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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Yield Management: Offensive and Defensive Strategy
Anne R. Lloyd-Jones | August 20, 2018
By Anne R. Lloyd-Jones Many markets in the U.S. have experienced substantial increases in inventory, with some recording year-over-year supply increases of 5.0% or more. Thus far, occupancy levels have generally remained strong, as most markets have seen demand growth keep pace with supply. The same cannot be said for average rates. The first signs of market saturation are often found in the average rate trends. Why? The short answer to this question is yield management. Yield management is the practice of adjusting the price and availability of inventory in response to changing market conditions, including consumer preferences and dem...
Owners, Asset Managers Emphasize Need for Leadership in Revenue Strategy
Mark Brandau | August 17, 2018
By Mark Brandau Hotel owners and asset managers led the charge at RSS 2018 for revenue-focused leadership that would help them and the major brands whose flags they carry. A more holistic Revenue Strategy that maximizes profitability is within reach, RSS attendees said, but it requires greater collaboration among all stakeholders, as well as all departments of a property. Highlights from RSS show that hoteliers recognize and emphasize the needs in the industry for greater alignment, leadership development and investment in technology. Aligning the Hotel Industry for Revenue Strategy The prevailing sentiment about Revenue Strategy, share...
OLS Hotels & Resorts Appoints Three Key Management Positions for Company’s Hawaii Properties
OLS Hotels & Resorts | August 17, 2018
Honolulu-based hotel management company announces appointments of Nicole Darity as director of sales, Hawaii, Alyson Wee as revenue manager and Steve Keller as controller HONOLULU, AUGUST 17, 2018 – OLS Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel management company of 22 hotels and resorts throughout the U.S., is proud to announce the appointments of three key management positions within the company's Honolulu headquarters: Nicole Darity as director of sales, Hawaii, Alyson Wee as revenue manager and Steve Keller as controller. With their extensive knowledge and experience in the Hawaii market, the new team members will play an integral...
Puerto Rico’s Iconic Caribe Hilton Names Diamond Public Relations Agency of Record
Diamond Public Relations | August 17, 2018
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 2018 - Diamond Public Relations has added the Caribe Hilton San Juan to its roster of award-winning travel and tourism clients, overseeing brand awareness in North America for the iconic Caribbean resort. The bi-coastal agency, headquartered in Miami, will support the opening of the property this winter, as well as maintain ongoing PR initiatives geared toward increasing awareness of the Caribe Hilton and encouraging travel back to the sparkling, culture-soaked beaches of Puerto Rico. "The Caribe Hilton is the grand dame of Puerto Rico with a history dating back to 1949 and almost 70 years worth of stories to te...
Dual-Brand Hotel Market Overview
J. Carter Allen | August 17, 2018
By J. Carter Allen This article focuses on specific market analysis and data applicable to the development and operation of dual-branded hotels. Much has been written about the dual-brand concept over the last several years, particularly related to the asset type's benefits and challenges. Instead of providing another such piece that rephrases the same concepts in different ways, this article will focus on data collected from our work with dual-branded hotels over the last several years. While a review of the history of dual-branded hotels and some basic concepts are necessary, this article will hope to provide new data and prove, or di...
Industry Research Offers an Inside Look at Millennials’ Unique Hotel Needs
FutureBrand Speck | August 17, 2018
REDWOOD CITY, CA – August 17, 2018 – According to new research by FutureBrand Speck, part of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), Millennials (those currently 22-37) have a higher demand for enriching experiences over traditional hotel amenities. FutureBrand Speck surveyed 250 travelers to better understand how to attract and retain guests in the hospitality sector, and found disparate results among the generations. Younger generations are more willing to pay for technology and wellness services when they are well integrated into the hotel journey. Millennials surveyed would be more appreciative of fitness and wellness offerings d...
How Technology Is Driving Transparency in Real Estate
Real Views | August 17, 2018
From buildings filled with sensors tracking employees, to software that monitors reams of leasing documents, new technologies are rapidly being incorporated across the commercial real estate industry. While no two tools are the same, they share a common output: data. Big data, and the technology driving it, are promising huge leaps forward for the real estate industry. While broad-based data collection requires requisite caution, the eventual outcome is likely to be greater transparency, especially in markets where information remains tightly held, according to JLL and LaSalle's Global Transparency Index. "Property is in the midst of a ...
HTNG Publishes Framework and Guidance for Hotels Implementing Voice Technologies
Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) | August 17, 2018
White paper establishes best practices for adopting voice technologies in hotels CHICAGO (August 17, 2018) - HTNG's Voice Interaction Framework Workgroup announces the publication of a first of its kind white paper that offers guidance and best practices for the implementation of voice technologies in hotels. The rapid growth of interest in voice-based hotel guest engagement makes this release particularly timely and valuable to HTNG members and the broader community of hoteliers. Key industry players from hotelier and technology vendor communities met bi-weekly over the course of 12 months to identify and vet suggested guidelines f...
