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Industry Happenings
Conrad Dublin Appoints Kevin Brennan as Director of Operations
Conrad Hotels & Resorts | August 6, 2018
DUBLIN, Ireland – August 6, 2018 — Conrad Dublin announces the appointment of Kevin Brennan as Director of Operations, bringing more than a decade of experience to the recently-refurbished luxury hotel in the heart of Dublin. In his role, Kevin oversees the day-to-day operations of the 192 guestrooms and suites, meetings and events facilities and three food and beverage outlets, including Lemuel's Bar and Lounge, Alfie Byrne's by Galway Bay Brewery and The Coburg Brasserie. "We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Brennan to the team as Director of Operations for the hotel," said Martin Mangan, general manager of Conrad Dublin. "We...
Hyatt Appoints Mia Kyricos as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Wellbeing
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | August 6, 2018
CHICAGO (August 6, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that Hyatt has selected Mia Kyricos as senior vice president, global head of wellbeing, underscoring Hyatt's commitment to care for people so they can be their best. Kyricos will report to Mark Vondrasek, Hyatt's chief commercial officer. "As a pioneer in the business of wellbeing, Mia is uniquely qualified to further define Hyatt's wellbeing efforts across all 14 brands to ensure colleagues, guests and customers can be their best," Vondrasek said. "She is a respected leader in the wellbeing industry and her expertise across wellness, hospitality and bra...
Radisson Hotel Group Signs With Astor Group for Development of Radisson Riga in the Baltics
Radisson Hotel Group | August 6, 2018
Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of the Radisson Hotel Group, is proud to announce the signing of a new Radisson in Europe, rolling out its upscale hotel brand across EMEA. Radisson Riga is being developed in collaboration with the group's long-term partner, Astor Group. Currently named Astor Riga Hotel, it will be rebranded to the Radisson Old Town Riga Hotel in late 2018. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer of Radisson Hotel Group said: "We're delighted to sign the first Radisson hotel in the Baltics. This hotel is a great addition to our portfolio in this ...
Becky Oldani Promoted to Director of Food & Beverage at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids
AHC+Hospitality | August 6, 2018
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – August 6, 2018 – JW Marriott Grand Rapids is pleased to announce the promotion of Becky Oldani from general manager of Ruth's Chris Steak House Grand Rapids to director of food & beverage for the hotel. A nine-year AHC+Hospitality veteran with experience working at Amway Grand Plaza and the Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids, Oldani will now oversee day-to-day operations of the JW Marriott Grand Rapids' three signature food and beverage outlets: six.one.six, Mixology Lounge and jdek. "With experience working at multiple AHC+Hospitality managed hotels and restaurants, Becky is the ideal candidate for th...
Marriott, Hilton, and IHG Top Franchise Companies and Brands in U.S. Construction Pipeline
Lodging Econometrics | August 6, 2018
August 6, 2018 – PORTSMOUTH, NH –In the second quarter of 2018, analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that the top franchise companies with the largest construction pipelines are: Marriott International with 1,351 projects/177,743 rooms, Hilton Worldwide with 1,327 projects/147,728 rooms, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 932 projects/95,018 rooms. Development projects in these three franchise companies comprise 66% of total construction pipeline rooms. The largest brands for each of these companies are Marriott's Fairfield Inn with 284 projects/27,584 rooms, Hilton's Home2 Suites by Hilton with 384 p...
New Doug Pitcock ‘49 Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center Offers Current and Former Aggie Students Hospitality Training for Superb Service and Career
August 6, 2018
Aggies Serving Aggies at University's New "Guest House" Opening in August College Station, Texas, August 6, 2018 … The new Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center, opening this month, will be more than a luxury hotel and state-of-the-art meetings venue. The 250-room structure, adjacent to legendary Kyle Field, will take its place as the university's guest house, the embodiment of Aggie pride and spirit, staffed largely by students and graduates of one of the world's most highly regarded research universities. The new property will offer students an insight into the many opportunities presented by the hospital...
TNB Hotels Opens Four Points by Sheraton Salt Lake City Airport
Four Points | August 6, 2018
Marriott International, Inc.® today announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Salt Lake City Airport. 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 pool, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and the Best Brews & BBQ™ program, detailed below. Asset managed by TNB Hotels of Boise, Idaho, Four Points by Sheraton Salt Lake City Airport, previously under the name Comfort Inn and Rodeway Inn Salt Lake City Airport, offers 155 spacious guest rooms, over 550 sq. ft. of meeting space,...
RAR Hospitality Selected to Manage Four Points by Sheraton San Diego
RAR Hospitality | August 6, 2018
San Diego – August 6, 2018— RAR Hospitality is proud to announce the company has officially signed a contract securing management for Four Points by Sheraton San Diego. With the completion of this contract, RAR Hospitality now manages 18 hotels serving Southern California and the Southwest. A $3 million hotel renovation spearheaded by RAR Hospitality will elevate the property in every aspect. "Four Points by Sheraton San Diego is an exciting addition to the RAR Hospitality family," said Bob Rauch, CEO and founder of RAR Hospitality. "An ongoing multimillion-dollar renovation and changes to the service profile guided by RAR w...
