Alan Newton’s Post

We hear the word "Authenticity" a lot on this platform and in the world today. But, like anything that gets bandied around too much, it can sometimes lose it's impact. TRUE AUTHENTICITY I was thinking about truly authentic people in my network earlier this week and I'm happy to know a fair few that fit the description, including one man who is very consistent in character. Beja Foretia demonstrates authenticity by remaining true to his values and principles, whether he's in public or private. His actions align with his words, which makes him trustworthy and reliable. I've had the pleasure of his acquaintance for around 15 years and I consider him to have a heart of gold. His authenticity is magnetic to many people who meet and work with him because of his genuine actions and behaviours, often prioritising kindness and empathy in the way he interacts. Who do you know that truly exudes "authenticity"? #authentic #followfriday #leadership #gratitude

As a tourist, have you ever had a night out and been confused about where you're staying? This occurred to a 'drunk Irish tourist' in Romania on 27th December 2021, as he broke into Romania’s Parliament Palace, one of Bucharest’s tourist landmarks, reportedly mistaking it for his hotel. CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN: Commissioned in 1984, the Palace of the Parliament was designed by architect Anca Petrescu and a team of over 700 architects and builders. The construction was part of Romania’s long-ruling communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu's, grand vision for a "People's House" and was intended to showcase the power and glory of the communist state. The project involved more than 1,100 rooms, lavishly decorated with marble, crystal, and gold leaf. The Palace was completed in 1997, eight years after Ceausescu's execution. The Palace of the Parliament is considered an architectural 'marvel', which blends neoclassical and socialist realism styles. Its sheer scale and ornate design symbolise both the excesses of the regime and a reminder of Romania’s communist past. SYMBOL OF CHANGE: After the fall of communism in 1989, the palace transformed from a symbol of oppression to a site of national pride and cultural significance. It now hosts various events, conferences, and exhibitions, allowing Romania to change the narrative. Visitors can take guided tours through the Palace's opulent halls, grand staircases, and lavishly decorated rooms. Tours provide an insight into the building's history, architectural significance, and the political climate of the time. The palace serves as a venue for numerous cultural events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and international conferences, making it a key component of Bucharest's cultural scene. Every Destination Has A Story... #exploretheworld #bucharest #tourism #travel

Are you a hotel Sales & Marketing Director currently budgeting for 2025 and feel like you have your hands tied? You may think you'll struggle to achieve your 2025 targets due to a very limited budget. Same as last year, right? So, what can you do to change your situation? The answer is to apply initiative and strategic thinking. I met a very smart former hotel marketing & PR director at an event last night. She worked across hotels in Asia and she felt many of her peers didn’t know how to negotiate for more budget to help themselves achieve their goals. “I don’t have a crystal ball”, she told me, “but I knew I’d need more budget during the year for unseen events, new trends, and emerging solutions that would help me beat my competition.” So, what did she do? She knew that negotiating additional marketing budget outright was often futile because many General Managers and Owners - in her opinion - did not see the full value of marketing, so she was smart and negotiated two things: ❶ An innovation contingency budget, that would allow her to invest in new emerging solutions, to gain an advantage on her competition and improve market share  ❷ Increase her advertising budget and utilise a proportion of that for other solutions She demonstrated resourcefulness and a willingness to take calculated risks to achieve better results, reflecting her ability to advocate for the importance of investment in innovation and marketing, seeing the long-term value it would bring to the hotel’s growth and revenue. Her creativity in overcoming financial constraints and finding other ways to leverage new innovations and respond to changing trends, demonstrated the importance of adaptability in a competitive industry like hospitality. How do you approach negotiating for more budget? #budgeting #hotels #innovation #targets

Do you love food? Do you love Europe? Lisbon has been honoured with the Best Culinary Destination in Europe award at the World Culinary Awards for the first time. Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, commented: "it is a source of great pride to see Lisbon's identity and traditions honoured for the first time in this sector and how innovation combines with these gastronomic traditions. It's recognition of the quality of the gastronomy for which Lisbon is so well known and an award that encourages all the professionals who keep it alive." Join Al Palin as he ventures around Lisbon's "restaurant district", or does he....? #adventuresofalpalin #exploretheworld #food #tourism

