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November 4th, 2024
The Southbridge Hotel Undergoes Rebranding to Wellsworth Hotel
the Wellsworth Hotel | February 5, 2024
The newly named Wellsworth Hotel blends historic ambience with rich amenities for the leisure and business traveler SOUTHBRIDGE, MA (February 5, 2024) - The Southbridge, Massachusetts-based Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center has completed a name change and rebranding to the historically rich Wellsworth Hotel. The change of name, brand reconfiguration and new website pays homage to the historic and entrepreneurial spirit of George Washington Wells, who was the owner of what became one of the largest and most respected optical companies in the world - the American Optical Company, locally known as “AO.” Wells believed th...
Hospitality Financial Leadership – Material and Immaterial Expenses
David Lund | February 5, 2024
By David Lund There is a critical understanding that all hospitality financial leaders need to clearly understand and communicate when it comes to expenses. It is a simple distinction that is many times missed or not clearly understood. That is what this piece is all about: Clearing up the mystery and setting the expense record straight. Here’s the scoop! That was quite a mouthful, and I do not want to downplay the importance of the need to understand the difference and impact of material and immaterial expenses on the monthly profit and loss statement. The materiality refers to the significance of the expense item in the context of t...
67% of Surveyed Hotels Report Staffing Shortages
AHLA | February 5, 2024
More than 80% of hotels are boosting wages to hire and retain staff WASHINGTON (Feb. 5, 2024) – As more than two thirds of hotels continue to experience staffing shortages, hoteliers are offering more pay and a host of incentives in order to attract and retain talent, according to a new survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Over the last six months, 82% percent of respondents have increased wages, which hit a record high average for hotels in December 2023. In addition, 59% are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 33% are expanding benefits. Nonetheless, 72% say they are still unable to fill ...
ITA Forecasts More Than 15% Increase of International Visitors to the United States in 2024
the International Trade Administration | February 5, 2024
WASHINGTON – The International Trade Administration (ITA) today released the U.S. government’s official forecast of international visitation to the United States. ITA’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) forecasts the total volume of international visitation to the United States to increase to 77.7 million in 2024, up 10.4 million, or 15.4% from 67.3 million visitors in 2023. NTTO also estimates international visitation to reach 85.2 million in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 visitation of 79.4 million. Additionally, according to NTTO’s forecast, the United States is on track to reach 91 million visitors in 2026, excee...
Cloudbeds Reveals Highest Revenue-Generating OTAs for Independent Properties
Cloudbeds | February 5, 2024
Cloudbeds unveils its rankings of the highest revenue-generating OTAs worldwide for independent hotels, highlighting the continued dominance of Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb. The findings indicate a strong comeback for OTAs, the return of Asian travelers, and a renewed demand for hostels and shared accommodations. Based on data from thousands of independent properties, Cloudbeds’ customer insight affirms that properties see a boost in revenue when additional OTA channels are added. San Diego, CA – Cloudbeds, the hospitality management platform powering more reservations and happier guests for independent lodging business...
U.S. Hotel Profitability Gains Led by Full-Service Chains, Major Markets
CoStar Group | February 2, 2024
WASHINGTON – 2 February 2024 – Improvement in group business, especially across the Top 25 Markets and upper-upscale chains, drove growth in U.S. hotel revenues and profits, according to 2023 P&L data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 2023 per-available-room metrics (% change from 2022) GOPPAR: US$75.83 (+8.2%) TRevPAR: US$211.49 (+9.6%) EBITDA PAR: US$53.05 (+7.6%) LPAR (Labor Costs): US$71.56 (+13.2%) “Total industry revenues and profits were well beyond 2022 levels as pricing power continued to outweigh the impac...
Why the Marketing Budget Should Include Customer Service Training
Shep Hyken | February 2, 2024
By Shep Hyken Many companies still believe that customer service is what happens when something goes wrong. However, that is only one part of customer service. The bigger picture is that customer service happens throughout a customer’s entire experience while doing business with you. It starts the moment they interact with your company, and that might not even be with a live human. It could be an interaction they have with your website. Companies spend a lot of money to get you interested in what they sell and eventually get you to buy. Traditionally, that is marketing and sales. Then, throughout the journey, you have an experience....
Saltwater Holdings Acquires Wilmington’s The Hive Hotel
The Hive | February 2, 2024
WILMINGTON, N.C., Feb. 2, 2024 -- Today, Wilmington-based real estate holding company Saltwater Holdings announced its acquisition of local boutique hotel The Hive, located at 505 N. 2nd Street. A local real estate family, the Rosenbergs, and developer, Kaylie O'Connor, originally opened the hotel in 2019. They bought the original building in 2009 and teamed up with local interior decorator Robin Hertzog to create rooms with unique furniture and artwork -- mixing modern styles and bright colors in a home-like atmosphere. "We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Hive and deeply honored to uphold the Rosenbergs' visio...
