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Jirarat Ninpadub Appointed General Manager of Soon-to-Open Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort | August 17, 2023
Rising star of Thai hospitality industry to lead rebranded beachfront retreat into an exciting new era, as it prepares to welcome guests to Phuket’s northwest coast in September 2023 PHUKET, THAILAND, August 17, 2023 – Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort has announced the appointment of Ms. Jirarat Ninpadub as General Manager. This chic new seafront retreat is set to open its doors in September 2023, nestled directly on Phuket’s sunset coast. A highly accomplished hospitality professional with 15 years of experience, Ms. Jirarat has a strong track record that has included hotel renovations, rebrandings and pre-openings. As...
The Hotel Group & Hogback Development Celebrate the Tru by Hilton Yakima Topping Off
The Hotel Group | August 17, 2023
Yakima, WA - August 17, 2023 - The Hotel Group (THG), an affiliate of Hotel Equities(HE), and a leading national hotel management, investment and development company, along with Hogback Development, will celebrate the topping off of the 74-room Tru by Hilton Yakima, WA. Tru by Hilton Yakima is located next to the Home2 Suites in Rainier Square, which over the past few years has been transformed by Hogback Development from an under-developed and under-utilized 1960’s style-center, to a vibrant mix of restaurants, retail, and commercial business. THG and Hogback Development co-own the four-story Tru by Hilton hotel projected ...
The 372-Room Westin Atlanta Perimeter North Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
HEI Hotels & Resorts | August 17, 2023
Refurbishment Includes All Public Spaces, Guest Rooms, Suites and The Addition of “Perimeter Provisions” Café & Marketplace ATLANTA, August 17, 2023 – The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North today announced the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation that touched on all aspects of the hotel, including public spaces, guest rooms/suites and a new café and marketplace called Perimeter Provisions. The improvements also added cabanas with firepits for dining alfresco to the hotel’s SAVOR Patio. The hotel is operated by HEI Hotel & Resorts, a leading hospitality investment and management company. “The scope of this renovat...
Los Angeles Leads in Meetings and Events Volume for July, According to Knowland
Knowland | August 17, 2023
National Associations led key meeting industries in top three markets ARLINGTON, Va. — Aug. 17, 2023 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, reports Los Angeles-Long Beach moved up to the lead spot in the U.S. over Chicago for July 2023. This is the first time this year that the Los Angeles market took the lead in event volume. Overall U.S. meeting and event volume for July 2023 was up 22.1 percent over July 2022. This data is sourced from Knowland’s sales intelligence platform designed to help hoteliers build and protect a hotel’s revenue base. With an in...
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba Appoints Joseph Murphy as Executive Chef
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC | August 17, 2023
PALM BEACH, ARUBA (August 17, 2023) – The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is delighted to announce Joseph Murphy as the property’s newest Executive Chef. Murphy brings over 20 years of experience, including more than 10 years with Marriott International properties, to The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba as the property looks forward to its own 10-year anniversary this fall. Following his graduation from Westminster Kingsway College with a Professional Chef Diploma in 2001, Mr. Murphy began his culinary career at Sheraton Grand, London Park as a 1st Commis, where he remained until 2005. From 2005 through 2012, Murphy held various positions in different kitche...
AHLA Statement on GSA FY2024 Per Diem Rates
AHLA | August 17, 2023
WASHINGTON (Aug. 17, 2023) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Chip Rogers released the below statement after the General Services Administration (GSA) announced its Fiscal Year 2024 per diem rates. The per diem guidelines announced today govern reimbursement for federal employees’ lodging and meals expenses for official government travel and include a $9 increase to the continental United States (CONUS) lodging rate as well as large increases in rates in many non-standard areas (NSAs). “The per diem rates GSA announced today come after months of hard work AHLA put in to lobby the administration on b...
CBRE Hotels Reduces Near-Team Outlook Due to Softer Summer Demand
CBRE Group, Inc. | August 17, 2023
Dallas – August 17th, 2023 – CBRE is reducing its forecast for hotel performance this year, as weaker-than-expected summer demand resulted in a shortfall in Q2 2023 revenue per available room (RevPAR). CBRE has revised its forecast for 2023 RevPAR to $96.64, up 4.6% year-over-year, but down $1.25 from its previous forecast in May 2023. The revision is predicated on a 70-basis-point (bps) decrease in expected occupancy compared with the earlier forecast. Average daily rate (ADR) is expected to increase by 3.6% in 2023, down 10 bps from the previous forecast. CBRE’s baseline-scenario forecast anticipates 1.6% average GDP growth and a...
VISIT FLORIDA Second Quarter Data Shows International Visitors are Returning to Florida in Droves
VISIT FLORIDA | August 17, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, FL. – Today, VISIT FLORIDA announced the strongest international visitation numbers Florida has seen since 2019. According to new estimates from VISIT FLORIDA, international visitors have dramatically increased travel to Florida. Calendar Year 2023 (Q1 + Q2) saw massive increases in overseas (+21.8%) and Canadian (+81.1%) visitation compared to the same time period in 2022. Florida welcomed a total of 33.1 million visitors between April and June 2023, with 1.9 million of those being overseas visitors and 846,000 Canadian visitors. Florida also continues to beat records with annual visitation with 70.8 million visitors in Calen...
