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Industry Happenings
The Changing Landscape of Hotel Management
Robert Rauch | May 18, 2018
As new technologies and demographics continue to change how the hotel industry operates, GMs and executives need to have a firm grasp on each catalyst. By Robert Rauch Shifting demographics and new technologies are primary catalysts for the evolving hospitality business; however, the impact on management is enormous. Led by revenue management but now including distribution channel management, social media marketing, Web 2.0, cybersecurity, human resources and more, this industry has been thoroughly transformed. The key is to have GMs and corporate executives who understand this. Here are a few things to consider. Revenue management may...
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Breaks Ground on $550 Million African-Themed Resort in Round Rock, Texas
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions | May 18, 2018
ROUND ROCK, Texas – May 18, 2018 - Kalahari Resorts and Conventions' team members and executives gathered with 250 supporters to break ground on the new African-themed waterpark and convention center, the Nelson family's fourth resort. Scheduled to open in 2020, Kalahari Resorts Round Rock is a $550 million, 350-acre complex in the city of Round Rock, Texas. The groundbreaking means construction is fully underway for the project, which will include: Nearly 1,000 guest rooms including 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites, featuring residential Suites America's Largest Indoor Waterpark – 223,000 sq. ft. State-of-the-Art Convention ...
Autograph Collection Hotels With R.D. Olson Opens Lido House in Newport Beach, California
Autograph Collection Hotels | May 18, 2018
Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., together with R.D. Olson Development today announced the opening of Lido House, a stylish celebration of Southern California's iconic coastal lifestyle in the heart of Newport Beach. Lido House joins the brand's diverse portfolio of more than 140 one-of-a-kind hotels that champion visionary owners, thoughtful design and craft. "We are thrilled to welcome our first Autograph Collection Hotel in Newport Beach with Lido House, a seaside retreat that embodies the history and culture of the neighborhood," said Jennifer Connell, Vice President, Brand Marketing & Management...
Oxygen Hospitality Group Appoints International Hotelier Yaron Ashkenazi as CEO
Oxygen Hospitality Group | May 18, 2018
Phoenix, Ariz. (May 18, 2018) – Oxygen Hospitality Group, a U.S. hotel real estate investment and management company today announced Yaron Ashkenazi, an award-winning international hotelier, has been named chief executive officer (CEO). Oxygen Hospitality, a name which means, "to breathe in and give life to", will acquire, renovate and manage a portfolio of branded and independent hotel assets in the Sun Belt and other advantageous U.S. destinations. The Company, which will focus on instilling a values-based European ethos for global business and leisure guest appeal, is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Ashkenazi, a highly seaso...
John Dewberry Assembles New Executive Management Team for The Dewberry Charleston
The Dewberry | May 18, 2018
Charleston, S.C. – The Dewberry hotel is pleased to announce a new management team. Atlanta real estate magnate, John Dewberry, has assembled a talented, energetic and experienced group of hospitality experts and industry leaders to further elevate the hotel's reputation as a premier luxury hotel. Appointments include new General Manager and Managing Director Joseph Polito; Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef Michael Tuohy; Director of Finance Derek Burke; and returning to The Dewberry, Director of Revenue & Guest Operations Kristie Rasheed. In the first quarter of 2018, the hotel saw dynamic growth and amassed ...
Sandestin Investments Taps Highgate to Manage New Sandestin Hotel and Conference Center
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort | May 18, 2018
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla., May 18, 2018 -- Sandestin Investments, LLC has announced Highgate, a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company whose growing portfolio includes more than 100 properties worldwide, will manage the newly developed Sandestin Hotel and Conference Center. "Highgate was selected for their breadth of experience operating hotels across the U.S. and abroad," stated Sara Becnel, Executive Director, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. "We know their expertise will allow the Sandestin Hotel and Conference Center to realize its highest potential and value while providing our guests with a trul...
Three Key Ways Hotels Can Improve Web Search Results
Alexis Krisay | May 18, 2018
By Alexis Krisay A recent consumer survey revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 customers over the age of 18 prefer booking their hotel accommodations online (88 percent for/12 percent against). With Google search algorithms constantly changing, hotels without a solid SEO strategy and execution plan will be lost in the digital wilderness. Here are three critical actions hotels can take to enhance web presence and improve search rankings without blowing budgets. 1. RULE YOUR REVIEWS. Have you checked your hotel's ratings lately? Google, YELP and TripAdvisor are some of the sites travelers your potential customers will search when planning a t...
What a Golden Opportunity for Hospitality!
John Hendrie | May 18, 2018
By John Hendrie Hospitality Performance Who would have thought that the one top driver for jobs in a state was hospitality, with the classifications of lodging manager, concierge and housekeeper. As referenced, the state of Maryland has a 2017 job growth rate of 2.0% with 53,075 new jobs added last year. https://www.cheatsheet.com/money-career/best-cities-america-job-florida.html/10/ No doubt, the brunt of this reality is the full service sector, but, still, what a blessing and responsibility for hospitality in Maryland and other states. Manufacturing and related industry have moved and will never be as stout in our economy as before. H...
