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November 4th, 2024
Cloud5 Communications Partners With PureHD to Provide Hotels New Guestroom Entertainment Option
Cloud5 Communications | December 6, 2023
This strategic relationship further solidifies Cloud5’s reputation as the leading end-to-end provider of hospitality-focused IT solutions and services. Chicago, IL. — December 6, 2023, Cloud5 Communications, the leading provider of IT solutions and services for more than 5,000 hotels across the Americas, today announced its partnership with PureHD, a leading provider of digital, high-definition, interactive streaming solutions for the hospitality industry. Through this partnership, Cloud5 will now offer in-room entertainment, on-demand streaming, and free-to-guest television in addition to its award-winning HSIA and telecommunication...
Chicago Sees the Highest Group Volume in November, Knowland Reports
KNOWLAND | December 6, 2023
National Associations lead in meetings and events in four of the five top markets ARLINGTON, Va. — Dec. 6, 2023 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, reports Chicago experienced the highest volume for meetings and events, together with 8.6 year-over-year percent growth. Washington, D.C., and Phoenix were also top performers, with double-digit growth at 13.5 and 10.7 percent, respectively. Overall, the volume of U.S. meetings and events increased by a modest 5.6 percent, as expected, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. This data is sourced from Knowland’s sales i...
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid Welcomes Alejandro Bernabé as New General Manager and Regional Vice President
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | December 5, 2023
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid announces the appointment of Alejandro Bernabé as its General Manager and Regional Vice President after more than five years as the General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, making it his second hotel with the company. After eighteen years outside of Spain, having worked for AVANI Hotels and Kempinski Hotels & Resorts in Geneva, Bangkok, Dubai, among others, Bernabé lands in the Spanish capital with the following premise: "I'm here to take things to the next level and show the people of Madrid that our spaces and experiences are also theirs to enjoy." Bernabé is no stranger to Madrid. Hailing from Cas...
Market Trend: Refining SEM Strategies for Full-Funnel Marketing
Carly Ferranolo | December 5, 2023
By Carly Ferranolo The hospitality industry saw unprecedented travel demand in 2022. Pent-up desire to get out of the house and escape the same 10-person circle incited the masses to jump on planes to anywhere outside their 50-mile radius. As a result, the average booking conversion rate (CVR) on SEM jumped from 0.90% in 2021 to 1.40% in 2022, an increase of 56% YoY. That’s almost 3x the average during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Where did this increase in demand come from? The simple answer is the middle funnel. The marketing funnel refers to the journey a customer takes from ideation to execution of a purchas...
The Bahamas Achieves Unprecedented Tourism Success With Record-Breaking Eight Million Visitors
The Bahamas | December 5, 2023
NASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 5, 2023 -- The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is proud to announce a historic achievement in tourism, with the country welcoming a record-breaking eight million annual visitors this year. This remarkable success stands as a testament to the unified efforts, strategic planning, and visionary initiatives championed not only by the Ministry of Tourism but strengthened by the invaluable support of key stakeholders like the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion, The Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board and The Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association. The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Ministe...
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Announces Its Foray Into Northeast India With the Signing of a 140-Room Hotel in Sikkim
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts | December 5, 2023
MUMBAI, India, Dec. 5, 2023 -- The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, one of India's leading luxury hotel brands, today announced the signing of a management agreement for a 140-room hotel in Ranka in Sikkim, marking the foray of the brand into Northeast India. Owned by the SIBIN Group, the project Leela Sikkim is located approximately 10 kilometres from the capital city, on a 17-acre plot overlooking the Gangtok Hill. Slated to open in December 2026, The Leela Sikkim is set amidst the serene backdrop of the Himalayas and is poised to redefine the hospitality landscape of the region with its inspirational design, thoughtful programming a...
HVS Global Hotel Industry: 2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook
HVS | December 5, 2023
As 2023 draws to a close, regional HVS leaders across the globe take a look back at how the global hotel industry fared this year and opine on the outlook for next year. While the U.S. experienced muted 2023 RevPAR growth relative to 2022 gains, most other global markets recorded extraordinary RevPAR growth, well above 10%, primarily fueled by strong ADR gains. While transaction activity cooled across the Americas and Europe, the Asia Pacific saw a significant strengthening as this region’s markets moved beyond pandemic-era restrictions. United States By Rod Clough, President – Americas As 2023 ends, we look back on a year where hot...
Daly Seven Unveils Inaugural Dual-Brand Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites and Home2 Suites by Hilton Durham University Medical Center
Daly Seven | December 5, 2023
DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 5, 2023 -- Daly Seven, a trailblazer in hospitality, proudly announces its debut into the dual-brand hotel landscape with the Hampton Inn & Suites and Home2 Suites by Hilton Durham University Medical Center. This milestone marks the first foray into this dynamic concept for Daly Seven, signaling a strategic leap into a highly sought-after hotel trend. Nestled off I-85 at Cole Mill Rd, this groundbreaking property, minutes from Duke University and Duke Medical Center, introduces 222 contemporary hotel rooms to the Northwest Durham area, elevating the local hospitality scene to new heights. Setting a precedent ...
