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Industry Happenings
Mindful Tourism: How to Attract Eco-Conscious Guests to Your Hotel
Nina Simons | April 23, 2018
By Nina Simons The hospitality industry is heading into a new era as people worldwide have become more environmentally aware. Many travellers today expect their accommodations to be eco-friendly and sustainable because they strive to live by those principles at home. Environmental awareness is really what sets hotels apart from each other today, and with a growing number of people prioritizing a green lifestyle, it's becoming a key determinant in the success of your business. Especially considering that hotels are known for their conspicuous use of energy and resources, implementing green practices in your hotel as soon as possible will...
Ashford Hospitality Prime Rebranding to Braemar Hotels & Resorts
| April 23, 2018
DALLAS, April 23, 2018 -- Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: BHR) ("Braemar" or "the Company"), formerly Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. (NYSE: AHP), today announced that it will change its name from Ashford Hospitality Prime to Braemar Hotels & Resorts, trading under the New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol BHR, effective before the market opens on April 24, 2018. Rebranding Ashford Hospitality Prime to Braemar Hotels & Resorts marks a key milestone in the Company's strategy to focus exclusively on owning luxury hotels and resorts in order to capitalize on the long-term superior performance of th...
Former Capella Ixtapa Rebrands to Independent Boutique Hotel, the Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa
| April 23, 2018
IXTAPA, Mexico (April 23, 2018) — Cala de Mar Resort & Spa, Ixtapa's luxury beach resort, announces its rebrand as an independent boutique property. Formerly known as Capella Ixtapa, the 54-suite property is perched on the lush Sierra Madre cliff side with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort's luxury accommodations, high touch service and immersive culinary indulgences are inspired by the vibrant Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo culture. "We are renewing the heritage of our property with laidback luxury featured throughout," said newly appointed General Manager Javier Aluni. "From the resort's in-room amenities to our dining, w...
Ohio’s Renaissance Westerville Names Executive Leadership Team in Preparation for May Opening
Renaissance | April 23, 2018
Columbus – April 23, 2018 – Renaissance Hotels announced today that the executive leadership team is now in place for the first full-service hotel in Westerville, Ohio. The team will lead the way as the new property prepares for its spring grand opening. The Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel (Renaissance Westerville) is finishing up construction and is scheduled to open this May. Located near Polaris Parkway and Uptown Westerville, the modern American lake house-inspired hotel will feature 222 rooms and 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and banquet space with the capacity to seat up to 750 guests....
New Castle Hotels & Resorts Names Didier Dolivet as General Manager of Westin Prince Toronto
New Castle Hotels & Resorts | April 23, 2018
SHELTON, Conn. – April 23, 2018— Gerry Chase, president and COO of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, a leading third-party hotel management company, owner and developer, today announced that Didier Dolivet has been named general manager of the 395-room Westin Prince, Toronto. A career hotelier, Dolivet most recently was the hotel manager for the Westin Harbour Castle, also in Toronto. Over a 30-year career, Dolivet has opened and rebranded numerous hotels under the most recognizable flags on three continents; ACCOR, Starwood, Hilton, and LeMeridien. Among many awards earned during his career, Dolivet most prizes the distincti...
Hotel Equities Selected to Operate New Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott® Edmonton International Airport
Hotel Equities | April 23, 2018
ATLANTA, GA - (April 23, 2018) – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) announced its selection as the management firm for a new-build Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott-Edmonton International Airport located in Edmonton, Alberta. Owned by K5 Investment Group, LLC of Edmonton, AB. The 135-room property is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed first quarter 2019. Hotel Equities is honored to partner with the wonderful hotel and family. "The quality of the buildout is only surpassed by the commitment and integrity of the family," said Joe Reardon, Sr. Vice President of Business Development & Marketing for Hot...
In Partnership with Arabia Hotels, IHG Signs for Two New Build Hotels in Giza, Egypt
IHG | April 23, 2018
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, announced the signing of two new hotels in Giza, Egypt - Holiday Inn Giza Sun Capital and Staybridge Suites Giza Sun Capital, in partnership with Arabia Hotels, a subsidiary of Arabia Holding. The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market 2018. The new development aligns with IHG's strategy for portfolio expansion across Middle East and North Africa (MENA), by strengthening the presence in primary markets. Scheduled to open in 2023, and with rooms directly overlooking the Pyramids, the 200-room Holiday Inn Giza Sun Capital and 150-rooms Staybridge ...
Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Calls for Nominations for CHIEF Awards
CHIEF | April 23, 2018
MIAMI (April 23, 2018) - The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is inviting the region's hospitality sector to submit nominations for the coveted Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) Awards, to be presented in Miami this summer. "The CHIEF Awards shine a spotlight on the four areas we consider critical to the resilience and healthy growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors, which are the bedrock of our region's economies," CHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy said. The awards honor the best practices in Environmental Sustainability, Operations, Sales and Marketing, and Social Responsibili...
