The Monocle Weekly Bob van den Oord, Langham Hospitality Group
Dec 18, 2023
Bob van den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group, shares insights from his impressive 25-year journey with the company. He discusses the group's record performance, particularly in London and the U.S., and its ambitious expansion plans with 12 new hotel openings on the horizon. Bob highlights the flagship Langham London, known for its iconic afternoon tea and vibrant culinary scene, while also addressing challenges in markets like China and Australia. His reflections on the recovering atmosphere in Hong Kong add a hopeful tone as tourism rebounds.
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Full-Circle Career Moment
- Bob started his career working across the street from the Langham and dreamed of working there.
- He later managed Langham London and now oversees the entire Langham group, calling it a dream come true.
Recovery Driven By U.S. And Corporate Travel
- Langham is posting a record year driven by strong U.S. and London performance.
- Corporate regional travel, events and U.S. leisure demand are key recovery drivers post-COVID.
Heritage As Brand Anchor
- The Langham London opened in 1865 and set early standards for luxury with innovations like running water and lifts.
- Bob views the hotel as the brand's flagship and says business in London has returned with international guests.