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Industry Happenings
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Continue Their Global Growth, Says New EY Report
EY | October 1, 2013
NEW YORK, 1 OCTOBER 2013 - Real estate investment trusts (REITs) expanded their share of global transaction activity in the sector in the first six months of 2013, but the pace of that activity is likely to drop off through the balance of this year and into 2014. Those views are key highlights of EY's 'Global perspectives: 2013 REIT report' published today. The report, now in its sixth edition, is based on interviews with EY partners around the world working with major real estate clients and supplemented with data from a survey of more than 80 global REIT CFOs conducted in August 2013. According to the report, REITs increased their sha...
Regatta Travel Solutions Selected by Visit Tucson to Attract Bookings from Mexico
Regatta Travel Solutions Inc. | October 1, 2013
Charlottesville, Virginia (October 1, 2013) - Regatta Travel Solutions announced today Visit Tucson has chosen the Regatta booking engine to power their official destination website for the Mexico market, VamosaTucson.com. "We needed the booking engine to be sophisticated yet user friendly," said Felipe Garcia, Executive Vice President of Visit Tucson. "Most importantly, it needs to be in Spanish. After researching other booking engine providers it was clear that Regatta was the only company that had the full suite of tools and capabilities that we needed to make this project a success. We have spent years building a successful program ...
Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown, New York Opens $11-million THANN Sanctuary Spa
Castle Hotel & Spa | October 1, 2013
(Tarrytown, NY) - October 1 2013 - Gilbert Baeriswil, General Manager at Castle Hotel & Spa, has announced the opening of the eagerly awaited 8,700 square-foot luxurious THANN™ Sanctuary Spa following an extensive eight-month construction project. It is the first of its kind in the United States. THANN Sanctuary Spas are known throughout Asia as an oasis of peace and tranquility offering a wide variety of luxurious spa treatments based on THANN's art of natural therapy, where all the senses are awakened by the unique holistic spa concept and ambience. THANN Spas are located in Thailand, Australia, Finland, Guam, Hong Kong, India, ...
Autograph Collection Debuts in Ireland with the Powerscourt Hotel Near the Village of Enniskerry
Autograph Collection | October 1, 2013
COUNTY WICKLOW, Ireland, Oct. 1, 2013 -- The Autograph Collection (www.autographhotels.com), Marriott International's (NYSE: MAR) exclusive portfolio of upscale, independent hotels, announced today the debut of the Powerscourt Hotel in County Wicklow, Ireland, representing the first Autograph Collection hotel in Ireland. Earlier this year, Autograph Collection announced its continued growth in Europe with the inauguration of the St. Ermin's Hotel and Threadneedles in the heart of London, and The Glasshouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. The five star Powerscourt Hotel will expand the collection of independent lifestyle hotels to include nearly...
The 152-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Opens this Week in Omaha, Nebraska
Residence Inn | October 1, 2013
Omaha, Nebraska - October 1, 2013 - The 152-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Omaha, Nebraska is scheduled to open this Thursday, October 3, 2013. Located at 106 South 15th Street, the Residence Inn Omaha Downtown will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by First OFB, LLC and managed by First Hospitality Group of Rosemont, Illinois. Located downtown and four miles from Eppley Airfield, the Residence Inn Omaha Downtown offers its guests convenient access to Henry Doorly Zoo, Old Market and the entertainment district. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased with the continued growth of Residence Inn hotels in the Omaha...
Market Segmentation: Identifying Where Hotel Demand Comes From by Stefania D’Antonio
September 30, 2013
This article discusses the different market segments and the breakdown of where hotel demand comes from. This is followed by an example of occupancy penetration through the different market segments. Introduction The basis of appraising a hotel or conducting a hotel feasibility study is to understand hotel demand in the market. For the purpose of demand analysis, the overall market is divided into various segments - commercial, meeting and groups, and leisure/wholesale - based on the nature of travel. The purpose of segmenting the lodging market is to define major types of demand, identify customer characteristics, and estimate future g...
