Michelin has been expanding its guides across the globe for the past few years and now publishes 25 different guides listing hotels and restaurants in 23 countries across three continents.
It even joined Twitter last year under its New York and San Francisco guides - tweeting rather obscure statements at times...
But now it has been announced that Michelin is branching out into the travel market: Last week, Michelin launched a new "experience" brand called Michelin Food & Travel, in conjunction with niche tour operator Roadtrips Inc, which will allow gastronomes behind-the-scenes access to Michelin-starred restaurants, reports The Independent.
Do you think Michelin is losing its way a bit here? Or is this a good thing - given that the guide started out as a travel guide for drivers?
To be fair, as you say they did start out as a resource for finding a decent bite to eat as you travelled through the French countrside, so I guess they are going back to their roots. This new venture sounds pretty niche, though. And can;t any guests go backof house if they ask their waiter? Is this new brand going to be online or in print?
I think diversification is key for the guides to survive. This sounds a good plan because unlike other guides their diversification doesn't impact their integrity
In some ways, Michelin need to wrap up the whole world of qualiy food not just 23 countries
. I love their Michelins App for the Iphone. It's a stand alone app (if required) that requires no connection, so very useful when out of range. Where as the AA App appears to link to their website which is tricky to read on a smart phone.
We think Mr Cartwright has hit the nail on the head, and if it pays for more inspectors/inspections then so be it.
Mr Wareing made the statement about Michelin not taking stars away quick enough. Rumours circulated about The Capital being on a warning for it's 2 stars ~ Why? If it isnt good enough take them away, harsh but fair.
The crunch comes if Michelin actually get travel guys in to run it or it will be a half assed attempt. The other train of thought is WHY? Surely with the information highway the way it is now, Travel Agents are looking at dwindling numbers using them, hence the reason sites like Expedia are flourishing.
There is a better answer still that sits between the long lead in times of the traditional guides and the subjective and potentially untraceable views posted on Trip Advisor. The better use technology will allow for almost live accurate, objective performance reviews of an establishments' performance.