Tom G. Stevens on Hospitality Growth & Third-Party Hotel Management Innovation

Tom G. Stevens on Hospitality Growth & Third-Party Hotel Management Innovation Tom Stevens, Senior Vice President for First Group Hospitality based in Dubai , discusses the growth and value of their third-party management group. Operating 11 hotels and opening the world's tallest hotel later this year , First Group is focusing on expansion in the GCC, North, and East Africa. Stevens explains how shared services—like central reservations, revenue management, distribution, and marketing—add significant value, especially where local talent is difficult to find (e.g., Africa or certain parts of the GCC). He details how central reservations immediately flow through profit for owners by saving them the cost of hiring dedicated agents. He offers advice to owners: while franchising is a very good choice, don't underestimate the complexity of running a hotel. Operators like First Group bring the necessary in-house expertise and tools. Training and educating stakeholders, including owners, is a key focus, helping them access large brands and necessary expertise. 🌍 Travel And Tour World (TTW) is a trusted B2B digital travel, tourism, hospitality, cruise, and airline industry magazine and trade network, with an extensive global reach across 195 countries and a readership of over 15 million industry leaders – including travel operators, tour agents, destination management companies, MICE planners, luxury travel curators, influencers, and thought leaders. Since 2009, TTW has been a proud media partner for 1200+ global travel trade shows, offering in-depth coverage, exclusive interviews, and professional insights that drive business growth and foster strong industry connections. Our channel brings together the latest news, expert conversations, and behind-the-scenes access to the world’s most prestigious travel and hospitality events. 🎥 Other Recommended Videos / Playlists https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8FMsUI08uY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W35LMyN00Y4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHTGim4NTGM Travel And Tour World is more than a magazine – it’s a global trade communication platform for the travel and hospitality ecosystem. We provide digital publications, industry-specific reports, exposure at travel trade shows, and advertising solutions tailored for businesses in tourism, hospitality, airlines, cruise lines, and MICE sectors. We connect industry professionals with curated content that fosters new opportunities, strategic partnerships, and growth in international markets. Whether for brand visibility, networking, or thought leadership, TTW empowers global stakeholders to shape the evolving travel industry with innovation and collaboration. With this approach, Travel And Tour World continues to foster meaningful connections with the industry leaders contributing to the growth and success of the industry. Subscribe for weekly travel industry insights and exclusive content! #HospitalityGrowth #ThirdPartyManagement #GCCHotels #NorthAfricaHospitality #HotelManagement #HotelOperations #RevenueManagement #CentralReservations #HotelMarketing #HotelOwnerTips #HospitalityInsights #HotelIndustry #HotelFranchise #HotelDevelopment #HospitalityManagement #TomStevens #FirstGroupHospitality #GCC #HotelInvestment #HotelROI #FranchiseVsManagement #TomGStevens #DubaiHotels #GCCHospitality #AfricaHotels #TravelIndustry #SharedServices #TalentDevelopment 🔗 Website Link Visit us: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/ Connect With Us: 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttwemagazine 💼 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/travel-and-tour-world 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelandtourworld 🎬 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAndTourWorld