Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
AHLA Statement on the Introduction of the HOTEL Act
AHLA | September 20, 2024
WASHINGTON (Sept. 20, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement after the introduction of the Halting of Trafficking and Exploitation in Lodging Act, or the HOTEL Act, which encourages federal workers traveling for business to stay at hotels with anti-human trafficking programs. “The HOTEL Act recognizes the crucial role hotels play in the fight against human trafficking, and we are proud to support this important legislation,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “We look forward to working with Reps. Smith and Krishnamoorthi an...
All Eyes on India: Why the World Is Watching
HotStats | September 20, 2024
With over two and a half decades in the hospitality industry, my experience spans markets that have attracted both international interest and domestic excitement. The initial Dubai buzz in 1999, following the opening of Burj Al Arab, made a powerful statement and set off a wave of impressive assets in quick succession. While recent years have brought magnificent hotels like Atlantis the Royal, the true sweet spot for me was about 15 years ago when each visit to Dubai revealed a dramatically changing landscape. Vietnam also experienced a boom, with signings happening almost weekly, though this momentum faded faster than expected due to corr...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 14 September
CoStar Group | September 20, 2024
WASHINGTON – 20 September 2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported mostly negative year-over-year comparisons, according to CoStar’s latest data through 14 September. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 8-14 September 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 66.6% (-1.7%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$162.05 (+0.2%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$107.86 (-1.4%) Among the Top 25 Markets, San Diego saw the highest year-over-year increase in occupancy (+10.5% to 79.9%). Chicago reported the largest ...
Hotel Branding Strategy: Building an Authentic Identity in Hospitality
EHL | September 20, 2024
When a prospective guest is ready to book a hotel, there are several factors they’ll consider when making their decision. Once they’ve ticked off location and price, an important and often subconscious consideration is your hotel branding. Your brand is a representation of what your hotel is and stands for. It’s what makes your hotel unique and sets expectations for prospective guests. If your brand resonates with them and the location and price are within an acceptable range, they’ll choose your brand and make a booking. In the fast-paced world of hospitality, where competition is fierce and customer expectations are constantly...
The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel New York Unveils Multimillion-Dollar Transformation
Sonesta International Hotels | September 20, 2024
NEW YORK (September 20, 2024) – Today marks a historic milestone for one of New York City’s iconic premier luxury boutique hotels as The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel New York unveils the first phase of its transformation. Designed by the celebrated DLR Group, the initial phase of the hotel’s reimagination reveals a present-day interpretation of the urban oasis, combining design elements of classic elegance with modern flair to create an elegant ambiance reminiscent of a members-only club. Located just steps from some of the city’s most famous attractions, the midtown hotel features elegant new public spaces, including a refreshed lo...
Brendalee Reiplinger Rejoins The Lodge at Bodega Bay as Executive Chef
The Lodge at Bodega Bay | September 20, 2024
BODEGA BAY, Calif. – September 20, 2024 – The Lodge at Bodega Bay, a serene eight-acre retreat along Northern California’s Sonoma Coast, announces the reappointment of Brendalee Reiplinger as executive chef, who held this position from 2019 to 2021. In this role, Reiplinger will spearhead the hotel’s culinary operations – including Drakes Sonoma Coast, Drakes Fireside Lounge and banquet catering – and will guide the culinary team in creating seasonal menus with regionally sourced delicacies while providing exceptional dining experiences for guests. With more than 15 years of culinary experience, Reiplinger joins The Lodge at Bo...
NEWH, Inc. Launches Second Annual Martha’s Mentors Program
NEWH | September 20, 2024
Empowering the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders—Applications Open Until November 1 Shawano, WI, September 20, 2024 - NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), a premier association committed to advancing education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for its second annual Martha’s Mentors Program. This transformative 10-month initiative aims to connect emerging hospitality professionals with seasoned industry leaders, fostering meaningful relationships that inspire growth. Named in honor of Martha Tillim, a respected industry veteran and b...
Merry Marketing: Engaging Holiday Travel Strategies to Grow Your Business
Adam Ortman | September 20, 2024
By Adam Ortman The most wonderful time of the year is nearly upon us — especially if you own or lead a hospitality business and want to attract travelers during the holiday season. But with everything else as busy as Santa’s workshop in December, how can you make sure your holiday travel marketing stands out? According to a survey by AAA, more than 115 million Americans traveled over the 2023 Christmas and New Year’s holidays alone (Thanksgiving and other major travel dates notwithstanding). And it’s not just about visiting family. While many Americans prefer to stay home during the holidays, about 6% of travelers took som...
