HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association Names Eric Terry as President
Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association | January 14, 2014
Richmond, Va - January 14, 2014 - The Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (VHTA) has hired Eric D. Terry as its President, succeeding Executive Director Barry Hawkins who is retiring after 7 years in the position. A graduate of the Hospitality and Tourism Management School at Virginia Tech, Terry returns to the Commonwealth from Houston, Texas where he oversaw hotel, golf, and club development, as well as, sales and marketing efforts for Redstone Companies Hospitality. Previously he managed sales, marketing, and revenue management for more than thirty hotel and resort properties and a team of over two hundred managers for Benchm...
Six Steps to Using Smart Travel Analytics to Maximize Revenues
EyeforTravel | January 14, 2014
Do you want to know how to stop managing your revenue and start realizing your revenue potential? An upcoming webinar (http://events.eyefortravel.com/smart-travel-analytics-north-america/webinar-employ-smart-travel-analytics.php) on EyeforTravel.com on January 22 will deal in some detail with some of those issues. To whet your appetite we had a pre-webinar chat with our panel of speakers to hear what lies in store for smart travel analytics in 2014. 1. Learn how translate and simplify of data "That may sound vague," says Josh Henegar, Corporate Revenue Director at 1859 Historic Hotels, "but a consistent challenge is digesting all the i...
Hersha Completes $3 Million Renovation of 192-key Hilton Garden Inn® Queens/JFK Airport – New York
Hilton Garden Inn | January 14, 2014
QUEENS, N.Y. - January 14, 2014 - The 192-room Hilton Garden Inn Queens/JFK Airport, owned and managed by Hersha, has completed a $3 million dollar renovation to its lobby and social spaces. The property now features elements of Project Grow, a major brand revitalization initiative that includes upgrades to the property's communal spaces such as the lobby and guest areas. Keeping in mind the adaptability and socialization that guests desire today, Project Grow has enhanced the Garden Pavilion lobby to be a more open and flexible space. It has accomplished this through a series of iconic HGI experiences that combine Brand personality ele...
Hilton Garden Inn Debuts In China with Opening of the 213-key Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Bao’an
Hilton Garden Inn | January 14, 2014
SHENZHEN, China and MCLEAN, Va. - January 14, 2014 - Hilton Worldwide today announced the expansion of its Hilton Garden Inn brand into China with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Bao'an. Created in the mid-1990s, today the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand of upscale, yet affordable hotels offers quality services and amenities for smart, value-conscious business and savvy, leisure travelers at 582 hotels in 19 countries. Conveniently situated in the center of Bao'an District in Shenzhen, the 11-story hotel features 213 contemporary guestrooms and 550 square meters of functional space. Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Bao'an is o...
Meliá Hotels International Developing Two Hotels in Zhengzhou, Central China; Opening in 2015 & 2016
Melia Hotels International | January 14, 2014
January 14, 2014 - Meliá Hotels International, the leading Spanish hotel company with more than 350 hotels in its portfolio, today announced two new hotels to open in Zhengzhou, China, at a signing ceremony. Innside by Meliá will open in June 2015, and Meliá Zhengzhou will open its doors in January 2016. Zhengzhou, the capital and largest city of Henan province in north-central China, is the political, economic, and technological hub of the province The hotel is a complex of three buildings located in the new business district of Zhengzhou, one for the Innside hotel and the other two devoted to the Meliá hotel. Together, they will b...
Carver Hotel Group Expands Both Task Force and Direct Sales Services
Carver Hotel Group | January 14, 2014
salesXPRESS program designed to bring a full service sales experience to select service hotels. ATLANTA, GA - January 14, 2014- Joel Carver, CEO of Carver Hotel Group has announced the expansion of the company's Task Force consultant team and the roll out of salesXPRESS. In increasing their Task Force resources, CHG is now able to provide consultants in the following areas for both Full and Select Service hotels: General Manager Director of Sales Director of Catering Director of Revenue Management Director of Food and Beverage Director of Rooms/Operations Sales Manager Catering and Convention Services Manager Revenue Mana...
