YANN GOURIOU, MANAGING DIRECTOR -UNICORN HOSPITALITY

Unicorn Hospitality, a consultancy that is the brainchild of hotel management heavyweight Yann Gouriou, was launched yesterday in Bangkok offering a ‘better, smarter and more people-centric’ approach to hospitality.

Mr Gouriou said Unicorn Hospitality would focus primarily on consulting to hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas, bars and the travel industry, specialising in new hotel and restaurant start-ups, launches and opening periods – the make-or-break time for most establishments.

“There’s only one chance to make a first impression, more so than even in the age of TripAdvisor and social media,” Mr Gouriou said. “So any new hotel or restaurant launching has to get everything right, which above all means getting the right people in the right positions at the right time.”

Mr Gouriou is the recent former Group General Manager of AHMS The Collection, responsible for running four of Thailand’s top boutique resorts, Aleenta Phuket Phang-Nga, Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi, AKARYN Samui and akyra Chura Samui, as well as pipeline projects in Chiang Mai and Cambodia.

Previously, he has worked in almost every department of top hotels and resorts in Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, the Middle East and the Caribbean, including stints as Resident Manager of Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa in Bermuda, and as Food & Beverage Manager of Bangkok-based Lebua Hotel’s Dome complex.

“A successful hotel launch happens when you have teams in perfect step, and individuals empowered to learn, grow and shine.”
“We are launching with lean, flexible fee structures that put our expertise within the reach of young entrepreneurs and industry newcomers. Our dynamic, lifestyle-centred approach syncs with the entrepreneurial spirit and how we live and work today.” Each project begins with a deep dive into the brand and a recommendation of what is required to achieve success.