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
PolyU Hosted Inaugural World Summit for Deans of Independent Schools of Hospitality and Tourism
PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management | May 30, 2018
Initiated and hosted by the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the first ever World Summit for Deans of Independent Schools of Hospitality andTourism was held at Hotel ICON on 27-29 May 2018. The Summit provided a unique platform for deans of 40 institutions from more than 20 countries and regions to discuss and define the future course of strategies for hospitality and tourism schools, and to share solutions to common issues in an effort to promote further growth of hospitality and tourism studies within comprehensive universities. On 28 May, the Summit was opened with welcomi...
43% of All U.S. Hotel Construction Projects Are Upper Midscale
Lodging Econometrics | May 30, 2018
May 30, 2018 – PORTSMOUTH, NH -- Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that together the Upper Midscale and Upscale Pipelines comprise 72% of all projects in the Total Pipeline. The Upper Midscale category, including unbranded projects, has 2,278 Projects/233,150 Rooms and is the largest chain scale in the U.S. Construction Pipeline. The second largest chain scale including unbranded is the Upscale category which has 1,529 Projects/208,334 Rooms. The brands with the largest number of projects in Upper Midscale are: IHG's Holiday Inn Express with 438 Projects/40,657 Rooms and from Hilton, Home2 Suites 377 Projects/39,...
Lodging Interactive Launches Next Generation ADA Conforming Websites for Hotels
Lodging Interactive | May 30, 2018
PARISPPAY, NJ May 30, 2018 - Lodging Interactive, an award winning digital marketing and social media engagement agency exclusively serving the hospitality industry, today announced its next generation, ADA conforming websites for hotels. Lodging Interactive's "next-gen" websites include a unique mix of technology and management services designed to drive maximum direct bookings for hotels while staying in compliance with ADA guidelines as they continue to evolve. "Our next-gen hotel websites leverage the latest website design and development technologies combined with our full-service website management model," stated DJ Vallauri, Lodg...
Four Must-Attend Speaking Engagements During HITEC 2018
ALICE | May 29, 2018
If you haven't been to HITEC yet, you are missing out on the biggest hospitality industry technology exposition and conference of the year. 2018's HITEC kicks off on June 18th in Houston, where C-level hospitality executives and the top technology industry experts will gather for four days of in-depth demonstrations and networking. ALICE, the hospitality industry's leading operations platform, will showcase its complete suite of hotel management and guest engagement products, June 18-22, at Booth 2319. Schedule an appointment with the ALICE team here. The 2018 conference speaker line-up is full of great options for hoteliers and technol...
Annabel’s, the Most Exclusive Club in London, Tracks Its High-End Garments Using the InvoTech Uniform System
InvoTech Systems, Inc. | May 29, 2018
Annabel's Tracks its High-Quality Garment Inventory with InvoTech RFID Uniform System LOS ANGELES, CA – May 30, 2018 -- InvoTech Systems Inc. announced the recent implementation of its Uniform System at Annabel's in London, United Kingdom. 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 installed at Annabel's manages the Uniform inventory for 300+ employees at the private club. Annabel's joins InvoTech's e...
PwC Hospitality Directions US: May 2018
PwC US | May 29, 2018
Following a better than expected first quarter, lodging metrics continue to remain positive. First quarter results yielded stronger than expected increases in demand for many hotel companies, as well as slightly stronger rate growth, driven primarily by an increase in commercial transient travelers. Year-over-year for the first quarter, RevPAR increased across the transient segment nationally, led by rate growth. As hotels continue to feel the pressure from rising wages, insurance costs and other expenses, the components of RevPAR growth become more important. With occupancy levels at record levels, an expected uptick in commercial ...
4 Reputation Management Challenges Every Hotel Manager Faces
Dr. Carlos Martin-Rios | May 29, 2018
By Dr. Carlos Martin-Rios Today, hotels are greatly dependent on a limited number of reservation platforms. A significant feature of these platforms is guest evaluations, which are transformed into ratings and rankings. Consumers pay growing attention to user-generated content and a hotel's position in comparison to competitors can have a significant impact on demand for bookings. As a consequence, reputation management is becoming increasingly crucial for hotel managers. But what exactly is the impact of guest evaluations on a hotel's performance? How do hotel managers cope with negative online reviews? And what are the main challenges...
Radisson Hospitality AB Sign Radisson Blu Hotel, Al Ahsa in Saudi Arabia
Radisson Hotel Group | May 29, 2018
Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of Radisson Hotel Group, is proud to announce the signing of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Al Ahsa in Saudi Arabia. The Radisson Hotel Group has 40 hotels and more than 10,000 rooms in operation and under development across the Kingdom. Radisson Blu Hotel, Al Ahsa will be situated in the city center of Al Ahsa, located 60km inland from the coast of the Arabian Gulf and 100km south east from the city of Al Khobar. The hotel will be just 14km southwest of Al Ahsa Airport, which welcomes weekly international flights, and five minutes away from Al Ahsa University &ndash...