Joerg Rodig Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
| August 17, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (August 17, 2018) – Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco announces Joerg Rodig as the General Manager to the downtown luxury hotel. Most recently, he was General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Whistler. A dynamic leader whose reputation as an innovator has made lasting impressions with his team, Rodig brings more than 20 years of global hospitality, food & beverage, and finance experience to the property. "Leading the iconic Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco in the heart of the city is a dream come true and huge honor," shares Rodig. "I can't wait to dive in, get to know my team, the community, and fall furthe...
Mainsail Lodging & Development Add to Executive Team of the Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club
Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club | August 17, 2018
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. (August 17, 2018) – Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, a full-service boutique waterfront hotel on Anna Maria Island, announced today new additions to the hotel's executive team: Christopher Hunter, general manager and Noland Dunnan, food and beverage manager. General Manager Chris Hunter will oversee the hiring of new staff and day-to-day operations of Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, as well as its sister property, Mainsail Beach Inn, an award-winning 12-unit luxury beachfront property on the west coast of Anna Maria Island. With more than 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry...
Gulph Creek Hotels Selected to Manage the Crowne Plaza Boston Newton
Gulph Creek Hotels | August 17, 2018
WAYNE, P.A. – August 16, 2018 – Gulph Creek Hotels, a leading Mid Atlantic hotel management and development company, today announced that they have been selected to manage the 270-room Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newton, Massachusetts. The Crowne Plaza Boston Newton offers the best in comfort and convenience. Perfect for visiting local attractions and experiencing the bustling city life. The hotel is located near Fenway Park, the aquarium and convention center. The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center and onsite restaurants, Lobby 320 and Social Restaurant & Bar. "We are excited to be entering the New England market w...
Giuseppe Lama Named Managing Director of Carmel Valley Ranch on California’s Central Coast
Carmel Valley Ranch | August 17, 2018
Carmel Valley, Calif. (August 16, 2018) – Esteemed hospitality veteran Giuseppe Lama has been appointed Managing Director of Carmel Valley Ranch, an award-winning resort that sprawls across 500 bucolic acres in Carmel Valley on California's Central Coast. Lama, who holds more than 30 years of international hotel and resort experience spanning several countries, will guide daily and long-term operations for Carmel Valley Ranch. "I am honored to join Carmel Valley Ranch, which brings to life the magic of the Carmel Valley landscape for every guest," said Lama. "I look forward to working with this special team to create new experienc...
Southern Hospitality Services Unveils First Modular Construction Hotel for Home2 Suites by Hilton Brand
Home2 Suites by Hilton | August 17, 2018
San Francisco, CA and MCLEAN, VA – August 17, 2018 – Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, continues to be an industry-leader in the use of innovative building techniques announcing that the brand will open its first hotel using modular construction in early 2019. Developed by Southern Hospitality Services, LLC., and constructed by Akshar Development Inc., brand executives gathered yesterday at the future site of the Home2 Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport North for a staging ceremony where pre-fabricated elements of the hotel were put into position. The hotel represents the Bay Area...
Five tips to check your hotel room for bed bugs – is this still necessary in 2018?
Valpas Enterprises | August 17, 2018
When searching results for "how to check hotel room for bed bugs" from Google you get 12 400 000 results. It doesn't take too many minutes to notice that all of them follow the same dramaturgy. By following these easy steps you guarantee a nice stay in a hotel: When you first enter a new hotel room, keep your luggage off the floor until you have inspected the room. Get yourself a flashlight - bed bugs are hard to spot, especially when hiding under furniture or in dark corners of your hotel room. Start with the bed, where bed bugs usually nest. Look for dark spots of insect waste and blood stains that indicate bedbugs' messy eating....
U.S. Travel’s ‘Made in America’ Report Highlights Value, Importance of Promoting Tourism
The U.S. Travel Association | August 16, 2018
WASHINGTON (August 16, 2018)—The U.S. Travel Association this week released an in-depth report detailing travel and tourism's indispensable role in states' and communities' economic health. Entitled "Made in America: Travel's Essential Contribution to Economic Development," the 50-page report utilizes case studies and economic data to educate policymakers and the public about the critical need for sustained efforts to promote their jurisdictions as travel destinations. While the report delivers a positive message, its findings warn that the financial toll for America's communities can be devastating w...
Ten New Hilton Garden Inn Properties Mark Expansion in U.S. and Germany Along With Firsts in France and Zambia
Hilton Garden Inn | August 16, 2018
MCLEAN, Va. – August 16, 2018 – Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) global, upscale brand of hotels, has opened 10 new properties in travel-friendly destinations, including firsts for the brand in France and Zambia. The latest openings, across four different countries, continue the brand's rapid global growth in popular markets, such as Bordeaux – France's highly sought-after wine-growing region and the top city in the world1 to visit in 2017. "With these 10 new properties, we are building on our commitment to anticipate and cater to the evolving needs of today's modern traveler," said John Greenleaf, global head, ...
