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
Wellness and Hotels: Beginning the Conversation / Paul Scialla
Paul Scialla | September 13, 2013
September 13, 2013 "Are we taking care of our guests?" More than any other question, this one is the constant focus of general managers, owners, and brand executives. Here is another question that is likely to increase in importance in the near future: "Are we helping our guests take care of themselves?" A recent study of more than 7,000 consumers* concluded that wellness is increasing rapidly as a focus of concern in developed countries - and consumers are beginning to view wellness as an admixture of one's personal habits, environment, and other external factors. Increasingly, consumers want healthy experiences - not only at home, but...
Hilton to Debut in Georgia with Hotel Openings in Batumi in 2014 and in Tbilisi in 2016
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | September 13, 2013
TBILISI, Georgia and MCLEAN, Va. - September 13, 2013 - Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of two management agreements which mark its entry into Georgia. Flagship brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts will debut in the coastal city of Batumi in summer 2014, whilst Georgian capital Tbilisi will be the location for a mid-market Hilton Garden Inn property in 2016. The two projects are entirely separate with different partners but jointly represent Hilton's arrival into Georgia. Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, "Georgia is a growing business and leisure tourism desti...
Waramaug LS Hotels Acquires the 90-room Courtyard by Marriott Lafayette Airport in Louisiana
Waramaug LS Hotels | September 13, 2013
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA, SEPTEMER 13, 2013 - Waramaug LS Hotels, LLC, a private investment group and its institutional capital partner, announced today they have acquired the 90-room Courtyard by Marriott Lafayette Airport, in Lafayette, Louisiana. This acquisition follows its recent addition of the Courtyard by Marriott in Paducah, Kentucky and advances the group's plan to deploy $150 million over the next 12 months toward acquiring high quality select service hotels in secondary and tertiary markets. The Courtyard is located near Lafayette Regional airport and the University of Louisiana's Lafayette campus. It also offers convenient acces...
The Rubicon Companies Acquires the 640-room Hacienda Hotel in Los Angeles, California
Rubicon Companies | September 13, 2013
LOS ANGELES, CA--(Sep 13, 2013) - The Rubicon Companies announced today that its affiliate acquired the Hacienda Hotel in El Segundo in the Los Angeles basin for an undisclosed amount from a private family that had owned it for approximately 40 years. With 640 guest rooms, the Hacienda is the 10th largest hotel in Los Angeles County. "The Hacienda represents the kind of special situation that Rubicon focuses on, where we can bring both capital and our skill sets to create value for our investors," said Marc Gordon, founder and Principal of the Rubicon Companies. "Previously, the management team operated only this hotel, so initially we ...
eRevMax Expands in Brazil with New Client Acquisitions
Harbor Hotels | September 13, 2013
9 Harbor Hotels Select RateTiger for Optimizing Online Revenue Sao Paulo, September 12, 2013: Harbor Hotels, one of the leading hotel chains in Brazil catering to superior and economy segment, has selected eRevMax to increase their online sales and boost distribution exposure. Nine Harbor properties have been using RateTiger to improve rate management efficiencies across third party sales channels. The RateTiger Channel Management system helps hotels manage rates and inventory to a large & diverse distribution network and retrieve market room rate data for business intelligence and benchmarking. As Brazil gets ready to host over 4 m...
HSMAI, Infor Release White Paper Detailing Methods to Increase Bottom-Line Growth
HSMAI | September 12, 2013
Strategies Outlined to Counteract Rising Costs, Generate Increased Profits in Hospitality Industry McLean, Va. (September 13, 2013) - The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) today announced the release of "Nine Ways to Pull More Revenue Through to Your Bottom Line," a white paper commissioned in partnership with Infor, a leading hospitality enterprise software company. In the white paper, Trevor Stuart-Hill, CRME, president of Revenue Matters, offers nine solutions designed to help hotel managers increase profitability amidst a climate of rising costs, which is offsetting recent RevPAR recovery. "Escalating...
