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
CustomerCount® Teams with RCI® to Launch TravelVUE: Social Analytics and Support System Monitors Individual Resorts and Brand
| June 26, 2018
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 26, 2018) –CustomerCount®, has teamed with RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange, to launch yet another enhancement to CustomerCount's enterprise customer feedback system. The new addition to CustomerCount's feedback capabilities is TravelVUESM, a multifaceted social-analytics and support system that monitors brand sentiment, gathers real-time conversations and provides insight for social media and marketing teams. TravelVUE is the result of a combination of CustomerCount's cloud-based distribution and reporting platform and the evolution of RCI's Timeshare Online Listening center (TOLC), delive...
Hotel Interurban Selects ALICE to Achieve Guest Satisfaction and Hotel Excellence From the Moment Doors Open
ALICE | June 25, 2018
The newly opened Hotel Interurban has selected ALICE's suite of products to streamline hotel operations and elevate the guest experience. 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. ALICE recently acquired concierge software provider GoConcierge to augment its technology and customer service offering. Located a few miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Tukwila, Washington, the adoption of ALICE's suite of hotel technology continues Hotel Interurban's focus on elevating the guest experience wi...
Mauro Barros Named General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Panama City
AC Hotels by Marriott | June 25, 2018
Panama City, (June, 2018): With a career spanning over 28 years in the hotel industry, Mauro Barros joined Marriott in 2000 as Sales and Events Manager of the Marriott & Renaissance Costa do Sauipe Resorts in North-Eastern Brazil. He held subsequent positions at the JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro as Director of Events. In 2006, Mauro was promoted to Director of Operations at the Santiago Marriott Hotel, Chile. He later transferred to Venezuela as Director of Food & Beverage and Director of Operations of the Marriott Playa Grande, Caracas. In 2013, Mauro returned to Brazil as Director of Operations of the Itaipava Arena Pernambuco, B...
Jonas Software Formally Announces Jonas Hospitality and Jonas ARC
June 25, 2018
The Future of Hospitality Software Toronto, Canada — June 26th, 2018 — Jonas Software is proud to formally announce Jonas Hospitality and the Jonas ARC. Jonas Hospitality will focus on providing integrated solutions that meet the diverse needs of the top-rated hotels, resorts, event venues and spas in the world. From opulent beach and golf resorts to suburban extended-stay hotels, Jonas Hospitality serves every segment of the hotel, resort and spa industries with solutions from the Jonas Software family of industry-leading providers. The Jonas Hospitality portfolio of companies currently includes Springer-Miller Systems&trad...
The Wardman Group Acquires the Bershires’ Seven Hills Inn, Selects Scout Hotel & & Resort Management as Operator
The Wardman Group | June 25, 2018
LENOX, Mass. – June 25, 2018 – The Wardman Group has acquired Seven Hills Inn, a historic, 57-room hotel in Lenox, Massachusetts—just minutes from the legendary Tanglewood music festival and countless other cultural and natural attractions. The Washington, D.C.-based real estate investment firm has engaged Scout Hotel & Resort Management to operate the inn, which has played host to luminaries from Leonard Bernstein to Dave Brubeck, along with family travelers, corporate groups, and couples seeking a romantic getaway or an unforgettable wedding venue in the heart of the Berkshires. The Wardman Group purchased Seven ...
Top New York Luxury Hotel, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Maximizes Profitability by Utilizing RFID Inventory Management System
InvoTech Systems, Inc. | June 25, 2018
InvoTech RFID Uniform & Linen Systems Provide Cost-Saving benefits for 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge through Increased Operational Efficiencies and Full Accountability LOS ANGELES, CA – June 26, 2018 -- InvoTech Systems Inc. announced the implementation of its RFID Uniform and Linen Systems at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in New York, New York. 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 System solution installed at...
Three Ways the Customer Experience is Influencing Hospitality Design
Andrew Simmons | June 25, 2018
By Andrew Simmons, hospitality studio director at Nadel Architects At a staggering 56 million, millennials are the largest portion of the U.S. workforce and Gen Z is now the largest percentage of the general population. With the increasing desire for experiences and socialization trumping all else, whether it's the desire to engage in a local scene or create an Instagram moment, the world is scrambling to adapt in order to capture their spending power. These desires are changing how hotels are being designed due to the shifting societal priorities, which are trending toward three things: the destination and overall experience, economy o...
United States – HVS/STR Hotel Valuation Index
Stephen Rushmore, Jr. | June 25, 2018
By Stephen Rushmore, Jr. HVS, the world's leading hospitality consulting and valuation firm, in collaboration with STR, is pleased to deliver the Hotel Valuation Index (HVI). The HVI offers critical information on 38 U.S. hotel markets and the nation, including: Historical and projected valuation and RevPAR changes Intelligence on market dynamics for primary, secondary, and tertiary hotel markets So how can the HVI be of use to an individual investor? Although the HVI cannot tell you what a particular hotel is worth, it does provide excellent "big picture" data, indicating which market areas are experiencing positive trends, and thu...
