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
G6 Hospitality CEO Jim Amorosia to Retire, Concluding a 33-Year Career with the Company; Rob Palleschi Named Interim CEO
G6 Hospitality LLC | April 5, 2018
APRIL 6, 2018 – DALLAS, TX – G6 Hospitality LLC, the parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the U.S. and Canada, today announced the retirement of Jim Amorosia, G6 Hospitality President and Chief Executive Officer, concluding a 33-year career with the company. Rob Palleschi, G6 Hospitality Chief Development Officer, has been appointed to the position of Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. "I'm excited to take on this new position and we thank Jim for his many years of service to the company," said Rob Palleschi, Interim President and CEO of G6 Hospitality. "Moving forward, we see a...
Grand Summit Hotel, A RockResort Welcomes Chuck Randles as Senior Director of Lodging Operations and General Manager
RockResorts | April 5, 2018
Park City, Utah – April 6, 2018 – The Grand Summit Hotel, A RockResort, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chuck Randles to senior director of lodging operations for Park City and general manager of the hotel. With more than 10 years of extensive knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry, Randles will be responsible for all operations at the newly-renovated property set at the base of Park City Mountain. He will also oversee the neighboring Silverado Lodge and Sundial Lodge, as well as the opening of the new Lift and Apex properties, which are currently under construction. "Chuck has been an instrumental te...
Kokua Hospitality Appoints Troy Karnoff as New Director of Sales & Marketing at Courtyard Marriott Long Beach Airport
Courtyard Marriott Long Beach Airport | April 5, 2018
(SAN FRANCISCO; April 6, 2018)—Kokua Hospitality, LLC, an independent hotel management company based in San Francisco, is pleased to announce Troy Karnoff as the director of sales and marketing of Courtyard Marriott Long Beach Airport. In his role, Karnoff is responsible for leading a team of three, negotiating and contracting national and local corporate accounts, and developing the property's strategic sales and marketing plans. Karnoff brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the Courtyard Marriott Long Beach Airport and Kokua Hospitality team. Coming full circle, Karnoff's first job in the industry was...
Transformational Spa and Wellness Value Propositions
Mia A. Mackman | April 5, 2018
By Mia A. Mackman We are living in a time centered around people, purpose and progress. While the need to remain adaptable and manage one's daily schedule endures. Lifestyles are evolving led by a multitude of new social, political and professional changes. This has created a substantial and prevalent focus on being happy, and living with passion, energy and a sense of personal well-being. The natural outcome of these changes generates a profound shift in thinking. As more people become increasingly self-aware, this impacts a number of things, including personal values and life goals. Until recent years, the trickle of change has been s...
HFTP Launches New Multi-Event Mobile App for Upcoming 2018 Conferences, Including the Upcoming HITEC Amsterdam
HFTP | April 5, 2018
Available for download in the Apple and Google Play stores by searching "HFTP Events" AUSTIN, TEXAS (April 5, 2018) – Gearing up for the first Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) of 2018, event producers Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is excited to announce the launch of this year's "HFTP Events" mobile app. The HFTP event 2018 mobile app is home to all the information attendees and exhibitors will need for HITEC Amsterdam, HITEC Houston and Annual Convention this year, with information coming available as the event nears. Available now for download from the iTunes...
AccorHotels Signs Strategic Acquisition Agreement with Mantis Group for 50% Stake in Company
AccorHotels | April 5, 2018
AccorHotels has today announced a strategic partnership with the South Africa-based Mantis Group, a collection of award winning, privately owned, managed and branded five star properties and lodges located around the world, across all seven continents. From boutique hotels, eco lodges, game reserves and luxury houseboats to adventure tourism as well as a bespoke tour operating division, the agreement reinforces AccorHotels as a leader in curated one-of-a-kind experiences and resonates with the Group's conservation platform with Planet 21. This strategic partnership is accompanied by the launch of Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA...
Want To Hear What Your Reservations Agents Are Saying Right Now To Callers?
Kennedy Training Network | April 5, 2018
For a limited time, Kennedy Training Network (KTN) is offering a complimentary round of reservations mystery shopping reports for all new prospective clients. KTN's team will produce 4 complimentary reports, scored according to its baseline reservations sales call criteria and targeting different agents. Each mystery shopping report will be sent via email, including a link to a scored checklist, plus commentary and sales coaching tips from a KTN Reservations Coach. Best of all, reports include a link to the audio recording of the actual conversation, so you can listen to what callers are hearing your agents say. Shop calls will begin sh...
BW’S Surestay Hotel Group® Expands to 52 Properties Worldwide
April 5, 2018
Phoenix (April 5, 2018) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts today announced that just one and a half years since the launch of its unique franchise model – SureStay Hotel Group – the brand has amassed 52 properties worldwide and boasts a robust pipeline of 45 more. Since making its official debut in fall 2016, SureStay® has served as a welcome alternative for upper-economy/lower-midscale travelers, offering consistent and quality levels of value, comfort and cleanliness. The brand has also garnered significant interest among developers with its competitive fee structure and access to Best Western's powerhouse ...
