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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
PolyU Study Finds Food Tells Stories on Social Media
July 19, 2018
Understanding what motivates travellers to share their food-related experiences through social media is important because that information influences others' behaviour and acts as a form of destination marketing, according to Dr Ksenia Kirillova of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and her co-researchers. Having conducted interviews with South Korean social media users, the researchers identified various patterns of food-sharing behaviour, revealing that the motives for sharing were related to both psychological and functional benefits, and to self-focused and altruistic benefits. ...
AHLA Reacts to New York City Passing Strong Short-Term Rental Ordinance
the American Hotel & Lodging Association | July 19, 2018
New York, NY (July 19, 2018) - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) president and CEO Katherine Lugar today issued the following statement in response to new short-term rental legislation passed unanimously by the New York City Council to bring strong platform accountability to the home sharing market: "Today the New York City Council passed an industry-setting measure to force greater transparency and responsibility for short-term rentals while helping to protect the fabric of New York neighborhoods and preserve residents' access to affordable housing. Municipalities large and small are following the leadership demonstra...
2018 Hospitality Technology Study, Uniting Hotelier and Vendor Technology Perspectives, Now Available Worldwide
Fuel | July 19, 2018
Fuel Travel, StayNTouch and Flip.to examine technology trends to better align suppliers with industry wants and needs Orlando, FL — July 19, 2018 — Fuel Travel, StayNTouch and Flip.to have partnered to launch a new study that examines perspectives from hoteliers and suppliers on industry technology. First debuted exclusively for attendees of the HITEC Hospitality Technology Show in June, the results are now being distributed globally. The study surveyed hoteliers and suppliers to learn how the industry can improve from a technology perspective, with key takeaways for readers from both groups: For hospitality decision-maker...
Tampa Lodging Market: Cause for Optimism
Allison Fogarty | July 19, 2018
Co-written by Allison Fogarty and Anu Lamichhane Ever since it was first settled and incorporated as a tiny village back in 1849, Tampa's population has shown a remarkably consistent growth trajectory with its subtropical climate, affordability, and robust local economy continuing to attract new residents from far and wide. Mirroring this population increase is the number of annual visitors making their way to this coastal Florida metropolis, which has subsequently led to a surge in hotel developments aiming to capitalize on strong demand growth. It is therefore little surprise that both demand and supply are expected to grow at above t...
ALICE Provides The San Luis Resort the Technology Upgrade to Offer More Than ‘Just’ A Beach With Consistent and Reliable Service
ALICE | July 18, 2018
The San Luis Resort, which consists of three properties and Convention Center, has selected ALICE to enhance their internal communication, concierge operations, and guest engagement at their beachfront property. 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, The San Luis Hotel communicated with radios and documented guest and internal requests manually. The hotel...
West Belmont Place in Leesburg, Virginia Announces “$99 Just In Time”
West Belmont Place at The National Conference Center | July 18, 2018
LEESBURG, VA, July 18, 2018 … West Belmont Place Event Center at The National Conference Center is pleased to announce a unique day meeting package for weekday and weekend dates through the end of the year. According to a survey published by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, executives believe in-person meetings are important to their businesses, beneficial to operations and critical to career development. As a result, corporate leaders are making in-person meetings a financial priority and report increasing investment in face-to-face meetings. The National Conference Center is one of the leaders in developing the Day Meeting...
Fewer Americans Consider Traveling to Cuba This Year
Allianz Global Assistance USA | July 18, 2018
RICHMOND, Va., July 18, 2018 -- Two years after the easing of travel restrictions to Cuba for Americans, an annual survey* by leading travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance reveals that fewer people are interested in taking a trip to the island nation than before—and that there is lingering confusion surrounding the current travel policy. This year's survey shows that 13 percent of Americans are interested in traveling to Cuba—a dramatic 27 percent drop from 2017, when 40 percent said they would be interested in visiting the country. The 2018 poll also revealed that 82 percent of respondents report being unl...
Hard Rock International Partners With Tifco Limited for New 120-Room Hard Rock Hotel Dublin Set to Open in 2020
Hard Rock International | July 18, 2018
LONDON, July 18, 2018 -- With a presence in more than 70 countries across the globe, Hard Rock International is expanding its hotel portfolio to Ireland, announcing plans to open Hard Rock Hotel Dublin in 2020. Working in collaboration with Tifco Limited, one of Ireland's largest hotel companies, the highly-anticipated opening of Hard Rock's first hotel in Ireland will shine a light on the musical vibrancy of the destination, past and present. Located in Dublin's city centre on Lord Edward Street, Hard Rock Hotel Dublin will comprise two structures; an existing listed property, built at the turn of the 20th century originall...
The Woodlands Resort Appoints Ryan Adams as General Manager
July 18, 2018
July 18, 2018 (The Woodlands, Texas) – The Woodlands® Resort, a sprawling retreat located 30 miles north of Downtown Houston, announces the appointment of Ryan Adams as General Manager. Drawing upon nearly two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality sector throughout the U.S., Adams oversees all day-to-day operations of The Woodlands Resort, including accommodations, food and beverage outlets, guest services, as well as wide array of recreational programs. "We are thrilled to welcome Ryan to The Woodlands Resort and look forward to incorporating his enthusiasm and leadership of enhancing the overall guest experience fr...