Choice Hotels Welcomes The Mayfair Hotel in NYC to Ascend Hotel Collection
The Ascend Hotel Collection | December 5, 2023
Industry's First and Largest Soft Brand Continues Expansion with Opening of Mayfair Hotel NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 5, 2023-- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) continues its growth in the upscale segment with the addition of the Mayfair Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection. The Mayfair Hotel joins the Ascend Hotel Collection's existing New York City hotels the Blue Angel Hotel, The L Hotel and the Insignia Hotel as the brand continues its growth across the city's boroughs. The seven-story, 77-room property is situated in the heart of New York City's Theatre District. Located adjacent to Broadway's renowned Eugene O'N...
Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park’s First Hotel, Inn at Bellefield, Opening January 2024
Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park | December 5, 2023
HYDE PARK, N.Y.--Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park, a $1 billion, world-class hospitality, agritourism and residential destination located directly across from the Culinary Institute of America, will soon conclude construction of its first structure, the Inn at Bellefield Residence Inn by Marriott International, a 137-room all-suite hotel with sophisticated amenities that will provide an elite lodging experience. The Inn at Bellefield is now accepting reservations starting January 14, 2024 and expects to welcome its first guests shortly thereafter. The Inn at Bellefield is a $55 million project developed by T-Rex Capital Group, LLC, in partn...
The Hospitality Industry’s Responsibility in Enhancing Disability Accessibility
Tanya Girdhar John | December 5, 2023
By Tanya Girdhar John Disability accessibility in hospitality is one of its most essential needs. According to an article by Skift more than half of hotels around the world don’t make it easy to book a room for senior citizens or guests with accessibility needs. While this may not be true for all hospitality businesses across the globe, the industry stakeholders have a responsibility to create spaces that cater to the diverse needs of their guests. In today’s inclusive world, ensuring accessibility for all is not only a legal requirement but also a moral imperative. But the concept of accessibility also impacts businesses fr...
Casa Costera, Isla Verde, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Opening in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Marriott Bonvoy | December 5, 2023
First apartment-style property opening in December giving travelers more stay options within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio Just one year after announcing its intention to expand its presence into premium and luxury apartment-style accommodations, Marriott International, Inc., (Nasdaq:MAR) has begun taking reservations for its first Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy™ property. Casa Costera, Isla Verde, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in San Juan, Puerto Rico is expected to open its doors in the coming weeks. Located in the Isla Verde neighborhood of San Juan, the 107-unit property boasts a rooftop pool with views of the sea and mountains and ...
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Expands Into the Oceania Region With ThreeNew Properties in New Zealand
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | December 5, 2023
Rosewood Assumes Management of Three Iconic Resorts Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Rosewood Matakauri and Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Marking its Highly Anticipated Debut to New Zealand Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® today assumed management of three renowned New Zealand resorts, adding Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, and Rosewood Matakauri to its collection. Formerly known as Robertson Lodges, these spectacular lodges, each situated in quintessential destinations, now form an integral part of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ expanding portfolio. The ribbon cutting of the three lodges took place in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand at Ros...
The Riu Palace Pacifico Reopens Its Doors Following a Full Refurbishment
RIU | December 5, 2023
RIU Hotels & Resorts recently reopened the Riu Palace Pacifico, located on the heavenly Playa de Flamingos beach in Nayarit, Mexico. Following a complete refurbishment of all the hotel’s facilities, it is now an Adults-Only establishment and continues to offer RIU's well-known 24-hour all-inclusive service. The renovation of this elegant hotel, which was built in 2008, comes with new services for guests to increase the number of dining options, enhance their experience and offer a new package for guests looking to take their holiday to the next level: Elite Club by RIU. The Riu Palace Pacifico continues to be as sophisticated as ev...
Jim Rowe to Lead Sales and Marketing for Property Systems Across Jonas Hospitality Brands
Jonas Hospitality | December 5, 2023
Jonas Hospitality is excited to announce the promotion of Jim Rowe to SVP Sales & Marketing, Property Systems in a move that will bring all brands closer together under the Jonas Hospitality Brand. Jim Rowe will oversee the sales and marketing departments across brands, including Springer-Miller Systems (SMS), a leader in luxury hospitality solutions, and SpaSoft, a leading provider of spa management software in addition to Jonas Chorum, [leader in property management solutions], where he’s served as VP of Sales & Marketing for 7 years. In total, Jim has been a valued leader in the Jonas Hospitality organization for nine years. ...
Nomadix Expands Hotel TV Casting With New Version of Google Chromecast
Nomadix | December 5, 2023
Solution Addresses Industry Changes from Google and Netflix without Disruption or Unnecessary Upgrades LOS ANGELES – December 5, 2023 — Nomadix® Inc., bringing connected experiences to life, today announced the expansion of its TV Casting solution. The hospitality industry has been facing two major TV Casting challenges: the end of sale for Chromecast v3 and the Netflix account-sharing policy changes. Nomadix solved both with its latest release, making it simple for guests to enjoy their own shows, including Netflix, on its hospitality-focused Nomadix Casting platform. Customizable to align with each hotel’s brand and wi...
