Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/685221
45 Events maltatoday, SUNDAY, 29 MAY 2016 Grant Thornton – better synergy in hospitality industry IN an increasingly digitised world where guests rely on on- line travel agents and aggrega- tors to find the best deals, a number of hotels are struggling to stay competitive. Some in the industry see this disruption as a threat, while others see it as an opportunity. This was also re- f lected in a global hospitality re- port published by Grant Thorn- ton International that aims to provide practical guidance for hoteliers as they face this new market. John Farrugia, Partner and Head of Advisory at Grant Thornton Malta believes that in- novation is good for any industry and hospitality is no different. "With the customer shift from using traditional travel agents to the digital world, and the success of business models like AirBnB and similar online booking por- tals, it is vital for hotel opera- tors to up their game and ensure their competitiveness." Gillian Saunders, Global leader of travel, tourism and leisure Grant Thornton supports this argument. "Short-term agility and medium-term strategic in- novation are viable responses to today's hospitality challenges. If hotels embrace the digital revo- lution – technologies that blur the lines between the physical, digital and human spheres – they can turn disruption to their advantage. One thing is cer- tain: in what has become a fast- changing and unpredictable sec- tor, hoteliers must think in bold new ways, even if this means challenging the tried-and-tested business model." While many local hotels are ad- justing to the new scenario, oth- ers have yet to land on the right approach to business innova- tion, with some feeling anxious about investing given the highly dynamic environment. Others have yet to get to grips with the promise of digital technology. A key question they face is whether they should focus on honing and updating their traditional offer- ing or opt for radical innovation. Grant Thornton International's hospitality report, titled Busi- ness model innovation: Hotels' roadmap to 2020, outlines some of the changes hoteliers could make to strengthen their busi- ness models and prepare for the future. With the key role that tour- ism and hospitality plays for the Maltese economy, Grant Thorn- ton Malta's advisory services hold valid know-how in the field. The team has a broad range of hands-on experience in the hotel and broader hospitality sector, bringing insight and in-depth knowledge of sector trends. Complemented by specialist teams in more than 130 coun- tries, Grant Thornton Malta can help local business develop and implement strategies that will assure long term growth - and keep their guests coming back for more. One may request a free copy of the Hotels' roadmap to 2020 re- port by email at grantthornton@ mt.gt.com University of Malta receives revolutionary high end equipment donation through RIDT UNIVERSITY of Malta has received a donation of revolutionary high end equipment which will enhance the study of the Stroke Research Group at the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry. The new equipment, a fully automated EVOS®FL Auto Imaging System, has been donated by E.J. Busuttil Limited of B'Kara, one of the leading distributors of healthcare and laboratory products, and facilitated through the Univer- sity's Research Trust (RIDT). The EVOS FL Auto Imaging Sys- tem has been developed for ad- vanced automated imaging applica- tions, such as time-lapse imaging, multiwell plate scanning, image stitching and tiling, and cell count- ing. It comes complete with an onboard computer, innovative LED light source, filters and an array of objectives that have been selected to meet the Stroke Research Group requirements. Prof. Mario Valentino, Head of the University of Malta's Stroke Re- search Group, said that this impor- tant tool will allow researchers to eliminate the complexities of high- end microscopy while maintaining the highest levels of performance. He said: "This is a significant do- nation and we are extremely ap- preciative of our collaboration with E.J. Busuttil Ltd. This tool will provide us with high-quality imag- ing, easier than ever before. The ground-breaking design with inte- grated hardware/software, no bulbs, no alignment, no on-going costs or maintenance, will be very beneficial to our research team who is working on a very tight budget." Edwin Busuttil, Managing Direc- tor at E.J. Busuttil Ltd, said: "As one of the leading distributors of health- care and laboratory equipment, we are committed towards improving the quality of life of our community. Being of great assistance to the Uni- versity of Malta, in its mission on stroke research, is another practical way how we can help." The instrument has been shipped directly from the manufacturers and installed by a representative service engineer. Wilfred Kenely, Chief Executive of RIDT, said: "A gift, such as this one, is paramount to the University's ability to be at the cutting-edge. We are very grateful to E.J. Busuttil Ltd for their equipment donation and to partnering with the University's Re- search Trust." RIDT was set up to strengthen in- vestment in high-calibre research and development across every facul- ty and to attract the necessary funds. More information can be obtained from www.ridt.eu PhD student Jasmine Vella working on the new EVOS FL Auto Imaging System with Prof Mario Valentino, researcher Dr Christian Zammit, Aaron Grima and Edwin Bu- suttil, Sales Executive and Managing Director respectively at E.J. Busuttil Ltd Hilton Malta celebrates reopening with a Contemporary Luxury Relaunch Party ON Saturday 7th May, owners and management of the Hilton Malta hotel, invited their es- teemed clientele to a relaunch party held in the Grandmaster's Suite, to celebrate the re-opening of the newly refurbished hotel. Over 400 guests were treated to an unforgettable reception com- plete with musical and visual en- tertainment. The path leading up to the re- ception showcased furniture used in the refurbished rooms and was complimented with elegant backdrop images depicting the new Vista Terrace and Oceana Restaurant. A stylish backdrop was set up, from where the Gen- eral Manager was photographed greeting the guests. Once inside the Grandmaster's Suite, special effects and lighting were used to depict the ambiance and design of the new refurbished hotel. Sev- eral dancers appeared as statues before coming to life to reflect the colour and design schemes using innovative body art. Versa- tile Brass Band and Vinnie Vella provided musical entertainment throughout. Matthew Mullan, General Manager said, "We are delighted to have concluded the significant development programme and to show case our hotel on this spe- cial occasion" Hilton Malta re-opened its doors once again on the 16th April, after having been closed for a period of 10 weeks for an intensive programme of refur- bishment. The refurbishment included the complete upgrade of 293 bedrooms, new food and beverage outlets including the fabulous Vista Lounge & Ter- race, extended executive lounge facilities, new guest elevators, as well as new engineering tech- nology to provide a more energy efficient operation. The creative direction of the relaunch party was entrusted to WAVA. The Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week 2016 BEAUTY and passion were this year's statement during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Malta. Exhibits and shows were set in the most amazing scener- ies in Malta, from the magnifi- cent capital city of Valletta to the glorious Fort Saint Angelo in Vittoriosa, a highly anticipat- ed fashion event, introducing a new concept: The Fashion For- tress. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Malta culminated with the Chamilia Malta Fashion Awards held on Saturday, May 21, Malta's biggest fashion party held at one of the piazzas within the Fashion Fortress. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARMELO ESTABLIER Hilton general manager Matthew Mullan (right)