Analysis-Companies Boost Social and Climate Reporting Amid ESG Backlash
November 4th, 2024
We Work Hard to Make It Look Easy
Shep Hyken | March 28, 2024
By Shep Hyken My friend Norman Beck recently shared a quote that inspired him: We work hard to make it look easy. Isn’t that what the best people do? Whether it’s sports, entertainment, or business, some people are so good that what they do looks easy. I Googled the quote to find out who to attribute it to and found numerous variations: In sports, Ken Griffey Jr., a professional baseball player, said, “Just because I made it look easy doesn’t mean that it was, and you don’t work hard and become a Hall of Famer without working day in and day out.” In entertainment, Ben Mitchell, a fictional character from t...
Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Opens in the Eastern Caribbean
Sandals® Resorts | March 28, 2024
Rich in Adventure, Social Contact, and a Brilliant Array of Locally Grown Cuisine, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Begets Exploration, Well-Being and Awe BUCCAMENT, ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES, March 28, 2024 – Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines opened its doors today with a view straight to the cobalt blue Caribbean sea, welcoming its first guests to a nature-forward experience brimming with island inspiration and stirring ‘Sandals Firsts’. The opening marks Sandals Resorts’ eagerly anticipated introduction to the largely undiscovered Eastern Caribbean destination of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where – en...
The Rockley Opens on the South Coast of Barbados
The Rockley | March 28, 2024
“Live like a Local” at this hip new boutique hotel from Ocean Hotels Barbados Rockley Beach, Barbados (March 28, 2024) – The Rockley opened today on the South Coast of Barbados, bringing a local vibe and a hip new hotel experience to the Rockley Beach area known for its lively bars, signature restaurants, and authentic island experiences. Owned and operated by the Ocean Hotels Group, the Rockley is the reincarnation of the old South Beach hotel, offering a playful new design and a live-like-a local vibe just steps from the sugar-white sand and sparkling water of Rockley Beach. "We've reimagined The Rockley as an experiential, culture-...
Midnight Auteur Unveils Plans for Inaugural Boutique Hotel in Savannah, Georgia
Midnight Auteur | March 28, 2024
The cocktail-centric hospitality company, Midnight Auteur, unveils its first boutique hotel in the Hostess City of the South, opening early 2025 Savannah, GA (March 28, 2024) — Midnight Auteur, a new vertically integrated hospitality company created by the founders of the renowned Death & Co brand and the celebrated Ramble Hotel in Denver, today unveiled a first look at their forthcoming luxury boutique hotel, Municipal Grand, scheduled to open in Savannah’s North Historic District neighborhood in early 2025. Municipal Grand marks Midnight Auteur’s first official venture in the luxury boutique hotel space. Midnight Auteur was bor...
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis Names Yalcin Arslan as Executive Chef
THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. LOUIS | March 28, 2024
ST. LOUIS, MO (MARCH 28, 2024) – The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is delighted to announce the promotion of Chef Yalcin Arslan to Executive Chef, overseeing all culinary aspects of the Forbes Four-Star rated property. Since joining The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, Chef Arslan has worked to enhance the hotel’s Food & Beverage program and lead the team through a period of culinary restoration. “My mission as Executive Chef is to elevate the overall dining experience for each guest at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis by maintaining a luxury level of stewardship and working alongside the culinary team to bring a fresh perspective to the current hot...
Grace Bay Resorts Welcomes Fred Khoury as General Manager of Point Grace
Grace Bay Resorts | March 28, 2024
Luxury Hospitality Veteran Tapped to Lead Boutique Resort in Turks and Caicos Through Expansion Project PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 28, 2024) – Grace Bay Resorts, the boutique developer and operator of the finest luxury resorts and branded residences in Turks and Caicos, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fred Khoury as General Manager of Point Grace. In his role as General Manager, Khoury will supervise all operational aspects of Point Grace, upholding Grace Bay Resorts’ commitment to providing excellent service and guest satisfaction. With an extensive background in hotel management, sales, marketing an...
Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin Appoints Iain Reddick as Executive Chef
HYATT CENTRIC CONGRESS AVENUE AUSTIN | March 28, 2024
Veteran chef with over 20 years of hospitality experience joins to oversee culinary operations as the downtown destination sets out to reshape on-site dining concepts AUSTIN (March 28, 2024) -- Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin, the 31-story hotel located in the heart of downtown Austin, announces today the appointment of Iain Reddick as executive chef. In this role overseeing the hotel’s food and beverage program, Chef Reddick will lead the kitchen and develop new and delicious menus for Hyatt Centric’s restaurant and bar concepts, including the stunning 8th floor rooftop bar and the hotel’s first-floor restaurant, along with ex...