HSMAI Announces the Passing of President and CEO Bob Gilbert
HSMAI | September 20, 2024
Gilbert Proudly Led the Organization for More than 30 Years, Through Industry-Changing Events Including the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, 2008 Recession, and Covid-19 Pandemic FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (September 20, 2024) – It is with profound sadness that the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation and HSMAI Global, announce that President and CEO, Bob Gilbert passed away on September 19, 2024. In July 2024, the organization announced that Gilbert had accelerated his retirement plan as a result of a serious health issue following 30 years of executive leadership for HSMAI. ...
U.S. Hotel Performance for August 2024
CoStar Group | September 19, 2024
WASHINGTON – 19 September2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported lower performance results from the previous month but positive comparisons year over year, according to August 2024 data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. August 2024 (percentage change from August 2023): Occupancy: 66.9% (+1.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$157.84 (+2.3%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$105.67 (+3.9%) Among the Top 25 Markets, New York City experienced the highest occupancy level (+5.2% to 87.3%). Markets with the lowest occupancy ...
Post-Olympics Hospitality Insights: Pricing, Trends, and Guest Satisfaction From Paris 2024
Shiji | September 19, 2024
The 2024 Paris Olympics posed unique challenges and opportunities for the hospitality sector. During a recent webinar moderated by André Baljeu from techtalk.travel, Lighthouse Director of Hospitality Research Blake Reiter and Shiji ReviewPro Product Specialist Bruno Saragat dissected the performance of the Parisian hospitality market. The discussion centred around dynamic pricing, the influence of short-term rentals, and guest satisfaction throughout the event. Here is a summary of the key insights from the webinar and some points hoteliers can apply to their future revenue strategies, especially for large-scale events. A case of misjudg...
Canada Hotels Record Highest Occupancy Since 2018
CoStar Group | September 19, 2024
WASHINGTON – 19 September 2024 – Canada’s hotel industry recorded its highest occupancy level for any month since August 2018, according to CoStar’s August 2024 data. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. August 2024 (percentage change from 2023): Occupancy: 79.7% (+3.1%) Average daily rate (ADR): CAD235.85 (+3.6%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD187.93 (+6.8%) “After occupancy contracted marginally in July, the metric returned to a level normally seen prior to the pandemic,” said Laura Baxter, CoStar Group’s director o...
Potential Profit Killer: Making Assumptions About Customers
Shep Hyken | September 19, 2024
By Shep Hyken My friend Norman Beck sends me interesting articles and stories on a regular basis. Recently, he shared the story of a wealthy customer who entered a luxury store and asked to see a $25,000 chess set. The customer wasn’t dressed well, and the salesperson made the assumption that she couldn’t afford to buy it. The customer walked away, but before leaving the store, she visited the owner’s office, who also happened to be a close friend. She bought the chess set – but only after the owner promised not to give the salesperson a commission. Eight years ago, I wrote an article titled Big Mistake … Don’t Judge a ...
Global Travel and Tourism Sector Deal Activity Fell by 12.6% YoY During January-August 2024
GlobalData | September 19, 2024
A total of 456 deals (mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity and venture financing) were announced in travel and tourism sector for the period of January to August 2024, which was a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 12.6% in deal volume, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that the travel and tourism sector saw the announcement of a total of 522 deals during January-August 2023. Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The travel and tourism sector’s deal activity reflects a cautious approach by deal-makers even though the reg...
Global Business Travel and Events Costs Moderating in 2024, With Continued Modest Increases in 2025
GBTA | September 19, 2024
Latest research from CWT and GBTA reveals that while costs will continue to rise, the pace of these increases will be notably slower through 2024 and into 2025 Global business travel and events prices appear to be moderating following the dramatic increases seen in recent years. The 2025 Global Business Travel Forecast, published today by CWT, the business travel and meetings specialist, and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s largest business travel trade organization, reveals that while costs will continue to rise, the pace of these increases will be notably slower through 2024 and into 2025. This reflects a...
Peachtree Group Acquires AC Hotel by Marriott in Park City, Utah
Peachtree Group | September 19, 2024
ATLANTA--Peachtree Group ("Peachtree") continues to build momentum with its sixth hotel acquisition of the year, with the acquisition of the AC Hotel by Marriott in Park City, Utah, highlighting the growing equity investment opportunities re-emerging in the hospitality sector. "Our team has successfully acquired a number of hotel properties at below-market prices, taking advantage of the current slowdown in transactions,” said Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO of Peachtree. “While the market is slower than usual due to high interest rates, tighter lending conditions, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, we continue to remain ...
Downtown San Antonio, TX: Building for the Future
David Bone | September 19, 2024
Downtown San Antonio boasts a diverse array of buildings built during multiple decades, as can be expected in a city that is more than 300 years old. These structures contribute to the city’s historical charm, and contemporary buildings were not prevalent in the past. However, spurred by the “Decade of Downtown” within the city’s SA2020 growth plan created in 2010, revitalization and new-build projects became more common in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The modernization was anchored by the 2019 opening of Frost Tower, the city’s first new high-rise since 1989. Since 2020, roughly 20 development projects, reportedly to...
