar 2 to 9. According to Mr Lau, high-profile concerts have made the city-state 'look more fun, energetic and exciting, beyond just being seen as a place for culture and shopping.' /TISG Read also: Swiftonomics boosted 35% UOB card billings; cardholders spent over S$30M on Eras Tour tickets
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Reham Rednah earns executive certificate from EHL in hospitality leadership
Lausanne, Switzerland: Reham Rednah has successfully earned an Executive Certificate in Hospitality Leadership Development from EHL Hospitality Business School, the world's top-ranked institution for hospitality education. This achievement underscores her dedication to driving excellence and innovation in Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector. The intensive program, developed through a strategic partnership between EHL and Bunyan Academy, aims to empower 100 Saudi professionals through a blend of practical training and executive education. With a strong focus on teaching customer service excellence and the adoption of world-class hospitality standards, it directly supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to transform and elevate the nation's tourism landscape. Building on this accomplishment, Rednah expressed her enthusiasm, stating: "I am truly honored to be part of this pioneering program. It has been a transformative learning experience that equipped me with invaluable skills and practical insights. I look forward to applying this knowledge to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's evolving hospitality sector." She further emphasized the importance of the collaboration between EHL and Bunyan Academy, saying: "This strategic partnership provides a comprehensive and impactful educational experience, offering participants an unmatched opportunity to grow and excel in this vital sector. I am eager to leverage the knowledge I have gained to support the Kingdom's ambitious journey toward becoming a global tourism destination." As part of the Kingdom's vision, this transformative initiative marks a turning point in developing Saudi hospitality professionals by combining Switzerland's world-renowned expertise with Saudi Arabia's strategic human capital goals. Participants emerge with advanced international skills and insights that empower them to contribute to the Kingdom's thriving tourism and hospitality sectors. This achievement reflects ongoing national efforts to foster growth and innovation in the hospitality industry, contributing directly to Vision 2030 and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading player on the global tourism stage.