Hotel Phillips Appoints Sarah Devault as Director of Sales and Marketing
Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection by Hilton | May 29, 2018
(KANSAS CITY, MO; May 29, 2018) — Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection by Hilton announces the appointment of Sarah DeVault to Director of Sales & Marketing. In this role, DeVault oversees the strategic development of the hotel's marketing and sales teams at the 216-room hotel. "I am honored to continue my hospitality career in Kansas City at the iconic Hotel Phillips," says DeVault. "The hotel is filled with rich history and fantastic stories that I look forward to sharing with our guests." DeVault brings more than 15 years of experience to the position having held a variety of hotel sales leadership roles. Prior to j...
A Comprehensive Approach to Hotel Channel Distribution
the Author | May 29, 2018
By Ellis Connolly Over the past decade, the hotel industry has experienced dramatic changes, particularly in the area of hotel channel distribution. Big brands, online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDS's), and metasearch websites are all vying for customer attention, and it's all affecting hotel margins. In order for hotels to navigate this shifting distribution paradigm, and optimize their channel mix, they must take an in-depth look at the costs and benefits of their channels: direct, indirect, online, and offline. By analyzing these channels, hotels can develop a holistic strategy that creates revenue and profi...
Marshall Hotels & Resorts Opens 125-Room DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown Downtown in Ohio
DoubleTree by Hilton | May 29, 2018
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, May 29, 2018--Marshall Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel management and services company that operates properties nationwide, today announced the grand opening of the 125-room DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown Downtown in Ohio. The hotel is owned by NY-based Pan Brothers Associates, Inc. "Downtown Youngstown is undergoing a tremendous revitalization, making it an ideal location for a brand-new hotel catering to business and leisure travelers to the area," said Mike Marshall, president and CEO, Marshall Hotels & Resorts. "The former Stambaugh Building has been completely transformed into the downtown area's newest...
MGM Resorts International and MGM Growth Properties LLC to Acquire Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York
MGM Resorts International | May 29, 2018
LAS VEGAS, May 29, 2018 -- MGM Resorts International (the "Company" or "MGM Resorts") (NYSE: MGM) and MGM Growth Properties LLC (NYSE: MGP) today announced that MGM Resorts has entered into an agreement to acquire the real property and operations associated with the Empire City Casino's ("Empire City") race track and casino for consideration of $850 million. Further, MGM Resorts and MGP have entered into a definitive agreement whereby MGP will acquire the developed real property associated with Empire City from MGM Resorts and lease it back to a subsidiary of MGM Resorts, after which a subsidiary of MGM...
Choice Hotels Honors Top Franchisees with Annual Premier Awards
Choice Hotels | May 29, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 29, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, recently announced the winners of its Premier Awards at the company's annual convention in Las Vegas. The elite designations, Premier Hotelier, Premier Legacy, and Premier Developer, distinguished three of the company's top franchisees from 2017: Hospitality Asset Management Company (Premier Hotelier), Magnolia Hospitality Group (Premier Legacy), and Filmore Capital Partners (Premier Developer). "Our Premier Award winners represent the dedication to service and innovation in which Choice Hotels and ...
Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) Connects All of Boutique Hospitality at 6th Annual Boutique Hotel Investment Conference in New York Ci
the Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) | May 29, 2018
BLLA exists as the go-to resource for all things boutique. Our events and conferences are an extension of our efforts to push the most exciting sector in lifestyle and lodging into the future. In its sixth iteration, the Boutique Hotel Investment Conference now focuses on the hospitality adjacent industries powering the modern boutique movement. NEXT GEN BOUTIQUE MONEY – the concept of a hotel is being redefined. With lodging accommodations being reshaped by industries like wellness, fashion, fitness, nightlife, and food & beverage, it is important to pause and take an aerial view of the direction of our sector. Our agenda inc...
Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C. Downtown Completes Multi-Million Renovation Led by General Manager Brian Reymann
Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C. Downtown | May 29, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 29, 2018 – Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C. Downtown has unveiled the results of a $7.5-million project encompassing the top-to-bottom renovation of all 300 guest rooms and suites, bathroom upgrades that include the conversion of tubs to showers in all king rooms, as well as a refresh of guest room corridors. The redesign brings elements from the surrounding city inside, creating an original aesthetic not found in other hotels in the capital. "Our hotel has always been a leader within the city and the Hilton Garden Inn brand. The location in the center of our nation's capital is ideal for both busines...
Chef Stefano Gaetano Santo Joins Il Salviatino as Executive Chef
Il Salviatino | May 29, 2018
Chef Stefano Gaetano Santo joins Il Salviatino as Executive Chef. In his new role at Il Salviatino, Chef Santo remains keen on locally sourced cuisine and tradition, implementing an approach based on the exaltation of flavor and respect for ingredients through techniques that maximize and enhance flavor and quality. At Il Salviatino, Chef Santo will be responsible for overseeing daily food and beverage operations and menu conceptualization, drawing from the new Organic Orchard and Herb Garden set to debut in Spring 2018. His love of food was born in the province of Lecce (his father's hometown), where he completed his studies in Melendu...
