Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
The European Accessibility Act: What Hoteliers Need to Know
Cendyn | July 8, 2024
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for hospitality businesses to stay head of the latest legislation impacting their operations. One critical law that all hoteliers should be aware of is the European Accessibility Act (EAA). The EAA is a landmark EU directive that establishes common accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services. With full enforcement coming in 2025, now is the time for hoteliers to understand the EAA’s implications, as well as take steps to ensure compliance. Here’s an overview of the most important considerations facing the hospitality industry in the wake of the E...
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Appoints Key Executives
Marriott International, Inc. | July 8, 2024
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, July 8, 2024-- The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is proud to announce the appointment of a General Manager, Food & Beverage Director and Executive Chef to its leadership team, reinforcing the property's commitment to excellence in hospitality and guest experiences. Mariano Formariz Appointed General ManagerMariano Formariz joins the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino as the new General Manager. With an esteemed career spanning over 25 years, Mariano has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and passion for the hospitality sector with extensive leadership experience across multi...
Room Mate Hotels Expands Presence Across Spain With Acquisition of Staying Valencia
Room Mate Hotels | July 8, 2024
MADRID--Room Mate Hospitality & Leisure, S.L. (“Room Mate Hotels”), a leading lifestyle hotel brand and lease management company headquartered in Madrid, today announced the acquisition of Staying Valencia, a portfolio of boutique hotels and aparthotels in Valencia. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Room Mate Hotels’ expansion strategy, bolstered by the support of TPG Angelo Gordon, a diversified credit and real estate investing platform within TPG, and Westmont Hospitality (“Westmont”), which together acquired Room Mate Hotels in 2022. Staying Valencia operates a portfolio of 10 boutique properties ...
Hilton Signs With M Hospitality to Develop Hilton Marjan Island Beach Resort & Spa in Ras Al Khaimah
Hilton | July 8, 2024
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced an agreement with M Hospitality to open Hilton Marjan Island Beach Resort & Spa in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost emirate. Expected to open in Q4 2026, the upscale property will add to Hilton’s fast-growing portfolio of 80 hotels across 11 brands operating in the Middle East. “Hilton has been operating in Ras Al Khaimah for over 20 years and we are excited to be working with M Hospitality once again,” said Carlos Khneisser, vice president, development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “With Ras Al Khaimah expected to welcome over 3.8 million visitor...
My Place Hotels of America Opens Location in Mitchell, SD
My Place Hotels of America, LLC | July 8, 2024
ABERDEEN, SD — July 8, 2024—My Place Hotels of America has opened My Place Hotel-Mitchell, SD. It is the 72nd open and operating My Place property in the United States and the seventh My Place to open in South Dakota. Mitchell Holdings, LLC, developed the hotel, which is managed by Venerts Hotel Management, Inc. The 63-key property is outfitted with standard My Place amenities, including a 24-hour My Store grab-and-go market, laundry facilities, a business center, and a grilling pavilion. It is also pet-friendly and offers free guest parking. My Place Hotel-Mitchell, SD is located at 618 E Spruce Street, Mitchell, SD, 57301, in prox...
Loews Arlington Hotel Appoints Tony France as New Executive Chef
Loews Arlington Hotel | July 8, 2024
Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center is proud to announce the appointment of Tony France as the new Executive Chef, effective June 2024. His responsibilities include oversight of all aspects of the food and beverage operation for five restaurants and lounges, banquet functions, 24-hour in-room dining and special events at the new 888-room meetings and resort destination that opened in February. France was drawn to cooking from a young age. Native to Los Angeles, California, and raised by his mother and grandparents, he spent much of his time in the kitchen with his Sicilian grandfather who was instrumental in growing his passi...
Hāna-Maui Resort Appoints Ryan Parker as General Manager
Hāna-Maui Resort | July 8, 2024
HĀNA, HI (July 8, 2024) – Hāna-Maui Resort, A Destination by Hyatt, announces the appointment of Ryan Parker as general manager. In this new role, Parker oversees the day-to-day functions of the resort, including supervising in-house staff, managing monthly and yearly budgets, implementing marketing strategies and beyond. “As an innately caring leader with an uncompromised focus on high-quality standards, Ryan is the perfect fit to lead day-to-day functions for our dynamic resort and nurture our connection to the eastern side of Maui and the tightknit town of Hāna,” said Mark Jennings, Senior Vice President of Lifestyle Operations ...
Digital Trends in Accommodation: Hotels, Booking.com and DMA
HOTREC | July 8, 2024
The European hotel industry has long been warning of unfair business practices from OTAs. Competition and collaboration are crucial for the hospitality sector, but create challenges that impact prices, operations, and guest experiences. As the largest OTA, Booking.com is now a gatekeeper platform under the DMA. The dominant platform will finally have to comply to the new digital rules. This should allow hotels to offer better prices on their own distribution channels. The results of our 2024 Hotel Distribution Study confirm the need for new digital rules that will ensure fair competition in the hotel accommodation sector. The findings...
