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Paramount Lodging Advisors’ New Building Mural Brings Playful Energy to Old Town
Paramount Lodging Advisors | September 5, 2023
Chicago, IL—Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) has partnered with Chicago local artist, Eric Lee to create an expansive mural for the firm’s headquarters located in Old Town. The piece titled Caution: Bridge Out is described as a trompe l'oeil encounter between Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner. Lee utilized the three-story building to create a three-dimensional story of the infamous foes, Wile E. Coyote, and Roadrunner – transporting the onlookers into the story; in the desert itself with the vibrant use of color, shading, light and space. “After being in the hospitality business for almost two decades with our companies, Atira ...
Guest Loyalty Programs Provide, But They Cost
Robert Mandelbaum, Christine Bang | September 5, 2023
By Robert Mandelbaum and Christine Bang Over the years, the fees hotel owners pay to franchise companies have typically grown at a pace greater than the rise in hotel rooms revenue. Most franchise-related fees are charged as a percent of rooms revenue, and therefore, by assessing the relative changes in rooms revenue and franchise fees we can make some assumptions. In 2021, acknowledging the financial stress hotel owners faced during the pandemic, the franchise companies were sympathetic and provided some reprieve. While rooms revenue increased by 55.4% in 2021, total franchise-related fees rose by just 45.9%. Equilibrium returned in ...
Hotel Marketing KPIs Must Change to Achieve Commercial Strategy
Stephanie Sparks Smith | September 5, 2023
By Stephanie Smith If you are measuring your marketing success today the same way you did last year, you are not providing the value that your external stakeholders and ownership expect and that your internal business partners, like sales and revenue strategy, deserve. It is not enough anymore to measure how many guest rooms are booked per dollar spent on your paid marketing. Instead, focus your attention on two specific areas: Are my marketing plays moving the needle relative to the competition in the channels of business that are actually booking right now? Are the dollars invested really changing the overall revenue picture of t...
The Skills Gap in the Hospitality Industry
Daniel Ciapponi | September 5, 2023
By Daniel Ciapponi Labor is the biggest single cost for hospitality institutions, yet many hotel and tourism industry employers are facing an industry-wide shortage of qualified employees. Travel and tourism may be up as global levels of wealth increase, but there are fewer qualified hospitality workers across the entire industry - from casinos and cruise ships to restaurants and hotels. So what skills are current employees missing and how can hospitality students gain the right set of skills to plug the skills gap and save the industry in the future? What caused the hospitality industry labor shortage? Several different factors conve...
Hampton by Hilton Budapest City Centre Debuts in Hungary
Hampton by Hilton | September 5, 2023
BUDAPEST - Today Hampton by Hilton Budapest City Centre opens its doors to guests – the debut Hampton by Hilton hotel to open in Hungary, located in downtown Budapest City Centre. Alongside 219 stylish and comfortable guest rooms, the hotel features a fitness centre and a lobby bar, giving visitors the opportunity to unwind after a long day exploring the vibrant city. Bedrooms have been designed to incorporate some of the brand’s recently refreshed design principles. Vibrant colours and modern artwork can be seen throughout the interiors and flexible social spaces offer opportunity to work and meet during the day or socialize in the ...
Marriott International Strengthens Expansion Plans in Türkiye With 13 Deal Signings Comprising Over 2,000 Rooms
Marriott International | September 5, 2023
Signed projects include the anticipated debut of Fairfield Inn by Marriott in the country Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) reinforced its long-term commitment to Türkiye with the announcement of 13 deal signings comprising over 2,000 rooms. The signings are expected to further enhance the company’s footprint in the country where it currently has a portfolio of 48 properties and nearly 8,000 rooms across 21 brands. “As one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, Türkiye continues to provide the company with opportunities to further diversify its portfolio across primary, secondary, and tertiary markets i...
Spire Hospitality Appoints Matthew Slater as General Manager for TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver West/Federal Center
SPIRE HOSPITALITY | September 5, 2023
IRVING, TX — September 5, 2023 — Spire Hospitality, a nationally recognized third-party hotel management company, has appointed Matthew Slater as the new general manager of TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver West/Federal Center in Golden, CO. The 106-room property will benefit from Slater's quarter-century of leadership experience in the hospitality sector, including management roles at hotels and country clubs. “I am delighted to welcome Matthew to the Spire team as general manager of TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver West/Federal Center,” said Steve Neth, vice president of operations at Spire Hospitality. “His...
Mondrian Hong Kong Set for Q4 2023 Opening in China
MONDRIAN HOTELS & RESIDENCES | September 5, 2023
(5 September 2023, Hong Kong ) – It’s no coincidence that Mondrian Hong Kong’s Q4 2023 opening is perfectly timed to city’s revival. This new standard of hospitality is integral to a rebirth that dares the culturally-curious to pass it by. From the original MONDRIAN opened in the heart of Los Angeles, to properties in New York, Miami, London, Cannes, Doha and Seoul, the brand has always transformed and defined the neighbourhoods in which they are found through a commitment to creativity, art and the unexpected. The Hong Kong incarnation continues in this tradition, arriving with a promise to shake things up. Inspired. By Peopl...
