Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
Stools and Stereotypes: Why Accommodating Disabilities in Hotels Is Non-Negotiable
Chuck Simikian | October 23, 2024
An employee comes to you and says they need a stool to sit on while they do their job. You immediately think – “We don’t have stools for employees to sit on. That is a standing position.” But….is that the correct response? What should you do? It is a common scenario that I frequently see in my HR career supporting the hospitality industry. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been in effect for nearly 35 years, yet many employers still struggle with accommodating disabilities in the workplace. A recent lawsuit filed by the EEOC against TNNY Hotel, LLC, and other entities operating The Ned NoMad hotel in Manhattan h...
Florida’s Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Announces New Culinary Leadership
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort | October 23, 2024
Clearwater Beach, FL - October 23, 2024 – Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach proudly welcomes two distinguished culinary professionals to its leadership team. Chef Nana Darkwah has been promoted to Executive Chef, while Chef Eric Champagne steps into the role of Executive Banquet Chef. These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the resort's culinary offerings, following the retirement of esteemed Executive Chef Claude Rodier. Chef Nana Darkwah's recent appointment as Executive Chef at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach caps a remarkable 15-year culinary journey that began in Accra, Ghana. After moving to the United States, Chef Na...
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort Appoints Christopher Blunt as Director of Sales & Marketing
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort | October 23, 2024
KAILUA-KONA, Hawai’i (October 23, 2024) — King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort is delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Blunt as the new director of sales and marketing. With an impressive career spanning over three decades, including 22 years of sales experience in Hawaii’s luxury resort market, Blunt brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to his new role at the 455-room resort, set on the historic beachfront where King Kamehameha the Great once ruled. “We’re excited to welcome Christopher to our team. His extensive experience, particularly in Hawaii’s hospitality industry, combined with his deep unde...
Caesars Entertainment Celebrates Completion of $435M Transformation of Caesars New Orleans
Caesars New Orleans | October 23, 2024
NEW ORLEANS--Caesars Entertainment celebrated the completion of its $435 million transformation of Harrah’s to Caesars New Orleans on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The raucous event began outside of the casino on Canal St. with a ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, Caesars Entertainment President & COO Anthony Carano and Caesars New Orleans General Manager, Samir Mowad, where they, alongside Caesar, joined an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a procession into the casino. Caesars New Orleans Team Members and Mayor Latoya Cantrell joined the celebration to commemorate the historic occasion. “We’re incredibly proud to offi...
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour Miami, Name Stephen Power as General Manager
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company | October 23, 2024
MIAMI, FLORIDA - October 23, 2024 - The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour, Miami are pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Power as General Manager of both properties. A distinguished leader in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector, Power will oversee the operations of both hotels. “I am thrilled to join and lead the teams of these two distinguished, award-winning resorts. I look forward to further elevating the experiences of these iconic Miami resorts and creating unforgettable memories for guests for which The Ritz-Carlton is celebrated,” said Stephen Power. With more than 20 years of ext...
Hugo Lecanda Appointed as General Manager to Oversee Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita Markets in Dual Role
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa | October 23, 2024
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (October 23, 2024) - The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and the Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta and are pleased to receive Hugo Lecanda as the new Multi-Property General Manager for these iconic sister resorts. Furthermore to the aforementioned role, Lecanda will also serve as Area General Manager overseeing additional properties in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita to ensure collaboration and synergy to enhance guest experiences across the region. Lecanda’s impressive career spans 29 years in the luxury segment with 19 of those dedicated to Marriott International across the Americas and Europe. Thr...
Fusion Hotel Group Opens GLOW Bangkok Riverside in Thailand
Fusion | October 23, 2024
Singapore (23 October 2024) — Fusion Hotel Group has announced the opening this month of GLOW Bangkok Riverside, a stylish new hotel overlooking the Thai capital’s Chaophraya River from its vantage point in the city’s historic Dusit district. A modern 5-storey property, GLOW Bangkok Riverside features 126 rooms and suites, ranging from the Superior Room at 19-22 sqm to the 40sqm River Suite. All 126 rooms have either king-size or twin beds, and are tastefully decorated with rich hues, warm wood tones, and colorful accents, creating a welcoming and relaxing environment. Each of the 126 air-conditioned rooms boasts a 42” TV, a minibar...
Hotel Rustica Urubamba Opens in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, Peru
Rustica Hoteles | October 23, 2024
LIMA, October 23, 2024 – Rustica Hoteles has announced the opening of its first hotel in Cusco, the Rustica Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This new hotel offers a unique proposal, blending modern comfort with the traditional essence of the Sacred Valley, enhanced by a diverse culinary offering. The hotel aims to be a haven of tranquility and well-being, attracting both Peruvian and international tourists seeking an immersive experience in one of the world’s most enigmatic regions. Located just 20 minutes from Ollantaytambo, on the route between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, Rustica Urubamba positions itself as the ideal spot f...