AHLA Workforce Report: Hotels Add 700 Jobs in June
AHLA | July 8, 2024
Hotels more than 196,000 jobs short of pre-pandemic levels amid economy-wide labor shortage WASHINGTON (July 8, 2024) – U.S. hotels added 700 jobs to their payrolls in June, according to the latest government data that shows the nationwide workforce shortage continues to make it difficult for hotels to fill open jobs. Total hotel employment stands at about 1.92 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s more than 196,000 fewer workers in the industry than in February 2020, just before the pandemic hit, a shortfall that reflects the scarcity of available employees. BLS also revised down the total number of hot...
Arch Amenities Group Appoints Michael Leahy as Chief Financial Officer
Arch Amenities Group | July 8, 2024
ROCKVILLE, Maryland (July 8, 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 travel and hospitality veteran Michael Leahy as chief financial officer. “Michael Leahy is a resourceful finance and team leader with an analytical approach to problem-solving and the ability to effectively communicate and coordinate efforts across all levels of an organization to achieve key deliverables,” said Steven Rudnitsky, Arch chairman. “He will support each of our businesses...
How To Train Your Guest Service Staff To Turn Every Conversation Into a Sales & Marketing Opportunity – Complimentary Registration Now Open
Doug Kennedy | July 8, 2024
Sponsored By Travel Outlook, Better Talent, and Track Hospitality Software Register your team and participate live, or view the recording, of Doug Kennedy’s next 40-minute training webcast scheduled for Monday, July 22, from Noon – 12:45pm EST. REGISTER HERE As tech solutions continue to replace “touch points” in the guest’s “cycle of service,” each remaining “conversation” becomes ever more important, especially since guests are more likely to reach out to our humans either when things go wrong, or when they have a special request or need. “With so many guests booking online, often through third parties, with an ev...
Weekend Events Drove Dublin Hotel Rates Past €300
CoStar Group | July 3, 2024
Boosted by three large-scale events during the final weekend of June, Dublin hotel average daily rate (ADR) eclipsed EUR300 for just the second time this year and sixth time in history, according to preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. Taylor Swift headlined the busy weekend in Dublin with three performances from Friday-Sunday (28-30 June) at the Aviva Stadium. Swift’s tour overlapped with Dublin Pride, which took place on Saturday as well as the All-Ireland GAA quarterfinals on Saturday and Sunday. The market’s ho...
APAC: Economic Boom or Financial Gloom?
HotStats | July 3, 2024
By Tareq Bagaeen 2024 has been very intense. Throughout my career as a hotelier, I've gone through 9/11, a few wars, a world financial crisis, pandemics, and a tsunami to name but a few significant milestones. And yet, 2024 has been the most intense year for me thus far in the quarter century of hospitality life. So, what is going on? It seems like my email inbox is impossible to keep clean. Projects keep stacking up one after another, I've already flown over 185,000 miles in 180 days, and every time I open LinkedIn, I find news of a major new signing or opening for the hotel industry around the Asia Pacific, and on top of it all I see ...
Travel & Tourism in Latin America Could Boost Region’s Economy by US$260BN Over the Next Decade
The World Travel & Tourism Council | July 3, 2024
WTTC’s latest report highlights actions to boost sector’s growth Mexico City, Mexico: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the Latin American (LATAM) Travel & Tourism sector could add nearly US$260BN to the region’s economy and create nearly eight million new jobs over the next 10 years. According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in LATAM’, this potential growth is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 3.4%, reaching a contribution of nearly US$909.2BN. The report includes a policy package focused on...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 29 June
CoStar Group | July 3, 2024
WASHINGTON – 3 July 2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported higher performance results from the previous week and positive comparisons year over year, according to CoStar’s latest data through 29 June. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 23-29 June 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 71.9% (+3.2%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$162.81 (+3.6%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$117.13 (+6.9%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Minneapolis saw the highest year-over-year increases in each of the three key performa...
What Is Sustainable Travel: 10 Best Practices
Dr. Carlos Martin-Rios | July 3, 2024
As academics specializing in the travel, tourism and hospitality (TTH) industry, we have trained and advised dozens of companies in their journey towards sustainable businesses. There is so much more to sustainable travel & tourism than the generic statements you see on brand websites - which are invarably an attempt to greenwash. TTH firms are accountable and must take the changes taking place seriously, from Greta Thunberg's movement to new priorities in the World Economic Forum´s agenda or the ever-growing list of world moguls taking on a leading role in the fight against climate change. For that reason, we have identified 10 ...
