Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
Conrad New York Midtown Names Jimmy Sarfraz as General Manager
Conrad Hotels & Resorts | January 11, 2024
NEW YORK (January 11, 2024) – Today, Conrad New York Midtown announced the appointment of Jimmy Sarfraz as the general manager of the 562-room, luxury property located in the heart of Manhattan. Boasting more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and with Hilton, Sarfraz joins Conrad New York Midtown from San Jose, California, where he most recently led the successful rebrand and opening of Signia by Hilton San Jose. In his new role, Sarfraz will oversee all aspects of hotel operations from the guest experience to food and beverage. Bringing multicultural and global experience within the hospitality industry, Sarfraz’...
Amadeus Brings Travel Technology Expertise to Membership in the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
Amadeus | January 11, 2024
Amadeus is the first global travel tech company to join the industry body The Alliance seeks collaborative approach to building a more sustainable hospitality sector Amadeus has joined the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) to bring its travel expertise to the table in the quest to support a more prosperous and responsible hospitality sector. As a leading, global player at the heart of the travel and tourism sector, Amadeus sees great potential to work alongside and connect with hospitality industry stakeholders and, together, contribute on the journey to the Alliance’s goal of Net Positive Hospitality – ensuring the indust...
W Barcelona Boosts F&B Guest Spend by 60% With IRIS’ Mobile Ordering
IRIS | January 11, 2024
The 5-star Barcelona hotel increases guest spend by two-thirds since upgrading and streamlining its mobile ordering capabilities with IRIS’ hospitality app W Barcelona, situated on the famous Barceloneta Boardwalk, partnered with IRIS, the leading provider of digital F&B and guest experience platforms, to offer a broader digital ordering experience resulting in a boost in revenue and efficiencies. It selected both its mobile dining solution to deliver an in-room dining service and a world of culinary delights direct to its guest’s doors, in addition to its digital guest directory solution to provide all guests with direct access ...
Sojern Named Finalist in the Hotel Digital Marketing Category in the 2024 HotelTechAwards
Sojern | January 11, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO – 11 January, 2024 – Sojern, the leading digital marketing platform built for travel, has been named a finalist in the Best Hotel Digital Marketing Agency category globally by Hotel Tech Report in the 2024 HotelTechAwards. Each year 2.5 million hotel industry professionals use HotelTechReport.com to make informed technology purchasing decisions. The HotelTechAwards indicate the best hotel software products across every category based on customer feedback and key proprietary data signals such as integration compatibility, organizational health, market share, partner network strength, and customer support quality. "Being...
Hotel Bardo Savannah Set to Open in February Following Transformation
LEFT LANE | January 10, 2024
Savannah, GA (January 10, 2024) — Hotel Bardo will serve as the Southeast’s newest jewel when it opens in February 2024. The highly anticipated adaptive reuse project transforms a 19th century Southern Gothic structure sitting at the heart of Savannah’s Forsyth Park into Hotel Bardo Savannah—a timeless urban resort and private club focused on creating community and connection. A new urban resort concept from New York City-based real estate development and hospitality firm, LEFT LANE, which specializes in the transformation of historic properties, Hotel Bardo Savannah is a magnetic cultural and social hub built on history, subtle mo...
New Labor Department Regulation Will Harm Hotels and Independent Contractors
AHLA | January 10, 2024
WASHINGTON (Jan. 10, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Chip Rogers issued the following statement today after the Department of Labor released a new regulation that radically changes the way workers are classified as independent contractors or employees. The regulation, which is scheduled to take effect in March, will limit opportunities for individuals to work as independent contractors and hurt hotels’ ability to maintain operations. “We are extraordinarily disappointed that the Labor Department dismissed the concerns of the thousands of small business owners AHLA represents and ...
Anti-Franchise Bill Stalls in NJ Senate After AHLA Pushback
AHLA | January 10, 2024
WASHINGTON (Jan. 10, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Chip Rogers released the following statement today after legislation that would have destroyed the hotel industry’s franchise model stalled in the New Jersey State Senate. “New Jersey state senators made the right choice in letting S3165/A1958 stall in the legislative session that concluded late Monday. The legislation would have severely limited hotels’ ability to enforce the quality, service, and safety guidelines guests know and trust. In doing so, it would have destroyed the hotel industry’s franchise model – a beacon of success...
San Antonio’s Historic El Tropicano Hotel Sells
JLL | January 10, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 10, 2024 – JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality group announced today that it arranged the sale of the historic El Tropicano River Walk Hotel, the first purpose-built hotel located on San Antonio’s famed River Walk. JLL worked on behalf of the seller, El Tropicano Hotel LLC, and procured the buyers, Trestle Studios, Sopris Capital and The Town Lake Company. Located in the heart of San Antonio's renowned River Walk district, this iconic property presents a unique investment opportunity in one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The 308-room hotel resides on a prime location in the north Riverwalk corrido...