Hospitality Upgrade Announces Recipient of John Cahill Honorary Seat
Hospitality Upgrade Magazine | August 17, 2023
University of Houston Student Selected for 2023 CIO Summit Designation ATLANTA — Aug. 17, 2023 — Hospitality Upgrade Publisher and President Rich Siegel today announced that the recipient of the 2023 John Cahill Honorary Seat is Dylan Emerson, an undergraduate student at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. The award will be presented at the upcoming CIO Summit, an invitation-only annual event produced by Hospitality Upgrade magazine. This year’s event will be held Sept. 6-8 at Hotel Van Zandt in Austin, Texas. The John Cahill Honorary Seat is awarded each year to one distinguis...
GBTA Convention 2023 Showcases Positive Forecast, Trends and Learning for the Future of the Global Business Travel Industry
GBTA | August 16, 2023
World’s largest gathering of the global business travel industry delivers latest growth forecast, learning and education sessions, and insights on key topics including sustainability, technology, workforce development, and DE&I initiatives The global business travel industry and in-person events continue to build momentum as evidenced by the robust attendance, critical insights and attendee engagement that took place this week at GBTA Convention 2023 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. The industry came together to connect, learn, grow, and discover, with more than 5,200 registered attendees from 58 countri...
The Refurbished Hotel Riu Gran Canaria Opens Its Doors
RIU Hotels & Resorts | August 16, 2023
Palma de Mallorca, 16 August 2023.- RIU Hotels & Resorts is reopening the Riu Gran Canaria following a full refurbishment. The 4-star, 24-hour All-Inclusive hotel boasts a new design and has been equipped with new facilities, restaurants, bars and services. What’s more, the new Riu Gran Canaria will add a great attraction to its range of entertainment options: the famous RIU Party events. These colourful parties will be held for the first time on Gran Canaria at the end of the year. RIU launched its plan to refurbish all of its hotels in 2011. This plan involves major refurbishment projects to modernise and upgrade its entire ...
The Power of Influencers: A Guide for Hotels on Successful Collaborations
Yana Petrova | August 16, 2023
By Yana Petrova In today’s digital age, social media influencers have become powerful voices that can greatly impact consumer behavior. For businesses in the hotel industry, partnering with influencers can be an effective strategy to enhance brand exposure, engage with potential customers, and create compelling content. However, before diving into any collaborations, it is essential to ensure that your social media channels are in top shape to maximize the success of your influencer partnerships. In this article, we will explore the key considerations and steps for working with influencers. Align with Brand Standards Maintaining c...
Commonwealth Hotels Appoints Joshua Gentry as Director of Sales and Marketing of the Hampton Inn I-75 Lexington Hamburg
Commonwealth Hotels, LLC | August 16, 2023
COVINGTON, Ky., Aug. 16, 2023 -- Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Joshua Gentry has been appointed the director of sales and marketing of the Hampton Inn I-75 Lexington Hamburg. Mr. Gentry brings over 15 years of hospitality experience to his new role as director of sales and marketing, having previously served as the director of sales for the Hyatt Place Airport Cincinnati/Florence. "We are delighted to have Joshua join Commonwealth." Said Jennifer Porter, chief operating officer for Commonwealth Hotels. "We are confident that with his strategic sales approach and knowledge of the market; he will be a strong asset to the te...
Hospitality Trends: A Glimpse Into the Future of the Industry
Lionel Saul | August 16, 2023
Step into the future of hospitality as we uncover the captivating realm of short- and long-term perspectives that are reshaping the industry. Let’s explore how technology is helping hospitality firms create an unparalleled guest experience and learn about the futuristic ideas that spark the imagination and are setting the stage for our extraordinary tomorrow. ---- HOSPITALITY INSIGHTS ---- This month, we have decided to share with you some industry trends. In the short-term perspective section, we have selected the ones you can expect to see in the next 2-3 years, while in the long-term chapter we highlight trends that will take longer to...
Hyatt Unveils Plans for First Locations for Upper-Midscale, Extended-Stay Brand, Hyatt Studios
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | August 16, 2023
Hyatt leverages a developer-driven approach to accelerate speed-to-market for its recently announced brand CHICAGO (August 16, 2023) Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced significant updates to Hyatt Studios, the latest select service brand in the Hyatt portfolio, including executed franchise agreements for the first locations in Mobile, Alabama and Marysville, California, emphasizing Hyatt’s strategy of entering untapped markets where its brand presence is yet to be established. Hyatt Studios, Hyatt’s first upper-midscale extended-stay brand in the Americas, is expected to be a key accelerator for Hyatt, buil...
Hilton Set to Bring Its Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton Brands to Abha City
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | August 16, 2023
Hilton has signed two new properties under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brands: Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point Set to open in 2026, the two hotels will bring Hilton’s world-class hospitality to the Aseer Region ABHA, Saudi Arabia – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced it has signed two hotels under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brands in Abha city’s iconic The Point development. The properties have been signed with Red Sea Aseer Fund, a fund made up of unitholders from Red Sea Markets and the Tourism Development Fund, an...