Brick Hospitality Debuts With New Executive Appointments
Brick Hospitality | September 5, 2023
SAN DIEGO, September 5, 2023 – Brick Hospitality, a San Diego-based hotel management company is proud to announce its launch and its newly appointed group of expertise-driven leaders. The company is led by an all-star executive team with experienced hospitality professionals who specialize in acquisitions, hotel development and design, hotel renovations and openings, sales and marketing, revenue management, food and beverage and more. “The Brick Hospitality team blends honed experience, innovation, and top-line property performance while providing hotel owners and investors with tailored solutions and attentive service,” said Robert A....
Edwin Torres Named General Manager for OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort, in Maui
Outrigger | September 5, 2023
Effective immediately, Edwin Torres will lead the beachfront OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort, in Maui, Hawaii. As General Manager he will help OUTRIGGER hosts, their families and the community in the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires. OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group finalised its acquisition of the 11-acre (4.4 ha), 432-room Kaanapali Beach Hotel on 26 July, 2023. It was renamed the OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort. The property is located on the golden sands of world-famous Kaanapali Beach, Maui – recently ranked as the number one beach in the US and the number 10 beach in the world by TripAdvisor. Torres will lead the beachfront reso...
Courtyard by Marriott Denver Central Park Completes Renovation
Courtyard by Marriott | September 5, 2023
Recent Enhancements Enrich the Guest Experience and Establish the Hotel as a Leader in the Denver Market Grand Re-opening Party on Monday, September 18th DENVER – September 5, 2023 – Marriott International, Inc. is pleased to announce the completion of a recent redesign and renovation to the 146-room Courtyard by Marriott Denver Central Park. The transformation includes renovations to the guest rooms, exterior, lobby, fitness center, courtyard and Bistro. The hotel, located at 7415 East 41st Avenue, is owned by Clarion Partners and managed by Marriott International, Inc. The three-story hotel is situated 17 miles from Denver Internat...
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Appoints Tiffany Leadbetter Donato as Chief Investment Officer
Marcus Hotels & Resorts | September 5, 2023
MILWAUKEE — Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced the appointment of Tiffany Leadbetter Donato as its first chief investment officer. A proven hotel investment and asset management executive, Donato will oversee all transactional activities designed to fuel growth, including acquisitions, co-investments, and new third-party management contracts. Donato brings over 25 years of experience leading complex transactions within the lodging industry, spanning multiple geographies, diverse market dynamics, and deal types. Th...
Newbond Holdings Acquires the 130-Key Aloft Tampa Downtown Hotel
Newbond Holdings | September 5, 2023
The acquisition marks the firm’s third hotel investment in Downtown Tampa NEW YORK CITY (September 5, 2023) – Newbond Holdings (“Newbond”), a real estate and hospitality-focused investment platform, announces the acquisition of the Aloft Tampa Downtown Hotel. This transaction marks Newbond’s third hotel investment on the Downtown Tampa riverfront in the last 24 months, totaling more than 700 hotel rooms and over 800 feet of frontage on the Hillsborough River. Located on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa, the 130-key hotel offers an abundance of indoor and outdoor amenity space, including a waterfront pool and gym, corporate mee...
Hotel Groups Celebrate Second Annual National Hotel Employee Day
AHLA | September 1, 2023
WASHINGTON (Sept. 1, 2023) – Leaders of top hotel industry groups, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, and the Latino Hotel Association today released the below statements on the second annual National Hotel Employee Day. “Employees are the lifeblood of every hotel, and we created National Hotel Employee Day to help thank America’s nearly two million hotel professionals for their incredible service and dedication,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “Today and throughout the year, ...
AAHOA Endorses the Ethical and Beneficial Use of AI in the Hotel Experience
AAHOA | September 1, 2023
ATLANTA, Ga. – AAHOA, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, a leading innovator in the hospitality industry that represents 20,000 hoteliers, proudly endorses the findings of a recent study conducted by the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. The study examined hotel guests' acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI)-based systems and how they are reshaping the industry. Additionally, Morgan Stanley Research on Aug. 18 issued a report, “AI for Hotels: Will the Hotel of the Future Fit in the Palm of Your Hand?,” which documented the upsides of early adoption of AI technologies ...
Inbound Travel’s Slow Recovery Is Hurting U.S. Retailers
Andrew Szyf | September 1, 2023
By Aaron Szyf In an age when online shopping has replaced many in-person purchases at diverse U.S. businesses throughout the country, the full return—and continued growth—of inbound travel is critical for numerous U.S. retailers. International visitors to the U.S. love to shop and spend money at stores across the country. In fact, according to NTTO’s Survey of International Travelers (SIAT), more than 80% of overseas travelers reported that they engaged in shopping, more than any other activity. The U.S. was—and remains—the “single most popular destination for shopaholics” according to a recent WTTC report. In an age when on...
