In this bitalk we will discover all the secrets of luxury hotels with José Theotónio, current CEO of the Pestana Hotel Group. How is it possible to manage several luxury hotels at the same time? 💎 Do you know the history of the famous Pestana hotels 🏨 Booking and Google: are they really the true kings of the hotel industry? 👑 How did 9/11 cause a collapse in hospitality? 😱✈️ Is Portugal ready to receive even more tourists? 🇵🇹🌍 Are cruises in Lisbon a blessing or a curse? 🚢💰What illegalities are plaguing Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago? ⚖️🔎 José is a professional with a notable academic and professional trajectory. Graduated in Business Administration and Management from Universidade Católica Portuguesa, after graduation, he taught Analytical Accounting and Controlling, accumulating more than a decade of experience in classrooms. His professional career began at Nutrinveste in 1987 and worked at several relevant companies, including Lesilan, where he established the Lanidor store franchise. His involvement in public positions, as deputy to the Secretary of State for Finance and Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for Tourism, gave him a unique perspective on the evolution of the sector in Portugal. Currently, José holds the position of CEO of the Pestana Hotel Group, where he played a fundamental role in the transformation and expansion of the group. Since its entry in 2000, Pestana has grown from 3,700 rooms to 9,000 in 2012, consolidating itself as one of the main hotel groups in Portugal and the world. Under his leadership, the group has faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 crisis, while always maintaining a focus on team resilience and community support. José advocates management that prioritizes collaboration and efficiency, with an approach centered on human beings and the customer experience. In addition to his impressive career, José is a charismatic figure with several interesting facts. From his involvement in social responsibility projects during the pandemic to his vision for the future of tourism in Portugal, he is an advocate for sustainability and innovation. José is also a critic of tourist taxes, arguing that they do not benefit the economy, and believes that there is room for an increase in accommodation prices, which could bring advantages to the sector. With an obvious passion for tourism and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, José is a respected voice in his field. Here are some of the best moments: 00:00 - Intro 00:42 - The economy of a hotel 11:00 - Pestana Group founded with Sheraton's know-how 12:04 - The impact of April 25th on the luxury market 12 :40 - Transforming underperforming hotels 15:30 - Hotel companies survive thanks to the brand 18:13 - Booking and Google are the kings of the hotel industry 21:45 - September 11th collapsed the hotel industry 23:47 - The evolution of the hotel experience 32 :04 - Location is everything 33:45 - The growth of local accommodation 47:08 - FRYING PAN 🍳🤖 51:02 - Portugal can't handle any more tourists 56:36 - Cruises in Lisbon: Lots of Tourism, Little Money 1:00:12 - Synthetic culture for tourists 1:06:29 - Lack of investment in transport destroys tourism in Portugal 1:09:27 - Airbnb 🆚 Hotels 1:32:24 - Illegalities in Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago 1:34:57 - The environmental impact of the hotel industry Take the opportunity to subscribe to our channel and find out all about our episodes: http://youtube.bitalk.pt Listen to us on Spotify: http://spotify.bitalk.pt Listen to us on Apple Podcasts: http ://apple.bitalk.pt And follow us on social media: • Instagram: http://instagram.bitalk.pt • TikTok: /bitalk_podcast • Linkedin: http://linkedin.bitalk.pt • Facebook: http:/ /facebook.bitalk.pt • Website: https://bitalk.pt/ A GAFFVisuals production https://gaffvisuals.com/