The St. Regis Washington, D.C. Unveils Extensive Renovation
The St. Regis Washington D.C. | March 28, 2024
Washington, DC — The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is proud to reveal a new era of glamour at the capital city’s best address following an extensive redesign and renovation of its guest rooms, suites and select public spaces. The hotel’s renovation reflects the building’s enduring legacy – it has been a staple in downtown D.C. since 1926 – while infusing a refreshed palette and luxurious finishes across seven floors of reimagined guest rooms and suites. The renovation marks a new era at the property, establishing the hotel as an icon of restored elegance, where glamour meets tradition. “Throughout the building’s storied histor...
AHLA to DHS: Expand H-2B Visas So Hoteliers Can Meet Demand
AHLA | March 28, 2024
WASHINGTON (March 28, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey today thanked President Biden for signing legislation allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the number of H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas, and called on DHS to exercise that authority as soon as possible so hotels can hire the staff they need to maintain and expand their operations. “Hotels across the nation are economic engines for the communities they serve. But labor shortages across the economy are preventing hotels from hiring the staff they need and reaching their full economic po...
Sanderling Resort Welcomes New Sales and Culinary Talent
Sanderling Resort | March 28, 2024
Introducing Connie Brewer, Director of Sales & Marketing and Executive Chef Amy DiBiase DUCK, NC (March 28, 2024) – Sanderling Resort, the premier retreat nestled along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, announces the appointment of two esteemed professionals to key property roles, including Connie Brewer as Director of Sales & Marketing and Amy DiBiase as the new Executive Chef. Geoff Young, Managing Director at Sanderling Resort, expressed his enthusiasm in announcing the new appointments stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Connie Brewer and Amy DiBiase to the Sanderling Resort family. Their extensive experience and passio...
U.S. Travel Applauds Much-Needed Funding to Lower Visitor Visa Wait Times
U.S. Travel Association | March 28, 2024
WASHINGTON (March 27, 2024)—U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on the passage of government spending package H.R.2882, which included $50 million in funding for the U.S. Department of State to reduce visitor visa interview wait times: “U.S. Travel applauds Congress for directing funding to address excessive visitor visa interview wait times, which currently average 400 days in top source markets. The State Department must now deploy these resources as quickly as possible to lower wait times and facilitate growth in inbound visitation. “F...
College & University Hotel Ownership Symposium – Key Takeaways
Rachel Roginsky | March 28, 2024
By Rachel Roginsky The College & University Hotel Ownership Symposium (CUHOS) convened at Harvard University in early March. The focus of the symposium was to allow college and university employees charged with the planning and administration of their institution’s hotels an opportunity to attend seminars and discussions important to the development and oversight of hotel assets. The biennial event, hosted by Pinnacle Advisory Group at a college or university partner, featured data analysis, perspectives, and insights from expert hotel industry partners with on-campus hotel experience. Previous CUHOS symposia have been hosted by Pinn...
Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Turning Casino Resorts Into Go-To Venues for Profitable Groups and Events
Mike Pavicich | March 28, 2024
By Mike Pavicich Technology becomes the key to maximizing your venue’s revenue potential by getting more out of every square foot of floor space Historically, Las Vegas was a gaming-centric market, with 61% of revenues coming from the casino category in 1990. Although gaming continues to serve as an economic engine in Las Vegas, according to CDC Gaming, food, beverage, and other departments accounted for a record 73.4% of total revenue, up from a combined 69.6% year over year. This trend is not limited to Las Vegas; it is being observed in casino markets worldwide. A shift in consumer preferences drives this trend, with guests look...
Hospitality America Transitions Ben Campbell to CEO
Hospitality America | March 27, 2024
Thirty-six-year-old chief shares his forward-thinking vision for the 30-year hotel management company following the retirement of Founder Chris Cargen GREENVILLE, S.C. – March 27, 2024 – Hospitality America is thriving. Coming off the heels of its most profitable year for their hotel partners, Ben Campbell has transitioned from Chief Operating Officer to President and Chief Executive Officer. Hospitality America Founder and CEO Chris Cargen has retired and will assume the newly created position of Chairman of the Board. This transition symbolizes the company’s unwavering commitment to sustained growth, operational excellence, and ...
Apple Hospitality REIT Acquires the AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Convention Center for $116.8M
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. | March 27, 2024
RICHMOND, Va.--Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE: APLE) (the “Company” or “Apple Hospitality”) today announced the acquisition of the 234-room AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Convention Center (the “Hotel”) for approximately $116.8 million, or $499,000 per key. “We are pleased to expand our portfolio with the acquisition of the AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center and are thrilled to establish a presence in downtown Washington, D.C., a market we have tracked and wanted to have a presence in for some time,” said Nelson Knight, President, Real Estate and Investments of Apple Hospitality. “With a wide variety of dema...
Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport Opens in Mexico
Hilton | March 27, 2024
New hotel offers business and leisure travelers upscale and affordable accommodations in the airport’s newly developed commercial zone GUADALAJARA, México, and MCLEAN, Va. – Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport, representing the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand’s 15th hotel in Mexico, joining a portfolio of more than 90 hotels welcoming guests across the country. Strategically located at the Guadalajara International Airport, the hotel delivers an upscale and approachable stay with thoughtful amenities that offer today’s busy travelers a bright and satisfying hospitali...
