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November 4th, 2024
ProVision Forms Strategic Partnership With Sonata Venture Solutions to Offer DEI+ Consultancy Services to the Global Hospitality Market
ProVision Partners | December 13, 2023
New alliance to empower the global hospitality industry with professional advisory on critical issues related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dallas, TX — December 13, 2023 — PROVision Partners (“ProVision”), a leading global strategic growth marketing, technology, and commercial services advisory firm to the travel and hospitality industry, has finalized a strategic partnership with Sonata Venture Solutions, a leader in workforce development, leadership training, strategic planning and business strategy for DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs across multiple industries. The new alliance is intended to broaden the scop...
Knowland Showcases Business Milestones and Latest Innovations for Enabling Revenue Growth in Hospitality
KNOWLAND | December 13, 2023
Thousands of customers use the Knowland Platform to conduct more than 2.3 million account-based selling interactions per year ARLINGTON, Va. — Dec. 13, 2023 —Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, showcased its dedication to helping customers increase revenue, expand market share, and adapt to shifting dynamics through innovative enhancements in services and data optimization in 2023. As the company heads into its 20th year, Knowland’s holistic account-based selling platform helps customers go beyond meetings and events sales. Using data intelligence to sell ac...
SURVEY: Surprising Trends Among the Youngest Travelers as 47% of Americans Turn Toward Travel Agents to Book Their Holiday Travel
IBS SOFTWARE | December 12, 2023
ATLANTA, Dec. 12, 2023 -- As we head into the 2023 holiday season, U.S. travelers are making the most of their vacation planning despite inflationary pressures and rising debt rates. In a recent survey commissioned by IBS Software, a global leader of SaaS solutions to the travel industry, a record 47% of respondents are utilizing in-person or online travel agents (OTAs) to book their holiday trips due to convenience. Perhaps surprisingly is the younger generation's preference for traditional travel agents (38% of Millennials and Gen Z) given the group's well-documented preference for digital behaviors over analog. This is in stark contrast ...
Choice Hotels Launches Exchange Offer to Acquire All Outstanding Shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Choice Hotels® | December 12, 2023
Discloses Ownership Position of More Than $ 110 Million of Wyndham Stock Preparing to Nominate Candidates to the Wyndham Board of Directors Commences the Regulatory Approval Process NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 12, 2023-- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) (the "Company" or "Choice"), today announced that it is commencing an exchange offer to acquire Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: WH) ("Wyndham") in order to present its compelling proposal directly to Wyndham shareholders. Choice continues to believe that a transaction with Wyndham is pro-competitive and would generate value for both Wyndham and Choice shareholders as...
LBA Hospitality Completes Renovation of Courtyard by Marriott in Lakeland, Florida
LBA Hospitality | December 12, 2023
LAKELAND, Fla., Dec. 12, 2023 -- LBA Hospitality, an Alabama–based hotel management company, today announced that the Courtyard by Marriott Lakeland hotel in Lakeland, Florida has completed a major interior renovations. The 78-room hotel located at 3725 Harden Boulevard is pleased to welcome guests after completing updates to the furniture and finishes throughout the guestrooms, public spaces, and meeting rooms. The hotel is owned by Flynn Holdings and managed by LBA Hospitality of Dothan, Alabama. Courtyard by Marriott Lakeland offers guests convenient access to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium – spring training home of th...
Wyndham Confirms Receipt and Review of Unsolicited Exchange Offer From Choice
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | December 12, 2023
Offer Terms Remain Unchanged and Highly Conditional Shareholders Urged Not to Take Action at This Time PARSIPPANY, N.J., Dec. 12, 2023 -- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) ("Wyndham" or the "Company"), the world's largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels spanning more than 95 countries, today confirmed that Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) ("Choice"), has commenced an unsolicited exchange offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Wyndham common stock. The offer proposed by Choice appears unchanged from the terms outlined in a letter to Wyndham dated November 14, 2023 and is currently valued at a...
IHG Hotels & Resorts and RAK Properties Expand Partnership With the Introduction of Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah
IHG | December 12, 2023
Located on Hayat Island, the developement will be designed to meet the needs of extended-stay business and leisure travellers. Dubai, 12 December 2023: RAK Properties PJSC, (ADX: RAKPROP), Ras Al Khaimah’s leading publicly listed property developer announced that it has expanded it’s strategic relationship with IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG®) with the introduction of ‘Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab’ on Hayat Island. The 156-key Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab will offer studio, one and two-bedroom appartments blending contemporary design with spacious layouts. The 14-storey tower will feature a fully equipped fitness center, b...
Decoding the Modern Guest Journey: Here’s How Hoteliers Can Stay Competitive
Joe Vargas | December 12, 2023
By Joe Vargas When booking hotels, guest journeys look very different now than they did just a few years ago. Mobile-centric consumers and ever-evolving expectations for more options transform linear touchpoints into more dynamic experiences. Guest values and social influence also play a greater role, with social media outpacing agents, publications, and entertainment as the main source of travel inspiration. Hotels still relying on outdated solutions and infrastructure designed for linear journeys of the past don’t just risk losing satisfaction and loyalty. They also miss out on accessing key guest insights—information that will he...
