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
Eight Key Strategies for Climbing TripAdvisor Rankings
Daniel Edward Craig | September 4, 2013
By Daniel Edward Craig September 2013 In researching for Climbing TripAdvisor's Popularity Index webinar last month, I asked a range of hoteliers how they achieved-and maintain-top-10 rankings. Their testimonials underscore that despite the disruptive force social media has had on the hotel industry, traditional hospitality has never been more important. During the webinar, Brian Payea, TripAdvisor's Head of Industry Relations, explained that while many factors go into the Popularity Index algorithm, the key areas to focus on are review quality, recency and volume, calling them "hugely important." As for the benefits of a top ranking, A...
UniFocus Offers World Class Service to All Clients with Certified Project Management Professional
Project Management Institute | September 4, 2013
September 4, 2013 - In today's economy it is essential to make sure every facet of a company is running efficiently and smoothly while adequately using available resources and funds. Often, flawed planning puts new projects either over time or over budget. A proven enhancement is employing team members who are certified project management professionals (PMP), utilizing their expertise to successfully execute projects. UniFocus is proud to announce Michael Goldman, VP of Organizational Effectiveness, has recently earned PMP certification. "The knowledge learned throughout the certification process enhances our strategic approach when it ...
FRHI Makes Key Leadership Appointments Creating New Roles and Organizational Changes
FRHI | September 4, 2013
TORONTO, September 4, 2013 - FRHI, the parent company of luxury and upper upscale hotel brands Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, today announced several appointments to its senior leadership team. The management changes, which include executive appointments and newly created roles in the areas of operations, sales and marketing and human resources, are also aligned with the company's move to a new divisional structure. "We've added a very experienced and dynamic group of industry professionals to our senior leadership team; individuals who will help us achieve our long term ...
Shree Jalaram Bapa Associates & Kana Hotel Group Open the 98-room Courtyard Little Rock North in AR
Courtyard by Marriott | September 4, 2013
North Little Rock, Arkansas - September 4, 2013 - Courtyard by Marriott is rolling out its innovative lobby and room design in North Little Rock, Arkansas. This is the newest Courtyard in the area featuring the Refreshing Business lobby environment, where guests can enjoy an open and flexible space. Along with media pods, Wi-Fi and a variety of seating zones, the redefined space is ideal for everything from pop-up meetings to social gatherings. Scheduled to open in today, the 98-room Courtyard Little Rock North also offers a refreshing and stylish room design that helps guests stay connected, productive and comfortable. Thoughtfully pla...
Greystone Hotels Expands Partnership with Stash Hotel Rewards
Stash Hotel Rewards | September 4, 2013
Adds Empress Hotel to Build on Success with Groups and Meetings SAN FRANCISCO – September 4, 2013 - Greystone Hotels announced today that it has expanded its partnership with Stash Hotel Rewards by adding Empress Hotel La Jolla to the largest point-based rewards program in the U.S. With this addition, Greystone Hotels grows its Stash Rewards footprint to 7 hotels in California, from San Francisco to San Diego. "We appreciate being part of a loyalty program that not only allows us to reward our best guests, but also helps bring value back into each of our hotels," said Jennifer Langham, SVP of Sales and Marketing for Greystone. "We've...
New Crestron 128X128 DigitalMedia™ Switcher Now Shipping
Crestron | September 4, 2013
The largest capacity DM® switcher ever has arrived; features new blade architecture, front panel touch screen, and built-in web server September 4, 2013 - Crestron today announced the release of its new 128X128 DigitalMedia Switcher, the most powerful addition to the family of industry-leading digital AV networking solutions. The "industrial-strength" switcher manages the high-definition and analog AV distribution requirements of large commercial facilities, such as stadiums, arenas, university campuses, and global enterprises. Sharing the same innovative architecture and rich feature set as the pioneering 64x64 DigitalMedia Switcher, ...
The 310-room President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – a DoubleTree by Hilton Opens in Springfield, IL
DoubleTree By Hilton | September 4, 2013
Springfield, Ill. - September 4, 2013 - DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton in historic downtown Springfield. Formerly an independent hotel, the property unveils a multi-million dollar transformation that includes contemporary upgrades throughout the hotel's classic lobby and guest rooms. The hotel continues to be owned and managed by Horve Hospitality Management. "We are thrilled to welcome guests to our hotel with the exceptional hospitality and warm, caring culture, for which the DoubleTree by Hilton brand is known," said Jeff McLinden, general manager - P...
Travel Outlook Premium Reservations Call Center Contracts with Santa Catalina Island Resort Services
Travel Outlook | September 4, 2013
September 4, 2013 - Travel Outlook Premium Hotel Call Center has signed an agreement to provide reservations call services for Santa Catalina Island Resort Services, Santa Catalina Island, California. "Over the past few years we have made significant enhancements to our hotels, tours, and events to improve the guest experience at Santa Catalina Island," said Todd Wade, Vice-President of Information Technology. "We are tightly focusing on customer service, and on providing the best possible guest experience for visitors to Catalina Island. We have completely renovated the Pavilion Hotel and Hotel Atwater, and added several new tours, and...
