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
Rate and Bookings Growth Continue Positive Trend for Hoteliers in Early 2018
TravelClick | March 8, 2018
Both Group and Transient Travel Segments Experience Boost During First Quarter NEW YORK – March 8, 2018 – TravelClick, a leading global provider of data and revenue-generating solutions for hoteliers, today released new data from the Company's February 2018 North American Hospitality Review (NAHR). According to this data, North American hoteliers are continuing to experience healthy gains across both average daily rates (ADR) and bookings for all travel segments, up 0.6 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively, in the first quarter of the year. Transient bookings are particularly strong in Q1, up 1.9 percent across the segment ...
AD1 Global, ASI Global and EB5 Florida Hotels to Break Ground on 120-Room Fairfield Inn & Suites in Tamarac, Florida
AD1 Global | March 8, 2018
AD1 Global, Tamarac elected officials and co-developers ASI Global and EB5 Florida Hotels are holding an official ground breaking ceremony on March 19th at the Colony West Golf Club to commemorate the new Fairfield Inn. The new 120-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, located at 6800 NW 88th Ave, which will include a pool and splash pad, will be another amenity for the city to offer its visitors. The project also entails the construction of a clubhouse, banquet facilities and golf cart barn. "We are proud to be a partner of the great city of Tamarac," said Daniel Berman, AD1 Global President. "We believe this project will have a...
GuestTek Promotes Tony Thompson to VP Operations, APAC
March 8, 2018
GuestTek Strengthens APAC Operations Team Calgary, Alberta – March 8, 2018 – Tony Thompson to lead GuestTek's APAC Operations GuestTek Interactive Entertainment continues to expand their Asia Pacific team with the appointment of Tony Thompson as Vice President of Operations, APAC. "Tony's extensive experience in the hospitality industry, combined with his technology and team management expertise, will be a tremendous asset to our APAC operations," noted Scott Watts, GuestTek's Managing Director for APAC. Arnon Levy, GuestTek's President and CEO, added, "Tony has a proven track record of on-time installations, and our custome...
Cracked, Not Crushed: The Glass Ceiling of Gender Parity
Hotelivate Private Limited | March 8, 2018
As the world celebrates 'International Women's Month'; a movement established to realize complete gender parity; the reality of executive gender balance is far from that. The disparity in gender balanced leadership has driven many initiatives globally and prompted a mountain of research verifying what should really be common sense: an investment in gender inclusive growth is positively correlated to firm performance. Credit Suisse Research Institute's frequently quoted report concluded that organizations with female directors outperformed those without women directors in average growth, price/book-value multiples, and return on equity. ...
MIWA Lock Company Integrates with OpenKey to Bring Mobile Keyless Entry to Hotel Chains Around the World
OpenKey | March 7, 2018
TOKYO, JAPAN and DALLAS, TEXAS – MIWA Lock Company, Japan's foremost provider of high-performance locks and security systems, announces a partnership and integration with OpenKey, the industry standard for Universal mobile key in hotels. The partnership will bring the enterprise grade security and stability of the OpenKey platform as the mobile keyless entry system for all MIWA digital locks with Bluetooth Low Energy functionality. OpenKey is the largest mobile key company in the world with hotels in 10 countries on 4 continents. Financially backed by several of the largest publicly-traded REITs in the U.S., OpenKey has seen explo...
MIWA Lock Company Integrates With OpenKey to Bring Mobile Keyless Entry to Hotel Chains Around the World
OpenKey | March 7, 2018
TOKYO, JAPAN and DALLAS, TEXAS – MIWA Lock Company, Japan's foremost provider of high-performance locks and security systems, announces a partnership and integration with OpenKey, the industry standard for Universal mobile key in hotels. The partnership will bring the enterprise grade security and stability of the OpenKey platform as the mobile keyless entry system for all MIWA digital locks with Bluetooth Low Energy functionality. OpenKey is the largest mobile key company in the world with hotels in 10 countries on 4 continents. Financially backed by several of the largest publicly-traded REITs in the U.S., OpenKey has seen explo...