The Homewood Suites by Hilton North Las Vegas Speedway Is Set to Open Next Week
Homewood Suites by Hilton | October 23, 2024
New hotel located minutes from Nellis Air Force Base and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway North Las Vegas, NV – 10/23/2024 – Homewood Suites by Hilton North Las Vegas Speedway, a 4-story premier all-suite hotel, located just minutes from Nellis Air Force Base and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, opens the last week of October in North Las Vegas, NV. The hotel is managed by National Hospitality Management and features 123 Guest Suites. “The Homewood Suites North Las Vegas allows us to unlock new business opportunities and ensure our hotel is the top choice for guests traveling to the area, for business and leisure alike,” said Angela De L...
Ennismore Signs the First Mama Shelter in the Netherlands
Ennismore | October 23, 2024
Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, investor Chagall B.V and White House Development B.V. are delighted to announce the signing of Mama Shelter Amsterdam. Set to open its doors in Q1 2027, the brand’s first outpost in the Netherlands will blend local charm with Mama’s distinctive spirit. Amidst the quaint villages and once-gritty industrial parks of the Noord district now lies some of Amsterdam’s most exciting creative and nightlife scenes. Mama Shelter Amsterdam will embrace all its new neighbourhood’s quirks and eccentricities. Designed by Mama Shelter’s in-house design team, guests ca...
AHLA, World Wildlife Fund Make It Easier for Hoteliers to Reduce Food Waste
AHLA | October 23, 2024
WASHINGTON (Oct. 23, 2024) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association and World Wildlife Fund today announced a revamped Hotel Kitchen platform that will help hoteliers around the country prevent food waste, protect the environment by diverting food from landfills, and reduce operating costs. The revamped Hotel Kitchen platform will make it easier to reach the goal of cutting U.S. food waste in half by 2030. Improvements include: Guidelines and best practices for hotel employees at all levels, including corporate leadership and owners, hotel operators, and staff who run meetings and events and food & beverage operation...
Hilton Cuts 2024 Room Revenue Growth Forecast on Slowing Consumer Spending
Reuters | October 23, 2024
By Doyinsola Oladipo and Aishwarya Jain (Reuters) -Hilton Worldwide lowered its annual room revenue growth and net income forecasts as steady demand in Europe and business travel were not enough to counter a fall in demand in China and disruptions to its U.S. business during the third quarter. Shares of Hilton, which owns hotel brands such as Waldorf Astoria and DoubleTree, were down 2% on Wednesday. Rival Marriott International also fell 3%. Global travel demand has been facing challenges as American and Chinese consumers remain wary of macroeconomic trends. Ongoing labor disputes, the upcoming election and weather disruptions in the U....
US Fines American Airlines Record $50 Million Over Treatment of Disabled Passengers
Reuters | October 23, 2024
By David Shepardson (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department on Wednesday said it was fining American Airlines a record $50 million for its treatment of disabled passengers, including failing to provide some with adequate assistance and mishandling wheelchairs. The fine is 25 times larger than the previous highest airline penalty for disability protection violations, setting a "new precedent" for future enforcement, the department said. "The era of tolerating poor treatment of airline passengers with disabilities is over," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "By setting penalties at levels beyond a mere cost of doing b...
Using PMS Data To Build ML Business Models
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | October 23, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky The property management system has traditionally been the hub for storing hotel guest information. In today’s age of customer data platforms and extract-transform-load processes, the PMS has become a goldmine for machine learning and artificial intelligence-driven strategies. The most prominent application of AI in this space is guest personalization. While this idea has long been at the forefront of AI discussions, it’s worth exploring further. AI enables a deeper level of personalization by democratizing the process, allowing hotels to tailor experiences based on specific guest profiles or situational cont...
Cloudbeds Unveils Industry’s First ‘Smart Hospitality Engine’, Powered by Causal and Multimodal AI
Cloudbeds | October 23, 2024
San Diego, CA – Cloudbeds has today revealed plans to become the world’s first property management system to connect every facet of hotel operations into a single intelligence network, powered by causal and multimodal AI. Unveiled at Cloudbeds’ Passport User Conference on October 23, the technology provider’s first-of-its-kind ‘smart hospitality engine’, Cloudbeds Intelligence, will sit at the core of its platform, empowering hoteliers with real-time insights and actionable recommendations across their entire operations. The innovative platform layer harnesses multimodal AI, which integrates and processes multiple types of data ...
PPDS to Debut Latest Philips Hotel TVs With Netflix and Google Cast – Plus World’s Most Energy-Efficient Digital Signage at the Hospitality Sh
PPDS | October 23, 2024
Upgrading hospitality: Marking PPDS’ debut at The Hospitality Show, local and international PPDS teams will showcase the latest innovations on Philips Booth #916 to support future-focused visual needs in hospitality. This includes the groundbreaking Philips MediaSuite TV Series, the world’s first and only dedicated ‘all in one’ hospitality TV with Google Cast™ and Netflix ready, bringing unrivaled entertainment to guests, and no recurring fees to hoteliers. Charlotte, October 23, 2024: The Hospitality team at PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, is excited to announce it will be showcasing the late...
