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Industry Happenings
Strand Hospitality Services & Poseidon Hotel Ventures Celebrate Grand Opening of the SpringHill Suites New Smyrna Beach
Strand Hospitality | March 15, 2018
(New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) March 19, 2018- Sunshine and summertime was in the forefront of guests' minds last week at the SpringHill Suites in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. as the hotel celebrated its grand opening with a beach themed cocktail reception Tuesday evening, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and brunch Wednesday morning. Executives from Strand Hospitality Services, along with the hotel ownership group of Poseidon Hotel Ventures welcomed community members and distinguished guests to the hotel for the celebration. Speakers included; John Pharr, President of Strand Hospitality, Mayor James Hathaway, hotel owners Sheri and Randy McHe...
BENCHMARK® Names David Nadolny Director of Finance for High Hampton Resort in Cashiers, NC
High Hampton Resort | March 15, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, March 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named David Nadolny director of finance for High Hampton Resort. The property, located in Cashiers, North Carolina, is a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® property. Tom Garcia, Benchmark's vice president and general manager, made the announcement. "I'm very pleased to welcome David to the executive team here at High Hampton Resort," said Mr. Garcia. "He brings important operational and senior-level hotel finance experience to his new position, which will benefit our property significantly." An accomplished hotel executive, David Nadoln...
Mark Goodwin Promoted to Director of Sales, Catering and Conference Services for The Sea Pines Resort
The Sea Pines Resort | March 15, 2018
Hilton Head Island, S.C. (March 15, 2018) – Mark Goodwin has been promoted to Director of Sales, Catering and Conference Services at The Sea Pines Resort. Goodwin joined The Sea Pines Resort in 2011 as Senior Sales Manager and most recently held the position of Director of Group Sales. "Mark is a strong communicator, with leadership and problem-solving skills and outstanding knowledge of hospitality and golf sales, said John Munro, Vice President of Hospitality, Resort Sales & Marketing for The Sea Pines Resort. "We look forward to Mark using those skills in this expanded position to deliver the kind of world-class service tha...
Chesapeake Hospitality Promotes Mark Williams to Regional Vice President of Operations
Chesapeake Hospitality | March 15, 2018
GREENBELT, Md., March 15, 2018 – Chesapeake Hospitality, a dynamic third-party hotel management company, announced today it has promoted Mark Williams to regional vice president of operations. Kim Sims, president of Chesapeake Hospitality, made the announcement. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Williams joined Chesapeake Hospitality in 2011 as general manager at its Hilton Philadelphia Airport hotel. Most recently, he served as the general manager at the company's Georgian Terrace Hotel, where his prudent approach immediately impacted the hotel's market value by improving service and efficiencies,...
Two Roads Hospitality Appoints Craig A. Waterman as Vice President of Openings & Transitions
Two Roads Hospitality | March 15, 2018
Denver, Co., March 15, 2018 – International lifestyle company Two Roads Hospitality has appointed Craig A. Waterman as Vice President of Openings & Transitions. In this role, Waterman will oversee new and transitioning projects across the company's portfolio. Waterman joined Two Roads Hospitality in 2014 as General Manager of Hotel Kabuki, a Joie de Vivre property in San Francisco, and Regional Director of Operations, overseeing the Northern California, Arizona and Hawaii regions. "Craig has contributed to the success of many Two Roads Hospitality properties, ensuring operational excellence, guiding seamless transitions, and m...
Siddharth Narang Appointed Chief Development Officer at sbe
sbe | March 15, 2018
London – 15 March 2018 - sbe, the leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning international hospitality brands, announced today the appointment of Siddharth Narang as Chief Development Officer. Sid's arrival marks the company's latest senior hire as it continues on unprecedented global growth over the next few years. Sid will play a key strategic role at sbe, driving sbe's development pipeline, real estate investments and growth globally. He and his team will partner with owners and developers to grow sbe's footprint in key markets throughout the US, Middle East, Europe, ...
Twenty Four Seven Hotels Adds 128-Room Fairfield Inn by Marriott Las Vegas Airport to Management Portfolio
Twenty Four Seven Hotels | March 15, 2018
Newport Beach, CA, March 15, 2018 -- Twenty Four Seven Hotels, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has attained a new contract for management services in Las Vegas, Nevada. New to the Twenty Four Seven list of managed hotels is the Fairfield Inn by Marriott Las Vegas Airport, bringing their overall Marriott collection to thirteen managed hotels and adding 128 rooms to the company's entire portfolio. The property will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Umbrella Hotel Group and Ways Hospitality. Twenty Four Seven Hotels played a pivotal role providing guidance to the buyer on the transactional side with sourcing, u...
Sandals Resorts International Appoints Gebhard Rainer as New CEO
| March 15, 2018
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, March 15, 2018 -- Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Chairman and Founder, Hon. Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, OJ, CD, Hon. LLD, announces the appointment of industry veteran Gebhard F. Rainer as CEO, effective immediately. The appointment, which follows an extensive search in concert with Deputy Chairman, Adam Stewart, CD was designed to accelerate the strategic growth of the award-winning luxury all-inclusive brands under the Sandals Resorts International banner. "Sandals Resorts has a legacy of pioneering and implementing industry innovations and we are committed to not only bolstering our leadership posi...