How Consumer Insight Is a Driving Force in Navigating CSR
EHL Insights | February 2, 2024
It used to be the case that organizations were only responsible to their owners and shareholders. The primary goal was to make a profit, and as long as the business met that objective, it was deemed a success. Now all that has changed: Consumer insight is now a crucial driving force in corporate decision-making. Today, consumers increasingly seek to support organizations that align with their own moral and ethical views. That is particularly true of younger consumers, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge. According to one study, 91% of Millennials would switch brands to one associated with a cause they believed in, while 94% of G...
Everhome Suites Continues Sustained Growth Across the Southwest With Six Groundbreakings
Everhome Suites: Closer to Home | February 2, 2024
Choice Hotels continues to lead in extended stay, with latest Texas and Arizona groundbreakings NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 2, 2024 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) continues its leadership in extended stay with five Everhome Suites breaking ground in Texas cities including Amarillo, Bastrop, Brownsville, El Paso, and Waco, and one groundbreaking in Yuma, Arizona. Driven by a thriving economy, diverse business landscape, favorable climate, and a steady influx of travelers, the Southwest presents an unparalleled opportunity for both business and leisure travelers seeking extended stay accommodations. "With over 60 Everh...
Hyatt, HTTG and The Dragon Group Announce Strategic Cooperation Agreement to Develop Hotels in China
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | February 2, 2024
Achieving win-win, the collaboration can expand Hyatt’s brand footprint in China and foster the strategic development of The Dragon Group and visibility for its boutique hotel brands HANGZHOU, CHINA / CHICAGO (February 2, 2024) — Hangzhou Trade and Tourism Group (“HTTG”), Zhejiang Dragon Hotel Management Group Co., Ltd (“The Dragon Group”) and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that affiliates of the three parties entered into a strategic cooperation agreement. The cooperation aims to drive the expansion of hotels under Hyatt’s distinguished Independent Collection and select service brands in China and fo...
The Newbury Boston Appoints Laura Ward to Director of Sales and Marketing
THE NEWBURY | February 2, 2024
Boston, Massachusetts (February 2, 2024) – The Newbury Boston, a luxury property managed by Highgate, announces the appointment of Laura Ward to Director of Sales and Marketing. In addition, the storied hotel announces two sales leader promotions; Melissa Kelly to Director of Sales and Brittany Ostrander to Director of Group Sales. “I am incredibly proud of the work that our sales team has done; first in introducing the hotel to clients as part of our launch and then in cultivating those relationships to ensure success for the hotel,” said Carlos Bueno, Managing Director of The Newbury Boston. “With the addition of Laura Ward to the...
The Pfister Hotel Begins the Next Phase of Extensive Renovations
The Pfister Hotel | February 2, 2024
The hotel’s historic guest rooms will be completely reimagined as part of the hotel’s $20 million reinvestment MILWAUKEE-- After completing a full revitalization of its ballrooms and meeting and event spaces in late 2023, The Pfister Hotel, a historic AAA Four Diamond hotel owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, has entered the second phase of its extensive $20 million renovation. Set to be complete in early summer, the hotel has begun a total update of its historic guest rooms where countless presidents, performers, authors and hall of famers have stayed since the hotel opened in 1893. Following the completion ...
Florence’s Hotel Calimala Reveals Expansion and Doubles Its Size With Opening of a New Adjacent Property, Calimala The West
Hotel Calimala | February 2, 2024
Featuring the addition of 65 new rooms and suites designed by architect Alex Meitlis Florence, Italy – February 2, 2024: Florence’s Hotel Calimala is delighted to reveal its latest project to come to completion: Calimala The West, an expansion of the hotel that includes the opening of a brand-new wing across the street from the original property. Hotel Calimala has been redefined to illustrate an additional 65 rooms through the acquisition of a 19th-century Gothic-style building originally built by Italian architect Pietro Maria Bardi, in Florence’s Centro Storico neighbourhood. Located just a stone’s throw away from the original...
Dimension Hospitality Adds Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Downtown/Convention Center to Management Portfolio
Dimension Hospitality | February 2, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- February 2, 2024 -- Joe Viglietta, COO of Dimension Hospitality, an industry leader in hotel management, today announced that the Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) Nashville Downtown/Convention Center has joined Dimension’s growing portfolio of managed hotels. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville at 305 Korean Veterans Blvd., the extensively renovated hotel prominently features the work of local artists reflecting the city’s deep relationship with country music. It offers 214 guest rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, live music and the reliable accommodations and modern amenities that are the hallmark of the HGI bra...