Hyatt Signs With DCC for 350-Room Hyatt Regency Slated for 2022 Opening in Clark, Philippines
Hyatt Regency | June 25, 2018
CHICAGO (June 25, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Donggwang Clark Corporation ("DCC") for a 350-room Hyatt Regency hotel in Clark, Philippines, located less than 70 miles northwest of Metro Manila. "We are delighted to collaborate with DCC on Hyatt Regency Clark, which will mark the return of the Hyatt Regency brand to the Philippines," said Asia Pacific Group President, David Udell, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "We are excited to expand Hyatt's brand presence in the Philippines, where we are seeing a rise in leisure and business travelers....
Hilton Appoints Matt Fry as New Senior Vice President of Development in Asia-Pacific
Hilton | June 25, 2018
MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the appointment Matt Fry as senior vice president, development in Asia-Pacific (APAC). Effective August 6, 2018, Fry will oversee the team responsible for the overall development strategy for APAC. "We are thrilled to have Matt join our team and oversee the strategic growth in APAC," said Ian Carter, president, global development, architecture, design and construction, Hilton. "His appointment represents our commitment to building on our tremendous success and achievements there. Matt's extensive experience in the real estate and development industry will be invaluable as we continue to e...
Four Traits to Look for in an On-Demand Accounting Partner
Scott Watson | June 25, 2018
By Scott Watson Finding the right match in an accounting partner bears some similarities to finding the right partner in marriage. A solid accounting partner understands your (industry-specific) needs, acknowledges your flaws, and adjusts to any curveballs that come your way. If you think your business could benefit from outsourcing accounting functions, consider these three qualities as non-negotiable when picking a partner: Tailor-made service packages When searching for financial services, many companies are enticed by the promises of an ERP solution, only to find that the one-size-fits-all approach, add-ons, and contracts are anyt...
Mauna Kea Resort LLC to Reopen The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Following Extensive Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
Prince Resorts Hawaii | June 25, 2018
Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, in partnership with Mauna Kea Resorts LLC today announced the debut of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort following an extensive multi-million dollar renovation that will reimagine its guestrooms and suites; introduce four new culinary concepts; and transform the resort's public spaces with an all-new adults-only pool and enhancements to the existing family pool area. "The June 25, 2018 opening of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort reinforces that the brand is continuing to grow in lockstep with the evolving demand of travelers, who are increasingly prioritizing their well-being while...
Grand Isle Resort & Spa Appoints Lester Scott as Managing Director
Grand Isle Resort & Spa | June 25, 2018
NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2018 -- Grand Isle Resort & Spa is delighted to announce the appointment of Lester Scott as Managing Director. In his new role, Lester will lead overall operations at the hotel to uphold the high service standards and 'barefoot luxury' experience in Great Exuma. Lester brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and possesses a keen eye for opening and developing luxury properties. He offers significant expertise managing world class service teams to drive the strategic objectives for the hotel and at the corporate level. Mentored by Horst Schulze, former President/CEO of The Rit...
Hospitality Financial Leadership – The Greatest Illusion – Ever
David Lund | June 25, 2018
By David Lund What are you believing and why? Do you believe the numbers are the hard part of hospitality? Do you believe you were in the wrong line at birth and just did not get the right tools? Well, I invite you to open your mind and think again about what you believe. If you do, you can open a brand-new door that will pay off in spades. This is an article about how people see things, how they think. Because we're human we have the highest power in the universe and that's an imagination. Because we have an imagination we "feel" our thinking. In hospitality, there is a lot of misuse of our imagination and I will examine how this negat...
Legendary Hotelier Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui Honored With SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award
June 25, 2018
Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, Founder and Honorary Chairman of Dusit International, was bestowed the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award this year. The award was presented to Thanpuying Chanut, now 97 years old, in Bangkok in February 2018. At a ceremony held in her honour at Hotel ICON on 22 June, Thanpuying Chanut was represented by her son Mr Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Dusit International. The SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award is established by the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to honour outstanding personalities who have contributed ...
The Annual HVS Asia-Pacific Hotel Operator Guide 2018 – Excerpt
Pawinee Chaisiriroj | June 25, 2018
By Pawinee Chaisiriroj and Daniel J Voellm HVS Asia Pacific proudly presents to you the Fifth Edition of the annual Asia Pacific Hotel Operator Guide. Talking to stakeholders in the industry, this publication has become increasingly sought after by the market to evaluate potential candidates to operate a hotel property anywhere in Asia-Pacific. Distribution power, market experience, brand portfolio and geographic presence are all relevant factors in narrowing down the best match. In this fifth edition, HVS has captured over one million existing and more than half a million pipeline rooms spread over 8,395 properties. Download the Annual...
