Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
A New Approach to Hotel Management Fees
Marcus R. Lee | April 26, 2024
By Marcus R. Lee In the ever-evolving hospitality industry, the question of how to effectively compensate hotel operators remains crucial. While the basic premise of paying managers for their management skills holds true, the prevalent incentive fee structures may no longer adequately align with market realities, particularly for owners. Management Fees Breakdown Hotel management companies earn fees through three main avenues: In the typical hotel management agreement, hotel management companies are typically paid a base fee equal to 2.0% to 4.0% of total operating revenue—3.0% being the most common—plus an incentive, typically an...
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Reports Strong First Quarter Results
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | April 26, 2024
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 26, 2024 -- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) today announced results for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Highlights include: Global RevPAR grew 1% in constant currency and ancillary revenues grew 8% compared to first quarter 2023. System-wide rooms grew 4% year-over-year. Opened over 13,000 rooms, representing a year-over-year increase of 27%. Awarded 171 development contracts, an increase of 8% year-over-year. Development pipeline grew 1% sequentially and 8% year-over-year to a record 243,000 rooms. Entered upscale extended stay segment through a strategic relationship with WaterW...
Hilton Reports First Quarter Results
Hilton | April 26, 2024
MCLEAN, VA - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. ("Hilton," "the Company," "we," "us" or "our") (NYSE: HLT) today reported its first quarter 2024 results. Highlights include: Diluted EPS was $1.04 for the first quarter, and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, was $1.53 Net income was $268 million for the first quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $750 million for the first quarter System-wide comparable RevPAR increased 2.0 percent, on a currency neutral basis, for the first quarter compared to the same period in 2023 Approved 29,800 new rooms for development during the first quarter, bringing Hilton's development pipeline to a record...
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp Welcomes Christian Hirt as New Managing Director
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp | April 26, 2024
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is delighted to announce the appointment of Christian Hirt as Managing Director. Christian brings a wealth of experience with him, having had an impressive career at prominent luxury hotels around the world, including the United States, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Australia, and most recently Qatar, where he led two renowned hotels, the Raffles and the Fairmont in Doha. With his expertise spanning all areas of hospitality, Christian is determined to cement the hotel’s position as one of the most unique luxury hotels in Europe. "I'm thrilled to be moving to Antwerp, a dynamic, vibrant city celebrated for its gastro...
Betsy Mujica Promoted to General Manager for Condado Ocean Club
CONDADO OCEAN CLUB | April 26, 2024
Mujica has been appointed as first female general manager with The Condado Collection in San Juan, Puerto Rico SAN JUAN, PR (April 26, 2024) – Condado Ocean Club, the only adults-only boutique hotel located on the oceanfront in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is pleased to announce the appointment of Betsy Mujica as General Manager. A native of Puerto Rico, Betsy has remained an asset to the Condado Ocean Club team since October 2020, where she previously held the role of Director of Sales. In this new management role, Mujica will oversee the property’s day-to-day operations, sales, and marketing and will continue to use her innovative vision an...
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Appoints Ashley Ochse as New Director of Sales and Marketing
Hilton | April 26, 2024
CHICAGO – (April 26, 2024) – Waldorf Astoria Chicago proudly introduces Ashley Ochse as the newly appointed director of sales and marketing. Having previously served as the Director and Complex Director of Catering Sales & Event Management at Waldorf Astoria Chicago from December 2013 to January 2017, Ochse is familiar with the 214-room hotel and the excellence of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand. With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Ochse emerges as an esteemed leader, renowned for her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and revenue maximization. With a steadfast dedication to del...
ITA Data Release: February 2024 International Inbound Visitor Spending
National Travel and Tourism Office | April 26, 2024
Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in February 2024: International visitors spent more during the month of February 2024 than during any other February recorded since the United States started measuring these exports in 1960; indeed, international visitors spent a record-setting $20.4 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during February, an increase of more than 25 percent compared to February 2023 and the highest level of monthly spending for any February recorded. In fact, monthly U.S. travel and tourism exports are within $436 million of their hi...
AAHOA Rebrands and Repositions Its Leading Event Series as Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows
AAHOA | April 26, 2024
ATLANTA, Ga., April 26 – In a landmark move, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) is proud to announce the rebranding and repositioning of its leading event series, Regional Conferences & Trade Shows, to resonate more with member needs and the association’s ongoing evolution. These nationwide conferences, now known as Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows, mark a historic moment in AAHOA’s journey toward redefining the standard for hospitality events and underscoring AAHOA’s role in the industry as the only organization representing and exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of hotel owners. The redef...
