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
Aristocrat and Boyd Gaming Enter Into Long-term Strategic Systems Partnership
Aristocrat | August 8, 2018
LAS VEGAS (August 8, 2018) – Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. today announced it has been selected as the official Casino Management Systems partner of Boyd Gaming Corporation, one of the largest and most established casino operators in the United States. Under terms of the agreement, Boyd Gaming will utilize Aristocrat's Oasis 360™ system as its casino management solution at its casino properties nationwide, allowing Boyd Gaming to unify all of its properties under B Connected, its player-loyalty program. Boyd Gaming currently operates 24 casino properties and more than 31,000 slot machines across the U.S. Further, Aristocrat ...
Hotel Price Wars – Impact and Value
Hotelivate Private Limited | August 8, 2018
Competition exists in every industry. Regardless of how niche a product/service you create, there will always be someone else who offers (or will eventually offer) something similar in the marketplace. This holds true for hotels as well. The emergence of competitors in a market alters the playing field from time to time and hotels, in an attempt to retain or gain market share, employ various competitive strategies. When faced with intense competition, the easiest one they tend to succumb to, unfortunately, is the 'price war'. Let's take a look at how this war plays out and is it always as harsh as it appears? 'Rate' or 'price' is the am...
Martyn Barnes to Bring IHG’s New voco™ Brand to Australia’s Yarra Valley in 2021
IHG | August 7, 2018
Entrepreneur Martyn Barnes has signed a management agreement to badge his new Yarra Valley property as voco™, IHG's new upscale hotel brand, making it the second voco signing for Australia. Victoria's Yarra Valley has built a reputation as one of Australia's premier wine regions, famous for its chardonnay and pinot noir, as well as for bringing big name artists like Robbie Williams, Stevie Nicks and John Farnham to perform at Rochford Wines' annual Day on the Green concert series. The trouble is it's never had a great hotel to welcome its visitors after a day of wine tasting and music. voco™ Yarra Valley will be the first gl...
Interstate Hotels & Resorts Adds Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown /N Loop/Michigan Avenue and Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop-Theatre District to Management Po
Interstate Hotels & Resorts | August 7, 2018
ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 7, 2018 -- Interstate Hotels & Resorts unveiled the addition of two new premium branded hotels to its growing portfolio – the Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown /N Loop/Michigan Avenue and Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop-Theatre District. The hotels were developed by Murphy Development Group (MDG), parent company of Murphy Asset Management (MAM), a leading hotel management support company whose partnership with Interstate continues to bring best-in-class service to the hotel management industry. "We are pleased to extend our relationship with MAM and add these two historic hotels to our portfolio," said Int...
Why Asia Leads the Race in Smart Hotel Technology
Real Views | August 7, 2018
By Serene Lim Robots butlers, keyless entry and virtual reality-enhanced room bookings: Hotel guests are increasingly being greeted by these once futuristic tech features around the world. But hotels in Asia have been upping the ante, with a younger hospitality industry – and many guests in their 20s and 30s – quickly taking to new innovations. In Japan, for instance, self-parking slippers and furniture are able to return to their designated spots after use. A blockchain reward system introduced by Malaysian hospitality firm Hatten Group allows members to collect tokens in exchange for hotel packages and stays. Meanwhile, An...
Oxford Capital Plans Fall Opening for Hotel Julian Chicago, an Adaptive Re-Use Conversion of the Historic Atlantic Bank Building
Oxford Capital Group, LLC and Oxford Hotels & Resorts, LLC | August 7, 2018
(CHICAGO, Ill; August 7, 2018) – Oxford Hotels & Resorts, LLC, the Chicago-based hotel management and branding affiliate of Oxford Capital Group, LLC, announces the opening of Hotel Julian Chicago in fall 2018. The Oxford Capital Group and Quadrum Global partnership led the redevelopment and adaptive re-use hotel conversion of the historic Atlantic Bank Building at 168 North Michigan Avenue. This project is the flagship property of Oxford's latest luxury lifestyle hotel brand named after St. Julian, the patron saint of hospitality and travelers, this new destination infuses the vibrant North Michigan Avenue-Millennium Park hot...
