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AHLA Foundation Names Julienne Smith as 2023 Peggy Berg Castell Award Recipient
AHLA Foundation | September 26, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC (September 26, 2023) – AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), honored Julienne Smith, Chief Development Officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, as the 2023 recipient of the Peggy Berg Castell Award. Presented at The Lodging Conference on September 20, the award highlights women trailblazers who are paving the way for more women to rise to the top of the hospitality industry. In her role overseeing the growth of IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Americas region, Julienne's leadership has paved the way for her own successes as well as the success of others. Julienne is a...
SalesAndCatering.com Welcomes Hotel Technology Executive Mike Pavicich as Director of Global Sales
SalesAndCatering.com | September 26, 2023
With over two decades in the hotel sector, Pavicich aims to bolster SalesAndCatering.com's global reach and fortify its leadership in hospitality solutions. Charleston, SC – (SEPTEMBER 26, 2023) – SalesAndCatering.com is excited to announce the appointment of Mike Pavicich as their new Director of Global Sales. With over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, Pavicich brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. In his new role, Pavicich will be responsible for driving global sales strategies, expanding business partnerships, and implementing successful sales initiatives. With his extensive background in the hospit...
Black Travel Summit Launches National Black Travel Day to Commemorate the Black Travel Movement
Black Travel Summit | September 26, 2023
MIAMI, Fla. (September 26, 2023) – Black Travel Summit (BTS) introduces National Black Travel Day (November 11), a new holiday dedicated to celebrating, honoring, and uplifting the global Black travel community. National Black Travel Day is a day for Black travelers and travel professionals to celebrate diversity, their impact, future, and culture in travel. It is an homage to the Black travel movement; a reminder for allies, supporters, but also for the community that diversity in travel isn’t a trend that ends, it’s necessary for a brighter future for all who travel. Following the summit’s annual in-person conference in October,...
Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown Deploys High-Performance WiFi Upgrade by Hotel Internet Services
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | September 26, 2023
15-story property leverages HIS industry expertise to achieve competitive edge in catering to modern online guest expectations. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah. — September 26, 2023 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, has been credited with implementing a high-speed internet network upgrade at Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown in Utah. A 381-room property benefitting from an extensive renovation, Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown further invested in its property with a powerful online WiFi infrastructure which will further increase guest satisfaction. Catering...
How Sharing Information Between Hotel Departments Via Tech Is Changing the Future of Hospitality
Warren Dehan | September 26, 2023
Hotels are breaking down the walls between departments and improving their knowledge and situational awareness of the marketplace — powered by PMS technology By Warren Dehan Hoteliers have become accustomed to seeking excellence within each department, with each group internally supporting the other through consistency and diligence. However, today’s operations call for greater collaboration than in years past. Individual workers today have much greater responsibility and face more scrutiny from managers and guests. Hotel workers are expected to oversee multiple aspects of hospitality simultaneously, and roles spanning multiple depart...
Jackson Hole’s Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa Promotes Troy Batten to Area Director of Food and Beverage
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa | September 25, 2023
JACKSON HOLE, WY – September 25, 2023 – Beloved Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, part of the Noble House Hotels and Resorts collection of luxury hotels and resorts, happily announces the appointment of Troy Batten, the current Executive Chef of the hotel’s award-winning Spur Restaurant & Bar and Spur Catering, as the new Area Director of Food and Beverage. Batten began his career at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa as lead cook 14 years ago. His strong work ethic and dedication quickly moved him up the ranks to Sous Chef, Chef De Cuisine, and finally to Executive Chef in 2019. Batten was instrumental in the success of Spur, help...
Sonesta Announces Plans for Larimar City & Resort in the Dominican Republic
Sonesta | September 25, 2023
New Multi-use Development to Feature The Royal Sonesta and The James Brands as well as Residences NEWTON, MA [September 25, 2023] – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced plans for Larimar City & Resort, a new multi-use development that marks the company’s entry in the Dominican Republic. Anchoring this development will be new Royal Sonesta and James hotels, two of Sonesta’s luxury and lifestyle brands. “This development leverages two of our premier brands, The Royal Sonesta and The James, to grow our footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is a strategic priority for Sonesta,” said ...
Hotel Crescent Court Appoints Shawn Nayyar as General Manager
Hotel Crescent Court | September 25, 2023
DALLAS – Sept. 25, 2023 – The iconic Hotel Crescent Court, set in the heart of Dallas’ vibrant Uptown, is proud to announce the appointment of its new General Manager, Shawn Nayyar. Nayyar brings more than 30 years of diverse global hospitality and leadership experience to the hotel. He will focus on hotel’s strategic goals while overseeing all operations of the 226-room property and the exclusive members- and guests-only Crescent Club. “Shawn’s unique entrepreneurial outlook and diverse global experiences are a remarkable addition to the hotel’s leadership team,” says Denise Mope, director of sales and marketing. “We a...
