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Industry Happenings
Hilton Worldwide and Dijaya Land Development Sdn Bhd to Open Hilton Okinawa Kin in Japan in 2016
Dijaya Land Development Sdn Bhd | August 1, 2013
August 1, 2013 - OKINAWA, Japan and MCLEAN. Va. - Hilton Worldwide announces the signing of a management agreement with Dijaya Land Development Sdn Bhd to manage Hilton Okinawa Kin in Kin, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan. Scheduled to open in 2016, the 190-room Hilton Okinawa Kin will be part of an integrated resort development located on the eastern side of Okinawa's main island facing Kin Bay and the Pacific Ocean. "Having operated in Japan for half a century, Hilton Worldwide today operates ten properties located in key leisure and business locations across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, with one more t...
The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens Welcomes Vickie Grace as Senior Sales Manager
Autograph Collection | August 1, 2013
PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga. (Aug. 2, 2013) The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, an elegant interpretation of a traditional mountain lodge in the heart of middle Georgia, proudly welcomes Vickie Grace, certified meeting professional (CMP), as senior sales manager to the sales team. Grace will be responsible for the association market and certain focus accounts, as she brings 22 years of sales experience and six of those years at Callaway Gardens. Grace began her career as a national accounts manager with the former Radisson Hotel Atlanta/Downtown. She then moved to Omni Hotel at CNN Center in Atlanta as a sales manager and later served as direc...
Park Hyatt Brand Debuts in Cambodia; Park Hyatt Siem Reap Opens Following Renovation and Conversion
Park Hyatt | August 1, 2013
CHICAGO (August 1, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the official opening of Park Hyatt Siem Reap, the fourteenth Hyatt property in the Southeast Asia region and the first Hyatt hotel in Cambodia. Formerly known as Hotel De La Paix, one of Cambodia's top-rated hotels, the property is reopening under the Park Hyatt brand following a 14-month top-to-bottom renovation by award-winning interior designer Bill Bensley. Home to the renowned 12th century ruins of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has quickly emerged as one of Asia's top new destinations for culture and leisure. With its close proximity to the UNESCO world heritag...
FelCor Reports Q2 2013 Net Loss of $28.3M, RevPAR Rose 5.7%; In Process to Sell 5 Hotels for $120M
Felcor Lodging Trust | August 1, 2013
IRVING, Texas---FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (NYSE: FCH) today reported operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013. View the full press release with all supporting tables. Highlights: Adjusted FFO per share improved to $0.21. Total revenue for comparable hotels (same-store hotels excluding eight recently rebranded Wyndham hotels) increased 6.3%. RevPAR for comparable hotels increased 5.7%. Adjusted EBITDA was $64.6 million. Net loss per share was $0.23. Sold two hotels since the first quarter. Entered into contracts to sell three hotels (one with a non-refundable deposit) and are negotiating to sell two ot...
Allen Smith Named President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | August 1, 2013
TORONTO, Aug. 1, 2013 -- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts today announced that Allen Smith, currently CEO of Prudential Real Estate Investors, will become President and CEO of the luxury hotel company. The announcement follows an extensive global search overseen by the private company's long-term shareholders, Kingdom Holding Company, Cascade Investment and Triples Holdings. Mr. Smith, age 56, will take up his new position on September 23, 2013. Mr. Smith has served as CEO of Prudential Real Estate Investors (PREI), one of the world's largest real estate investment managers, since 2008. Under his leadership, PREI expanded its global pres...
Charles Marshall Appointed as General Manager of Hilton Petaling Jaya in Malaysia
Hilton Petaling Jaya | August 1, 2013
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia - August 1, 2013 - Hilton Worldwide today announced the appointment of Charles Marshall as general manager of Hilton Petaling Jaya. Marshall will continue to grow the hotel's business with the refurbished guest rooms, executive lounge and ballroom. Marshall has over 30 years experience in International Hospitality across the geographic regions of Europe, Mediterranean, Africa and Asia. Marshall's career in international hotels progressed through various positions in Food and Beverage in London, South Africa and the Mediterranean followed by Resident Manager in London and General Manager at George InterContinental...