Registration and Hotel Reservations Are Now Open for HITEC 2024
HFTP | January 10, 2024
HITEC North America will be held June 24–27 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), producers of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), has announced that attendee registration for this year’s North American event is now open alongside hotel reservations via HITEC’s official housing service. HITEC is the largest and longest-running show of its kind. Annually, HITEC highlights the industry's tech trends and current approach to integrating solutions into the hospitality sphere. HITEC in Charlotte is set to run ...
HRI Lodging Unveils Renovation of Aloft New Orleans Downtown
HRI Lodging | January 10, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, LA (January 10, 2024) – Located in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District just steps away from the Caesars Superdome, Smoothie King Center and Historic French Quarter, Aloft New Orleans Downtown announces the completion of an interior renovation including a redesign of the lobby and updates to the guestrooms, guest corridors and fitness center. “This renovation breathes new life into the Aloft New Orleans Downtown and we can't wait to showcase the refreshed and modernized spaces that reflect the dynamic spirit of the city,” said Adam Gaudry, general manager. “We are looking forward to welcoming guests bo...
Resilience Renewed: The Transformation of Portland’s Hotel Market
Eileen Bosworth | January 10, 2024
By Eileen Bosworth In 2023, Portland's hotel demand faced setbacks from public safety concerns and absorption of new hotel supply. However, initiatives like the Hotel Security District and a government task force addressing homelessness signaled change. The opening of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Residences and several upcoming events contribute to a cautiously optimistic 2024 outlook. Although Portland hoteliers’ hopes for 2023 were high due to a more robust convention calendar at the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) and a positive outlook for leisure demand in the summer, the year was challenging for the metro area. The difficulties...
Refreshing Hotel Fitness for 2024 With Mobility Training
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | January 10, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky Last year, wellness debuted as the next big thing for hotels. Within the broader banner of ‘wellness’ is fitness and exercise, where most hotels have focused on getting new weightlifting equipment, buying new cardio machines, making their gyms accessible 24/7, setting up some sort of healthy food outlet, and then programming in yoga, Pilates, step or another form of group class. What’s perhaps missed in this conversation is the importance of mobility (or substitute this word with balance training or flexibility) and how it can change one’s outlook on fitness, movement and preventing joint pain. There...
Choice Hotels Sets the Record Straight on Path to Regulatory Approval of Combination With Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Choice Hotels | January 10, 2024
Calls Out Wyndham's Campaign of Disinformation Reiterates Commitment to Completing Pro-Competitive, Pro-Franchisee, and Pro-Guest Combination NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 10, 2024 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) (the "Company" or "Choice"), today issued an investor presentation and infographic disputing the false and misleading antitrust claims made by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: WH) ("Wyndham") in connection with Choice's proposal to acquire Wyndham. The presentation has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is also available at CreateValueWithChoice.com. Patrick Pacious, Presi...
Conrad Singapore Orchard Debuts Following Renovation and Rebranding
Hilton | January 10, 2024
A harmony of nature’s serenity and urban vibrancy, Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ second location in Singapore is a sophisticated oasis in the iconic entertainment and retail district of Orchard Road SINGAPORE – Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the highly anticipated opening of Conrad Singapore Orchard, its second Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in Singapore, following extensive reinvention and refurbishment. Nestled within an exclusive enclave of Orchard Road and surrounded by lush greenery, Conrad Singapore Orchard is an urban oasis that effortlessly encapsulates the essence of locality and luxury. “The growth of our a...
Omni Hotels & Resorts Appoints Jeff Doane to Newly Created Chief Commercial Officer Role
Omni Hotels & Resorts | January 10, 2024
Fairmont Veteran to oversee Omni’s Commercial Growth Strategy to Further Enhance the Brand’s Market Position Dallas, TX – Omni Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Doane as its new Chief Commercial Officer. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Doane brings a wealth of expertise from his previous senior executive roles with Fairmont Raffles Hotels International and most recently as Chief Commercial Officer at Accor North America. Doane will report directly to President Kurt Alexander and oversee the development and execution of Omni’s integrated commercial strategy across Omni’s current ...
Aparium Hotel Group Appoints George Prine as General Manager of Populus
APARIUM HOTEL GROUP | January 10, 2024
Industry Veteran to Oversee Boutique Property, Opening in Denver in Summer 2024 DENVER (January 10, 2024) – Aparium Hotel Group, a pioneer in the lifestyle hotel industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of George Prine as General Manager of Populus, the country’s first carbon positive hotel opening in Denver in summer 2024. Operated by Aparium Hotel Group, the highly anticipated hotel will encompass 265 modern guest rooms, a ground floor restaurant, flexible event spaces, a coffee bar, a signature rooftop bar and restaurant offering unobstructed views of the mountains, city skyline, and Civic Center Park. It will also featu...
