HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Jacaruso Enterprises Appears on the Inc. 5000 for the 2nd Consecutive Year, Ranking No. 1058
Jacaruso Enterprises | August 16, 2018
NEW YORK, August 15, 2018 – Inc. magazine today revealed that Texas based Jacaruso Enterprises is No. 1058 on its 37th annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Microsoft, Dell, Domino's Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. "We are truly blessed to be recognized among such an incredible group of companies," s...
Vizergy Digital Marketing Turns 20 Years Young This Month
August 16, 2018
Digital Marketing Firm Celebrates Two Decades of Success in August Vizergy, the hospitality industry's leading digital marketing and technology company celebrates it's 20th anniversary while enjoying record growth and revenues. The company, originally branded as Secure-Res, started in 1998 with a goal of helping hotels and resorts solve a common problem: understanding how to capture customers and generate revenue in the early years of the Internet. "Our founder Joe Hyman really was a bit of a visionary in our space. He developed a piece of software that allowed consumers to make online reservations before platforms like Travelocity and ...
ALICE Creates Eye-Opening Insights to Housekeeping Operations for Hotel Wailea
ALICE | August 15, 2018
Hotel Wailea, Hawaii's only luxury adults-only resort, has selected ALICE to enhance their internal communication and align their staff task management within the most exclusive retreat community on Maui. ALICE is the hospitality industry's leading operations technology, connecting every department of the hotel with one platform for all staff communication and guest requests. Last year, ALICE acquired concierge software provider GoConcierge to augment its technology and customer service offering. Prior to implementing ALICE, Hotel Wailea used radios for communication across their 15 tropical acres and printed checklists to assign staff ...
General Manager Jenna Smith Set to Welcome Guests to New 111-Suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott Newburgh Evansville, Indiana
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | August 15, 2018
Newburgh, IN – August 15, 2018 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's TownePlace Suites by Marriott Newburgh Evansville is scheduled to open for business on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. On average, a TownePlace Suites opens every six days. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Newburgh area. The new hotel located at 9922 Pointe View Drive, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Newburgh Lodging, LLC and managed by Anderson Hospitality Group of Bowling Green, Kentucky. "We are excited to intr...
BENCHMARK® Names Kendra P. Clough Director of Conference Services for the Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, a Benchmark Resor
August 15, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Kendra P. Clough director of conference services for the Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, which is nearing completion in College Station, Texas. The Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property is expected to open in August. Greg Stafford, general manager, made the announcement. "I am very pleased to welcome Kendra to our property," said Mr. Stafford. "She brings vast skills and experience in meeting and event planning to her new role, from both the venue's as well as the professional planner's perspectiv...
BENCHMARK® Names Geraldine Moment Area Director of Revenue
August 15, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Geraldine Moment area director of revenue for Benchmark's Hotel Contessa, located in San Antonio, and the company's new Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, scheduled to open this month in College Station, Texas. Ted Davis, chief sales and marketing officer, made the announcement. "It is such a pleasure to congratulate Geraldine on her promotion," said Mr. Davis "She has been and continues to be a tremendous contributor to Benchmark's revenue management team, and intimately understands our company's Be The D...
Red Roof® Launches Extended Stay Brand HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof®
August 15, 2018
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 15, 2018 -- Convenient, cost-effective and comfortable: the basic essentials of extended stay accommodations, a hospitality sector that has grown immensely in the past few years with extended stay builds currently making up more than a quarter of all hotel development projects in the U.S. pipeline according to Lodging Econometrics. This growth was one of the many reasons that Red Roof, the leader in the economy lodging industry, is entering this market with their newest sub-brand, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof. The brand will undergo a phased launch of over 30 properties across more than 20 markets with nearly 4,000...
Cornelia Samara Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club | August 15, 2018
SURFSIDE, FL, Aug. 15, 2018 - Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club announces Cornelia Samara as General Manager of the legendary property. A true leader in the industry, Samara is an invaluable addition to The Surf Club, bringing decades of experience and knowledge to Surfside, Florida. This role is her first appointment within the company, however Samara is no stranger to the core values of Four Seasons. While launching her career in hospitality, she often leaned on Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp's book, Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy, as a source of inspiration. This early influence, coupled with her strong wo...
G6 Hospitality Names Greg Juceam President and Chief Operating Officer
G6 Hospitality LLC | August 15, 2018
DALLAS, Aug. 15, 2018 -- G6 Hospitality LLC, the parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the United States and Canada, today announced Greg Juceam has joined the company as president and chief operating officer. As part of the executive leadership team, he will report directly to CEO Rob Palleschi. "Greg is a seasoned leader and knows the hospitality sector well, and we are pleased to be able to add him to our executive team," said Rob Palleschi, CEO of G6 Hospitality. "As we continue to move through a period of change for the business, we're confident that Greg will help us advance a number of exciting initi...
