Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
Wayfinder Newport Hotel Reopens in Rhode Island Following Comprehensive Rebuild and Renovation
Wayfinder Hotels | July 11, 2024
Newport, RI (July 11, 2024) – Wayfinder Newport, the first hotel in Dovetail + Co’s expanding Wayfinder collection, re-debuts in summer 2024 after a comprehensive rebuild and renovation. Wayfinder Newport pairs contemporary coastal design with local partnerships to provide a curated hotel experience that highlights Rhode Island’s relaxed, free-spirited vibe. The property features 197 rooms, including 30 spacious suites; B-Side lobby coffee bar; The Pool Shack cocktail bar, an outdoor pool and party deck; and Nomi Park, the on-site restaurant offering bar service this season. Hotel owner and developer Dovetail + Co oversaw the creation ...
Brittain Resorts & Hotels Appoints Brittney Jones as Chief Development Officer
Brittain Resorts & Hotels | July 11, 2024
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., July 11, 2024 — Brittain Resorts & Hotels (BRH), the leading full-service hospitality management company in the Southeast, today announced the appointment of Brittney Jones to chief development officer. In her new role, Jones will oversee the expansion of BRH’s portfolio through strategic third-party management contracts, leveraging her extensive experience in business development and sales and her established industry relationships. With a proven track record of driving results and fostering key relationships, Jones most recently was vice president of strategic partnerships with the Charleston, S.C.-based Raines ...
Renovated and Relaunched Tropicana Los Cabos Set To Open August 2024
Tropicana Los Cabos | July 11, 2024
Renovated and relaunched boutique hotel in charming San Jose del Cabo will offer travelers a tranquil and culturally immersive Los Cabos experience (SAN JOSE DEL CABO, Baja California Sur, Mexico) July 11, 2024 – The freshly renovated and relaunched Tropicana Los Cabos will open its doors this August 2024 in San Jose del Cabo. Nestled in the heart of this charming arts district, Tropicana Los Cabos, a Mexican hacienda-inspired boutique hotel, is just steps away from art galleries, swimmable beaches, biking routes and the San Jose del Cabo Harbor. The 70-room property is also conveniently located within 20 minutes of Los Cabos Internati...
Preparing an Inclusive Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals, Innisfree Hotels Partners With Project SEARCH To Train Young People with Disabili
Innisfree Hotels | July 11, 2024
Innisfree Hotels’ Project SEARCH programs in Florida have graduated over 50 student interns and hired nearly a dozen for full-time employment. GULF BREEZE, Fla. — Innisfree Hotels (innisfreehotels.com) prides itself on being an Employer of Choice in the communities across the Southeastern U.S. where it owns and manages properties. One of the ways it stands out is through an inclusive partnership with Project SEARCH (projectsearch.us), a nationwide program that prepares young people with significant disabilities for success in competitive integrated employment. Innisfree Hotels has hosted Project SEARCH sites since 2018, with current ...
HFTP, AHLA and GFC Unveil Groundbreaking 12th Revised Edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI™)
AHLA | July 11, 2024
The USALI is the worldwide, authoritative standard for lodging financial and operating reporting. The adoption date for this newest edition is January 1, 2026. AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 11, 2024) – A newly-revised edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI™) is now available, published by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®). The publication is available for purchase and download here. The revision process for the 12th Revised Edition has been overseen by the Global Finance Committee (GFC), jointly sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and HFTP. The G...
The Heart of a Leader
Dr. Bryan K. Williams | July 11, 2024
Why should anyone follow you? Anywhere? Seriously, that is the question that leaders must ask themselves. John Maxwell wrote, "If you think you are leading, and no one's following, then you’re just taking a walk. A cynic might ask, "who do you think you are to believe that YOU are worthy to be followed?" And if you're not careful, you might believe that only those who have been anointed with special degrees and certifications are "worthy" to lead. You might think that you're too young to lead. You might accept that you're too inexperienced to lead. You might even think that you're not competent enough to lead. All of those thing...
