Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
IHG Signs With BIG CEE for Crowne Plaza Podgorica in Montenegro
IHG Hotels & Resorts | October 31, 2024
31.10.24 (London, UK): IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Crowne Plaza Podgorica – its seventh hotel in Montenegro, and second in the capital city. The converted property, owned by BIG CEE, is set to open by the end of 2024. The 122-key hotel is situated within the Capital Plaza mixed-use development and surrounded by the regional headquarters of several banks and multinational companies including Deloitte, PWC and The World Bank. Other features include residential properties and luxurious commercial, retail and restaurant spaces, making it an ideal destination for loc...
ToursByLocals Reveals 2025 Travel Trends: American Travelers Focus on Experiences, Domestic Exploration and Booking Direct
ToursByLocals | October 31, 2024
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--Global private tour marketplace ToursByLocals has unveiled its first-ever 2025 Travel Trends Report, offering an in-depth look at the shifting desires and emerging priorities shaping how Americans will explore the world next year. Drawing insights from a proprietary survey of 1,000 U.S. travelers aged 21–90, the report reveals key trends driving the industry forward, from an increased focus on meaningful experiences to the growing influence of Gen Z. "Today’s traveler seeks deeper connections and cultural enrichment, approaching each trip with greater intention," said Lisa Chen, CEO and President of Tour...
Latin America Hotel Construction Surges, Pipeline Expands Over 10% Annually
Lodging Econometrics | October 31, 2024
Lodging Econometrics’ (LE) Q3 2024 Latin America Construction Pipeline Trend report signals growth for the region’s hospitality industry. The pipeline currently stands at 642 projects and 104,513 rooms, representing robust year-over-year (YoY) increases of 11% in project count and 10% in room count. Digging deeper into the pipeline data, LE’s report highlights several positive indicators. At the close of Q3 2024, Latin America had 269 projects with 47,151 rooms under construction, reflecting a 10% YoY rise in both metrics. Additionally, the number of projects scheduled to start construction within the next 12 months grew to 183 pro...
Blue Diamond Resorts To Unveil Royalton CHIC Barbados in Spring 2026
Blue Diamond Resorts | October 31, 2024
Blue Diamond Resorts, boasting the Caribbean’s most diverse portfolio of all-inclusive brands, is excited to announce its expansion into Barbados with the introduction of Royalton CHIC Barbados, a posh and vibrant adults-only all-inclusive resort set to open in Spring 2026. Located just 30 minutes from Barbados International Airport on the island’s coveted Gold Coast, known for its tranquil Caribbean waters, this exciting new property promises to redefine the island's luxury travel scene by blending the vibrant energy of Barbados with the effervescence and exclusivity of Royalton CHIC Resorts, including the brand’s signature ‘Part...
AHLA Announces Appointment of Rosanna Maietta as President & CEO
AHLA | October 31, 2024
WASHINGTON (Oct. 31, 2024) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced today that Rosanna Maietta has been selected to serve as the association’s next president & CEO, effective Nov. 14. Maietta is a talented executive with a global career marked by success working alongside boards and leading teams to high performance. Over the span of her career, she has achieved exceptional success in public affairs, strategic planning, association management, team building, and leadership. Having previously served as president & CEO of the AHLA Foundation and executive vice president of communications and public relatio...
Four Seasons Hotel New York Announces Executive Team Ahead of Fall 2024 Opening
Four Seasons Hotel New York | October 31, 2024
New York, New York (October 31, 2024) – The iconic Four Seasons Hotel New York, set to reopen its doors in fall 2024 following several years of closure at the outset of the pandemic, is pleased to announce its executive property team: Michal Dedera as General Manager, Christopher Shiel as Director of Marketing, Chef Maria as Executive Chef, and Iwona Luksza as Director of Food and Beverage. With combined decades of experience in the international and New York culinary and luxury hospitality industry, Dedera, Shiel, Luksza and Chef Maria’s dynamic leadership will set the tone for the world-class service and elevated, authentic charm th...
Driftwood Hospitality Management Reveals Multimillion-Dollar Renovation for Marriott-Branded Delta in West Palm Beach
Driftwood Hospitality Management | October 31, 2024
West Palm Beach, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2024) – Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM) announces the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation for the Delta by Marriott West Palm Beach, a 199-key hotel located in one of South Florda’s most dynamic markets. The completion demonstrates DHM’s high level of expertise in repositioning hospitality assets and the continued trust from one of the world’s largest hotel brands. Formerly known as a Holiday Inn, the Delta by Marriott West Palm Beach is owned by Miami-based real estate investment firm, Activate Hospitality, with DHM overseeing management operations. Renovations include lobby and re...
Hotel Maverick Appoints Brian Smith as New General Manager
Hotel Maverick | October 31, 2024
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Oct. 31, 2024 – Hotel Maverick, located on the campus of Colorado Mesa University, announced today the appointment of Brian Smith as general manager. In his role, Smith will oversee operations of the 60-room boutique property and its award-winning food and beverage concepts, while also managing the hotel’s Hospitality Management program, which offers hands-on career training to university students. Smith is a veteran in the hospitality industry, bringing more than 25 years of experience to his new role as general manager at Grand Junction’s Hotel Maverick. A dynamic hotel executive with extensive background ...
Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas Expands Hotel Tower With 106 New Rooms and Suites
Circa Resort & Casino | October 31, 2024
LAS VEGAS – Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas has expanded its offerings by introducing 106 new rooms and suites to its 458-foot-tall hotel tower. This new development at the adults-only resort increases Circa’s total room inventory by 20 percent with the addition of four Panoramic Sunset Suites, 72 Single Kings, 24 Double King and four Single King Premium rooms with sweeping panoramic views, luxurious king-sized beds, mini refrigerators and modern amenities – all while paying homage to the spirit of Vintage Vegas. For photos of the new rooms, click here. “Circa continues to sell out every Friday and Saturday; this ...
Tru by Hilton Arrives in Colombia With Opening in Cali
Hilton | October 31, 2024
CALI, Colombia – Tru by Hilton, Hilton's innovative and energetic hotel brand for practical travelers, is set to transform the hospitality experience in Colombia with the opening of Tru by Hilton Cali Sur, the brand's first hotel in the country. This new hotel, operated by Hoteles MS, is located in one of the most dynamic areas of western Colombia, surrounded by prestigious universities, shopping centers, recognized hospitals, and the two most important technology hubs in the country. “It’s an exciting time for the “Tru Cru!” We are thrilled to witness Tru by Hilton’s remarkable growth in the Caribbean and Latin America,” sai...
Chiva-Som Welcomes Ammar Samad as General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar
Chiva-Som | October 31, 2024
Chiva-Som International Health Resorts, one of the pioneering brands in transformative wellness globally, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ammar Samad as the General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar. A seasoned hospitality professional with more than 20 years of experience, Samad brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and passion to the helm of Zulal Wellness Resort, underscoring its commitment to holistic wellness and exceptional guest experiences. Over his impressive career, Samad has consistently demonstrated a talent for delivering excellence. As the new General Manager at Zulal Wellness Resort, he i...
Noble Investment Group Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation of Two Memphis Hotels
Noble Investment Group | October 31, 2024
Atlanta, Georgia (Tuesday, October 31, 2024) – Noble Investment Group completes comprehensive renovations at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Memphis East Germantown Area and Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis East Germantown Area. These multimillion-dollar updates have enhanced the guest experience and supported Memphis's hospitality industry by offering contemporary, upgraded accommodations. The East Memphis-Germantown corridor serves as a primary business district, home to multiple Fortune 500 regional headquarters and more than 4 million square feet of Class A office space. The area attracts substantial corporate demand and is proxim...
Developed and Owned by Keystone Group, InterContinental Indianapolis Set To Debut This Winter in Landmark Building
InterContinental Indianapolis | October 31, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (October 31, 2024) – InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, is thrilled to announce InterContinental Indianapolis will open this winter. Located steps from the iconic Monument Circle and the Indiana State Capitol, the property will redefine hospitality in Indianapolis. As the first luxury hotel to open in nearly two decades, the hotel will feature 170 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, complemented by two new dining concepts including the first rooftop bar of its kind for the city, a 24-hour fitness center, 5,000 square feet of event and meeting sp...
The Hospitality Show Wraps Up With Key Insights on Increasing Revenue, Streamlining Operational Efficiency, and Innovating Sustainability Initiatives
The Hospitality Show | October 31, 2024
SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 31, 2024) – Today, The Hospitality Show (The Show), produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), concluded with a third day of insightful programming and an expo hall full of products and solutions aimed at enhancing revenue, optimizing operations and improving guest satisfaction. The day opened with a keynote session titled, “Breaking Barriers: Erin Andrews on Leadership, Resilience, and Teamwork.” During this session, moderated by Eva Saha, Erin Andrews, FOX Sports Broadcaster, spoke about her path as a trailblazing woman, insights on leadership, resilience, and creating meani...
UK’s Reeves Commits to Lower Property Taxes for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure
October 30, 2024
LONDON (Reuters) -British finance minister Rachel Reeves on Wednesday committed to lower business rates for high street stores to help "level the playing field" with their online rivals. Predominantly bricks-and-mortar retailers have for years complained that business rates - a property tax charged on most commercial properties to fund local services - are archaic and hand an unfair cost advantage to online retailers such as Amazon. Labour had pledged in its election manifesto to redress the balance to help revive town centres. Delivering her first budget plan, Reeves said that from 2026-27 permanently lower tax rates for retail, hos...
Spain’s Economy Beats Forecasts With 0.8% Quarterly Growth
October 30, 2024
MADRID (Reuters) -The Spanish economy grew at a faster-than-expected rate in the third quarter to again outpace its European peers thanks to a strong tourism season and exports, preliminary data showed on Wednesday. Spain's gross domestic product grew 0.8% in the third quarter from the previous three months, the same pace of expansion as in the second quarter, the National Statistics Institute (INE) said. Year-on-year it grew 3.4%, an acceleration from the 3.2% registered in the previous three months. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected GDP to grow 0.6% quarter-on-quarter and 3.0% year-on-year. "Today's data show how strong and b...
