Alexandra Pisani and Corinthia Palace’s regenerated heritage.

The hospitality industry is an ever-evolving sector that balances growth with the preservation of heritage. One of the key challenges for hotel chains is retaining their foundational hotels, which often serve as the birthplace of the brand while also navigating the complexities of expansion into new markets.

However, the landscape of the hospitality industry is shifting towards rapid expansion and diversification. Corinthia is increasingly focusing on entering new markets. To balance the retention of flagship hotels with expansion, strategic planning is imperative. This can include reinvestment in the flagship property to ensure it meets evolving consumer expectations while simultaneously funding the development of new hotels across diverse locations.

Corinthia has always treasured its first adventure in the hospitality world, namely Corinthia Palace. Its elegance has defied time and has been pampered with constant attention and care throughout its journey which started in 1962.

Corinthia Palace has achieved record revenue in 2024. I met with Alexandra Pisani, General Manager of Corinthia Palace to provide me with some background.

Good results, especially in the highly competitive hospitality sector, do not occur by chance. They are the result of hard work, dedication, insightful planning, and bold decision-making.

"This year, one of our biggest challenges was staying ahead in a highly competitive market while maintaining the uniqueness of our brand. We overcame this by fostering an agile team culture that encouraged innovation and adaptability.

"Additionally, navigating rising operational costs required us to optimise our processes and seek creative solutions, such as leveraging local partnerships to enhance value without compromising quality. By empowering my team to make decisions and prioritise guest satisfaction, we were able to consistently exceed expectations while driving profitability

"These record profits were a result of several key factors, including a focus on creating meaningful guest experiences that align with our brand philosophy. Empowering our team to innovate freely and stay attuned to guest needs allowed us to deliver exceptional service. Streamlining operations and investing in staff training to foster inclusivity and collaboration also improved efficiency and morale, directly impacting profitability.

"I have an incredibly strong team, that have been with me since I took over in 2021. Without them, none of this would have been possible. I trust them implicitly and the feeling is mutual. We have each other's backing, and we all work towards one goal and vision. We truly are like family. Shana, my Director of Finance, who works with so much focus and passion, Nikki, Analise, Elisa, Olivera, Claudette…I am truly blessed. I am unable to mention them all, but I can assure you, they are all a very important part of the equation leading to success."

What specific revenue streams performed the best? Room bookings, food and beverage, events ? "Room bookings were our strongest revenue stream, supported by an increase in direct bookings due to targeted marketing. Food and beverage also performed exceptionally well, particularly due to themed events and a farm-to-table dining concept that resonated with guests looking for authentic and sustainable experiences. Our focus is on creating meaningful experiences that are rich in depth and substance. It has taken three years to reposition the Palace, and we are beginning to see the fruits of our hard work."

Corinthia's story began here, at the Corinthia Palace. Therefore, it was only natural to ask her whether her sense of belonging and her historical and familial ties to Corinthia Palace have influenced her drive to innovate and implement change.

"Absolutely! The Corinthia Palace holds deep personal significance for me, not just as a place of work but as a spiritual and historical cornerstone of the Corinthia brand. This connection fuels my passion to honour its legacy while driving innovation to secure its future.

"The Palace is more than a building; it's a symbol of tradition, excellence, and hospitality, and that instils in me a profound sense of responsibility. This sense of belonging fuels my drive to evolve and adapt, ensuring that it remains relevant and inspiring for future generations.

Balancing innovation with tradition is a constant motivation. It's about respecting the history of the Corinthia Palace while reimagining its potential in ways that resonate with today's guests and their desire for meaningful, transformative experiences."

During Alexandra's term of office and guidance as General Manager, the Palace has benefited from several investments. "Our focus has been on elevating every aspect of the guest experience while remaining faithful to the Palace's heritage. We've invested in modernising facilities, enhancing sustainability effort and expanding our wellness offerings. These initiatives are part of our long-term vision to secure Corinthia Palace's position as a leader in luxury hospitality"

Alexandra spoke of creating a plant based specialty coffee shop- Josephine's, attracting a younger demographic with strong core values: curious, conscious and crafted. " We wanted to give back to the planet, as well as to our guests, by providing them with wholesome and nourishing food."