AKARYN Hotel Group Plans May 2018 Launch of New 50-Room Eco-Friendly akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok
AKARYN Hotel Group | March 7, 2018
New York, NY - March 7, 2018 - With over eight million tons of plastic thrown away each year, consumers are now frequently seeking out responsible businesses that are taking steps to care for the planet. Whilst supermarkets plan for plastic free aisles and coffee brands ditch the cup lids, Akaryn Hotel Group plans to become a single-use plastic free hotel group by 2020. The newest opening, akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok, launching May 2018, is set to be one of the leading hotels in this initiative. With philanthropy deeply rooted in the heart and soul of this collection of Thai hotels, akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok makes eco-conscious choice...
FHG and Marathon Petroleum Group Open 99-Room Hancock Hotel in Findlay, Ohio
First Hospitality Group, Inc. | March 7, 2018
Rosemont, Ill., March 7, 2018 – First Hospitality Group, Inc. (FHG), a leading hotel management, acquisition and development company, and Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) announced today the opening of its Hancock Hotel in Findlay, Ohio. FHG leadership made the announcement. "We are thrilled to introduce the Hancock Hotel to the Findlay community," said FHG. "The hotel's luxurious amenities and guest-friendly features align perfectly with the unique character of Findlay and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the community and offering top-notch service to guests from around the globe." The five-story, full-service...
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta Undergoing Final Phase of Transformation Which Includes Reimagination of Guestrooms and Suites
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta | March 7, 2018
ATLANTA – March 2018– In the capital city known as The Hollywood of the South, The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta will be readying for its fresh-faced close-up this year. A full guestroom reimagination is underway at the hotel with a high design inspired by a city whose star status has risen. "Atlanta is our muse, and the hotel continues to evolve out of the unparalleled lifestyle around us," said Erwin Schinnerl, General Manager. "The design is infused with a fervent sense of place, providing a modern backdrop for a vibrant new era of luxury travelers discovering our city." Fusing Atlanta's iconic music culture with The Ritz-Carlton...
Quinault Beach Resort & Casino Launches KEYPR as Guest Experience Technology Partner
KEYPR | March 7, 2018
Popular Beachside Casino Hotel is now live on KEYPR's cloud-based platform which brings the latest guest experience technology to the hospitality industry KEYPR®, the leading cloud-based technology platform for the hospitality industry providing an integrated end-to-end experience for guests and staff through embedded and mobile devices, announced today that Quinault Beach Resort and Casino, the Quinault Indian Nation-owned property facing beautiful Ocean Shores Washington, has deployed the first phase of its expansive hospitality platform, with keyless entry to be implemented by May. "We pride ourselves in offering the serenity of ...
Ohio’s Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center Launches Extensive Renovation Led by General Manager Hartmut Ott.
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center | March 7, 2018
CLEVELAND (March 6, 2018) – Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center, 1360 West Mall Dr., Cleveland, has officially kicked off a multi-million dollar renovation of its lobby, meeting and all public space, which is slated to be unveiled in Summer 2018. All of the designated space will be redesigned in a modern, sophisticated style reflecting the property's vibrant downtown setting in the heart of a reinvigorated city. The 25-story, 400-room property with 15 suites, puts guests in prime position to explore the best Cleveland has to offer. "These are exciting times for the hotel, our guests and downtown Cleveland," said Hartmut Ott,...
Waramaug LS Hotels and Woodmont Lodging Complete $2.4 Million Renovation of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bentonville
Waramaug LS Hotels | March 7, 2018
Boca Raton, FL, March 7, 2018 — Waramaug LS Hotels and Woodmont Lodging today announced the completion of the $2.4 million renovation of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bentonville. "This extensive renovation allows us to position the property to meet today's traveler's discerning taste and will enhance the guest experience," said Rae Salling, Senior Vice President of Asset Management, Waramaug Hospitality. "These significant upgrades will allow the property to showcase itself as a market leader and outperform its competition in Bentonville." The comprehensive renovation included upgrading all guest rooms to IHG Formula Blue ...