Business Travel in Asia Pacific Poised for Significant Rebound in 2023, Spending Forecast To Reach Almost $800 Billion by 2027
GBTA | September 25, 2023
GBTA reveals regional outlook data and insights during its sold-out 2023 GBTA APAC Conference held this week in Singapore After challenging years due to the pandemic, for 2023 and beyond, business travel in Asia Pacific is forecast for significant growth, with travel spending gaining 41% to USD $567 billion this year ─ and rising to $800 billion by 2027. China’s reopening and robust domestic demand will be a big catalyst for the growth. Solid rebound is also anticipated in Japan, South Korea, and Australia, along with the return of international business travel, which is anticipated to boost Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. ...
UK Travel & Tourism Sector Now Worth More Than Quarter of a Trillion Sterling Says WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council | September 25, 2023
London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals the UK Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to exceed the 2019 peak this year. The sector is set to contribute £252.4BN to the UK economy this year, surpassing the 2019 pre-pandemic high of £248.5BN. WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create almost 380,000 jobs this year, recovering almost all of the jobs lost due to the COVID 19 pandemic to reach more than 4MN, with around one in nine workers in the UK, in the Travel & Tourism sector. International visitor spend to the UK is forecast to reach £26.18BN...
Industry Sentiment Remains Hopeful for ADR and Group Demand, Recession Fears Grow
CoStar Group | September 25, 2023
In early Q3 2023, STR completed the third edition of the Hospitality Industry Sentiment (HIS) survey, a quarterly survey of travel industry professionals. Between the first and second waves of this survey, we saw some subtle shifts in experts’ expectations for industry performance. Leisure demand was tapering off, but group demand and major events were on the rise. Now with the third wave of the survey on the books, some patterns have become further established, and some new trends emerge as well. Average daily rate (ADR) expectations across the globe remain positive, while optimism for occupancy growth has slipped into the...
Bringing New Energy to The Meadowlands in Northern New Jersey
Patricia Shih | September 25, 2023
By Patricia Shih The new Meadowlands Convention Center development has been proposed for the former Izod Center site in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. This major mixed-use project, which has an estimated $1.6-billion development cost, is planned to feature a 460,000-square-foot convention center, a headquarters hotel, and potentially two additional hotels. This proposed development is anticipated to generate roughly $30 billion in spending over a 30-year period. The project must next be reviewed and approved at the state level. Local officials are enthusiastic about this opportunity to reinvigorate the Meadowlands and northern New Jers...
HVS Conference Takeaways: The Lodging Conference 2023
Rod Clough | September 25, 2023
By Rod Clough With contributions from Eric Guerrero, Josh Williams, Neil Flavin, Zabada Abouelhana, James Rebullida, and Aleisha Smith Harry Javer and team executed another stellar Lodging Conference at the beautiful JW Marriott Desert Ridge, where over 2,700 attendees gathered to ponder and map the future of our great industry. We were thankful to sponsor such an important meeting, and I was honored to take the main stage at its start to share my perspectives on the direction of cap rates, discount rates, and values. Here are our takeaways from the conference: There is a notable disconnect at present between buyer and sel...
Hilton Signs With Annexum To Develop Two New Hotels in Rotterdam
Hilton | September 25, 2023
Mainport Hotel Rotterdam, Curio Collection by Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre To join Hilton’s portfolio in the Netherlands ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has signed a franchise agreement with Annexum to develop two hotels totalling 480 rooms in Rotterdam. Mainport Hotel Rotterdam, Curio Collection by Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre are due to open in 2024 following renovations, during which both hotels will remain operational and will be trading as Hilton affiliate hotels. Investment manager Annexum recently acquired the two hotels, which will become the first properties u...
Omni Charlottesville Hotel Undergoes $15 Million Renovation
OMNI | September 25, 2023
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (September 25, 2023) – Omni Charlottesville Hotel will soon debut its $15 million renovation of its guest rooms, public spaces, dining venues and meeting space. The hotel renovation’s design combines historic traditions with contemporary touches, drawing inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the city’s rich culture. “Our team is very excited about this renovation and appreciates the many elements that honor Charlottesville’s history and traditions while also adding modern enhancements,” said Paul Maher, General Manager for Omni Charlottesville Hotel. Upon arrival in the main lobby, guests...
Marriott International Signs Agreement To Open Two Luxury Properties in Trojena, The Mountains of NEOM
Marriott | September 25, 2023
Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with NEOM to open two luxury properties in Trojena, NEOM’s mountain destination located in the north-west region of Saudi Arabia. The agreement includes Saudi Arabia’s first W Hotel, and a JW Marriott property. “We are excited to work with NEOM to develop these two exciting properties in one of the most highly anticipated developments in the world,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “W Hotels continues to redefine the luxury hospitality sector, and NEOM is an ideal fit with its vision centered aroun...
