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Industry Happenings
Cape Town Calling: Undoing the impact of ‘Day Zero’ on Tourism
Rishabh Thapar | July 5, 2018
By Rishabh Thapar At the end of 2017, one of the most picturesque cities in the world, Cape Town, announced a 'Day Zero' to create awareness among its citizens of the severity of its ongoing water crisis. The day marked to be as early as March 2018 at one point of time has been pushed out to 2020 (or potentially 'never') in light of the city's commendable efforts in changing their lifestyle and focusing on water conservation in all aspects of their day-to-day living. It was heartening to see industries, buildings, farmers, hoteliers, each and every citizen coming together for a common cause and making an effort to reduce water consumpti...
Ten Tips to Boost Your Public Relations Efforts
Larry Mogelonsky | July 5, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Having recently attended this year's HITEC as a media representative, I was bombarded with hundreds of emails over the past few weeks from those interested in garnering just an ounce of my attention to have me publish their materials. How can any single release stand out? Thinking of all the hours that are spent by hotel managers and public relations agencies in preparing this material is mortifying, especially since 99% of these well-crafted pieces of literature will be trashed without the recipient ever getting beyond the headline. What a waste! Moving forward, as the general mana...
Hilton Partners With Romay Desarrollos Inmobiliarios for Hampton by Hilton Buenos Aires Parque Leloir in Argentina
Hampton by Hilton | July 5, 2018
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina and MCLEAN, Va. – July 5, 2018 – Hampton by Hilton, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) upper-midscale brand and leader in the category, today announced the signing of its second Hampton by Hilton hotelin Argentina – Hampton by Hilton Buenos Aires Parque Leloir. Owned and developed by Romay Desarrollos Inmobiliarios, the 72-room hotel is set to open in 2021 and will form part of the Thays Parque Leloir mixed-use building, featuring two swimming pools, a fitness center, spa, convention center, retail, residences and a variety of dining outlets. "Expected to attract more than six million international travel...
Are You Really Customer Centric?
ProSolutions | July 5, 2018
By Jana Love Recently, I personally had a not even close to satisfying customer service experience at a place where they boast they deliver, "The Luxury Hotel Experience," with "Unparalleled Service." Sadly, they over promised and way under delivered. This experience (or lack there of) has left me searching for the businesses that get and deliver a Customer Centric Experience. (The sad puppy eyes tell all...) Do I start with what Customer Centric means, because I feel like there are a lot of companies out there that give this responsibility to the sales and customer service departments only, when in fact, this is the...
Travel Trends Index: Domestic Business Travel Projected to Outpace Leisure Segment
Louis T Collection | July 5, 2018
WASHINGTON (July 5, 2018)—Travel to and within the U.S. grew 3.4 percent year-over-year in May, according to the U.S. Travel Association's latest Travel Trends Index (TTI)—marking the industry's 101st straight month of overall expansion. However, mounting trade tensions work against America's pursuit of an increased share in the global travel market. Most notable in the TTI is the effect near-historic highs in consumer confidence is having on the domestic travel market. According to the Leading Travel Index, domestic travel is expected to increase by approximately 2.5 percent in the next six months. Leisure trave...
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) Leads the Successful Sale of the Downtown Milwaukee Hyatt Regency
SiteMinder | July 5, 2018
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) is pleased to announce the sale of the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. PLA was exclusively engaged to represent the seller in the transaction of the 481-room full-service property in downtown Milwaukee. The marketing efforts were led by Senior Managing Directors Bennett Webster and Brent Clemens, and Managing Director Adam Montufar. "We were pleased to continue our strong track record of success in Wisconsin and we were not at all surprised with the particularly high offer count on this deal," noted Montufar. "We feel the activity is emblematic of the strong growth prospects for downtown Milwaukee with the open...
SpringHill Suites Fayetteville Fort Bragg Opens in North Carolina With General Manager Mylyn Sargent at the Helm
Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito | July 5, 2018
Fayetteville, NC – July 5, 2018 – Marriott International announced today that the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Fayetteville, North Carolina is now open for business. The 121-suite hotel, located at 4750 Lake Valley Drive, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by HMM Legacy and managed by Five Points Hospitality. The Springhill Suites Fayetteville Fort Bragg offers quick and convenient access to popular destinations such as Cross Creek Mall, downtown Fayetteville, and famous locations such as Fort Bragg and Pope Air Field. The all-suite hotel is just minutes away from Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Leidos Holdin...
Owned and Managed by CN Hotels, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Opens in Charleston, South Carolina
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | July 5, 2018
Charleston, SC – July 5, 2018 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's TownePlace Suites by Marriott Charleston/West Ashley is scheduled to open for business today. 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 Charleston area. The new TownePlace Suites Charleston/West Ashley located at 805 Orleans Road, continues to exemplify the brand's rapid growth. The new hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by CN Hotels of Greensboro, No...