Marriott Expands in Africa With Opening of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi
JW Marriott | March 27, 2024
Captivating design, mindful moments, and vibrant dining destinations await at JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi within Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital city JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today unveils its second property in Kenya with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi. Standing as the tallest hotel in the country with 35 stories in the Westlands commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi captures the essence of Kenya’s natural beauty and heritage, offering travelers a peaceful escape for the mind, body, and soul. “The unveiling of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi marks our exciting...
Avion Hospitality Assumes Management of 314-Room Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans
AVION HOSPITALITY | March 27, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, La., March 27, 2024—Avion Hospitality, a leading, third-party, national hotel operator, today announced that the company was awarded management of the iconic 314-room Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans, La. Renowned for its timeless elegance and unparalleled service, The Windsor Court has long been an icon of luxury in the vibrant city of New Orleans. With its distinctive blend of Southern charm and sophistication, the hotel has attracted discerning travelers and dignitaries from around the world for decades. “Regularly rated as the finest hotel in New Orleans by publications ranging from Forbes to Conde Nast Traveler,...
Bret Chittenden Promoted to President of Expotel Hospitality
March 27, 2024
Metairie, LA, March 27, 2024 – Expotel Hospitality, a prominent full-service third-party hotel management company, announced today that Bret Chittenden, formerly the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, has become its new President. Expotel Hospitality Chairman George Newton made the announcement. Mr. Chittenden has been part of the company since its inception in1999. He also previously worked for the founders of the company George Newton and the late David Burrus. “I want to thank Mr. Newton and late Mr. Burrus for a lifetime of building value in me through conversations and lessons geared both professionally and personally,...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Signs Management Agreement With Samty Corporation to Open voco Hiroshima in 2027
IHG | March 27, 2024
voco Hiroshima will be the second voco hotel in Japan after Osaka The project was approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as a "Private Sector Guided Facilities Development Project The new hotel will offer a premium hotel experience that is anything but ordinary Tokyo, March 27, 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announced that it has signed its first management contract with Samty K.K. to open voco Hiroshima in mid 2027. Part of the urban development next to Hiroshima Station, the 301-room new-build hotel will incorporate a design that will allow visitors to feel the history of the area...
Bob W Expands London Presence With Sixth Aparthotel Near St Paul’s Cathedral
Bob W | March 27, 2024
Helsinki, 27 March 2024 – Bob W, the tech-powered hospitality operator, has today announced the launch of its sixth London opening of a new aparthotel near St Paul’s Cathedral. The new Bob W location is now taking bookings with guests able to stay from early Spring. Spanning across a mid-20th century building on Watling Street and a Neo-Georgian building on Groveland Court, Bob W St Paul’s skillfully blends modern convenience with historic charm. The strategic expansion reinforces Bob W’s commitment to deliver high-quality hospitality, genuine local experiences and sustainable practices. Bob W St Paul’s adds to the company’...
Westgate Resorts Names Longtime Executive Jim Gissy as Chief Executive Officer
WESTGATE RESORTS | March 27, 2024
Company Founder David Siegel to Become Executive Chairman and Continue to Lead Companywide Strategic Direction ORLANDO, Fla. – March 27, 2024 – Westgate Resorts, one of the largest resort developers in the United States, has appointed longtime company executive Jim Gissy as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 5, 2024. Westgate Resorts Founder David Siegel will remain Executive Chairman of the Board & President and will continue to lead all major decision-making of the company. As Westgate’s Chief Executive Officer Gissy is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s operations, sales and marketing. “It’s an...
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Acquires Nomadix and GlobalReach
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions | March 27, 2024
Acquisition boosts access technology capabilities of ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions while providing customers with latest advances in cloud Wi-Fi, satellite, user authentication and digital engagement. Stockholm – March 27, 2024 – ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions has announced that it is acquiring Nomadix, Inc. and GlobalReach in the USA and UK. With both organizations joining ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions, the combination of technology, resources and expertise is set to provide a single trusted source for the latest in security access, user authentication, Wi-Fi software/hardware and analytics. This also includes satellite authentication and di...
Direct Booking Growth Tips for the Back Half of 2024
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | March 27, 2024
By Adam Mogelonsky, Larry Mogelonsky As we’re moving into Q2 2024, the peak summer leisure months will soon be upon us, which often has a tendency to impede new tech deployments. One consummate drive is the great push for a channel shift towards your own website and away from third parties, foremost among them being the OTAs. While we need drivel on about the benefits, we’re all familiar with the boost to net revenues from reduced customer acquisition costs (CAC) as well as the heightened loyalty, ability to segment or remarket and the general trend that the average direct-booking guest spends more onsite. Now, however, with the ris...