GBTA Forecasts Seven Percent Growth in Global Business Travel Spend, Potentially Signifying End to Era of Uncertainty
the Global Business Travel Association | August 15, 2018
Rising Protectionism Threatens to Derail Business Travel Spending Breakout ALEXANDRIA, Va.—August 15, 2018--Global business travel spending reached $1.33 trillion in 2017, advancing 5.8 percent over 2016 levels, according to the GBTA BTI™ Outlook – Annual Global Report & Forecast, a new report released today at GBTA Convention 2018 by the Global Business Travel Association. Spending is forecast to advance another 7.1 percent in 2018 and will expand to $1.7 trillion by 2022. "This pick-up in growth could signify an end to the 'Era of Uncertainty' in global business travel, but rising protectionism is coming at prec...
Brand USA’s Film “National Parks Adventure” Expected to Generate More Than 172,000 International Visits to the U.S. and Increase Visitor Spendin
Brand USA | August 15, 2018
Globally embraced giant-screen film generated nearly 47,000 trips and $173 million in visitor spending in 2017 alone Washington, DC, August 15, 2018 Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, today released the results of a return on investment (ROI) study showing the significant marketing impact of Brand USA's first IMAX and giant-screen film, "National Parks Adventure," on increasing international visitation and spend in the United States. Research by Phocuswright and Oxford Economics found that "National Parks Adventure" will generate $700 million in incremental spend and 172,335 incremental visitors to ...
The Potential and Pitfalls of a Hotel Management Takeover
Gary Hogan | August 15, 2018
By Gary Hogan Taking over an underperforming property can seem like a daunting task. After the excitement of being awarded a management contract, the transition period that follows can be filled with roadblocks — from distrustful employees, to outgoing management diverting their bookings to other hotels, to owners placing unrealistic expectations on performance. While it takes time to rebuild a property to its full potential, leveraging the right opportunities can help you establish quick wins that may ease the transition and create a solid foundation for success. Communicate with your employees Be prepared to encounter rumors, go...
INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Tips to Close Group Business
Cendyn | August 15, 2018
Shorten the sales cycle with proposals that win more groups & events Congratulations, your hotel is on the short list for that big group or event. But even sales pros who "always be closing" know a door can easily slam shut or stall, leaving your team on the hook for group business stuck in the pipeline. How you finesse the proposal is everything. See are our top 10 tips to help you shorten the sales cycle and win more hotel business with proposals and closing techniques that help you seal the deal quickly. ...
HVS Market Pulse: Bangkok, Thailand
Pawinee Chaisiriroj | August 15, 2018
By Pawinee Chaisiriroj and Paola Orneli Bock Bangkok, located in the central region of Thailand, is the county's political and commercial centre and has been the official capital city since 1782. Bangkok is also the main gateway city to Thailand and serves as an aviation hub for the region. The city attracts international and regional markets through a combination of cultural charm and modern shopping centres, appealing to a wide range of travellers. The following article gives a brief overview of Bangkok, its different sub-markets, its tourism industry, and the recent dynamics of the local lodging market. Bangkok Overview Bangkok compr...
Phonesuite Releases Voiceware 3.0 as an Upgrade to Its Existing Hotel Communication Platform
Phonesuite | August 15, 2018
Enhanced software helps hotel managers monitor one or more properties more efficiently using new cloud-based tools to track call data, metrics, and hotel staff (Broomfield, Colorado) – August 15, 2018 – Phonesuite, a leading provider of communications solutions for the hotel industry for more than 25 years, announces the release of upgraded Voiceware 3.0 software, the next iteration in its leading IP-PBX hotel management platform. This major release represents Phonesuite's commitment toward developing innovative tools that help hotels function more efficiently and profitably through cloud-based technology delivery. A signif...
The SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills Completes $22 Million Renovation
SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills | August 15, 2018
(LOS ANGELES, CA; August 15, 2018)—The SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills announces the completion of a comprehensive redesign of the rooms and guest experience ahead of its decade milestone in November 2018. The newly reimagined look, which includes all 234 guestrooms and 63 suites, continues to embrace the property's original identity of elegance and whimsy. Locally inspired guest programming, revamped Garden Terrace events space, and innovated culinary and cocktail experiences round out SLS Beverly Hills' ten-year evolution. "With a fresh energy, vibrant culture and glamourous social scene, Los Angeles is a key...