California’s New Junk Fee Law Now Has Worldwide Effect. Here’s What You Need to Know to Avoid Costly Litigation
Jim Butler | July 3, 2024
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com On July 1, 2024, California’s new Junk Fee Law took effect. It could have worldwide impact if prices for goods or services are publicly advertised and reach California residents. How can you avoid that with online ads and other public broadcasts over commercial media? In anticipation of this event, many international hotel companies, cruise lines, travel providers, ticket sellers, and online sellers have already changed their advertising and promotions to comply with California law rather than risk violation. Watch for a big change to ...
Assessing the Digital Infrastructure of Your Hotels
CBRE Hotels | July 3, 2024
By Robert Mandelbaum, John Pomposello, and Adam Barry In 2023, U.S. hotels faced rising operating expenses outpacing revenue growth, resulting in declining profit margins. To combat this, hotels are leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction. Key areas of technological investment include employee productivity tools, automated guest services, and improved cybersecurity. Analyzing IT expenditures from 4,121 properties, CBRE found that IT costs represented a relatively controlled 1.4% of total operating revenue, despite a 7.4% increase in 2023. Higher IT spending was noted in Resort and Convention hotels due to their e...
Hilton Partners With Fragrance Group To Launch DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart, Hilton’s First Hotel in Tasmania
Hilton | July 3, 2024
Located in the heart of Hobart, DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart is slated for opening within 2024 SYDNEY and MCLEAN, VA – DoubleTree by Hilton, together with Fragrance Group Limited, is thrilled to announce its latest hotel signing in Hobart, Tasmania. DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart is in advanced construction status and is set to open in the second half of 2024. Situated within walking distance to Hobart’s Central Business District (CBD), the waterfront, and the vibrant Salamanca Place, the new hotel promises to be a standout addition to the city’s hospitality landscape. The new DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart will offer guests a blend of...
IHG Hotels & Resorts, in Partnership With the V&A Waterfront Bring InterContinental Brand to Cape Town
IHG Hotels & Resorts | July 3, 2024
Set to open in 2025 after refurbishment, InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town will build on the legacy of the property and write a new era of luxury hospitality in the country. Cape Town, South Africa, July 3, 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the debut of the InterContinental brand in Cape Town with the signing of InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in IHG’s luxury portfolio. Inaugurated in May 1997 by former South African president Nelson Mandela, the renowned Table Bay Hotel has consistently set the benchmark for world-class hospitality. Lo...
InterContinental Makes Greek Island Debut With Opening in Crete
IHG Hotels & Resorts | July 3, 2024
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts proudly presents its inaugural property in the Greek Islands, InterContinental Crete. Bolstering IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio – now the second largest in the world – InterContinental Crete is the embodiment of contemporary Grecian hospitality and one of the first openings to follow the brand’s announcement of a transformative evolution. InterContinental is reimagining the luxury travel experience, building on its heritage dating back over 75 years, as it turns the page on this next chapter. Panoramic bay views and a rugged coastal backdrop set the scene for InterC...
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Promotes Aaron Slattery as General Manager of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington | July 3, 2024
Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation, today announced that Aaron Slattery has been promoted to general manager of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington. In his new role, Slattery will oversee the 256-room hotel located near the Mall of America and West Bloomington Business Corridor. He assumes the general manager role following Jim Waldvogel’s promotion to general manager of the recently acquired Loews Minneapolis Hotel, which has been rebranded as The Lofton Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is manager and part owner of Th...
Grand Hyatt Singapore Slated to Welcome Guests Unveiling First Phase of Its Renovation
Grand Hyatt Singapore | July 3, 2024
Steps away from bustling Orchard Road, the iconic hotel will reopen on 10 July 2024, starting with the reimagined Terrace Wing, refreshed dining concepts and lush public spaces. SINGAPORE, 3 July 2024: Grand Hyatt Singapore is slated to welcome guests back on 10 July 2024 as it unveils the first phase of its multi-year transformation. The Terrace Wing will offer leisure and business travellers new, tranquil spaces, alongside lush gardens and cascading waterfalls in the iconic Orchard Road district. The reimagined urban sanctuary will present experiences that are grounded in sustainability and wellness to further care for modern trave...
ONYX Hospitality Group Opens Shama Suasana Johor Bahru: First Shama Hotel and Serviced Residence in Malaysia
Shama | July 3, 2024
London, 3rd July 2024: ONYX Hospitality Group, a renowned leader in hotel management, is proud to announce the opening of Shama Suasana Johor Bahru, marking the debut of the first Shama hotel and serviced apartment in Malaysia. This milestone expansion further strengthens the Shama brand's presence in Southeast Asia, and is particularly significant as it makes Malaysia the first country, outside of Thailand, to host all three ONYX Hospitality Group brands: Amari, OZO, and Shama. Shama is dedicated to offering a unique blend of comfort, style, and convenience to both business and leisure travellers, combining fully-furnished apartments wi...