The Singh Company Plans Early 2019 Opening of 199*Room Isla Bella Beach Resort on Knights Key in Marathon, Florida
| July 18, 2018
MARATHON, Fla., July 18, 2018 -- A new era of luxury accommodations will debut in the Florida Keys in early 2019 with the opening of Isla Bella Beach Resort. Located on Knights Key in Marathon, Florida, at the threshold of the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, Isla Bella will be the crown jewel of developer Pritam Singh & The Singh Company's hospitality portfolio, the culmination of over thirty years of real estate and hospitality development in the Florida Keys. Set on 24 acres of lush tropical landscaping, the 199-guestroom luxury resort will hold the distinction of being the first full service luxury hotel in Marathon, the single lar...
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Expands in Ontario With Addition of 289-Room Casino Rama Resort
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment | July 18, 2018
BURNABY, BC, July 18, 2018 - Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited ("Gateway") has signed a 23-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement (COSA) with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation ("OLG"). Gateway has purchased the assets of the Central Gaming Bundle and entered into leases for Casino Rama Resort on Chippewas of Rama First Nation's Lands and OLG Slots at Georgian Downs in Innisfil. Gateway will take over the day-to-day operations of these sites effective today. The expansion into central Ontario represents the next exciting chapter in Gateway's successful growth strategy and also allows f...
Suning Group Opens 318-Room Hyatt Regency Zhenjiang in East China’s Jiangsu Province Led by General Manager Irwin Bao
Hyatt Regency | July 18, 2018
CHICAGO--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Zhenjiang in East China's Jiangsu province. Set atop the East Tower of Suning Plaza, the highest skyscraper in Zhenjiang, the 318-room Hyatt Regency hotel is set to provide travelers and locals alike with a fresh perspective of the city by providing an energizing place to connect with the very best of Zhenjiang. "We are very excited to unveil Hyatt Regency Zhenjiang and further expand our Hyatt Regency brand presence in the fast-growing Yangtze River Delta region. We are very grateful for the continuous support and trust of the hotel's owner, the Su...
BENCHMARK® Appoints Jon Conching as Director of Sales and Marketing for Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu
Turtle Bay Resort | July 18, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, July 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Jon Conching director of sales and marketing for Turtle Bay Resort. The Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property is located on Oahu's legendary North Shore. Jerry Gibson, Benchmark's vice president and managing director for the resort, made the announcement. "It is indeed a pleasure to formally welcome Jon to Benchmark and to Turtle Bay Resort," said Mr. Gibson. "His multi-decade highly successful career and business contacts within the Hawaiian resort market make him a natural for our property, and we look forward to his leader...
Radisson Hospitality AB Signs New 160-Room Radisson Blu Hotel, Prague in Czech Republic
July 18, 2018
Brussels/ Prague - July 18, 2018 - Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden, and part of Radisson Hotel Group™, is proud to announce the signing of the new Radisson Blu Hotel, Prague in Czech Republic. The upper upscale branded hotel will complement our Park Inn Hotel Prague – a city that is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 destinations in the world. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Prague is a rebranding of an existing hotel and is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2019. The hotel will undergo a full renovation toprovide guests with the full Radisson Blu experience, including its personal...
Starwood Capital Group and Cycas Hospitality Open 319-Key Residence Inn by Marriott London Kensington
Residence Inn | July 18, 2018
Marriott International, Inc. has announced the opening of Residence Inn by Marriott London Kensington, the largest property in the extended-stay brand's European portfolio. In a prime position on Warwick Road in Earls Court, the hotel features 319 suites, of which several boast private terraces with impressive views across the capital. Guests can also take in the London skyline from the hotel's eighth floor terrace, which will also be available to hire as an events space. The property's spacious one- and two-bedroom suites include separate living, working and sleeping areas, designed for those taking longer stays. Guests can expect full...
New Orleans’ Le Pavillon Hotel Appoints Parker Sams as General Manger
Le Pavillon Hotel | July 18, 2018
New Orleans, La. (July 18, 2018) – Le Pavillon Hotel – a landmark gem located in the heart of New Orleans, blending the glamour of its storied history and curated décor with the allure of its modern design – welcomes Parker Sams as General Manager. Drawing on more than a decade of hospitality experience, Sams will direct all operations of the historic, remodeled 226-room hotel, elevating service standards and enhancing the renowned guest experience at Le Pavillon Hotel. "We are so excited to welcome Parker to the team at Le Pavillon Hotel," said Jale Hashimi, divisional vice president of operations for Remington...