Novotel Miami Brickell Appoints Michael Boulanger as Director of Sales & Marketing
Accor | August 16, 2023
Miami, FL (August 16, 2023) - Novotel Miami Brickell announced today the appointment of hospitality veteran Michael Boulanger as Director of Sales & Marketing. With a decade of distinguished experience in the hospitality industry, Boulanger will leverage his deep insights and innovative approach to enhance Novotel Miami Brickell's profile, expand market reach, and strengthen guest experiences. "Michael’s notable experience and impressive sales acumen make him a great addition to the Novotel team," said Claudia Di Gino, General Manager of Novotel Miami Brickell. "We are confident that his strategic vision and proven track record wil...
Blue Mountain Resort Appoints William McPartland as Food & Beverage Director
Blue Mountain Resort | August 16, 2023
PALMERTON, Penn. – Blue Mountain Resort, a year-round recreational destination located along the Kittatinny Ridge in the Pocono Mountain regions and managed by KSL Resorts, has named William McPartland as food and beverage director. With over 25 years of diverse restaurant experience, McPartland oversees operations, menu development and implementation at the resort’s Slopeside Pub & Grill with its casual contemporary American cuisine, supervises all catering events for the resort’s 50,000 square feet of outdoor/indoor meeting space and oversees special culinary events such as the Date Night Series and upcoming Wine Fest. “Bill...
Brand New Dual-Branded Best Western Plus Executive Residency Carlsbad Hotel Opens in New Mexico
BWH Hotels | August 16, 2023
Carlsbad, New Mexico (August 16, 2023) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the brand new Best Western Plus Executive Residency Carlsbad Hotel, located at 2601 Patrick Street in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The hotel is owned by Raj Bhakta and features 78 rooms, including four suites. Best Western Plus Executive Residency Carlsbad Hotel is a newly built, dual-branded property, offering comfort and conveniences for both short and long-term stays. Guestrooms and suites feature a modern design with rich tones and come equipped with flat-screen televisions, mini fridges and microwaves. Catering to long-term stays, the Exec...
Aimbridge Hospitality to Manage Five Marriott Properties Recently Acquired by Three Wall Capital
Aimbridge Hospitality | August 16, 2023
Acquisition brings 642 keys under management in Aimbridge’s Select Service Division as part of longtime partnership with hotel investment group PLANO, Texas, Aug. 16, 2023 — Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading, global hospitality management company and the world’s largest third-party hotel operator, has been selected to manage five Marriott properties recently acquired by Three Wall Capital, LLC (“TWC”), expanding a growing portfolio owned by the hotel investment group. Located in the Phoenix and Fort Lauderdale metros and totaling 642 keys, the five properties will be managed through Aimbridge’s Select Service Division, benefittin...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Launches New Midscale Conversion Brand Garner™– an IHG Hotel
IHG Hotels & Resorts | August 16, 2023
Delivering an unrivaled commitment to quality and choice, new brand will be franchise-ready in early September ATLANTA (Aug. 16, 2023) – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today launched its new midscale conversion brand, Garner™ - an IHG Hotel. The brand will be the leading choice for guests wanting great value stays at high-quality properties, and for owners seeking higher returns in the midscale segment. With a promise to deliver ‘easy going stays that get you on your way,’ Garner is designed for value-driven travellers of all ages who want a reliable and relaxed experience. The b...
Hospitality Leaders Provide a Grant to Help Expand Unique Employment Program for Human Trafficking Survivors
Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) | August 16, 2023
SEATTLE, Wash. – The nonprofit Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) has received one of the inaugural No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund grants, awarded by the AHLA Foundation. The grant will support the development of a strategy to expand BEST’s Safe Jobs Collaborative—a unique program that creates pathways to employment for human trafficking survivors. The Safe Jobs Collaborative is the first program of its kind in western Washington, helping provide jobs for human trafficking survivors and youth who are at-risk for trafficking. The program provides custom and individualized support to help participants transition ...
Augment Luxury Stays Via a Sense of Departure
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | August 16, 2023
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky Hotels excel at creating a strong ‘sense of place’ (sensorial brand identity) and ‘sense of arrival’ (first onsite impression), but we often neglect the ‘sense of departure’ (last onsite impression). According to the peak-end rule, this is perhaps the one area where hotels should refocus their efforts to get the most ROI. This is particularly important for luxury stays where travelers have a whole world of accommodation options. Luckily for the rest of us, many luxury hotels already have great departure SOPs that we can learn from to value-engineer a fantastic last impression in order to leave gu...
Independent Hoteliers: Centralize Your Data
Warren Dehan | August 16, 2023
To gain a competitive advantage, hotel operators must embrace centralized data practices to help them level the playing field against established brands By Warren Dehan It may not seem important, but is your hotel’s data centralized? Hospitality has parted ways with many traditions over the years, from physical room keys to guest books, but one thing that is never to return is guests’ and operators’ patience. No one likes to wait, whether checking into a room, requesting more amenities, or reacting to a guest’s needs at a moment’s notice. This goes for all operators, and as independent hoteliers continue to compete against ...