Invitation to Participate in Research Project on Loyalty Programs
| September 30, 2013
Professor Chekitan Dev of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration and Laurence Bernstein, Managing Director of Protean Strategies, invite you to participate in a novel study of hotel brand loyalty programs. Your responses will be kept completely confidential. If you provide your email address, you will receive a copy of the results. The survey can be accessed via the following link: http://tinyurl.com/protean-industry-survey We thank you in advance for your assistance. Regards, Professor Chekitan Dev ...
2013 Portrait of American Travelers® Shows Travel Plans Up, But Continued Household Budget Caution
MMGY Global | September 30, 2013
82 Percent of Active Travelers Planning to Take the Same or More Trips in the Year Ahead ORLANDO (September 30, 2013) - Americans intend to take as many or more vacations during the coming year as they did last year, although their list of preferred destinations is smaller and they remain cautious about discretionary expenditures. This is according to the newly released MMGY Global/Harrison Group 2013 Portrait of American Travelers®. The survey revealed a three percent increase in active travelers planning to "take more trips in the year ahead" (now 18 percent of all travelers), while two thirds (64 percent) of travelers are planning ...
Beautifully Boutique: How to Promote Your Small Hotel Online by Omer Shai
Omer Shai | September 30, 2013
Given the travel and tourism industry's inherently borderless nature, its emergence as a truly 'online' industry comes as little surprise. The boom of travel sites and guides has allowed smaller hotels and service providers the opportunity to compete with the world's largest brands. Whether it be ratings on Trip Advisor or any other travel outlet, the web has helped even the playing field. However, with so many travel websites crowding the web, it's vital not only to create an online presence for your hotel, but also to make sure that it stands out and can convert website views into booking conversions. Know Your USP And Use Your Passi...
Robert Fagen Named as General Manager for Eilan Hotel, Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas
Eilan Hotel, Resort and Spa | September 30, 2013
Melanie Koscelnak Named as Director of Sales and Marketing SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 30, 2013 -- The Eilan Hotel, Resort and Spa, the newest addition to Marriott International's, Autograph Collection in San Antonio, announced that it has hired two new leaders on its executive team. Robert Fagen joins the hotel with more than 25 years of hospitality experience as General Manager and Melanie Koscelnak will lead the sales team with her 18 years of experience including 13 with Eilan Hotel's new management company, Sage Hospitality. Fagen brings six years of experience in the San Antonio market, most recently as General Manager of the new Wyndham H...
Hotel Transaction Volumes in Asia Up 145% Y-O-Y as 2013 Forecasts Continue to Surge
September 30, 2013
SINGAPORE, 30 September 2013 – Hotel investment volumes in Asia this year reached USD3.9 billion at the end of Q3 2013, up 145 percent on the same period in 2012, according to the latest research from Jones Lang LaSalle's Hotels & Hospitality Group (H&H). The quarter itself recorded a robust USD1.2 billion of transactions, up 41 percent on Q3 2012, as the market continues to experience its strongest year since the Global Financial Crisis. The strength of the region's tourism markets is contributing to an overall sense of optimism in hotel investment across Asia, pushing price benchmarks past their 2007 peak with Japan (33 perc...
Hybrid Meetings Not a Fad, Not a Threat by David Brudney
David Brudney & Associates | September 30, 2013
I've been writing the past couple of years about hybrid meetings - - the evolution of and demystification of hybrid meetings and its impact on face-to-face meetings. Paraphrasing Mark Twain, I've written, "the accounts of the death of face-to-face meetings have been greatly exaggerated." The Great Recession coupled with the AIG Effect not only led to millions of dollars in cancelled or deferred meetings, but also helped push corporate America into the use of new technology as a means of replacing those meetings. However, the advent of "hybrid" meetings - - online presence complementing and enhancing physical events - - is putting to res...