Alex Meruelo Closes on Acquisition of SLS Las Vegas® Hotel & Casino
SLS Las Vegas | April 5, 2018
LAS VEGAS, April 5, 2018 -- Alex Meruelo acquired ownership of SLS Las Vegas® Hotel & Casino, naming Paul Hobson as the property's new senior vice president and general manager. "Paul Hobson brings extensive experience in gaming and hospitality and valued insight into the ever-evolving North Las Vegas Strip to SLS Las Vegas," said Alex Meruelo, Principal of The Meruelo Group. "We are thrilled to have him lead the team in ushering in this exciting new era for the historic property." Mr. Meruelo adds SLS Las Vegas, a 1,616-room, three-tower resort-casino, including the W Las Vegas, to a gaming and hospitali...
Hard Rock International Appoints Todd Hricko as Senior Vice President & Head of Global Hotel Development
Hard Rock International | April 5, 2018
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., April 5, 2018 -- Hard Rock International announces the promotion of Todd Hricko to senior vice president & head of global hotel development, where he will oversee the development of hotels for the entire brand, working directly under Hard Rock International's Chief Operating Officer Jon Lucas. Supported by Hricko's more than 20 years of property development experience, the new position will showcase Hricko's strong hospitality network, paving the way for collaborations with some of the largest industry-leading owners and operators of commercial real estate in the United States. Hricko joined the Hard Roc...
Marriott Stanton South Beach Completes Milestone $22 Million Transformation and Receives Resort Distinction by Marriott International
Marriott Stanton South Beach | April 5, 2018
MIAMI (April, 2018) ─ Marriott Stanton South Beach completed the third phase in its $22 million transformation marked by the opening of a new full-service spa, specialty fitness and training center, and an award-winning Japanese dining restaurant Azabu Miami Beach. These new additions follow the total room renovation in 2013, revamp to common areas last year, and the opening of Mexican restaurant Lolo's Surf Cantina in early 2017. Formerly recognized as a hotel, the new amenities and overall elevated experience allowed the property to receive the official Resort distinction by Marriott International, Inc. One of the only resorts on Oc...
Why France’s Hotel Sector is on the Road to Recovery
JLL Real Views | April 5, 2018
by Emily Perryman As tourists return once more to soak up the sights and tastes of France, its hotel sector is rebounding rapidly from its 2016 low point. Just under 89 million tourists visited France in 2017, according to French government figures, a five to six percent year-on-year rise that puts the country back on track to reach its ambitious 100 million target by 2020. It's a welcome turnaround from the previous year, when tourist numbers in the worst-hit region of Greater Paris fell by 1.5 million in the wake of a spate of terrorist attacks. By September 2016, hotel RevPAR (revenue per available room) was down almost 16 percent on...
The Ritz-Carlton to Develop First Resort Slated to be Set Amidst a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nikko, Japan
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC | April 5, 2018
HONG KONG – April 5, 2018 – Building on a growing desire for luxury resort experiences in stunning global locations, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. announced plans to bring its legendary style and service to Nikko, Japan. Surrounded by mountainous landscapes, sacred forests and rich traditions, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, owned by Tobu Railway Co., Ltd., is expected to open in 2020 and will be the brand's first resort in Japan to be set amidst a UNESCO World Heritage site. "Today's luxury traveler is increasingly seeking out unique experiences and the opportunity to become immersed in a destination's culture. We are deli...
Teneo Hospitality Group Appoints David J. Berzofsky as Director of Sales, Midwest
Teneo Hospitality Group | April 5, 2018
Eden Prairie (Minneapolis), MN, April 5, 2018 … Continuing the expansion of its domestic and global sales force, Teneo Hospitality Group,the premier global group representation firm, has appointed David Berzofsky as Director of Sales, Midwest. Mr. Berzofsky is a leading specialist in luxury hotel sales and brings an in-depth knowledge of the luxury market together with a strong presence in the Midwest to his new position with Teneo. "We are absolutely delighted to welcome David to the Teneo Sales force," says President Mike Schugt. "He comes to us with over 25 years of hospitality sales experience, most recently as Global Account...
Steigenberger Hotels Expands to Luxor, Egypt with Signing for the Steigenberger Resort Achti
Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts | April 5, 2018
Frankfurt am Main, 5 April 2018 Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts has signalled its intention to expand the company portfolio by signing an agreement for a hotel in Luxor, Egypt. The Steigenberger Resort Achti is to be located on the East Bank of the Nile, and the plan is that it will open for business in the third quarter of 2018. As well as 281 rooms, suites and bungalows, the hotel will also boast six restaurants and bars serving up a range of culinary offerings. Further highlights will include an outdoor pool with views of the Nile, a separate pool in the bungalow area complete with jacuzzi, a Business centre, a meetings room and a ...