Velas Resorts Named Best Hotels in Mexico By U.S. News & World Report for Fifth Consecutive Year
Velas Resorts | March 15, 2018
For the fifth year in a row, the "Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare" Velas Resorts in Mexico have been named some of the top hotels in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Grand Velas Rivera Maya, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Casa Velas and Grand Velas Los Cabos were all noted on the list. U.S. News & World Report is a nationally recognized publisher of consumer advice and information. An annual evaluation of hotels that offer high-quality amenities and exceptional experiences, the rankings are determined by combining industry accolades with expert and guest reviews of the resorts. Within the resort's individual desti...
Hyatt Appoints Stephen Ho as President – Greater China, Global Operations
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | March 15, 2018
CHICAGO (March 15, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (Hyatt) today announced the appointment of Stephen Ho as President - Greater China, Global Operations, in line with plans to accelerate growth in Greater China. Effective April 16, 2018, Stephen will be responsible for the growth and operations of the hotel network, talent development and owner relations in the Greater China region. He will also refine and reinforce Hyatt's China outbound strategy from a commercial and operations perspective. Prior to joining Hyatt, Stephen was Chief Executive Officer, Greater China Region at Marriott International, Inc., where he oversaw all...
Rezidor Hotel Group Signs 120-Room Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Set for 2020 Opening in Lithuania
Rezidor Hotel Group | March 15, 2018
Vilnius, Lithuania - March 15, 2018 - Rezidor Hotel Group AB (REZT), publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of Radisson Hotel Group, is proud to announce the signing of the Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Airport Hotel & Business Center. Expected to open in 2020, this 120-room hotel will be the group's sixth hotel in operation and pipeline in Lithuania, and the fourth in the city. The group operates two Radisson Blu hotels in the city already and plans to add a Radisson RED. Radisson Hotel Group's portfolio in the entire Baltics States rises to 18 hotels with more than 4,100 rooms. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President &a...
A Case for Investing in Technology During the Design and Development Process
Robert Stevenson | March 15, 2018
Considering investing in technology during the design process of a new hotel property can only promote innovative ideation, allow hotel brands to expand on their experience, and save on installation costs by Robert Stevenson The discussion about technology has changed immensely over the past several years, and hoteliers worldwide have received the message: all guests, millennial, gen z, or otherwise, want mobile tech included in their experience. While the main conversation is about adjusting to consumer needs, there's a more prescient matter on the table for properties in development: considering technology in the design stages to ...
Beekeeper Wins HTNG’s 2018 TechOvation Award
Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) | March 15, 2018
HTNG's annual innovation award recognizes the digital workplace app as the hospitality industry's 'most innovative technology' SAN FRANCISCO, CA March 15, 2018 - The 2018 TechOvation Award was presented yesterday to Beekeeper by Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) during the HT-NEXT Award Ceremony in San Diego. The TechOvation Award recognizes companies for innovative products new to the marketplace from 2017 or coming in 2018. Beekeeper earned the coveted award for its workplace app that digitizes hospitality workers who don't sit behind a traditional desk and don't have access to work email. By connecting operational systems...
Hyatt and Hui Xian Reit Sign Agreement for Hyatt Hotel in Chongqing Currently Under Renovation and Expected to Open Early 2019
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | March 15, 2018
CHICAGO (March 15, 2018) – Hyatt and Hui Xian Real Estate Investment Trust ("Hui Xian REIT") jointly announced today an agreement for Hyatt to manage a hotel owned by Hui Xian REIT. Located in Jiefangbei, Chongqing's Central Business District in western China, the hotel is currently under renovation and is expected to be rebranded as a Hyatt hotel in the first quarter of 2019. Acquired by Hui Xian REIT in 2017, the hotel is currently being redesigned and integrated into the adjacent Chongqing Metropolitan Oriental Plaza, which is also under Hui Xian REIT's ownership. With renovations expected to be complete in early 2019, the whol...
Columbia Sussex Acquires Intercontinental® Dallas, to Rebrand Hotel as Renaissance Dallas Addison
Renaissance | March 15, 2018
DALLAS - March 15, 2018 - The InterContinental Dallas, a longtime fixture in the DFW hospitality scene, has been purchased by Columbia Sussex, a privately held company based in Crestview Hills, KY. Columbia Sussex is one of the nation's largest franchisers of Marriott hotels, and is rebranding the InterContinental to Renaissance Dallas Addison. Renovations are already underway. Centrally located in the heart of the Dallas Metroplex, the full-service property anchors the area's bustling dining and entertainment scene with dozens of restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance, plus hundreds more located just a short drive away&mda...
2018 TIEWN Conference Mobilizes Women in Hospitality on International Women’s Day
March 15, 2018
Boardrooms and C-suites are feminizing, but there's more to be done Los Angeles, California – The Travel Industry Executive Women's Network (TIEWN), a global networking association with over 10,000 members, held their fifth annual educational and motivational conference at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on March 8, 2018. Timed to International Women's Day, the event celebrated female leaders across several industries, sharing successes and challenges to motivate and encourage progressive change within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Organized by TIEWN and BLLA Founder and CEO Frances Kiradjian, and her daughter, B...
