The first panel session of the final day of IHIF 2014 was moderated by Anita Mendiratta, Founder and Managing Director of Cachet Consulting. When asked about how they position themselves as desirable tourism destinations, Dr Sapta Nirwander, Vice Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Republic of Indonesia commented that there was currently a significant amount of human capital investment taking place in Indonesia. Both Indonesia and Tanzania recognise the benefit of working closely with neighbouring countries to create a region that is attractive to tourism investment, and therefore tourism.

Meanwhile, Hon. Lazaro Nyalandu, Minister for Tourism, United Republic of Tanzania, noted the transformation of the country in recent years legally, politically and socially. He noted the wide range of tax incentives currently available and identified Tanzania as one of the leading countries in Africa for direct foreign investment.

The formal sessions for the morning concluded with Owners ad Operators Talk Business, which was lead by Christoph Härle, Chief Executive Officer Continental Europe – Hotels and Hospitality, Jones Lang LaSalle. Three pairs of Owners and Operators took to the stage to discuss their working partnerships and how best to structure communications with owners and nurture relationships for sustainable growth.

Amy McPherson, President & Managing Director, Europe, Marriott Hotels International and Petr Chitipakhovyan, President, CH-Group, stated that mutual respect and honesty are the key contributing elements to their success. Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Rezidor Hotel Group and Frederic de Brem, Managing Director, Algonquin France, discussed current projects, and specifically the Radisson Blu Lyon, where both parties are working on the current remodelling. Neumann commented: “This project puts pay to the rumour that owner and operator can’t work together. It is on and time and under budget”. Finally Federico Gonzalez Tejera, Chief Executive Officer, NH Hotel Group and Riccardo Dallolio, Head of Alternatives and Special Situations, AXA Real Estate, summarised the general sentiment of the session, saying that “trust, honesty and transparency between partners is vital”.

International companies continued to announce news at the IHIF including InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) signing two further hotels in London with Hotel Indigo London – Barbican and Holiday Inn Watford Junction. As a result, during the last nine months, IHG signed all six of its current European brands into its Greater London pipeline, reinforcing IHG’s presence in the UK’s capital.

IHG also announced the signing of Holiday Inn Express Manchester Airport. The 201-room hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Manchester Airport PLC and is due to open in the next coming months.

Azmont Investments, the owner and developer of Portonovi, a €500 million luxury development in Montenegro with Europe’s first One & Only resort and ultra-luxury residences, announced a new partnership with wellness brand Chenot. The pair will team up to offer a wellness and vitality centre, opening in 2016.

The IHIF 2015 will take place from 2-4 March 2015.

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