Why Offering Local Tours and Activities Is a Huge Revenue Opportunity for Hotels
HEBS Digital | August 7, 2018
By Max Starkov, President & CEO at HEBS Digital Background: Offering local tours and activities - i.e. experiences in the destination - is a multibillion dollar business, with the OTAs having shown a growing interest in this sector. Expedia alone is looking to grow its local tours and activities sales fivefold - from approximately $400 million a year to over $2 billion. Expedia currently has 4,000 suppliers providing 27,000 tours and activities worldwide. Airbnb, through its Experiences offering, has been rolling out tours and activities in many of its key destinations with the goal of bringing its offerings to 1,000 cities. Recentl...
What’s It Like to Open a New Hotel and Grow With It? Russell George, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Trinidad for 10 Years, Shares His Views
Hyatt Regency Trinidad | August 7, 2018
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – August 7, 2018 – 2018 marked the 10-year anniversary for Hyatt Regency Trinidad since it opened its doors in January 2008. More than 100 staff members are still with the hotel since its opening including General Manager, Russell George. A Hyatt veteran of more than 30 years, Mr. George's loyalty to the company is proven by his continued leadership at Hyatt Trinidad. Having guided the hotel through its many changes and accomplishments, Mr. George shares his insight on what he's learned and what he anticipates for the hotel's future. Q: How did opening Hyatt Trinidad 10 years ago shape you in your pro...
KT Estate Inc., Hotel I-Park Co. and Hyatt to Open Andaz Gangnam, Seoul as First Andaz Hotel in South Korea
Andaz | August 7, 2018
CHICAGO (August 7, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into agreements with KT Estate Inc. and Hotel I-Park Co., Ltd. for the development of an Andaz hotel in Seoul's vibrant Apgujeong neighborhood in South Korea. Expected to open in 2019, Andaz Gangnam, Seoul will become the first Andaz branded hotel in Korea, joining other Andaz properties in Asia including locations in Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. Known for its culturally rich destinations and inspiring locales, the Andaz brand will expand in Apgujeong, an area of Gangnam that is considered to be one of the most afflue...
Dubai’s DAMAC Properties and Radisson Enter Agreement for First Radisson Hotel in the Middle East at Dubai’s DAMAC Hills in the United Arab Emirat
Radisson Hotel Group | August 7, 2018
Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of Radisson Hotel Group, is proud to announce the signing of its first Radisson hotel in the Middle East at Dubai's DAMAC Hills in the United Arab Emirates. The new signing is in partnership with leading Dubai-based real estate developer DAMAC Properties. Radisson Hotel Group portfolio now features 81 hotels and more than 20,000 rooms in operation and under development across the Middle East region. The new upscale, full-service brand with Scandinavian-inspired hospitality, will be situated in Damac Hills. It's part of a new 3.9 million square-meter residentia...
Starwood Capital and YOTEL to Open Second Hotel in Scotland in Glasgow’s City Centre
YOTEL | August 7, 2018
LONDON, August 7, 2018 --YOTEL continues its fast-paced UK and European expansion with new hotel in Glasgow's city centre that marks its second in strategic partnership with Starwood Capital. YOTEL today announced plans to open its second hotel in Scotland and fifth in the UK. The new hotel in Glasgow's city centre will open in November 2019 and bring the brand's key count in the UK to 823 as part of its European expansion strategy. Located in a prime city centre location opposite Glasgow's Central Station, the new YOTEL Glasgow will see the Westergate building on Argyle Street transformed into a 256-room hotel that will...
Shiji Group Continues Global Expansion, Opens Office in Australia
Shiji Group | August 7, 2018
Beijing 7 August 2018 - Shiji Group established operations in Sydney, Australia to manage the growth and customer care in the Pacific. With over 8,000 hotels using Shiji products in the region and international offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Macau it became evident that to keep with Shiji's tradition of customer service, an office was needed for Australasian customers. "Shiji began as a technology service and support company for hotels, we know how important it is to have local customer service and support teams to support our growth." said Kevin King, COO of Shiji Group. Located in Sydney and headed by industry veteran, ...