Marriott and Simon Expand Relationship With Plans to Open at Least Five Additional Hotels at Simon Shopping Centers
Simon | May 18, 2018
Marriott International and Simon announced their plans to open at least five new hotels at Simon shopping centers over the next several years. From South Florida to New York's Long Island, Simon's premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations are increasingly becoming ideal hotel destinations – offering consumers amenities steps from their room and re powerful combination that optimizes real estate values. "With consumers increasingly gravitating toward walkable, mixed-use communities, opening new hotels alongside Simon's thriving retail destinations is an important part of Marriott International's growth stra...
Local Measure Announces New App on the Salesforce AppExchange, the World’s Leading Enterprise Apps Marketplace
Salesforce AppExchange | May 18, 2018
Customers of Local Measure Can Benefit From Location-Based Context, Providing Social Insights, Feedback and Wi-Fi Data Sydney and New York – May 18, 2018 - Local Measure, a leading location-based intelligence platform for hospitality, tourism and retail, announced its new app on the Salesforce AppExchange. The Local Measure integration allows businesses to connect in-venue experiences with their digital customer record, creating potential for richer, personalized customer experiences. The integration also provides real time location context, allowing for a fuller view of the customer and their activity and interaction with your bu...
How In-Room Assistants Improve Front Desk Service
Roxy | May 17, 2018
You're tired after a long day of travelling, and all you want is to do is put down your bags and kick off your shoes in your room. You walk into your hotel and you're greeted by a growing line of travellers waiting to check in while the front desk juggles the phones. This kind of experience will leave any guest with a negative first impression. Fortunately, with hotel-specific in-room voice assistants many time-consuming front desk calls can be eliminated, and agents can spend more time making sure that guests get the treatment they deserve during check in. Shannon Gu, General Manager at Hotel BLU in Vancouver, BC says "One...
TravelSmart VIP Recognized With Prestigious Gold ARDA Award For Resort Architecture
TravelSmartVIP | May 17, 2018
TravelSmart VIP won the prestigious award at the recent American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2018 Awards Gala Event. TravelSmart VIP, Sunwing Travel Group's exclusive vacation membership club, was honored with the Gold ARDA award in the Resort Architecture category for their Royalton Negril property in Negril, Jamaica. "Receiving the Gold Award from ARDA is an absolute honor for us" commented the Marketing Director of TravelSmart VIP. "This accomplishment serves to reinforce the quality of the products we offer to our members and allows us to continue providing the best vacation experiences." In addi...
Scribd and KEYPR Partner to Deliver Digital Library to Hotels
KEYPR | May 17, 2018
Collaboration brings Scribd's unlimited reading subscription service to hotel rooms via the KEYPR hospitality platform LOS ANGELES (DATE) — KEYPR®, the enterprise technology company whose cloud-based platform is the leader in guest experience and staff optimization, announced today that it has partnered with Scribd, the premier digital reading subscription service, to offer its library of more than 1 million of the best ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines to hotel rooms worldwide. Scribd VP of Business Development Rama Sadasivan said, "We are thrilled to partner with KEYPR's diverse and expansive hotel network to bring Scribd to...
The State of SEO in 2018: What Hotels Need to Know
Matt Tutt | May 17, 2018
By Matt Tutt Organic search is a field that is constantly evolving—and quickly too. The speed at which Google and other search engines roll out and test new search features can make it difficult to plan your hotel's search strategy for the next few months, let alone the entire year. This post highlights the state of organic search for 2018, looking at some of the impacts of the biggest recent changes by Google, both algorithmic and feature specific. We'll also try to estimate what's in store for hotel SEO throughout the rest of the year and beyond. The current organic search environment for hotels It's probably easiest to summariz...
Presidio Trust and Waterford Hotels Set for June Opening of Historic Lodge at the Presidio in San Francisco
the Presidio Trust | May 17, 2018
PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO (May 17, 2018) – The highly anticipated Lodge at the Presidio will open to the public on June 28. This newly rehabilitated historic boutique hotel will be the closest lodging in San Francisco to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, featuring unparalleled views of the bridge, the Presidio's lush 300-acre forest, the San Francisco Bay, and the city skyline. "We're very excited to welcome guests from all over the world to the new Lodge at the Presidio. As the sister property to the Inn at the Presidio, the Lodge will reflect the rich history of the Presidio, along with offering breathtaking views and a one-of-a...
Those Who Adore Detesting, Are Now in Over Their Heads
Georges Panayotis | May 17, 2018
By Georges Panayotis Much progress has been made over the past 40 years in the accommodations sector! The new chain concepts have enabled the hotel business to develop considerably in France and Europe and, for some, in the rest of the world. Hotel groups are now number 1 on the old continent and the French hotel industry is one of the largest in Europe. This industry is thriving with very positive growth prospects and it is in full development. More tourists are arriving from all horizons and going to all destinations, what could be better! Our sector has become a magnet for young graduates. The days when the hotel business was a guild...
