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Industry Happenings
Hilton Names Danny Hughes Executive Vice President and President for Americas Region
Hilton | August 23, 2018
MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the appointment of Danny Hughes as Executive Vice President and President, Americas. Effective September 4, Hughes will oversee Hilton's interests across North, Central and South America with a focus on enhancing the managed portfolio. "Danny is a 30-year Hilton and hospitality industry veteran with professional expertise developed in property, operations, and commercial leadership roles," said Christopher J. Nassetta, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hilton. "He is a shrewd commercial leader and a consistent advocate for our guests, Team Members, and owners. Danny's successful trac...
How to Measure Social Media ROI: A 4-Step Plan for Marketers [Infographic]
MDG Advertising | August 23, 2018
Are you unsure about how to measure the return on investment of your social media marketing? If so, you're not alone. According to The CMO Survey, only 23% of senior marketers say they can determine the impact of their social efforts quantitatively. This struggle is understandable: assessing all the various types of organic social engagements that happen across multiple platforms can often feel like impossible task. The truth is that it's not. While measuring social ROI does take some time and work, it's absolutely achievable for firms of all types. So, how can brands tackle this problem? To find out, check out the key findings below, a...
Choice Hotels Promotes Pete Metzger to Franchise Development Regional Vice President for the Ascend Hotel Collection
Ascend Hotel Collection: let the destination reach you | August 23, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md. (August 23, 2018) – Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel franchisors, has promoted Pete Metzger to franchise development regional vice president of the Ascend Hotel Collection brand. In this new role, Metzger will lead the growth of the brand's footprint in North America and the Caribbean. "Since its launch 10 years ago, the Ascend Hotel Collection brand continues to rapidly expand and solidify its position as the industry's first and largest soft brand," said Mark Shalala, vice president, upscale franchise development, Choice Hotels. "In the past six months alone, we've st...
WoodSpring Suites Executed 46 Franchise Agreements in First Half of 2018
August 23, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 23, 2018 -- WoodSpring Suites is on pace to significantly exceed the brand's previous record for the number of new franchise agreements awarded in a single year. Through the first half of the year, the brand, which is franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), executed 46 franchise agreements, all but two of which took place after being acquired by Choice on February 1. WoodSpring now boasts more than 340 hotels open or in the pipeline. "Since the acquisition, developer interest in the WoodSpring Suites brand has grown tremendously. With demand continuing to increase for longer-term stays,...
“Designing to a Budget” Rather Than “Budgeting a Design”
DRB Development Solutions | August 23, 2018
One of the most common mistakes made by Owners is failing to provide a budget for the design team to achieve. Too often we find that an Owner has provided the designers a concept or idea of what the project is to achieve, seeking some spectacular look or feel. Then Owners let the design team create that image and feeling. I am sure there often is a "notional discussion" of a budget but in my experience that is never really heard by the designers or resurrected by the Owners until after the first pricing exercise. Please do not get me wrong, this reactionary practice has kept our firm very busy for more than 35 years. We are repeatedly c...
When Does a Hotel Become Not a Hotel?
Frances Kiradjian | August 23, 2018
By Frances Kiradjian As we march further into this exciting time in hospitality, the boundary lines between various lodging accommodations grow increasingly blurred. Now more than ever, mega-brands are adopting key pieces from the boutique handbook in order to stay competitive and increase occupancy rates. Conversely, brands who evolved from the hostel model are pivoting away from shared sleeping quarters to move toward a cross somewhere in-between a hostel and boutique vibe. Generator found their footing in the modern lodging world with their successful hostel model which can be found sprinkled throughout Europe. However, when pursuing...
Softscribe Inc. Identifies Top 12 Quotes From Industry Leaders at Hotel Data Conference 2018
Softscribe Inc. | August 23, 2018
Technology Integrates Operations, Loyalty Programs, Guest Experience to Create Profits and Memories that Last a Lifetime. BENTONVILLE, AR – August 23, 2018 – Softscribe Inc., a leading hotel tech PR firm, attended the 10th annual Hotel Data Conference (HDC) this month in Nashville, TN with top industry leaders and technology providers. Smith Travel Research (STR) hosted 675 attendees, with 71 on the waitlist, at the Omni Nashville for a 3-day deep dive into data, performance, and trends for the global hospitality industry. Softscribe Inc. CEO, Julie Keyser Squires, attended on behalf of the company's PR clients. Top Quotes ...
Intelity X KEYPR Meet Guests’ Mobile Demands
Intelity | August 23, 2018
Study shows despite guests ongoing requests for more mobile engagement, few hotels are offering functionality everywhere guests want it; Intelity X KEYPR can help According to Hospitality Technology's 2018 Customer Engagement Technology Study, hotels are slow to adopt the mobile functionality guests want. Over 40% of those surveyed want to do one or more of the following: use their smartphones and tablets to manage reservations, control the guest room environment, check in/out, request services, order room service, unlock their rooms, and more. However, fewer than half of all hotels currently offer a majority of these mobile feature...
