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Industry Happenings
Chef Alain Ducasse to Oversee All Restaurants of Le Meurice of Dorchester Collection in Paris
Dorchester Collection | July 16, 2013
July 16, 2013 (Paris) - Le Meurice of Dorchester Collection, the first palace hotel in Paris, has invited globally acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse to take over the management of its kitchens. He will bring to this landmark his innovative vision, ethos and distinctive take on contemporary French haute cuisine. From September, Ducasse will start working in all of the hotel's kitchens, including three Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Meurice and the famed Restaurant le Dal'. Alain Ducasse has over 25 years of experience and has designed the menus of many prestigious establishments worldwide, from Monaco to New York, Tokyo and Doha. At Le Meuric...
Carolynn Hemmerich Named as Director of Sales for The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Mexico
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort | July 16, 2013
PUNTA MITA, Mexico (July 16, 2013) - Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Latin America Division today announced that Carolynn Hemmerich has joined The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort as director of sales. With nearly a decade of sales experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Hemmerich is ideally suited to grow the resort's business and drive revenue within both international and domestic markets. In her new role, Hemmerich will focus on developing and implementing strategic initiatives to increase market share and awareness as well as generating new business opportunities. "We are elated to welcome Carolynn to The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort...
Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Georgia Appoints Peter McMahon as General Manager
Hyatt Regency Atlanta | July 16, 2013
ATLANTA (July 16, 2013) - Hyatt Hotels Corp. has named Hyatt veteran and long- time Atlanta hotel executive Peter McMahon as the new General Manager of Hyatt Regency Atlanta. McMahon was previously General Manager of Hyatt Regency San Antonio and Grand Hyatt San Antonio, where he has served since 2010. He was formerly General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Savannah and Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta Northwest. He also served as the Executive Assistant Manager and Food and Beverage Director of Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Joe Hindsley, who has served as Hyatt Regency Atlanta's General Manager since 2004, has been named General Manager of Hyatt Reg...
CSM Lodging Names Justine Ratcliffe Assistant General Manager for Residence Inn-Lake Oswego, Oregon
CSM Lodging | July 16, 2013
Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 2013 ... CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation, has named Justine Ratcliffe assistant general manager for Residence Inn-Lake Oswego, Oregon. Dominic Chevalier, general manager, made the announcement. "I am very pleased to welcome Justine to the Residence Inn-Lake Oswego," said Mr. Chevalier. "She brings important hotel operational experience to her new role, which will serve our property well." Justine Ratcliffe previously held the dual positions of director of guest services and director of suitekeeping for Homewood Suites by Hilton, located in Wichita, Kansas. Prior to this, Ms. Ratcliffe served in po...
Thoughts from the Golf Industry Show: Part Three of Three, By Darius Hatami
Darius Hatami | July 16, 2013
July 2013 - The following is the last in a three-part series that examines the state of the Golf Industry today. The first article explores the history, brings readers an understanding of issues challenging the industry, and provides some context for readers. The second article explores the impacts to Golf Facility Financials and Value, while the third article looks to the future of the industry, and the issues that will shape its financial health moving forward. Credit must be given to the large number of industry professionals at the show who were speakers, and whose thoughts, ideas and concerns I am liberally using. These insights ar...
Meta Search Marketing: The New Revenue Frontier in Hospitality
the Authors and HeBS Digital | July 16, 2013
By Max Starkov and Tara Dyer Background Meta search in travel and hospitality has been around since the early 2000s. One of the earliest examples was Sidestep.com, now part of Kayak.com, which was acquired by Priceline earlier this year. In Europe, one such example is Trivago.com, now predominantly owned by Expedia.com. WeGo.com is one such example in Asia Pacific. Meta search marketing in hospitality is online advertising that requires real-time room availability and pricing feed. This new "hybrid" digital marketing format, the result of the convergence of hotel online distribution and online advertising, requires: Real-time hotel in...