Green Is the New Black
Katie Scheer | March 7, 2018
By Katie Scheer Hotels- this one's for you! In 2017, we asked >2,500 hotels what they are doing to "go green." So we have good info for you... If your hotel isn't already pursuing green rankings and certifications, you are behind the "go green" trend. It's time for you to step up to the plate and make some changes to become better friends with our planet. It's a fact that hotel guests of today want to stay at hotels that are eco-conscious. This means more gained business for you from those guests ($ ca-ching, ca-ching $). Also, by going green, you also reap these two benefits (there's several m...
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Opens 1,048-Room Fairmont Austin Marking Brand’s Largest U.S. Hotel
AccorHotels | March 7, 2018
AUSTIN, Texas, March 7, 2018 - Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce that Fairmont Austin, a towering icon bringing exclusive luxury to Austin, Texas, opened its doors on March 5, 2018. The highly anticipated hotel boasts 1,048 richly appointed guestrooms, five restaurants and bars, the largest outdoor pool and full service spa in Downtown Austin, a revolutionary fitness center, nearly 140,000 square feet of event space, and direct access to the Austin Convention Center via the Red River Canopy Walk. Fairmont Austin debuts as the largest Fairmont property in the United States, as well as the second largest Fairmont hote...
Bridge as a Niche Opportunity for Hotels
Larry Mogelonsky | March 7, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Anyone who's met me knows how crazy I am for the game of duplicate bridge. Our local club is honored to have Isadore Sharp of Four Seasons fame as one of our midweek, afternoon regulars. For those unfamiliar with the game, duplicate bridge involves multiple teams of two (or four) taking a crack at the same series of card deals, the winners being those who do the most with what they're dealt. Importantly, I'm far from the only avid player. In fact, the game's popularity is growing at a considerate rate, so much so that many clubs are now looking for new facilities to host their e...
Six Senses Partners With Range Developments for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas on Eastern Caribbean Island of St. Kitts
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas | March 7, 2018
BANGKOK – March 7, 2018 – Steeped in legendary seafaring history dating back hundreds of years, the Eastern Caribbean island of St. Kitts is the newest exotic destination for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. The larger of the two-island country of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Kitts lies in the northern part of the Leeward Islands group of the Lesser Antilles. Its volcanic origin created an 84-mile coastline of intriguing silver-grey sand beaches and a lush fertile interior with coconut groves and plantations. Opening in 2021, the resort is set on the site of a former sugar cane plantation with gentle hills rolling down to a long ...
Sabre Teams up With Cendyn to Enhance the SynXis Platform With Advanced CRM Capabilities
Sabre | March 7, 2018
SOUTHLAKE, Texas – March 7, 2017 – Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), the leading technology provider to the global travel industry, today announced an enhanced technology agreement with Cendyn, the best-in-class customer relationship management (CRM) solutions provider. This arrangement expedites Sabre's rollout of new, intelligent guest profile and experience management capabilites through the SynXis Enterprise platform that will revolutionize insights and personalization opportunities for the hospitality industry. "Our SynXis platform is emerging as a single source of truth for the hospitality industry, given the span of o...
Union Investment Acquires The Porter in Downtown Portland, Oregon for EUR 120 Million ($149M)
| March 7, 2018
Union Investment has acquired the boutique and lifestyle hotel The Porter in Portland on the west coast of the US, which opened at the beginning of the year. Offering 294 rooms, the property is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton brand, a global portfolio of exceptional hotels for discerning travellers. The developer, vendor and operator of the hotel is Widewaters Hotel, LLC, which has already developed and acquired 38 hotels and currently successfully operates 18 hotels in the US. The purchase price is around EUR 120 million, with the acquisition being made on behalf of open-ended real estate fund Unilmmo: Global and thus further st...