McKibbon Hospitality Completes Major Renovations in Tampa, Athens and Knoxville
McKibbon Hospitality | August 22, 2018
Tampa, FL. (August 22, 2018) – McKibbon Hospitality, an award-----winning leader in the hotel development and management industry, has completed major renovations at hotels in Tampa, Athens and Knoxville. The newly renovated properties include the Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Sabal Park/Brandon; the Courtyard by Marriott Athens Downtown; the Courtyard by Marriott Knoxville Cedar Bluff; and the Residence Inn by Marriott Knoxville Cedar Bluff. "We are pleased to further invest in the Tampa, Athens and Knoxville markets through this series of renovations," said Erik Rowen, president of development and renovation services for McKib...
IHG® and Champion Hotels Open avid hotel Oklahoma City-Quail Springs Marking Brand’s First Property
IHG | August 22, 2018
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) today announces the official opening of its first avid™ hotels property, the 87-room avid hotel Oklahoma City-Quail Springs. IHG's newest mainstream hotel brand was created to meet the needs of 14 million travelers who are currently underserved in this $20 billion market segment. The brand was designed with input from both target consumers and an Owner Advisory Board of leading IHG hotel owners. With their valuable input, IHG designed the avid hotels experience to deliver exactly what guests have been waiting for in a mainstream hotel, while also being easy to build, operate and maintain. T...
Sunray Group of Hotels Opens Four Points Hamilton – Stoney Creek Following Rebranding
Four Points | August 22, 2018
Marriott International, Inc.® today announced the opening of Four Points Hamilton - Stoney Creek. Catering to the needs of today's everyday traveler, the hotel offers approachable design, stylish comfort and all the brand's popular extras including a 24-hour fitness center, heated indoor pool, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and the Best Brews & BBQ™ program, detailed below. Asset managed by Sunray Group of Hotels, Four Points Hamilton - Stoney Creek, previously under the name Quality Hotel Hamilton, offers 138 spacious guest rooms, over 1,100 sq. ft. of meeting space, a 24-hour fitness center, a heated i...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Jeff Donnelly as Vice President of Development
Dream Hotel Group | August 22, 2018
NEW YORK, NY (August 22, 2018) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Donnelly as Vice President of Development. Based in New York City, Donnelly will play an integral role in the continued growth and success of the company, overseeing the development of new projects and sourcing new deals globally for Dream Hotel Group and its portfolio of lifestyle brands: Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels. Donnelly brings nearly 10 years of hospitality experience to Dream Hotel Group. He most recently served as principal partner and founder of JD ...
Margaritaville Resort Orlando Appoints Scott Robbins as General Manager
Margaritaville Resort Orlando | August 22, 2018
Orlando, Fla. – August 22, 2018 – Margaritaville Resort Orlando, the highly-anticipated $750 million vacation destination set to open in early 2019, today announced the appointment of Scott Robbins (pictured left) as general manager. An industry veteran whose dedication and tenacity has propelled him through his 30-year career across the globe, Robbins will oversee all aspects of the hotel, including food & beverage, spa and fitness operations, sales, and guest relations. "I could not imagine a more exciting place to write the next chapter of my story," said Robbins. "Central Florida is booming, and Margaritaville Resort...
Loyalty Begins With a Smile
Alan Young | August 22, 2018
How a trip to Budapest reignited my love of travel By Alan E. Young, CEO, Puzzle Partner Loyalty begins with a smile. It sounds simple enough however it can be a challenge to receive a smile in today's hectic, overly self-indulgent environment. We focus on selfies, Facebook, Instagram and have slowly lost touch with what is most important, creating face to face relationships that can last the test of time. The hotel industry faces this challenge daily. While reading an article on Skift titled, "Google Finds Customer Service Beats Loyalty Programs," I saw this as such a basic point. Of course, great service will trump a loyalty program e...
Another Move by the OTAs That Is Harmful to Hotel Profitability – What You Need to Know
HEBS Digital | August 22, 2018
By Max Starkov Background: Two recent events in hotel distribution created a mild media buzz, but unfortunately were ignored by some hoteliers and quickly forgotten by the industry: Expedia's Add-On Advantage and Booking.basic. Below we will discuss the issues with these two new initiatives by Expedia and Booking.com, reminiscent of the old Wild West times of hotel distribution and the early years of unruly OTAs, before rate parity and best rate guarantees. Both OTA initiatives use package or wholesale rates in clear violation of package and wholesale rates contract terms. We feel compelled to remind hoteliers how detrimental these new ...
Enhancing the Guest Experience with Personalized Menus
Larry Mogelonsky | August 22, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) A modern hotel must give its guests a personalized experience if it hopes to keep pace with traveler expectations. While all hoteliers broadly understand the concept, integration costs and outdated management protocols can become potential barriers. Hence, when I see an effort at personalization that bypasses these barriers, no matter how small, I get excited. Turning our attention to another central aspect of the modern hotel experience – F&B – how do you make patrons in your restaurant feel as if you have personalized the dining experience for them? While undoubted...
