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
RSS 2018: Revenue Strategy Begins With Strong Leadership
RSS | July 12, 2018
Industry Leaders and Disruptors Gather to Learn Latest in Innovation and Technology Washington, July 12, 2018 — The sixth annual Revenue Strategy Summit brought together technology innovators and hospitality industry leaders, including brand executives and asset managers, to examine the challenges hotels face in maintaining rate growth and managing a distribution landscape that gets more complicated by the day. The one-day conference, held at the Knight Conference Center at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., combined hotelier-led panel discussions with keynote presentations on voice-activated digital assistants like Amazon's Alexa, ...
Key Hotels & Property Management Set to Open New TownePlace Suites by Marriott Toledo Oregon in Ohio
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | July 12, 2018
Oregon, OH – July 12, 2018 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's TownePlace Suites by Marriott Toledo Oregon is scheduled to open for business this Friday, July 13, 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 area. The new TownePlace Suites Toledo Oregon located at 2851 Navarre Avenue, continues to exemplify the brand's rapid growth. The new hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Key Hotels & Property Managemen...
BLLA Abroad – the World’s Leading Boutique Association Launches Exclusive Boutique Social Club Dinner Series in London
the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) | July 12, 2018
July 12, 2018 - New York – Since the beginning, the Boutique and Lifestyle Leaders Association's (rebranded from Boutique and Lifestyle Lodging Association) presence has been global. From our international members and early conferences in Paris and London, we have garnered support and cultivated communities all around the globe. Two recent excursions over the pond have solidified our foothold on the boutique community and will foster boutique developments in tomorrow's most sought-after vacation destinations. On May 1st, 2018 we successfully launched the first installment of the Stay Boutique Social Club Dinner Series. A s...
Voice of the Guest: How Data Informs the Hotel Guest Experience
the Author | July 12, 2018
By Terri Miller, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Concilio Labs What makes an exceptional guest experience? This is the question hoteliers find themselves continuously striving to answer as they work to refine (and evolve) their service offering. However — this is also a question that can garner countless different answers, depending on which guest you ask. The better question for hospitality experts becomes, what tool or methods can provide hoteliers with critical insights if they had the opportunity to ask every prospective guest what matters most to them? In other words, how can hoteliers capitalize on the fruits of an...
BENCHMARK® Promotes Alesha Newman to Director of Sales For Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe
Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village | July 12, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, July 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Alesha Newman director of sales for Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in South Lake Tahoe, California. Jerry Bindel, Benchmark's general manager for the resort, made the announcement. "It is with pleasure that I congratulate Alesha on her newest position with our resort," said Mr. Bindel. "She has served superbly in many roles during her time with us, and she has a keen understanding of nearly every department of the property. This is a well-deserved promotion." Previou...
Maestro PMS Browser-Based Software Suite Optimizes Guest Experience, Improves Staff Productivity for 10-Property Cape Resorts
Maestro PMS | July 12, 2018
Maestro Multi-Property Centralizes Cross-Selling, Integrates Activity & Spa Management, Event Sales, Owner Relations and Guest Service for Award-Winning Destination Markham, Ontario – July 12, 2018 – When Cape Resorts made the decision in 2008 to update operations at its growing collection of historic beachside resort properties, it turned to Maestro PMS. Today Cape Resorts centralizes property management, reservations, spa and activity management, and event sales for 366 rooms spread across 10 hotels with Maestro's Multi-Property Management suite of integrated modules. "The Maestro PMS integrated Multi-Property Managem...
Is it Time to Invest in Tourism and Hospitality in Iran?
Peter Varga | July 11, 2018
By Dr. Peter Varga Consider this: Iran, the cradle of the ancient Persian Empire, has great potential for tourism and hospitality but the development of these sectors in the country has been far from linear and that remains the case today, mainly due to geopolitics. Following the Islamic Revolution of 1979, tourists gave the country a wide berth. Then came the nuclear deal of 2015, signed by Iran and the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany. This promised to open up new opportunities for tourism and hospitality among other sectors, as UN, US and EU sanctions were to be lifted in return for Iran curbing its nuclear activities. Howev...
Dream Hotel Group Partners With Cartel Properties for Dream Atlanta, Buckhead Slated to Open in 2021
Dream Hotel Group | July 11, 2018
NEW YORK, NY (July 11, 2018) – Renowned hotel and brand management company Dream Hotel Group today announced plans to debut Dream Atlanta, Buckhead in 2021. Designed by Atlanta-based architecture firm Cooper Carry, Dream Atlanta, Buckhead, will feature 200 guest rooms and suites, 90 private residences, a dynamic spa and wellness concept and five highly activated dining and nightlife venues, including a 17,000-square-foot rooftop pool bar and lounge. The dual-tower development will also include 80,000 square feet of additional office and retail space. "We found a great partner in Cartel Properties, a company that plays an important...
