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
Navigating the Baffling Media Environment
Lorraine Abelow | February 22, 2018
By Lorraine Abelow The often baffling variety of content streams can be bewildering for sales and marketing executives. An integrated hospitality PR program that engages and ultimately sells to your target market is a challenge – but absolutely vital. Your sales toolbox requires constant churning of content rich messages and intensive outreach by your marketing team through online PR. Getting through to editors to gain A list exposure in such outlets as Conde Nast Traveler and The New York Times benefit from relationships developed over time. That is where a savvy travel and luxury PR agency comes in. But, you'd be surprised h...
The Top 5 Things You Need to Know Now in Hotel Digital Marketing: February Edition
HEBS Digital | February 22, 2018
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo, Vice President Strategy This month, the industry is abuzz about new Google AMP updates, consumers gaining the ability to mute retargeting ads on the Google Display Network, and ensuring that display campaigns meet the requirements of the Coalition for Better Ads to avoid being blocked in the Google Chrome browser. 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: New Features for AMP Pages including AMP Stories and AMP for Email. While last month it was the Google Speed Update making headlines, in February it's important to als...
Bringing Data to Life: How a Deeper Guest Understanding Drives Revenue
the Author | February 22, 2018
By Terri Miller, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Concilio Labs Business today is all about choice — a surplus of choice. In this world of abundant choices, consumers hold the cards as they equip themselves with information to make educated buying decisions. The digital age has also created an ever-evolving online forum for both positive and negative consumer-generated reviews. As a result, the standard of business offerings must remain competitive, or risk being painted in a negative light by vocal consumers. This understanding holds true for the hospitality industry more than ever before, as hotels look to data-driven i...
Boosting Hotel Security: 4 Ways to Keep Your Guests Safe
Ann Neal | February 22, 2018
By Ann Neal The hotel industry is highly vulnerable to frauds and other forms of felonies, namely burglaries, assaults, and cybercrimes. The consequences of these criminal episodes are unforgiving, causing hotel owners a loss of revenue, reputation, and customer loyalty. As a result, security is a garnering investment that hotel owners are willing to make in order to protect their guests from the above-mentioned criminal offences. The latest technological advancements are helping hotel owners protect their guests and employees from physical threats and cybercrimes. A hotel owner must prioritize hotel security in order to offer safe acco...
The 9 Biggest Mistakes Hotels Make When Choosing a PMS and How You Can Avoid Them
StayNTouch | February 22, 2018
DOWNLOAD THE FULL CHECKLIST As a hotel owner, your property management system (PMS) can be the lifeblood of your business. The right PMS can bring many benefits to your hotel, from better staff productivity, increased operational efficiency, centralized guest data and communications, improved guest engagement and even increased revenue. However, some hotels can't take full advantage of these PMS benefits because they've made one or more common - yet critical mistakes in choosing the ideal solution. The problem is that this is a high-stakes game – picking the wrong tool can undermine your entire guest service strategy and p...
Rockbridge Acquires 229-Key Embassy Suites by Hilton Boston Marlborough
Rockbridge | February 22, 2018
COLUMBUS, Ohio – February 22, 2018 – Rockbridge announced today its acquisition of the Embassy Suites in the Boston suburb of Marlborough, MA – near the region's high-tech corridor. Rockbridge has selected Pyramid Hotel Group, which has significant experience in the Greater Boston area, to operate the hotel. Rockbridge will complete a comprehensive renovation that is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2018. The renovation will touch nearly every aspect of the hotel, resulting in an overall improved guest experience for both business travelers and social groups. The updates for the hotel include renovating all ...
Adrian Awards Celebrate Travel Marketing Superheroes
HSMAI | February 22, 2018
HSMAI's 61st Annual Awards Honor Luminaries in Advertising, Digital Marketing, and PR The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) hosted its annual Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala at the New York Marriott Marquis, celebrating innovators in hospitality advertising, digital marketing, and public relations before more than 800 industry professionals. "HSMAI applauds this evening's winners for their ingenuity and hard work," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. He added, "Adrian Awards winners spark innovation throughout the entire hospitality industry," Established in 1956, the Ad...
IDeaS Revenue Solutions provides superior revenue strategy data for The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
Shaner Hotel Group | February 22, 2018
Independent property in Newport, RI gets competitive with an automated revenue management solution Tweet this: @IDeaS_RevOpt provides superior revenue strategy data for @Newport_Hotel. www.ideas.com/news #revenuestrategy MINNEAPOLIS – February 22, 2018 – With nearly 50 properties in their portfolio, both independent and branded hotels, the Shaner Group made a necessary choice for their Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina to advance their revenue strategy from a manual structure to an automated system. After looking at multiple solution providers, The Newport Harbor Hotel selected IDeaS Revenue Solutions (IDeaS), the leading pr...