Budgeting for 2019? Follow the Supply and the Economy
CBRE Group, Inc. | August 22, 2018
Atlanta – August 22, 2018 – New hotel rooms coming onto the U.S. market shouldn't be a concern for established hotel operators because demand will continue to exceed moderating new-supply levels through 2019, according to CBRE Hotels' Americas Research's recently released September 2018 Hotel Horizons® forecast report. CBRE Hotels Research forecasts that supply will peak at a 2.0 percent gain in 2018 and then stabilize at the long-run average of 1.9 percent for the next two years. Further, the number of projects entering all phases of the development pipeline is declining. "On a broad national basis, the supply increases...
Cloudonix Certifies Cetis VoIP Hotel Phones
Cloudonix | August 22, 2018
August 22, 2018 (Netanya / Huntsville) Cloudonix, the game changing cloud communications backbone, has certified the new Cetis GEN3 IP Hotel Phones. This certification comes after rigorous testing of the new Cetis VoIP phones to ensure ease of connectivity and the best quality service for customers. The Cetis VoIP phone joins over 20,000 devices and VoIP providers that have been certified to work on the Cloudonix platform. The Cetis phones were connected as end-points on for an application running on the Cloudonix platform. Certification testing included call inception, call completion, and call quality. "Cloudonix is pleased to certify...
5 Customer Service & Sales Steps to Success
ProSolutions | August 22, 2018
By Katie Scheer You only get out of it what you put into it. So how much effort are you putting into making sure that your customer service and sales practices are top notch? Do you have training and quality assurance measures in place? If not, you might be losing out on untapped revenue. Never fear- we have some delicious ideas for your "pudding" so you will know what to do to make sure that you are putting in what it takes to make a difference (difference= more revenue!). Having strong customer service and sales skills are your key ingredients in making sure your "pudding" is something your customers continue to wa...
ALICE and the Government of Puerto Rico Create the Ultimate Traveler’s Experience Platform: “My Puerto Rico” Redefines Hospitality and Elevates
ALICE | August 22, 2018
My Puerto Rico Campaign Overview 3 min 32 sec video "My Puerto Rico" will revolutionize the local industry by becoming the first tourism destination to adopt a customer service platform designed to elevate the visitor's experience. August 22, 2018 – ALICE, the hospitality industry's leading operations platform, has partnered with the Government of Puerto Rico's Tourism Company (PRTC) and Roca Marketing to develop an innovative destination concierge service and trip planning platform available to every hotel and visitor. The new mobile hospitality app, "My Puerto Rico," will improve hotel performance and the guest experience, an...
New 344-Room Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa Opens Marking Debut of First Hyatt Beach Resort in Japan
Hyatt Regency | August 21, 2018
CHICAGO (August 21, 2018) — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa in the southernmost region of Japan. Located on the private Seragaki Island and linked by a bridge to the main island of Okinawa, the hotel offers a stunning view of the East China Sea from all 344 guest rooms. An immersive destination hotel, Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa blends local culture, warm hospitality and thoughtful service, enabling guests to feel refreshed and reconnected to who and what matters to them most. "We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Hyatt Regency Seragaki Islan...
Owned by Vanzhong Real Estate, W Hotels Worldwide Opens W Xi’an in China’s Qujiang District
W Hotels Worldwide | August 21, 2018
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, Inc., today announced the opening of W Xi'an, the brand's seventh hotel in Greater China and the largest W to open in Asia Pacific. Owned by Vanzhong Real Estate and located in the Qujiang District, adjacent to Quijiang Pool Park, where modernity intersects with rich cultural tapestry, W Xi'an is set to ignite the passions of global guests and add a new beat to the pulse of a city whose history spans back over three millennia. Known to many as "the birthplace of Chinese civilization," Xi'an was a popular stop along the Silk Road since ancient times, serving as a collective meeting plac...
European Hotel Industry Performance Over the Cycle
Dr. Isabella Blengini | August 21, 2018
By Dr. Isabella Blengini Over the last four years, we observed a certain level of volatility in the main indicators of hotels' performances, including the occupancy rate, the average daily rate (ADR) and the revenue per available room (RevPar). In particular, European countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, started showing some encouraging signs of recovery, notably over the last two quarters of 2017. France seems to be the country that has been hit the hardest by the prolonged economic downturn that involved Europe. On the country, Italy showed a good degree of stability in terms of hotel performance over the same...
SMASHotels Appoints Mark Shouger as General Manager of Chicago’s Hotel EMC2
Hotel EMC2 | August 21, 2018
Chicago, IL (August 2018) –SMASHotels is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mark Shouger as General Manager of Hotel EMC2. With over three decades of experience working in the hospitality industry, most recently as Managing Director of Ronald McDonald House, Shouger will lead the operation of the 195-room property located in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. As the first property of its kind to celebrate the convergence of art and science, Hotel EMC2 strives to provide an experience for its guests that is exactly like nothing else and Shouger's addition to the executive team plays an integral role in this. "We are elated ...
