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
Mobile Bookers are Impulsive and Short-Term Travelers with 74% Being for Same Day Check In
Hotels.com | October 25, 2013
DALLAS, Oct., 2013 - Mobile devices have truly become an integral part of the travel experience. Since 2011, Hotels.com® has had over 20 million downloads of its mobile hotel booking app, proving that millions of people are adapting to the mobile way of life, especially when it comes to booking a hotel room on-the-go. "Through the growth of our mobile booking app, we see that using mobile devices has become a seamless part of the travel planning and booking process," said Taylor L. Cole, APR, travel expert for Hotels.com. "People are utilizing a variety of mobile resources on a number of devices to help them do everything from planning...
HFTP 2013 Annual Convention & Tradeshow Marks Another Year for the Association
HFTP | October 25, 2013
AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA -- Over 630 Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) members and other hospitality industry professionals recently gathered for HFTP's 61st Annual Convention & Tradeshow. The convention was held October 16 – 19 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. Attendees celebrated the association's successful year with a convention full of topic focused education sessions, numerous networking opportunities and access to leading industry suppliers at the tradeshow. "The Annual Convention offers a sense of unity among attendees and the unique opportunity to network with other professionals," said Frank Wo...
Ashford Trust Reports Q3 Results Including Ashford Prime Metrics; RevPAR Growth of 4.3%
Ashford Hospitality Trust | October 25, 2013
DALLAS, Oct. 24, 2013 -- Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) ("the Company" or "Ashford Trust") today reported the following results and performance measures for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013. In anticipation of the proposed forthcoming spinout of Ashford Prime, the Company has changed how it's reporting its pro rata share of the Highland Hospitality Portfolio's pro forma hotel operating statistics. Previously, the Company reported its Legacy Portfolio and its pro rata share of the Highland Hospitality Portfolio's pro forma hotel operating statistics separately. Beginning with the third quarter, the Company is now r...
Wynn Resorts Reports Q3 2013 Net Income of $182 million; Las Vegas RevPAR Up 5%
Wynn Resorts | October 25, 2013
LAS VEGAS----Oct. 24, 2013-- Wynn Resorts, Limited (Nasdaq:WYNN) today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013. For the complete financial report along with tables please visit: www.wynnresorts.com. Net revenues for the third quarter of 2013 were $1,390.1 million, compared to $1,298.5 million in the third quarter of 2012. The increase was driven by a 9.6% revenue increase from our Macau operations and 1.1% higher revenues from our Las Vegas operations. Adjusted property EBITDA (1) was $435.6 million for the third quarter of 2013, an 8.2% increase from $402.6 million in the third quarter of 2012. On a US...
Pebblebrook Reports Q3 2013 Net Income of $11.3M Compared to $7.5M Prior Period, RevPAR up 6.2%
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | October 25, 2013
BETHESDA, Md.--Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the "Company") today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013. The Company's results include the following: (1) See tables for this this press release by visiting http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=233964&p=irol-news&nyo=0 for a description of same-property information and reconciliations from net income (loss) to non-GAAP financial measures, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), Adjusted EBITDA, Funds from Operations ("FFO"), FFO per share, Adjusted FFO and Adjusted FFO per share. For the details a...
Choice Hotels Reports Q3 2013 Net Income of $41.5M Compared to $44.4 Prior Period; RevPAR up 3%
Choice Hotels | October 25, 2013
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 24, 2013 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE: CHH) today reported the following highlights for the third quarter of 2013: For complete financial results and tables please visit: media.choicehotels.com Franchising revenues increased 6% to $95.5 million for the three months ending September 30, 2013 from $90.1 million for the same period in 2012. Total revenues increased 6% to $223.2 million for the three months ending September 30, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Operating income from franchising activities totaled $69.5 million for the three months ending September 30, 2013, a 6% increase compar...
Starwood Reports Q3 2013 Net Income of $157M, Compared to $170M Prior Period; RevPAR up 4.7%
Starwood Hotels & Resorts | October 25, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn.----Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today reported third quarter 2013 financial results. Third Quarter 2013 Highlights Excluding special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.71. Including special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.81. Adjusted EBITDA was $301 million, which included $19 million of EBITDA from the St. Regis Bal Harbour residential project ("Bal Harbour"). Excluding special items, income from continuing operations was $137 million. Including special items, income from continuing operations was $157 million. Worldwide Systemwide REVPAR for Same-Store Hotels inc...
Carey Watermark Investors Acquires Hawks Cay Resort in Florida Keys for $149.4 million
Carey Watermark Investors | October 25, 2013
NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2013 -- Carey Watermark Investors Incorporated (CWI) announced today that it has acquired the Hawks Cay Resort, the largest destination resort in the Florida Keys. Located on Duck Key—approximately 100 miles south of Miami and 60 miles northeast of Key West—Hawks Cay includes 177 resort guestrooms and a resort residential management program that includes over 250 two-three-and four-bedroom villas. CWI's total investment in the property is approximately $149.4 million, including a $133.8 million purchase price and $15.6 million of planned capital improvements and other acquisition-related costs. The acquisition was...