Le Duff America Selects Software Solution Suite from Agilysys
Agilysys | January 14, 2014
Agilysys Systems for Inventory and Procurement, Workforce Management Implemented at 145 Mimi's Café Locations Nationwide ALPHARETTA, GA. - Jan. 14, 2014 - Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading provider of innovative hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Le Duff America, a Dallas-based restaurant group, has selected the Agilysys Eatec® inventory and procurement system and the Agilysys Workforce Management Solution™ (WMx) to enhance efficiency and reduce costs at 145 Mimi's Café locations across the country. Le Duff America currently uses the Eatec and WMx solutions at 66 la Madeleine Country French Caf...
Vung Ro Petroleum & Rose Rock Group to Develop $2.5 Billion Resort Community in Vung Ro Bay, Vietnam
Vung Ro Petroleum | January 14, 2014
Hong Kong - January 14, 2014 -- Vung Ro Petroleum, an independent petroleum company based in Vietnam, and Rose Rock Group, boutique alternatives investment management and real estate development firm founded by members of the Rockefeller family, have entered into an agreement to cooperate on the development of a resort community in Vung Ro Bay, on the south central coast of Vietnam. Vung Ro Bay is ideally located in Phu Yen province, with direct links to Tuy Hoa and its airport, making it a convenient location for both business and tourist visitors, as well as permanent residents. Based on the current Masterplan, Vung Ro Bay will be dev...
Segmenting Millennial Travelers: Business vs. Leisure by Teresa Lee
Teresa Y. Lee | January 13, 2014
In the past year, a lot has been said and happened in regards to Millennials and the hospitality industry. For example, there was exciting news from Marriott and Commune Hotels with the announcement of new brands geared towards Millennials, Moxy and Tommie, respectively. But due to the intense interest in the next generation of travel, a lot of noise has been added to the conversation as well, with the same repetitive points being made. Millennials are technologically savvy. Obviously. They are social and want a lobby design to reflect that where they can interact with others, but also practice isolated togetherness. Got it. Be on socia...
Red Roof Inn® Promotes Marina MacDonald to Chief Marketing Officer
January 13, 2014
COLUMBUS, Ohio - January 13, 2014 - Red Roof Inn, a leader in the economy lodging sector, has promoted Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Marina MacDonald to Chief Marketing Officer, effective immediately. MacDonald has been with Red Roof for over six years and has served the hospitality industry for over twenty years. "As Chief Marketing Officer, Marina will be taking the brand to the next level, leveraging successes to date and playing an integral role as we launch the new Red Roof PLUS+ brand extension," says Andrew Alexander, President, Red Roof. "Marina has played a key role in helping Red Roof achieve its annual goals a...
White Lodging Completes Renovation of 149-room Hilton Garden Inn Boca Raton in Florida
Hilton Garden Inn | January 13, 2014
January 13, 2014 - BOCA RATON, Fla. - White Lodging Services is pleased to announce the 149-room Hilton Garden Inn Boca Raton completed its lobby and guest space renovations on November 1, 2013. Hilton Garden Inn Boca Raton now features new guest rooms, meeting spaces, renovated Garden Grille and Bar restaurant, and elements of Project Grow, a major brand revitalization initiative that includes upgrades to the hotel's communal spaces including the lobby and the guest reception area. Tailored color schemes, seating arrangements, lobby bars and updated floor and tile work are hallmarks of the Project Grow initiative and Hilton Garden Inn ...
Renovations Complete for the 135-room Hilton Garden Inn Naperville/Warrenville in Illinois
Hilton Garden Inn | January 13, 2014
January 13, 2014 - WARRENVILLE, Ill. - White Lodging Services are pleased to announce the 135-room Hilton Garden Inn Naperville/Warrenville completed its renovation on December 8, 2013. Hilton Garden Inn Naperville/Warrenville now features elements of Project Grow, a major brand revitalization initiative that includes upgrades to the property's communal spaces including the lobby and the guest reception area. Tailored color schemes, seating arrangements, lobby bars and updated floor and tile work are hallmarks of the Project Grow initiative, and the Hilton Garden Inn Naperville/Warrenville has brought that philosophy to its hotel. "We a...