California’s Oaks at Ojai Spa Names Peter Bowen as General Manager
The Oaks at Ojai | July 16, 2013
Ojai, Calif. (July 16, 2013) -- The renowned Oaks at Ojai has named Peter Bowen as general manager to oversee the daily operations, growth and success of the beloved destination spa. He comes to The Oaks from a 16-year tenure at the five-diamond Ojai Valley Inn where he held positions ranging from director of rooms, director of distribution and revenue and director of sales and marketing, and grew average daily rate and occupancy consistently. Cathy Cluff, CEO and president of The Oaks at Ojai, states, "We are delighted to have Peter as part of The Oaks family. We have worked with him in the community for many years and his customer cen...
TPG Hospitality Opens the Holiday Inn Hartford – East in Connecticut
The Procaccianti Group (TPG) | July 16, 2013
TPG Construction Completes Major Renovation and Rebranding Project PROVIDENCE, R.I., July 16, 2013 -- The Procaccianti Group (TPG), announced that its construction affiliate, TPG Construction, has completed the renovation and conversion of the former Sheraton East Hartford Hotel. The property has been rebranded to the Holiday Inn East Hartford following a 6 month, multimillion dollar renovation which includes extensive exterior and interior upgrades to the newest standards of the recent brand relaunch by Holiday Inn. The hotel, owned by The Procaccianti Group, will be managed by its hospitality affiliate TPG Hospitality. "Our guests wi...
Guest – Can You Spend A Dime? Hotels Struggle To Get Extra Spend In 2012 / Robert Mandelbaum
Robert Mandelbaum | July 16, 2013
The highlight of the recovery from the 2008/2009 industry recession has been the strong return of lodging demand. According to Smith Travel Research (STR), occupancy levels at U.S. hotels increased from a low of 54.5 percent in 2009 to 61.4 percent in 2012. With occupancy levels approaching the long-run average, hotel managers have become more aggressive with their pricing policies. Average Daily room Rates (ADR) rose 4.2 percent in 2012, and are forecast to nominally eclipse the pre-recession peak ADR in 2013. Gains in both ADR and occupancy resulted in a 6.8 percent growth in RevPAR for all U.S. hotels in the STR sample during 2012. W...
Omni Hotels & Resorts to Manage Toronto’s Historic King Edward Hotel
Omni Hotels & Resorts | July 16, 2013
IRVING, Texas (July 16, 2013) – Omni Hotels & Resorts announced today that it will become the long term operator of The King Edward Hotel, the first and most famous luxury hotel in Toronto. Omni will begin management of the historic property on August 1, 2013, which will be flagged The Omni King Edward Hotel. The venture with current owners King Edward Realty Inc. continues Omni's enterprise of strategic expansion to own, operate and/or manage distinctive luxury hotels and resorts throughout North America, with a focus on major convention centers, leisure destinations and city centers. Built in 1903, the hotel has long been admire...
Supertel Hospitality Names Jeffrey W. Dougan Chief Operating Officer
Supertel Hospitality, Inc. | July 16, 2013
Steve Gilbert to Provide Continuity During Transition and Retire at Year-End NORFOLK, NE - Jul 16, 2013 - Supertel Hospitality, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPPR), a real estate investment trust (REIT) which currently owns 75 hotels comprising 6,474 rooms in 21 states, today announced that Jeffrey W. Dougan has joined the company as chief operating officer. He will replace Steven C. Gilbert who will provide continuity during the transition and retire at year-end. In his new role, Dougan will be responsible for overseeing the REIT's third-party management companies, as well as maintaining positive brand relationships with current and future brand famil...
Tyler, Texas CVB Signs with Regatta Travel Solutions
Regatta Travel Solutions | July 16, 2013
Charlottesville, Virginia (July 16, 2013) - Regatta Travel Solutions announced today that the Tyler, Texas CVB has signed an agreement to use the Regatta booking engine on visittyler.com. "We have heard a lot about what Regatta is doing for the DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) industry, and we no longer want to sit on the sidelines," said Shari Rickman, Vice President of the Tyler Convention & Visitors Bureau. "During the online demo our entire board was extremely impressed by what Regatta has developed for our industry. Regatta's innovation and energy are a breath of fresh air for DMOs. We can't wait to get started." "We ar...
