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Industry Happenings
Total Revenue Management- The Journey from Capacity to Profit Management
Bespoke Revenue Management | April 18, 2018
It is a fact that over the last years, we have seen a growing need for traditional revenue management (RM) to evolve from having sole emphasis in optimising revenue mainly from room sales, towards adopting a more holistic view and focusing on achieving profit maximisation across the whole organisation. The latest developments in technology and added pressure in the market have advanced RM to acquire a strategic and proactive planning role with emphasis in maximising all components of the customer journey, instead of being utilised as a short-term reactive solution. This brought forth the idea of Total Revenue Management – a concep...
Weekly Update of Global Hotel Investment News
The Hotel Property Team | April 18, 2018
If you need to keep abreast of what's happening with hotel sales and acquisitions, globally, you can sign up for a free weekly-email at www.thpt.co.uk - a service provided by The Hotel Property Team, a commercial hotel-broker based in London, UK. We also flag industry trend reports from the likes of HVS, STR, PwC and other leading hotel analysts. ...
The Taste with Vir Sanghvi: Remembering the first great celebrity chef, Paul Bocuse
RLH Corporation | April 18, 2018
April 18--The death of Paul Bocuse some weeks ago led to hundreds of obituaries and tributes from other chefs. He was the king of chefs, we were told. His cuisine was outstanding. His passing left a void that can never be filled. And so on. Well, may be. I am not of the generation that grew up when Bocuse was at his peak so perhaps I lack the context to fully understand the great man's contributions to global cuisine. From my slightly cynical perspective, Bocuse was of great importance in the world of chefs but I was never convinced that his influence on modern cuisine will be regarded as hugely significant once our judgements cease...
Lamps Plus Introduces Lamps Plus Hospitality, Offering Industry Grade Products for Hotels, Resorts and Lodging Properties
Lamps Plus Hospitality | April 17, 2018
LOS ANGELES – April 18, 2018 – Lamps Plus, the nation's largest specialty lighting retailer, today announced a re-branding for its hospitality division to Lamps Plus Hospitality, which provides hospitality grade lighting and furnishings to hotels, resorts and lodging properties. Lamps Plus Hospitality offers more than 70,000 products, including 5,000 hospitality grade products for the industry. The division was previously recognized throughout the hospitality industry as Pacific Coast Contract Lighting and re-branded to align with Lamps Plus. "Our hotel, resort and hospitality chain clients have the highest expectations for ...
The St. Regis New York Appoints Mark Arnao as Executive Chef
The St. Regis New York | April 17, 2018
New York, NY – The St. Regis New York is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Arnao as Executive Chef. Boasting extensive knowledge of the culinary hospitality industry, Chef Arnao brings a wealth of experience to his new role at the beloved flagship property where he will oversee the culinary direction for the hotel, including its Astor Court restaurant and the famed King Cole Bar. Ideally located in the heart of Manhattan at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, the hotel's signature restaurant, Astor Court is launching a dynamic menu expertly crafted by Chef Arnao that will rotate seasonally to reflect the best i...
Leonardo Hotels Opens 180-Room NYX Hotel Madrid, Marking Brand’s Third Hotel in Europe
Fattal Hotel Group | April 17, 2018
Berlin/ Madrid, April 17, 2018: After an intensive period of reconstruction and renovation, Leonardo Hotels is opening its third lifestyle hotel in Europe. Excellently situated in the banking and business district of the Spanish capital, the NYX Hotel Madrid has a refreshingly different look. The hotel's 180 rooms on six floors are now available to all travellers. The absolute highlight is the rooftop pool, which is surrounded by works of art from the Madrid art scene and will be open for relaxation starting in June. The hotel group invested more than 10 million euros in this attractive expansion of its portfolio. The hotel's colourful ...
Courtyard by Marriott South Bend Downtown Opens in South Bend, Indiana Led by General Manager Samantha Nibbelink
Courtyard by Marriott | April 17, 2018
South Bend, IN – April 17, 2018 – Courtyard by Marriott South Bend Downtown is now open for business in South Bend, Indiana. 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 121 South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the 140-room hotel offers guests convenient access to the University of Notre Dame, The Century Center, the HealthWorks Kids' Museum, the Morris Performing Arts Center, Four Winds Field and the South Bend International Airport. Courtyard cons...
Valencia Group Appoints John Thomas as General Manager for Texican Court Set to Open Fall 2018
Valencia Group | April 17, 2018
IRVING, TEXAS (April 17, 2018) – Texican Court, the highly anticipated 152-room retro-inspired motor court concept by Valencia Group, scheduled to open in fall 2018, announced today the selection of John Thomas as the property's General Manager. Making for an exceptional travel and hospitality experience, Texican Court is conveniently located across from the Irving Convention Center and thriving Toyota Music Factory, Irving's newest all-in-one entertainment and dining destination. The hotel's design will feature Spanish mission-style architecture with a subtle layer of Texas, making it a unique blend of Mexican and the Lone Star S...