ALICE Named Forbes Travel Guide’s Official Staff Operations Technology Provider for 2018
ALICE | February 21, 2018
With new hotel products and technologies emerging at a dizzying rate, hoteliers need a simple way to learn about the ones that can make meaningful improvements to the guest and staff experience. That's why Forbes Travel Guide introduced their Brand Official Program in 2017, designed to point the world's best hoteliers towards products and services worthy of endorsement. ALICE, the industry's leading Hospitality Operations Platform, was named the Guide's Official Staff Operations Technology Provider for 2018. CEO of Forbes Travel Guide Gerard J. Inzerillo expresses his confidence in the newly-appointed brand official: "We are extremely p...
Protea Hotels Partners With Union Gold Zambia Limited for Development of 241-Room Protea Hotel by Marriott Bonanza Estate, Lusaka
Protea Hotels by Marriott | February 21, 2018
Cape Town, 21 February 2018: Protea Hotels by Marriott is strengthening its partnership with Zambian business giant, Union Gold Zambia Limited with the signing of Protea Hotel by Marriott Bonanza Estate, Lusaka. With 241 rooms, the hotel will be the largest operating hotel under the brand in the country and the brand's 9th hotel with Union Gold Zambia. Strategically located within the new upmarket lifestyle hub, the hotel will be within easy reach from the international airport and major city landmarks. "Protea Hotel by Marriott Bonanza Estate, Lusaka will be a significant addition to our fast growing portfolio," says Volker Heiden, Vic...
Stormont Hospitality Group and NAP Open The Hotel at Avalon and Alpharetta Conference Center in Georgia
The Hotel at Avalon | February 21, 2018
ATLANTA (February 21, 2018) –The Hotel at Avalon and Alpharetta Conference Center now officially open at Avalon, completing the mixed-use community's final phase and marking the culmination of one of the most successful mixed-use projects in the country. "As the anchor of North Fulton County, Alpharetta has long needed a luxurious full service hotel and meeting facility to supplement the large supply of existing hotels. The combination of the spectacular Avalon destination and the City of Alpharetta's determination to create a conference center to support the rapidly growing business and technology companies, offered an extremely ...
Eden Roc Miami Beach Unveils $250 Million Renovation and Rebranding
| February 21, 2018
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Feb. 21, 2018 -- Eden Roc Miami Beach, the iconic Miami Beach hotel, is newly transformed after $250 million in renovations and the creation of a reenergized brand experience that provides avid business and leisure travelers alike, and discerning locals, with a fundamentally inclusive hotel experience defined by a vibrant atmosphere, international perspective and a fresh take on luxury. The 415-room refurbished property is bringing the Beach Cosmopolitan lifestyle to guests from around the world by combining the enigmatic spirit of Miami with a beachside attitude that offers an immersive escape. "As the city of M...
Hotel Guests’ Most Common Complaints and How to Prevent Them
Victoria Lim | February 21, 2018
People who travel often know that hotel service isn't always as seamless as they've grown to expect. Furthermore, people who do travel a lot tend to notice some things that regular customers maybe wouldn't. Hotels that do everything in their power to prevent common problems from occurring have a better chance of retaining their customers and keep an undamaged reputation. It's vital for hoteliers to know how to deal with every situation and train their staff to be up to the task if any of the problems occur. Here's our list of common issues that hotel guests encounter when staying at a hotel. Unclean Rooms This is a c...
Top Renovation Ideas That Will Help Your Hotel Stand Out and Increase Revenue
Nina Simons | February 21, 2018
By Nina Simons If you really want to make your hotels stand out you need to invest in a few cost-efficient renovations because let's face it, your reputation depends on following trends and doing better than your competition. Here are top renovation ideas that will make your guest have a memorable experience staying at your hotel and that will help increase your revenue. Create an amazing and original entrance The first thing you should do when starting your renovation project is to focus on creating a unique, dynamic multi-use space in your lobby if you want to leave a great first impression on your guests (since first impressions ...
The Kolter Group Plans New 238-Room Hyatt Centric Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
100 Las Olas | February 21, 2018
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida -- Kolter Hospitality, a division of The Kolter Group, has proudly announced plans for a new Hyatt Centric hotel at 100 E. Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. This hotel will occupy the first fifteen levels of the 46-level brand new building in the heart of the vibrant downtown, the first mixed-use building agreement for the Hyatt Centric brand. Destined to become the tallest building in Fort Lauderdale at 499 feet, the 100 Las Olas building will be home to a full-service Hyatt Centric hotel with 238 guest rooms, a lobby-level restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating, 121 luxury condominium residenc...
Meetings & Events Industry Releases New Economic Impact Data
Events Industry Council | February 21, 2018
Key findings from a new report show how face-to-face meetings and business events support 5.9 million jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in annual revenue Washington, D.C. – Face-to-face meetings and events play an integral role in bolstering our national economy and key business sectors, according to a new report from Oxford Economics, commissioned by the Events Industry Council, and supported by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and other industry partners. Data for the report was compiled through a nationwide survey of meeting planners, exhibitors and venues and represents almost 9,000 domestic business travelers, alm...
