Just Get It Done: Barry Robinson on Hospitality Trends and Leadership

www.Technology4Hotels.com.au
In a recent interview on Five Star Conversations, Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of International Operations for Travel + Leisure Co., shared his extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Robinson discussed his early introduction to the sector through his family's business and how his career evolved from traditional hotel operations to leading a global vacation ownership company. He emphasised the importance of service, a value instilled in him from a young age, and how it has shaped his approach to hospitality throughout his career.
Robinson also recounted his international experiences, particularly in Indonesia and China, where he faced significant cultural and operational challenges. His time in Indonesia during the Suharto period and in China in the early 90s were especially formative, teaching him resilience and patience in the face of adversity. These experiences, combined with his later roles in leading hotel chains and franchise operations across Asia, have provided him with a deep understanding of the dynamic nature of the global hospitality industry.
Throughout the interview, Robinson offered valuable advice to those entering the industry, highlighting the need for passion, innovation, and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone. He underscored the importance of hard work, dedication, and the ability to adapt to new challenges, which have been critical to his success. Robinson also touched on emerging trends such as sustainability and technology, emphasising their growing importance in shaping the future of hospitality.
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Bio - Barry Robinson
- Current Role: Barry Robinson is the President and Managing Director, International Operations, for Travel + Leisure Co., overseeing the largest timeshare operation outside of North America.
- Leadership and Growth: Based in Singapore, he leads the international growth strategy, managing three vacation clubs with over 100,000 members, and has expanded the company’s portfolio to include 88 hotel and vacation club properties worth over US$1 billion.
- Accomplishments and Recognition: With 30+ years of hospitality experience, Robinson has been recognised as Asia Pacific Hotelier of the Year in 2022 and inducted into the Hall of Fame at ATHOC. He also holds leadership roles in various industry organisations and is a committed philanthropist.
Barry is also:
President APRDO (Asia Pacific Resort Development Organisation)
Deputy President of ATHOC (Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council)
Board Director, FSHD Global
Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors
School of Hotel Resort & Tourism Management’s Executive Advisory Board, Bond University
Member of Young Presidents’ Organisation, Queensland Chapter
Long-standing CHA member for over 15 years
Barry’s contributions to the accommodation and timeshare industries have been recognised with numerous accolades over his lengthy career:
Asia Pacific Hotelier of the Year - 2022 HM Awards
Entrepreneur of the Year - 2022 GNEX Perspective Awards
Australasian Hotelier of the Year (Highly commended) - 2020 HM Awards
Best Industry Leader - 2020 GNEX Perspective Awards
Hall of Fame - 2017 ATHOC Awards
Hospitality and Tourism Executive of the Year - 2016 CEO Awards
Industry Leader Award - 2013 GNEX Perspective Awards
Significant Contribution to the Industry Award - 2009 ATHOC Awards
Businessman of the Year (Semarang, Indonesia) - 1998
Podcast Contact Details:
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Web: www.Technology4Hotels.com.au