Spark by Hilton Leverages Think Simplicity at Germantown, DC Location
Think Simplicity | December 5, 2023
Think Simplicity’s communication system provides rebranded hotel with end-to-end communication hardware and software platform BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., Dec. 5, 2023 — Think Simplicity, a cloud communication technology provider of all-inclusive voice and chat solutions for the hospitality industry, announced today Spark by Hilton™ will utilize the company’s communication platform at its Germantown Washington DC North location. Spark offers modern hospitality at a budget-friendly price. The brand brings to the metropolitan DC market a fresh, practical, and comfortable alternative for travelers seeking a convenient and high-q...
Doug Kennedy Announces Next Topic in His Webcast Training Series: Hospitality Training: 12 Steps to Reclaiming Your Spirit of Hospitality From the Gra
Doug Kennedy | December 5, 2023
Complimentary Registration Sponsored By Travel Outlook, Better Talent, and Track Hospitality Software Kennedy Training Network Inc. (KTN) announced today the topic for Doug Kennedy’s next training webcast. This month’s topic rotates back to hospitality, and it is one that a lot of our participants can relate to: 12 Steps to Reclaiming Your Spirit of Hospitality From The Grasp Of Cynicism scheduled for Monday, December 18, from Noon – 12:40pm EDT. REGISTER HERE “As we look to the start of a new year and reflect on a string of several of the most stressful years in the history of the lodging industry, I hope to remind us all why we...
UNWTO and Infecar Launch Startup Competition for Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models
the UNWTO Startup Competitions | December 4, 2023
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is joining with Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) to identify entrepreneurs playing a key role in reshaping the hotel and new business model landscapes. The UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models is open to any startup or entrepreneur worldwide. The competition will award 10 finalists with the best solutions in the categories of Innovations in Digital Hospitality and Business Models, and Sustainability Impact. Innovation and technology in the hospitality industry redefine the very essence of the guest experience, transforming hotels into hub...
Life House Selected to Operate Three Boutique Hotels in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Life House | December 4, 2023
PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo.--Life House is set to manage three distinguished hotels in Pagosa Springs: The Nightingale Motel, High Creek Lodge, and Pagosa River Domes. This initiative comes as part of a collaboration with Utah-based Elan Capital Partners, who hold an impressive portfolio of hospitality properties across the nation. The partnership not only accentuates Life House's ability to blend local charm with advanced hotel management techniques, but also positions the operator as a frontrunner for hoteliers seeking a partner with a proven track record of enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency. The partnership will blend Life Ho...
CHLA Highlights Excellence at 2023 Stars of the Industry Awards
The California Hotel and Lodging Association | December 4, 2023
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--The California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA) honored eleven hospitality leaders and four outstanding properties today during its annual Stars of the Industry Awards. “Congratulations to our 2023 winners and nominees who embody the spirit of hospitality and help make California a global industry leader,” said Lynn S. Mohrfeld, President & CEO of CHLA. “Your dedication serves as a reminder that our industry thrives when all of us are engaged and committed to excellence on a local level.” Hundreds of exemplary employees and properties were nominated by California hospitality leaders for the 2023 awa...
What’s Trending in the Food and Beverage Industry in 2024?
EHL Insights | December 4, 2023
The food and beverage industry has witnessed healthy growth over the past couple of years and with this trend there have been some significant shake-ups. The sector has evolved across all its component parts, from food preparation to packaging, restauration, home delivery, and homemade. Social media has become a powerful force that propels food trends to spread rapidly through our cultural consciousness. Whether it's those yawn-inducing people who only talk about their latest air-fryer inventions or the gorgeous gorgeous girlies of #SoupTok who proclaim their love for the velvety comfort health food (who doesn't?!). On the other side of th...
Shining in Today’s New Normal: Key Takeaways From CHICOS 2023
Benjamin Pascarella | December 4, 2023
By Kristina M. D'Amico, Benjamin Pascarella Last year’s CHICOS conference focused on the Caribbean region’s rebound from the closure of the islands due to COVID-19. However, this year’s CHICOS theme, “Shining in Today’s New Normal,” highlighted the exponential growth in arrivals and average rates in the region. A few key takeaways from this year’s conference are presented below. Record-Breaking Demand As the Caribbean hotel market has shattered occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR records, with some islands experiencing double-digit growth, there is no question the region is shining bright. During CHICOS 2022 last year, we all me...
Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort Opens in Australia Following $30M Reimagination
December 4, 2023
Airport hotels have generally been viewed as ‘pit stops’ – somewhere to rest your head before or after you’re about to catch a plane – but that has all changed with the launch of a new resort concept created out of the Novotel and Mercure hotels at Darwin Airport. Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort is set to become the perfect tropical oasis for touring the Northern Territory’s Top End following a $30 million reimagination and dramatic integration of the adjoining hotels. The hotels are owned by the Airport Development Group (ADG), which also owns Darwin Airport. The resort is located on the lands of the Larrakia Na...