Trump Turnberry, A Luxury Collection Resort Wins the Coveted Hotel of The Year Award at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2018
Scottish Hotel Awards | April 23, 2018
Hotels, B&Bs, Guesthouses, service apartments and Lodges from all regions of Scotland have been recognised for their excellence by Scotland's leading and longest established hotel awards. The Scottish Hotel Awards Gala Dinner took place last night at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh, with 400 members of the hospitality industry in attendance. Every year since 2003 the national winners are awarded during a live and vibrant ceremony where professionals have the chance to meet and celebrate the achievements of their peers. New categories have been incorporated this year and a higher number of hotels are taking part of th...
Avison Young Hospitality Group Releases Timely Video Discussing Q2 Hospitality Trends
Avison Young | April 23, 2018
ATLANTA – April 23, 2018 – The Avison Young Hospitality Group recently released its second-quarter video on the state of the hospitality market. In the video, Keith Thompson, principal, Avison Young, discusses current trends, whether public or private hotel owners should hold, sell or refinance their asset and why the opportunity to make a move is now. For additional information about The Avison Young Hospitality Group, visit hospitality.avisonyoung.com. ...
The Top 5 Things You Need to Know Now in Hotel Digital Marketing: April Edition
HEBS Digital | April 23, 2018
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo, Vice President Strategy This month, the latest digital innovations include new publishing features on Google My Business listings, the new Google Outstream Video Ad format, and new Instagram profile bio features. The industry is also abuzz with the fast-approaching launch of the GDPR. From SEO to design, read on to learn the top five things you need to know now in hotel digital marketing, and stay informed. 1. SEO: Google My Business now allows you to publish updates visible in search and Google maps. Google recently added the ability to create posts and updates on Google My Business listings. Posting through...
Rainmaker Expands Business Operations in the Middle East and Africa by Adding Hicham Diab to Dubai Office
Rainmaker | April 23, 2018
ALPHARETTA, GA – April 23, 2018 – The Rainmaker Group (Rainmaker), a leading provider of cloud-based hospitality revenue and profit optimization software, today announced the expansion of its Middle East and Africa (MEA) operations by naming Hicham Diab as regional director of business development MEA. Rainmaker currently provides solutions and services to several international hotel organizations in the region, including Kerzner International and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Rainmaker's decision to add a regional director of business development will further enhance its service capabilities to both current and prosp...
Owned and Managed by Champion Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott Austin Northwest/Lakeline Opens in Texas
Courtyard by Marriott | April 23, 2018
Austin, TX – April 23, 2018 – Courtyard by Marriott Austin Northwest/Lakeline is scheduled to open its doors in Austin, Texas this Tuesday, April 24, 2018. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 12833 Ranch Road 620 North, the 118-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Champion Hotels of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard Austin Northwest/Lakeline offers guests convenient ...
Why You Should Mobile-Enable Your Hotel Staff
Hotelogix | April 23, 2018
The digital revolution is here. And, as a hotelier, you certainly cannot ignore the shift of guest preferences towards hotel mobile apps. Many studies indicate a sharp rise in the adoption of mobile technology in hotels. Mobility, powered by internet, has changed the game for the hotel industry when it comes to engaging with guests and serving them competently. This new technology in hotels is impacting guest expectations in many ways. Here are some of them - 83% guests require hotel service promotions on their mobile devices 70% of people who install mobile apps are reward members 73% people use mobile apps for hotel booking in jus...
Dual Branded Fairfield Inn & Suites and TownePlace Suites Opens in Louisville, Kentucky
Fairfield Inn & Suites | April 20, 2018
Louisville, KY – April 20, 2018 – Marriott International, Inc. announced that a combined 79-room Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel and 78-suite TownePlace Suites hotel in Louisville, Kentucky is now open for business. Located at 10110 Champion Farms Drive, the hotel was developed jointly by Poe Companies of Louisville, KY, White Lodging of Merrillville, IN and REI Real Estate Services of Indianapolis, IN. The hotel is owned by SuiteLou NE, LLC and managed by White Lodging Services of Merrillville, Indiana. The four-story property will share lobby space, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a patio with a fire pit and...
Managed by Tokyo Stay Service, Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton Opens in Japan
Tokyu Land Corporation | April 20, 2018
TOKYO and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of its first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Japan, and third in Asia Pacific, KYUKARUIZAWA KIKYO. Located in the scenic and historic destination of Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture, the mountain village hotel features 50 spacious guestrooms elegantly designed as havens for rejuvenation, and amenities such as a wellness spa, public bath, sauna, fitness center and an elegantly designed wedding chapel set in a beautiful courtyard. The hotel will be managed by Tokyo Stay Service Co. Ltd. under a franchise agreement between Hilton and Tokyu Land Corporation. "Having re...
Sun Development & Management Opens 198-Key Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton | April 20, 2018
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. and MCLEAN, Va. - Embassy Suites by Hilton, a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels from Hilton (NYSE: HLT), announced today the opening of a new hotel located in Noblesville, Indiana. Embassy Suites by Hilton prides itself on offering guests an approachable and stress-free experience at each of its hotel properties. The stylish Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center is close to several attractions in the Indianapolis area. Located off Interstate-69, only 25 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, the hotel is situated in one of Indiana's fastest-growing counties*. Nearby attractions in...