Don’t Get ‘Scroogled’ By Google’s Latest Keyword Changes by DJ Vallauri
DJ Vallauri of Lodging Interactive | September 30, 2013
Have you read about Google's recent announcement to make "keyword (Not Provided)" 100% of all organic referrals? As a hotel marketer, you may be wondering what you can do to make sure you don't get "Scroogled." Google has been gradually moving in this direction since 2011 so it shouldn't be a total surprise to online marketers, yet many hotel websites that are built around keyword centric SEO models will be impacted. By "bucketing" all the organic keyword search data into (Not Provided), Google is essentially telling us to move from a keyword centric marketing approach to a more engaging content/page centric approach. Don't panic just y...
Edouard Plaisance Named Director of Sales & Marketing for One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius
Kerzner International Holdings Limited | September 30, 2013
September 30, 2013 - One&Only Le Saint Géran is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Edouard Plaisance as Director of Sales & Marketing, effective July 2013. In this position, he will oversee all aspects of Sales and Marketing, as well as Public Relations for the resort. Edouard holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Hotel Management from the European Center of International Hotel Management in Paris. His career in the hospitality industry spans the globe. At LUX Resorts, Plaisance was the Director of Sales and Marketing for the two hotels on Reunion Island. He held the same position at the Mövenpick Hotels & Res...
Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Selects Quadriga’s Sensiq Guest Communications Solution
Quadriga | September 30, 2013
September 30th, 2013, Dubai: The exclusive 5-star Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel is to install Quadriga's leading TV-based guest communications platform in all of its 438 guest rooms including 40 suites, replacing the existing IPTV solution. Quadriga, the leading global provider of guest-facing technology solutions for the hospitality industry, established a new subsidiary in Dubai in August to support the growing business needs of its customers. The deployment of Sensiq in the Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel, along with signed agreements for a further 1,000+ rooms, solidifies Quadriga's position in the Middle East region. Follow...
Destination Hotels & Resorts Appoints Jim Mauer as General Manager for Eden Roc Miami Beach, Florida
Eden Roc Miami Beach | September 30, 2013
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Sept. 30, 2013 - Destination Hotels & Resorts - the country's fourth largest hospitality management company - is proud to announce the appointment of Jim Mauer as General Manager of Eden Roc Miami Beach, located on world-renowned Millionaire's Row. In this role, Mauer will be responsible for overseeing the overall operations of the property, including sales, marketing and human resources. "We're thrilled to have Jim at the helm of Eden Roc," said John Spomer, senior vice president - Performance Optimization Group of Destination Hotels & Resorts. "Jim brings a wealth of experience, is a dynamic and energized l...
West Coast Barbados Resort, the 46-key Colony Club Completes Renovations and Reopens
Elegant Hotels Group | September 30, 2013
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 30, 2013 -- Elegant Hotels Group's west coast Barbados resort Colony Club will unveil its new look on Oct. 1, 2013. Already one of the Platinum Coast's finest traditional properties, the Colonial-style resort will enhance its tasteful look and feel with modern updates while maintaining its Bajan plantation home feel. The new concept focuses on relaxation, restoring mind and body, healthy eating, togetherness and minimizing impact on the local environment. Muted decor, soft lighting, natural wood and earthy tones convey the old-world feel, accentuated by vivid color. Sunil Chatrani, CEO of Elegant Hotels Grou...
Hygienic Solutions US Announces Commercial Availability of Stop Bugging Me!
HTS, LLC | September 30, 2013
Hygienic Solutions US announces commercial availability of non-toxic, GREEN solution guaranteed to eliminate bed bugs. 100% organic solution tested by independent laboratories to kill 100% of pests within 15 minutes Fern Park, Fl- October 1, 2013 - Hygienic Solutions US of Fern Park, Florida announced today the commercial availability of their 100% non-toxic, organic solution "Stop Bugging Me" that promises an end to hospitality bed bug issues. "The solution is unique in that it has been laboratory tested by ICR Labs, the EPA recommended independent laboratory, and has been proven to kill 100% of treated bugs within 15 minutes," said Fr...