Daryl Aaron Appointed General Manager of Bay Gardens Marina Haven hotel in St. Lucia
Bay Gardens Resorts | August 6, 2018
LUCIA (August 6, 2018) - Experienced Caribbean hotelier Daryl Aaron has been appointed general manager of the newly opened Bay Gardens Marina Haven hotel in St. Lucia. Aaron, who has worked across the Caribbean in a variety of hospitality management positions, joins the leadership team of Bay Gardens Resorts, which expanded its portfolio to four hotels with the acquisition of the property, located within close proximity to Rodney Bay Marina. Aaron, who was educated and trained in London, Trinidad, St. Lucia and her native Dominica, holds two decades of hospitality experience and has worked at Chaguaramas Hotel & Convention Centre, a...
Stephen Allison Appointed Bromley Court Hotel’s Managing Director
| August 6, 2018
Stephen Allison has been appointed as the new Managing Director of the 117-bedroom Bromley Court Hotel in South London. Stephen has a strong background in hotel management, joining The Bromley Court Hotel from Interstate Hotels where he was Cluster General Manager based in Southampton. His career has also seen him work with Menzies Hotels and Macdonald Hotels. He replaces Max Ball, who has left to pursue other interests. "I'm looking forward to taking The Bromley Court Hotel into its next phase of development," said Stephen. "Over the past three years the hotel has gone through a major refurbishment with redesign...
Tambourine Shares Three Easy Ways to Tighten the Bond Between Marketing and Revenue Management
Tambourine | August 6, 2018
The days of hotel marketers and revenue managers working in separate silos are over. Opening up dialogue and combining intelligence between these two departments are the first steps towards becoming a profit powerhouse. Here are three tips from industry leaders to optimize the connection between departments and keep them working in sync: 1. Give Each Other a Seat at the Strategy Table Bring revenue managers to marketing strategy meetings and vice versa. Each should be on hand when planning future pricing and marketing campaigns. Feedback between the departments should be fluid and open. "If marketing and revenue management teams don't c...
Owned by Great Lakes Hotel Group and Managed by Spark Hotels, New TownePlace Suites by Marriott Set to Open in Solon, Ohio
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | August 6, 2018
Solon, Ohio – August 6, 2018 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's New 97-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cleveland Solon is set to open for business this Wednesday, August 8, 2018. The new hotel located at 6040 Enterprise Parkway will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Great Lakes Hotel Group and managed by Spark Hotels. "We are excited to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Solon area," said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. "At TownePlace Suites, we get it. We want to go above and beyond to do everything we can to make our guest...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Light Bulb Moments
David Lund | August 6, 2018
By David Lund I have had a few of these. The ones that stand out the most for me are the ones that I experienced from my father. Growing up I was not what you would call a high achiever. My grades in school were not great by any measure. I had friends and my social network was solid. I had a girlfriend in junior high school and that was probably what saved me from being somewhat of a delinquent. I was always curious about the things you were not supposed to do. I always thought my dad was somehow disappointed in me and my behavior and choices. Two light bulbs I experienced through my dad. The first one came when I graduated from high sc...
Now Available for Download: HEBStrategy Q3 2018 Hotel Digital Marketing, Technology, and Trends Whitepaper
HEBS Digital | August 6, 2018
HEBS Digital's third installment in 2018 of the HEBStrategy—our whitepaper series covering the latest news and trends in hotel digital marketing and technology—is now available for download! The HEBStrategy Q3 offers strategies for hoteliers to reach potential guests throughout the travel planning journey. Download the HEBStrategy Q3 2018 whitepaper to learn about: What's Trending: Stay in the loop with the must-know trends of the quarter, including an updated Google Maps experience, Alexa for Hospitality and more. From the Design Studio: Get inspiration from some of our most creative clients who use their websites to pro...
Planners: Collaborate With Suppliers to Wow Your Attendees
Lynne Wellish | August 6, 2018
By Lynne Wellish When starting out in the industry and learning to source and procure, I made the mistake of always asking how much things were—often overlooking other factors. I played a tug of war with all my suppliers, forgetting we had the same goal, a happy client and repeat business. Then one day it hit me, I had a budget and its purpose was to craft the event and communicate a message to the participants. Those tools are used to reach the goals and objective and to show an ROI. Sitting down with your AV team and other suppliers not only expands your options and creativity, but creates great synergy. Case Study: The Event Ca...
China and Impact on South Africa Tourism
Nomfundo B Zonke | August 6, 2018
South Africa has continued to strengthen its ties with China, to ensure that the economic engagement was mutually beneficial, continued to lead to infrastructure development, greater economic participation and the greater good of both countries. By Nomfundo B Zonke Over the past decade, South Africa has continued to strengthen its ties with the People's Republic of China. Many Chinese companies operating in South Africa are geared towards the rising number of Chinese tourists who visit the country each year. South Africa is also home to a large number of Chinese immigrants: Yoon Jung Park, a researcher on Chinese migrants in South Afri...