The Impact of Airbnb Short-Term Rentals on Rural and Urban Communities
Andrew Brenner | April 25, 2024
By Andrew Brenner In less than two decades, short-term rentals have thoroughly transformed the hospitality industry, wresting 15% market share from hotels. From a feel-good pioneer of the sharing economy to a $100bn behemoth, Airbed and Breakfast, better known as Airbnb, has revolutionized hospitality from its beginnings in 2007 — creating a whole new market in the process. But what happens to a community when Airbnb comes to town? In this second article of our three-part series, we take a deep dive into the impact of STRs, in particular Airbnb, and how communities are reacting. Paris moves to regulate STRs In the beginning, STRs were...
U.S. Hotel Performance Showed Mixed Results for Week Ending 20 April
CoStar Group | April 25, 2024
WASHINGTON – 25 April 2024 – U.S. hotel performance showed mixed results from the previous week, according to CoStar’s latest data through 20 April. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 14-20 April 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 66.8% (-0.3%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$158.60 (+1.5%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$105.94 (+1.2%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Philadelphia reported the largest year-over-year increases in occupancy (+14.3% to 72.1%) and RevPAR (+23.2% to US$114.11). Washington,...
Customer Experience Is Like Maintenance on Your Car
Shep Hyken | April 25, 2024
By Shep Hyken I was talking to a friend the other day. He purchased an expensive new car just eight months ago. Unfortunately, the car turned out to be a “lemon,” and he has taken it back to the dealer multiple times for various problems. The car has spent more time at the repair center than in his garage. If it were me, I’d ask the dealer to replace the car. Apparently, he has more patience than I do and was giving the dealer another chance to fix the car. Regardless, it made me think that what looks good on the outside may not be so good on the inside. Unfortunately, there are businesses that fall into the same category as m...
Canadian Business Travel Is Forecast to Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024, Reaching $25.9 Billion USD and 13.5% Annual Growth
GBTA | April 25, 2024
GBTA’s Canada Conference spotlights the resurgence in business travel spending, evolving industry trends, recognition of association volunteers and introduction of new regional leaders Business travel in Canada is poised for a strong, evolving future, according to the takeaways and forecasts unveiled during the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Canada Conference 2024 held in Toronto this week, April 22-24. As the premier trade association and “voice” of the global business travel industry, GBTA welcomed business travel professionals, companies and guests from across Canada and beyond to the Beanfield Centre for its 20th ann...
Choice Hotels International Unveils Year of Sustainability Milestones in Newly Published 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report
April 25, 2024
Highlights Include Committing to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Incorporating Sustainability into Property Improvement Plans, and a Refreshed Approach to Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention NORTH BETHESDA, Md., April 25, 2024 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, today published its 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report. The report details Choice's latest initiatives to drive sustainability across its portfolio of hotels. This includes new and expanded requirements to help reduce utility usage and identify savings through its revamped Room to be Green ve...
FTC Announces Rule Banning Non-Competes
Michael H. Strub, Jr. | April 25, 2024
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s recent decision to ban non-compete agreements marks a pivotal shift in employment regulations nationwide. This rule not only prohibits new agreements but also retroactively impacts existing ones. From its broad definition of “worker” to its exceptions and impending legal challenges, understanding the nuances of this rule is crucial for employers preparing for compliance. JMBM Partner Michael H. Strub, Jr. explains the implications of this landmark decision. FTC Announces Rule Banning Non-Competes by Michael H. Strub, Jr., JMBM’s Litigation Group Employers throughout the country should be aware t...
More Preparation, Communication and Control: Hyatt Reveals Survey Findings on the Hotel Stay Needs of Neurodivergent Travelers
HYATT | April 25, 2024
Hyatt collaborates with KultureCity for a survey of more than 1,000 neurodivergent individuals and caregivers to drive research-supported action CHICAGO (April 25, 2024) – One in every four individuals in the U.S. has a sensory need or an invisible disability according to KultureCity, including those with autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia and attention-deficit disorder. With more than 90% of neurodivergent individuals and caregivers of neurodivergent individuals in the U.S. planning to travel at least one night this year, a new survey* led by Hyatt finds hotels can make their travel journeys, from pre-arrival to check-out, more seam...
Artemis Hotel Group Unveils Transformation at Hilton Garden Inn Stonecrest
ARTEMIS HOTEL GROUP | April 25, 2024
April 25, 2024, Stonecrest, GA— Artemis Hotel Group, a fully integrated hospitality company focused on investments in distressed, limited-service, and extended-stay hotels, announced today the completion of a full-scale renovation for the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta East/Stonecrest, located in Lithonia, Georgia. The 110-room property managed by GF Hotels underwent an extensive transformation encompassing the entire property, including the exterior, guest rooms, corridors, and public areas. The guest room renovation included new case goods, soft goods, and updated bathrooms, providing a sophisticated and contemporary design catering to the...