Marriott International Launches Tahseen Hospitality Training Program in Partnership With Helwan University and PDF
Marriott International, Inc. | July 11, 2018
CAIRO, Egypt, July 11, 2018 -- Marriott International (www.Marriott.com), the world's leading hotel company, reinforces its commitment to Egypt with the launch of Tahseen, a unique hospitality training program developed in response to a growing need for talent within the industry. Created in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation (PDF), the program is focused on fast tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders from Egypt by providing them with firsthand experience and a springboard to launch successful careers in the industry. The company today unveiled the program at a signing ceremony graced...
Marriott Signs and Capital Alliance Partner to Debut AC Hotel Brand in Australia With 2020 Opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank
AC Hotels by Marriott | July 11, 2018
Marriott International Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with Melbourne-based property development company Capital Alliance to introduce the AC Hotels by Marriott®, brand to Australia. The 200-room AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank hotel is expected to open in 2020 as part of a dynamic mixed-use development. The hotel marks Marriott International's second major hotel deal with Capital Alliance, with Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands currently under construction, and underscores the hospitality company's growth in Australia. The AC Hotels brand was born from the vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who f...
Sven Wassmer Appointed Executive Chef for Grand Hotel Quellenhof at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz | July 11, 2018
BAD RAGAZ, SWITZERLAND (July 11, 2018)- Sven Wassmer is coming to Grand Hotel Quellenhof at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, and is launching a new gastro concept. Together with his wife Amanda Bulgin, who will be the sommelière overseeing the wine offering at Quellenhof, the top chef will begin his role at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in January 2019. In the past few months the well being and medical health resort announced a complete renovation of Grand Hotel Quellenhof to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2019. Additionally, the new lifestyle restaurant concept will be introduced in July 2019, and will be led by Sven Wassmer, who at age 31 ...
Storytelling Is Not an Option Anymore, It Is Who You Are
Geoff Andrew | July 11, 2018
By Geoff Andrew People have been telling stories for thousands of years and still stories have a powerful effect on people. But how does successful storytelling work in the hospitality world? In the interview, Geoff Andrew explains why storytelling is particularly important for independent hotels and which hotels he believes have already perfected storytelling. Why do you think every hotel needs a good story to tell? With the growing influence of social media on people's booking decisions, hoteliers need to communicate as storytellers to stay relevant online. Travelers tell stories about hotels on social media and rating platforms. ...
Loews Hotels & Co, The Cordish Companies and The St. Louis Cardinals Unveil New Details and Break Ground on First Loews Property in St. Louis, MO
Loews Hotels & Co. | July 11, 2018
ST. LOUIS, July 11, 2018 -- Loews Hotels & Co, The Cordish Companies and the St. Louis Cardinals today released new hotel renderings and officially broke ground on the new $65 million Live! by Loews – St. Louis, MO hotel which will be located inside the second phase of Ballpark Village. Executives from Loews, Cordish and the Cardinals were joined by St. Louis Cardinals hall of famer, Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, Kitty Ratcliffe of Explore St. Louis and local business and community leaders to celebrate the new addition to the St. Louis hotel landscape. The hotel will be the first St. Louis hotel for New York based...
HFTP to Host Inaugural, Invitation-Only Club Forum in Sarasota, Florida This Month
HFTP | July 11, 2018
Immediately following HFTP's Florida Regional Conference at the Sarasota Westin Hotel Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is hosting its inaugural HFTP Club Forum on July 28, 2018 at the Sarasota Westin in Sarasota, Florida USA - immediately following HFTP's Florida Regional Conference that is taking place from July 25-27, 2018 at the same location. HFTP's Club Forum is an executive-level event designed to provide club professionals with the opportunity to connect with industry peers, share ideas and discuss hot topics. The invitation-only event will be facilitated by Dr. Larry Ross, emeritus professor...
Integrated Plankinton Milwaukee, an Affiliate of Murphy Development Group, & Choice Hotels to Develop New Cambria Hotel in Downtown Milwaukee
Cambria Hotels | July 11, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 11, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has signed an agreement with Integrated Plankinton Milwaukee, LLC, an affiliate of Chicago-based Murphy Development Group (MDG), to develop the Cambria Hotel Milwaukee. Expected to open in the summer of 2019, the hotel is the third property to enter the state of Wisconsin, joining properties in Madison and Appleton. The four-story, 132-room Cambria Hotel Milwaukee will be located at 503-521 N. Plankinton Avenue in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The hotel is near some of the city's major corporations, including WE Energies, Northwestern Mutual, Harley-Da...
Interstate Hotels & Resorts Assumes Management of the Westin Alexandria, VA in Partnership With Owner Junson Capital
Interstate Hotels & Resorts | July 11, 2018
ARLINGTON, Va. – July 11, 2018 – As a part of the company's strategy to grow its upper-upscale collection, Interstate Hotels & Resorts – a global leader in third-party hotel and resort management – has assumed management of The Westin Alexandria in partnership with Hong Kong-based owner Junson Capital. The hotel is ideally located 25 minutes from Washington D.C. near the picturesque neighborhood of Old Town Alexandria and just steps away from the impressive George Washington Masonic Memorial. "Focusing investment and attention on Interstate's accelerated growth objectives is crucial to elevating our company's...
