EDITOR ’ S DIARY
PASSION FOR HOSPITALITY
Remain
RESOLUTE
As the global hotel industry manages through another black swan event , this time the novel coronavirus , I am reminded of the experienced leaders guiding the industry through the rough waters . The message I received in the early days of the outbreak , and which I relay to you here , is not to overreact . Don ’ t panic sell , as we have learned that lowering rates does not induce demand . In fact , look for opportunities to grow , as well as work in your communities to help those less fortunate . It ’ s a great opportunity to walk your talk about corporate social responsibility .
The industry has seen worse upheaval , but it has traditionally
Editor In Chief
been regional in nature . The global spread of the virus is generating sensational headlines and perhaps a bit more uneasiness than during past events like SARS and H1N1 . In due time it is reasonable to expect this virus will join the history books . How you manage through and forward is what matters .
With that in mind , I think about this month ’ s People Issue and the Legend profile on Marriott International ’ s Arne Sorenson . First and foremost , I hope this steady and strong leader quickly recovers from serious illness . He has always presented himself as strong willed and resolute , qualities required to beat back cancer .
Arne says his joy for the hotel business can carry him through even the toughest moments . “ It brings curiosity . It brings stamina … I ’ m curious about the world , so the travel is not a wearying thing . It is an energizing thing ,” he says . I only hope he can call on his outlook and all of his best personal qualities to overcome his diagnosis .
In my interview with Arne , he spoke like a leader with a steady hand , and someone who appreciates and is grateful for the opportunities a career in hospitality has afforded him . He loves to talk about the wonders of travel and the cultures he experiences . Perhaps even more important , he knows how to stop and smell the roses , as well as interact with and show appreciation for thousands who try to uphold the values created by the Marriott family .
These are the qualities of a leader who will manage so many through a difficult time such as this . Consider who and what is at risk , stay true to your vision as best you can , lean on your knowledgeable contemporaries for further guidance and know this , too , shall pass . Please put your teams and community first and know better days are ahead .
This issue is filled with inspiring stories about leaders , as well as up-and-comers , who use the hotel industry as their personal platforms for growth . If you are looking for guidance , especially now , please read through these profiles and maybe you will find hope and some of the same threads of joy expressed by legend Arne Sorenson .
EDITORIAL Jeff Weinstein , Editor In Chief 1.312.274.2226 E-mail : jweinstein @ hotelsmag . com Barbara Bohn , Managing Editor 1.312.274.2209 E-mail : bbohn @ hotelsmag . com Bert Ganzon , Senior Art Director 1.312.274.2227 E-mail : bganzon @ mtgmediagroup . com Steve Vanden Heuvel , Vice President / Creative Director 1.312.274.2218 E-mail : svandenheuvel @ mtgmediagroup . com Brittney Hackbart , Associate Art Director 1.312.274.2216 E-mail : bhackbart @ mtgmediagroup . com Carolina Martinez , Freelance Design E-mail : cmartinez @ mtgmediagroup . com Bill McDowell , Vice President , Editorial Director 1.312.274.2201 bmcdowell @ mtgmediagroup . com
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Judith Crown , Megan Rowe , Juliana Shallcross , Erin Sund
PUBLISHING David Wood , Publisher 1.312.274.2225 dwood @ hotelsmag . com Bill Kinross , Vice President , Group Publisher 312 / 274-2214 bkinross @ meatingplace . com
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD Nakul Anand Executive Director , ITC Ltd ., Gurgaon , India Stephen Bartolin President , Broadmoor Sea Island Co ., Colorado Springs , Colorado Alex Kyriakidis President and Managing Director , Middle East and Africa , Marriott International , Dubai Christopher Nassetta President and CEO , Hilton Worldwide , McLean , Virginia Monika Nerger Chief Information Officer , Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group , Atlanta Paul Sistare President and CEO , Atlantica Hotels International , São Paulo Susan Terry Vice president of culinary and food and beverage operations , Marcus Hotels & Resorts , Milwaukee , Wisconsin
EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION OFFICES , HOTELS Marketing and Technology Group 1415 N . Dayton Street Chicago , Illinois 60642 USA 1.312.274.2200 ; edit @ hotelsmag . com
Subscriptions / Change Of Address For address changes or subscription questions , please contact : Customer Service , HOTELS , 1209 Dundee Ave . # 8 , Elgin , Illinois 60120 USA . E-mail : PrintCirc @ hotelsmag . com or call : 800.697.2111
6 hotelsmag . com April 2020