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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Romain Roulleau Joins Accor as Senior Vice President e-Commerce
Accor | September 3, 2013
September 3, 2013 - Romain Roulleau has joined Accor beginning of August as Senior Vice President e-Commerce in charge of the Group's direct web sales. He reports to Jean-Luc Chrétien, Executive Vice-President Distribution, Sales and Loyalty. Distribution, and particularly the switch to digital sales, is one of the key challenges in Accor's transformation. Romain Roulleau's task will be to define the strategy for web sales made through the Accorhotels.com multi-brand portal and websites of each of the Group's brands. In this position, he will be in charge of the animation of all e-commerce websites, their contents, animation, new servi...
First Call Hospitality Assumes Management of the 81-room Hampton Inn & Suites Tomball in Texas
First Call Hospitality, Inc. | September 3, 2013
TOMBALL, TX. - (September 3, 2013) - First Call Hospitality, Inc. (FCH) has assumed managerial responsibilities of the Hampton Inn & Suites Tomball as of July 25, 2013. The 81-room property, located 25 miles from Houston off of Highway 249, is the first Hampton Inn & Suites brand for the company's portfolio, which is made up of full service and limited service hotels. "We are proud to welcome the Hampton Inn & Suites Tomball to the FCH family," said Heidi Wilcox, Chief Executive Officer, FCH. "The hotel encapsulates what is best about the Hampton Inn & Suites brand - great value and comfort combined with Hilton's outstan...
The Oberoi Group Opens the 323-room Trident, Hyderabad in India
The Oberoi Group | September 3, 2013
HYDERABAD, India, September 3, 2013 - The Oberoi Group announced the opening of Trident, Hyderabad. Located in the heart of the information technology hub, HITEC City, the hotel has an elegant and contemporary design and offers state of the art business and leisure facilities. Mr. P.R.S Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group said, "Over the years we have added hotels at various locations in India and overseas which have become industry benchmarks. Hyderabad has emerged as a significant business destination and Trident, Hyderabad has been created with the discerning business traveller in mind. This hotel is a testimony of our vis...
HITEC Video Report: InvoTech Showcases Latest Labor Saving UHF-RFID Linen and Uniform Systems
InvoTech Systems | September 3, 2013
InvoTech Launches New Touch-Screen Controls for Bulk Laundry Cart Reading Station; Demonstrates Mobile Software and Wi-Fi Handheld Reader that Simplifies Uniform and Linen Inventory Management, Reduces Labor Hours LOS ANGELES, CA - September 3, 2013 - – InvoTech Systems, Inc., the leading provider of solutions that increase profitability for hotels, casinos, laundries and related industries, produced a 2-minute video highlighting its newest UHF-RFID System for Hotel Uniform and Linen management at the recent HITEC tradeshow in Minneapolis, MN. InvoTech celebrated 20 years of industry service and customer focused technology development...
The 281-room Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi Opens Following Renovation and Conversion
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | September 3, 2013
DUBAI, UAE and MCLEAN, Va. -September 03, 2013 - Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the most recognised hospitality brand in the Middle East, today announced the opening of Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi following a refurbishment and rebranding programme. The hotel joins the company's burgeoning UAE portfolio and will add an additional 281 rooms to Hilton Worldwide's growing 3000+ UAE room total. Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi is a visually stunning, curved glass property ideally located close to Abu Dhabi International Airport as well as the city's National Exhibition Centre and in the heart of Abu Dhabi's new Capital District. With an abund...
IHG and Omaxe to Develop the Holiday Inn New Chandigarh Sector 4B in India
Omaxe Ltd. | September 3, 2013
New Delhi, 02 September 2013: IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies and India's leading premier real estate developer Omaxe, have signed an agreement for the new-build Holiday Inn New Chandigarh Sector 4B. The hotel will add to IHG's strong pipeline of properties of the Holiday Inn brand family, which represent 85% of the hotel group's growth in India. Located within a 1,000 acre township known as Omaxe New Chandigarh, the 150-room hotel will be part of a mixed-use development which includes commercial, retail and residential establishments, answering to New Chandigarh's demand for both business...