Best Western Halito Inn Now Open in Oklahoma
BWH Hotels | February 2, 2024
Calera, Oklahoma (February 2, 2024) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the Best Western Halito Inn, located at 1057 N. Service Road in Calera, Oklahoma. The hotel is owned by Jim Thorpe and features 41 guestrooms and two suites. Bringing new life to the property, the Best Western Halito Inn just completed a property improvement plan inside and outside, revealing Native American design details inspired by the history of the local area. Guests will experience new upgraded details throughout with refreshed earthy tones and all new Made in USA furnishings. Each room or suite comes equipped with a 50-inch f...
Bob W Expands in the Nordics With Two More Properties in Finland
Bob W | February 2, 2024
Helsinki, 2 February 2024- Tech-led serviced apartment brand Bob W has announced two more properties in Finland, as it continues to strengthen its foothold in Europe. In addition to Helsinki property Bob W Kaarti that is due to open this summer, new property Bob W Kamppi is also situated in the Finnish capital while Bob W Turku City Centre, is the company’s first property in this historic area of Finland. Combined, these two locations add over a hundred sustainable apartments to the company’s growing portfolio. Known for its distinctive tech, these design led, sustainable apartments benefit from locally inspired interiors and a...
Ana Almada Appointed Chief Executive Officer of DKN Hotels
DKN Hotels | February 2, 2024
Irvine, CA – February 2, 2024 – DKN Hotels today announced it has appointed Ana Almada to be the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). DKN Hotels has entered a new phase in its evolution and will now become two separate companies – DKN Hotels and DKN Ventures. Almada, previously the VP of Operations, will lead DKN Hotels, which will incorporate all aspects of hotel management and operations for the portfolio, while DKN Ventures will be led by CEO Kiran Dahya and charged with acquiring, divesting, and developing hotels. Almada maintains a successful 25-year career with DKN Hotels that began with an internship at the Comfort Inn Sea...
Tourism Tidbits: Some of the Major Issues Facing the Travel Industry / Dr. Peter Tarlow
Dr. Peter Tarlow | February 2, 2024
Some of the Major Issues Facing the Travel Industry On the international front - View the world carefully. The political world will continue to be unstable and when instability hits people are less likely to spend money on luxury items such as travel. The world currently faces war in both Europe and the Middle East. Due to a perceived weak United States, the possibility of war also exists in the Asian Pacific and the Korean Peninsula. Crime is a major concern in Africa and Latin America, and after the October 7th massacre it is clear that terrorism is and can become a major problem in the Middle East, Europe, and North Americ...
Phishing Attacks Are Increasing: These Steps Can Help Prevent Them
Fran Worrall | February 1, 2024
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U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 27 January
CoStar Group | February 1, 2024
WASHINGTON – 1 February 2024 – U.S. hotel performance increased from the previous week, while year-over-year comparisons remained mixed, according to CoStar’s latest data through 27 January. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 21-27 January 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 56.2% (-0.3%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$149.76 (+5.1%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$84.13 (+4.8%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Las Vegas saw the largest year-over-year increases in each of the three key performance metrics...
A Simple Fix To Stop Wasting Customers’ Time
Shep Hyken | February 1, 2024
By Shep Hyken Duplicate or triplicate (or more) effort is a waste of time! If you’re making your customer go through the same process multiple times, you’re creating a negative customer experience. I recently had to get an MRI for a medical issue and was asked to fill out some online forms before my appointment. (And in case you’re concerned, don’t worry. I’m okay!) Every form required me to input my name, address, phone number, and Social Security number. There may have been other requests for similar information, but those were the ones that I remember being on almost every form – and there were plenty of forms to fill o...
Meeting the Evolving Consumer Demands in Hospitality
Nandika Udupihilla | February 1, 2024
By Nandika Udupihilla New trends are emerging in the hospitality industry, and it is vital to understand what the market changes and disruptions are to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Keeping up with the trends that affect the global hospitality industry is the only way to deliver the experiences that consumers expect. The needs and priorities of hospitality consumers underwent heavy changes over the course of the last few years. As a result, more complex and diverse consumer expectations are on the rise. What are the new hospitality consumer expectations? According to industry experts, the top preferences that will shape ser...
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres Debuts in the Mexico Caribbean
Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt | February 1, 2024
he 507-room adults-only resort, situated along a secluded strip of idyllic oceanfront coast, expands the Secrets Resorts & Spas brand presence in Mexico CHICAGO (Feb. 1, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, the latest Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt resort to open in Mexico. The 507-room, adults-only resort further strengthens Hyatt’s leisure portfolio throughout the Mexican Caribbean, with continued growth expected throughout 2024. Situated along a secluded strip of idyllic, oceanfront coast touting an expansive and pristine white-sand beach...
