JULY / AUGUST 2020
Vol . 54 , No . 6
F E AT U R E S
HOTELS
40
22
SPECIAL REPORT HOTELS 325
HOTELS annual ranking of the world ’ s biggest hotel companies , based on 2019 data , shows the industry ’ s giants remaining steady — a fair amount of consistency during a time when “ consistent ” is just about the last word on everyone ’ s lips . But the ranking can offer some longer-term perspective , as well : Asiabased companies such as New Century Hotels & Resorts , The Ascott Ltd . and Greenland Hotel and Tourism Group show impressive growth , while stalwarts Marriott International , Hilton , IHG , Wyndham and Accor maintain steady but sure growth . And then there ’ s Oyo .
O n t h e cove r
Amid the coronavirus , hotels are deconstructing , reconsidering and recreating every aspect of their operations . Hospitality designers are rethinking their approaches as well , with imaginative solutions that are clever , not clinical , and spatial layouts that help physical distancing avoid feeling anti-social . Their challenge : Deliver the human touch — without , necessarily , the touch of a human . “ We ’ ll need to provide greater spaciousness in our future hospitality projects ,” says Patrik Schumacher of Zaha Hadid Architects , which designed ME Dubai hotel and the striking building , The Opus , of which it ’ s a part . COVID-19 is keeping the hotel closed for now , but the firm is using digital tools to create scenarios that support social distancing .
July / August 2020 hotelsmag . com 1