Educational Institute’s Monique Donahue Receives 2013 Spirit of CHART Award
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | August 1, 2013
Orlando, Florida, August 2013 - Monique Donahue, CHT, CMHS, vice president of research and development for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI), was recently honored with the Spirit of CHART Award presented by the Council of Hotel And Restaurant Trainers (CHART) during its summer conference in Miami, Florida. The award is presented to CHART members who have assisted in moving the organization forward through contributions that have been above and beyond expectations. The Spirit of CHART Award represents the essence of a CHART member's commitment to excellence, quality and service. Donahue, who has been with EI sin...
BridgeStreet Names Shaun Hinds Managing Director, International Operations
BridgeStreet | August 1, 2013
HERNDON, Va. - August 1, 2013 - BridgeStreet Residences, Serviced Apartments and Suites global hospitality provider continues to strengthen its executive leadership team with the announcement of Shaun Hinds as Managing Director, International Operations. In this position, Hinds leads all non-U.S. operational functions throughout EMEA and APAC, as well as working collaboratively with BridgeStreet's Sales, Marketing, Development and Finance divisions to lead current strategy and planning. "Shaun is a dynamic industry expert and leader, and we are thrilled to welcome him as Managing Director, International Operations," said BridgeStreet Pr...
CSM Lodging Appoints Willy So Assistant General Manager for the Hilton Garden Inn, Portland, Oregon
CSM Lodging | August 1, 2013
Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 1, 2013 - CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation, has named Willy So assistant general manager for the Hilton Garden Inn Portland, Oregon. Brandon Carter, general manager, made the announcement. "I am so pleased to welcome Willy to the Hilton Garden Inn," said Mr. Carter. "He brings a fresh perspective to our hotel, based on significant operational and guest services experience. He is also an excellent communicator." Willy So previously served in the dual roles of guest relations manager and evening manager for the DoubleTree by Hilton of Portland. He was promoted to these positions following service a...
Jim Alderman Rejoins Kimpton as Senior Vice President, Acquisitions and Development
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | August 1, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO (August 1, 2013) - San Francisco based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants today announced the appointment of Jim Alderman as Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Development based in Atlanta. In this new role, Alderman will be responsible for corporate development and growth initiatives in the eastern half of the U.S., along with other development and acquisition projects across the brand. As a seasoned real estate, private equity finance and development veteran, Alderman brings more than 30 years of experience working with such top hospitality brands as Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham, Bristol Hotels and Holiday...
One General Managers Story: How a High Trip Advisor Ranking Creates a Cycle of Success for Hoteliers
Glenn Eleiter | August 1, 2013
by Glenn Eleiter, B.Comm. When I started my career, opening a behemoth resort in Whistler, BC, we would receive guest feedback. It came in the form of Guest Comment Cards. After a guest checked out of the property, some lucky soul in the Executive Office was tasked with stuffing a Comment Card into an envelope; slapping a stamp on it and sending it out in the post. Hundreds would be sent out. A few would be returned. The card would then begin a circumnavigation around the hotel. From the GM office to the number two. Then to the directors of the property and eventually, maybe a month after it was received, it would make its way down to t...
GSA Act Inadvertently Reduces Federal Efficiency and Productivity; U.S. Travel Association Statement
The U.S. Travel Association | August 1, 2013
July 31, 2013 - Washington, D.C. - Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representative's passage of the Government Spending Accountability (GSA) Act of 2013, H.R. 313: "The GSA Act is an unnecessary and counterproductive measure that inadvertently reduces federal efficiency and productivity and restricts important government functions. Federal agencies are already adhering to stringent guidelines put in place last year by Congress and the Administration to prevent unethical spending on government conferences. This is a bill in search of problem th...
