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November 4th, 2024
Extended Stay Premier Suites Boise-Meridian Opens in Meridian, Idaho
Extended Stay America | August 23, 2023
Charlotte, NC, August 23, 2023— Extended Stay America announced today the opening of the Extended Stay Premier Suites Boise-Meridian, located in Meridian, Idaho. RREAF Holdings developed the property, and Aimbridge Hospitality will manage it. The four-story, 124-room, newly constructed Extended Stay America Premier Suites will feature free Wi-Fi, free healthy breakfast, premium cable, a fitness room, onsite guest laundry, and Extended Stay America’s signature spacious lobby with additional vending options. All spacious suites include fully equipped kitchens with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, cookware, utensils, and dis...
Missionize Your Mission Statement
Doug Kennedy | August 23, 2023
By Doug Kennedy Turn your mission statement into meaningful daily actions that touch the hearts and minds of both staff and guests. For decades now, it has been fashionable for companies from all industries to craft a mission statement to not only summarize its purpose, but also to give work more purpose. Over the years, the original concept has evolved into creating “values” or “vision” statements. In my job as a hospitality industry trainer, I familiarize myself with what each client’s company culture involves, among other things, and determine what, if any, statement of mission, values, or vision they have in place. As one m...
Montage Deer Valley Completes Extensive Renovation
Montage Deer Valley | August 23, 2023
Park City’s Elevated Alpine Escape Reimagines Guestrooms, Suites, Restaurants and Lounges Ahead of Winter Season PARK CITY, Utah (August 23, 2023) – Perched 8,300 ft. above sea level in the Wasatch Mountain region, Montage Deer Valley has completed an extensive renovation of all of guestrooms, suites, and dining outlets across the 16-acre resort. The much-anticipated project tapped the visions and creativity of two interior design firms: BraytonHughes Design Studios of San Francisco for resort accommodations, and Denton House Design Studio of Salt Lake City for restaurants and lounges. Both firms drew inspiration from the year-r...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Launches IHG LIFT Program to Drive Growth Opportunities for Diverse Owners
IHG | August 23, 2023
More than $30 million committed to help unlock paths to hotel ownership ATLANTA (August 23, 2023) – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today introduced IHG LIFT, an owner growth program focused on creating more hotel development support for historically under-represented groups within the hospitality industry, and further diversifying IHG’s hotel owner community. The company’s new program will help unlock common barriers to hotel ownership among these groups and empower diverse owner-entrepreneurs for success. IHG will commit more than $30 million over the next five years to support...
Waramaug Hospitality Acquires Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners
Waramaug Hospitality | August 23, 2023
August 23, 2023, Coral Gables, FL and Atlanta, GA — Waramaug Hospitality, a privately held investment firm focused on premium-branded select-service and full-service hotels, announced today it acquired the Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners located northeast of Atlanta's Interstate-285 beltway perimeter, within the high-growth corridor surrounding Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. The 222-room Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners features a fitness center, indoor pool, and outdoor fire pit seating area. With over 5,000 square feet of meeting space spread throughout nine rooms, the largest of which totaling 3,000 square feet with a capacity of...
Ashford Hospitality Trust Converting Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel to Marriott’s Autograph Collection
August 22, 2023
DALLAS, Aug. 22, 2023 -- Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) ("Ashford Trust" or the "Company") today announced that its Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel in Key West, Florida (the "Hotel") is on track to convert to a Marriott Autograph Collection® property in 2024 at which time it will be rebranded to Autograph La Concha. Marriott's Autograph Collection Hotels feature a diverse portfolio of approximately 200 independent hotels around the world that reflect a unique vision, design, and environment. The conversion of this iconic Key West hotel to an Autograph Collection property will occur upon the completion of a $35 million r...
Travel and Tourism Industry Deal Activity Decline by 35.7% YoY in January-July 2023, Reveals GlobalData
GlobalData | August 22, 2023
US and UK saw respective deal volume reducing to almost half China emerges as notable exception Amidst a backdrop of challenging market conditions, various industries have grappled with subdued deal activity during January-July 2023. The travel and tourism industry is no different and saw deal activity decline by a massive year-on-year (YoY) 35.7%, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. An analysis of GlobalData’s Financial Deals Database reveals that 438 deals were announced in the travel and tourism industry globally during January-July 2023 compared to 681 during January-July 2022 Aurojyoti Bose, Lea...
U.S. Leads Global Travel & Tourism Rebound Says WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council | August 22, 2023
Strong outbound growth from US Travellers US Domestic Travel & Tourism market demonstrates its resilience Millions more American jobs since 2021 Las Vegas, USA: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), together with WTTC members ForwardKeys and Mabrian Technologies, today unveiled new insights into the strong expansion of the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector. According to WTTC’s Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2023 Global Trends Report, the GDP contribution of the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector grew by 16.9% in 2022, to reach $2TN. Additionally, the sector also created 2.7MN more jobs compared to 2021. In 2023, ...
Hospitality Technology: Is It the Answer to Everything?