North Macedonia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Lake Ohrid At Risk From Pollution
October 30, 2024
OHRID, North Macedonia (Reuters) - Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site that straddles North Macedonia and Albania, is at risk from pollution, overfishing, and urban development, the United Nations body and experts say. The lake, one of Europe's oldest dating back 3.5 million years, is home to around 200 unique species, including rare varieties of trout. It serves as a significant tourist attraction and revenue source for North Macedonia and Albania. The North Macedonia side of Lake Ohrid was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 and UNESCO expanded the designation to the Albanian side of the lake in May, 2019. In its 2024 repor...
Record Passenger Traffic Lifts Spanish Airport Operator Aena’s Profit
October 30, 2024
MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish airport operator Aena said on Wednesday its net profit in the first nine months of the year rose 27% from the same period last year as the post-pandemic travel boom pushed passenger traffic to new records. Aena booked a net profit of 1.44 billion euros ($1.56 billion) out of revenues rising 16% to 4.39 billion euros. The revenue and profit data were in line with forecasts from analysts polled by LSEG, who expected 4.4 billion euros in revenues and 1.46 billion euros in net profit during the January to September period. The company reported a record 283 million passengers across its terminals in Spain, Latin Am...
Top Chinese Airlines’ Profits Fall as Flagging Economy Pressures Fares
October 30, 2024
By Lisa Barrington and Sophie Yu SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - China's top three state-owned airlines reported profit declines in the third quarter despite record summer passenger numbers and fuller planes than last year, as a slowdown in domestic economic growth pushes flyers to seek cheaper fares. Beijing-headquartered Air China on Wednesday reported a net profit of 4.14 billion yuan ($581.34 million) in the quarter, down from 4.24 billion yuan a year earlier. China Eastern Airlines on the same day posted a net profit of 2.63 billion yuan, down 28.2% year on year. The country's largest airline China Southern said on Monday there was...
Caesars Entertainment Posts Surprise Quarterly Loss, Misses Wall Street Estimates
October 30, 2024
(Reuters) - Caesars Entertainment posted a surprise third-quarter loss on Tuesday, missing market expectations, as sales were hurt by new competition and construction-related disruptions in regional markets, sending its shares down 4% after the bell. Quarterly loss per share came in at 4 cents, compared to Wall Street expectations of a profit of 12 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG. Caesars' bottom-line in the U.S. regional market has faced increased pressure due to new entrants and expanded offerings from existing competitors. In the past, the casino operator flagged high competition in Indianapolis from Churchill's Terre Ha...
Arch Amenities Group Appoints Caitlin McKenna as Chief Executive Officer
Arch Amenities | October 30, 2024
ROCKVILLE, Maryland (Oct. 30, 2024) – Arch Amenities Group, a full-service, global provider of wellness, amenity management and meeting services for commercial and residential properties, hotels, private clubs and pools, today announced the appointment of wellness and hospitality veteran Caitlin McKenna as chief executive officer. Barry Goldstein, who served Arch as CEO for the past three years, has been appointed to the new position of chief commercial officer, responsible for business development and customer relationship management. “Caitlin McKenna is a dynamic and respected leader known for her human-centric leadership, passion...
Managing Significant Change Through Hotel Projects
Stewart Kiely | October 30, 2024
Ownership and influential stakeholders are entitled to make changes to hotel projects. It’s their dream and foresight that you are delivering. However, deciding to make a significant change in the direction of a project requires a careful, balanced approach to maintain stakeholder alignment and ensure project success. Here’s a quick synopsis of how to navigate such a scenario: 1. Stay calm, think clearly and stay professional Change is part of the project landscape. It’s important to remain calm, professional, and open-minded. As the project director, your attitude will set the tone for the team and stakeholders. 2. Understand...
Hilton Signs Franchise Agreement for Conversion of The Sens Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry by Hilton
Hilton | October 30, 2024
MCLEAN, Va. – Leading global hospitality company, Hilton (NYSE: HLT), announced the signing of a franchise agreement for the upcoming conversion of The Sens Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry by Hilton, one of more than 10 new deals Hilton has signed in Mexico in 2024. As one of Hilton’s largest and fastest-growing markets globally, Mexico welcomes guests at more than 100 hotels and resorts across the country, and is poised for continued multi-brand, multi-destination growth with 40 additional hotels in various stages of development. The Sens Cancun resort is owned and will continue to be managed by Oasis Hotels & Re...
Noble Acquires Marriott Indianapolis | Fishers and Dual-Branded Hyatt House & Hyatt Place Indianapolis | Fishers
Noble Investment Group | October 30, 2024
ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2024-- Noble Investment Group ("Noble") today announced the acquisition of the Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis | Fishers and the dual-brand Hyatt House & Hyatt Place Indianapolis | Fishers. The newly built hotels are located within the Fishers District, a 150-acre live, work, play, and stay development featuring vibrant dining, retail, and entertainment venues. [caption id="attachment_422108" align="alignright" width="300"] Hyatt Place & Hyatt House Indianapolis | Fishers[/caption] Fishers, Indiana, is a dynamic and rapidly expanding market proximate to Indianapolis. It is recognized for its stron...
