Navigating the Future of Hospitality

Anatoly Kondratenko is a seasoned hotel management strategist with a remarkable track record in the hospitality industry. Currently affiliated with Accor, a prestigious French[1]based international hotel management company, he plays a pivotal role in seeking and securing new hotel management and franchise opportunities across North and Central America, focusing on Canada. Anatoly’s expertise extends to identifying mixed-use projects that skillfully integrate branded residential elements, enhancing the allure of renowned hotel brands like Fairmont and Raffles. With a noteworthy tenure at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Anatoly’s visionary approach continues to drive success in the realm of luxury hospitality

In an interview with Business Management Review Canada, Anatoly Kondratenko, VP of Development, Hotels & Residences, NCA at Accor, offers insights into the dynamic landscape of the hospitality business industry, and highlights the work that goes into securing the best customer experiences.

As the VP of Development in your organization, what challenges would you say leaders are facing in this sector?

Being a leader requires the ability to thrive both as a team player and an independent decision-maker. In my role, I search for projects aligning with our company’s brands, advising hotel owners and developers on the best fit, including room count, restaurants, and other facilities. I collaborate with colleagues from various departments, such as design, brands, legal, and operations, to create suitable management or franchise agreements. This multifaceted approach ensures effective teamwork while working closely with hotel owners to successfully seal deals.

I also handle existing properties that can be converted, once necessary improvements are completed as required by the brand. For hard brands, extensive permits are often necessary, depending on the property’s condition. Soft brands, aka collection brands, may require minimal improvements but must be compatible with the global IT systems of the hotel chain. Balancing independence and teamwork is essential, as significant deals, such as the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto with over 1000 rooms, necessitate collaborative efforts to achieve success.

What are some technological trends that you have noticed are impacting the marketplace today?

Post-pandemic, touchless technologies have become ubiquitous. For instance, before the onset of the pandemic, some hotels offered mobile check-in, allowing guests to proceed directly to their rooms using their mobile devices to unlock the doors. However, not many hotel owners were willing to invest in this technology at that time.

Now, the hospitality industry is witnessing a surge in touchless check-ins and check-outs, a prominent trend visible to hotel clients. This touchless approach enhances convenience and safety for guests. Simultaneously, there is a growing reliance on cloud-based reporting systems and guest databases within the hotel industry. It ensures real-time data access, enhanced security, lower costs and streamlined operations, contributing to improved efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Would you like to share any particular projects that you have been recently working on?

Our portfolio includes renowned properties such as Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge among others in Canada. We also have a strong presence in the United States with Fairmont Century Plaza Los Angeles, Fairmont San Francisco, and The Plaza New York to name a few. Recently, we solidified our commitment to the region by signing a management agreement with our esteemed partner, Oxford Properties, to oversee the operations of the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, strategically located just four kilometers south of the city of Banff. We already have a strong presence in the Rocky Mountains nearby, making the partnership all the more valuable.

"After a period of restricted travel due to the pandemic, there is now a notable pent-up demand for exploration and new experiences. Despite economic challenges like inflation, people’s desire to travel and visit new places remains high"

Our primary focus, in collaboration with our partner who owns the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, is to adhere to environmentally friendly practices while catering to the high demands of our luxury hotel guests. Despite the emphasis on sustainability and environmental initiatives, we also strive to ensure that our guests enjoy unparalleled comfort during their stay.

As a leader in the hospitality space, how do you envision the future of the industry?

The future of the hospitality industry appears incredibly promising. After a period of restricted travel due to the pandemic, there is now a notable pent-up demand for exploration and new experiences. Despite economic challenges like inflation, people’s desire to travel and visit new places remains high. They are eager to seize the opportunity to travel now, concerned that future lockdowns may disrupt plans. This optimism is further reinforced by the long-term focus of our management agreements, reflecting the stability and reliability of the hospitality business. As people’s passion for travel endures, the mid-term and long-term future of the industry looks bright, offering a solid and flourishing business outlook.

And finally, what would be your piece of advice for the budding professionals in the hospitality space?

To any leader or individual in business today, regardless of the industry, my first advice would be to maintain a positive outlook. Even in challenging situations that may seem negative at first glance, there is always an opportunity waiting to be discovered. This leads to my second piece of advice: be creative. Think outside the box and explore opportunities beyond conventional business trends. Embracing creativity can lead to innovative solutions and open new pathways for success. By combining positivity and creativity, leaders can navigate through uncertainties and thrive in any business environment.