EHL Insights | August 22, 2023
By Matei Gheorghiu-Testa, Timo Kaiser, Sophia Schütte In May 2023, three BOSC 6 students enrolled in EHL Hospitality Business School, namely Matei Testa, Timo Kaiser, and Sophia Schütte, were given the opportunity to attend the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) in Dubai as part of EHL's Educational Travel Program. In the following blog post, they reflect on their journey and share valuable insights about the event. EHL's Educational Travel Program brought us on a trip to the lively city of Dubai to attend the highly anticipated HITEC Conference. We took advantage of this excellent opportunity to immer...
Waldorf Astoria Makes Its Debut in Egypt and the African Continent
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts | August 22, 2023
The opening of Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis brings world‑class hospitality and unforgettable experiences to the vibrant city of Cairo CAIRO, Egypt – Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) iconic luxury hotel brands, today announced its expansion into Egypt and the African continent with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis. The elegant hotel brings a welcoming atmosphere, unforgettable experiences, and seamless, personalised service to the Egyptian capital, providing a tranquil oasis, complete with beautiful botanical gardens, for guests to unwind away from the bustling streets of the c...
Fusion Hotel Group Launches Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion in Southern Vietnam
FUSION | August 22, 2023
The wellness-inspired brand’s latest oceanfront resort features 164 guest rooms and 46 villas HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (Aug. 22, 2023) — Fusion Hotel Group has announced the launch of Ixora Ho Tram by fusion, a wellness-inspired resort featuring 164 luxury guest rooms and 46 private villas with breathtaking views overlooking southern Vietnam’s pristine coast. Located in The Grand Ho Tram Strip complex, renowned for its world-class entertainment and culinary offerings, Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion is the second Fusion property launched under the “by fusion” brand, following Alba Wellness Valley by fusion in Thua Thien Hue province. ...
Kimpton Virgilio Set for Fall 2023 Opening in Mexico City
IHG Hotels & Resorts | August 22, 2023
The first boutique hotel of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand in Mexico City will be located in Polanquito, the place to be when in Polanco. Mexico City, August 22, 2023 – A few steps away from Lincoln Park and Presidente Masaryk Avenue the privileged zone knows as “Polanquito” will become the home of the first Kimpton Hotels & Restaurantes hotel in Mexico City. Kimpton Virgilio will be located on 79 Anatole France Street and will offer a festive atmosphere that matches the unique environment of the area; it is estimated to open next fall. The hotel will have 48 rooms, a signature restaurant and a ...
‘Experiences’ Matter for Travelers Looking for Independent Luxury Boutique Hotel Stays
Meyer Jabara Hotels | August 22, 2023
The Menhaden, winner of the ‘People’s Choice’ award for two consecutive years, is proof that people crave unique and extraordinary hotel accommodations, excursions, and amenities [Greenport, NY, August 22, 2023] — Oshibori hot towel on arrival. Breathtaking views from a rooftop deck and bar overlooking the coastline; ideal for morning coffee and yoga classes, oyster shucking, fireside S’more’s, and evening cocktails. Galley kitchens on each floor featuring local eats and pastries that are re-stocked three times a day. Concierge-packed picnic baskets filled with delicious cheeses, snacks and local wine to enjoy on area beaches...
Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa Appoints Michelle Mathews as Executive Chef
Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa | August 22, 2023
Chef Mathews brings a global taste to SoMa’s newest lifestyle hotel and dining destination San Francisco, CA - [August 22, 2023] - Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa announces the appointment of Michelle Mathews as the hotel's Executive Chef. In this role, Chef Mathews will oversee the culinary operations of three onsite food and beverage outlets: Shelby's Rooftop, The Social, and Bean Bar, as well as lead the hotel's social catering program. Born in Okinawa, Japan, Chef Mathews spent a significant portion of her childhood traveling the world, influenced by the unique flavors of Spain, France, East Asia and Morocco. Drawing inspi...
Moxy Hotels Debuts in Australia With the Opening of Moxy Sydney Airport
Moxy Sydney Airport | August 22, 2023
The disruptive hotel channels the brand’s playful vibe and boundary-breaking experiences through its three stylish drinking and dining venues and industrial-chic design Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands, today proudly announces the opening of Moxy Sydney Airport, marking the brand’s debut into Australia to delight the young and young-at-heart. True to the brand’s experiential voice, the hotel boldly reinvents the traditional hotel stay with vibrant guest experiences and lively, sociable service. Located in Mascot, a convenient suburb in the Inner-South of Sydney, the new 301-bedro...
Michigan’s Dave Lorenz Named State Tourism Director of the Year
U.S. Travel Association | August 22, 2023
SAVANNAH, GA -Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, has been named national State Tourism Director of the Year for 2023. “Dave is a tremendous steward of Michigan’s diverse and thriving travel industry,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “His dynamic approach to marketing the Great Lakes State has been highly successful, creating meaningful benefits for the economy and people of Michigan in an increasingly competitive domestic travel market.” Lorenz was announced as the honoree before more than 1,000 destination marketing professionals at the U.S. Travel Association’s annual Educationa...