Iberostar Beachfront Resorts Unveils New Hotel Branding Approach
Iberostar Group | July 10, 2024
Iberostar Waves, Iberostar Selection and JOIA by Iberostar are the three new brand segments all with Iberostar's dedication to quality, service and its strong social and environmental commitment. Enables customers to select the hotels, experiences, and services that best suit their beachfront holiday aspirations. Palma de Mallorca, July 10, 2024: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts today announces an important evolution of its brand identity and hotel portfolio segmentation. This development reinforces the company’s commitment to creating happy and memorable holiday experiences for its customers. The updated approach is embedded with f...
Why Soft Skills Are the New Hard Skills in Hospitality
Benjamin Robert | July 10, 2024
By Benjamin Robert What is more important for your career progression today? High-tech skills for working with AI and Big Data or learning to work well with others and solve problems? The answer may surprise you. While it’s true that learning to use the latest technology is a big focus for upskilling these days, the skills that matter most for the future of work are not hard skills; they are people skills and cognitive skills known as soft skills. With technological advances shaping the future of the workforce landscape, the definition of essential skills is changing rapidly. Where technical abilities once reigned supreme, soft skills...
Driftwood Hospitality Management Enters Kentucky Market With Management Assignment for New $75M Canopy by Hilton Downtown Louisville
Driftwood Hospitality Management | July 10, 2024
Louisville, Ky. (July 10, 2024) – Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM), an international leader in hotel operations and management, announces it will assume management operations for the Canopy by Hilton Downtown Louisville (“Hotel”), a $75 million, 168-key hotel in the heart of the city’s historic district. With more than 80 properties in its portfolio, the Hotel is DHM’s first assignment in Kentucky and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2024. The expansion into Kentucky showcases DHM’s capabilities in hospitality management across numerous assets in domestic and international markets. Exceeding brand standards while working ...
Cologne Hotel ADR and RevPAR Reached Record-High Thanks to Euros
CoStar Group | July 10, 2024
WASHINGTON – 10 July 2024 – Pushed by the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, Cologne’s hotel industry recorded its highest monthly average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) on record, according to June preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. June 2024 (year-over-year % change): Occupancy: 81.2% (+7.9%) ADR: EUR174.18 (+35.5%) RevPAR: EUR141.47 (+46.2%) In addition to the all-time highs in monthly ADR and RevPAR, occupancy was the highest for the market since November 2019. ...
Formula One Drove Barcelona Hotel ADR and RevPAR to All-Time Highs in June
CoStar Group | July 10, 2024
WASHINGTON – 10 July 2024 – Thanks to a boost from the annual Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona's monthly average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) reached all-time highs, according to preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. June 2024 (year-over-year % change): Occupancy: 87.3% (+1.7%) ADR: EUR 231.30 (+11.4%) RevPAR: EUR201.84 (+13.3%) The Grand Prix pushed occupancy to 95.3% on Saturday, 22 June, matching for the monthly high with the night of a Rammstein concert on Tuesday, 11 June. The level...
Atlantis Paradise Island Unveils $150 Million Resort-Wide Renovation
Atlantis Paradise Island | July 10, 2024
Redefined Atlantis Casino, The Royal Guestrooms, Paranza, and Bar Sol Debut at the Iconic Resort PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas, July 9, 2024- Atlantis Paradise Island, the most iconic resort destination in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, has completed a $150 million resort-wide transformation, including updates to the casino, guestrooms, restaurants and lounges. The resort unveiled refashioned guestrooms at The Royal, Atlantis' iconic towers; an entirely redefined Atlantis Casino; and Paranza, a new restaurant at The Cove, where the esteemed Michelin-starred chef Michael White brings his culinary mastery to the table. The updates...