New Property Manager for 411-Room The Westin Chicago North Shore
BuildCentral | September 3, 2013
Hotel-Online and BuildCentral Have Updated 215 Hotels in the Last Two Weeks with Changes in Personnel, Property Management or Ownership Chicago, IL. September 3, 2013 - Hotel-Online and BuildCentral have reported 215 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: Dallas Marriott Suites Medical/Market Center (Dallas, TX) Residence Inn Palm Desert (Palm Desert, CA) Resid...
M3 Accounting + Analytics Creates Alliance with STR
Smith Travel Research | August 30, 2013
Business alliance with STR adds to M3's data integrity GAINESVILLE, Ga. and TAMPA, Fla. (August 30, 2013) -- M3 Accounting + Analytics has launched a business alliance with STR that brings STR data directly into M3's hosted, business intelligence and analytics platform. It is available to any M3 Link client who subscribes to STR. The alliance creates a seamless dashboard that shows fully-configurable STR data alongside financial and operational business intelligence, guest satisfaction ratings and verbatim comments, which can support and influence business decisions made by hotel owners, operators, and managers. STR data, which includes...
Revised GSA Per Diem Rates Receive Support of Lodging Industry; CONUS Rates Increased by $6 to $83
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) | August 30, 2013
Washington, D.C. - August 30, 2013 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) applauds the General Services Administration's (GSA) federal per diem rates for FY2014, effective October 1, 2013: "The FY 2014 per diem rates released today by GSA are welcome news for government travelers who stay in hotels while traveling on government business," said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president/CEO. "These rates, which are calculated to reflect actual market room rates, are a key component of an efficient federal travel policy. The methodology used to establish the rates released today ensure that federal travelers will be able to ...
Driving Hotel Bookings Through Mobile Channels and The Phone Renaissance
Frank Vertolli, Co-founder, Net Conversion | August 30, 2013
by Frank Vertolli & Ryan Fitzgerald August 2013 Last year, Google Travel found that 25 percent of all online search for travel came from a mobile device. eMarketer predicts that this figure will jump up to 40 percent by the end of 2013. [1 ] In fact, HeBS, a New York-based agency, found that 39.5 percent of all online traffic came from either a smartphone or a tablet during their first quarter this year for various hotels they manage across North America. [1] People are already choosing to search on their mobile devices over a desktop computer in locations where both devices are likely available to them (work or home).[2] It's no su...
Mexico Plaza Irapuato Hotel Acquired by Fibra Inn for Conversion into a Wyndham Garden Hotel
Fibra Inn | August 30, 2013
MONTERREY, Mexico - August 30, 2013 - Deutsche Bank Mexico, S.A., Banking Institution, Trust Division F/1616 or Fibra Inn (BMV:FINN13) ("Fibra Inn" or "the Company"), a Mexican real estate investment trust specializing in the hotel industry serving the business traveler, announced today the purchase of the Mexico Plaza Irapuato hotel. The acquisition was paid in cash with the proceeds from the initial public offering that took place on March 13, 2013. The price was Ps. 93 million, excluding taxes and acquisition expenses at a stabilized cap rate of 10.1%. Fibra Inn will convert this property into a Wyndham Garden hotel with an investmen...
Fibra Inn Acquires the 192-room Marriott Real Puebla Hotel in Puebla, Mexico for $27.8 Million
Fibra Inn | August 30, 2013
MONTERREY, Mexico - August 30, 2013 - Deutsche Bank Mexico, S.A., Banking Institution, Trust Division F/1616 or Fibra Inn (BMV:FINN13) ("Fibra Inn" or "the Company"), a Mexican real estate investment trust specializing in the hotel industry serving the business traveler, announced today the purchase of the Marriott Real Puebla Hotel. The acquisition was paid in cash with the proceeds from the initial public offering that took place on March 13, 2013. The price was US $ 27.8 million, excluding taxes and acquisition expenses. The foreign exchange purchase was made during May and June to anticipate this transaction, as follows: US $22.0 ...