New “Accessibility” Regulations for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Jim Butler | June 25, 2018
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 21 June 2018 As the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in California continues to grow, we are also seeing the proliferation of electric vehicle charging stations in the parking areas provided by hotels, theaters, stadiums and hotel mixed-use properties. While owners and managers of these facilities are providing a much-needed service to their guests, many are unaware that – at least in California – if their facility provides electric vehicle charging stations, a certain number of them must be accessible to the disabled. T...
Kimpton Saint George Opens in Toronto With General Manager Bertrand Mangeot at the Helm
IHG | June 22, 2018
Kimpton Saint George, located at 280 Bloor Street West between Huron and St. George Streets, opened its doors on June 19, 2018. The boutique hotel company's first ever Toronto location is a sophisticated-yet-playful respite along the Bloor Street Culture Corridor bridging luxurious elements of bordering Yorkville with the bohemian hipness of the Annex. In honour of the Saint George's commitment to arts, culture and philanthropy, the hotel welcomed its first guests Jeffrey Remedios, President & CEO of Universal Music and Board of Directors member of MusiCounts, and Lucia Remedios, Owner of Toronto's Analogue Gallery, on opening day. ...
IHG Opens 459-Key InterContinental® Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort in Vietnam
IHG | June 22, 2018
IHG® (InterContinental® Hotels Group) is celebrating the opening of its 1000th hotel in the Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA) region, with the opening of InterContinental® Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, in Vietnam. This milestone comes as IHG continues its ambitious growth strategy across its newest and most geographically diverse region. The 1000th opening adds to an already strong portfolio in EMEAA, with hotels across eight brands, working in partnership with more than 500 hotel owners. IHG has an extensive development pipeline in EMEAA with 321 hotels (63,500+ rooms) set to open in the next 3-5 years*. InterConti...
Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando Appoints David McKeever as Director of Food and Beverage and Mouhssine Benhamacht as Executive Chef
Loews Hotels & Co | June 22, 2018
ORLANDO, FL (June 22, 2018) – Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando has named the executive leadership team for Universal's Aventura Hotel, set to open in August. Rising 17 floors with 600 rooms, this modern and stylish hotel is the sixth on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort and offers stunning views of all three Universal Orlando theme parks, advanced in-room technology, the destination's first rooftop bar and a virtual reality game room. "What excites me the most about the executive team is the vision we all share to create a new hotel experience that's unlike anything else we offer here at Universal Orlando Resort," says Manag...
HITEC Houston Makes History as HFTP’s Highest Attended Event in 65+ Years
HFTP | June 22, 2018
Over 6,650 attendees gathered at HITEC Houston this week to discuss how to integrate the latest technologies in the hospitality space Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to announce that HITEC® Houston broke barriers this week as the highest attended event in the association's history with over 6,650 attendees. Produced yearly by HFTP, Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) showcases the industry's latest innovations, and provides a top-notch education program for attendees. HITEC Houston took place from June 18-21, 2018 at the George R. Brown Convention C...
Mitigating Spa and Wellness Investment Risks
Mia A. Mackman | June 22, 2018
By Mia A. Mackman Spa and Wellness program structures fall into a wide range of performance categories and operating models. For hotels, there are multiple applications that include combinations of relaxation, well-being and treatment-based sessions. While some of the newest and popular trends include features centered on health and lifestyle; there are often wide gaps between drive, delivery, and financial return. Having an acute understanding of how spa and wellness features intersect with perceived value and profitability percentages, conveys important impacts on asset performance, momentum and risk. Spa and Wellness structures that ...
Michael Sichel Appointed Executive Chef at Hotel Bennett Opening Soon in Charleston
Bennett Hospitality | June 22, 2018
(Charleston, SC; June 22, 2018) — Michael Sichel has been appointed as executive chef at the highly anticipated and luxurious Hotel Bennett, opening this fall in Charleston. Sichel has over 25 years of restaurant experience and international culinary training, and most recently served for seven years as executive chef at the iconic New Orleans fine-dining establishment Galatoire's, and its sister restaurant Galatoire's 33 Bar & Steak. "I am passionate about my customers, my cooks and my cuisine, and I put my heart into each and every plate," said Sichel, who begins his new role in August. "I'm excited about working with t...
HP Hotels Opens 96-Room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Columbus, Indiana
Fairfield Inn & Suites | June 22, 2018
Columbus, IN – June 22, 2018 – The 96-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Columbus, Indiana is set to open today with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 2820 Merchants Mile, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbus will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by AGS Columbus, LLC and managed by HP Hotels of Alpharetta, Georgia. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbus offers guests convenient access to downtown Columbus, the Edinburgh Premium Outlets and Architectural Tours. Rates begin at $139 per night on ...