Xavier Moulin Appointed Managing Director of The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville
The Joseph | September 25, 2023
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville Nashville, TN (September 11, 2023) – The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville, is pleased to announce the appointment of Xavier Moulin as its new Managing Director. With an impressive career in the hospitality industry spanning 25 years and eight countries, Moulin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role at the renowned downtown hotel, voted readers' number one favorite hotel in Nashville for two consecutive years in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2022 and 2023. Moulin holds a Hospitality Management degree from the prestigious Ecole Hôtelière de Lau...
HSMAI Foundation Launches Century Campaign Fundraising Initiative
The HSMAI Foundation | September 25, 2023
Building a Bridge to Our Brightest Future FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (Sept. 25, 2023) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation has announced the launch of its Century Campaign, a five-year fundraising effort ahead of the organization’s upcoming 100th anniversary in 2027. Donations to the Century Campaign will be used to further the mission of the Foundation and its efforts to attract new talent, develop emerging talent, and engage existing talent in the hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professions. “The Century Campaign pays tribute to the organization’s l...
Cendyn Elevates Their Hotel Digital Marketing Offering With Seamless Integration of Google Performance Max for Travel Goals
Cendyn | September 25, 2023
Paris, France – September 25, 2023 – Cendyn, a catalyst for digital transformation in the hospitality industry, is excited to announce the game-changing integration of its digital ads management platform with Google Performance Max for Travel Goals. This integration marks a pivotal moment for its customers, promising to reshape how they connect with their audiences and drive conversions across their digital channels. As a longstanding Google Premier Partner, Cendyn has established itself as the first to offer this innovative integration for the industry. By empowering hoteliers to easily enhance their visibility across all Google adv...
LuxUrban Hotels Adds Three New Properties To Trademark Collection® by Wyndham
LuxUrban Hotels Inc. | September 22, 2023
MIAMI--LuxUrban Hotels Inc. (“LuxUrban” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LUXH), which utilizes an asset-light business model to lease entire hotels on a long-term basis and rent out hotel rooms in these properties in key major metropolitan cities, announced today that the Hotel 57 in New York City, the Condor Hotel in Brooklyn, and the Lafayette Hotel in New Orleans have been re-branded as “The Hotel 57, Trademark Collection® by Wyndham,” “The Condor Hotel, Trademark Collection® by Wyndham,” and “The Lafayette Hotel, Trademark Collection® by Wyndham,” respectively. Inclusive of these three properties, the Company has onboa...
Deloitte: Travel Leaders Embrace Automation and Tech As Workforce Challenges Continue To Weigh on Industry
Deloitte | September 22, 2023
Amid ongoing labor concerns, airline and hospitality leaders leverage digital and technology solutions to enhance traveler experience NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2023 -- Key takeaways Travel providers are leveraging next-gen technology to alleviate workforce constraints: Nearly all airports and half of hotels surveyed are adopting new technology to bridge the labor gap. Despite increased reliance on automation, only one-third of those surveyed expect it to reduce the size of their staff in the next five years, and most expect technology to improve the work experience and create new opportunities for frontline workers. Technolo...
Hilton Appoints Alejandro Larrondo as General Manager of Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico
Hilton | September 22, 2023
CANCUN, Mexico and MCLEAN, Va. – September 22, 2023 – Hilton announced the appointment of Alejandro Larrondo as general manager of the 540-room Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort, expected to join Hilton’s all-inclusive portfolio on October 23rd 2023. Centrally located in Cancun’s popular hotel zone, the beachfront resort features world-class culinary concepts and bars, family-friendly amenities, multiple pools, a refreshed spa and more. A hospitality industry veteran with 24 years of experience, Larrondo most recently served as a multi-property general manager at Santiago Marriott & Courtyard Santiago Las Condes, wh...
Cedric Nubul Named as Area Manager for Brazil and General Manager of Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana and Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro
Hilton | September 22, 2023
SAO PAULO, Brazil and MCLEAN, Va. – September 22, 2023 – Hilton announced the appointment of Cedric Nubul as area manager for Brazil and general manager of Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana and Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro. As area manager, Nubul will be responsible for leading and inspiring the teams across a portfolio of five managed Hilton multi-branded hotels in Brazil, while also managing operations of the two hotels in Rio de Janeiro. “ A hospitality industry veteran with 22-years of experience, Nubul most recently served as general manager of Hilton Singapore Orchard, the largest Hilton in the Asia Pacific, where he led the succ...
Matthew McGuigan Appointed General Manager of Romer Waikiki at The Ambassador in Hawaii
Romer | September 22, 2023
HONOLULU, HI (September 22, 2023) – Highgate, a leading hotel management, investment and development company, has appointed Matthew McGuigan as General Manager of Romer Waikiki at The Ambassador. In his new role, McGuigan will oversee all operations and management of the highly anticipated property, scheduled to open October 1, 2023. An innovative and authentic professional with over 25 years of experience, McGuigan joins Romer Waikiki from the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra in downtown Honolulu, where he served as Hotel Manager for the past five years. Prior, he served as Hotel Manager at the Roosevelt Hotel Seattle, Director of Rooms at The...