Staying Aware of New Housekeeping Legislation
Larry Mogelonsky | July 18, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) The housekeeping department more often than not represents the heart of a hotel's operations as a clean room is an essential part of guest service delivery. Moreover, it's backbreaking work with wages that aren't exceedingly high, while the room attendants themselves can be put in compromising situations as they roam the corridors by themselves. It would appear, though, that labor unions throughout the United States are starting to gain ground with new legislation in several territories that mandate enhanced protocols for housekeepers' safety. Given this momentum, no matter your mu...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 199: Hotel History: Fanciful Prediction, Definition of “Turnpike”, The Pineapple as a Symbol of Hospitality, Hokusai,
Stanley Turkel | July 18, 2018
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Fanciful Prediction - In the September 1912 issue of American Homes & Gardens, futurist Harold D. Eberlein presented his predictions of the impact of air travel on American cities. Eberlein foresaw a proliferation of roof gardens on top of large hotels to provide pleasing views for guests. He also predicted that travelers could expect to find "clerks and bellboys posted on the top floor ready to attend to the immediate wants of tourists who have just arrived by airplane. Aerial taxicabs will circle like vultures over the hotel waiting for a doorman to signal one of them to alight and pick up a ...
HFTP Charters Three New Global Chapters and Expands Student Chapter Networks
HFTP | July 18, 2018
Austin, Texas USA (July 18, 2018) – Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is excited to announce that three new, local chapters have recently been chartered: HFTP Greater Louisville Chapter, HFTP New York University Student Chapter and HFTP Kansas State University Student Chapter. HFTP chapters provide a wide array of benefits to an association's membership — not the least of which is the collaborative building of knowledge and camaraderie among local and like-minded industry professionals. HFTP's local chapters help industry professionals in the area expand their network, increase educationa...
Ocean Resort Casino, Latest Addition to Atlantic City, Manages Large Inventory With RFID Technology
InvoTech Systems, Inc. | July 17, 2018
InvoTech Systems Manages Substantial Uniform & Linen Inventory with RFID Technology at New Ocean Resort Casino Atlantic City LOS ANGELES, CA – July 18, 2018 -- InvoTech Systems Inc. announced the recent implementation of its Linen & Uniform System at the recently opened Ocean Resort Casino Atlantic City. InvoTech Systems is the leading provider of advanced Linen Management, Laundry and Uniform Systems that integrate the latest RFID technology to increase profitability for hotels, resorts, casino operators, sports arenas, convention centers and theme parks. The InvoTech Systems installed at Ocean Resort Casino will manage t...
San Francisco’s Storied Hotel Triton Launches Multi-Million Dollar Renovation to Be Completed by October 2018
Hotel Triton | July 17, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. – Hotel Triton announces its multi-million-dollar property renovation and redesign today, along with all new branding. Located at the center of the Grant Avenue shopping corridor – just steps away from the Financial District and Union Square – the historic boutique hotel entrusted Hospitality Design Awards winner Liubasha Rose of creative firm Rose Ink Workshop to oversee the design overhaul and transformation of the brand. Targeting the property's 140 guest rooms and bathrooms as well as the lobby, the contemporary redesign – set to be complete by October 2018 – delivers a total prope...
Aliz Group and Crescent Hotels & Resorts Plan Fall Debut of Flagship Aliz Hotel Times Square in New York City
Aliz Hotel Times Square | July 17, 2018
New York City (July 17, 2018): When Aliz Hotel Times Square opens this fall, it will not only become one of the tallest hotels in NYC, but will set a new tone for modern lifestyle hotel brands with an emphasis on 'bringing the joy back to travel.' Aliz is a new independent boutique brand that will debut its flagship property at 310 West 40th Street. Located at one of most iconic intersections in the world, Aliz introduces a guest-centric philosophy and innovative design featuring 287 guest rooms, a two-story rooftop bar and lounge, stylish restaurant and lounge spaces, and luxury amenities – all within walking distance to Times Sq...
Club Med Cancun Yucatan Doubles the Size of Aguamarina With the Addition of 60 New Oceanfront Family Rooms
Club Med | July 17, 2018
MIAMI (July 17, 2018) – Club Med today unveiled an expansion to the family-centric Aguamarina concept at its all-inclusive resort in Cancún, Mexico. As the pioneer of the all-inclusive, Club Med continues to build on its foundation of family-friendly vacations that accommodate all travelers. With the new expansion at Club Med Cancún Yucatán, the Aguamarina family oasis area is now more than double the size and offers new experiences and accommodations for family memories that last a lifetime. The new Aguamarina expansion introduces 60 all-new oceanfront family rooms – 30 Club Rooms and 30 Deluxe Rooms &n...
Adam Laker Appointed General Manager of Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver | July 17, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: VANCOUVER - July 17, 2018: Adam Laker, the newly appointed general manager of Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, has moved up in the world - to the northern hemisphere for the first time in his career. Born in the UK, he moved as a teen with his family to Australia and has worked in swoon worthy destinations for the past 25 years. "My family and I are really closet Canucks," he explains. "We've had a home in Whistler for several years and holidayed there every chance we could. We love the outdoors - skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, hockey, fishing and biking - and delighted to be in Canada full tim...