Soon-to-Open Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit Appoints Frederik Farina as Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage
Hyatt Regency | July 5, 2018
BANGKOK (July 4, 2018) — A 47-year-old Sicilian who has worked in Southeast Asia for 16 years is now the Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage at the first Hyatt Regency in Bangkok. Frederik Farina assumed both roles last month at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, which is scheduled to open this fall not far from where he started with Hyatt Hotels in 2005 — Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. "It's great to be back," said Farina, who spent most of the last seven years in similar roles at Hyatt Regency Danang in Vietnam. "I was in Bangkok for almost 10 years the first time around. It's like coming home." While Farina will...
HNA Group Announces Death of Chairman Wang Jian in an Accident in France
| July 5, 2018
HAIKOU, China--HNA Group today announced with great sadness the tragic and sudden death of its co-founder and Chairman, Wang Jian, age 57, in an accident in Provence, France. Mr. Wang was in France on a business trip. HNA Group's board and management team, led by co-founder and Chairman Chen Feng and CEO Adam Tan, issued the following statement: "HNA Group extends deepest condolences to Mr. Wang's family and many friends. Together, we mourn the loss of an exceptionally gifted leader and role model, whose vision and values will continue to be a beacon for all who had the good fortune to know him, as well as for the many others whose ...
Belmond Appoints Adam Handling as Executive Chef at Belmond Cadogan Hotel
Belmond Ltd. | July 5, 2018
July 5, 2018 - Belmond announces Adam Handling as Executive Chef at Belmond Cadogan Hotel, its new flagship London property opening winter 2018. Tipped by Caterer magazine as one of the '30 under 30 to watch' Handling brings his energetic passion for traditional British cuisine with a modern twist and places sustainability and zero waste at the core of his philosophy. "Adam is an exciting and innovative talent who has made his mark on the London dining scene. Says Klaus Kabelitz, General Manager, Belmond Cadogan Hotel. At Belmond, we are delighted to support up-and-coming talent and Adam's culinary skill, combined with his incredible pa...
New York Hilton Midtown Appoints Jason Tresh as Hotel Manager
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | July 5, 2018
NEW YORK (July 5, 2018) — New York Hilton Midtown has appointed Jason Tresh to hotel manager effective today. Possessing over 20 years of strategic business and hospitality experience, Tresh will oversee day-to-day operations while ensuring an elevated experience for all guests of the iconic 1,931-room property. "As a prized member of the Hilton family for over a decade, including a seven-year tenure at New York Hilton Midtown, Jason's proven leadership skills will ensure the continued success of our hotel operations and overall guest satisfaction" said Diarmuid Dwyer, New York Hilton Midtown general manager. Most recently, Tresh ...
Africa’s Hotel Sector Offers Potential for Further Growth Over the Next Five Years – PwC Report
PwC | July 5, 2018
South African hotel room revenue is expected to expand to R21.8 billion in 2022, up 5.6%, compounded annually, from R16.6 billion in 2017 JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 5, 2018/ -- Africa's hotel sector has the potential for further growth over the next five years. An increase in the number of foreign and domestic travellers, as well as an expansion in a number of hotel chains on the continent reinforces the hotel sector's untapped potential for business growth. These are some of the highlights from a report issued today by PwC (www.PwC.com) on Africa's hotel sector. PwC's eighth edition of the Hotels outlook: 2018-2022 includes infor...
Spirides Arranges $5 Million Hotel Construction Loan for New Holiday Inn Express in Latta, SC
Spirides Hospitality Finance Company, LLC | July 4, 2018
TAMPA, FL—Spirides Hospitality Finance Company has successfully arranged, and its client has closed on a $5 million senior loan facility from a southeast U.S. headquartered bank to finance the development of a new Holiday Inn Express in Latta, South Carolina. This soon to be built Holiday Inn Express will feature 68 guest rooms and suites in one 4-story building situated on 4 acres of land. It will be located at 1325 Cattle Farm Road at SC Highway 38 just off of Interstate 95 Exit 181 near the City of Latta in Dillon County, SC which is part of the Florence metropolitan area. Exit 181 is one of the primary exits off of Interstate 95 that...
Radisson Partners With Palmeraie Development Group for Radisson Hotel & Apartments Abidjan Plateau, Ivory Coast
Radisson Hotel Group | July 3, 2018
Brussels/ Abidjan - July 3, 2018 - Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of Radisson Hotel Group, is proud to announce the signing of a new Radisson hotel in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The Radisson Hotel & Apartments Abidjan Plateau signing brings the group's Africa portfolio to 86 hotels and almost 18,000 rooms in operation and under development. Abidjan is one of the most populous cities in Africa and the largest business hub in the Francophone Africa. Radisson Hotel & Apartments Abidjan Plateau will be located on the Boulevard de la République in the heart of the Plateau – the c...
Hilton Charlotte University Place Welcomes Robert Benett as New Executive Chef
Hilton Charlotte University Place | July 3, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 3, 2018 -- The Hilton Charlotte University Place is thrilled to announce the appointment of Robert Benett to Executive Chef. Chef Benett brings exceptional culinary leadership and expertise to the property's on-site dining options, Edgewater Bar & Grille and Fountainview Catering. Hilton Charlotte University Place offers a tranquil lakeside escape near UNC Charlotte and the area's best shopping destinations. Edgewater Bar & Grille features natural light with a stunning view of the beautiful Lake at University Place. The Hilton staff is happy to welcome Chef Benett and is confident he will continue to enhanc...