RLH Corporation Closes Sale of Three Red Lion Hotels in Boise, Idaho, and Pasco and Richland, Washington for $29.9 Million
RLH Corporation | March 7, 2018
DENVER (March 7, 2018) — RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) announced today the sale of Red Lion Hotels in Boise, Idaho; and Pasco and Richland, Washington for $29.9 million. The three hotels are in addition to the sale of two hotels in California announced last week for $17.4 million. All buyers signed franchise license agreements to retain the Red Lion Hotels brand. RLH Corporation's total gain on the sales is expected to be approximately $8.0 million, and $22.8 million of the proceeds of the sales were used for debt repayment at the closing. "We are pleased to announce the close on the sale of the next three of the 11 hotels we have li...
Jumeirah Signs With Abu Dhabi United Hospitality to Develop Al Wathba Desert Resort, a New Luxury Destination in Abu Dhabi
Jumeirah Group | March 7, 2018
Dubai, UAE, 07 March 2018: Jumeirah, the global luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, today announced it has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi United Hospitality LLC to develop Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort in Abu Dhabi. Expected to welcome guests from September 2018, Al Wathba Desert Resort will be developed by leading hospitality company, Abu Dhabi United Hospitality and operated by Jumeirah. A luxurious, quintessential Arabian-style hotel set in the desert 50 km to the south east of Abu Dhabi in the Al Wathba District, Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort will be a key addition to Abu Dhabi's and UAE's luxury hosp...
Daniel Ritacco Named Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park | March 7, 2018
NEW YORK, N.Y. – March 7, 2018 – The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Ritacco as executive chef. Joining from the Renaissance New York Times Square, Ritacco will lead the culinary operations of this iconic hotel, which features three distinct dining outlets including the hotel's signature restaurant Auden Bistro. A self-taught chef, Ritacco gained his passion for food through his mother, when as a child, he would help her prepare authentic Italian dishes for their Sunday dinner. As a teenager, Ritacco continued his learnings in his hometown of Nutley, NJ at Giordano's, wher...
Infor Announces New Collaboration with Deem
Deem | March 7, 2018
New Integration Delivers Leading Travel Management Services & Integrated T&E Solution to the Enterprise NEW YORK - Mar 07, 2018 - Infor, a leading provider of industry-specific cloud applications, today announced a strategic collaboration with Deem, a leading mobile and cloud technology provider for the corporate travel industry, to integrate travel and expense management solutions. Paired with Infor's flexible and configurable travel and entertainment (T&E) expense management solution, this integration offers customers more choice in travel and spend management vendor selection along with an integrated booking tool that...
White Lodging Names Niels Vuijsters as General Manager for Le Méridien Denver Downtown and AC Hotel Denver Downtown
White Lodging | March 7, 2018
DENVER, CO (March 7, 2018) – White Lodging is pleased to announce the appointment of Niels Vuijsters as new Dual General Manager of the Le Méridien Denver Downtown and AC Hotel Denver Downtown. Vuijsters brings two decades of hospitality experience to the dual-branded hotels, which opened in September of 2017 as the first physical representation of the Marriott and Starwood merger. "My career began at a Le Méridien property in Amsterdam, and I couldn't be happier to be returning to the fold in the Mile High City," Vuijsters said. "Both AC Hotels and Le Méridien are renowned brands that represent the very best ...
Richard Richardson Named Director of Finance for Doral Arrowwood, Rye Brook, New York
Doral Arrowwood Resort | March 7, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, March 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Richard Richardson director of finance for Doral Arrowwood. The resort, located in Rye Brook, New York, is a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property. Mike McNeill, Benchmark's general manager, made the announcement. "I'm very happy to welcome Rick to our executive team here at Doral Arrowwood," said Mr. McNeill. "He brings extensive on-property and corporate-level financial experience to his new role, which will benefit our resort significantly. We look forward to his active participation in our senior leadership team." Richard Ric...