Hilton Worldwide Opens the 280-key Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok in Thailand
Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok | September 4, 2013
BANGKOK and MCLEAN, Va. - September 04, 2013 - Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok in Bangkok, Thailand. Located in the heart of prestigious Sukhumvit, one of Bangkok's most central business and entertainment districts, Hilton Sukhumvihit Bangkok is the ninth Hilton Worldwide hotel in the country. Hilton Worldwide is also celebrating its 30th anniversary in Thailand and reiterated its commitment to growing its presence in the country. "Thailand, and Bangkok in particular, has always been a popular business and leisure destination, and the country holds special significance to us as we've been operati...
Playa Hotels & Resorts Acquires the Former Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort in Rose Hall, Jamaica
Playa Hotels & Resorts | September 4, 2013
To Commence Enhancement and Expansion Project with Plans to Re-Launch in 2014 as One of the First Hyatt Branded All-Inclusive Luxury Resorts FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 4, 2013 -- Playa Hotels & Resorts B.V. (the "Company"), a leading owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive beach resorts, announced today the completion of its acquisition of a resort that operated until recently as The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica (the "Resort"). The Company is planning to commence a major enhancement and expansion project later this month, which is expected to be completed spring 2014. The Resort will be re-launched as Hyatt...
Pegasus Solutions Invites Hotels to Join The World of Distribution
Pegasus Solutions | September 4, 2013
New Explanatory Video Escorts Hotels Through Distribution Landscape with Pegasus Connect+ DALLAS (September 4, 2013) – Pegasus Solutions has debuted another explanatory video to help hotels maneuver The World of Distribution. The new "Join The World of Distribution" video on www.pegs.com defines the path for hotels to implement services, marketing and support to manage the distribution process. Introduction of the video coincides with the launch of Pegasus' World of Distribution global seminar series. "The hotel distribution process is complex and can seem overwhelming," said David Millili, chief executive officer of Pegasus Solutions...
HFTP Contributes Education to the 2013 AAHOA North Texas Regional Conference
HFTP | September 4, 2013
Co-Produces Session on "Flash Hotel Sales: Beneficial or Detrimental?" Austin, Texas, USA (September 4, 2013) - In continuance of its strategic partnership with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) has co-produced a session for the AAHOA North Georgia & Southeast Regional Conference, as well as the upcoming North Texas Regional Conference. The co-produced session is "Flash Hotel Sales: Beneficial or Detrimental?" presented by the HFTP Social Media Advisory Council Chair, Katerina Berezina, CHTP, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Florida. This session disc...
HeBS Digital’s Meta Search Marketing Platform Wins Interactive Media Award
HeBS Digital | September 4, 2013
New York, NY (September 4, 2013) – HeBS Digital, the hospitality industry's leading full-service digital technology and marketing firm, today announced that it has been awarded Outstanding Achievement in Website Development by the Interactive Media Awards™ for its meta search marketing technology platform, the HeBS Digital MetaSearch Gateway. Judging consisted of an extensive range of criteria, including technology innovation, design, usability, standards compliance and content. In order to win this award level, the technology had to meet strict guidelines in each area. HeBS Digital's proprietary MetaSearch Gateway is a marketing en...
NATHIC 2013 Moves to Chicago, Becoming Midwest’s Sole Investment Event
Questex Hospitality + Travel | September 4, 2013
NEW YORK (Sept. 4, 2013) ─ Questex Hospitality + Travel, the world's largest multinational media, event and e-commerce company serving the global hospitality and travel industry, today announced that its North America Hotel Investment Conference (NATHIC) will be held Nov. 20-22 at the newly renovated Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, becoming the only event of its kind in the Midwest. Now in its fifth year, the two-day event, previously held in Washington, has been re-energized with a new venue and enhanced agenda including a hospitality real estate showcase with top brokers and a "hotel shark tank" competition based on the popular real...
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa Opens as First Andaz at a Destination Resort & 10th for Brand
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa | September 3, 2013
MAUI, HAWAII (September 3, 2013) – Following an authentic Hawaiian blessing ceremony presided over by cultural practitioner Kahuna Nui Kapono'ai Molitau, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa has officially opened its doors and is welcoming guests to experience its impressive design, amenities, approachable service, and beachfront destination. The opening of Andaz Maui at Wailea marks the 10th hotel to join the Andaz brand and is the first Andaz hotel located in a resort destination. As with all Andaz properties, the hotel will create inspiring experiences through culturally rich offerings that help guests feel more like locals. "We a...
Dorchester Collection Grows Sales Team for Three UK Hotels
Dorchester Collection | September 3, 2013
London - 3 September 2013 - Dorchester Collection's three hotels in the United Kingdom - iconic British classic The Dorchester, contemporary Mayfair alternative 45 Park Lane, and luxury country house hotel Coworth Park - today announced new appointments to the area sales team to manage fast growing international interest in the UK's luxury travel sector post Olympics. James Partridge has been appointed to area director of sales from his previous position as director of group and event sales held since June 2011, during which time he restructured the department effecting strong revenue growth. Prior to joining Dorchester Collection, Jame...