Xenia Hotels and Resorts Completes Renovation of 151-Room Andaz Savannah
Andaz Savannah | April 20, 2018
SAVANNAH, Ga. (April 20, 2018) – Andaz Savannah, located in the heart of Savannah's historic district and one of the city's most stylish retreats, announces the completion of an extensive transformation of its 151 guestrooms and suites. With a design philosophy focused on weaving the sights and sounds of Savannah, also known as the "Hostess City of the South," the city's Southern charm was the inspiration behind Andaz Savannah's renovations. Nods to the magic of Savannah's charming squares, its romantic Spanish moss, and historic architecture are now showcased throughout the luxury boutique hotel's spacious, residential-style acco...
Al J. Schneider Co. Signs Louisville’s Galt House Hotel to Be Part of Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Trademark Collection by Wyndham | April 20, 2018
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 20, 2018 -- Introducing Louisville's hallmark charm and hospitality to Trademark Collection by Wyndham's growing portfolio of nearly 70 global hotels, hospitality leader Wyndham Hotel Group recently added Kentucky's beloved Galt House Hotel to its soft-branded hotel roster. The flagship hotel for the Trademark brand, which will begin an $80 million renovation this June, becomes Wyndham Hotel Group's largest single addition in North America to-date with 1,310 rooms. "Iconic additions like the flagship Galt House Hotel give everyday travelers access to timeless experiences in city centers like ...
Midas Hospitality Promotes Lucinda Fryman to Corporate Director of Revenue Management
Midas Hospitality | April 20, 2018
(St. Louis, Mo., April 20, 2018) Midas Hospitality, a premier hotel management group, recently promoted Lucinda Fryman to Corporate Director of Revenue Management. In this position, Fryman will oversee the revenue management team while providing direction and leadership that is in accordance with the company's mission. She will also be responsible for training, systems and standards in order to achieve growth and innovation. Fryman will oversee the development, execution, and measurement of the organization's strategic planning for all market segments and revenue streams. Fryman has more than 20 years of hospitality experience. Prior to...
Colorado’s East West Hospitality Promotes Colleen Weiss-Hanen to President & Chief Executive Officer
| April 20, 2018
Vail, CO. (April 20, 2018) – After more than 30 years of success in real estate and property and association management, Colorado's East West Hospitality is undergoing a change in leadership, with Colleen Weiss-Hanen taking over as President and Chief Executive Officer. Current CEO and Founding Partner Ross Bowker will transition to the role of Chairman. Weiss-Hanen has worked at East West Hospitality for more than 24 years, most recently serving as the Chief Financial Officer and Asset Manager overseeing a diverse portfolio of companies, which range from property, hotel and spa management to retail operations and commercial leasi...
Strategic Property Partners, LLC Plans 173-Room EDITION Hotel in Tampa, Florida Slated for 2021 Opening
Strategic Property Partners | April 20, 2018
TAMPA, FL (April 20, 2018) – Strategic Property Partners, LLC ("SPP") today announced plans to bring Marriott International's modern luxury brand, EDITION, to Tampa. The 173-room hotel will rise as part of a 26-story tower in the heart of the Water Street Tampa neighborhood, which will also feature a newly built JW Marriott planned to open the prior year. True to the EDITION brand's commitment to groundbreaking design, vibrant public spaces and sophisticated programming, the Tampa EDITION will offer an elevated hospitality experience never before available in Western Florida. Created through a partnership between innovator Ian Sch...
ECI Development to Debut the Marriott Hotels Brand in Belize With a 203-Key Oceanfront Property
ECI Development | April 20, 2018
Ambergris Caye, Belize – ECI Development today announced plans to introduce the Marriott Hotels' namesake brand to Belize with a project designed for customers seeking a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle. The hotel will grace Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island known for its world-class scuba diving, fishing, water sports and white sandy beaches. "We are thrilled to bring the Marriott Hotels' brand to Ambergris Caye, one of the Caribbean's most beautiful island destinations with famed access to the Belize Barrier Reef and dive sites," said Michael K. Cobb, Chairman and CEO of ECI Development. "Known for developing inspired residence...
Is Your Hotel Ready for Today’s ‘Age of Assistance’?
Thomas Grundner | April 20, 2018
By Thomas Grundner A common scenario in 2021: A weary business traveler walks into a hotel in Dubai, one that she's booked effortlessly a few days before using her smartphone. She bypasses the check-in desk and heads straight to her room. The door opens without the need for a keycard. The room is on her preferred side of the hotel and she is pleased because she didn't specifically request it. Lighting and temperature have been set too to her preferences, remembered from her previous visit. Tired after a long flight, she orders her favorite beverage to be brought up, without even opening her mouth. The drink is brought in just a couple o...
