This global forum brings together professionals from across the lodging and hospitality industry to connect, collaborate, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Our mission is to foster open, solutions-driven conversations around the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry today — from shifting market dynamics to innovation, sustainability, and workforce transformation.
We aim to create a platform where industry stakeholders — including owners, operators, developers, advisors, and investors — can share insights, build partnerships, and work collectively toward the greater good of the global hospitality ecosystem.
The Future of Wellness and Longevity - Merging Hospitality with Healthcare
Summary
In this conversation, Ingo Schweder, Founder and CEO, GOCO Hospitality and Managing Director Horwath HTL Health & Wellness, reflects on the personal health crisis that moved him from traditional hospitality into wellness and shaped his approach to GOCO Hospitality. He discusses the evolution of the wellness industry, the growing convergence of hospitality and healthcare, and the importance of personalized, culturally relevant wellness experiences. The conversation also explores shifting consumer psychology, generational differences in technology use, gender dynamics in wellness, the rise of community-driven experiences, and the need for a more balanced future that integrates scientific innovation with natural practices.
Takeaways
• Ingo's personal battle with cancer shifted his perspective on health.
• The wellness industry is rapidly evolving, focusing on longevity.
• Experiential travel is becoming a key aspect of wellness.
• Not every resort needs extensive wellness facilities.
• Cultural relevance is crucial in wellness offerings.
• Personalized wellness is essential for effective health management.
• Consumer demand is driving scientific advancements in wellness.
• Younger generations are more aware of their health needs.
• Data overload can lead to stress and burnout.
• A democratic approach to wellness is necessary for all.
• Pharmaceutical companies contribute to rising healthcare costs.
• Healthy eating habits are crucial for wellness.
• Education is key to understanding wellness needs.
• Loneliness is a growing concern across all generations.
• Festivalization of wellness promotes social interaction.
• Wellness communities foster engagement and connection.
Navigating Market Cycles - The Art of Long-Term Investing in Real Estate
In hospitality real estate, value is rarely obvious at first glance. In this episode of Hospitality Talks, Jimmy Merkel, CEO and co-founder of Rockbridge, shares how a lifelong curiosity about investing grew into a disciplined approach to building durable value across hotels and hospitality assets. From his early lessons in value investing to the mentors who shaped his leadership philosophy, Jimmy reflects on the experiences that helped define Rockbridge’s long-term perspective. He also discusses how the firm evaluates market cycles, repositions complex assets, adapts to changing consumer preferences, and builds trust with lenders, investors, and teams. Beyond the numbers, Jimmy offers a thoughtful look at purpose-driven leadership, community impact, and what it takes to lead with integrity in a constantly evolving industry.
Takeaways:
• Jimmy's early investment experience ignited his passion for investing.
• The importance of understanding true value over market volatility.
• Long-term investors are rewarded for their patience and strategy.
• Mentorship and relationships play a crucial role in professional growth.
• A growth mindset fosters resilience in business.
• The hospitality industry requires both creative and analytical skills.
• Investing in hospitality is about creating durable value.
• Rockbridge evolved to manage risk and enhance investment returns.
• Successful investment requires aligning team goals with investment objectives.
• Hotels are both operating businesses and real estate.
• Reinvestment is crucial for maintaining competitive positioning.
• Understanding consumer preferences is key to creating value.
• Building trust with lenders and investors is essential.
• Purpose-driven leadership can impact communities positively.
• Leadership should evolve to leave a lasting legacy.
• Mistakes are learning opportunities, not regrets.
• Cultivating value enriches lives and drives business success.
• Strong relationships are foundational to business success
The Economic Power of Travel and Tourism
In this conversation, Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council, reflects on her journey through the travel industry and the lifelong passion for travel and technology that shaped her career. She discusses the lessons learned from the pandemic, the sector’s resilience, and the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. Gloria also underscores tourism’s economic importance, the urgent need for workforce development, and the role of technology in improving travel experiences. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes sustainability, advocacy, partnerships, and education as essential forces shaping the future of global travel.
Takeaways
• Gloria Guevara's journey began with a passion for travel and technology.
• The pandemic taught the industry valuable lessons about resilience.
• Traveler expectations have shifted towards meaningful experiences post-pandemic.
• Cultural experiences remain a key aspect of travel despite technological advancements.
• The travel and tourism sector is a major contributor to global GDP.
• The industry supports over 370 million jobs worldwide.
• It serves as a cross-cultural bridge, promoting global understanding.
• Current challenges include labor shortages and climate pressures.
• Technology can enhance travel experiences and improve efficiency.
• AI integration is becoming increasingly important in tourism.
• Leadership is crucial in guiding the industry through crises.
• Sustainable travel is a key focus for future growth.
• Advocacy and grassroots efforts are vital for the travel industry's growth.
The Art of Hosting - Strategy, Service, and Soul
In this episode of Hospitality Talks, I sit down with Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Group Chief Strategy Officer at Accor and CEO of Orient Express, for a thoughtful conversation on what hospitality means in a world where luxury is being redefined. From her journey as a global citizen to her transition from brokerage and real estate strategy into brand leadership, Gilda shares powerful lessons on curiosity, adaptability, heritage, and human connection. We explore why true luxury is not simply about price or design, but about time, memory, personalization, scarcity, and the art of hosting. Gilda also reflects on the future of hospitality—where heritage brands must innovate without losing their soul, where service must restore dignity and humanity, and where growth is measured by quality, not just quantity.
Key Takeaways:
- Gilda identifies as a global citizen with a diverse background.
- Travel fosters adaptability and a strong sense of self.
- Curiosity is essential for growth in the hospitality industry.
- Emotional attachment plays a crucial role in valuing heritage properties.
- Luxury is defined by time and experiences.
- The hospitality industry is vast and offers many career paths.
- Caring for guests is fundamental to true hospitality.
- Commoditization undermines the essence of luxury service.
- The sense of ownership is deeply valued by older generations.
- Luxury is about exclusivity and personalization, not just price.
- Community and connection are essential for happiness.
- Heritage brands must innovate while preserving their history.
- Scarcity is crucial in the luxury market.
- NUG (Net Unit Growth) is an overused metric that should be reconsidered.
- The art of hosting is vital in hospitality.
- Dignity and humanity must be restored in the service industry.