Hotel Banquet Department Staff Now Part Of The PR and Marketing Team / Doug Kennedy
Doug Kennedy | August 30, 2013
By Doug Kennedy August 30, 2013 Over the many years I have been conducting on-site training for the hotel industry I have trained nearly every department from front desk through hotel maintenance on hospitality and guest service excellence. Yet until recently one department I had never been asked to train before was the banquet services. When I received the call from an existing client to train the 100+ banquet servers and bartenders I immediately thought it was a good idea. Yet the more I thought about it I realized it was actually a brilliant idea for management to recognize the importance of this unique department. It really hit me w...
Crestron Introduces New 3 Series™ Control Processors
Crestron | August 30, 2013
Provide ideal solution for commercial lighting, home control, and hospitality applications Rockleigh, NJ, August 30, 2013 - There's more technology in commercial buildings and custom homes than ever. All of the systems need to be networked, managed, and controlled in fundamentally new ways. The new DIN-AP3 and DIN-AP3MEX 3-Series control processors, designed for DIN rail mounting, answer the call. The DIN-AP3 delivers wired control, while the DIN-AP3MEX is ideal for applications that require wireless control. Built on the 3-Series platform Compared to other control systems, 3-Series processors provide a dramatic increase in processing p...
Key West Inns Brand Debuts in Virginia with a 52-room Property in Newport News
Vimana Franchise Systems LLC | August 30, 2013
Newport News, VA - August 30, 2013 - Vimana Franchise Systems, LLC has added a new property to their Key West Inn brand. This 52 room property located near the heart of Newport News, VA is just minutes to Colonial Williamsburg and the beach and is in close proximity to the Newport News airport. "Key West offers the best possible franchise agreement out there and that made our choice very simple," said owner, Vishal Amin, "and the executives at Vimana could not be better. I truly feel they have my best interests in mind." Vimana Franchise Systems, LLC is the franchisor of Key West Inns, Hotels & Resorts as well as Centerstone Inns, H...
Halekulani Corporation Appoints Marce Olson as Sales Manager-Western Regional Sales Division
Halekulani Corporation | August 30, 2013
HONOLULU - August 30, 2013 - Halekulani Corporation, which owns and manages Waikiki hotels, Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotel, announces the appointment of Marce Olson as Sales Manager-Western Regional Sales Division. Effective immediately, Ms. Olson will lead Halekulani Corporation's Domestic US Sales Team in California, where she will oversee all wholesale, retail agencies, and corporate accounts. "We are excited to have Ms. Olson join the Western Regional Sales Division of Halekulani Corporation," said Peter Shaindlin, Chief Executive Officer of Halekulani Corporation. "Ms. Olson's skills, energy, and talent for developing strategic ...
Joan Bowden Joins the 517-room W Fort Lauderdale in Florida as Director of Spa
W Fort Lauderdale | August 30, 2013
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - August 30, 2013 - W Fort Lauderdale welcomes Starwood spa veteran Joan Bowden as the new director of its iconic bliss spa. Bowden's responsibilities as director of spa will include overseeing marketing and promotions, retail initiatives and operations of the 4,000 sq. ft. facility featuring a luxe nail lounge, pampering treatment rooms, men's and women's lounges that open on to an outdoor terrace, a retail boutique and a legendary brownie buffet. Bowden has unparalleled multi-property experience in the Fort Lauderdale spa scene, most recently serving as the director of spa at The Westin Beach Resort and Spa, Fort L...
Marc Greenberg Appointed as General Manager for Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta in Georgia
Sonesta ES Suites | August 30, 2013
Boston, MA - August 30, 2013 - Marc Greenberg was just introduced as General Manager at Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta. His leadership will help to guide the hotel through the ongoing repositioning process and oversee the hotel's reintroduction into the local market. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, most recently as an area general manager for A.G. Hospitality overseeing Towneplace Suites and Candlewood Suites. Marc's background also includes management roles with Residence Inn, Homewood Suites and the Hawthorn Suites in Atlanta. "Marc will be a great general manager for this property, and he is excited to lead the way w...
