Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
2024 ISHC Young Leader Award Presented to Briana Swift at IHIF
ISHC | May 2, 2024
May 2024 - The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) presented the prestigious ISHC Young Leader Award to Briana Swift, Regional Vice President of Development - Northern Europe, Hyatt. Swift joined Hyatt in February 2017 and now acts as Regional Vice President of Development for Northern Europe. With 10 years’ experience in hospitality, Briana is responsible for the growth of Hyatt’s brands throughout DACH, the Nordics and Benelux; her responsibilities span deal sourcing, negotiations, development strategy and portfolio retention. Prior to her...
Rising Star Award Caribbean Presented to Brittany Brathwaite at CHRIS
ISHC | May 2, 2024
Miami, Florida – May 2, 2024 - The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) presented Brittany Brathwaite, Chief People and Development Strategist, Ocean Hotels Group Barbados & Chickmont Foods Ltd, with the prestigious Rising Star Award Caribbean. Brittany Brathwaite is a Regional Labour Policy Advisor; Strategic Human Resources Practitioner and serves as Chief People and Development Strategist with the Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados. She joined the Ocean Hotels group in 2019 and has remained committed to her foundational principles of adding v...
It’s Still a Seller’s Market, But Don’t Get Greedy
Lynn Zwibak | May 2, 2024
By Lynn Zwibak In response to the post-pandemic demand surge and faced with constricted inventory due to labor shortages, rising supply costs, and other challenges, hoteliers pushed their prices back to pre-pandemic levels in record time. It was understandable that hoteliers would push rates - a hotel's goal is to maximize revenue and profit, and they had a lot of missed opportunities to make up for. People were so happy to be traveling again that they paid. Sources predict that hotels' pricing power will remain strong. However, we don't need a pandemic recovery to fall into the trap of overpricing. Why do we do this? Misjudg...
Q1 2024 Major U.S. Hotel Sales Survey
Daniel Lesser | May 2, 2024
By Daniel H. Lesser While the U.S. economy continues to expand and is currently a major driver of global growth, inflation has recently ticked up after falling considerably from a peak of 9.1% nearly two years ago. Many now perceive that in the near term, the U.S. Federal Reserve will not reduce borrowing costs, and some anticipate a resumption of raising rates by early 2025. Unless a severe economic downturn occurs, interest rates are likely to remain relatively elevated for an extended period. A tight labor market and strong household net worth have led to remarkable resilience in U.S. consumer spending as Americans continue to enjoy...
The Top 5 Advantages of AI-First Platforms Over Legacy System Upgrades
Andrew Rubinacci | May 2, 2024
By Andrew Rubinacci, Chief Advisory Officer of FLYR for Hospitality If I had a dollar for every time I heard artificial intelligence or “AI” mentioned over the last year, well, you know the rest of that saying. And much like when you repeat a word so many times, it starts to lose its meaning – the discussions surrounding the blistering proliferation of artificial intelligence technology have begun to lose some of their impact. Working within the realm of hospitality technology, I understand – rather intimately – the transformative effect of digital tools that leverage the power of AI and machine learning (ML). But I am also ...
The Lux Collective Appoints Olivier Chavy as Its Next CEO
The Lux Collective | May 1, 2024
Singapore, May 1, 2024 – The Chairman of The Lux Collective (“TLC”) global luxury hospitality group, Arnaud Lagesse, has announced the appointment of Olivier Chavy as its next Chief Executive Officer. Hailing from France, Olivier Chavy will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and performance of The Lux Collective whilst pursuing its expansion in high potential markets. Olivier will work alongside the board of directors, key executives, general managers and staff of the resorts, to innovate and craft distinctive experiences that will further set the iconic hotel group apart. Chairman Arnaud Lagesse expressed honour i...
Prime Group Opens Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Residence Inn by Marriott | May 1, 2024
CHICAGO – May 1, 2024 – The 289-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile is now open for business. Located at 101 East Erie Street, the all-suite property is owned by The Prime Group, Inc. and managed by Marriott International, Inc. General Manager Tommie Van and Director of Sales Sam Barnett lead the management team at the property. Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile is nestled in the heart of the Mag Mile, offering numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as the vibrant Millennium Park. The picturesque hotel offers guests convenient access to the Art Institut...
Nightcap Management Opens Dual-Branded avid hotels and Candlewood Suites in North Platte, Nebraska
IHG Hotels & Resorts | May 1, 2024
ATLANTA (May 1, 2024) – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced the opening of its first dual-branded avid hotels and Candlewood Suites property in North Platte, Neb., following the prototype’s launch in 2021. Operating under the ownership of Nightcap Management, LLC, avid hotel and Candlewood Suites North Platte marks the first milestone in an exciting growth trajectory for the dual-brand pairing, with more than 40 additional hotels in the pipeline. Other upcoming dual-branded avid hotels and Candlewood Suites openings this year include Fort Payne, Ala., and West Memphis, ...