Opportunity Abounds in African Apart-Hotel Sector
HTI Consulting | August 6, 2018
"When looking at the growth of Africa's apart-hotel sector, it's clear that the market still brims with opportunity," says Wayne Troughton, CEO of specialist global hospitality and tourism firm, HTI Consulting. "Whilst the apartment hotel space is relatively new territory in Africa, with only a handful of significant players, great possibilities exist here," he says. "Particularly when one considers the increasing numbers of multinational companies seeking offices in Africa's fast-growing, opportunity-rich cities and, of course, more and more corporate travellers looking for cost-effective alternatives to traditional, shorter term hote...
Imagine Resorts and Hotels Opens New 131-Room Courtyard by Marriott in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Courtyard by Marriott | August 3, 2018
Council Bluffs, IA– August 3, 2018 – Courtyard by Marriott Omaha East/Council Bluffs opens in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 2501 Bass Pro Drive, the 131-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, managed by Imagine Resorts and Hotels, LLC. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard Omaha East/Council Bluffs offers guests convenient access to the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Mid-America Center, the Iowa Wes...
Brendon Partridge Appointed Director of Food & Beverage at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
August 3, 2018
Bangkok, Thailand, 3 August 2018 - Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park has appointed Mr. Brendon Partridge as its new Director of Food & Beverage, effective 15 July 2018. A New Zealand national, Brendon has a lifetime of experience in the international hospitality industry, including more than 15 years spent with the Marriott International family. Having initially joined the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, Australia, in 2003, he then relocated to Thailand in 2005 to join the culinary team at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. Brendon's career took him to China in 2007 as he became Executive Chef at a succession of Ma...
DoubleTree by Hilton Deerfield Beach – Boca Raton, Florida Acquired by the Vista Hospitality Group
Vista Hospitality Group | August 3, 2018
ONTARIO (August 3, 2018) – In its third M&A transaction in as many months, the Vista Hospitality Group announced on Wednesday that it has acquired the DoubleTree by Hilton Deerfield Beach – Boca Raton in Florida from an unnamed seller in an off-market transaction. Vista has acquired select properties from that particular seller in the past, and their respective management teams seized upon a unique opportunity to work together again on the disposition and purchase of a superb property in a strong Florida market. Vista Hospitality has also recently acquired the Sheraton Baltimore Washington Airport – BWI in Maryland...
Don’t Blame Me. I Just Work Here
Shep Hyken | August 3, 2018
By Shep Hyken I can't make this "stuff" up. It really happened! The other night I was at a very nice – and very expensive – steakhouse restaurant. This place was top rated for their steaks and seafood. We all ordered a salad. As the server was setting down the salads, we noticed that one of the salads had a tiny portion of salad compared to the others. It was less than half the amount. The salad didn't even cover the entire plate. So, my friend spoke up and mentioned it to the server, who replied, "I don't make them. I just serve them." And, then he walked away. We were stunned by his response. I broke the silence by stating...
The Joy of Publicity
Babs Harrison | August 3, 2018
By Babs Harrison It's the "in" thing to say these days - "oh, we don't need traditional media, we're on social media, and isn't traditional media all fake news anyway?" Listen up: hoteliers and spa operators still need traditional media. The smart ones know it. As for the others, well, they will learn that they needed to be playing in traditional media all along. Earned media are a building block in just about all effective marketing campaigns, certainly for high-end travel products. This is 2018 and, obviously, every property now needs a multi-pronged PR strategy. Social media must figure into this -...
The Difference Maker: 2019
Robert A. Rauch, CHA | August 3, 2018
By Robert A. Rauch Every year is different in many ways. Technology is changing very rapidly and yet there are some basics that we often forget that can make the difference right now and this coming year. I was compelled to write this after reading The Power of Moments by the Heath Brothers. These tips are specific hospitality industry tidbits based on this fine book and 40+ years of experience in the industry. Yes, I started when I was 4. Elevating Experiences "Moments of elevation" are experiences that rise above the routine, according to the aforementioned book. These moments make us feel joyful and motivated. To create these moments...
Suburban Inns Appoints Brian Behler General Manager for Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Grand Rapids Opening Early 2019
Embassy Suites by Hilton | August 3, 2018
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Grand Rapids, owned and operated by Suburban Inns, today announced Brian Behler has been appointed as the hotel's new general manager. Embassy Suites by Hilton is a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels from Hilton (NYSE: HLT). The seven-story, 250-suite hotel is located at 710 Monroe Ave. The property is currently under construction and is scheduled to open April 2019. As general manager, Behler will be responsible for directing all aspects of hotel operations, including guest services, hotel administration and overseeing marketing efforts. "Behler brings extensive experience ...