Jumeirah Appoints Glenn Carroll, VP Sales & Marketing for Europe & Americas
Jumeirah Group | August 7, 2018
Dubai, UAE, 7 August 2018: Jumeirah Group has appointed Glenn Carroll as Vice President, Sales & Marketing Europe & Americas. Carroll, who takes up the role with immediate effect, will oversee a complex and expansive sales region that delivers approximately 60% of rooms revenue for Jumeirah. Reporting directly to Alexander Lee, Chief Commercial Officer, Carroll and his team will be instrumental in supporting the international expansion strategy for the Group as outlined by Jumeirah CEO, José Silva as he prepares to take the Jumeirah brand global. Carroll will lead Global Sales Offices in London, Frankfurt, Moscow and USA,...
Owned by Catellus Group and Managed by Strand Hospitality, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Set to Open in Shelby, North Carolina
Fairfield Inn & Suites | August 7, 2018
Shelby, NC – August 7, 2018 – The 86-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Shelby, North Carolina is scheduled to open on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 1715 East Dixon Boulevard, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Shelby will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Catellus Group LLC and managed by Strand Hospitality Inc. of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. General Manager Cathy Kepley leads the management team at the property for Strand Hospitality. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Fairfield Inn & Sui...
Prestige Hospitality Group Appoints Mr. Robin W. Hottle to Lead PHG’s Southeast Operations
sbe | August 7, 2018
CHARLOTTE, NC –– James C. Frenis, CHA, Chief Executive Officer of Prestige Hospitality Group, LLC (PHG) is pleased to announce the expansion of its team and the launch of a new office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Headquartered in Albany, New York, PHG is a rapidly growing hospitality development and management company. This North Carolina location allows PHG to pursue new development and third-party management opportunities throughout the southeast region. "PHG has experienced significant geographic growth over the past few years," noted Mr. Frenis. "Our presence in North Carolina is an important step in our continued expa...
Louis T Collection Names Robert C. Hauck Area Vice President and General Manager of The Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka
August 7, 2018
SINGAPORE – (7 August 2018) – Louis T Collection has named Robert C. Hauck general manager of the iconic Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka and Area Vice President for South Asia. In this new role, Hauck will oversee the operations of the legendary, 156-room historic seafront property in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, while supporting growth objectives and driving operational excellence for Louis T as it accelerates its strategic expansion in South Asia. "Robert is an exceptional hotelier with a career that has spanned some of the world's top luxury hotels and brands", said Mikael Svensson, senior vice president of Lou...
Aqua-Aston Hospitality Names Jim Franklin General Manager of Orlando Properties, The Fountains at ChampionsGate and Tuscana Resort Orlando
Aqua-Aston Hospitality | August 7, 2018
Orlando, Florida (August 7, 2018) – Aqua-Aston Hospitality, a leader in hospitality management known for its owned brands in Hawaii, the continental United States and Costa Rica, announced the appointment of Jim Franklin to the role of general manager to lead its managed Orlando properties, The Fountains at ChampionsGate and Tuscana Resort Orlando. He reports to Lesli Reynolds, senior vice president of operations, Aqua-Aston Hospitality. Tuscana Resort Orlando by Aston and The Fountains at ChampionsGate are just moments away from Orlando's theme parks such as Epcot®, Magic Kingdom® Park, Universal Studios Florida™ an...
Cloud5 Names Mark Holzberg Chief Executive Officer
Cloud5 Communications | August 7, 2018
Company also taps communications product development veteran Daniel Langrill for its product leadership role CHICAGO (August 7, 2018) — Cloud5 Communications, the leading communications technology and services provider for hospitality, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Mark Holzberg as President and Chief Executive Officer. Holzberg previously ran Cloud5's technology products business unit and now will also manage its services business, including contact centers, overseeing the entire 450+ person Cloud5 organization that serves thousands of hotels and mi...