Top 9 Strategies on How to Use TikTok in Your Hotel
Agustina Lagos | September 1, 2023
By Agustina Lagos When people hear about TikTok, the first thing that comes to mind is teenagers dancing to the newest trending choreography. This type of content is loved and hated in equal parts (don't ask me which side I'm on).But the truth is that TikTok is growing at lightning speed and has become the most popular social platform. Even more than Instagram. Do you want to learn how to start implementing TikTok in the marketing strategy of your hotel? Keep reading and I'll tell you how to get the most out of this exciting social network. What is TikTok and why use it in hospitality? First, let's leave behind the idea that social ...
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara Opens in Japan
The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts | September 1, 2023
On the grounds of an ancient temple garden, Shisui takes guests on a transformative journey into the culture, history and serene landscapes of Nara The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the opening of Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara in one of Japan’s most historic and scenic leisure destinations. The extraordinary property is nestled on the western edge of Nara Park and beautifully combines Japanese architecture with the lush greenery of a traditional Japanese temple garden, which forms part of the hotel grounds. The name “Shisui” was inspired by ...
Mississippi Gulf Coast: A Record Recovery
Lauren Hock | September 1, 2023
By Lauren Hock 2020: Strength During the Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic initially posed a major threat to the leisure-heavy Gulf Coast tourism industry, as the market only benefited from one month of Spring Break travel before the stay-at-home orders were issued. However, the state of Mississippi relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions sooner than competitive markets in nearby states, thereby allowing the state’s Secret Coast resorts to capture large amounts of pent-up leisure demand. As a result, occupancy and ADR for July and August nearly reached pre-pandemic levels. The hurricane season can have a negative or positive impact on Gulf Coas...
Autograph Collection Hotels Debuts in Thailand With the Opening of Madi Paidi Bangkok
Autograph Collection® Hotels | September 1, 2023
Nestled in a tree-lined avenue just moments away from vibrant Thong Lor district, this distinct new hotel sets to create inspiring travel tales Autograph Collection Hotels – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands – announces its thrilling debut in Thailand with the opening of Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection. The stylish new boutique hotel brings the art of storytelling to life in Thong Lor, Sukhumvit, one of the city’s most vibrant districts and the go-to destination for those seeking an eclectic mix of cuisine, culture, and entertainment. “Thailand has long been an attractive des...
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown Appoints Sven Wiedenhaupt as New General Manager
InterContinental® Los Angeles Downtown | September 1, 2023
Esteemed Industry Veteran Joins the Executive Team to Lead the 889-Room Hotel to New Heights LOS ANGELES, CA (September 1, 2023) – InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown is pleased to announce the appointment of Sven Wiedenhaupt to the role of general manager, who began his tenure at the esteemed property in June. As a seasoned hospitality professional, Wiedenhaupt brings over 40 years of experience to the hotel, where he leads a culturally rich and highly-engaged team. A luminary within the industry, Wiedenhaupt has an exceptional track record with the development and building of teams, employee engagement, financial performance, sales an...
Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC) Appoints Leadership Across Luxury Portfolio in Charleston
Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC | September 1, 2023
Robert Megargle of The Charleston Place joins BHC’s corporate team, Rebecca Hubbard appointed new Managing Director of The Charleston Place, and Lukus Grace leading the opening of The Cooper, debuting 2025 Charleston, SC (September 1, 2023) – Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC), a Charleston, SC-based hospitality company whose purpose is to create meaningful ways for people to connect and share extraordinary experiences, announced today the appointments of three executive positions within its prestigious collection. Robert (“Bob”) Megargle, previously the Managing Director of BHC’s flagship property The Charleston Place, has ste...
First Hospitality to Operate Oklahoma City’s Lively Hotel
First Hospitality | September 1, 2023
The property will join OAK, a new entertainment destination in the heart of Oklahoma City CHICAGO (September 1, 2023) - First Hospitality, national hotel operations and development company, assumed management and operations of the Lively Hotel in Oklahoma City, further advancing the company’s growth into larger urban city destinations. The Lively Hotel, a 132-key boutique hotel, will join OAK, a 20-acre mixed-use development district of restaurants, bars, and retail shops in the heart of Oklahoma City. In addition to 13,500 square feet of retail space, the property also features a bar and restaurant as well as a 2,400 square foot outd...
Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort Appoints Anthony Dennis Reid as New General Manager
Golden Rock Resort - St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean | September 1, 2023
St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean (September 1, 2023) - Golden Rock Resort, a cliffside nature and dive resort on the idyllic island of St. Eustatius (‘Statia’), announces the appointment of Anthony Dennis Reid as General Manager. Reid’s experience in management, economic development and nature conservation on the island will be fundamental in the evolution of Golden Rock Resort with its new PADI Dive Center set to debut early next year. Nestled between St. Barth’s, St. Kitts and St. Maarten, Golden Rock Resort is Statia’s first upscale eco-resort offering approachable luxury and adventure. The 40-acre nature resort showcases 70 rooms...