CoralTree Hospitality Names Curtis Bova General Manager of Hotel Polaris Opening at The U.S. Air Force Academy
CoralTree Hospitality | December 12, 2023
DENVER – December 12, 2023 – Tom Luersen, president of CoralTree Hospitality, today announced that Curtis Bova has been named general manager of the new Hotel Polaris at The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The new hotel is scheduled to open late 2024. “It’s great to have Curtis on board to lead this exciting new project,” said Luersen. “We welcome him back to your team to make the vision of Hotel Polaris come to life. This exciting new hotel is part of a larger project at the North Gate of the Academy which promises to boost tourism in the area and generate additional economic vitality in the region.” Bova previou...
Pavy Keomaniboth Appointed Area Executive Chef at Hyatt Centric and Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis
Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis | December 12, 2023
Memphis, TN – November 12th 2023 – Pavy Keomaniboth has been named area executive chef at Hyatt Centric Beale Steet Memphis and Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis. In his new role, Chef Keomaniboth oversees the culinary day-to-day operations, banquets and catering, and overarching food and beverage programs for both hotels. With over 30 years of experience in the culinary field and 15 years with the Hyatt Brand, Chef Keomaniboth brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position. Born into a family that had a passion and love affair with the culinary world, he grew up in Hawaii and eventually moved to Portland, Oregon...
Maine Course Hospitality Group Breaks Ground on TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Williston, Vermont
Maine Course Hospitality | December 12, 2023
Williston, VT – December 12, 2023 – Maine Course Hospitality Group, a leading hotel management company, is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of a new TownePlace Suites by Marriott in the picturesque town of Williston, Vermont, a submarket of the greater Burlington area. This exciting venture is a result of a collaborative effort between Maine Course Hospitality and Redstone VT Property Management, the property's owner and developer. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a project that promises to bring modern accommodations and hospitality excellence to the heart of Vermont's thriving community. The new TownePlace Su...
Accor Signs With JSC “Dallmark LTD” for First Hotel in Tajikistan
ACCOR | December 12, 2023
Accor, a world leading hospitality group, announces the signing of a cooperation agreement with the representative office of construction and investment company JSC “Dallmark LTD” to open a new Swissôtel on Rudaki Avenue in Dushanbe. The official signing ceremony, which took place at Safo Dushanbe Hotel, was attended by Hamzaali Fazilov, Director of the Representative office of JSC “Dallmark Ltd” in the Republic of Tajikistan, and Alexis Delaroff, Chief Operating Officer of Accor New East Europe. Swissôtel in Dushanbe became Accor’s first project signed in Tajikistan. The new premium hotel will offer traditional Swiss hospitali...
Bennett Peter Assumes Role as General Manager for Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil
Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil | December 12, 2023
Kuala Lumpur, December 12, 2023 -- Hyatt Place proudly announces the appointment of Bennett Peter as the General Manager for the newly opened Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil. The unveiling of Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Jalil, marks a historic milestone as Malaysia's inaugural Hyatt Place and the first international hotel in the thriving Bukit Jalil district. This achievement underscores the global expansion of the Hyatt Place brand, strategically extending its presence to key markets that resonate with both discerning guests and dedicated World of Hyatt members. Fondly known as Ben, Mr. Peter has deep roots in Kuala Lumpur, wh...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Opens Its First Hotel Indigo in Malaysia
IHG | December 12, 2023
December 2023: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: IHG Hotels & Resorts celebrates its 150th Hotel Indigo globally with the opening of Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park, marking the brand’s debut in Malaysia. Just as no two neighbourhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are alike. The 180-room urban oasis overlooks picturesque Bukit Nanas and is flanked by KL Forest Eco Park— the only remaining patch of tropical rainforest in central Kuala Lumpur. This iconic area of the neighbourhood plays a central role in the hotel’s design. Malaysia-based designers GA Group presented nods to local cultural nuances, history and ref...
SSG Hotels Acquires Two Hyatt-Branded Properties in Warrenville, Illinois
SSG Hotels LLC | December 12, 2023
Lafayette, IN – December 12, 2023 – SSG Hotels, a family-owned hotel development and management company headquartered in Lafayette, IN, proudly announces the recent acquisition of two prominent Hyatt properties in Warrenville, IL. This strategic move marks another significant milestone in SSG Hotels' commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences. The newly acquired Hyatt Place Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville and Hyatt House Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville properties, located in the vibrant community of Warrenville, present an exciting opportunity for SSG Hotels to enhance its presence in the dynamic Chicagoland hospitality ...
