Octopus Revenue Podcast

In this episode, we talk to Andrew Glover, Head of Revenue Management at Best Western Hotels, who describes COVID-19 as being thrown overboard a ship without a buoy to cling on to. Hear Andrews views on pricing, and how important it is for hotels not to enter into a price war. Andrew is confident that the revenue management systems that we all know and love will start to work again, it’s only a matter of time.

In this episode, we talk to Neetu Mistry, Commercial Director at Cycas Hospitality. Neetu is responsible for all three hotel commercial functions, revenue management, sales and marketing across properties in the UK and Europe. Neetu shares her thoughts around key revenue management activities and how these may change as we navigate our way through COVID-19. We also discuss topics such as the role of the revenue management system post COVID-19, and how revenue managers may need to adjust their focus when it comes to forecasting in the ‘new normal’ This honest and completely transparent discussion also touches on Neetu’s personal challenges during lockdown, such as home schooling and mental health.

In this episode, we talk to Stephanie Gibson, Director of Revenue Management at Chris Stewart Group, who operate hotels and serviced apartments in Edinburgh. This is the first year, since 1947, that Edinburgh will not be hosting their annual International Festival in August, which typically brings in excess of 40,000 international visitors to the City. Hear Steph’s projections and thoughts around how the Edinburgh market will take shape across the Summer, and her thoughts around the proposed Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) of £2.00 per room per night, and how this may impact tourism. Steph also shares her feelings on her first day ‘back in the office’ after COVID and how this made her feel.

In this episode we talk to Stuart Gillespie, Commercial Director at Park Regis, Birmingham. Stuart has had a long career in the hospitality industry, working in various roles, and has recently joined the team at Park Regis, just before COVID-19 hit our industry hard. Stuart shares his thoughts specifically around the Birmingham market, and the impact of COVID-19 on the City, future events and the meetings and event segments. Hear how Stuart is planning on re-energising his team once the hotel re-opens its doors.

In this episode we talk to Rachel Jones, Regional Director of Revenue Management at Interstate Hotels & Resorts. Rachel, who is responsible for 17 branded properties in the United Kingdom, shares her views on the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, and how she and her team have adapted to new ways of thinking and working. We discuss challenges such as social distancing rules, and how these measures will impact the ability to optimise revenue streams across outlets in certain types of properties, and whether the revenue management strategies in place across bigger brands will support recovery from COVID-19 at a quicker pace than that of independent hotels.