Why A Mobile App May Be Key to Designing a Better Guest Experience
Terri Miller | April 5, 2018
By Terri Miller, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Concilio Labs When was the last time you used an app? Today? An hour ago? A few minutes ago? For most of us, apps have become an integrated part of our daily life — we might not even realize the extent to which we rely on them. Our smartphone behavior is typically centered around the convenience and connection that apps readily provide. Despite this prevalence, there has long existed a trend of some businesses hesitating to break into the realm of mobile apps; a hesitation which may also extend to hotels. The push for technological innovation only continues to grow and, wi...
Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel To Open In Lebanon, Tennessee
The Sage Agency | April 5, 2018
The 90-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Lebanon, Tennessee will open today with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 1145 Franklin Road, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Lebanon will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by 3H Group Hotels of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Located 20 miles from Nashville International Airport and 30 miles from downtown Nashville, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Lebanon offers guests convenient access to Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Antique Mall, Opryland and Grand Ole Opry. "Delivering both function and comfort, our new d...
New Research Finds Hotels Saved $7 for Every $1 Invested in Reducing Food Waste
Champions 12.3 | April 5, 2018
WASHINGTON (April 5, 2018)– New research on behalf of Champions 12.3 finds there is a compelling business case for hotels to reduce the amount of food they throw away. For every $1 hotels invested in programs to reduce kitchen food waste, on average they saved $7 in operating costs. In a first-of-its kind analysis for the industry, The Business Case for Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Hotels evaluated financial cost and benefit data for 42 sites – including Sofitel, MGM and more – across 15 countries, finding that nearly every site realized a positive return on its investment to reduce food waste. Within just one year, t...
Owned by Union Investment and Managed by Widewaters Group, The Porter Hotel in Portland, Oregon Joins Hilton’s Curio Collection
Curio Collection by Hilton | April 5, 2018
PORTLAND, Ore. and MCLEAN, Va. - Curio Collection by Hilton today welcomes The Porter Portland as its 50th property in its upper upscale portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts handpicked for their unique character. Inspired by the independence and natural beauty of Portland, the hotel resonates the city's ambiance through its rich and textured aesthetic. The Porter is home to 297 guest rooms, an expansive library, a heated indoor pool with Jacuzzi, as well as a sauna room, steam room, meditation spa, locker rooms and a 24-hour fitness center. "We are proud to reach the milestone of 50 Curio Collection properties in our portfolio ...
Meliá Hotels International to Launch Paradisus Playa Mujeres in Early 2019
April 5, 2018
New York (April 5, 2018) – Leading Spanish hotel group, Meliá Hotels International, has announced its latest addition in Mexico with the launch of Paradisus Playa Mujeres in Q1 2019. The luxury hotel will be Mexico's fifth Paradisus branded property. Nestled just off the coast of Cancun, Playa Mujeres is the new popular destination for travelers and locals alike. Located 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown, Paradisus Playa Mujeres is situated on the seafront, offering a tranquil and relaxing setting. It is within close proximity of Isla Mujeres, with thriving bars, restaurants and shops...
The Growing Use of Technology and Robotics in Food Service
Court Williams | April 5, 2018
By Court Williams Opponents of artificial intelligence (AI) have long predicted the time will come when robots take over the jobs of human employees. That day has arrived, with a number of food service companies using technology in previously human-filled roles. Reasoning Behind the Shift Ever since vending machines started to dispense food in 1897, food service automation has gained ground, moving towards self-service and eventually machine services. There are multiple reasons why food service companies are looking for alternatives to the traditional ways of producing and serving food, including: The shortage of kitchen workers, whic...
Penn State Announces Sponsors for Gala Honoring Marriott’s CEO
PSHRS | April 5, 2018
The event culminates an academic year-long celebration of the School's 80th anniversary. To register for the event, visit: http://hhd.psu.edu/shm/hospitality-executive-year-event. Sponsors of the gala event, based on level of financial participation include: Old Main Sponsor ...
Now Available on the KEYPR Platform: Facebook Events
KEYPR | April 5, 2018
KEYPR's Facebook Events feature allows guests to view a hotel's upcoming events from their in-room tablets and mobile app. What makes the product special? KEYPR®, the broadest hospitality technology platform available offering an integrated end-to-end experience for guests and staff, now supports Facebook events, a first for hospitality. KEYPR's new Facebook Events integration gives hotel guests across the globe a new way to engage with social events while staff have a direct and seamless way to share and promote events both on and off property. Staff can manage and coordinate events directly through a property's Faceboo...
Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto Welcomes New General Manager Ron Pellerine
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | April 5, 2018
Toronto, April 5, 2018 – Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto announces the appointment of Ron Pellerine to the position of general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto. Pellerine joins the hotel from the 317-room Langham Hotel, Boston where he served as general manager from 2015 to March 2017. Pellerine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, covering all aspects of hotel operations, including a particular passion for food and beverage. "I am honored to be joining Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and the opportunities it brings to be working with...
