Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
72% of Americans Likely To Maintain or Increase Hotel Stays in 2024
AHLA | January 31, 2024
But inflation is preventing hotels and other travel-related businesses from reaching full potential WASHINGTON (Jan. 31, 2024) – 72% of Americans say they plan to either maintain or increase their number of hotel stays in 2024 compared to 2023, and hotels remain the top lodging choice for likely travelers, according to a survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and conducted by Morning Consult. The survey found that most Americans (53%) plan to travel overnight for leisure during the next four months, and 32% plan to travel overnight for business. Hotels remain the most popular lodging choice for likely trave...
Leveraging Tech to Drive Employee Motivation, Guest Delight and Revenue
Joe Vargas | January 31, 2024
By Joe Vargas While there are many technologies you can invest in that provide a competitive edge, there is one resource that is infinitely valuable that you don't want to overlook: your people. Guest satisfaction is one of the key drivers of success for any hotelier, determining repeat customers and, in turn, your bottom line. While guest-centered initiatives, like expanding your amenities, are often the focus of customer loyalty, employee well-being and job fulfillment are also critically important. The feeling of being surrounded by an engaged work culture is palpable for guests, and happy employees are more likely to deliver ex...
Web3 Technologies Will Help Hotels in the Following Ways
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | January 31, 2024
By Adam Mogelonsky, Larry Mogelonsky Yes, there are lots of tech projects hotels have to undertake to bring their tech stacks forward to accommodate a more frictionless experience for guests. And yet, even then it’s important to keep one eye ahead to the technologies that will become important nearer to the end of this decade and into the 2030s. Of course, there are opportunities for brands that are the early adopters of these trends, but for the rest of you, this article is meant more for imagination in advance of any tech vendor demos or tradeshows where you can ask them about what’s in the near future for hospitality technology. ...
Prime Time for Service Robots
PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management | January 31, 2024
The COVID-19 pandemic catapulted the hospitality industry into a more digitised future. Coupled with the vast social changes and prominent safety concerns, this wave of technological innovation could transform the hospitality workforce, according to Professor Seongseop (Sam) Kim of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-authors. Service robots could solve many of the safety concerns felt to this day, but how are they perceived by customers? To probe these issues in more depth, the researchers investigated how feelings of safety and the intention to visit an establishment are shaped by ...
Boston/Cambridge Lodging Market – 2023 Year End Review
Rachel Roginsky | January 31, 2024
By Rachel Roginsky The Boston/Cambridge lodging market ended 2023 at 76.4% occupancy, a 6.8% variance over 2022’s 69.6%. This 6-point increase in occupancy is a result of the market accommodating 8.6% more rooms in 2023 compared to the prior year; 0.6% more rooms occupied as compared to 2019. Seasonality appears to be in sync with what we typically expect for the Boston market. Peak season, May through October, monthly occupancies ranged between 84% and 89%, averaging 86%. The three-month shoulder season, March, April and November, market occupancy averaged 75%. December through February, our slow season, market occupancy averaged 58% in...
HSMAI Foundation and Women in Travel THRIVE Release Research on the Power of Mentorship
the HSMAI Foundation | January 31, 2024
McLean, VA (January 31, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation, in partnership with Women in Travel THRIVE, is proud to announce the release of a pivotal research paper titled "The Power of Mentorship." Authored by Dr. Emily Ma, Professor of Hospitality at the University of Surrey, and Dr. Laurie Wu, Associate Professor at Temple University, this paper is a cornerstone in HSMAI’s ongoing efforts to address the gender imbalance in leadership roles within the hospitality industry. As part of HSMAI’s commitment to developing talent, this research provides valuable insights into the r...
Nearly 50 Percent of Meeting Planners Dissatisfied With Costs, According to 2024 State of the Meetings Industry Report
KNOWLAND | January 31, 2024
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IDeaS Appoints Ibrahim Saba as Principal Sales Director in the Middle East, Expands Regional Presence
IDeaS | January 31, 2024
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Hampton by Hilton London Old Street Debuts in the Heart of Shoreditch
Hilton | January 30, 2024
LONDON – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today marks the opening of Hampton by Hilton London Old Street, a 109-room hotel located on the doorstep of vibrant Shoreditch. This exciting addition to Hampton by Hilton’s growing portfolio joins 44 existing properties across the UK. Located in the heart of East London, Hampton by Hilton London Old Street perfectly blends modern comfort with access to immersive local experiences. A mere five-minute walk from Old Street station, the hotel provides unparalleled convenience for business and leisure travellers. A 10-minute stroll transports guests to the buzzing bars and restaurants of Shoreditch, the ec...
