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
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – To Cloud or Not to Cloud? Choose What Works Best for You without Feature Compromise: Maestro’s Web Browser PMS Deli
Maestro PMS | February 21, 2018
Maestro Delivers Feature Matched Scalable PMS Solutions to Enhance Guest Service and Reduce Infrastructure with Cloud PMS or On-premise Browser PMS where Cloud does not fit Markham, Ontario – February 21, 2018 – Cloud-based property management is a compelling option in hotel operations today. Cloud property software systems require less on-property hardware and cabling, and maintenance and backups are handled by the system provider. Plus, company data is secure behind commercial firewalls, simplifying compliance requirements. Yet, many operators feel an on-premise property software system is better because it does not depend...
Supply Growth to Peak in 2018, Impacting Changes in Local Market Occupancy and ADR
CBRE Group, Inc. | February 21, 2018
Atlanta – February 21, 2018 – The supply of new hotel rooms entering the U.S. lodging markets will peak in 2018. Based on the recently released March 2018 edition of Hotel Horizons®, CBRE Hotels' Americas Research is forecasting the net addition of approximately 101,000 rooms to the U.S. lodging inventory during 2018, an increase of 2.0 percent over 2017 average annual daily supply. This is the largest number of new rooms to enter the market since the 130,000 rooms that came on line in 2009. "The national changes in supply are less than what we observed during the latter year cycles of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, so the ...
Thinking Broadly About Fire Safety
Larry Mogelonsky | February 21, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) This past year saw two heartbreaking and widespread fires in California. While my first thoughts go out to all those who lost loved ones and those were left homeless, I cannot help but also think about those hotel properties evacuated or damaged by the flames. Not being a member of the fire marshal's office, I can only imagine the full extent of structural damage to any of the properties affected. As a hotel general manager, no doubt a property fire would be among your worst nightmares. In your position, you have a dual responsibility. First is to mitigate any risk of fire. Second i...
New Study Finds Hoteliers Fear Robot-Run Future Yet Believe AI is Key to Guest Personalization
SiteMinder | February 21, 2018
London, UK – A white paper by SiteMinder and IDeaS Revenue Solutions has found that while hoteliers fear a future where their properties are run by robots, they believe artificial intelligence (AI) may be the key to delivering a highly-personalized guest experience. This finding was brought to light at a thought leader breakfast held during World Travel Market London in November, and during a December webinar, where leading hoteliers conceded that although robots could never replace genuine hospitality, they can decipher big data to learn about guests faster than humans. Monica Or, Consultant at Star Quality Hospitality Consultanc...
Milestone Insights 2018 Edition Provides Location-Based Businesses With Affordable Digital Marketing Competitive Benchmarking & Analysis
Milestone Inc | February 21, 2018
Innovative digital marketing competitive benchmarking platform comes with new features and affordability for location-based businesses of all sizes. New York, NY | February 21, 2018. At HSMAI's annual Digital Marketing Conference yesterday, Milestone Inc. announced the immediate availability of the 2018 version of Milestone Insights. The digital marketing benchmarking and competitive analysis platform is designed specifically for the needs of location-based businesses and comes with features designed to make it easier for hotels and any local business to truly understand how they rate in the digital ecosystem against their top local com...
Milestone Launches New Website for Ginger Hotel Chain, Revenue Jumps 36%
Ginger Hotels | February 21, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS 60 days after launch of a new Mobile-First portal website, Ginger Hotel chain saw a jump of 36% in revenue booked directly through the site Over the same time-period, conversions on the website grew 16% Page views also jumped in the same time by 26% Average session duration also grew 10%, showing increased "stickiness" of the new website New York, NY | February 21, 2018. At HSMAI's annual Digital Marketing Conference yesterday, Milestone Inc. announced the launch of a new custom website for Ginger Hotels, a subsidiary of India's leading hotel chain – Taj Hotels. Within 60 days of launching the new website, direct ...
Unlearning to Learn Also Means Inventing
Georges Panayotis | February 20, 2018
By Georges Panayotis Since the industrial revolution, many fundamental innovations have transformed the working world and led to the strong development of the societies in which they were born. The model of Fordism, based on a virtuous cycle of improved mass production, resulting in markedly improved results and therefore better remuneration for employees, was the first step towards drastic changes in the working world. The quality circles introduced in Japan in the 1960s by Kaoru Ishikawa, and which arrived in Europe in the 1980s, have allowed the Land of the Rising Sun, through mastery of manufacturing and strict quality control, to ...
HYATT CENTRIC SOUTH BEACH MIAMI NAMES DIAMOND PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY OF RECORD
Diamond Public Relations | February 20, 2018
MIAMI, FL – February 2018 – Diamond Public Relations has expanded its client base in South Florida with the addition of Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami to its roster of diverse hotel, resort, and destination clients. The bi-coastal agency, headquartered in Miami with an office in Los Angeles, will manage North American public relations efforts to increase consumer awareness in key markets for the property, which opened its doors in 2015 as the first Hyatt Centric-branded hotel in Miami Beach. Situated in the heart of South Beach off the famed Collins Avenue and 16th Street, Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami features 105 bright...