Benchmark Hospitality International Shares The Top Dining Trends for 2013
September 12, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, September 2013 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company with two distinctive portfolios of properties, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® and Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels®, has just released its Top Dining Trends for 2013. The trends were observed by Benchmark's executive chefs and culinary experts at the company's 39 luxury hotels, resorts and restaurants coast to coast and off shore. These range from the luxurious Bardessono in Napa Valley to the landmark Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore to the extraordinary ONE Bal Harbour Resort &...
Meetings Focus International Wins ASBPE Gold Award
Meetings Focus | September 12, 2013
May 2012 supplement kicked off an expansion of coverage area for meeting planning trade publisher SAN FRANCISCO - September 13, 2013 - The May 2012 Meetings Focus International supplement won a 2013 Azbee Midwest-South Region Gold award for Editorial Excellence, Special Supplement from the American Society of Business Publication Editors. The issue represented the first product of the company's expansion beyond its traditional North America coverage area. "The May 2012 Meetings Focus International supplement was truly a great launch of our global coverage," said Tyler Davidson, chief content director of Meetings Focus. "The global profi...
Register Now for the LODGING Green +Sustainability Conference & Expo
LODGING Media | September 12, 2013
September 13, 2013 - At the LODGING Green +Sustainability Conference & Expo - the most valuable educational and networking experience in the hospitality industry - leading experts will share insight that can help you identify and implement your hotel's green initiatives. Attend and you will learn: • The latest sustainability trends that will help you run your properties more efficiently. • How to meet government mandates and become green certified. • How to enhance the value of your property investment by implementing sustainable programs. • How to reduce energy costs, including water reclamation and heat energy. • And mor...
Robert T. Koger of Molinaro Koger is Arrested and Put Behind Bars
September 12, 2013
A shocking course of continuing fraudulent conduct is unveiled by the JMBM Global Hospitality Group® For the most recent update on this topic, click here By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 12 September 2013 Hotel Lawyer with the latest on the arrest and jailing of Rob Koger, formerly of Molinaro Koger There are some significant new developments in the saga of Robert T. ("Rob") Koger and the high profile civil and criminal cases surrounding him. Here is the latest. (Earlier articles are cited below.) On Monday, September 9, 2013, Robert T. Koger, 47, was arrested and brought ...
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs Uses Flip.to to Help with Rebranding Efforts
Flip.to | September 11, 2013
Engages 30% of Guests in First Month with Flip.to Orlando, FL — September 13, 2013 — Flip.to is the brand advocate platform that helps hotels boost brand awareness and earn new guests with the help of their most trusted, untapped marketing source- their guests. Since going live with Flip.to in August, the Calistoga Spa has reached over 9,000 social connections. The property turned to Flip.to to help them market to a new demographic of customers after their recent renovation. They felt that Flip.to would help attract that demographic in a way they couldn't naturally do on their own. "As part of our repositioning, we expanded who our ...
India’s Fortune Hotels Adds 19 Hotels and Switches Seven to Pegasus Solutions
Pegasus Solutions | September 11, 2013
One of India's Fastest-growing Chains Enlists Full Portfolio to UI Chain Code DALLAS (September 11, 2013) – India's Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC's hotel group, has renewed 11 hotels, added 19 and switched seven properties to Pegasus Solutions. The hotel management company's full portfolio of properties will now be bookable under the "UI" chain code through Pegasus Connect+. "After carefully reviewing our options in the market, it made sense for us to centralize the global sales and marketing of our full portfolio by allocating the additional 26 properties to Pegasus," said Vijay Jaiswal, head of sales and marketing for Fortune Hote...