C C Land and Rosewood Hotels to Open the 361-room Rosewood Chongqing in Southwest China in 2015
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | September 3, 2013
September 3, 2013 - Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has been appointed by property developer C C Land to manage Rosewood Chongqing when it opens in 2015. The 361-room ultra-luxury hotel is the fifth Asia Rosewood hotel announced, in addition to Rosewood Beijing (opening early 2014), Rosewood Phuket (2015), Rosewood Tanah Lot Bali (2017) and Rosewood Jakarta (2017). Located on the banks of the Yangtze River, the historic city of Chongqing furthers Rosewood's strategic expansion as it is not only the commercial centre and transportation hub for Southwest China, but the world's second most populous city. Rosewood Chongqing will be convenie...
Edward French Named Chief Sales and Marketing Officer The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. | September 3, 2013
CHEVY CHASE, Md., Sept. 3, 2013 -- Edward French has been named as the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. As a member of the Corporate Operating Committee, he will oversee the strategic positioning of one of the world's most iconic and powerful luxury hotel brands. In his role, French will serve as the strategic business partner to the President and Global Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and play a critical leadership role for the Marketing, Global Sales and Revenue Management discipline. With oversight of Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, eCommerce, CRM, Public Relat...
A Debut for the Brand in the Middle East, the 672-room TRYP by Wyndham Dubai will Open Late in 2016
TRYP by Wyndham | September 3, 2013
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (September 3, 2013) – Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with approximately 7,410 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), today announced plans for the first TRYP by Wyndham® hotel in the Middle East, following the signing of a management agreement with Omega I, a subsidiary of British-owned developer The First Group. The property is currently planned to be the select-service brand's largest in the world upon opening in Dubai, anticipated for late 2016. The announcement, which will see the 672-room TRYP by Wyndham Dubai developed in the city's TECOM district, comes...
Crowne Plaza Lyon – Cité Internationale to Open in Lyon, France in Q1 2014 through Conversion
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) | September 3, 2013
3 September, 2013 - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) one of the world's largest hotel companies, is delighted to announce the signing of the Crowne Plaza hotel in Lyon, France: Crowne Plaza Lyon – Cité Internationale. Due to open in quarter one 2014, the 164-room property will undergo a rapid rebranding from an existing hotel under a franchise agreement with Societe des Cinq Soeurs Pochettino (SCSP). The hotel will be located within the 'Cité Internationale', one of the most popular business sites in Lyon and home to 15,000m2 of offices and its own convention centre, Palais des Congrès. Situated on the banks of the Rh?ne River a...
The 121-suite Staybridge Suites Beirut Opens in Lebanon
Staybridge Suites | September 3, 2013
Beirut, Lebanon, 3 September 2013: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of Staybridge Suites Beirut, marking the entrance of the international extended-stay hotel brand into Lebanon. Staybridge Suites Beirut is located in Verdun Street in downtown Beirut, within walking distance of the famous Hamra Street, the seafront promenade and local universities, including the American University of Beirut (AUB). The 121-suite hotel offers panoramic views of the city and its apartment-style accommodation and prime location will appeal to guests who are looking for more space to live, work and relax close to the city centre...
The Plasencia Group Advises on Sale of Embassy Suites Baton Rouge
The Plasencia Group | September 3, 2013
Tampa, Fla. (September 3, 2013) – The Plasencia Group is pleased to announce the sale of the Embassy Suites Hotel located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The 223-suite, full-service hotel was sold by FelCor Lodging Trust for $20 million. According to Robert Wiemer, Senior Vice President of The Plasencia Group's Southwest Region, "The Baton Rouge Embassy Suites offers the new owner an outstanding opportunity to expand the hotel's already formidable presence in the Baton Rouge market. It is already the preferred hotel for Louisiana State University, Southern University, ExxonMobil and the Louisiana state government. The comprehensive renova...
Hotel Assets Group Closes Five Hotel Transactions in August
Hotel AG | September 3, 2013
ATLANTA - September 3, 2013 - Hotel AG announced today the firm closed 5 hotel transactions in the month of August. The hotels sold consisted of 1 Hilton, 1 Marriott, 2 Choice brands and 1 bank-owned independent property. All 5 assets were select service hotels located from the Northeast to the Mid West. Brad Sinclair, a senior partner with Hotel AG, commented, "The market today is very transaction friendly and buyers are still able to realize accretive value." Andy Broad, also a senior partner with the firm, further commented, "With the recent movement in the public debt markets, the buying community seems to have accelerated in the de...
Legacy Property Group to Build Homewood Suites by Hilton® in Atlanta, GA’s Luckie Marietta District
September 3, 2013
ATLANTA and MCLEAN, Va. (September 3, 2013) - Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's international brand of upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotels, continues to drive the expansion of its portfolio in prime urban markets with the announcement of a new hotel in downtown Atlanta's Luckie Marietta District. The hotel, which will be developed by Legacy Property Group, is the first new ground-up hotel development in downtown Atlanta in 5 years, the Luckie Marietta District's first extended-stay hotel and Homewood Suites' tenth open or planned property in the Atlanta Metro area. "Downtown and metropolitan locations present a strong e...