WaterWalk Appoints Jim Anhut as Interim President and Chief Development Officer
WaterWalk | August 22, 2023
Premier Flexible Lodging Brand Poised for Aggressive Growth with Rapidly Expanding Portfolio WICHITA, Kan. – (August 22, 2023) – The nation’s most innovative flexible lodging brand, WaterWalk, today announced the appointment of Jim Anhut to interim president and chief development officer to support the strategic expansion of its next-generation product. Introduced to WaterWalk’s Board of Directors in January 2022, Anhut brings more than 35 years of extensive industry experience, including having worked alongside WaterWalk’s late founder, extended-stay pioneer Jack DeBoer, in his early career. WaterWalk’s immediate past presid...
ITA Data Release: July 2023 International Air Passenger Travel To and From the United States
INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION | August 22, 2023
Air Passenger Enplanements Up 17% Year Over Year in July 2023 Air Passenger Travel Between the United States and Europe Up 12% in July 2023 Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in July 2023: U.S.-international air traffic passenger enplanements1 totaled: 24.729 million in July 2023, up 16.8% compared to July 2022, with enplanements reaching 97.8% of pre-pandemic July 2019 volume. Originating Non-Stop Air Travel in July 2023 Non-U.S. citizen air passenger arrivals to the United States from foreign countries totaled: 5.065 million in July 2023, up 19.4% compared to ...
Hotel Verte, Warsaw, Autograph Collection, Selects ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions for Mobile Access-Enabled Security Technology
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions | August 22, 2023
Polish luxury boutique hotel adopts VingCard Allure door lock panels to increase guest safety while enhancing interior design and providing the latest in check-in convenience. Stockholm –August 22, 2023 – ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions, a leading provider of advanced security technology for the hospitality industry, has announced the successful adoption of VingCard Allure door lock panels featuring Mobile Access activation by Hotel Verte, Warsaw, Autograph Collection. Situated within an 18th century palace in the heart of Warsaw, Hotel Verte by leveraging ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions technology can now achieve its goals of simultaneously ens...
Travelers Mark Unofficial End of Summer Over Labor Day Weekend
AAA | August 21, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC (August 21, 2023) – As summer winds down, many Americans are heading out of town. AAA booking data for flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises shows Labor Day weekend travel is up over last year: domestic bookings are up 4% and international bookings are up 44%. “Most travelers will leave on Thursday or Friday before Labor Day to take advantage of the long holiday weekend,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “Domestically, the Pacific Northwest, big cities like New York and Denver, and tourist hotspots like Orlando and Las Vegas are the most popular. Internationally, it’s all about Europe ...
U.S. Hotel Performance for July 2023
CoStar Group | August 21, 2023
WASHINGTON – 21 August 2023 – The U.S. hotel industry reported mixed performance results month over month, according to July 2023 from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. July 2023 (percentage change from July 2022): Occupancy: 69.1% (-0.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$160.31 (+1.3%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$110.80 (+0.8%) Among the Top 25 Markets, San Diego experienced the highest occupancy level (86.5%), which was up 2.6% year over year. Markets with the lowest occupancy for the month included New Orleans (...
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Announces the Untimely Passing of CEO Tony Santo
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited | August 21, 2023
TORONTO, Aug. 21, 2023 - Gateway Casinos & Entertainment (Gateway) today announced that Tony Santo, Chief Executive Officer and Director, passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2023. Tolek Strukoff, Gateway's President, said, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tony Santo. Tony joined Gateway as our President and Chief Executive Officer in October 2013 and became a Director in July 2017. His mission was to establish Gateway as Canada's premier entertainment and gaming company. You could often find Tony visiting sites and staff from dawn to dusk connecting about their work, families, and lives. Tony was an...
Virgin Hotels Glasgow Opens on the Banks of the River Clyde
Virgin Hotels Glasgow | August 21, 2023
Virgin Hotels' second U.K. location redefines luxury hospitality with an enticing array of amenities and features GLASGOW, Scotland, Aug. 21, 2023 -- Virgin Hotels, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, today announced the opening of Virgin Hotels Glasgow, the Group's second European destination. The hotel, set upon the banks of the iconic River Clyde and just a stone's throw away from Central Station, features a prime location ideal for exploring the city. Boasting Virgin Hotels' beloved Chamber design, an array of modern dining and drinking venues and influences from the local culture, the Gla...
6 Great Ways to Reduce Absenteeism and Turnover Rates in the Workplace
Dr. Bertrand Audrin | August 21, 2023
By Dr. Bertrand Audrin Absenteeism and high turnover rates are two of the most common difficulties that leaders are facing in today’s tricky employment market where employees are leaving their jobs more frequently and feeling less committed than ever before. While these phenomena are affecting all industries, the services industry is particularly hard hit. Challenges in the hospitality industry The hospitality industry experiences significant employee turnover and absenteeism, having historically had one of the highest turnover rates among private sectors, even prior to the pandemic. These factors pose a substantial financial burden ...