Elite Meetings Alliance at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Gets Rave Reviews
Elite Meetings Alliance (EMA) | September 11, 2013
EMA Delivers Stunning Locations, Heartfelt Memories and Outstanding Business Results Santa Barbara, Calif.: September 11, 2013 - Elite Meetings International's (EMI's) August 2013 Elite Meetings Alliance (EMA), held at Colorado's Park Hyatt Beaver Creek on August 18-20, achieved the highest attendee satisfaction ever. The event, which brought together 55 prescreened buyers and representatives of 42 world-class hotels, along with 13 partners, included nearly 1,000 prescheduled appointments, plus hundreds of additional contacts made during networking events. EMI CEO Kelly Foy said, "Having the opportunity to host this EMA at one of my fav...
Kathryn Day Joins PUBLIC Chicago as General Manager
PUBLIC Chicago | September 11, 2013
NEW YORK (September 11, 2013) - PUBLIC Chicago, the first hotel opened under Ian Schrager's evolutionary brand, welcomes Kathryn Day as new General Manager effective today. Mrs. Day joins PUBLIC Chicago with a wealth of experience in the luxury sector, previously holding the position of Director of Hotel Services at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. During her tenure at the Waldorf Astoria, Mrs. Day was instrumental in achieving several prestigious accolades including the property's Five Diamonds Luxury rating, World's Best Service and World's Best Hotel by Travel + Leisure, and Best Hotel in the USA by Condé Nast Traveler, among others. Pr...
Craig Wienckowski Joins Outrigger Enterprises Group as Corporate Director of Finance
Outrigger Enterprises Group | September 11, 2013
HONOLULU, HAWAII - September 11, 2013 - Hans Weger, chief financial officer for Outrigger Enterprises Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Wienckowski to the position of corporate director of finance. In his role, Wienckowski provides financial advice and support of the company's global business ventures, including asset management support for owned properties and financial and administrative guidance for potential development opportunities. A multilingual finance professional, Wienckowski has experience in a wide variety of operation, management and investment platforms, including hotels, real estate, golf courses and...
Maestro Announces 2-Way Expedia Direct Connect Interface, Reduces Booking Costs for Independents
Maestro Property Management Solution | September 11, 2013
Maestro 2-Way Direct Channel Interface Gives Operators Price, Availability, and Rate Controls to Maximize Revenue, Lower Fees from their Expedia Bookings Markham, ON - September 11, 2013 - NORTHWIND, provider of Maestro™ Enterprise Property Management announced it completed development of a 2-way booking interface to Expedia's family of reservation websites. The new Expedia interface reduces operators' overall online booking costs and provides multiple rate setting and availability controls. The 2-way interface is available for Maestro PMS client implementation today. Click here to learn more about Maestro's solutions for profitabilit...
Nick Downing Appointed Vice President of Per AQUUM Retreats – Resorts – Residences, Based in Bangkok
Per AQUUM Retreats o Resorts o Residences | September 11, 2013
Bangkok, September 11, 2013 - Per AQUUM is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Downing as Vice President, Per AQUUM Retreats - Resorts - Residences, based in Bangkok. Nick was part of the launch team of Per AQUUM from 2003 to 2006 when he served as pre-opening Director of Operations, followed by General Manager of Huvafen Fushi, Maldives. As Vice President of Per AQUUM, Nick is responsible for the overall leadership, direction and vision of the brand. He will also ensure that the core Per AQUUM values of making a difference through signature guest experiences, service and design remain central to the portfolio. Commenting on his...
Industry Veteran Tom Hart Joins Quadriga Americas
Quadriga | September 11, 2013
September 11th, 2013: Quadriga Americas has announced today that it has further expanded its sales organization, to support its growing business and customer base in the region. Tom Hart, a 15- year hospitality industry veteran, has joined the Quadriga Americas team as Senior Director of Sales for the Rocky Mountain Region. Tom will be based in Denver and his region will include Colorado, Arizona, Washington, Oregon and Utah. Quadriga is the leading global provider of guest-facing technology solutions for the hospitality industry, and has offices in the USA, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This new appointment follows a series...
