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Industry Happenings
From Groundbreaking to Ribbon-Cutting: Tips to Inspire Staff During Hotel Transformation
Jeff Hart | July 9, 2018
By Jeff Hart Hotel renovations are commonplace in today's hotel operation landscape. From facelifts to complete overhauls, properties must take the necessary steps to stay up-to-date with current trends and the needs of today's travelers. While the impact a redesign has on the hotel guest is often the first area of concern for management, a team should also place emphasis on inspiring and uplifting staff, as it is their overall project knowledge and feelings towards the transformation that ultimately trickles down to the guest. As a Hotel General Manager, keeping the team motivated is the single most important piece of the job. It is so...
Hilton Appoints Jorge Giannattasio as Senior Vice President and Head of Caribbean and Latin America Operations
Hilton | July 9, 2018
MCLEAN, Va. – July 9, 2018 - Hilton announced today the appointment of Jorge Giannattasio as senior vice president and head of Caribbean and Latin America operations. In his newly appointed position, Giannattasio will oversee the dynamic region where Hilton currently operates a portfolio of more than 130 hotels. "We are thrilled to welcome Jorge, who has an impressive track record of working with organizations to maximize growth, customer satisfaction and profitability," said Joe Berger, executive vice president & president, Americas, Hilton. "As we continue our aggressive Caribbean and Latin America expansion with more than 8...
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) Sells Texas Fairfield Inn & Suites
Paramount Lodging Advisors | July 9, 2018
Beaumont, TX - Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) has successfully executed the transaction of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Beaumont, TX. Managing Director Kami Burnette and Managing Director Adam Montufar represented the seller in the transaction. The 74-room upper-midscale hotel was ideally located on Interstate 10 in Beaumont. The buyer was looking to capitalize on increasing revenues generated from the oil-driven market and substantially supplement the cash flow of their existing hotel portfolio. "Post Hurricane Harvey, the increasing commodities pricing is stabilizing the region and have presented an opportunity for the new owne...
Unlocking the Innovation Potential of Teams
July 9, 2018
By Frédéric Delley 'What makes some teams more innovative than others?' This is an increasingly important question as hotel companies feel the need to differentiate due to increasing competitive pressure. As evidence of the reinvention effort taking place today in hospitality, my institution – the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne – conducts about 100 innovation projects each year for all types of organizations and entrepreneurs active in the sector. I recently studied teams of soon-to-be graduates involved in the development of such projects to understand what could explain differences in their ability...
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Set to Open in Minooka, Illinois Under the Leadership of General Manager Julia Garvey
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | July 9, 2018
Minooka, IL – July 9, 2018 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's TownePlace Suites by Marriott Joliet Minooka is scheduled to open for business this Wednesday, July 11, 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 Minooka area. The new hotel located at 630 Bob Blair Road, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Minooka Hotel Associates LLC and managed by Kinseth Hospitality of North Liberty, Iowa. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremo...
Marshall Hotels & Resorts Debuts New York City’s First Tapestry Collection Hotel With the Addition of The Bernic Hotel
Tapestry Collection by Hilton | July 9, 2018
MCLEAN, Va. - Today, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, one of Hilton's 14 market-leading brands, introduces The Bernic Hotel New York City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton to its expanding portfolio of distinctive, upscale properties. The first Tapestry Collection property in New York City, The Bernic offers an authentic, modern experience for guests in the heart of Midtown East, located a few short blocks from Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center, among other landmarks. The Bernic's 96 guest rooms offer a sleek and serene space featuring heated bathroom floors and walk-in rain showers to help guests relax after a long day of urban e...
Adrian Attard Returns to Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Malta as General Manager
Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa | July 9, 2018
(San Anton, Malta, July 9, 2018) Twenty-five years since working as a pool boy at Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Malta, Maltese-born Adrian Attard is returning as General Manager this week. Pool duties at the hotel that spawned the collection of Corinthia Hotels around the world turned into a passion for the hotel industry for this 18 year-old. Adrian went on to graduate from the Institute of Tourism Studies in 1996 with a diploma in Hotel Administration. His career has been steeped in Corinthia and Radisson, including Assistant GM of a Tunisian property then owned by Corinthia, and opening the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden ...
Atrium Hospitality Advances Larry Cooper to Regional Director of Operations and General Manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Northwest Arkansas
Embassy Suites by Hilton Northwest Arkansas Hotel, Spa & Convention Center | July 9, 2018
ROGERS, Ark. & ALPHARETTA, Ga.—July 9, 2018--Atrium Hospitality today announced Larry Cooper has been promoted to a multi-property management role with the Alpharetta, Georgia-based company, which is one of the nation's largest hotel and asset management companies. Cooper's promotion includes serving as a regional director of operations responsible for five Atrium hotels representing 960 rooms/suites. In this role, he assumes general manager responsibilities of the 400-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Northwest Arkansas Hotel, Spa & Convention Center in Rogers, Arkansas. Cooper brings more than 30 years of hospitality experi...