Home2 Suites Brand Debuts in NY State with Opening of Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta
Home2 Suites by Hilton | January 13, 2014
Owned by Jefferson Hotel Associates and Managed by Visions Hotels ROCHESTER, NY and MCLEAN, Va. - January 13, 2014 - Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's award-winning mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand designed for modern business travelers and extended stay guests, today announced the opening of its 28th hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta. "We are extremely excited to unveil our first property in the state of New York," said Bill Duncan, global head, Home2 Suites by Hilton. "Rochester is a rapidly growing business hub, and we felt this was a perfect location for our first Home2 Suites in the state." The four-story, 8...
Owned by DM River Lodging and Managed by Hawkeye Hotels, Residence Inn to Open in Des Moines, Iowa
Marriott International, Inc. | January 13, 2014
Des Moines, Iowa - January 13, 2014 - The 127-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Des Moines, Iowa is scheduled to open on Thursday, January 16, 2014. Located at 100 SW Water Street, the Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by DM River Lodging and managed by Hawkeye Hotels of Burlington, Iowa. Located downtown on the Des Moines River and five miles from Des Moines International Airport, the Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown offers its guests convenient access to Principal Park Stadium, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines Convention Center and the Court Avenue Entertainment District. Rates vary depending...
Hawaii’s OHANA Waikiki East Completes $2 Million Guest Room Makeover
Outrigger Enterprises Group | January 13, 2014
WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII - January 13, 2014 - OHANA Waikiki East rings in the New Year with newly upgraded guest rooms - all part of a recent $2 million refresh. From new carpeting and paint to brand new mattresses and bedding, the hotel's guest rooms exude contemporary island ambiance. Guests are invited to experience the newly refreshed OHANA Waikiki East. "We're thrilled to unveil our latest upgrades to vacationers who desire comfortable accommodations at an incredible value." said Tom Wakita, corporate director of sales and marketing for OHANA Hotels and Resorts. "Our continued hope is to be able to maximize our guests' experience ...
The St. Regis Princeville, Kauai, HI Resort Appoints Nathan Decker as Director of Sales & Marketing
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts | January 13, 2014
KAUA'I, Hawaii - January 13, 2104 – The St. Regis Princeville Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan Decker as Director of Sales and Marketing. In his new position, Decker will oversee group and leisure sales initiatives, marketing and advertising activities for the island's premier resort, the only St. Regis in Hawaii. Decker brings more than ten years of luxury hospitality experience in Hawaii to his new role. Most recently, he held the position of Director of Group Sales for the Maui metro market. His responsibilities included direct supervision and execution of group sales strategy for three Starwood properties. P...
Olshan Properties Promotes Alan Howe to VP & Carrie Richards to GM at Hilton Columbus at Easton, OH
Olshan Properties | January 13, 2014
New York, NY, January 14, 2014 - Olshan Properties, formerly MPI - Mall Properties Inc., today announced the promotion of two leading executives. Alan Howe has been named Vice President of Hotels for Olshan Properties while Carrie Richards, formerly Director of Operations at the hotel, now steps in for Mr. Howe as General Manager. Ms. Richards will continue to report directly to Mr. Howe. "With 25 years of service with Olshan Properties and specifically Hilton Columbus at Easton, we consider Alan Howe one of our company's essential assets whose strong interpersonal and operational skills coupled with his capable management style and exc...
Quality Inn & Suites in Tucson, Arizona to Convert to Red Lion Inn & Suites Brand in May 2014
Red Lion Hotels Corporation | January 13, 2014
SPOKANE, Wash., Jan. 13, 2014 - Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) announced the company has signed a franchise agreement on a property in Tucson, Arizona. "This property is located near the western edge of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson," said Ron Burgett, Executive Vice President of Lodging and Brand Development for Red Lion. "It is perfect for our guests visiting the area for business, sports and leisure travel." The Quality Inn & Suites, 7411 N. Oracle Road, is expected to convert to the Red Lion Inn & Suites brand in May. The hotel is near Tohono Chul Park, and provides easy access to The University of Arizona,...