Provenance Hotels Appoints Kevin Scott as General Manager for the 163-room Hotel Max in Seattle, WA
Hotel Max | September 11, 2013
September 11, 2013- SEATTLE, Wash. - Provenance Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Scott as general manager of Hotel Max in downtown Seattle. Scott brings nearly a decade of hospitality industry expertise to his new role at the Emerald City's most irreverent, artistic hotel. "Kevin possesses a wealth of experience and now is the perfect time for him to take the reins at the hotel following the recent announcement of our partnership with Chef Jason Wilson to build Miller's Guild, a new steakhouse, at Hotel Max," said Bashar Wali, President of Provenance Hotels. A graduate of Michigan State University, Scott joins Hote...
Quadriga Launches New Mobile Housekeeping App Across 11 Hotels
Quadriga | September 11, 2013
Drives Cost Reductions and Staff Efficiency Improvements Of Up To 50% September 11th 2013: Quadriga, the leading global provider of guest-facing technology solutions for the hospitality industry, has announced an innovative new mobile application for housekeeping services, designed to reduce costs and deliver improved efficiencies for hoteliers. Via an exclusive global agreement with partner Hibox Systems Ltd, Finland, the new 'Housekeeper' application is proven to deliver an average 50% reduction in the time required to carry out housekeeping and hotel support tasks, enhanced staff communication, as well as powerful reporting capabilit...
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation Names Jon Elliott Senior Global Account Director
Sonesta Collection | September 11, 2013
Boston, MA - September 11, 2013 - Sonesta has named Jon Elliott as Senior Global Account Director. Jon joins the growing global sales team for Sonesta today and is focused on building Sonesta's presence with corporate travel managers throughout North America. Jon will also manage our relationships with the travel management companies and the consortia, and will be responsible for leading and growing the corporate transient sales team for the company. "Jon is very well-connected in the corporate transient sales market, which will help Sonesta to significantly grow our presence with key customers within this market," said Carol Bullock, S...
New California Hotels Corp. Plans WEB 2.0 Hotel on Hilton Head Island, S.C., a Dual-Branded Hotel
California Hotels Corporation | September 11, 2013
HILTON HEAD BEACH, S.C., Sept. 11, 2013 -- New California Hotels Corporation together with Mivida Hospitality, is creating a new concept for the Hilton Head Beach community. A concept built upon an entire new way of engaging the customer; the Web 2.0 Hotel. 100% social media marketing, environmentally friendly, ecologically sensitive and electronically relevant for the customer of the today. Many hotels refer to these customers as "millennials." However, Mivida Hospitality Managing Director and Property(s) General Manager Chris Roberts doesn't label his guests. "We look at our guests simply as travelers such as ourselves, and regardless...
Revenue Management is Not Inventory Management
Duetto | September 11, 2013
By Marco Benvenuti, co-Founder and Chief Analytics + Product Officer, Duetto September 11, 2013 Revenue management is not inventory management. And inventory management is definitely not revenue management. Confusing the two, is not just an intellectual faux pas - it is a sure way to leave money on the table, as you attempt to optimize rate at your property. Revenue management is a dynamic function, where the target-demand-changes, literally, every second - and the strategy and pricing must change to reflect it. Inventory management is managing rates to meet budgeted goals. It's pricing to sell rooms that fit into predetermined allotmen...
Florida’s Grande Lakes Orlando Renovates Meetings Space at The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott
Grande Lakes Orlando | September 11, 2013
Orlando, Fla. - September 11, 2013 - Grande Lakes Orlando continues to move forward with its multi-phase renovation project to upgrade the resort's expansive meetings space. The resort, comprised of a Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, opened in July 2003 as the first luxury resort in the city and today continues to set the standard for service excellence and group events in Orlando. Renovations to the meetings space commenced in Fall 2012 and will be complete at the start of 2015. Spaces slated for a Fall 2013 upgrade include the 20,000-square-foot Palazzo Ballroom at JW Marriott Orlando and the opulent Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, as well as nin...