UrVenue and UrResort Now Available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace
UrVenue | October 23, 2024
UrVenue and its sister platform UrResort join Oracle PartnerNetwork to help streamline operations and personalize guest journeys with integrations on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace LAS VEGAS, NV. OCTOBER 23, 2024 — UrVenue and UrResort, leading providers of hospitality technology and members of Oracle PartnerNetwork, today announced they are available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace and can be deployed on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and integrated with OPERA Cloud unified platform via the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform. Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a centralized repository of enterprise applications offered by Oracle and Oracle pa...
Hotel Internet Services Set to Demonstrate Latest Trends in Connectivity, Guestroom Entertainment and Security Surveillance at The Hospitality Show 20
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | October 23, 2024
Leading hospitality technology innovator to offer hoteliers insight on adapting to an industry increasingly driven by IoT, AI and demands for enhanced personalization. CLEARWATER, Fla. — October 23, 2024 — Hotel Internet Services, a full-service provider of connectivity and internet-enabled services and solutions for the hospitality industry, will return to this year’s Hospitality Show to demonstrate the latest enhancements to its industry-leading hotel WiFi, guestroom entertainment and video surveillance security solutions. Taking place October 28-30 in San Antonio, Texas, HIS will be exhibiting at booth #1913 to provide a snapshot ...
IRIS Unveils New Features to Drive Mobile Order Volumes and Guest Engagement.
IRIS | October 23, 2024
New additions to the IRIS platform have been developed to build mobile ordering capabilities, enhance the guest experience and reduce manual processes for staff IRIS, the global leader in digital ordering for the hospitality industry, today announces a host of new features across its mobile ordering and guest experience platform, all developed to deliver a more secure, responsive and integrated experience for both operators and their guests. Demand for mobile ordering from both staff and guests continues its upward trajectory. Indeed, the 2025 State of Hotel Guest Tech Report from Hotel Tech Report highlights that millennials are 57% ...
Leading Global Hotel Back Office and Accounting Provider PAS Announces New Owner and CEO
PAS | October 23, 2024
Winter Garden, FL (October 23, 2024) – PAS (Professional Accounting Solutions, Inc.), well known as the preferred provider of back office and accounting solutions for the global hospitality industry and the leading provider of Infor SunSystems and Infor EPM services, announced it has a new owner and CEO – hospitality industry veteran, Gayle Edwards. "Gayle has been an incredibly important part of the growth PAS has experienced over the last 10 years," said previous owner and CEO, Bill Euler. "She has played an instrumental role in building many of our hotel customer relationships as well as the technology partnerships we have today. I ...
Spain’s Airlines See Winter Sales Boost Due to Middle East Conflict
October 22, 2024
MADRID (Reuters) - Airline operators in Spain expect to sell 12% more seats this winter than a year earlier as travellers look to steer well clear of conflict zones, the head of Spain's airlines industry group (ALA) said on Tuesday. Tourist destinations such as the Canary Islands will see more flights as some airlines re-route planes from Israel and other destinations in the Middle East, ALA President Javier Gandara told a press conference in Madrid. For the winter, "there have been a number of changes in airline schedules, many of them caused by the conflict in the Middle East, and Spain has had additional schedules," he said. An AL...
IMF Cuts Forecasts for German Economy This Year and Next
October 22, 2024
By Maria Martinez NEW YORK (Reuters) -The German economy is expected to stagnate this year, the International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday, cutting its forecast for Europe's biggest economy, while growth is expected in all the other G7 countries. The IMF had forecast 0.2% growth for Germany in its previous forecasts. "Geopolitical strength needs economic strength, this is why I'm worried given the economic situation of the European Union and especially my country," German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said on Tuesday. "At the moment we are not as successful as we should be and as we used to be in the European Union," he said...
Double Your Value: Tech-Driven Solutions to Enhance Guest Experience & Efficiency
Nomadix | October 22, 2024
By Speleos Dravillas, Chief Revenue Officer at Nomadix, Inc In fact, 76% of consumers expect a personalized experience, and 61% are willing to pay more for it. As a result, many hoteliers believe that offering a more personalized experience through digital engagement could help drive up to 6% higher compound annual revenue growth. Not to mention, AI and automation to support operations will become a top priority to help reduce costs and overcome personnel shortages. It’s no surprise then that 86% of hoteliers plan to increase their technology investment in the coming year. The good news is there’s no shortage of exciting...
Canada Hotels Record First Occupancy Decline in Nine Months
CoStar Group | October 22, 2024
WASHINGTON – 22 October 2024 – Canada’s hotel industry recorded its first month-over-month occupancy decline since January 2024, according to CoStar’s September 2024 data. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. September 2024 (percentage change from 2023): Occupancy: 74.0% (-1.8%) Average daily rate (ADR): CAD227.99 (+2.6%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD168.69 (+0.8%) “Declines in both group and transient demand resulted in softer occupancy across Canada hotels,” said Laura Baxter, CoStar Group’s director of hospitalit...