Vail Valley’s Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Names Angel Munoz Jr. Executive Chef
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley | February 21, 2018
AVON, Colo. (Feb. 21, 2018) – The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley is pleased to announce that Angel Munoz Jr. is now serving as Executive Chef at the award-winning resort. Chef Munoz – who was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico before he started his cooking career in San Diego - has been greatly influenced by the American-Mexican culture. A student of the Sustainable Cuisine program at Colorado Mountain College, he was hired as a line cook at The Westin Riverfront in 2012 and has risen through the ranks to take the lead position. Chef Munoz oversees Maya, the resort's modern Mexican kitchen created by...
General Hotel Management Appoints Patrick Moukarzel General Manager for Al Bait Sharjah, UAE
GHM | February 21, 2018
SINGAPORE (Feb. 21, 2018) — General Hotel Management Ltd. (GHM) has named Patrick Moukarzel general manager of the Al Bait Sharjah, a 53-key hotel scheduled to open later this year in a historic district of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) third largest city. A French national fluent in three languages, including Arabic, Moukarzel's appointment is a homecoming of sorts. Between 2006 and 2012, he rose through the ranks from a food and beverage manager at The Chedi Muscat to general manager positions at the luxury hotel group's properties in Thailand and China. Since his last role with GHM as a general manager in Suzhou, Moukarzel ha...
Ocean House Management Appoints General Manager Natalie Ward and Executive Chef Jeremy Berlin for Blantyre
Blantyre | February 21, 2018
LENOX, MA (February 20, 2018) – The iconic Blantyre, one of New England's most legendary resorts and a member of Relais & Châteaux, announces the appointments of two key executives: Natalie Ward as General Manager and Jeremy Berlin as Executive Chef. General Manager Natalie Ward will oversee daily operations of the 110-acre estate and resort, slated to re-open in April following a multimillion dollar investment in the property's luxurious accommodations, spa, activities and public spaces. Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Ms. Ward is a seasoned hotelier with expertise in the Ne...
Holiday Inn Express® Moscow – Sheremetyevo Airport Opens in Russia
IHG | February 21, 2018
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group®), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announces the opening of Holiday Inn Express® Moscow – Sheremetyevo Airport. Located within walking distance to terminals D, E and F at Sheremetyevo International Airport, Russia's largest airport by passenger numbers, the hotel is in a prime location to accommodate Russian and international travellers, as well as the crew of leading airlines. Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport is the largest hi-tech terminal complex in Eastern Europe with 35 million passengers a year (according to Aviaport agency) and is a leading Russian c...
Choice Signs With Frontier Hospitality Group to Develop New Cambria Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa
Cambria Hotels | February 21, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 21, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, has signed an agreement with Frontier Hospitality Group to develop the first Cambria hotel in Iowa. The four-story, 108-room Cambria Hotel Bettendorf will be located at the intersection of Middle Road and Forest Grove Road. The Cambria Hotel Bettendorf is scheduled to open in 2019, and will provide guests with a new and approachable upscale lodging option. In addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center and multi-function meeting space, the hotel will include contemporary onsite dining, serving a menu comprise...
Dedren Bailey Named Vice President Of Marketing At Live! Casino & Hotel
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland | February 21, 2018
HANOVER, Md., Feb. 21, 2018 -- Live! Casino & Hotel today announced a key appointment to its Executive Team, naming DEDREN BAILEY as Vice President of Marketing. In his new role, Mr. Bailey will leverage more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality and gaming industries to increase player development, maximize the casino's profitability and elevate brand awareness throughout the region. He will oversee all aspects of marketing and sponsorships, including advertising, entertainment, loyalty programs, bus marketing, special events and social media. Mr. Bailey will also focus on aligning all casino marketing strategies with ...
THE HENDERSON UNVEILS “THE LOFTS” IN DESTIN, FL
The Zimmerman Agency | February 21, 2018
DESTIN, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2018) — The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort, has unveiled its new family-friendly accommodation offering: The Lofts, an exclusive villa-style counterpart to the 170-room, luxury resort. Overlooking the resort's pools, and Destin's famed sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters, the 36 one- and two-bedroom villas are bookable for travel starting March 11, 2018. Situated adjacent to a 200-acre coastal nature preserve, The Henderson debuted at the end of 2016 as the first luxury resort to open on Florida's Gulf Coast in a generation. Guests of The Lofts have priority access to all the resort's ...
James Beard Award–Winning Chef José Andrés Named Humanitarian of the Year
the James Beard Foundation (JBF) | February 21, 2018
NEW YORK, NY (February 21, 2018) – The James Beard Foundation announced today that José Andrés, multiple James Beard Award–winning chef, owner of ThinkFoodGroup, humanitarian and founder of World Central Kitchen, has been named the recipient of the 2018 James Beard Humanitarian Award. Andrés is a committed advocate of food and hunger issues and is known for championing the role of chefs in the national debate on food policy. In 2012, Andrés formed World Central Kitchen, a non-profit that provides smart solutions to hunger and poverty by using the power of food to empower communities and strengthen...