Apple Leisure Group and NH Hotel Group Form Strategic Alliance to Jointly Operate Beachfront Resorts in Europe
Apple Leisure Group | May 17, 2018
Apple Leisure Group (ALG) and NH Hotel Group (NH) today announced that the companies have formed a strategic alliance to bring AMResorts' award-winning brands to Europe. An ALG company, AMResorts will debut in Spain with its Secrets Resorts & Spas adults-only brand, and Dreams Resorts & Spas family-friendly brand, as well as introduce Amigo Hotels & Resorts, a new three-star brand offering a concept completely different to the collection's existing offerings. AMResorts will oversee brand management and sales while NH will maintain operational management of the resorts. The first four hotels in AMResorts' European portfolio a...
3 Misguided Trends in the Hotel Industry Today
Dean Minett | May 17, 2018
By Dean Minett The world of hotels is a lot like the world of fashion. Every year, new trends and styles come sashaying down the catwalk. Some are eye-catching, some are puzzling, and some are downright ridiculous – depending on who you ask. This constant drive to innovate is one of the things that makes our profession so dynamic. Hoteliers and their stakeholders are always looking for the next original combination of styles and concepts. Sometimes it even pays off. Multi-functional common spaces are a good example. A decade ago, this concept was akin to one of those outlandish puffy gowns with a matching headpiece. In 2018, breez...
BodyHoliday St. Lucia to Launch $20 Million Renovation With Reopening Set for Late August
BodyHoliday Saint Lucia | May 17, 2018
Cariblue Beach, St. Lucia (May 17, 2018) – BodyHoliday St. Lucia, a world-leading health and wellness resort, today announced a nearly $20M renovation to maintain its level of luxury and excellence –just in time for the property's 30th anniversary. As part of the multi-million-dollar plan, the resort will transform its guestrooms, six restaurants, public spaces, and back-of-house facilities. Doors will close on July 1, 2018 for renovations and will reopen on August 26, 2018. A total of 76 Luxury Ocean View rooms will receive a full makeover, including dedicated single rooms and twin bedrooms, all boasting luxurious queen-siz...
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Promotes Jake Davis to Area Director of Revenue
May 17, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Jake Davis area director of revenue. Ted Davis, Benchmark's chief sales and marketing officer, made the announcement. "It is such a pleasure to congratulate Jake on his promotion within Benchmark," said Mr. Davis. "He has done a superb job for our company contributing to maximizing property revenues across both brand portfolios. We look forward to his continued success in his newest position." Jake Davis was previously revenue analyst for Benchmark, a position he held since 2016. He began with the leading independent hospitality man...
Paris – Spring in the Step: An HVS Market Pulse Overview
Dayk Balyozyan | May 17, 2018
By Dayk Balyozyan and Sophie Perret This market pulse provides an overview of the tourism and hotel market in Paris, France. It discusses recent tourism trends and the causes for optimism for 2018 as well as providing a summary of the extensive hotel pipeline. Click here to read the full report. ...
How to Deliver Personalized Guest Experiences in the Age of GDPR and Data Privacy Concerns
Terri Miller | May 17, 2018
By Terri Miller Hotels are faced with an interesting dilemma. We're entering a time of hyper-personalization — guests show dominating preference for hospitality experiences which are more unique in nature and catered to individual needs/expectations. However, riding the coattails of the on-going personalization trend comes the initial implementation of GDPR on May 25th. For those unfamiliar, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) aims strengthen and unify data protection for individuals within the European Union (EU). This legislation, which applies to guests and employees, brings with it a large number of changes relating ...
Phonesuite Integrates With Roxy Voice-Activated Assistant to Streamline In-Room Technology
Roxy | May 17, 2018
In-room speech enabled device elevates the guest experience and increases hotel efficiencies Phonesuite, (www.phonesuite.com) a leading provider of hotel voice technology solutions, announces the integration of its hotel PBX platform with Roxy (www.roxydevice.com), the speech enabled device designed specifically for hospitality that provides fully customizable in-room concierge services. This partnership is one of the first to combine a virtual assistant and a PBX system, enabling hotels to streamline their in-room devices and make voice-activated calls directly through the device. The integration of Roxy with Phonesuite's PBX platform ...
Autograph Collection Hotels Debut in South Africa With Rebranding of Five African Pride Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels | May 17, 2018
BETHESDA, United States of America, May 17, 2018 -- Autograph Collection Hotels (www.AutographHotels.com), Marriott International's (www.Marriott.com) distinctive collection of passionately independent hotels, today welcomed five African Pride Hotels to its growing global portfolio, marking the debut of the brand in South Africa. These hotels include, African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel, African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa, African Pride Irene Country Lodge, Arabella Hotel & Spa, Arabella Country Estate, and join the brand's diverse portfolio of more than 135 one-of-a-kind hotels that cha...
