Show Notes
The problem isn’t the tech. It’s the gaps where it doesn’t talk to each other. In this live episode recorded at the Independent Hotel Show 2025, we dive deep into the critical weak points in hotel technology. Bringing together hospitality leaders Alessandra Leone, Douglas Waddell, and Tanya Stellard we ask what happens when the tech stack doesn’t quite stack up. From legacy systems and fragile infrastructure to fragmented tools that don’t talk to each other, we unpack the operational realities hotels face today. This isn’t just about tech for tech’s sake - it’s about aligning technology with strategy, empowering teams, and delivering experiences guests actually want. What You’ll Learn - Infrastructure First: Why building a strong foundation is the key to making every system work better. - People at the Core: How involving teams early in the tech journey leads to better adoption and smoother operations. - Smart Investment: Why strategy (not shiny tools), should drive every tech decision. This conversation is a reminder that the best hotel technology isn’t about having the most - it’s about making it work seamlessly, together, for guests and teams alike. Travel Market Life is one of FeedSpot's top Hospitality Podcasts and is produced by Urban Podcasts.
More from Hoteliers’ Voice
In this episode, we sit down with Pete Hurley, founder of Well-Seasoned, to dive deep into the changing landscape of recruitment in the hospitality industry.
In this episode, we sit down with Richard Morris, founder of Hospitality Staffing UK, who brings over two decades of recruitment experience in the hotel and stadia sectors.
Is hospitality just a stepping stone, or can it be a lifelong, fulfilling career? In this episode, we sit down with Marsela Loulai, Hotel Manager at Mercure Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa, for an insightful, practical conversation on the future of talent in the hospitality industry. Drawing from her personal career journey—spanning past milestones, current leadership challenges, and future ambitions—Marsela shares her direct experience with modern people management and hiring in today's competitive landscape. Together, we explore how leaders can rewrite the industry narrative to transform hospitality from a temporary stint into a rewarding, long-term profession. Plus, Marsela gives us an insider’s look at Kenwood Hall—a historic 4-star country house hotel set in 12 acres of tranquil parkland near Sheffield city centre. She breaks down their target guest profile, marketing focus, tailored event packages, and the distinct advantages of combining boutique charm with the global reach of the Mercure brand. Key Highlights & Takeaways Career Trajectory: Marsela’s personal journey and how early experiences shaped her modern leadership style. The Hiring Reality: Honest insights into modern recruitment, retention, and managing diverse teams in today’s market. From Job to Career: Actionable strategies for hospitality leaders to foster long-term career growth and employee loyalty. Behind the Scenes at Kenwood Hall: Understanding their target guests, custom event offerings, and marketing focus. The Brand Advantage: Balancing the local character of a Sheffield landmark with the global strength and support of Mercure.
Discounting gets heads in beds, but does it drive profitable growth? Does it deliver the right type of guests? What are the risks? In this episode, we sit down with Jon Siberry, Revenue Consultant for Z Hotels and Sarova Hotels, to uncover the real impact of flash sales and impulse buying in today’s hotel landscape. Jon breaks down what actually drives results versus what simply erodes your Average Daily Rate (ADR). Whether you're looking to fill sudden distressed inventory or test new market segments, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for executing flash campaigns without diluting your brand. In this episode, we discuss: What Works vs. What Doesn't: The exact conditions under which a flash campaign succeeds, and the common pitfalls that burn revenue. Impact on Rates & ADR: How to structure deep discounts without destroying your rate integrity or anchor pricing. The "Impulse" Guest Profile: Who actually books these deals, their lead times, and how their behavior differs from direct bookers. Ancillary Spend & RevPAR: Does a discounted rate lead to lower overall spend, or can on-property upselling make up the difference? Reviewing Performance: Key metrics beyond occupancy to evaluate whether a campaign was genuinely incremental or just cannibalized direct bookings.
In this episode, founder and director Ira Vouk explains the role of the AI Hospitality Alliance (AIHA), an independent organisation driving the responsible, collaborative adoption of artificial intelligence in the hospitality industry. Cendyn's Chief Customer Officer, Luke Markesky explains why they are a member and why it is an important approach to AI development. What we cover : Mission & Operations: Addressing shared challenges, establishing standards, and defining the alliance's core focus areas. Risks, Concerns & Strategy: Navigating AI adoption, key concerns facing tech vendors, and managing risk and data privacy. Partnership & Governance: Who holds the industry accountable as AI continues to evolve.