Posts by author

Riccardo Cala

2 posts
View Post
  • 8 min

The Dark Mode: Hospitality Reverberations (PART TWO)

🏨 In the hospitality industry, the "Dark Mode" trend reflects a reaction to economic and geopolitical climates, suggesting a shift towards macro developments rather than endogenous creative trends. The advice for hospitality operators is to be cautious, with meaningful changes being slow and the industry selling buildings, not t-shirts. Specific recommendations include: avoiding CSR-washing without action, not passing responsibility onto customers, moving away from "cute" branding unless it aligns with the brand, rediscovering the essence and mystique of hospitality, investing in privacy and data security, and considering color palettes like Phthalo Green and Mocha Mousse. Luxury and upscale lifestyle segments should focus on escapism and theatricality, mid-scale lifestyle on controversy and dating trends, budget and conference on reassurance and genuine friendliness, and independent/boutique on meaningful community engagement.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 5 min

To the gates! Real branding is coming to hospitality (maybe).

🏨 A major consumer brand is predicted to launch its own hospitality brand with the first hotel opening and more within the next 18 months. The concept includes unique properties like Neighbourhood Tokyo, Patta Amsterdam & Lagos, Casa Loewe in New York, Singapore, and Seoul, Lululemon Vancouver, Heaven Berlin & San Diego by Marc Jacobs, Fjallraven Cabins in Nuuk, Reyjkjavik, Kiruna, and Liquid Death Resort in Gold Coast AU and Everglades US. Hospitality is seen as the ultimate storytelling stage, where immersive experiences can be most effective. Traditional hospitality companies may become Icons, Realists, or Shadows, adapting to the entrance of non-native brands in the industry, which may disrupt service delivery and brand experience.
View Post
Share