Filip Blodinger, CEO of Fleming’s Hotel Group

04/27/20 • 22 min

What does it mean to be an owner-operator in the context of today’s economic uncertainty? CEO of Fleming’s Hotel Group Filip Blodinger discusses this issue with David in our first episode of the week. He talks about the value of a strong asset portfolio and the difference this makes in reducing complexities with banks and other partners.
Going forward, Filip believes there will be increased focus on the need for financial reserves—whether for individuals, companies, states or governments. He also stresses the importance of a diverse brand portfolio, as he believes different segments of the market will emerge from this crisis at different paces.

Previous Episode

Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing

EPISODE 13: Chairman of Jetwing Hiran Cooray is not just a global hospitality leader. He is also one of the most affable, articulate and disarming of all hospitality leaders. In this episode, he speaks candidly to Catherine and about the lockdown, the economic consequences and the future of tourism in Sri Lanka.

Sadly the country is no stranger to crisis, as this week marked only one year since the insidious Easter Sunday bombing. Sri Lanka had emerged strongly from the bombings, but now Cooray believes the global nature of the virus will mean a much longer and deeper impact on both the economy and tourism.

Listen on our website, or wherever you find your podcasts.

Next Episode

Choe Peng Sum, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group

“We must look up,” explains Choe Peng Sum, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, in our latest episode of The Future of Travel. Speaking to David and Catherine, he acknowledges that we’re in the midst of a crisis of unmatched magnitude, but he is optimistic that recovery will come in 2021. The question is whether or not we’re ready for it.
Choe concedes the importance of conserving cash, but he stresses that you can’t just hide away and do nothing. He sees commercial opportunities – not only due to low interest and exchange rates – but also in the way hoteliers do business.
Choe says the hotel industry has traditionally been very backwards. He hopes this crisis will open our minds to doing things differently, whether that’s that means rethinking booking platforms or simply reassessing the importance we place on looking after our teams, our guests and the wider community.