Mary Gostelow Girlahead Podcast Bob van den Oord - CEO of the Langham Hospitality Group
Mar 21, 2024
Bob van den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group, forefronts a transformation in hotel experiences. He dives into the exciting launch of Ying & Flow, a tech-savvy brand targeting younger travelers with compact, stylish rooms. Bob also outlines his global expansion vision, including a unique project turning a glass factory in Venice into a luxurious hotel. He addresses the challenge of attracting young talent in hospitality and shares insights on blending British roots with Asian influences in their offerings.
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Four-Brand Portfolio Strategy
- Langham Hospitality Group houses four distinct brands targeting different market tiers and values.
- The portfolio ranges from luxury Langham Hotels to socially-driven Eton and mid-tier Ying and Flow for younger travellers.
Design For Mobile-First Social Stays
- Design Ying and Flow for high-tech, communal living with mobile check-in and social spaces.
- Prioritise limited service, smart design, and communal 'house' spaces to appeal to younger travellers.
Make Small Rooms Work Hard
- Target Ying and Flow mainly at travellers aged about 18–35 and ensure rooms are compact but highly functional.
- Include abundant sockets, charging, a working desk, and clever layout to make smaller rooms feel comfortable.