Radisson Hotel Group Signs With Cebu Landmasters for New 146-Room Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue, Philippines
Radisson Hotel Group | April 17, 2018
Singapore - April 17, 2018 - Radisson Hotel Group™, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups today announced the signing of an exciting new property, Radisson RED Mandaue in Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. The Group introduces its ageless mindset hotel concept, Radisson RED to the city for the first time. Scheduled to open in Q4 2021, Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue will form part of Astra Centre, a major new mixed-use development of Cebu Landmasters, Inc. in this dynamic coastal city, which lies in the country's Central Visayas region. Easily accessible via two major expressways and the expanding Mactan-Cebu Internatio...
The Art of Pitching: Is it Overrated – or Essential?
Sherif Mamdouh | April 17, 2018
by Mr. Sherif Mamdouh Pitching… that thing we force notoriously introverted geeks to do for funding. The main idea is that an entrepreneur — unless his name is Elon Musk or Tony Stark — has limited resources and needs the financial support of pockets that are substantially deeper than his own. If you, as an aspiring business leader, want potential partners and investors to buy into your idea, you need to sell it in a concise, explicit and exciting way to a floor of overconfident, seen-it-all financiers who might not know much about the technical complexities of that next big idea you're certain to have found. The idea...
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Opens New Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland
April 17, 2018
Minneapolis (April 17, 2018) - Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson, a leading upper midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ocean City, MD located at 12303 Coastal Highway. The new hotel features the brand's latest design, which includes modern interiors, stylish furnishings and spacious guest rooms and suites. The hotel is also conveniently located within walking distance to Maryland's beautiful Ocean City Beach. "We are proud to announce the opening of this newly constructed hotel as we continue growing our portfolio along the East Coast," said Aly El-Bassuni, senior vice presid...
Demystifying Hotel Management Agreements with Focus on Operator Efficiency
Olivier Harnisch | April 17, 2018
By Olivier Harnisch The Middle East region has generally been following the traditions and operating models of the global hospitality industry. Developers typically build hotels and leave the responsibility of running them to hotel operators via a hotel management agreement (HMA). Operators receive a remuneration consisting of a combination of "base fee" linked to a percentage of revenue and "incentive fee" based on a percentage of gross operating profit. While this agreement has worked well in the past, today there are several factors that raise questions, which are relevant to hotel owners and operators. Key among this is the transfor...
Marcus® Hotels & Resorts Assumes Management of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown and Courtyard by Marriott El Paso Downtown/Convention
Marcus Hotels & Resorts | April 17, 2018
MILWAUKEE--Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced it has assumed management of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown in El Paso, Texas, effective April 4, 2018. The company has also been selected to manage the newly constructed Courtyard by Marriott El Paso Downtown/Convention Center, opening June 2018. The two hotels are located within the same block in downtown El Paso. "We are excited to expand our footprint in the great state of Texas," said Gregory S. Marcus, president and chief executive officer of Th...
Sunway Hotels & Resorts Appoints Andre Scholl as Chief Executive Officer
Sunway Hotels & Resorts | April 17, 2018
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 17, 2018 -- Sunway Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality division of Malaysian conglomerate Sunway Group, today announced the appointment of Andre Scholl as Chief Executive Officer to lead the company's growth strategy, drive operational efficiency and oversee the next phase of development for the hotel group. Scholl is a hospitality industry professional with over 30 years of leadership experience, having worked for global hotel groups after starting his career in Switzerland. A Swiss national, Scholl brings diverse international exposure, sound business acumen and successes in leading multiple city an...
Mahekal Beach Resort Appoints Maria Elena Armenta as Director of Sales & Marketing
Mahekal Beach Resort | April 17, 2018
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico – April 17, 2018 – Mahekal Beach Resort, recognized as one of the top resorts on Mexico's Caribbean coast, proudly announces the appointment of Maria Elena Armenta as Director of Sales & Marketing. In this position, Armenta will develop and implement marketing strategies and sales initiatives to generate revenue while stimulating business and brand awareness for the authentic Playa del Carmen retreat. With more than 21 years of industry experience, Armenta brings a variety of valuable skills to Mahekal Beach Resort. Most recently, she served as Group Account Director at The Westin La Paloma Resor...
The National Conference Center Celebrates Earth Day
The Black Olive atThe National Conference Center | April 17, 2018
Announces Partnership with Four Local Farms Leesburg, Virginia, April 2018 … For the past 20 years, The National Conference Center has been fully committed to creating and implementing policies that minimize its impact on the environment. New this year and in time to celebrate Earth Day, April 22, The National is proud to enhance its food and beverage program by partnering with four local Virginia farms. "There continues to be a demand for farm-to-table cuisine, but The National is taking things one step further and going 'hyperlocal' working with as many local farmers as possible to source the food,' says Executive Chef Todd Gol...