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Appoints Kathryn Day as New General Manager
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort | July 11, 2018
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – (July 11, 2018) – Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort today announced the appointment of industry veteran Kathryn Day as the property's new general manager. In this role, Day will leverage her expertise in award-winning customer service and internal operations to lead the path for success at the 374-room full-service residential resort. "I am excited to have been granted the opportunity to join the talented team at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort," said Day. "The resort already boasts a high degree of hospitality, and I look forward to levering my expertise to expand the property's distinct person...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Adds 1004-Room DoubleTree Orlando Resort at SeaWorld to Management Portfolio
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | July 11, 2018
Orlando, FL (July 11, 2018) – The 28-acre, 1004-room DoubleTree Orlando Resort at SeaWorld is now managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Crescent Hotels & Resorts is an award winning, nationally recognized operator of major hotels, resorts and conference centers throughout the United States, Canada & Caribbean. The DoubleTree Orlando Resort at SeaWorld boasts 100,000 square feet of event space, 3 pools, miniature golf and putting green, multiple themed onsite restaurants, wine bars, pool bars, grab-and-go cafes with Starbucks coffee, onsite spa, resort shop, and a kids' camp with daily activities and a game room. "Cresc...
How to Use Data to Build a Profitable Resort
Luz Candelas | July 11, 2018
By Luz Candelas When I became a Director of Architectural Projects in August 2016, it was to provide our owners with a more data-driven approach to resort construction. How existing resorts are operated and how new properties are developed must keep pace with both technology and planned growth. Your project managers, working directly with resort owners, should create cohesive brand standards. You want to assure resort guests that certain aspects of their stay will always be consistent. The focus needs to be on constantly delivering high quality dining, entertainment and bathroom amenities and still provide a new and unique experience at...
The Edwin Hotel Appoints Kevin Korman as Executive Chef
The Edwin | July 11, 2018
Chattanooga, TN (July 11, 2018) – The Edwin Hotel has appointed Kevin Korman as Executive Chef of the forthcoming restaurants Whitebird and Whiskey Thief (102 Walnut Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee). The highly anticipated addition to Chattanooga's downtown neighborhood will debut in late summer 2018. "My food is influenced by my adopted city of Chattanooga, and will showcase the heritage and hospitality of the Tennessee River Valley," says Kevin Korman, Executive Chef of The Edwin's Whitebird and Whiskey Thief. "Our region is thriving with local growers and purveyors. I'm looking forward to sharing my take on elevated Southern cui...
OpenTravel Alliance and Industry Experts Present Powerful Use Cases for New Release 2.0 Object Model
OpenTravel Alliance | July 11, 2018
Ease-of-use features and speed-to-market benefits highlight HITEC Houston 2018 Tech Talk Austin, TX, USA – (July 11, 2018) – The OpenTravel Alliance, the not-for-profit responsible for developing and maintaining interoperability for disparate systems in all verticals of the travel industry, hosted a Tech Talk workshop on the release of the 2.0 Object Model for attendees June 21 at the HITEC® Houston 2018 trade show and conference in Houston. Tech Talk speakers included technical and business leaders from across the spectrum of travel verticals. Attendees represented developers, technology consultants and business executi...
Enhancing Your Coffee Service With Ten Tips
Larry Mogelonsky | July 11, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) One of the most important elements of a modern hotel property is its coffee service, both within the guestroom and at any restaurant outlet. Given this beverage's significance in everyday life, it's a definite no-no for a hotel that cuts corners in its procurement and preparation of this brown elixir. Hardly a drug, though, coffee is not only big business but an aspect of our culture that continues to evolve. To witness this evolution, look no further than guests' expectations for a property's in-room coffee and tea service. Within the past decade, we've seen a migration from metal ...
Radisson Hotel Group Names Tom Osborn as Director of Franchise Sales & Development
Radisson Hotel Group | July 11, 2018
Minneapolis (July 11, 2018) - Radisson Hotel Group today announced two new appointments to its Americas development team. These new team members will play a vital role in successfully driving development efforts across Latin America, which is key to the company's overall growth strategy in the Americas. Tom Osborn joins Radisson Hotel Group as director of Franchise Sales & Development. Osborn is based in Miami and will work towards increasing the presence of the company's brands in the Caribbean. Prior to joining Radisson Hotel Group, Osborn had an extensive career with Best Western International, where he was a regional dire...
Denihan Appoints Nadia Karmali as VP of Revenue Management and Michael Shiwdin as VP of Asset Management
Denihan Hospitality | July 11, 2018
NEW YORK – July 11, 2018 – Denihan Hospitality ("Denihan" or the "Company"), a full-service hospitality company focusing on developing, owning, managing and franchising boutique luxury and lifestyle hotels, is pleased to announce that experienced industry professionals Nadia Karmali and Michael Shiwdin are joining the Company as Vice President of Revenue Management and Vice President of Asset Management, respectively. Ms. Karmali and Mr. Shiwdin have spent the majority of their respective careers working for some of the hospitality industry's largest operators, and are skilled in financial management, driving revenue and lea...