She also referred to the partnership with the world renowned chef, Francesco Mazzei at Villa Corinthia. Insider Plus had dedicated a whole article on this personality. (See https://corinthiagroup.com/chef-francesco-mazzei-the-man-and-his-story/)

"We also launched several new rooms and suites, giving the Palace a fresh identity and we refurbished the lobby.

It's essential to proceed with caution and careful consideration in order to remain faithful to the history of the place while also adapting it to meet changing needs."

I could not resist asking if there were any planned new initiatives or investments. Alexandra was quick to emphasise: "Certainly! The record profits of 2024 provide us with the resources and confidence to look ahead. We're planning further investments in guest personalisation through technology, innovative dining concepts, and creating immersive experiences that connect our guests to the rich cultural and historical fabric of the Palace. These steps will ensure sustained growth while keeping the Corinthia Palace's spirit alive."

Alexandra added that they will continue the second phase of rooms renovation and undertake new initiatives, including a strong focus on holistic health and wellbeing, in-house programming for guests, wellness retreats and other projects.

And what were the external factors, such as economic conditions or tourism trends, that significantly impacted last year's performance? "Economic recovery and increased global tourism trends positively influenced our performance. Additionally, a growing demand for holistic and wellness-focused travel aligned perfectly with our offerings, helping us attract a niche but loyal guest base. Travellers seek meaning, emotional connections, and a sense of community, all of which Corinthia Palace provides."

Guest feedback shaped several decisions, from adjusting room amenities to creating more inclusive dining options. "We view feedback as a gift and a guide to maintaining relevance and ensuring every guest feels valued," noted Alexandra. "Guests are the orbs around which we move and thrive. We design our marketing strategies in a way to strengthen a bond between us and them. We focused on storytelling, highlighting the experiences and values unique to our brand. Partnerships with influencers and creating engaging content for digital platforms helped us reach our target audience. Additionally, leveraging data analytics enabled us to personalise promotions and optimise campaigns."

Success comes with its own baggage of responsibility and duties. It does not present a comfort zone but stirs continued growth and acute planning. " I am fully aware that guests need to relax for some time and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. In response, we are creating new spaces and offerings designed to encourage mindfulness and a sense of belonging. This includes plans for a serene yoga yurt nestled within the property, providing a tranquil setting for personal reflection, group practices, and wellness retreats.

Community is also at the heart of our vision. We are developing initiatives that foster connection among guests and with the local culture. For instance, we are planning interactive workshops, such as farm-to-table cooking classes and artisan craft sessions, where guests can engage with local traditions while creating lasting memories.

Additionally, we aim to expand communal spaces within the property, such as outdoor lounges, gardens, and firepit areas, to encourage meaningful conversations and shared experiences. These spaces are being thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, reinforcing a sense of harmony and balance."

I have often noticed Alexandra's interactions with her staff, and I find her to be very empathetic, approachable, engaging and encouraging. So, I asked her what personal approach or management style she aims to establish as her signature at Corinthia Palace.

"My leadership style emphasises creating an environment of freedom, inclusivity, and collaboration, which I believe lays the groundwork for innovation and excellence at Corinthia Palace. I strive to empower each team member to take ownership of their responsibilities, fostering creativity and personal development while maintaining a collective vision for success.

I want my leadership to be recognised for its balance between honouring the Palace's rich heritage and embracing progressive ideas that keep us ahead of the curve. By cultivating open communication and trust, I strive to create an environment where team members feel valued and inspired to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Ultimately, my fingerprint at Corinthia Palace is a management style that nurtures both the soul of the property and the people who bring it to life. It's about creating a legacy where the Corinthia Palace continues to be a beacon of innovation, luxury, and heart."

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