In conversation with Wyndham

Meeting industry peers at IHIF in Berlin last week generated a real buzz amongst attendees. Long overdue, and even with the audience down in numbers, it was great to connect with those who made the effort to show up and support.

The first of several interviews, I had a lively conversation with Dimitris Manikis, Wyndham’s EMEA president. Off screen he emphasised the need for collaboration, and his passion to guide and help clients is largely expressed through Manikis’ choice of words, describing Wyndham as a “family”.

It’s perhaps unsurprising that flexibility and agility were some notable changes in the negotiation of contracts. In addition, Manikis explained that the launch of Registry Collection Hotels was in response to the changing needs of owners. “We created a brand that reflects unique properties around the world that feel the need to belong, but don’t want to lose their DNA,” he said.

When it comes to meeting market demands, independent hotel owners are nimble enough to implement business changes as they see fit. “Brand standards are going to be different,” Manikis said, “and there’s many [other] things we need to change. One thing we’ve learned is the need to adapt as quickly as possible… it’s a thin balance between being standardised but at the same time be agile and reflect the changes in the market place.”

Watch the full interview here.

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