Israel’s 227-key Dan Carmel in Haifa Completes Extensive Renovation
Dan Hotels | July 16, 2013
New York - July 16, 2013: The historic Dan Carmel hotel, set atop Mount Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean port city of Haifa, celebrates its 50th anniversary this month. Opened in 1963 as the only five-star hotel in northern Israel, the Dan Carmel has hosted a wide range of international dignitaries and celebrities in its 50-year existence, from U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and King Badouin of Belgium to movie stars Sophia Loren, Peter Finch, Peter Ustinov, Melina Mercouri, Joan Fontaine and author James Michener, among others. The focal point of the Dan Carmel's semicentennial anniversary is last year'...
Grace Bay Resorts Adds the 46-key West Bay Club in Turks and Caicos to its Luxury Portfolio
Grace Bay Resorts | July 16, 2013
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos - July 16, 2013 - Grace Bay Resorts announced today that it will assume operational responsibility and take an ownership stake in the management of West Bay Club, the idyllic resort located just three miles from Grace Bay Club on the award-winning Grace Bay Beach. The hotel will be re-branded as 'West Bay Club, a Grace Bay Resort', effective immediately. With 46 luxuriously appointed oceanfront suites, the hotel blends Caribbean charm with modern, chic design. West Bay Club currently operates one restaurant, Atlantic Bar & Grill that offers a casual, poolside dining experience, as well as an intimate...
Hilton Worldwide Finds Solution They’re Looking for in UniFocus Time and Attendance and LMS Systems
Hilton Worldwide | July 16, 2013
DALLAS - JULY 16TH, 2013 - UniFocus, the leader in Labor Management solutions for the hospitality industry, is pleased to announce that Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company, has chosen UniFocus' innovative Labor Management (LMS) and Time and Attendance (T&A) Systems to optimize its global labor management initiative. "Labor is the largest expense incurred by hotels, and we were seeking out leading-edge technology to really drive our Global Labor Management System (GLMS) initiative," says Patrick Volz, Vice President of Operations Finance - the Americas, Hilton Worldwide. "After a thorough review of the major vendor...
PolyU Study Finds Overcapacity Problem Looming for Hong Kong Hotels
July 16, 2013
July 16, 2013 - Hong Kong hotels are facing a serious problem of overcapacity that is likely to become more severe over the coming years, according to Dr Henry Tsai of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and a co-researcher. In a recently published research paper the pair note that although there is consistently high demand for hotels in the city, demand forecasts indicate a significant shortfall in likely booking when compared to the rooms available. The failure to implement strategies to improve this situation, they suggest, will decrease the profitability of Hong Kong's hotels, and significantly increase their operation...
Pinnacle Advisory Group Vice President Jonathan Jaeger is Awarded MAI Designation
July 16, 2013
July 2013 - New York City – After more than five years of qualifying education and extensive experience, Jonathan Jaeger has achieved the prestigious MAI designation with the Appraisal Institute. By earning the MAI designation, Mr. Jaeger has joined an elite group of consultants/appraisers who have met rigorous professional requirements relating to education, testing, experience and demonstration of knowledge, understanding and ability. MAIs are recognized experts in appraising properties of all kinds and form a business network encompassing markets nationwide and around the world. Currently, approximately 5,650 real estate appraisal ...
Annual Boutique & Lifestyle Leadership Symposium Warmly Welcomed by the Industry for the 2nd Year
The Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) | July 16, 2013
October 21-13, 2013 Conference To Feature CEO's From The Top Boutique, Lifestyle, & Luxury Hotel Brands As Well As Independently Owned Hotels Los Angeles, CA, July 16, 2013 - The hospitality industry's leading boutique, lifestyle and luxury brand CEO's and independent property owners are gathering in Los Angeles October 21-23, 2013 to discuss the sectors opportunities for development, investment and operating profitability. Organized by the Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA), the annual event has become known for providing the richest, most relevant content available for owners and managers looking for the next holy gr...