Lodging Industry Commends Goodlatte for Introduction of Patent Troll Legislation
American Hotel & Lodging Association | October 25, 2013
Washington, D.C. - October, 2013 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry, issued the following statement on today's introduction of The Innovation Act (H.R. 3309) by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA): "For too long, the lodging industry has been targeted by the predatory tactics of so-called 'patent trolls' through the filing of frivolous patent lawsuits that are an abuse of our legal system and cost the U.S. economy $80 billion annually," said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president and CEO. "These suits are filed...
TravelClick Hotel Customers Win 14 W3 Awards For Excellence in Website Design
TravelClick | October 25, 2013
TravelClick Takes Home 60 Awards for Outstanding Web Design for Hotels in 2013, More than Any Other Web Designer NEW YORK, October 25, 2013 – TravelClick, and its hotel clients earned 14 W3 Awards, which recognize creativity and excellence in website design. TravelClick was presented with one "Gold" and 13 "Silver" awards for websites designed for hotel properties and management groups. "With 60 wins under our belt in 2013, TravelClick has solidified its leadership position in designing and developing high quality websites for hotels," said Jason Ewell, Executive Vice President, Business Intelligence, Media and Web Solutions for Trav...
nSight Travel Intelligence Expands to Europe With Launch at WTM in London, Stand TT476
nSight | October 25, 2013
For the first time the travel industry can understand consumers who are searching and booking across 5,000 third-party travel websites NASHVILLE, TN - October 25, 2013 - On the heels of a successful U.S. introduction earlier this year, nSight™ (www.nsightfortravel.com) is launching to the global market on November 4 at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. An online travel decision platform for tourism boards, hotels, attractions and destinations, nSight provides an unprecedented view into online consumer search and booking behavior. During the show, the company will showcase highlights of its travel intelligence product with insig...
Jon Reecher Named General Manager at The Gasparilla Inn & Club
The Gasparilla Inn & Club | October 25, 2013
BOCA GRANDE, Fla. - (October 25, 2013) - Sarah S. Farish, Chairman of The Gasparilla Inn & Club, is pleased to announce that Jon Reecher has assumed the position of General Manager effective immediately. Jon has served as the Director of Food and Beverage at The Inn since May, 2008, and has extensive experience in the resort and hospitality industry. He graduated with honors from the International Culinary and Hospitality Program at Le Cordon Bleu in both London and Paris. Prior to joining The Inn, Jon held several senior positions over a 10-year period at The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Additionally, Jon served for two...
PolyU to Hold UNWTO Knowledge Network Symposium and UNWTO TedQual Information Seminar
PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management | October 25, 2013
A United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Knowledge Network Symposium and a UNWTO TedQual Information Seminar will be held on 16-17 November 2013 at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The Symposium, scheduled for 16 November, will provide a unique opportunity for tourism educational institutions at all levels to discuss their experiences in promoting capacity building in tourism through research, education and training. The aim of the Symposium is to foster dialogue and share good practices in tourism research, education and training that contribute and enhance tourism in...
Guest-tek™ Gives Hotels New Voice with iACT Partnership
October 25, 2013
Calgary, Alberta, - October 25th Guest-tek™ has entered into an agreement with iACT to be their exclusive distributor. The technology provider will offer client hotels iACT's line of communication products as part of their trusted OneView solutions platform. The OneView Voice iACT Solution gives hotels a cloud-based voice system with more than 150 high-end features available-specifically designed for the hospitality industry. All this comes at a lower price than most conventional PBX systems. "iACT is a disruptive technology-meaning it uses minimal components and commercially available hardware for reliability and ease of maintenance,...
R.D. Olson Construction Launches $45 Million Luxury Hotel Project at The Bicycle Casino
R.D. Olson Construction | October 24, 2013
Irvine, Calif. – October 25, 2013 – R.D. Olson Construction is commencing construction on its latest luxury hotel project, The Bicycle Casino Hotel in Bell Gardens, Calif. Through this $45 million project, R.D. Olson Construction will create approximately 300 construction-related jobs in a community that is currently experiencing 16.3 percent unemployment. R.D. Olson Construction and The Bicycle Casino celebrated this significant contribution to the area's economic turnaround with elected officials Governor Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown, Jr. and State Senator Ricardo Lara at yesterday's ceremonial unveiling. The Bicycle Casino is currentl...
Adoba Hotel Dearborn Michigan Encourages Healthy Travel With PURE Hypoallergenic Guestrooms
Adoba Eco Hotel Suites Brand | October 23, 2013
Dearborn, MI October 25th - In the chic, historic Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan, Adoba® Hotel is looking to create a better customer experience through their focus on sustainable travel. Among the myriad elements in this evolution are 10 allergy-friendly guestrooms from PURE Solutions, which reflect Adoba's emphasis on wellness and healthy travel. PURE Rooms are treated according to a patented 7-step process that kills and protects against 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. By virtually eliminating surface and airborne irritants, PURE Rooms create a truly hypoallergenic space that is not only more comfortable for allergy-sufferers,...
