Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
Revenge Travel Is Here to Stay, Visa Study Reveals
Visa Inc. | November 30, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO--Today Visa (NYSE: V) announced the results of its 2023 U.S. edition of the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study, revealing emerging trends in consumer behaviors and preferences for outbound and inbound cross-border travel. Travel has surged post-COVID and there are no signs of retreating, despite rising costs. According to U.S. Travel Association’s recent Travel Price Index1, travel costs have increased 4.4%, and while most Americans surveyed by Visa (73%) notice an increase in costs, only 6% of travelers plan to cancel or delay their plans. U.S. Outbound Traveler Insights: Prioritizing days away for leisure: American...
International Tourism To End 2023 Close to 90% of Pre-Pandemic Levels
UNWTO | November 30, 2023
International tourism is on track to recover almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year. According to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an estimated 975 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38% on the same months of 2022. The newest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer also shows: World destinations welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season. International tourist arrivals hit 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the third quarte...
Driving Profitability With Precision: AI’s Pivotal Role in Revenue Management?
Andrew Rubinacci | November 30, 2023
By Andrew Rubinacci Revenue management systems play a critical role in the hospitality industry. Traditionally, these systems attempt to predict future demand from past trends to optimize pricing. That’s a reasonable approach. But as the pandemic taught us, relying on the past to predict the future doesn’t always work - the unexpected still occurs. Now, what if I told you it was possible to predict future demand based on current trends? How would that impact your pricing strategies? We’ve come a long way since the first RMSs hit the scene. And the recent advancements in artificial intelligence have made them more powerful (and rel...
Easy Is in the Eye of the User
Shep Hyken | November 30, 2023
By Shep Hyken I recently bought a software solution. The advertising said, “Easy to install and easy to use.” It was half right. I had no problem installing the software. However, using it was a different story. The good news is that when I reached out to technical support, I had a response within minutes. Despite the quick service, after I followed the instructions, the software still wasn’t working, and the entire process was confusing. I emailed the support rep to tell him it wasn’t as easy as he thought it would be, and he responded by saying, “It should be easy.” There was a difference between him and me. This ...
Hyatt and 3H Group Break Ground on Inaugural Hyatt Studios Property in Mobile, Alabama
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | November 30, 2023
Hyatt’s first upper-midscale extended-stay brand experiencing growing pipeline with strong interest from developers CHICAGO (November 30, 2023) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) marks Hyatt’s entry into upper-midscale lodging in the Americas with the groundbreaking of the first Hyatt Studios property, set to open in Mobile, Ala. in early 2025. Hyatt has entered into a franchise agreement with 3H Group Inc. for Hyatt Studios Mobile/Tillman’s Corner. The Hyatt Studios brand is expected to be a key accelerator for Hyatt, building on Hyatt’s six years of industry leading net rooms growth. “We are proud to achieve this cons...
Sunscape Coco Punta Cana Celebrates Grand Opening in the Heart of the Dominican Republic
Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt | November 30, 2023
The 1,059-room family-friendly resort offers guests an enchanting backdrop of coconut palms and the natural beauty of Laguna Bavaro Reserve in the idyllic Cabeza de Toro region CHICAGO (November 30, 2023) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Sunscape Coco Punta Cana, the newest addition to the Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt. The newly remodeled 1,059-room family-friendly resort expands the Inclusive Collection’s portfolio in the Dominican Republic to 15 resorts and marks the opening of the second Sunscape Resort & Spa branded property in the country. Nestled along the pristine Bavaro ...
Conquering New Horizons: How to Effectively Introduce Your Hotel and Travel Technology Platform to the Americas
Alan Young | November 30, 2023
By Alan Young In today's dynamic and complex environment, the task of extending your travel or hospitality services into new markets is fraught with distinct challenges. The hotel and travel industry, characterized by its close-knit community and exclusive dynamics, often poses significant barriers to new entrants. When you introduce your platform into these markets, it's not just about offering a new solution; it's about understanding and integrating into an established ecosystem. This industry's intricate network of relationships, legacy practices, and entrenched preferences can make it difficult for newcomers to gain a foothold. Succ...
Hilton Reveals 2023 CEO Light & Warmth Award Winners
Hilton | November 30, 2023
MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced today the recipients of its 2023 CEO Light & Warmth Award, recognizing 15 individuals and two teams from Hilton-branded hotels. The CEO Light & Warmth Award is the company’s highest honor celebrating Hilton team members around the world who bring Hilton’s values to life through their inspiring leadership and passion for providing exceptional hospitality. In 2023, more than 700 team members from Hilton’s global managed and franchise network were nominated by their colleagues. Finalists were selected by a committee of representatives from across the company, with the winners chosen...