Sustainability Done Right with a Las Vegas Resort
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | May 1, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky Climate change is now at the forefront of people’s minds, while travel is continually cited as a major (and significantly, a discretionary) contributor to total carbon emissions. As such, every hotel brand needs a clear plan and must also be increasingly transparent about what’s been done to date to win hearts and minds. But every plan relies upon leadership, and with customer sentiment slowly shifting more and more towards ESG values (especially amongst the younger generations), this presents a clear case for carving out a sustainability role for every hotel. Of all the places to learn about how to succ...
Is AI-Generated Content the Spam of Our Time?
Daniel Craig | May 1, 2024
By Daniel Craig Lately I’ve been coming across a lot of content online that appears to be AI generated. I’ve seen it in articles, blogs and whitepapers, on news sites and social media, and in email, product marketing, and media releases. It makes me wonder, has the use of generative AI to write marketing content become an accepted business practice? I’m not referring to using AI to enhance our writing. I’m talking about publishing content that is written predominantly by an AI chatbot like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. I would share examples, but I don’t want to shame anyone. We’re all experimenting with AI. There’s ...
IHG and MQDC To Bring Hotel Indigo to Bangkok’s Mixed-Use Development The Forestias
IHG | May 1, 2024
Bangkok, Thailand – May 1, 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the continued growth of its Hotel Indigo brand in Thailand through an agreement with international property developer Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC). The 274-room Hotel Indigo The Forestias Bangkok will open in 2026 at The Forestias, a new integrated 64-hectare mixed-used development on the eastern fringe of Bangkok – the largest growth project of its kind in the country. This eagerly awaited addition to the Hotel Indigo brand portfolio promises to offer guests an immersive stay experience close to nature through a design that d...
Jackson Hole’s Iconic Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa to Reopen in July Following a Ground-Up Transformation
The Rusty Parrot | May 1, 2024
Restored and reimagined boutique hotel announces July 1, 2024 opening Jackson, Wyoming – May 1, 2024 – Returning to its quaint and quiet corner of Jackson, Wyoming, The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa is now taking bookings for its triumphant July 1st opening, after a devastating fire destroyed the nearly 30-year-old boutique hotel in 2019. The reopening of the award-winning, family-owned and operated property will unveil a ground-up transformation inclusive of 38 rooms and two suites, the Body Sage Spa, and the Wild Sage Restaurant and Bar which are taking reservations as early as May 1, 2024. While entirely reimagined, the building rema...
Hotel Eden Rome Appoints New Executive Chef Salvatore Bianco
Dorchester Collection | May 1, 2024
Rome, May 1, 2024 – Hotel Eden Rome, part of Dorchester Collection, is pleased to announce its newly appointed executive chef, Salvatore Bianco, as of today. Bianco will oversee the entirety of the hotel’s culinary offerings, including La Terrazza, Il Giardino Ristorante, La Libreria, the event spaces and in-room dining. Born in Torre del Greco (Campania), Bianco has always been passionate for art, and today he defines cooking as "the only art form that can make all the senses interact at the same time." His cooking philosophy is rooted in the interplay of contrast, the reverence for local terroir, and a deep appreciation for culture, ...
GCommerce Partners With Inntopia as Its Trusted Metasearch Provider
GCommerce | May 1, 2024
Metadesk, a GCommerce platform, has partnered with Inntopia, establishing Metadesk as the preferred provider for best-in-class metasearch management. Inntopia helps resorts and hotels with multiple systems to sell every product their guest needs in a single booking engine and unify data into a central guest database to improve booking revenue, marketing performance, and guest service. Expanded Partnership Benefits: Holistic Marketing Strategy: Leveraging Inntopia's innovative platform and Metadesk's customized approach, guest data, inventory management, and marketing initiatives are seamlessly integrated. This creates a unified...
The Future of Hospitality: P3’s Insights on Online Check-In Conversion Rates
P3 Hotel Software | May 1, 2024
In the dynamic world of hospitality, where every moment counts and guest expectations evolve rapidly, staying ahead is not just a necessity but a strategic imperative. Enter P3 Hotel Software, a pioneer in revolutionizing the guest journey through innovative technology solutions. At the forefront of this revolution is P3's Online Check-in product, a game-changer in streamlining operations and enhancing the guest experience. This Online Check-in solution was launched 4 years ago, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has gone from strength to strength as the hospitality industry recovered and emerged from testing global circumstances. Convers...
Radisson Blu Sobieski Upgrades Vingcard Door Locks to Feature Latest in RFID Security and Mobile Key
Vingcard | May 1, 2024
Elegant Polish hotel leverages future-proof door lock design to effortlessly keep pace with evolving security standards and guest preferences. Stockholm –May 1, 2024 – Vingcard, hospitality’s leading provider of security access solutions and other advanced technologies, has announced a successful upgrade of its Vingcard Classic door locks at Radisson Blu Sobieski in Warsaw, Poland. An upscale property situated within the heart of Warsaw’s business district, Radisson Blu Sobieski by upgrading to Vingcard Classic RFID which will be enabled with Mobile Access, can provide its guests with the ideal combination of enhanced security and ...