Radisson RED debuts in Germany With Opening in Berlin
Radisson Hotel Group | September 19, 2024
Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm has opened as the first bold, upscale Radisson RED property in Germany. Located just steps from Kurfürstendamm, commonly known as Ku'damm, Berlin's iconic boulevard and one of its most famous shopping streets, the new Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm is perfectly situated for those looking to explore the city. The newly opened Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm welcomes guests with cutting-edge lifestyle design. Following the extensive refurbishment and renovation of an existing hotel, Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm features a progressive design scheme, consisting of contemporary and elegant interiors infused with strong ar...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Lands Quadruple Spanish Signing
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 19, 2024
19.09.24 (London, UK): The growth of IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, continues in Spain with the signing of four hotels: Vignette Collection Mallorca – Finca Banyols, Vignette Collection Jerez, Hotel Indigo Gandia – Beach, and Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian – Errenteria. This builds on the 500 rooms added to IHG’s Spanish portfolio earlier in the year, taking the total of open and signed rooms to nearly 13,000 in the country. Hotel Indigo Gandia – Beach and Vignette Collection Jerez expand the company’s Luxury & Lifestyle presence in the market, with the latter becoming the ...
Louis Martin Appointed Director of Food & Beverage at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs | September 19, 2024
PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. (September 19, 2024) – Louis Martin has joined Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs as director of food & beverage to lead the 153-room hotel’s culinary program, including its restaurant and bar concepts: 4 Saints, Juniper Table, High Bar, and Window Bar. Martin brings over 23 years of hospitality leadership to the team at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. Born and raised in Türkiye, he moved to the United States to advance his career trajectory in hotel food and beverage management. Throughout his professional journey, he has developed, upgraded, and optimized culinary programming and operations at award-winning prope...
Dimension Hospitality Adds Fairfield Inn and Suites – Charlotte/Arrowood to Management Portfolio
Dimension Hospitality | September 19, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - - September 19, 2024 - - Joe Viglietta, COO of Dimension Hospitality, an industry leader in hotel management, today announced that the 82-room Fairfield Inn and Suites – Charlotte/Arrowood has joined the company’s growing portfolio of managed hotels. The hotel is in the final stages of a planning a million-dollar top to bottom renovation showcasing the brand’s new modern calm interior. Every guest room will be updated with new furnishings, bedding, mattresses, carpet, and window treatments. Bathrooms will be upgraded with new wallcovering, lighting, mirrors, and showers. Public space improvements include...
Kimpton Saint George Hotel Promotes Sean Muir to General Manager
Kimpton Saint George | September 19, 2024
TORONTO, ONTARIO – September 19, 2024: The Kimpton Saint George Hotel and InnVest Hotels LP have proudly appointed Sean Muir as the new General Manager. Sean began his journey with the Kimpton Saint George in May 2018 as part of the opening team as Executive Housekeeping Manager. His dedication to leadership and hospitality soon led him to become Front Office manager in April 2021. In March 2022, Sean was promoted to Director of Rooms as a testament to his exceptional capabilities and commitment. Throughout his tenure, Sean has consistently demonstrated profound care for his team, often going above and beyond to support front-line employee...
S4 Global Investments Acquires Suburban Studios Fort Myers Cape Coral
Hunter Hotel Advisors | September 19, 2024
ATLANTA (September 19, 2024) — Hunter Hotel Advisors ("HUNTER") announced today the successful sale of the Suburban Studios Fort Myers. S4 Global Investments acquired the property on September 4, 2024. HUNTER’s Senior Vice Presidents, Sophia Pittaluga and Tim Osborne, facilitated the transaction on behalf of the seller. “S4 Global Investments is proud to add the Suburban Studios Fort Myers Cape Coral to our expanding Southwest Florida hotel portfolio,” said Chris Patel, president & CEO. “We greatly appreciate the Seller, our partners and HUNTER team’s efforts on this successful transaction. S4 is actively seeking new acquisi...
Chef Edward Hancock Takes Lead as Executive Chef at Hotel West & Main in Conshohocken
Hotel West & Main | September 19, 2024
Conshohocken, PA (September 19, 2024) — Hotel West & Main is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Edward Hancock, who will take the lead as Executive Chef of all culinary operations on property, including at the hotel’s all-day lounge and lobby bar, 1874 Social, and Hook and Ladder Sky Bar & Kitchen, the laid-back restaurant and sky bar offering globally inspired tastes, bold spirits, and a lively ambiance on the hotel’s second floor, in addition to leading the hotel’s special events and meetings culinary program. Chef Edward Hancock joins Hotel West & Main with over 33 years of experience working in hotel kitchens, ...