The 109-suite Homewood Suites Columbus/OSU Opens in Columbus, Ohio
August 30, 2013
Owned by Lane Avenue Enterprises and to be Managed by S&S Management COLUMBUS, Ohio - August 30, 2013 - Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotels, announces today the opening of its newest property in Columbus, OH. Creating 20 permanent jobs, the five story, 109-suite hotel is owned by Lane Avenue Enterprises, Ltd. and will be managed by S&S Management, Inc. General Manager Nathan Lipps has been in the hotel industry for 16 years, and will be supported by Director of Sales Lesley Cornathan. "A destination for both the business and education communities, in addition to leisure ...
Generation Y: How Today’s Newest Travelers are Impacting Hospitality Design
Harry Wheeler AIA, NCARB, Principal, Group One Partners, Inc. | August 30, 2013
By Harry Wheeler AIA, LEED, NCARB Hospitality design is constantly evolving and being influenced by trends, technology, and most importantly, the growing expectations of our guests. As the generations change, so do their wants and needs. With the newest population group -Generation Y-coming into maturity, we are on the cusp of another evolution of change in hospitality design. Gen Y is not a generation that we are preparing for, but a mass population that has already arrived. Born between 1982 and 2001, Gen Y'ers are between the ages of 12 and 31 with a population estimated to be in the 70 million range. They are the fastest growing seg...
UniFocus Honored by Inc 5000 as One of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies
Inc. magazine | August 30, 2013
August 30, 2013 - UniFocus is a proud recipient of Inc.'s 500|5000 award for Fastest Growing Private Companies in America, an annual list compiling the best run, most innovative, and most inspiring businesses, joining the ranks of past honorees such as Microsoft, Pandora, Under Armour, and Zappos. The honorees are a comprehensive look at America's independent entrepreneurs, who have proven to be essential and beneficial to the economy. "As a team, we've worked diligently on delivering industry-leading products and world-class service to our clients, and UniFocus is elated Inc. has recognized our ongoing efforts," says Mark Heymann, Pres...
FARROW Commercial Construction Discovers Treasure in Trash
FARROW Commercial Construction | August 30, 2013
August 30, 2013 (SANTA ROSA, CA) - FARROW Commercial Construction, a nationwide commercial construction company based in Santa Rosa, CA has discovered there is treasure in trash. Several years ago FARROW was invited to build a recycling / trash bin receptacle enclosure for world-renowned hospitality company Wyndham® Resorts & Hotels at its popular Windsor, California location. As a local contractor, FARROW was selected to perform the work due to the unavailability of Wyndham's original contractor. "We were happy to step in to build this much-needed enclosure quickly and cost -effectively, "explained John Farrow, President and CEO o...
Strand Development Company, LLC Names Top Performers at Annual Conference
Strand Development Company, LLC | August 29, 2013
(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) August 29, 2013- Strand Development Company, LLC recently concluded their 2013 Annual General Manager and Director of Sales Conference held in Myrtle Beach, SC. The four-day event brought together over 80 individuals including; General Managers, Directors of Sales and the company's corporate staff. While at the conference, attendees were able to network and discuss strategies for the upcoming year. Informative breakout sessions, a keynote address by author of Management That Cooks, John Kennedy and the annual Awards Banquet were also part of the gathering. During the annual Awards Banquet Strand Development Company...
Crestron DMPS Goes Wireless; New AirMedia™ brings wireless presentation capability to DMPS
Crestron | August 29, 2013
Rockleigh, NJ, August 29, 2013 - How do you make the industry-leading digital presentation system even better? Just add wireless. Crestron has brought together two of its most popular products to create the ultimate presentation solution. Now available, DMPS/AirMedia offers simple, reliable wired and wireless HD presentation all-in-one. DMPS/AirMedia delivers advanced automation capabilities and provide actionable usage data over the network. Four different options are available, based on system or room requirements. Start with DMPS, the world's most advanced all-in-one HD presentation solution The industry-leading DMPS Series delivers ...