Forbes Travel Guide Unveils 2018 Star Rating Awards; 199 Hotels Achieve Five-Star Status
Forbes Travel Guide | February 20, 2018
199 Hotels Across the Globe Achieve Coveted Five-Star Award; 27 New Hotels Receive Top Honors for First Time Launching in 15 New Destinations, with the Largest and Most Diverse Group of Winners, Awards Continue Global Expansion into the Middle East and Africa The Middle East Debuts with Four Five-Star, 21 Four-Star and Six Recommended Hotels; South America Earns Its First Five-Star Hotel Forbes Travel Guide Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary In 2018; Forbes Travel Guide Announces Website Redesign ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2018 -- As it celebrates its landmark 60th anniversary, Forbes Travel Guide today unveiled its 60th list of worldwide Star Rati...
BENCHMARK Names Brent Stone Director of Food & Beverage for Snow King Resort, Jackson, Wyoming
Snow King Resort | February 20, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Brent Stone director of food & beverage for Snow King Resort, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Jackson, Wyoming. Geoff Young, general manager, made the announcement. "It is with pleasure that I welcome Brent to his new food and beverage leadership position with our resort," said Mr. Young. "This represents a promotion for him. Brent is an excellent example of how Benchmark helps hospitality professionals grow their careers." Brent Stone previously served as banquet manager for Snow King Resort. ...
Now Available for Download: HEBStrategy Q1 2018 Hotel Digital Marketing, Technology, and Trends Whitepaper
HEBS Digital | February 20, 2018
HEBS Digital's first installment in 2018 of the HEBStrategy—our whitepaper series covering the latest news and trends in hotel digital marketing and technology—is now available for download! The HEBStrategy Q1 edition takes a deep dive into content marketing through the funnel, and includes strategies for reaching different audiences with customized content. Download the HEBStrategy Q1 2018 whitepaper to learn about: What's Trending: Stay in the loop with the must-know trends for 2018, including driving engagement through video and reposting user-generated content (UGC). From the Design Studio: How can you use content to ...
The Dominick Appoints New General Manager Dant Hirsch
The Dominick Hotel | February 20, 2018
(NEW YORK, NY – Feb. 20, 2018) The Dominick Hotel is pleased to welcome Dant Hirsch as the General Manager of the 391-room hotel in SoHo, New York, effective immediately. Hirsch will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the hotel, bringing his world-class experience with award winning luxury hotels and resorts to leading The Dominick's prestigious team. "This is a very exciting opportunity on many levels," says Hirsch. "New York is a mecca of luxury and a hotel of this caliber truly stands out among the others in SoHo. I'm thrilled to begin working with the dedicated team at The Dominick, part of Preferred Hotels...
IBC Partners with AHLEI to Bring Certification Programs to Its Independent Hotel Members
the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) | February 20, 2018
Certification improves a property's profitability, guest satisfaction, and employee retention and it makes that property stand out as a preferred choice for travelers Phoenix (February 20, 2018) – Studies show that education and training leads to higher employee retention and guest satisfaction. As such, IBC Hospitality Technologies has partnered with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (the long-time training and education arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Assn.) to provide IBC members with hospitality industry certification resources. As an IBC member, independent hoteliers can purchase online study mate...
B. F. Saul Real Estate Investment Trust Opens New Homewood Suites by Hilton Arlington Rosslyn Key Bridge in Virginia
Homewood Suites by Hilton | February 20, 2018
ARLINGTON, Va. and MCLEAN, Va. - Homewood Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Homewood Suites by Hilton Arlington Rosslyn Key Bridge. Designed for guests who want to travel on their own terms, Homewood Suites by Hilton Arlington Rosslyn Key Bridge offers guests all the comforts of home, whether they are traveling for work or enjoying a well-earned getaway. With 168 new suites, the hotel is situated in the Rosslyn business district, just minutes to the activity centers of Arlington as well as Georgetown and downtown Washington, D.C. With close Metro accessibility, ...
Hilton Debuts First Dual-Brand Property in Mexico With Addition of Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Santa Fe to DoubleTree by Hilton Opened in 2016
Hilton Garden Inn | February 20, 2018
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO and MCLEAN, Va. – February 20, 2018 – Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) upscale yet affordable global brand of hotels, today announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Santa Fe. In conjunction with the DoubleTree by Hilton Mexico City Santa Fe opened in 2016, the two hotels represent Hilton's first dual-brand property in Mexico. The contemporary Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Santa Fe hotel offers 190 spacious guest rooms and suites for business and leisure travelers seeking upscale accommodations in an easy-going, amenities-rich environment. Meanwhile, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Mexi...
Radisson Hotel Curicó Opens in Chile Led by General Manager Maria Ignacia Del Real
February 20, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS (February 20, 2018) – Radisson®, one of the best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the opening of Radisson Hotel Curicó. The new hotel features a modern design with exceptional amenities. Located in Curicó, the hotel is minutes from beautiful vineyards and the many attractions in the nearby commercial district. "We are so proud of the continued growth of the Radisson brand across Latin America," said Frances Gonzalez, vice president of Operations for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in Latin America. "This hotel's beautiful look, fantastic location and commitment to our signature Yes I Can!SM servic...