Doug Pitcock ‘49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center Earns Prestigious IACC Certification
July 9, 2018
New Property to Open in August on University Campus College Station, Texas, July 2018 … The new Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center (www.TexasAMHotelCC.com) will open in August with an exceptional new credential: membership in IACC, the exclusive International Association of Conference Centres. With this prestigious certification, the hotel joins an elite group of more than 300 first rate, certified meeting venues in 23 countries. The recognized thought leader of the meetings industry, IACC is the sole international association representing small-to-medium-sized venues focused on meetings, training and conf...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Sunny Li as Vice President of Development, China & North Asia
Dream Hotel Group | July 9, 2018
NEW YORK, NY (July 9, 2018) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Sunny Li as Vice President of Development for China and North Asia. Tapping into more than 30 years of experience in hotel development and portfolio expansion, Li brings a wealth of knowledge and an extensive global network of relationships with real estate developers, capital groups and private investors to Dream Hotel Group. Home to its Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels brands, Dream Hotel Group encompasses three business lines: Proprietary Brands, Hotel Management and D...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Why Hotel Brands and Franchisers Secretly Love the OTAs
David Lund | July 9, 2018
By David Lund I know we all hear the battle cries every day in our industry, but what's really going on with hotel brands, franchisers, the online travel agents and their war over commissions and fees? In this piece, I am going to expose an angle that I think needs some light. It gets back to a fundamental understanding of how our industry functions based on its evolved structure, with brands and owners. I also believe this is a good lesson in hotel business strategy, to understand what underpins the relationship between the warring parties and what drives the business model with hotel franchisers and brands. The first thing to know abo...
Summit Hospitality Management Group Appoints Androse Bell as General Manager of New Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach | July 9, 2018
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 9, 2018) – Summit Hospitality Management Group has announced the appointment of Androse Bell as general manager of the new Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, overseeing day-to-day operations and the (175) rock star team. A familiar face in the Central Florida hospitality industry, Bell was promoted from director of rooms at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach to general manager of the recently opened, 200-room, beachfront property. "We're fortunate to have had Androse as part of our hotel team from construction through grand opening," stated Efrain Silva, vice president of operations for Summit Hospitality Manageme...
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) Names Roxanne Rees Director of Asset Management and Analytics
Hospitality Ventures Management Group | July 9, 2018
ATLANTA, July 9, 2018—Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company, today named Roxanne Rees to the role of director of asset management and analytics. In her new role, Roxanne will develop and maintain operational reporting systems, as well as produce operational and financial analysis, for HVMG's portfolio of independent and boutique hotels and resorts, as well as full-service, select-service and extended-stay hotels under the Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG brands. "In her nearly 15 years of real estate financial analysis, Roxanne has worked with som...
Overview: The Increasing Costs of Hotel Customer Acquisition
Allison Handy | July 9, 2018
By Allison Handy When we talk about red flags and concerns about increasing acquisition costs, some might be inclined to dismiss any worries and point to continued growth and prosperity—both in the industry and across the larger economy. And it is certainly true that we are in the midst of a sustained period of strong performance. The Prosperity Trap: Consider the following recently released data from TravelClick. As of this May, committed occupancy for the second quarter of 2018 through the first quarter of 2019 is up at 1.6% compared to a year ago. The pace of new commitments is continuing to edge upward, increasing by 0.1% over...
Mangalis Hotel Group Adopts TravelClick’s Leading Reservations, Web and Media Solutions
Mangalis Hotel Group | July 9, 2018
TravelClick Offerings Enable Mangalis to Maximize Revenue During Rapid Expansion Across Africa NEW YORK, July 9, 2018 – TravelClick, a leading global provider of data and revenue-generating solutions for hoteliers, today announced that Mangalis Hotel Group, the African-born hospitality group with its dynamic innovative brands Noom Hotels, Seen Hotels and Yaas Hotels, has selected TravelClick's award-winning Reservations (iHotelier®), Web and Media Solutions to drive more revenue and maximize direct bookings as Mangalis continues its rapid expansion across Africa. TravelClick's flexible, integrated Reservations Solutions enable...
Leisure Real Estate Advisors, LLC Selected to Represent a Hilton-Marriott Portfolio in Salina, KS
Leisure Real Estate Advisors, LLC | July 7, 2018
Leisure Real Estate Advisors, LLC, is pleased to announce its engagement as exclusive marketing agent for the sale of a three property Hilton-Marriott branded portfolio located in Salina, KS. "We are extremely pleased to have received this assignment", says Brent A. Jaynes, co-founder and managing partner of Leisure Real Estate Advisors, LLC. "The Hilton and Marriott names are premium brands and represent institutional grade name recognition", comments Mr. Jaynes. "All of these fine hotels are well positioned within this market and represent very attractive assets to potential investors." The Hilton Garden Inn opened in Sept, 2017 and i...