NexGen Hotels Acquires Best Western Plus in Venice, Florida
NexGen Hotels | November 30, 2023
Hotel Located Just a Few Miles from Pristine Gulf Beaches Venice, FL – November 30, 2023 – NexGen Hotels, a hotel development and management company based in Itasca, Illinois, today announced the acquisition of the Best Western Plus Ambassador Suites Venice. Located at 400 Commercial Court, the 83-room hotel will be managed by Genuine Hospitality Group of St. Louis, Missouri. Located five miles from historic downtown Venice and 24 miles from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, the Best Western Plus Ambassador Suites Venice provides travelers with easy access to 14 miles of Gulf beaches, championship golf courses and numerous...
IHG Expands Its Essentials Portfolio in Chennai With the Signing of Holiday Inn Chennai Egmore
IHG | November 30, 2023
The signing will add 92-keys to Chennai’s City-Centre following conversion in 2025 30th November, 2023, New Delhi: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Abu Estate Private Limited to open Holiday Inn Chennai Egmore. Set to open in Q1 of 2025, the 92-keys conversion hotel reaffirms IHG’s commitment to growing presence in prime destinations across the country. Centrally located in Chennai, Egmore is an upcoming industrial area with convenient proximity to government offices, high-end residential complexes, railway station and landmark building...
Accor Signs With Mardi Holding to Introduce the Handwritten Collection in the South Caucasus
Accor | November 30, 2023
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announces the signing of a cooperation agreement with Mardi Holding, one of Georgia’s largest development companies, to open a Handwritten Collection hotel on the Black Sea coast in Batumi, Georgia in 2026. Launched in January 2023, the Handwritten Collection brand represents a unique portfolio of exclusive hotels with an individual style. Handwritten Collection properties offer guests an intimate and stylish hospitality experience from local hoteliers. “We are proud to announce the signing of a Handwritten Collection property in Batumi – the first hotel under the exquisite Handwritten C...
Remington Hospitality to Manage Newly Renovated La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection
Remington Hospitality | November 30, 2023
Formerly Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel, the Newly Rebranded Property Will Join the Marriott Portfolio Dallas, TX — November 30, 2023 — Remington Hospitality, a leading hotel management company, today announces the rebranding of Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel in Key West, Florida, to La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection. Remington Hospitality, which managed the property previously, will continue its reputation of excellence in conjunction with sister company Premier, which is spearheading the renovation’s interior design, procurement, and project management. The project is slated for completion in early 2024. Boasting a vibrant his...
Sage Hospitality Promotes Marie DeLibero to General Manager of The Rally Hotel
The Rally | November 30, 2023
DENVER, Colo. (November 30, 2023) – Sage Hospitality Group and The Rally Hotel, located in Denver’s entertainment mega, McGregor Square, announced today that Marie DeLibero has been appointed General Manager. Previously Hotel Manager of The Rally, DeLibero is equipped with nearly a decade of hospitality experience within the destination and will oversee all aspects of operations in her new role at The Rally, from day-to-day staff and guest management to serving as an ambassador for the hotel and destination. “We are thrilled that our very own, Marie DeLibero, has been promoted to General Manager of the lively Rally Hotel,” said Tiffa...
106 Jefferson Hotel Appoints Laura Morgan as New Director of Sales and Marketing
106 Jefferson | November 30, 2023
Laura Morgan will spearhead the sales and marketing efforts at Huntsville's Luxury Boutique Hotel HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – November 29, 2023 – 106 Jefferson, a Curio Collection hotel by Hilton, managed by Valor Hospitality Partners announced today the appointment of Laura Morgan as director of sales and marketing. The 115-room lifestyle hotel in downtown Huntsville pays homage to the history, culture and charm of the city, featuring design nods to its space roots. Morgan brings over 25 years of hospitality experience to the property. As Director of Sales and Marketing, she will work with all departments at the hotel to plan and promo...
Olga Schuster Appointed Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing for Rosewood Vienna and Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | November 30, 2023
Cultured hospitality executive equipped with two decades of experience to lead Vienna’s newest luxury hotel’s sales and marketing team as well as to support the opening of Rosewood Schloss Fuschl scheduled for Q2 2024 Rosewood Vienna is delighted to share the appointment of Olga Schuster as the Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing of the ultra-luxury hotel located in the heart of Austria’s capital. Olga will also lend strategic support and assistance to the team at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, opening in 2024. Rosewood Vienna opened in August 2022, making it the fifth European property in the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® portfoli...
Penn State To Honor Jim Risoleo, Ted Balestreri With Hospitality Industry Awards
The Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society | November 30, 2023
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society (PSHRS) and the School of Hospitality Management will honor Jim Risoleo, president and CEO of Host Hotels & Resorts Inc., and Ted Balestreri, chairman and CEO of Cannery Row Co. and chairman, CEO and co-founder of Sardine Factory Restaurant, at the 2024 PSHRS Industry Awards and Reception. The event will take place at 4:30 p.m. on April 2, 2024, at the school’s Marriott Foundation Building among alumni, faculty, industry partners and students. Risoleo will receive the society’s Hospitality Executive of the Year Award and Balestreri will receive the Lifetime A...