Castle Resorts & Hotels Adds Paki Maui on the Ka’anapali Coast, Maui, Hawaii to its Resort Portfolio
Castle Resorts & Hotels | August 1, 2013
Honolulu, August 1, 2013 -- Castle Resorts & Hotels (www.castleresorts.com), a full-service, international hotel management company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, today announced the addition of Paki Maui to its resort portfolio, effective September 1, 2013. Castle Resorts & Hotels' growing management portfolio now consists of 22 hotels, condominium resorts and luxury villas on five Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand. "As Hawaii's leader in both resort condominium and hotel management, we are pleased to welcome Paki Maui to our selection of hotels and resorts," said Alan Mattson, President and Chief Operating Officer for Castle Resort...
La Quinta Inns & Suites Achieves Record-Breaking Growth in Second Quarter 2013
La Quinta | August 1, 2013
La Quinta Signs 34 New Franchise Agreements and Accelerates Brand's Growth Along Eastern Seaboard DALLAS (August 1, 2013) - La Quinta Inns & Suites announced results for the second quarter of 2013, which feature rapid growth in franchise development in the U.S. and internationally. In the second quarter of 2013: La Quinta awarded 34 new franchises, far exceeding the number for the same period in 2012. More than two-thirds of the new franchises awarded in the first half of 2013 were for new construction properties. The La Quinta brand accelerated its growth in the Eastern U.S., announcing new franchises in Springfield, Virgin...
Emerald Grande Boosts Voice Conversions 20%, Raises ADR with Sales Training, Caller Demographic Data
NAVIS | August 1, 2013
Resort Exceeds Revenue Goals with Professional Closing Skills; Records Reservation Calls, Adds Sales Incentives to Build Killer Reservation Team August 1, 2013 – Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village is a Gulf front destination in Destin, Florida, but it is not your average beach resort. Emerald Grande is a luxury condominium hotel with an inventory of mostly three or four bedroom units that delivers a $500 in-season ADR. Its multiple room types, amenities, and high nightly rate add up to a complex leisure reservation sales process. To maximize the resort's high revenue potential, Chief Operating Officer, Bruce Craul took action two ye...
Opportunity Knocks as Real Estate and Hospitality Execs Sense More Stable Foundation For Deal Making
EY | August 1, 2013
EY's global survey shows vast majority of senior real estate, hospitality and construction executives see global economy on the upswing, positioning industry for growth NEW YORK, 1 AUGUST 2013 - Real estate executives are far more confident about the global economy than they were just six months ago, according to EY's Global Capital Confidence Barometer for Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction. The report, which surveyed 117 senior executives from real estate, hospitality and construction (RHC) companies around the world, found there is increased optimism about the global economy. Eighty-five percent of those surveyed said the global ec...
Vail Resorts Hospitality Secures Competitive Edge with Meeting Planner Feedback System by UniFocus
Vail Resorts Hospitality (VRH) | August 1, 2013
Vail Resorts Hospitality is maximizing their guests' experience with the use of UniFocus' survey designed specifically for meeting/event planners. Each meeting is unique, and Vail Resorts is committed to delivering a successful experience for them. MEETINGScope gives managers and executives an in-depth look into what is most valued by planners in the meetings and events industry. One of Vail Resorts' core values is exemplary service, alongside their mission to deliver an experience of a lifetime to their guests and employees alike. Clearly recognizing each customer interaction is an opportunity to maximize relationships with meeting pla...
R.D. Olson Opens a Residence Inn and a Fairfield Inn & Suites as Part of Tustin Pacific Center in CA
R.D. Olson Development | August 1, 2013
Irvine, CA - August 1, 2013 - Nearly one year to the day from breaking ground, R.D. Olson Development has opened the doors on a pair of Orange County hotels in the $60 million Tustin Pacific Center, a 196,000-square-foot, mixed-use hotel and retail development at the 55 Freeway and Edinger Avenue in Tustin, CA. Olson's latest project includes a 149-suite Residence Inn and a 145-room Fairfield Inn & Suites, both featuring innovative new designs that are the first of their kind in Southern California. The new Fairfield Inn & Suites showcases Marriott's latest Generation 4 design with vibrant, inventive public spaces and smart, ene...