Independent Hotels Have Reasons to Celebrate: Data Shows Beating Chains in ADR, Growth
Expedia Group | July 6, 2018
By Sue Spinney As competition among hotels remains heated due to new construction and market saturation, independent hotels continue to thrive and outpace chain hotels in both growth and average daily rate (ADR). For the second year in a row, Expedia Group data shows unbranded properties had greater average daily rates (ADRs) and overall revenue growth than their branded hotel brethren. Comparing Q1 2018 to Q1 2017 Expedia Group data, independent popularity once again soared, with independents continuing to grow twice as fast as chains, consistent across both domestic and international bookings. When it comes to Expedia Group VIP Access...
Pet Hotels: The Ultimate ‘Niche’?
Stuart Pallistter | July 6, 2018
By Stuart Pallister Globally, pet care represents a huge market that's worth some 180 billion USD. So even though the panel discussion at the Window 2 the Future forum was supposed to focus on globalization generally, perhaps it was inevitable that pet care (and pet hotels) would come under the spotlight, especially as one of the panelists was a senior executive with a pet food firm, which is owned by Nestlé. Philippe Perianin, Head of Business Development & Ecosystem at Nestlé Purina Pet Care Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), told the forum the market was growing steadily. "When you look at Europe for example, ...
Tharaldson Hospitality Management Opens New TownePlace Suites in Austin, Texas
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | July 6, 2018
Austin, Texas – July 6, 2018 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's TownePlace Suites by Marriott Austin North Lakeline is now open for business. 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 North Austin area. The new hotel located at 13501 Lyndhurst Street, continues to exemplify the brand's rapid growth. The new hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Tharaldson Hospitality Management of Decatur, Illinois. "We are excited...
Hawkeye Hotels Opens New 93-Room Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Marshalltown, Iowa
Hawkeye Hotels | July 6, 2018
MARSHALLTOWN, IA – This week, the Iowa-based firm Hawkeye Hotels opens the doors at the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 2012 Iowa Avenue in Marshalltown. This is the first InterContinental Hotels Group property in Marshalltown and surrounding areas. With this newest addition, Hawkeye Hotels now owns and manages 17 hotels in its home state. "At Hawkeye Hotels, we look to invest in communities where a new property will make a positive impact on residents' lives and spur local economic development," said Om Patel, Director of Development for Hawkeye Hotels. "Our new Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Marshallto...
Spain’s Former Palace of Empress Eugenia De Montijo Now Home to 40-Room Eugenia de Montijo, an Autograph Collection Hotel
Autograph Collection Hotels | July 5, 2018
Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International's distinctive collection of passionately independent hotels, has unveiled its latest property with the opening of Eugenia de Montijo, situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Toledo in Spain. Inspired by the building's impressive heritage, the hotel fits perfectly into the brand's unique portfolio of one-of-a-kind boutique hotels around the world that champion the values of vision, design and craft. "The hotel's rich heritage, intimate size and chic, modern design creates a unique getaway experience exactly like nothing else," said John Licence, VP Premium & Selec...
2018 Hotel Industry Innovation Report
Dr. Carlos Martin-Rios | July 5, 2018
By Dr. Carlos Martin-Rios Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) recently released a comprehensive Hospitality Innovation Industry Report, authored by Dr. Carlos Martin-Rios, an Associate Professor at EHL. Dr. Rios has been tracking hospitality innovation for the past several years, surveying hundreds of managers and interviewing more than 50 executives and thought-leaders to produce this report. The key objective of this research is to increase knowledge about the adoption of innovative practices by global hospitality businesses, and to support the integration of innovation strategy into hospitality business strategy. Understa...
RAR Hospitality Completes Renovation of El Cordova Hotel in Coronado, California
RAR Hospitality | July 5, 2018
SAN DIEGO, July 5, 2018 - RAR Hospitality and El Cordova Hotel are proud to announce brand new accommodations and completed renovations at the 43-room boutique property, enhancing the affordable luxury guest experience. Hotel management firm RAR Hospitality managed the $1M hotel upgrade which was completed in early June 2018. "The completion of this renovation is a milestone for the iconic El Cordova Hotel," said Bob Rauch, founder and CEO of RAR Hospitality. "Nothing can replace the historic property's natural beauty and charm, and El Cordova is dedicated to always providing guests with the utmost comfort, personalized service and the ...
In Focus: Malaysia – Reinvigorated Opportunities
Jeremy Teo | July 5, 2018
Jeremy Teo and Hok Yean Chee The Federation of Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, comprises 13 states and three federal territories covering a total area of 329,847 square kilometres across Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia. Malaysia's population is approximately 31.4 million (2017 government estimate) with 62% being of Malay heritage. The country's diversity is reflected in the share of different ethnic groups, such as Chinese, Indians and Indigenous, in its total population. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the direct and total contribution of Travel & Tourism to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (G...