J&S Clarksville Hospitality Opens Newly Built 85-key Hampton Inn & Suites in Clarksville, Tennessee
Hampton Hotels | January 13, 2014
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. and MCLEAN, Va., January 13, 2014 - Hampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide's global brand of more than 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 85-room Hampton Inn & Suites Clarksville, located at 3091 Clay Lewis Road. "Hampton combines quality, innovation, comfort and plenty of value-added extras, making it the brand of choice in the marketplace today," said Navin Patel, general manager, Hampton Inn & Suites Clarksville. "Quality accommodations and amenities combined with proactive, friendly service from ou...
The 112-key Residence Inn Set to Open in Austin, Texas; Owned by Benchmark Development
Residence Inn by Marriott | January 13, 2014
Managed by InterMountain Management Austin, Texas - January 13, 2014 - The 112-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Austin, Texas is scheduled to open on Tuesday, January 14, 2014. Located at 1200 Barbara Jordan Boulevard, the Residence Inn Austin University Area will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Benchmark Development and managed by InterMountain Management, LLC of Monroe, Louisiana. Located three miles from downtown and nine miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the Residence Inn Austin University Area offers its guests convenient access to the Texas State Capitol, University of Texas at Austin and Lyndon Baines...
European Hotels Anticipate Positive Trading in 2014 but Must Adapt to Genuine Service Guest Demands
HVS | January 13, 2014
The hotel industry in the UK and across Europe is facing a positive 2014 with demand on the up from both leisure and corporate guests, transaction activity set to improve and lending becoming more easily available. Across Europe hotel development remains active with 360 hotel projects ongoing, an additional 60,000 rooms. Many are expected to open in 2014, with the balance in 2015 and 2016. A further 450 hotels (70,000 rooms) are currently at the planning stages, with the majority of projects to be found in the UK followed by Russia, Turkey, Germany and France*. Global hotel consultancy HVS London said that some 45% of the new rooms unde...
Hotel Commercial Investment & IHG to Open Holiday Inn® Dabrowa Gornicza Katowice in Poland in 2015
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | January 13, 2014
January 13, 2104 - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's largest hotel companies today announced the signing of Holiday Inn® Dabrowa Gornicza Katowice in Poland. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2015. The franchise agreement with Hotel Commercial Investment to open Holiday Inn Dabrowa Gornicza Katowice will be the first Holiday Inn hotel in the area. The 160 room hotel featuring the Open Lobby Concept will be newly built close to exhibition centre EXPO Silesia and occupies a prime location in the greater Katowice area. The hotel's main driver of demand will be MICE travellers frequenting the exhibition hall. Marcin...
Host Hotels & Resorts Sells Majority (89%) Interest in the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | January 13, 2014
BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 13, 2014 --- Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:HST) announced today that the Company sold an 89% interest in the entity that owns the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (the "Hotel") based on a gross entity value of $303.4 million. The Company retained an 11% interest in the joint venture with Clearview and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management L.P. "We are pleased to announce a sale that further reduces our exposure in non-core assets and brings our total dispositions since the beginning of 2012 to approximately $1.1 billion," said Struan B. Robertson, executive vice president and chief investment officer. ...
FRHI Appoints Aiden McAuley to Senior Vice President Operations, Europe
FRHI Hotels & Resorts | January 13, 2014
TORONTO, January 13, 2014 - FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI), the parent company of luxury and upper upscale hotel brands Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Aiden McAuley as Senior Vice President Operations, Europe. In this new role, he has relocated from Singapore to Zurich and is now responsible for overseeing all existing hotel operations and future developments across all three brands - Fairmont, Swissôtel & Raffles within the European Region. During the past eight years Aiden McAuley had the position of Managing Director Swi...