Radisson Hotel Group Appoints Catherine Higgins Whiteside as Vice President of Marketing for the Americas
Radisson Hotel Group | August 16, 2018
Minneapolis - August 16, 2018 - Radisson Hotel Group today announced the appointment of Catherine Higgins Whiteside as Vice President of Marketing in the Americas. In this role, Higgins Whiteside will be responsible for the creation and execution of strategic marketing programs that build consumer awareness, deliver exceptional experiences and ultimately drive loyalty of Radisson Hotel Group brands throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America. She will lead the Creative Services, Brand Marketing, Digital Marketing, Field Marketing and Social Media teams. "The addition of a strong leader like Catherine will have a large impact o...
Dorothy Dowling Honored as 2018 GBTA Allied Member of the Year
August 16, 2018
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Earns Prestigious Recognition for Valued Stewardship in Business Travel PHOENIX (August 16, 2018) – Dorothy Dowling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts has been named the 2018 Allied Member of the Year by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the world's largest professional association and a leading source of business travel knowledge. This prestigious award recognizes a GBTA Allied (travel supplier) Member who has contributed to the continued growth and knowledge of the ...
IHG and Precinct Propteries Sign Agreement for 244-Room InterContinental Auckland Set to Open in 2022
IHG | August 16, 2018
Auckland will welcome a flagship InterContinental hotel in 2022 with IHG® and Precinct Properties, the largest city centre real estate owner in New Zealand, signing an agreement to open InterContinental Auckland. InterContinental Auckland will enjoy an unrivalled location on the city's waterfront, with a halo address at 1 Queen Street that will inevitably become a destination in its own right. It will complete the $1 billion Commercial Bay mixed-use development, which boasts the largest concentration of high quality retail facilities in the city and a new 39-level office tower with 39,000m2 of premium office space. The world-class w...
Fattal Hotels Acquires the Apollo Hotels
Fattal Hotels | August 16, 2018
13 Hotels will be integrated into the Leonardo Hotels portfolio; the group now operates more than 150 hotels across Europe in 85 destinations Tel Aviv/Berlin, 16. August 2018: The takeover of 13 Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands by the Israeli hotel group Fattal Hotels, which was announced at the end of June, is sealed. The Fattal Group and the former owners of Apollo Hotels, European Hotel Management B.V., have now officially completed the transaction. The portfolio of Leonardo Hotels, the European division of the Fattal Hotel Group, thereby increases to over 150 hotels in 85 destinations. This amounts to over 28,000 rooms and 800 meeti...
U.S. Travel Honors Tourism Marketers at ESTO
the U.S. Travel Association | August 16, 2018
PHOENIX (August 16, 2018)—The U.S. Travel Association announced the recipients of the 2018 Mercury and Destiny Awards and the State Tourism Director of the Year at its 35th annual ESTO conference (the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations), held here August 11-14. Twenty-six U.S. Travel member organizations were honored for excellence and creative accomplishments in destination marketing and inspiring the continued development of imaginative promotional programs. Mercury and Destiny Awards A full list of the Mercury and Destiny Award recipients is available online. The Destiny Awards recognize excellence in destination mar...
3 Hotel Website Designs That Are Inspiring Guests to Book
Nina Simons | August 16, 2018
By Nina Simons A hotel website is not a pretty banner that showcases the facility's best assets – it's actually the place where the guest experience begins nowadays. Through design and content, the website can present your hotel and the experience it offers effectively, making it your best tool for establishing trust and encouraging direct booking. Now, we can have different opinions on which website "looks good" and which details of its design we like. But our subjective opinions on the intricacies of design are completely irrelevant to the question of conversion. The user experience is what essentially drives conversions, and a good...
The Critical Alignment of Systems: The History of Hospitality API
August 16, 2018
By Jos Schaap CEO and Founder - StayNTouch It's no secret — providing a high-level guest experience requires the support of high-level technology. As we shift into a mobile-centric, hyper-personalized era led by the digital demands of the modern consumer, the pressure for hotels to continuously introduce new technology and advance their existing offering(s) is staggering. While the adoption and timely implementation of new technology is undeniably paramount in a hotel's appeal to the modern consumer — the success of this new technology relies largely on whether that technology is built on an open API. Think of it this way: i...
One Year Later: The Rebound of the Caribbean Following the 2017 Hurricane Season
Kristina M. D'Amico | August 16, 2018
By Kristina M. D'Amico It has been one year since the most dynamic, active, and destructive hurricane period hit the Caribbean in decades. Despite the devastating effect to the region, the resiliency of the Caribbean hotel market has been demonstrated particularly well over the last year, spurred by a strong recovery effort and bolstered by an influx of new airlift to the region. Strong Recovery Effort Of the 32 Caribbean island nations, just seven were significantly affected (three quite severely) by the 2017 hurricane season. Significant progress has been made on each of these seven major islands, as follows: Source: HVS Researc...