Solidere International and the Government of Ajman Celebrates Groundbreaking of EZ Wellness Centre in GCC Region
Al Zorah | May 29, 2018
Ajman, UAE; May 29, 2018: Al Zorah, a premier mixed-use development by Solidere International and the Government of Ajman, sets another milestone together with EZ Wellness Centre at the ground-breaking ceremony of the inaugural EZ Wellness Centre in the GCC region to be operated by The LifeCo. Conceived as a place to unwind the clock of modern life and become one with nature, The EZ Wellness Center (EZW), is set amidst a perfectly suited natural environment and on the highest point of the lush 18-hole Nicklaus-Design Al Zorah Golf Club, allowing guests to enjoy breath-taking views of the creek and two million square metres of natural ma...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: The General Manager’s Yardstick
David Lund | May 29, 2018
By David Lund I have seen a lot of different management styles over my 35 years in hospitality. The one I am going to write about in this piece was not the typical General Manager. This is clearly an opinion piece and it is also what I think is a best practice for a top down governance of a business. It is also easily adaptable for just about anyone especially if they like a bit of control. Before I get into describing this one particular GM's management style I am going to outline what I would say is the "typical GM" and what their modus operandi is. The typical GM I have seen, worked with, and gotten to know over the last three and a ...
Jumeirah Group Plans November Opening of Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi
Jumeirah Group | May 29, 2018
Dubai, 29, May 2018: Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort will open its doors on 11 November 2018, bringing a breath of fresh air and understated luxury to the shores of Abu Dhabi. Surrounded by natural beauty, this contemporary beachfront resort occupies a stunning location on Saadiyat Island, overlooking 400 metres of protected sand dunes lapped by turquoise waters. Just 10 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Saadiyat Island is undergoing a remarkable transformation into a world-class leisure, cultural and residential destination, eventually housing the world's largest single concentratio...
MCR Acquires Three Hilton-Branded Hotels in Champaign, Illinois
MCR | May 29, 2018
NEW YORK / MAY 29, 2018 Pop the Champaign! MCR, the seventh largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, has acquired three Hilton-branded hotels in Champaign, Illinois. The all-star lineup — a Home2 Suites by Hilton, a Hilton Garden Inn and a Homewood Suites by Hilton — is steps from the 44,000-student University of Illinois campus and the newly renovated State Farm Center arena, home of the Fighting Illini Women's and Men's Basketball teams. A slam-dunk for sports fans, Champaign, Illinois is also a bustling business region thanks to the Carle Foundation Hospital and the corporate offices of Jimmy John's, Wolfram Res...
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) Names Andy Wardner Director of Acquisitions and Financial Analysis
Hospitality Ventures Management Group | May 29, 2018
ATLANTA, May 29, 2018—Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company today announced that Andy Wardner has joined the company as director of acquisitions and financial analysis. In his new role, Wardner will help evaluate and underwrite new hotel acquisitions and third-party management opportunities. Also, he will provide feasibility insight and perform valuation analysis for targeted opportunities which include independent and boutique hotels and resorts, as well as full-service, select-service and extended-stay hotels under the Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, a...
RoomKeyPMS Integrates With revintel, Rainmaker’s Business Intelligence (BI) Solution
Rainmaker | May 29, 2018
Vancouver, May 29, 2018 – RoomKeyPMS and Rainmaker, a leading hotel revenue and profit optimization platform, today announced the integration between our cloud-based property management system (PMS) and revintel, Rainmaker's business intelligence (BI) solution. "We continue to add leading technology products to our suite of interfaces that allow our hotel customers to utilize RoomKeyPMS at the center of a growing technology eco-system", said Tim Major, CEO of RoomKeyPMS. "We recognize the ever-increasing need for revintel's business intelligence solution to extract knowledge from ever growing volumes of data analytics and provide ...
From London to Singapore, DigiValet Expands to Luxury Hotels in Major Cities Worldwide – U.S. Debut This Summer at the Loews/Universal Aventura
DigiValet | May 29, 2018
New York (May 29, 2018) — DigiValet's iPad based guest room solution for luxury hotels is now in place at leading luxury properties in cities worldwide, including Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai, London, Milan and the Maldives, including brands such as St. Regis, Armani, Oberoi, Corinthia and Sofitel. The solution will be showcased in the U.S. at Loews/Universal's Aventura Hotel in Orlando, scheduled to open in August - to be followed shortly thereafter at more of North America's most luxurious hotels and casinos. "For too long, hotel guests have been limited in their ability to enjoy the full scope of a hotel's services, including...
Discounting Is for Dummies – Part One
Vertical Booking | May 29, 2018
Drive More Direct Bookings Without Sacrificing Your Bottom Line By Mark Lewis-Brown, CEO & President at Vertical Booking USA For many years, hoteliers have been throwing away potential revenues right-and-left, offering huge discounts to lure bookers back from the OTAs and alternative accommodation options. I'm here today to tell you something that I need you all to hear: discounting is the best way for your hotel to go from profitable with a high cost of acquisition, to a property with high occupancy, a low cost of acquisition, but (and this is a BIG but) one that is barely able to afford to stay in business. I know that if I listen...