Rahul Vir Named General Manager of Marriott Long Beach Downtown
Marriott Long Beach Downtown | April 25, 2024
LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Longtime hospitality industry veteran Rahul Vir has been named general manager of the new Marriott Long Beach Downtown, overseeing 140 employees as well as all day-to-day operations of the 376-room property. In his current role, he directs day-to-day management of the 12-story property and has been instrumental in spearheading a top to bottom renovation now underway. When complete in June of 2024, Marriott Long Beach Downtown will emerge with a modern and vibrant design encompassing all 376 rooms and suites, a stunning rooftop pool and deck with sweeping city and ocean views, a fresh new dining venue Local Current, a c...
Avison Young – Ten Years of Performance
Avison Young | April 25, 2024
ATLANTA – April 25, 2024 – Avison Young Hospitality Group releases today its Ten Years of Performance presentation. Last 10 Years Sales Performance...
MDM Hotel Group Names Florencia Tabeni Chief Operations Officer
MDM Hotel Group | April 25, 2024
MIAMI (April 25, 2024) – MDM Hotel Group, one of the nations’ most respected hotel owning companies and operators, has named Florencia Tabeni Chief Operating Officer (COO). Most recently VP of Hotel Operations & Development for MDM Hotel Group’s properties, in her expanded role she will be overseeing all aspects of sales & marketing, revenue management and human resources. She has also been fundamental in the latest property renovations. MDM Hotel Group owns and/or operations the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Hotel Beaux Arts, JW Marriott Miami, Miami Marriott Dadeland and the Courtyard Miami Dadeland. ...
Oetker Collection Appoints Emanuela Setterberg Di Vivo as Managing Director of The Vineta, Palm Beach – Set To Open Q4 2024
Oetker Collection | April 25, 2024
With over 28 years of multifaceted luxury global hospitality experience, Emanuela Setterberg Di Vivo will lead The Vineta Hotel, as Oetker Collection drops anchor Stateside with its first U.S. opening Oetker Collection is delighted to announce that Emanuela Setterberg Di Vivo has been appointed Managing Director of its first North American Masterpiece Hotel, The Vineta, which will open its doors Q4 2024. Setterberg Di Vivo commenced her role today, 22 April 2024. With a career in the luxury hospitality industry spanning almost three decades, Setterberg Di Vivo brings her immense experience in the international luxury hotel space. C...
Marriott International Signs Agreement With NEOM to Bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Trojena, the Mountains of NEOM
Marriott International, Inc | April 25, 2024
Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with NEOM to open its second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in Trojena, a year-round mountain destination located in the northwest region of the country, the property will offer a complete escape into a private world of luxury. Designed for the most discerning travelers seeking a bespoke experience, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are tucked away in handpicked corners of the world. Highly personalized service is centered around human connection while the design is reflective of the vision, experiences, and natural environment of the destination, ...
TETRA Hotel, An Autograph Collection Hotel and AC Hotel® Sunnyvale Moffett Park Appoint New Food and Beverage Team
TETRA Hotel, an Autograph Collection Hotel | April 25, 2024
Silicon Valley Campus-Style Destination Appoints New Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director April 25th, 2024 (Sunnyvale, CA) - TETRA Hotel, an Autograph Collection Hotel and AC Hotel® Sunnyvale Moffett Park announce Paul Rohadfox as Executive Chef and Luis Munoz as Director of Food and Beverage for the campus-style destination in Silicon Valley. Situated among the area’s top tech campuses, TETRA Hotel and AC Hotel feature multiple food and beverage concepts including TETRA’s signature restaurant Adresita, Japanese whisky bar Nokori, the AC Lounge®, AC Kitchen® and GIN BAR @ AC. The team will be working closely to refresh me...
Las Vegas sees big convention decline, visitation up slightly
April 25, 2024
Visitor volume in Las Vegas increased slightly in March despite a huge decline in convention attendance for the month, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported Thursday. Meanwhile, hotel occupancy and average daily room rates fell despite near-record traffic at Harry Reid International Airport and a slight uptick in vehicle traffic on major highways to Las Vegas. Visitation was up 0.4 percent to 3.67 million, but convention attendance fell by 37.2 percent compared with a year ago — a statistic more reflective of a tough comparison with March 2023 when the ConExpo-Con/Ag construction equipment trade show was in Las Vega...
Numo Hotels & Resorts to Debut Numo Mykonos in the Cyclades
April 25, 2024
In Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan island of the Cyclades, the new chapter of Numo Hotels & Resorts offers a new take on authentic hospitality offering a distinctive high-aesthetic resort. Following the success of Numo Ierapetra in Crete, Numo Hotels & Resorts introduces its second project, this time in the Cyclades. Numo Mykonos will debut in Q2 2024 on the east of the island, at Kalafati. This beach, a favourite among surfers worldwide, served as the base for the island's first surf club, its name revealing its special connection to maritime art; "kalafatis" refers to the craftsmen who sealed cracks in old wooden ships. This bo...