Xenia Hotels & Resorts Completes Disposition of Lorien Hotel & Spa
Xenia Hotels & Resorts | July 10, 2024
ORLANDO, Fla., July 10, 2024-- Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: XHR) ("Xenia" or the "Company") today announced it has completed the disposition of the 107-room Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandria, VA, for $30 million, or approximately $280,000 per key. The sale price represents a 21.3x multiple and a 3.1% capitalization rate on Hotel EBITDA and Net Operating Income for the trailing twelve months ended May 31, 2024, respectively. Proceeds will be utilized for general corporate purposes, which may include share repurchases, debt repayment, capital expenditures and acquisitions consistent with the Company's long-term strategy....
The Retro Motel Trend With Hotel Zazz in Albuquerque
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | July 10, 2024
With the recent Fourth of July holiday, we bring you a story of true American success in hospitality. The Hotel Zazz in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which opened in Fall 2022, is emblematic of the retro motel trend that has captured the hearts of drive-to-vacationing millennials and Gen Xers, alongside other independents like The Vagabond Hotel in Miami, The Dive Motel in Nashville, Skyview Los Alamos in California and Thunderbird in Marfa, Texas as well as multi-property brands like Bluebird and Urban Cowboy. Right along the famed Route 66, all of the 48 guestrooms are imaginatively decorated with colorful, eclectic finishings while the public s...
Marriott International and Eagle Hills Sign Agreement to Bring Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Ramhan Island, Abu Dhabi
Marriott International, Inc. | July 10, 2024
Marriott International, Inc. and Eagle Hills announced the signing of an agreement to open the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Anticipated to open on Ramhan Island, an exclusive waterfront destination in Abu Dhabi, the property will offer a secluded escape complete with expansive views across the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. “Together with Eagle Hills, we look forward to bringing Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the UAE and offering intimate and transformative experiences in an ultra-luxury setting,” says Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International. “This monumental signing...
Maximizing Group Sales With Automation: How Hotels Can Win Big Even With Small Teams / Mike Pavicich
Mike Pavicich | July 10, 2024
By Mike Pavicich, Director, Global Sales at SalesAndCatering.com, LLC Delaying the automation of your sales and catering operations might seem harmless, but it could be a costly mistake in the fast-paced Hospitality Sales industry. Waiting now means risking falling behind and struggling to catch up later. Early adopters of Sales & Catering systems are already reaping the benefits, gaining a significant edge over their manual counterparts. They effectively manage sales tasks and understand their clients better, a crucial factor for crafting well-timed, personalized interactions. In the end, they build and manage their sales strategies mo...
Why Hotels Should Master the Fundamentals of Guest Experience Before Adding the Bells and Whistles
Joe Vargas | July 10, 2024
By Joe Vargas, SVP & General Manager, Infor Hospitality NBA legend Michael Jordan is famous for his thrilling game style, but he didn’t get there without mastering the basics of the sport. As he famously said, “You can practice shooting eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way. Get the fundamentals down, and the level of everything you do will rise.” The same can be said for the hospitality industry. Innovative features undoubtedly have the potential to elevate guest experiences to new heights. However, hotel executives aiming to close the experience gap must ...
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Welcomes Sebastian Mena as Director of Food & Beverage
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa | July 10, 2024
SAN ANTONIO - July 10, 2024 - The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is pleased to announce Sebastian Mena as the new Director of Food & Beverage. In this position, Mena will oversee the operations of the resort’s outlets: 18 Oaks, Cibolo Moon, Crooked Branch, High Velocity, Nourish Food Trailer, Replenish Spa Bistro, Rivertop Bar & Grill, the on-site Starbucks, in-room dining, la fresca poolside dining, and the newly opened FIAMME Pizzeria. Formerly the Director of Food & Beverage at JW Marriott Marquis Miami & Hotel Beaux Arts, Autograph Collection, Mena led the Culinary, Event Management, and Banquets ...