Island Hospitality Completes Renovation and Re-Flag for Residence Inn Washington DC/Foggy Bottom
The Residence Inn by Marriott | September 30, 2013
PALM BEACH, Fla., September 30, 2013 - Officials of Island Hospitality Management, LLC, one of the nation's largest hotel management companies, today announced the completion of a $5 million renovation and the conversion of the Washington Inn Guest Suites to the Residence Inn by Marriott Washington D.C./Foggy Bottom. The 103-suite hotel, formerly a DoubleTree by Hilton, is the only branded hotel in the prestigious, historic neighborhood. "This hotel has the enviable position of being located in a quaint, historic neighborhood and is the only branded, extended stay hotel within easy walking distance to the World Bank, four embassies, the...
New Property Manager and General Manager for Upscale Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel
BuildCentral | September 30, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Have Updated 154 Hotels in the Last Two Weeks with Changes in Personnel, Property Management or Ownership Chicago, IL. September 30, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have reported 154 changes in personnel, property management and ownership in the Hotel Profiles database over the last two weeks. Many hotels are getting a fresh start with a new Owner, Property Manager or General Manager. Recommend your product or service to someone who might be looking for a change. Hotels Under New Management: Best Western Victor Inn and Suites (Victor, NY) Larkspur Landing Folsom (Folsom, CA) Park Central Hotel (Mi...
Warwick International Hotels Forms JV with Recreation Africa Group to Expand in Sub-Saharan Africa
Warwick International Hotels | September 30, 2013
Don Elliot Named CEO for the Newly Formed Warwick International Hotels Africa Limited September, 30th 2013 - From 1st October 2013, the Warwick International Hotels Group (WIH) will join with South African partner based Recreation Africa Group (RAG), to form a joint venture to expand its international network of hotels throughout sub -Saharan Africa through management contracts under the WIH brand. The joint-venture company, named Warwick International Hotels Africa Limited, will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Don Elliot will be the company's initial CEO. Don was born in Kenya and is widely recognized as an expert on the hotel ...
Pegasus Solutions Launches New Website
Pegasus Solutions | September 30, 2013
Open Hospitality Digital Marketing Division Turns Award-winning Design on Corporate Site DALLAS (September 30, 2013) – Pegasus Solutions has launched a new website at www.pegs.com. The site was developed by its Open Hospitality division, which has recently been recognized with Interactive Media Awards and W3 Awards for sites implemented on behalf of hotel clients. The new pegs.com moves away from the traditional design of past websites. It provides a more fluid user experience and fully utilizes enhanced "responsive design." Pegasus first introduced responsive design usage for hotels in 2011 to optimize hotel websites for all mobile p...
RIU to Open its First All Inclusive Hotel in Panama; 573-room Riu Playa Blanca Will Open in Q2 2014
RIU Hotels & Resorts | September 30, 2013
Palma de Mallorca, Spain - 30 September 2013 - RIU Hotels & Resorts will open its second hotel in Panama in April 2014. The Riu Playa Blanca, situated in the Coclé province, joins the hotel Riu Plaza Panama just over three years after its opening. With this project, RIU extends its product range and offers guests the possibility to enjoy holidays which combine a stay in the city with rest, together with 24 Hour All Inclusive service in a seafront location. Panama is a stunning tourist destination which has it all. Its strategic geographic location has made its capital city a key point for business between the north and the south of...
Boomerang Hotels Opens the Newly Built 63-room GuestHouse International® in Glendive, Montana
Boomerang Hotels | September 30, 2013
(Hendersonville, Tennessee and Aberdeen, South Dakota, September 30, 2013) -Boomerang Hotels announces the opening of the newest GuestHouse International® Inn & Suites in Glendive, MT. Located at 1717 North Merrill Avenue, the newly built 63 room Glendive GuestHouse International is owned and operated by Mr. Jagjit Kahlon, President of Northern Hospitality, L.L.C. Mr. J.J. Kahlon, the President and Managing Member of Northern Hospitality, LLC said, "We chose GuestHouse International for our new Glendive hotel to identify with a brand that is known in our area and because of the high quality of their other Montana locations." "The B...