Preparing Students for Future-Proof Careers in Hospitality
Stuart Pallister | July 3, 2018
By Stuart Pallister Schools today face a dilemma. Should they focus on meeting the current needs of the industry or ensure their students will be able to adapt to uncertain futures? Ted Teng, President and CEO of Leading Hotels of the World, put it succinctly at the recent Window 2 the Future event staged by Lausanne Hospitality Consulting at Ecole hôteliere de Lausanne. "When I graduated in 1979, if I asked someone what technology I should master, the answer would have been PMS (property management system software) or POS (point of sale). They wouldn't have said GDS (global distribution system), the PC (personal computer) &hellip...
PM Hotel Group and The Buccini/Pollin Group Open Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District in Oregon
Canopy by Hilton | July 3, 2018
PORTLAND, Ore. and MCLEAN, Va. – July 3, 2018 – Today, Canopy by Hilton, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) lifestyle hotel brand, alongside PM Hotel Group, a leading, national hotel management company and The Buccini/Pollin Group (BPG), a privately-held, full-service real estate acquisition, development and management company, announce the opening of the brand's first West Coast property, Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District. Located in a revitalized industrial zone that has quickly become a hot neighborhood with indie boutiques, art galleries, microbreweries, green spaces and eateries, the property brings a new lifestyle hospitality...
Just Enter: Now Accepting Entries for 2018 HSMAI Adrian Awards
HSMAI | July 3, 2018
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is officially accepting entries for its 2018 Adrian Awards, celebrating excellence in travel marketing. Now in their 62nd year, the Adrian Awards recognize standout brands and agencies for their innovation and creativity in hospitality advertising, digital marketing, and public relations campaigns. "The Adrian Awards acknowledge the impressive work of the winners," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI, "but the full impact of these awards extends beyond that. By spotlighting the creative thinking that fuels the winning campaigns, the Adrians ...
Discounting is for Dummies – Part Three
Vertical Booking | July 3, 2018
Drive More Direct Bookings Without Sacrificing Your Bottom Line By Mark Lewis-Brown, CEO & President at Vertical Booking USA One of the best – and worst – things about the hospitality industry is how much most hotels have in common: they're offering relatively similar products and have a great deal of competition within their immediate marketplace - other hotels, alternative accommodations and the OTAs - which, in most cases, leaves hoteliers waging an uphill battle to profitability. But instead of thinking outside of the box when it comes to boosting direct bookings, decreasing the cost of acquisition and increasing ove...
Brazil – Spotlight on the State of Business Travel
| July 3, 2018
by Cinthya Caggiano Most people in the industry had written off Brazil after 2016. After seeing a period of growth, Brazil's recession and political instability affected not just the domestic business travel market but the international market as well. In its 2018 Global Travel Forecast, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) stated, "This growth has stagnated over the last few years, and Brazil's business travel market is backsliding and losing much of the momentum gained early in the new millennium." However, I think this was perhaps a bit premature for three core reasons. And because of these reasons, there are opportunities f...
Hotel Indigo Denver Appoints Scott Paradine as General Manager
Hotel Indigo Denver | July 2, 2018
DENVER – JULY 2, 2018 – Anchoring downtown Denver's thriving Union Station neighborhood, Hotel Indigo Denver announces the appointment of Scott Paradine as general manager. Paradine joins Hotel Indigo Denver with 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Spending the first five years of his career as an operational manager, Paradine moved onto sales for nine years. Most recently, Paradine spent four years as general manager at the Fairfax Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, where he led the hotel to the top 12 percent in North America for GSS Overall Satisfaction in 2013, 2015 and 2016. He undertook several large projec...
Westgate Resorts Opens Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort in Florida Following $15 Million Comprehensive Renovation
Westgate Resorts | July 2, 2018
Cocoa Beach, Fla. – July 2, 2018 – Westgate Resorts announced today the opening of the first upscale all-suite resort in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is an all-two-bedroom Polynesian-themed oceanfront resort located one mile from the iconic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier on Orlando's closest beach. Formerly known as Wakulla Suites, Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has undergone a $15 million comprehensive renovation which includes full upgrades to every aspect of the property, including its 120 two-bedroom suites, hotel lobby, courtyard and pool. "Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has been completely transformed and reim...
General Manager Aaron Pellitt Welcomes Guests to New 200-Key SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Athens, Georgia
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | July 2, 2018
Athens, GA – July 2, 2018 – Marriott International announced today that the SpringHill Suites Athens Downtown/University Area is scheduled to open this Monday, July 2, 2018. The 200-suite hotel, located at 220 South Hull Street, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Motel Enterprises Inc. and managed by Benson's Hospitality Group of Athens, Georgia. The SpringHill Suites Athens Downtown/University Area is located downtown and adjacent to the University of Georgia. The hotel offers guests convenient access to the Classic Center, Sanford Stadium and the Georgia Theater. "As a brand opening a new hotel every 10 days on...