Wyndham Reports Q3 Net Income of $187M, Up 15% Over Prior Year, System-Wide RevPAR Up 3.4%
Wyndham Worldwide | October 23, 2013
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (October 23, 2013) – Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN) today announced results for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Highlights: Third quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.41, an increase of 25% from adjusted diluted EPS of $1.13 in the third quarter of 2012. Reported diluted EPS was $1.40 in the third quarter of 2013, compared with $1.11 during the same period in 2012. Adjusted net income increased 15% from the prior-year period. During the quarter, the Company repurchased 2.7 million shares of its common stock for $160 million. "Results for the quarter were excellent, with ad...
Radisson Hotel Rio de Janeiro & Radisson Hotel São Paulo Vila Olimpia to Open in Brazil in Q1 2014
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | October 23, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS - October 23, 2013 - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups unveiled today the addition of the Radisson Hotel Rio de Janeiro and the Radisson Hotel São Paulo Vila Olimpia, opening in Brazil during the first quarter of 2014. The addition of the two hotels will elevate the group's status as the largest international upscale operator in the country with 10 hotels and more than 1,800 rooms in operation. "As a company that has developed in emerging markets for decades, we are thrilled to see that our long standing partnership with Atlantica Hotels International has allowed us to gro...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 113; Hotel History: St. Regis Hotel in New York; Quote of the Month
Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC | October 23, 2013
By Stanley Turkel, CMHS, ISHC 1. Hotel History: St. Regis Hotel in New York* In 1904, Colonel John Jacob Astor broke ground for the building of the St. Regis Hotel at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, in the most exclusive residential section of New York at the time. While the hotel was under construction, Astor was unable to come up with a name for his new hotel. During Astor's visit with his brother-in-law on a beautiful lake in the Adirondacks in upstate New York, Astor's niece offered a solution: "Uncle Jack, why don't you call it after this lake- Hotel St. Regis?" After doing some research on the name, he found that the ...
Ron Kozinski Appointed as Finance Chief for M&R Hotel Management
M&R Hotel Management | October 23, 2013
GREAT NECK, N.Y. (Oct. 23, 2013) M&R Hotel Management, a fast-growing, owner-operator based in Great Neck, N.Y., today announced the appointment of Ron Kozinski, a 34-year finance veteran, as vice president of finance, responsible for overseeing accounting and finance and providing development support to the company's senior team and ownership group. Brian M. McSherry, M&R chief operating officer, said Kozinski brings to M&R "an understanding of the lodging industry, notably hotel financing and accounting, as well as familiarity with the major hotel brands, the nuances of operations and special issues involved with franchisi...
Attention! How to Reach and Engage the Hotel Industry’s Newest Prime Audience: the Military
Christian Kuhn | October 23, 2013
By: Christian Kuhn, vice president of marketing, Homewood Suites by Hilton The hotel industry is a constantly evolving sector, with brands always seeking ways to attract new customers and establish loyalty with guests. While broad demographics such as business and family travelers continue to be top targets for hotel marketing programs, there is another large, untapped demographic of leisure travelers that is catching the attention of many hotel brands - active and retired military. There are more than 25 million active and retired members of the military in the U.S., and they are a prime target for hotel brands as they use their own mo...
John Garcia Appointed Executive Chef at the 173-key Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa in California
Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa | October 23, 2013
October 23, 2013 (Lake Arrowhead, California) - Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, which joined Marriott International's exclusive Autograph Collection of upscale independent hotels on October 1st, 2013, has announced the appointment of John Garcia as Executive Chef. A passionate professional who has worked side-by-side with some of the most celebrated chefs in the world, Garcia is responsible for all resort culinary operations including menu creation for BIN189 and Magnum Private Dining Room, as well as for in-room dining, banqueting and catering. Chef Garcia arrived at the newly renovated lakeside resort in the San Bernardino National F...
Shift4 Announces Alliance with SkyTouch Technology
SkyTouch Technology | October 23, 2013
Integration of DOLLARS ON THE NET® and SkyTouch Hotel OS Allows Seamless Payment Transactions for Hotels LAS VEGAS Tuesday, October 23, 2013 - Shift4 Corporation, provider of the world's largest independent payment gateway, and SkyTouch Technology, which offers the most widely distributed cloud-based property management system in the lodging industry, today announce an alliance that will pair Shift4's enterprise payment solution DOLLARS ON THE NET® with SkyTouch's cloud-based Hotel OS. SkyTouch Hotel OS includes a cloud-based property and rate management system that allows hoteliers to manage their properties from any device with a W...
Vail Resorts Names Randall Mehrberg Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Vail Resorts, Inc. | October 23, 2013
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 23, 2013 -- Vail Resorts today announced the hiring of Randall Mehrberg as executive vice president and general counsel, effective Dec. 2, 2013. Since 2008, Mehrberg has been the executive vice president of strategy and development for Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE: PEG) and president of PSEG Energy Holdings, which develops, manages and owns renewable energy solutions. Prior to his role at PSEG, Mehrberg was general counsel for eight years at Exelon Corporation, during which time he also held roles as head of corporate strategy and development and chief administrative officer. Prior to Exelon, Mehrberg wa...
