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09:40 – 10:25 Market Insights

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Jeavon Lolay
Jeavon LolayLloyds Banking
Dave North
Dave NorthLloyds Banking
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Hotel operators are caught in a pincer movement: skyrocketing supply chain and labour costs on one side, guests demanding flawless value on the other. This panel digs into asset management, smart cost-control, and building operational agility across diverse portfolios.

Julie White
Julie WhiteAccor
David Anderson
David AndersonAimbridge EMEA
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David HartRBH Hospitality
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Managing a modern hospitality workforce demands a shift from old-school hierarchy to empathetic, visionary leadership. These industry standard-bearers explore how to inspire loyalty across multi-generational teams, foster open communication, and maintain personal mental resilience.

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Christian Mastersart'otel Hoxton
Caroline Gregory
Caroline GregoryThe Lovat Hotel
Simon Numphud
Simon NumphudAA Media Services
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The MICE sector looks radically different than it did a few years ago. From hyper-personalised retreats to tech-heavy hybrid conventions, this session uncovers what today's corporate planners actually want from a venue — and how to maximise yield per square foot.

Shonali Devereaux
Shonali DevereauxMIA
Varun Shetty
Varun ShettyThe Belfry Resort
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Gavin TaylorClermont Hotels
Paul Blackmore
Paul BlackmoreHilton
David JM Orr
David JM OrrResident Hotels
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Home > Latest News > International > Radisson Blu opens first hotel in Florence
Radisson Blu opens first hotel in Florence

Radisson Blu opens first hotel in Florence

In this episode we speak to Philip Lassman, managing director UK&I at Numa. Philip spoke about the lessons learned from his time at Hilton, IHG and Accor, and how his early roles have shaped his leadership approach, the rise of aparthotels and why guests are increasingly seeking flexible and locally connected stays, how Native by Numa sites root themselves in their local neighbourhoods, and Philip’s plans for growing the Numa brand.

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Radisson Hotel Group has opened its first property in Florence, expanding its presence in Italy with a 304-room hotel located close to the city’s historic centre.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Florence, is described by the group as a “modern urban resort” combining contemporary design with views of the Tuscan hills. The property features a spa and wellness centre, outdoor pool, tennis courts and what the group says is one of the city’s largest conference facilities.

The hotel’s event spaces total 1,500 m² across 15 meeting rooms, including a 452 m² ballroom accommodating up to 450 guests. Each room is equipped with hybrid meeting technology and audiovisual systems.

General manager Gilles Toffoletto said the opening “marks an exciting new chapter for Florence”, adding that guests could expect “a refined experience that combines contemporary comfort, authentic hospitality, and the timeless sophistication Radisson Blu is known for”.

Dining options include Bertarelli, serving Tuscan cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, and La Primavera, which offers all-day dining with international and vegetarian options. Guests can also visit the Lobby Lounge Bar or the seasonal La Veranda Pool Restaurant and Bar.

Situated on the city’s outskirts, the hotel offers direct access to both Florence’s UNESCO-listed centre and the Tuscan countryside. It is connected by major transport routes, including the A1 motorway, Florence and Pisa airports, and Santa Maria Novella train station. A dedicated shuttle provides transfers to the city centre.

The opening follows other recent Radisson Blu expansions across Italy, including in Rome, Milan and Sardinia.

Yilmaz Yildirimlar, chief operating officer for managed hotels in Europe at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “As Florence continues to balance heritage with innovation, Radisson Blu Hotel, Florence embodies this dual spirit. Marking the group’s debut in Florence, this opening not only enhances our portfolio in Italy but also strengthens our presence in one of Europe’s most iconic cultural destinations.”

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