PENN Entertainment Announces Groundbreaking Ceremony for Relocated Hollywood Casino Aurora
Hollywood Casino Aurora | November 29, 2023
WYOMISSING, Pa. & AURORA, Ill.--PENN Entertainment, Inc. (“PENN” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: PENN) announced today that it will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the future Hollywood Casino Aurora on November 29, 2023 at 2:45pm CT. The entirely new land-based casino, hotel and entertainment facility will replace the Company’s nearby riverboat casino when completed. The $360 million regional destination is being developed adjacent to the Chicago Premium Outlets, which attracts over eight million visitors annually, and is conveniently located near Interstate 88 in Aurora. The best-in-class facility will feature roughly 1,200 ga...
An Example of Profitable Corporate Wellness Programming
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | November 29, 2023
By Adam Mogelonsky, Larry Mogelonsky In the post-pandemic bullwhip we are still ebbing and flowing through, one big question mark is surrounding the future of business and group travel. Gone are the days of the LOS=1 road warrior as those meetings can be cheaply substituted for videoconferencing. Instead we are seeing more LOS=3 MICE where groups are looking to actually experience a destination or add in a wellness component in order to better facilitate real conversations and more meeting productivity. This is still a very unsaturated space; while leisure has embraced wellness across most categories, business and bleisure are not there...
Charleston, SC: Making & Preserving History
Courtney Vris | November 29, 2023
By Courtney Vris Europeans first settled in the city that would become Charleston over 350 years ago.[1] Charleston’s rich history is one of the drivers of its thriving tourism sector, which tallied 7.68 million visitors in 2022. In the hospitality industry, Charleston continues to make history, while local initiatives are also making strides to preserve it. Demand Peaks & Historic Milestones The global renown of Charleston as a tourist destination continued in 2023 with its rank as the #1 city in the United States for the eleventh year in a row, according to Travel + Leisure readers. In 2023, Charleston gained a spot among Tra...
Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart Opens in Germany
Radisson | November 29, 2023
Located in Stuttgart’s tallest building opposite the renowned Stuttgart Theater, the new Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city center and Killesberg Park. This latest flagship addition to the upper-upscale Radisson Blu brand boasts superb transport connections to Stuttgart’s business district and numerous cultural attractions. Offering 168 attentively designed rooms and suites on the top floors 12–23 of the iconic building, Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart is the epitome of modern comfort, effortlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with harmonious...
Hilton Expands Mexico Presence With Signing of Two Tapestry Collection by Hilton Hotels in Baja California
Hilton | November 29, 2023
Perla La Paz, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Tropicana Los Cabos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton mark the brand’s arrival in the region adding to the company’s Baja California portfolio of award‑winning hotels BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico and MCLEAN, Va. – Today, global hospitality leader Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signings of two franchise agreements for the upcoming conversions of the 90-room Perla La Paz, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in La Paz and 70-room Tropicana Los Cabos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in San Jose del Cabo. Expected to open in early 2024, the properties will mark the debut of Tapestry Collection b...
Marta Hagan Appointed Director of Sales and Marketing for Viceroy Santa Monica and Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica
Viceroy Santa Monica | November 29, 2023
The hospitality veteran of nearly 20 years will oversee all sales and marketing efforts for the two iconic Santa Monica properties (SANTA MONICA, CA; November 29, 2023)—Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and Pebblebrook Hotel Trust are pleased to announce the appointment of Marta Hagan as director of sales and marketing of Viceroy Santa Monica and Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica. Bringing nearly 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the hospitality industry to this role, Hagan is responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all marketing and sales activities. “We are excited to welcome Marta to the...
PM Hotel Group Selected to Manage Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center
PM Hotel Group | November 29, 2023
Chevy Chase, Maryland (November 29, 2023) — PM Hotel Group, a leading hotel management company based in greater Washington, D.C., has been chosen to take over management of the Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center. Known for its commitment to excellence, PM Hotel Group is poised to implement proven strategies and operational efficiencies to ensure the success of the hotel. The addition of Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center to the PM Hotel Group portfolio marks the continued expansion of the company’s presence in Texas. “We are pleased to be taking over the management of Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center near thriving Downtown Dallas,” ...
Thompson Central Park New York Appoints David Joo as New Executive Chef
Thompson Central Park | November 29, 2023
NEW YORK, NY (Nov. 29, 2023) – Thompson Central Park New York announces today the appointment of David Joo as the hotel’s Executive Chef, overseeing culinary direction for the luxury lifestyle property’s renowned food and beverage program, from the signature restaurant Parker’s, curating the offering in the exclusive Upper Stories Lounge, to in-room dining, catering and events. Executive Chef David Joo brings over 15 years of distinguished expertise as he joins Thompson Central Park from The Peninsula New York, where he served as Sous Chef before advancing to Executive Chef, orchestrating five-star luxury dining experiences for gues...