Everwood Hospitality Partners Completes Acquisition of Former Stockyards Bank Building in Downtown Indianapolis
Everwood Hospitality Partners | August 15, 2018
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (August 15, 2018)—Officials of Everwood Hospitality Partners (EHP), a leading hotel owner/operator with a growing portfolio of full- and select-service hotels nationwide, today announced the company has acquired the former Stockyards Bank Building in downtown Indianapolis. Additionally, EHP released plans to convert the historic building to the 128-room Aloft Indianapolis Downtown. Located at 136 E Market Street, the 12-story structure, built in 1898, has served as law offices, a law library and a bank. Its most recent anchor tenant was Stockyards Bank & Trust. "The Aloft Indianapolis Downtown will benefit f...
Hotel Amapa Appoints Alessandro Stifani as General Manager
Hotel Amapa | August 15, 2018
August 15, 2018 - Puerto Vallarta, MEXICO - Hotel Amapa, the first hotel of its kind opening in early 2019 in the historic old town of Puerto Vallarta, is pleased to announce that Alessandro Stifani has assumed the role of General Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, Stifani brings to the hotel a wealth of exceptional experience in the hospitality industry. "I am excited to lead the wonderful Hotel Amapa team and proud to be a key part of developing its unique presence in Puerto Vallarta," said Stifani. "I look forward to building Hotel Amapa's place in a league of excellence within the lodging industry." Sti...
Loews Hotels & Co Appoints Olivier Gaupin as Corporate Chef
Loews Hotels & Co | August 15, 2018
NEW YORK (August 15, 2018) – Loews Hotels & Co has announced the promotion of Olivier Gaupin to Corporate Chef. An eight-year veteran of Loews Hotels, Gaupin's new role finds him elevating the company's sustainability and sourcing of products, while also focusing on culinary leadership, developing new standards for recruiting, and creating the culinary direction for new and existing hotels. Gaupin will also oversee menu development and execute new food and beverage directives and initiatives. Gaupin joined Loews Hotels in 2010 as opening Executive Chef of Loews Atlanta Hotel. He has received numerous awards and accolades throu...
Hotel Zachary Chicago Teams Up With Cloud5 for a Fan-Focused Converged Network Solution
Cloud5 Communications | August 15, 2018
Two hometown companies hit it out of the park to deliver guest experiences that are a home run across the street from Chicago's iconic Wrigley Field CHICAGO (August 15, 2018) — Cloud5 Communications Inc., the leading communications technology and services provider for hospitality, today announced the successful implementation of a converged communications network for guests and staff at the Hotel Zachary in Chicago, across the street from Wrigley Field. Humming since the hotel opened in May for the start of baseball season, the integrated voice and data solution has been serving thousands of leisure and business travelers in the h...
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile Appoints Liz Kraft as General Manager and Brad Krillenberger as Director of Sales and Marketing
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile | August 15, 2018
Chicago, IL – August 15, 2018 – Chicago's newest hotel, Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, is on track for an October 2018 debut. Leading the charge for this highly anticipated opening is the newly appointed executive team, General Manager, Liz Kraft and Director of Sales & Marketing, Brad Krillenberger. This duo comes with extensive Chicago-specific expertise, having spent more than 15 years each working in the hospitality industry in the city of the property with 337 urban-inspired guestrooms and just over 5,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting spaces, making this one of the largest Aloft properties. Kraft was most recentl...
Inc. Magazine Includes The Carver Companies in Annual List of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies
Inc. Media | August 15, 2018
THE CARVER COMPANIES Ranks No.1033 on the 2018 Inc. 5000 With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 477% Percent NEW YORK, August 15, 2018 – Inc. magazine today revealed that Atlanta based, The Carver Companies http://thecarvercompanies.com is No. 1033 on its 37th annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Microsoft, Dell, Domino's Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their fir...
The Direct Booking Summit: Americas – Agenda Announced!
| August 15, 2018
The Direct Booking Summit goes to Dallas. 2016 marked the beginning of our industry changing Direct Booking Movement. As the movement flourished, the Summit grew with it. On October 3-4, it will once again bring the hotelier community together to discuss the current challenges and find workable solutions. We have packed our two-day event with multiple workshops, panel discussions and keynote speeches. Topped up with one of our legendary parties, the Summit is bound to become the biggest hospitality event of the year! This year's agenda is tailored to cover the burning questions in distribution, marketing and revenue. You can expect to l...
The Key to Hotel Operations Technology Lies in Single Guest Profiles
Kevin King | August 14, 2018
By Kevin King At the recent, CHAT 2018 (China Hotel and Tourism Forum) in Shanghai, Kevin King, COO of Shiji, was invited to deliver a keynote speech on "Hotel Operation Technology". As one of the largest hospitality conferences in China, CHAT aims to explore new ideas for hospitality industry future development with trade professionals. The conference, hosted by Horwath HTL and the China Tourist Hotel Association, was held at the W Shanghai. As the leader of hospitality total solution, Shiji was invited to participate in the forum to discuss the development of the hospitality and tourism industry. The conference attracted mor...