Viceroy Hotel Group Appoints Ashley Gochnauer as General Manager of Hotel Zelos San Francisco
Viceroy Hotel Group | April 17, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO (April 2018) – Viceroy Hotel Group is pleased to announce Ashley Gochnauer as the new General Manager of Hotel Zelos San Francisco. A seasoned hospitality professional with more than a decade of experience, Ashley is dedicated to the continued growth and success of Hotel Zelos and Dirty Habit. "Ashley is a welcome addition to the Hotel Zelos team," said Mike Walsh, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Viceroy. "Ashley brings with her impressive hospitality experience culled from world-class properties, as well as proven leadership skills that will enable her to take Hotel Zelos to new heights. We look forward...
The Liaison Capitol Hill, a Joie De Vivre Hotel, Appoints Joy J. Kosmela as Director of Sales & Marketing
The Liaison Capitol Hill | April 17, 2018
Washington D.C. (April 17, 2018) – Liaison Capitol Hill, a Joie de Vivre Hotel, announces today the appointment of hospitality expert Joy J. Kosmela as Director of Sales & Marketing. In this role, Joy will be responsible for the direction and leadership of the hotel's sales and marketing efforts, including the repositioning of the hotel internally and in the marketplace. "This is a very exciting time for our hotel and we couldn't be happier to welcome a true expert in the world of hospitality," said Jeff Brainard, Area General Manager of Liaison Capitol Hill. "We are confident that Joy's industry knowledge and the Washington, ...
Tax Day: Hoteliers Call for More Transparency and Oversight in Taxing Airbnb
AHLA | April 17, 2018
AHLA: "Time to end Airbnb's secret and voluntary tax deals with state and local governments" WASHINGTON, DC – The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) called on state and local government leaders on National Tax Day, to start taxing Airbnb and other short-term rental sites with the same oversight and transparency as hotels, especially in light of Airbnb's recent announcement that it will start including hotels as part of its listings and the continued growth of commercial Airbnb operators. AHLA also called on state and local government leaders to reject Airbnb's pursuit of voluntary collection agreements (VCAs) unless it ...
Intelity Solutions Helping Hotels Achieve Higher AAA Diamond Ratings
Intelity | April 17, 2018
Recent updates to AAA Diamond Rating Guidelines reflect the importance of connecting travelers and hoteliers via mobile technologies such as mobile apps, mobile keys, and mobile concierge Orlando, Fla. — April 17, 2018] — AAA has revised its Approval Requirements and Diamond Rating Guidelines to now "reflect the importance of connective technologies that allow guests and lodging operators to interact on an increasingly personalized basis." What this means to hoteliers looking for a higher AAA Diamond Rating is they will now be expected to connect their guests to hotel staff and services by smartphones and tablets and keep t...
The True Essence of Hotel Revenue Management
Dan Skodol | April 17, 2018
By Dan Skodol In 1972, an employee of British Overseas Airways Corporation by the name of Ken Littlewood provided the genesis of what has become today's revenue management (RM) discipline. He established "Littlewood's Rule," a yield management rule that addressed revenue maximization by proposing that discounted fares be accepted if their revenue value exceeded anticipated revenue from the expected value of full-fare tickets. Littlewood's algorithm led to experimentation with "fenced" pricing and a forecasting system based on seat inventory. Airlines also tried to fill as many seats as possible by predicting how many booked passengers w...
HOLIDAY INN® Orlando Airport Hotel Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation and Transformation Into Brand’s New H4 Design Concept
Sarona Holdings | April 17, 2018
Orlando, Florida (April 17, 2018) – The Holiday Inn® Orlando Airport hotel has recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation to the property's 290-guest rooms, conference facilities, lobby and other public areas to reflect the Holiday Inn brand's innovative H4 design concept. Sarona Holdings of Orlando, Florida, the hotel's ownership and management group, has transformed the seven-story, dual-tower property to meet the needs of today's guest with a modern open living-room concept, increased technology and comfortable guest-rooms that adjust to the travelers' needs. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's ...
MDM Hotel Group Adds Aptech’s Execuvue® Business Intelligence System to Its Suite of Financial Tools
MDM Group | April 17, 2018
Award-Winning Operator Implements Execuvue BI Solution; Automatically Integrates Data from PMS, Timeclock and Aptech's Accounting and Budgeting/Forecasting Applications PITTSBURGH – April 17, 2017 – Aptech Computer Systems announced Miami-based MDM Hotel Group implemented the Execuvue Hospitality Business Intelligence System to automate data gathering, performance reporting and analysis for its portfolio of hotels. MDM is a respected developer that operates full service Marriott and independent properties and commercial businesses in South Florida. Aptech is the leading provider of business intelligence, budgeting and forec...
Factors Driving Hotel Wellness, Asset Management and Revenue
Mia A. Mackman | April 17, 2018
By Mia A. Mackman This article reveals how spa and wellness aspects are disseminated throughout the whole guest experience, and how wellness motivated design and construction elements complement property development, enhance marketability and engagement and is spurring new growth across the hospitality sector. This article also examines how critical management adjustments, and product and service enhancements can significantly add value, increase RevPAR and improve average daily rate performance. Built-In from the Ground Up Hotel design aspects have lined up with wellness construction counterparts and evolved into a thriving wellness-...