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court Names Christine Choo as General Manager
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court | January 10, 2024
SINGAPORE, January 2024 – Paradox Singapore Merchant Court proudly announces the appointment of Christine Choo as the General Manager, entrusting her with the helm of the esteemed hotel located in the vibrant precinct of Clarke Quay along the historic Singapore riverbank. In her new role, Christine will spearhead the overall strategic executive management and operations of Paradox Singapore Merchant Court, boasting 476 guest rooms, 8 function spaces including a grand ballroom and 4 F&B concepts. An accomplished hotelier with over 10 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Christine brings along her wealth of experienc...
U.S. Travel Hires RIAA Executive Joshua Friedlander as Head of Research
U.S. Travel Association | January 10, 2024
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Travel Association announced today that Joshua P. Friedlander will join the organization as vice president of research, a critical role that will further strengthen the association’s research and analysis capabilities. He will begin with the association on January 16. “In our work to prove the indispensable contributions of travel, Josh will provide the market insights that our industry and our many constituents need to inform their understanding and decision-making,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Josh’s deep background in research analysis will give a boost to our in...
HSMAI Foundation and Women in Travel THRIVE Release Research on the Power of Mentorship
the HSMAI Foundation | January 10, 2024
McLean, VA (Jan 10, 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, and spearheaded by Noreen Henry – board member of both the HSMAI Foundation and Women in Travel Thrive – this paper is a cornerstone in HSMAI’s ongoing efforts to address the gender imbalance in leadership roles within the hospitality industry. As ...
Newly Opened Mondrian Cannes Partners With InnSpire to Offer Guests Unmatched In-Room TV and Entertainment Solutions
InnSpire | January 10, 2024
Luxury French Riviera property deploys InnSpire’s IPTV and in-room entertainment technology platform to enhance guest satisfaction and offer flexible viewing options. Stockholm & Washington DC – January 10, 2024 – InnSpire, the leading provider of innovative hospitality technology solutions that help drive seamless, world-class guest experiences for some of the world’s most iconic hotels and brands, has announced that its advanced IPTV, InnSmart and Proxy Casting guestroom entertainment solutions have been implemented at the newly renovated historic property that opened as Mondrian Cannes in March 2023. The first Mondrian ho...
San Diego Seizes Top Spot for Year-Over-Year Growth in Group Business for December
KNOWLAND | January 10, 2024
Pharmaceutical and Charity/Non-Profit industries lead in four out of the five top markets ARLINGTON, Va. — Jan. 10, 2024 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, released the top market performance numbers for December, citing San Diego as having the highest meeting volume improvement with 29.2 percent year-over-year (YoY) growth. Coming in a close second was San Francisco, where event volume increased 21.5 percent, a positive sign the industry is bouncing back in the cities by the bay. This data is sourced from Knowland’s sales intelligence platform and desig...
Built In Honors IDeaS in Two 2024 Best Places to Work Awards
IDeaS | January 10, 2024
IDeaS wins U.S. Best Places to Work and U.S. Best Midsize Places to Work awards MINNEAPOLIS—Jan. 10, 2024—IDeaS, a SAS company, the world’s leading provider of hotel revenue management software and services, announced today recognition in Built In’s 2024 Best Places to Work. The company earned two awards: U.S. Best Places to Work and U.S. Best Midsize Places to Work. The annual awards program includes companies of all sizes, from startups to those in the enterprise tier, and honors remote-first employers and companies in large tech markets across the U.S. Built In determines the winners of Best Places to Work based on an algorit...
Grand Velas Boutique Hotel Los Cabos Opens in Mexico
Velas Resorts | January 9, 2024
Mexican Hotel Collection Velas Resorts Expands to Three in the Destination With New Boutique Hotel Property for Adults Only Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (January 9, 2023) – Grand Velas Boutique Hotel Los Cabos, a new all-inclusive resort and concept from Mexico’s Velas Resorts, is now open. With the excellence that earned sister property Grand Velas Los Cabos the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rating, the new boutique hotel cost $50 million to build. It is Velas Resorts’ third property in Los Cabos, complementing the AAA Five Diamond family-friendly Grand Velas Los Cabos and Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts, an adults only boutique ...
Essex Hotel Management Retains Management Contract After Sale of Fairfield Inn & Suites Geneva Finger Lakes
Essex Hotel Management, LLC | January 9, 2024
ROCHESTER, NY — January 9, 2023 – Essex Hotel Management, LLC has retained the management contract for the Fairfield Inn & Suites Geneva Finger Lakes in Geneva, NY, following the property’s acquisition by Frontier Group of Companies. Essex Hotel Management was part of the development and ownership team that built the Fairfield Inn & Suites Geneva Finger Lakes and has managed the hotel since its opening in 2016. When the original owners decided to sell the property, Essex connected them with Frontier Group of Companies. “We knew that Frontier Group of Companies was exploring acquisition opportunities, so ...