How many Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) do you have to provide you advice and guidance?   Whether you're a startup or an established business, NEDs can be worth their weight in gold... if you choose wisely. Thankfully, we have chosen very wisely, and I'd like to give recognition to and express gratitude to one of our NEDs, Nadine Dereza NADINE'S EXPERTISE Nadine is an award-winning national and international broadcaster and journalist, and has presented for Associated Press, BBC, CNBC, CNN, SABC, Simply Money and Sky TV. She was awarded ‘Financial Journalist of the Year’ during her time at the Financial Times and Summit TV and has an in-depth knowledge of business and finance across the full business spectrum. Interviewing CEOs, senior leadership teams, entrepreneurs and has also interviewed many key policy decision makers, as well as countless global politicians.   Nadine chairs, hosts and moderates conferences, panel discussions and live events, for a diverse range of clients across many industries and sectors in the UK and internationally.  She is co-founder and Media Director of Babaco Media Consultancy.   HOW WE CONNECTED We connected several years ago when Nadine was sourced as a Crisis Media Speaker for a PR professionals event we jointly ran with Cision.   We built a really great rapport, which allowed me to approach her for some advice a couple of years ago. At the same time, we were looking for a NED with a background in media relations who also understood the events industry. When I explained our successes and company vision to her, she wanted in.    It is a quick and easy decision to say YES when someone personable and fun comes along underpinned by such diverse and useful expertise.  We knew she had played an integral role in putting apprenticeships and vocational training on the map in the UK during her time as a Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit Committee for the WorldSkills London Board. We were also attracted by the fact that she is up to speed on all NED related matters because she’s been involved in the PwC boardroom development programme for NEDs for many years.   She really has been worth her weight in gold as an advisor and sounding board. Thanks Nadine and looking forward to continuing long into the future. #gratitude #neds #business #expertise 

Can you remember the best New Years’ Eve you’ve ever had? Whilst not the biggest fan of NYE, I’ve had some pretty memorable ones down the years, and one that stands out involved champagne beginnings at a luxury London hotel. It felt a little rock n’roll, only we didn’t throw any TVs out of the window. THREE MICHELIN KEYS The Connaught Hotel has made it into the new rating system introduced in 2024 by the Michelin Guide to recognise exceptional hotels. It is 1 of 14 hotels in the UK & Ireland recognised with the highest honour, “the exclusive Three Key distinction”, and well deserved too. It is one of my all-time favourite hotels where the service has always been exceptional. EXCLUSIVE MAYFAIR ADDRESS Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, The Connaught boasts a rich history that dates back over two centuries. On arrival, you will note its beautiful Georgian façade and a warm welcome from the doorman. Inside, you will find elegant interiors, that blend the old charm of the building with modern touches and bedrooms designs. It is well located for a variety of London’s top restaurants and members clubs, luxury shopping on Bond Street, and the West End. Yet, its location is more discreet and quiet. THE LIBRARY SUITE: A HIDDEN GEM On the NYE in question, we were staying in The Library Suite, one of the hotel’s most iconic suites, featuring a blend of contemporary and classic design. As the name suggests, the suite includes a stunning personal library filled with carefully curated books, perfect for bibliophiles like myself. I had friends visiting from Paris and Los Angeles, so the library was a perfect reception area to host them for pre-dinner drinks, making us all feel briefly like celebrities. It allowed us to ease into the night ahead, relaxed, reacquainted, in good humour, feeling a little special, and mildly inebriated. After a few hours in the suite, the friendly doorman waved down some taxis and off we ventured for dinner and nightclub in Soho, where we partied until the wee hours. Although we dined out of the hotel The Connaught has several dining options, including the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Hélène Darroze at The Connaught. The hotel also offers an elegant and always popular afternoon tea experience in its lounge, where Toby and I regularly had business meetings in the early days of virtuall. It wasn’t open at the time of our stay, but in 2018 The Connaught Spa opened, offering guests a range of wellness and relaxation experiences, which would have been the perfect New Years’ Day tonic. Alas, that wasn’t to be. Every Destination Has A Story… #michelinguide #hotels #exploretheworld #newyearseve #travel

Companies who excel at storytelling enjoy a 20% increase in sales revenue over their competitors (UCLA). E X P L O R E helps hotels and venues to connect emotionally with customers through bespoke interactive #storytelling that creates a positive first impression, converting curious visitors into loyal guests. A virtual tour that DELIVERS , with up to 20% more revenue in 50% less time. When you have so many stories to tell, the way they are constructed and navigated are critical to driving success. Is 2025 going to be another year of doing the same old thing, or do you want to increase revenue, take market share from your competitors, and achieve that sales bonus you've always wanted? #explore #virtualtours #interactivevideo #hotels

