Ahead of the upcoming Hotec Europe conference, which is scheduled for Oct. 26-29 at the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal, several industry insiders will be sharing their insights on how the hotel sector is adjusting to new normals. Hotec is sponsored by Questex Hospitality, the parent company of Hotel Management.
Constantin Rehberg is co-founder of Lively, a senior living operator. Rehberg and fellow co-founder Christina Kainz use their background in the hotel industry to improve senior accommodations. Rehberg shared his thoughts on how hospitality as a broader industry has changed due to the global pandemic and how different segments within hospitality have adapted.
How has your segment of the industry changed in the past 18 months?
Senior living has become the absolute trend within the asset classes, which of course has a lot to do with risk distribution and the fact that many real estate developers and investors are looking for new opportunities.
What kind of new strategies have you developed to adjust to the new normal?
Actually, not that much. We are focusing even more intensively on the issue of urbanization and loneliness in old age than we did before the pandemic.
What are some new trends in the industry that you think will have staying power?
Currently, the whole industry is changing a lot and offers are becoming increasingly homely. The needs of future residents are increasingly taking center stage, which is very positive. However, it is important to monitor these needs closely—as the future senior generation (boomers) will bring very different requirements than is currently the case.
Where do you look for inspiration? Do you look inside or outside of senior living?
In particular, we look outside of traditional housing options for seniors. Here, we focus on serviced apartment or co-living concepts that appeal to a younger target group. In addition, we also look at offers abroad, as there are many very good products here.
What is the most valuable thing you learned over the last 18 months?
In essence, I would say the importance of an exceptionally good product—that's the most important thing of all.
Applications for Hotec Europe are still open for buyers and suppliers.
Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders ahead of Hotec Europe.