Gretchen Walker Named Director of Sales & Marketing for Montage Deer Valley
Montage Deer Valley | July 10, 2024
PARK CITY, Utah (July 10, 2024) – Montage Deer Valley is pleased to announce the appointment of Gretchen Walker as Director of Sales & Marketing. With over three decades of experience in luxury hotels and resorts, Walker will be responsible for Montage Deer Valley’s overall revenue and yield strategies, while overseeing implementation and results. “Gretchen is an excellent addition to our executive team and to the Montage Deer Valley family,” said Joseph Mattioli, General Manager of Montage Deer Valley. “With her long tenure in the hospitality industry, extensive sales and marketing background, and personal and professional ...
Garden District’s Pontchartrain Hotel Appoints Matthew Iacobucci as General Manager
The Pontchartrain Hotel | July 10, 2024
NEW ORLEANS (July 10, 2024) – The Pontchartrain Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Iacobucci as its new General Manager. A seasoned hospitality leader, Iacobucci brings a wealth of experience working with leading brands across the United States, and has held positions throughout the front of house from Director Food & Beverage to Director of Operations. “I'm thrilled to work at such an iconic property in New Orleans' Garden District. The building's history, charm, and design provide our guests with an authentic New Orleans experience. Whether you're enjoying amazing rooftop views, top-notch jazz acts, or catchi...
Pendry Chicago Appoints Simon Firmin as Director of Sales and Marketing
Pendry Chicago | July 10, 2024
CHICAGO, IL (JULY 10, 2024) – Pendry Chicago is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Firmin as Director of Sales and Marketing. In his role, Firmin is responsible for implementing innovative strategies to garner business from meetings, events and leisure clientele, while driving growth and greater awareness to the hotel situated within the iconic Carbide & Carbon building. “We’re delighted to welcome Simon to the Pendry Chicago family,” said Stephen Blackford, general manager at Pendry Chicago. “His passion for hospitality, innovative approach to sales and marketing, and deep understanding of the luxury market, especia...
Protea Hotels by Marriott Strengthens Footprint with Two New Openings in South Africa
Protea Hotels by Marriott | July 10, 2024
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 10, 2024/ — To celebrate its 40th birthday, Protea Hotels by Marriott announced the opening of its first property in Angola while further strengthening its portfolio in South Africa with a new property in Pretoria. The newest additions – Protea by Marriott Luanda and Protea by Marriott Pretoria Hatfield – will offer business and leisure travellers the chance to experience the vibrant local cultures and warm hospitality, along with exceptional accommodation, modern amenities and world-class service. Protea Hotels by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s distinguished portfolio of over 30 extraordinary bra...
Minor Hotels Signs With Boulevard Hotel Company Limited To Introduce NH Hotels & Resorts Brand to Bangkok
Minor Hotels | July 10, 2024
NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard will be the first NH in Bangkok, second in Thailand, as Minor Hotels maps the brand’s expansion outside of Europe and the Americas Bangkok, July 8, 2028: Global hospitality group Minor Hotels announces the signing of a management agreement with Boulevard Hotel Company Limited for a hotel in central Bangkok, Thailand. The signing will introduce Minor Hotels’ NH Hotels & Resorts brand in the Thai capital and will be the second NH property in Thailand after the NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort. Located in the vibrant heart of Bangkok’s bustling commercial and shopping district, just off Sukhumvit Road, ...
Marriott International Highlights ESG Progress in Annual Serve 360 Report
Marriott International | July 10, 2024
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) (“Marriott”) today released its 2024 Serve 360 Report highlighting the company’s global Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) efforts and progress toward its 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals. The Report reflects data for the calendar year ended December 31, 2023. The Report can be accessed here. This year, the Report features an “Around The World Highlights” addendum, which showcases ESG initiatives spanning each of the company’s regions – Asia Pacific excluding China; Caribbean & Latin America; Europe, Middle East & Africa; Greater China; and United ...