Lightstone’s Business Intelligence Platform Gives Execs Portfolio Performance in the Palm of Their Hand
Lightstone | August 7, 2018
Cloud-Based BI System Delivers Near Real-Time Enterprise Data to Lightstone Mobile Devices for Fast-Moving Management Team Lightstone is a national real estate investor/developer with 28 hospitality properties nationwide. The company's current portfolio emphasizes select services hotels, branded by Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Starwood. How big do you think its asset management team is? "I am responsible for overseeing hotel performance across our 28-property REIT and I am always on a plane," said Marc Dober, vice president, asset management for Lightstone. "We buy and develop hotels to grow our business. Business is based on numbers; bu...
The Clarendon Hotel and Spa Partners With OpenKey to Elevate Its Guest Experience
OpenKey | August 7, 2018
Innovative technology is user-friendly and increases efficiency DALLAS, TEXAS (August 7, 2018) – The Clarendon Hotel and Spa, a four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Phoenix, has partnered with OpenKey, the industry standard for universal mobile access in hotels. Hotel guests will be able to bypass the front desk during check-in and access their room with mobile keyless entry. Integrating OpenKey's innovative technology will support the hotel's guest-centric approach and help deliver an experience expected from today's traveler. At The Clarendon Hotel and Spa guests can take in the beautiful skyline and mountain views at the h...
Gradebook for Cleanliness for Hotels
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee | August 7, 2018
Cleanliness is one of the main factors in a hotel selection, regardless of property size, brand affiliation, or location. High standard of cleanliness of a hotel helps to form customer loyalty, generate positive word of mouth, and, as a result, increase the hotel's occupancy and profitability. This report aims to answer an important question: Does spending more on housekeeping make a hotel look cleaner? Data collected from 1,139 hotels across 15 brands showed that spending more money on cleaning a room does not guarantee higher guest scores for cleanliness. Generally, upper upscale brands spent more than other hotels on housekeeping in 2...
Prestigious CVOA Cornerstone Award Nominations Open
the Canadian Vacation Ownership Association | August 7, 2018
VANCOUVER, CANADA (August 7, 2018) – The Canadian Vacation Ownership Association (CVOA) has opened nominations for the prestigious CVOA Cornerstone Award . The coveted award recognizes a truly outstanding shared ownership innovator. Last year, The CVOA Awards Committee selected Resort Travel & Xchange (RTX) is a timeshare and vacation ownership exchange company based in Asheville, N.C from a highly competitive group of qualified candidates. The formal Cornerstone Award presentation will take place during VO-Con 2018, the association's annual vacation ownership conference scheduled for September 25-27 at the Westin Trillium Hou...
Eli Gerard Is ALICE’s Director of Sales for Mexico
ALICE | August 6, 2018
ALICE, the hospitality industry's leading operations technology, celebrates Eli Gerard as Director of Sales for Mexico, overseeing hotel partners in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, Manzanillo, Puebla, and Veracruz. Eli joined ALICE in March 2018 after the company's acquisition of concierge technology GoConcierge in September 2017. The increased traction in the last year has necessitated a tripling in the size of ALICE's salesforce across Mexico and Latin America. This has resulted in impressive wins for the company in the region, including new clients Grupo Posadas, the largest hotel operator in Mexic...
Country Inn & Suites Opens Hotel Near Syracuse Hancock International Airport Following a Multimillion Dollar Renovation
August 6, 2018
Minneapolis (August 6, 2018) - Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson, a leading upper midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Syracuse North, NY located at 401 7th North Street. The hotel recently completed a multimillion dollar renovation featuring the brand's latest design, which includes modern interiors, stylish furnishings and spacious guest rooms and suites. Guests traveling into town have the added convenience of being only three miles from Syracuse Hancock International Airport. "As part of our 5-year strategic plan, we aim to accelerate the transformation of our Country Inn...