AI Set to Revolutionize Travel & Tourism, Says Latest WTTC Report
The World Travel & Tourism Council | January 30, 2024
Travel & Tourism businesses urged to embrace AI Madrid, Spain: Major new reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Microsoft highlight the transformative power of AI (Artificial Intelligence) for Travel & Tourism, marking a commitment to a digital future with unparalleled customer experiences. The first in a series of AI reports, announced during the global tourism body’s event at FITUR and in collaboration with WTTC’s Industry Partner, Microsoft, is poised to redefine Travel & Tourism standards and call on the sector for greater integration of such technologies. As the global leader in Travel &a...
Downtown Baltimore Is Poised for Comeback
Caroline Dioso | January 30, 2024
By Caroline Dioso According to STR, average hotel rates in the Baltimore Central Business District through year-to-date September 2023 have surpassed 2019 levels by nearly $18, caused by stable demand levels and the impact of inflation. Occupancy has yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, but the return-to-office efforts and investment in leisure demand generators should support the ongoing recovery. Although the city is currently in a transitional phase, financial commitments and plans from stakeholders, as described below, should position Baltimore for a resurgence as a destination to live and visit. Originally opened as a shopping c...
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Debuts in New Zealand’s Largest City With Opening of InterContinental Auckland
IHG | January 30, 2024
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has made its debut in New Zealand’s largest city with the opening of InterContinental Auckland. Gracing the city’s waterfront at the halo address of One Queen Street, InterContinental Auckland anchors the one billion dollar (NZD) Commercial Bay lifestyle precinct, which houses the city's latest upscale office, retail, social, and dining hub. InterContinental Auckland is also one of the first hotels globally to showcase exciting new offerings and experiences that were introduced as part of InterContinental’s extensive global ...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Re-Enters Swedish Market With the Signing of voco Stockholm Kista
IHG | January 30, 2024
The 201-room hotel is expected to open its doors in the second half of 2024. 30.01.24 (London, UK): IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has entered into a franchise agreement with Mogotel and development partner Revelop, to mark IHG’s re-entry into Sweden with voco Stockholm Kista. This latest signing signifies IHG’s strong owner relationships and its commitment to growth in new and emerging markets such as Sweden, drawing on its scale of more than 780 open hotels across Europe. voco hotels, IHG’s fastest-growing premium hotel brand with over 100 properties signed and opened globally, will mark ...
Peachtree Group Selected to Operate the Merrill Hotel, Muscatine
Peachtree Group | January 30, 2024
ATLANTA (Jan. 30, 2024) – Peachtree Group's hospitality management group has been selected to operate the Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in downtown Muscatine, Iowa. The AAA Four-Diamond property comprises 122 guest rooms, a full-service restaurant, nearly 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, an outdoor terrace overlooking the Mississippi River, a heated indoor saltwater pool, and a fitness center. Built along the banks of the Mississippi River, the hotel opened in March 2018, offering some of the most luxurious amenities and accommodations in Iowa. The Merrill Hotel's prime location provides conv...
W San Francisco Appoints Jeff Ossenkop as General Manager
W San Francisco | January 30, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO (January 30, 2024) – W San Francisco, an electric urban oasis located in the heart of San Francisco’s culturally-vibrant SoMa District, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Ossenkop as general manager. Ossenkop was also honored with an appointment to the board of directors of The Hotel City Council of San Francisco (HCSF) - a non-profit trade association founded in 1987 designed to advocate on behalf of the local hospitality community. With more than 22 years of hospitality management experience, he will be responsible for the hotel’s daily operations, ensuring efficiency, providing strategic direction, managi...
Downright Austin, a Renaissance Hotel, To Open Spring 2024 in Downtown Austin, Texas
Renaissance Hotels | January 30, 2024
A Newly Minted Member of Marriott Bonvoy Located in the Capital City’s Music and Entertainment District; Exclusive Pre-Opening Rates Now Available AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 30, 2024) – Something big is going down. Downright Austin is opening in spring 2024, bringing its own unique and decidedly Downright take on the global Renaissance Hotels brand. Located in downtown Austin, Downright Austin will feature a bold and postmodern lobby experience, 367 stylish guest rooms including five suites, 31,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, and new culinary concepts, all within blocks of the Texas State Capitol and Moody Amphitheater....