Hoteliers, Integration Partners Applaud Maestro PMS’s Innovative, All-In-One Technology
Maestro PMS | May 1, 2024
NEW tools take center stage at the company’s largest Users’ Conference on record, including embedded payments, learning management, client incentives and more Markham, Ontario, May 1, 2024 — Independent hoteliers gathered in Toronto last month to attend “Accelerate 2024”, a user’s conference hosted by Maestro PMS, the preferred Web Browser based cloud and on-premises all-in-one PMS solution for hotels. Shattering past attendance records, hotel operators and technology sponsors said the event exceeded their expectations. Ideas were exchanged, alliances built, and NEW tools and mobile enhancements introduced to set everyone in ...
Business Travel Professionals Show Optimism, Commitment in Their Career Outlook for 2024, According to Latest GBTA Poll
GBTA | April 30, 2024
Business Travel Professionals Show Optimism, Commitment in Their Career Outlook for 2024, According to Latest GBTA Poll Work life balance, contentment and industry opportunity in their roles fuel loyalty Global travel buyers and suppliers also report continued knowledge gaps, desire for clarity and implementation challenges related to New Distribution Capability As the business travel industry continues to show strong indicators toward reaching a spending forecast of $1.5 trillion USD in 2024, the latest sentiment poll released today from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) reveals an industry workforce of experienced,...
Sojern Elevates Guest Experience With HotelKey
Sojern | April 30, 2024
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The St. Regis Bal Harbour Appoints Terrance Kelly as Market Director of Sales and Marketing
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort | April 30, 2024
Miami, Florida — The St. Bal Harbour Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Terrance Kelly as Market Director of Sales and Marketing. In his role, Terrance will also oversee W Miami. With 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Terrance brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role at the beloved property. “I am thrilled to be back in Miami and joining the team at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort,” stated Terrance Kelly. “The resort has set the benchmark for hospitality in Miami, and I look forward to leading the sales and marketing efforts for the property.” Terrace Kelly joins The St. Regis Bal...
Hotel Construction Pipeline in Canada Reaches New Highs in Q1 2024
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | April 30, 2024
April 30, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH The latest Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report for Canada from Lodging Econometrics (LE) reveals, at Q1 2024, there are 314 projects/39,628 rooms in the total pipeline. This new record-high in project counts represents an impressive 11% increase in project counts and a 5% increase in room numbers year-over-year (YOY). In Canada, there was a surge of projects that moved into the under construction stage in 2023. Currently, there are 70 projects/9,151 rooms under construction in Canada, up an impressive 49% and 58% YOY, respectively. Additionally, at the close of the first quarter, there are 80 proje...
Leveraging the In-Room Tablet Dashboard to Detect WiFi Signal Strength Ensures Guest Satisfaction, Loyalty
Neil Schubert | April 30, 2024
AI-powered in-room tablets with WiFi detection built into the platform can identify in real time just how healthy the WiFi connection is in each room By Neil Schubert Scaling demand for location-based services and personalized guest messaging is forcing hotel owners and operators to rethink the strength and reliability of their wireless networks. To compete effectively and support guests’ mobile devices and a property’s IoT devices, hoteliers must upgrade their network infrastructure. This is not only table stakes by which guests, conference attendees, and other visitors choose one hotel over another, but it dictates whether or no...
Choice Hotels International Hosts “SOAR” Seminar to Attract, Mentor and Educate Historically Underrepresented Groups on Their Path to Hote
Choice Hotels® | April 30, 2024
Industry's first and only dedicated development team focused on creating a more inclusive hospitality industry reintroduces program with a new name and hosts second annual HERtels luncheon NORTH BETHESDA, Md., April 30, 2024 -- Ahead of its 68th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, hosted its SOAR (Supporting Ownership Access & Representation) development seminar to reintroduce its program to create hotel ownership opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. During the seminar, Choice reaffirmed its more than twenty-year commitmen...
Hotels Benefit as Travelers Plan Further Ahead, Says Cloudbeds
Cloudbeds | April 30, 2024
Hospitality management platform Cloudbeds has found travellers were booking accommodation further in advance in 2023 across all regions, except in North America. The findings, revealed in Cloudbeds’ 2024 ‘State of Independent Lodging Report’, indicate that the average booking window – i.e. the number of days prior to arrival when travellers reserve a room – increased relative to the previous three years in Europe, LATAM and the Asia-Pacific region. At 46 days, Europe had the longest average booking window of the four regions – an increase of six days over 2022. In Latin America and Asia Pacific, booking windows were much shorte...