Starwood Opens the 124-room Sheraton Tucuman Hotel in Argentina
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | July 16, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn.- Jul. 16, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces the opening of the highly anticipated Sheraton Tucuman Hotel in Argentina. The spectacular new property offers a vibrant, open atmosphere and all of Sheraton brand's signature amenities and services, including Sheraton Club Lounge, Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft®, and Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core® Performance. It also features extensive state-of-the-art meeting facilities, making it the ideal venue for events. The hotel is located in Tucuman, the capital of the province, facing the beautiful 9 de Julio Park, and blocks...
The Newly Renovated 124-room La Quinta Inn & Suites Boise Town Square Opens in Idaho
La Quinta | July 16, 2013
Owned by Boise Hotel Partners LC and Managed by Western States Lodging Management DALLAS (July 16, 2013) - La Quinta Inns & Suites announced the opening of the newly renovated La Quinta Inn & Suites at 6546 Boise Town Square, Boise, Idaho. The 124-room property is owned by Boise Hotel Partners LC, which invested in upgrades to the hotel's lobby area, breakfast area and rooms, in preparation for the re-opening as a La Quinta. It is managed by Western States Lodging Management. The hotel is located just minutes from local corporate headquarters, businesses, leisure attractions and Boise State University, as well as a wide variety of ...
The 50-room BEST WESTERN PLUS College Park Hotel Opens in Maryland, Owned by Vipul Patel
Best Western International, Inc. | July 16, 2013
COLLEGE PARK, Md., July 16, 2013 - Best Western International announces the opening of the BEST WESTERN PLUS College Park Hotel, located at 8419 Baltimore Avenue. Owned by Vipul Patel, the 100% smoke free hotel features 50 guest room. Hotel amenities include a full complimentary hot breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Each room is equipped with a 46" LED television, refrigerator, microwave and free wireless Internet access. For business travelers, the hotel offers a 24-hour complimentary business center with printing and faxing services, and free wireless Internet access in all public areas. "We are proud to welcome the BEST WESTER...
Holiday Inn Express Hotel Breaks Ground in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico; Slated to Open in Summer 2014
July 16, 2013
Xalapa, Ver (July 15, 2013) - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Selfi Grupo Operador de Estacionamientos, S.A. de C.V., recently celebrated the ground break on April 22nd of the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel Xalapa. Prominent personalities who attended the ground-breaking ceremony included José Antonio Mansur Beltrán, Federal Delegate of the Economy Ministry, (SE), Carlos Canales Freeman, Chairman State of the Association of Industrial of the State of Veracruz A.C. (Aievac), members of Congress of State and executives, and members of the construction company GILCA among others. Slated to open summer 2014, the construction of this ...
Urban Spaces Art Hotel Ibiza: An art project disguised as a boutique hotel continues to morph
Urban Spaces | July 16, 2013
IBIZA July 18, 2013 - Urban Spaces Art Hotel has burst onto the scene as the first dedicated art hotel in Ibiza. Its ethos is to provide an incomparable service whilst offering its guests the opportunity to relax, immersed in the surroundings of incredible, original artwork. Urban Spaces Art Hotel was inspired by the famous Carlton Arms Hotel and its history of urban art. The hotel is the vision of owner, Ira Francis, who realised his ambition when the 15-bedroom establishment, in an enviable heart of Ibiza Town location, opened its doors for the first time in the spring of 2013. Being a small boutique hotel, Urban Spaces Art Hotel does...
Westin New York Grand Central Hotel Appoints Maureen O’Brien as Director Of Sales & Marketing
Westin New York Grand Central | July 15, 2013
Maureen O'Brien has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing at The Westin New York Grand Central, bringing more than 25 years of sales and hospitality experience to the newest Westin in New York City. Most recently, O'Brien was the Vice President of Business Development at Accommodations International (API), successfully building and growing global hotel and airline accounts. She has extensive hotel experience and prior positions include Area Director of Sales & Marketing at the Millennium Broadway, New York; Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Raffles Hotels and Resorts, New York; Group Sales Manager for the Crowne...