How the New Airbnb Offerings Impact the Hotel Industry and What Hotels Brands Can Do to Win in the Sharing Economy
Kyle Killion | March 15, 2018
Boutique Hotels Beware: The Hotel Industry Gets a New Frenemy By Kyle Killion Longtime hotel industry rival, Airbnb, continues to make headlines with its latest offering. In an effort to own more vacation accommodation bookings, the company, which built its business on being the anti-hotel alternative, now offers more boutique hotel listings than ever before. But, even as Airbnb adds more hotels into the mix, hotel brands are not featured. Despite this, there is a lot that hotel brands can do to stay competitive in the sharing economy. Why are hotel brands letting Airbnb win? Hotels have experienced strong growth since 2008, but alterna...
Research Reveals Increased Intermediation in the Groups and Meetings Market Segment
Kalibri Labs | March 15, 2018
This report offers analysis on the groups and meetings market segment and sheds light on the challenges imposed by a fragmented ecosystem with a focus on costs and the impact on relationships between hotels and their customers. March 15th, 2018, Rockville, MD – Kalibri Labs just announced the release of their latest hotel industry study that encompasses the groups and meetings market segment. This in-depth look at a critical component of the industry's business mix is the first of its kind and filled with detailed insights and key metrics which reveal increased intermediation in the groups and meetings segment. The report highligh...
If Your Hotel PMS Doesn’t Include These 6 Things, Your Competition May Be Winning
March 15, 2018
Jos Schaap CEO and Founder StayNTouch What differentiates your hotel from your competition? Is it your personal service, your amenities, or something else? No matter what your differentiator is today, our changing world forces hoteliers to always be looking for ways to further improve on what sets them apart. One way to boost your competitive advantage is through updating to a modern, advanced hotel PMS to help you increase efficiency, productivity, service and revenue. The world of hotel property management systems (PMS) has become somewhat confounding lately. There are a myriad of new entrants, and the legacy systems are trying to han...
Interview: Concilio Labs CEO Terri Miller Talks About the Impact of GDPR on Hotels and Their Guests
Terri Miller | March 15, 2018
Recognized as an industry expert on hospitality technology, eCommerce, and business intelligence, Terri Miller, CEO and co-founder of Concilio Labs, discusses the impending European General Data Protection Regulation (GPDR) and what that means for hoteliers. Why has GDPR become such a top-of-mind issue for the hospitality industry? The May 2018 deadline for GDPR implementation will significantly change the way hoteliers handle guest data. Having guest's personal data stored in the cloud has become a necessity for today's hotelier. Until now, fines for breach of data protection regulations were limited and enforcement actions infrequent....
THE LANGHAM HUNTINGTON, PASADENA APPOINTS DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Langham | March 15, 2018
PASADENA, Calif. – March 15, 2018 - The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Southern California's iconic landmark hotel, appoints seasoned hospitality professional, Robin Gamino as Director of Human Resources. In her role, Gamino will oversee recruitment, operations management, employee relations, training and development and benefits administration. She will serve on the hotel's Executive Committee supporting the hotel's mission, vision and values. Gamino brings with her more than 16 years of qualified experience demonstrating leadership in human resource consulting and management. Before stepping into her new role as Direc...
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena Appoints Elaine Gamer as New Director of Sales and Marketing
The Langham Huntington | March 15, 2018
PASADENA, Calif. – March 15, 2018 - The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Southern California's iconic landmark hotel, proudly announces Elaine Gamer as Director of Sales and Marketing. In her role, Gamer will oversee the Sales and Marketing division and be responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve the objectives of the 377-room property. A seasoned hospitality professional with a background of over 30 years in the industry, Gamer previously served as Director of Sales and Marketing for other notable hospitality groups such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Ritz Carlton, amongst others. She most recen...
Sheetz Executive Joins School of Hospitality Management Industry Advisory Board
PSHRS | March 15, 2018
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Emily Sheetz, who is assuming the role of AVP of Strategy at Sheetz, has joined the Penn State School of Hospitality Management Industry Advisory Board. Sheetz is a third-generation family member and one of 11 active in the company. She previously served as director of talent development, responsible for all training and leadership development across the company. Sheetz has participated in a leadership rotation program within the company and has held positions in real estate, human resources, operations and store development. Sheetz also helped launch the Sheetz Cafe project, which is an innovation concept t...
From Dreaming to Booking Part III: The Planning Phase – How to Capitalize on the Planning Phase of the Travel Planning Journey
HEBS Digital | March 15, 2018
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo, VP Strategy This article is part three in a five-part series that uncovers top strategies for reaching potential guests in meaningful moments throughout every stage of the travel planning journey to increase direct bookings. This article focuses on the second stage of travel planning: the planning phase. The moment you decide to take the plunge on planning a vacation can be just as exciting as the vacation itself. Once someone chooses a travel destination, the dreaming phase starts to become a reality, setting the travel planning phase in motion. Read on for part three of our five-part series titled, "How to C...