Staypineapple Appoints Troy Longwith as Regional Director of Operations
Staypineapple | February 20, 2018
SEATTLE – (February 20, 2018) – Staypineapple, a hospitality company based in the Pacific Northwest, announced Troy Longwith as regional director of operations starting in January 2018. Longwith is responsible for operational excellence for hotels within Staypineapple's portfolio, working closely with each property's leadership team to maximize potential and drive financial results. "I am very excited to be joining the Staypineapple team," Longwith said. "After working in the hospitality industry for more than 23 years, it is thrilling to work with other professionals whose number one focus is the customer's experience. Our ...
HVMG and Investra Joint Venture Completes Acquisition of TownePlace Suites and Candlewood Suites in Bentonville, Arkansas
Investra | February 20, 2018
ATLANTA, February 20, 2018–-Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company, in a joint venture with Investra, a private equity real estate investor and asset manager, today announced the completed acquisition of a two-hotel portfolio in Bentonville, Ark., for an undisclosed sum. HVMG, which has operated the hotels for five years on behalf of previous ownership, also will manage the 78-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bentonville Rogers and the 130-room Candlewood Suites Rogers/Bentonville and oversee the hotel renovations. "Our familiarity with these hot...
The Deadline for GDPR is Approaching Fast. Is Your Hotel Ready?
February 20, 2018
Within the hospitality community, you cannot avoid the topic of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation); discussion of its impact is everywhere. And for good reason. There are only a few months to go until the May 25, 2018 compliance deadline for GDPR, which is a game changer for hoteliers as it introduces a new and comprehensive set of strict data protection regulations. By this date, all hoteliers will be required to demonstrate a "reasonable level" of personal data protection. When it comes to data security, there are few sectors as vulnerable to threats as the hotel industry so as hoteliers face a need for new systems, processes a...
The Break Hotel Selects KEYPR as Partner for Guest Experience Technology
KEYPR | February 20, 2018
Retro-chic Rhode Island boutique hotel to deploy KEYPR's cloud-based platform which brings the latest guest experience technology to the hospitality industry Los Angeles, CA (February 20th, 2018) -- 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 The Break Hotel will be implementing its expansive hospitality platform, marking KEYPR's first property in Rhode Island. Şişli Günlük Ev Kiralama "While our premises are designed to evoke the vibes of an old-time, beachside hidden ...
Connie Rheams Takes on Executive Role at Beekeeper
Beekeeper | February 20, 2018
Rheams calls Beekeeper the 'missing mobile link' to connecting 80% of our hotel industry's non-desk hotel employees SAN FRANCISCO, CA February 20, 2018 - The global hospitality industry is doing a tremendous job of leveraging mobile technology to enhance the guest experience. What isn't being addressed is using the power of mobile to share real-time staff/hotel/brand/management company information with the 1.9 million front- and back-of-house hotel employees who don't sit at a desk or have a company email address. As such, Connie Rheams, named one of the most influential women in hospitality technology by HFTP (Hospitality Financial &a...
Hotel ADA Website Compliance – What You Need to Know
Lodging Interactive | February 20, 2018
Most people can experience the world through the internet. Travel information and choices to make those travel arrangements are at our fingertips. Now imagine a world where you could not easily access the internet to search for hotels and airlines that provide accommodations and accessibility for your specific needs? For most of us, this is not something we need to consider but, for the disabled, it's a daily challenge. To understand their frustrations in navigating a site is to understand what it means to make your hotel website "ADA compliant". You need to view it from their perspective. That is, putting yourself in the place of a dis...
Crescent’s Luxurious Horseshoe Bay Resort Experiences 89% Increase in Group RFPs in 60 Days With Data-Driven Digital Marketing
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | February 20, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS Digital advertising and similar audience prospecting through sophisticated segmentation using buying history, website behavior and data driven targeting. 13% longer time on site, 16% decrease in bounce rate and a 9% increase in page views in just under 5 months. 89% growth in Group RFP leads within 60 days after new site live. 172% increase in consumer interactions through local search including incoming phone calls and a 1000% increase in photo searches. A "Mobile on Steroids" website with app like design, Progressive Web App (PWA), and Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP). Extensive schemas and structured-data making the s...
ALICE Voted a Top Staff Task Management & Collaboration Platform in the 2018 HotelTechAwards
ALICE | February 19, 2018
"ALICE is the heartbeat of our buildings" - IT Manager, Sweden Hotel staff from across the country and around the world voted ALICE a "Top Staff Task Management & Collaboration Platform" in Hotel Tech Report's 2018 HotelTechAwards. Over 100 of the industry's most popular hotel technology brands competed for a chance to win this prestigious title. ALICE scored a perfect 100 on the 100-point "HT score" scale for its staff task management software, which was also recently designated as the brand official staff operations technology for the Forbes Travel Guide for 2018. ALICE also took top honors in HotelTechAwards' "Best Concierge Soft...