What is one of the craziest places you have ever driven a car? New York? Mauritius? India? Mexico City? Beijing? New York and Mauritius are certainly two of mine, but Crete was another. Cretans are known for their assertive driving style, which can seem aggressive to visitors. Speeding, frequent lane changes, and a lack of adherence to traffic rules are quite often reported. Just like New York, drivers use their horns more frequently than in other destinations, which can be more cultural rather than an indication of road rage. The calm, relaxing, and idyllic scenery of the island is quite a juxtaposition from the stress of the driving experience. ORIGINS & DEVELOPMENT Long before modern day vehicles and aggressive driving, the Minoan civilisation thrived on Crete from approximately 2600 to 1400 BC, making it one of the earliest advanced societies in Europe. The Minoans are famously associated with Greek mythology, particularly the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth, linked to the Palace of Knossos. Such stories add a unique and enchanting aspect to the history of the island. The Minoan people are credited with significant advancements in art, architecture, and trade, building elaborate palaces, designing unique frescoes, pottery, jewellery, and established extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean that influenced neighbouring cultures, spreading artistic styles and innovations. ✍️ The Minoans developed a writing system known as Linear A, but it remains a mystery as it is still undeciphered. MULTICULTURAL INFLUENCES Beyond the Minoan civilisation, Crete has a rich history influenced by various cultures, including the Mycenaeans, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Each has left its mark on the island, contributing to a diverse heritage. Chania is an historic town famous for its Venetian harbour and old town, while Rethymnon boasts a blend of Renaissance architecture and Ottoman influences. Crete is also known for its beautiful landscapes, from the rugged mountains of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) to stunning beaches, alcoves, and harbours. The island’s natural beauty offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, and exploring charming villages. This is an island that blends tales of ancient civilisations with breathtaking natural beauty, and diverse culinary delights. Every Destination Has A Story…. #exploretheworld #visitgreece #travel #tourism

Al Palin explores Georgian symmetry and proportion in historic Bath... The Royal Crescent has long been a symbol of Bath's status as a fashionable spa city and it has hosted many notable figures, including writers, politicians, and royalty. Visitors can enter no. 1 Royal Crescent, which is a museum offering insights into life during the Georgian period. You can also stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, taking in the breathtaking views and the sense of history surrounding this architectural gem. #exploretheworld #adventuresofalpalin #visitengland #visitbath #travel

What series of events in the late Bronze Age created a modern day Wedding hot spot? Around 1600BC, a volcanic archipelago in the Aegean Sea, experienced a series of eruptions, the most notable of which is referred to as the ‘Minoan eruption’. This eruption was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, estimated as a Category 7 eruption on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI). The scale goes up to a maximum of 8, so the Minoan eruption would have had a catastrophic impact on the surrounding region, including the Minoan civilisation on Crete. CALDERA COLLAPSE Following the eruption, the centre of the volcano, located on the island of Santorini, collapsed into the sea, creating a caldera (a large, basin -like depression). The collapse allowed seawater to fill the empty volcanic chamber, forming a stunning caldera with steep cliffs that rise up to 300 metres above the sea. APPROACHING BY SEA After a short stay in Crete, I took a hovercraft from Heraklion to Santorini for a wedding, which took a little over 90 minutes. Arriving by sea is a great way to arrive in Santorini as the approach offers breathtaking views of the steep cliffs that rise majestically from the Aegean, and the famous whitewashed buildings and blue domed churches. You will arrive at Athinios Port, situated on the western side of the island, which is usually bustling with vehicles and buses ready to whisk visitors off to various parts of the island. Once you have ascended to the higher parts of the island, you’ll see some beautiful panoramic views of the caldera below with other islands in the distance, but be careful of the dust on windy days. The stunning scenery and the exceptional sunsets, which can paint the sky a range of hues from orange to pink and purple, have made Santorini a very popular destination for weddings. ICONIC ARCHITECTURE The quintessential image of Santorini features its iconic whitewashed houses with blue domes. The towns of Oia and Fira are particularly famous for their stunning views, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant bougainvillea. The blue-domed churches of Oia are a hallmark of Santorini's charm and are often photographed against the backdrop of the caldera. There are plenty of hiking trails around the island, as well as wineries and vineyards to visit. Santorini is famous for its unique Assyrtiko wine, cultivated int eh volcanic soil. The island's beaches are diverse, from the black sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa to the red beach near Akrotiri. Every Destination Has A Story… #exploretheworld #visitgreece #travel #weddings #tourism