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to Open Two Hotels in Mainland China in August 2013
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | August 1, 2013
HONG KONG, Aug. 1, 2013 -- Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is unveiling two Shangri-La hotels in mainland China this month, increasing its greater China portfolio to 43 hotels. Shangri-La Hotel, Qufu opens today in the historical hometown of Confucius, while Shangri-La Hotel, Shenyang will debut on 15 August 2013 in Shenyang, the largest city in Northeast China and an important industrial base. Shangri-La Hotel, Qufu, the city's first international luxury hotel, pays homage to Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher, in proximity as well as in design. Blending Confucian principles, Chinese traditions and contemporary style, the hotel's ...
Visit Seattle Continues to Push Boundaries with nSight Business Intelligence
nSight | July 31, 2013
nSight Helps One of World's Most Inventive Cities Target Travelers with Search-Driven Data NASHVILLE, TN – August 1, 2013 – Visit Seattle, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle, has signed with nSight to provide a complete view of its global online opportunity and drive incremental visitors to Seattle using its new business intelligence solution. nSight, the largest aggregator of global travel search and booking data, enables Visit Seattle to understand its active travel consumers, create more relevant marketing and make better business decisions – all based on searches that are happening now. Most rece...
U.S. News & World Report Ranks the Best Hotels in Canada; 218 Evaluated, 22 Included in “Best” List
U.S. News & World Report | July 31, 2013
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2013 -- U.S. News & World Report has released its inaugural ranking of the Best Hotels in Canada. Out of the 218 luxury hotels across Canada evaluated for the 2013 rankings, 22 properties scored high enough to earn a place on the list of the Best Hotels in Canada. The top five are: 1. Fairmont Pacific Rim; Vancouver 2. Rosewood Hotel Georgia; Vancouver 3. Ritz-Carlton, Montreal; Montreal 4. Hastings House Country House Hotel; Salt Spring Island, British Columbia 5. Auberge Saint-Antoine; Quebec City See full list: Best Hotels in Canada About the Rankings Luxury hotels in Canada were ranked...
Orient-Express Hotels Reports Q2 2013 Net Earnings of $17.5 million; Same Store RevPAR up 9%
Orient Express Hotels | July 31, 2013
HAMILTON, Bermuda--Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. (NYSE: OEH, www.orient-express.com) (the "Company"), owners, part-owners or managers of 45 luxury hotel, restaurant, tourist train and river cruise properties operating in 22 countries, today announced its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013. View the full press release with tables. Second quarter same store revenue per available room ("RevPAR") up 9% in both US dollars and local currency compared to prior-year quarter Second quarter total revenue up 6% to $174.3 million from $163.8 million in prior-year quarter Second quarter adjusted EBITDA up 4% to $41.4 million from $3...
LVMH Acquires Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France on St. Barthélemy Island in the French West Indies
LVMH | July 31, 2013
PARIS & CHICAGO - July 31, 2013 - LVMH Mo't Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury products group, today announced that it has acquired Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France from majority owner Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners (AJ Capital Partners) and others. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Located on one of the loveliest beaches of the island of St. Barthélemy in the French West Indies, Hotel Saint-Barth Isle comprises 39 rooms, suites and villas. It also includes the Isle de France Spa and the resort's signature restaurant, Las Case d'Isle, one of the most popular on the island. The luxurious property is...
Carlson Rezidor to Open 133-key Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan in Q4 2014
The Rezidor Hotel Group | July 31, 2013
July 31, 2013 - Carlson Rezidor, one of the ten largest hotel groups worldwide, announces the Park Inn by Radisson Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan. The mid-market property featuring 133 keys is scheduled to welcome the first guests in Q4 2014. It will further strengthen Carlson Rezidor's portfolio in Kazakhstan: In Astana, the group already operates a Radisson Blu hotel and has a further Park Inn by Radisson hotel under development. In Russia/CIS & the Baltics, Carlson Rezidor is the largest international hotel operator. "Russia and the further CIS countries are one of our most important regions for future business development. These e...