America’s Travel Comeback: Five Ways We’re Supporting Our Travel & Tourism Industry
Grant T. Harris | December 12, 2023
By Grant T. Harris This is the fourth piece in a blog series about the 2023 National Export Strategy, a government-wide strategic plan to support American businesses through trade promotion activities. This article focuses on the Travel and Tourism chapter of the National Export Strategy. This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy. The holiday travel season is here! As families and friends gather for celebrations, it’s a great time to spotlight a critical driver of economic growth and employment in the United States: the travel and tourism industry. You’ve seen the headlines: Travel is back,...
Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Enjoys a 24% Increase in F&B Revenue Thanks to IRIS’ Mobile Dining
IRIS | December 12, 2023
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Stayntouch Raises $48 Million in Strategic Growth Equity Investment Led by Sixth Street Growth
Stayntouch | December 12, 2023
New York, December 12, 2023 – Stayntouch, a global leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS), today announced it has secured $48 million in financing in a strategic growth equity investment led by Sixth Street Growth, the technology growth investing arm of Sixth Street. Founded in 2012 and acquired by MCR in 2020, Stayntouch offers an intuitive cloud PMS for hotels to streamline operations and connect front and back office functions, including reservations, front desk operations, payments, revenue management and reporting, and multi-property management. In October 2022, the company launched Stayntouch 2.0, which expanded it...
Crafting a Distinctive Identity: The Role of Branding Within the Travel and Hospitality Technology Industry
Alan Young | December 12, 2023
By Alan Young Branding plays a crucial role in niche verticals by helping businesses establish a strong and distinct identity within their specific market segment. According to a study conducted by Forbes, 82% of consumers are more likely to trust a brand that is tailored to their specific needs and interests. This highlights the importance of creating a brand that resonates with the target audience, as it can significantly impact consumer trust and loyalty. In addition to building trust, targeted branding also has a direct impact on the bottom line. Research by McKinsey & Company reveals that companies with strong and relevant br...
Hotel Kryb I Ly Kro Adopts GuestCast to Address Influx of International Traveler Entertainment Preferences
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | December 12, 2023
Danish property sidesteps costly television replacement fees while providing travelers with ultimate personalization over content-streaming experiences. Fredericia, Denmark — December 12, 2023 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, together with local Danish supplier and IT infrastructure developer, Itplan, has announced the successful deployment of the GuestCast content streaming solution by Hotel Kryb I Ly Kro. Situated in Fredericia, Denmark, the privately operated boutique property with GuestCast can now cater to a growing number of international trav...
The Azur Selection To Acquire Two New Hotels in Volos and Meganisi, Greece
The Azur Selection | December 11, 2023
ATHENS, Greece--Regulatory News: The Azur Selection (ISIN: GRS528003007 – Ticker: MLAZR) (Paris:MLAZR), a Greek hotel company listed on the Euronext Access + market in Paris, today announces the acquisition of two new hotels in the city of Volos and on the island of Meganisi, in Greece. The shareholders of The Azur Selection, at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 6 December 2023 in the Company’s offices in Athens, approved the acquisition of two hotels, Azur Volos, in the coastal town of Volos and Azur Meganisi on the island of Meganisi, both in Greece. This acquisition will be made through the issue of 1,296,335 new shares of ...
Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index Up 9.3% in November
STR | December 11, 2023
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee, and MILWAUKEE—The Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index increased 9.3% in November to a level of 6,119. "Hotel stocks rose sharply in November and snapped a three-month losing streak; performance generally tracked the benchmarks,” said Michael Bellisario, senior hotel research analyst and director at Baird. “Lower interest rates primarily drove the gains during the month, particularly for real estate stocks, and overall investor sentiment improved. Year to date, the hotel REIT sub-index turned positive and is now +7.6%, while the hotel brand sub-index at +30.6% continues to be a relative outperformer.” “As exp...
Decoding AI Governance: Insights from Personal Experimentation to Policy Making
Mark Munger | December 11, 2023
By Mark Munger AI is making headlines with breakthroughs that are met with awe, skepticism, or indifference. The headlines herald new advancements that depending on the author’s viewpoint, are either transcending, existential, or in some cases just ho-hum. These advancements are revolutionizing capabilities, propelling both personal ambitions and corporate objectives. For forward-thinking business leaders, AI integration is non-negotiable. Consumers are reaching new productivity peaks as government policymakers contemplate regulations. The trajectory of AI is steep and inclusive, promising benefits across the spectrum. AI will continue t...
PENN Entertainment Breaks Ground on Second Hotel Tower at The M Resort
The M Resort | December 11, 2023
WYOMISSING, Pa. & HENDERSON, Nev.--PENN Entertainment, Inc. (“PENN” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: PENN) announced today that it will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the second hotel tower at M Resort this afternoon at 2 pm PST. “We can’t wait to begin construction on a second hotel tower at M Resort,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “This new addition will benefit from the strong demand of the Henderson locals market while providing much needed additional room capacity for group business that is drawn to our market-leading resort and amenities, including our highly successful partnership with ...