Great Wolf Resorts Names Bret McLeod as Chief Financial Officer
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. | January 30, 2024
CHICAGO – (Jan. 30, 2024) – Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. has appointed Bret McLeod as the company’s next Chief Financial Officer. McLeod has more than 20-years of financial leadership experience, a majority spent within the hospitality industry, and will oversee the company’s finance and accounting functions as well as serve as a member of Great Wolf Resorts’ executive leadership team responsible for driving the company’s business transformation and growth. McLeod will play a leadership role in developing and refining financial processes, systems and infrastructure while guiding a world-class finance and accounting team of more tha...
Daniel Scott Appointed to Oversee Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort as Regional Vice President and Managing Director
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort | January 30, 2024
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New Trilith Guesthouse Brings 193 Guestrooms to Fayetteville, Georgia
Trilith Guesthouse | January 30, 2024
Storytelling takes center stage at new Atlanta-area hotel FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (Jan. 30, 2024) – The highly anticipated Trilith Guesthouse (350 Trilith Parkway) officially opened its doors today in the Town at Trilith, inviting guests to “awaken the storyteller within.” The 193-room boutique hotel is the first of its kind in the award-winning, picturesque community, immersing guests in a scene and story of their own making through spaces, amenities, and experiences designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. Central to every story at Trilith Guesthouse is the street-level Prologue Dining & Drinks and rooftop Oliver’s T...
HSMAI Americas Honors Chapters With Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best Awards
HSMAI | January 30, 2024
McLean, VA (Jan. 30, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas announced the recipients of the Frank W. Berkman “Best of the Best” Awards on January 23, 2024, at the HSMAI Mike Leven Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Named the Best of the Best in chapter leadership and operations, the chapter’s programs and accomplishments serve as best practices for all chapters as they continue to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue for HSMAI members on the local level. This past week, HSMAI chapter leaders gathered at the Mike Leven Leadership Conference to celebrate excellen...
Pivot Selects Stayntouch PMS to Power Seven Properties
Stayntouch | January 30, 2024
Award-winning hospitality management group chooses Stayntouch for its innovative technology, exceptional customer service, and powerful multi-property management capabilities. Bethesda, MD | Jan. 30, 2024 – Stayntouch, a global leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS) and guest-centric technology, announced a new partnership with Pivot, the lifestyle operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group. Stayntouch will implement its flexible, modern cloud PMS across seven Pivot hotels in the United States. Pivot caters to innovative boutique and lifestyle brands that are reshaping the hospitality industry with unique serv...
Nearly 50% of Latin America’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Now Under Construction
Lodging Econometrics | January 30, 2024
January 30, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH According to the Q4 2023 Latin America Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), projects and room counts in the region’s total construction pipeline each increased by 11% each year-over-year (YOY) to stand at 594 projects and 97,679 rooms at the close of the quarter. At Q4, projects currently in the under construction stage account for nearly half of the projects and rooms in Latin America’s total pipeline. Projects under construction stand at 238 projects/42,644 rooms, up 7% by projects and 6% by rooms YOY. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months a...
Silverware POS Partners With UK-Based Intuitas Technologies to Drive Sales and Strengthen Customer Relationships
Silverware | January 30, 2024
With the popular point-of-sale solution provider continuing to expand its portfolio across the United Kingdom, satisfaction among local hotels and restaurants is expected to soar Markham, Ontario, January 30, 2024—Silverware POS has partnered with Intuitas Technologies to serve as a local sales and customer success resource for all new and existing clients in the UK. Silverware’s current UK client portfolio includes world renowned properties The Ritz London, The Savoy, The Goring, Belmond L'Manoir, Galgorm, Rudding Park, Historic Sussex Hotels, and Crieff Hydro hotels. Together, Silverware and Intuitas are elevating guest dining exper...
Hilton’s Plantation Beach Club Upgrades WiFi Network With Hotel Internet Services to Provide Guests With Latest in Online Connectivity
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | January 30, 2024
South Floridian timeshare retreat ensures high-speed and reliable WiFi performance for guests seeking internet access for either work or leisure. STUART, Fla. — January 30, 2024 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, has successfully deployed a high-performance guest WiFi service upgrade at Plantation Beach Club at Indian River Plantation in Stuart, Florida. An oceanfront timeshare consisting of 30 fully furnished units and managed by Hilton Grand Vacations, Plantation Beach Club enhanced its WiFi network capabilities to ensure guest satisfaction with th...
