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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
Essential Capabilities for Future-Facing Hotels
Tim Davis | February 19, 2018
By Tim Davis Emerging technologies are enabling constant changes in hotel marketing, customer engagement and service delivery. But competing in today's digital environment isn't simply about adding new skills; it demands a revaluation of organization and operating models. As incumbent hospitality businesses compete with "born-digital" enterprises they shouldn't look to replicate these ventures. Instead, hotel companies should focus on their core strengths, on adapting for the digital economy, and on exemplary execution. Based on our experience with both travel technology and hospitality clients, hotels should look ...
The Value of Social Media in the Hospitality Industry
Jordan Jones | February 19, 2018
By Jordan Jones In 1991 there was no way of foreseeing the impact that social media would have on the industry. Presently, 2.3 billion people are active on social media, and that number increases daily. Companies should no longer debate having a social media presence but rather HOW to utilize the various platforms to increase the experience for your guests and value for your hotels. As a privately owned hotel development and hospitality management company, we implement our social media plan adhering to both the guidelines of the hotel brands we work with, as well as, our own ideas about what makes social media successful in the hospital...
HICSA in a New Avatar; Presenting HICSA 2018: Hosted by Hotelivate
Hotelivate | February 19, 2018
Monday, February 19, 2018: Founded by the erstwhile team of HVS India, Hotelivate, a new-age hospitality consulting firm in the Asia Pacific region, is all set to host the 14th Edition of Hotel Investement Conference - South Asia (HICSA) at Grand Hyatt Mumbai on 4 and 5 April, 2018. A two-day event, HICSA is widely viewed by global industry leaders as the premier hospitality event in South Asia, valued for its networking opportunities and high-level contacts as much as for its content-rich sessions. Having rightfully created a niche for itself, HICSA brings together an impressive conglomeration of business leaders, think tanks and indus...
Stacy Cox Elected President of Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives for Next Two Years
the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE) | February 19, 2018
SAN JUAN (February 19, 2018) - Caribbean tourism industry professional Stacy Cox has been elected president of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE) for the next two years. Cox, who unexpectedly took the top job early last year following an unscheduled leadership change, received a full two-year mandate at the association's annual general meeting, which preceded this month's 36th annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. CSHAE is an independent organization aimed at advancing professional development and strengthening networking amon...
La Residence Completes Phase One of Two-Phase Refurbishment Led by General Manager Phan Trong Minh
La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa | February 19, 2018
HUE, Vietnam (Feb. 19, 2018) — La Residence Hotel & Spa, twelve years after opening as one of the hottest new hotels in Asia, is wrapping up work on the first phase of a two-step renovation that will stand as the most dramatic pivot in its short history. While the canvas of the hotel's art deco appeal will remain unchanged, its brush strokes will paint a dramatically different picture. Every one of the hotel's 122 rooms is on the verge of an extreme makeover, and with a decided move toward an understated aesthetic. Its spa stays in the same place but consumes more of its ground floor location, and will feature new facilities, ...
MCR Completes Renovation of 101-Room Hampton Inn by Hilton Concord/Kannapolis in North Carolina
MCR | February 19, 2018
CONCORD, N.C. – February 19, 2018 – MCR, the seventh largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, today announced it has completed a renovation of the 101-room Hampton Inn by Hilton Concord/Kannapolis ("Hampton Inn Concord/Kannapolis"), a select-service hotel located 10 minutes from Charlotte Motor Speedway. All rooms in the hotel were completely renovated including new furniture, wall colors, window treatments, carpet, and lighting. The renovation also includes updated patio furniture and upgraded landscaping surrounding the exterior of the property. The Hampton Inn Concord/Kannapolis is conveniently located near Char...
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Lexington Makes Its Debut in Kentucky
February 19, 2018
Lexington, Kentucky (February 19, 2018) The SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Lexington is opening its doors in Lexington, Kentucky, and inviting travelers to experience one of the newest hotel brands in the industry – the SureStay Hotel Group®. The SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Lexington will provide guests with an experience they can count on and the amenities today's travelers have come to expect. SureStay's service promise reflects the brand and the hotel's commitment to providing quality service and value to its guests: "If something goes wrong, we will make it right. You should feel sure about your stay." Located...
Hotel Websites: The Lights Are on but Nobody’s Home
Sudheer Thakur | February 19, 2018
By Sudheer Thakur In an industry reputed for service excellence, it's ironic that most hotel websites today remain impersonal, unhelpful and unresponsive. Hotels spend vast amounts of resources to attract prospective guests to their website, only to abandon them to find their own way around. If visitors can't find the information they need, they must call or email the hotel, risking being put on hold or not receiving a reply at all. Or worse, they are obliged to complete a Contact Us form or comb through an FAQ. Malay Blowjob a Foreigner Meanwhile, it's 2018 and the rest of the world has moved on to digital messaging and cha...
Women in Leadership: A Rallying Cry
Dr. Sowon Kim | February 19, 2018
By Dr. Sowon Kim The financial services sector has finally begun shedding light on the gender pay gap within the industry, with Citi becoming the first major Wall Street bank to disclose internal data – albeit somewhat selectively – on gender pay, following activist shareholder pressure. The Financial Times (FT) reported earlier this month that, in a message to staff, Citi's head of human resources put the gender pay gap in the US, UK and Germany at just one percent. However, according to the FT's own research, while women account for up to 51 percent of Citi's global workforce, they make up only 42 percent of mid-level exec...
Wyndham Hotel Group Appoints Dimitris Manikis to Lead Growth Across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa
Wyndham Hotel Group | February 19, 2018
LONDON, Feb. 19, 2018 -- Wyndham Hotel Group, the hospitality giant with an unparalleled global portfolio of more than 8,400 hotels, today announced the appointment of Dimitris Manikis to the role of President and Managing Director for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa(EMEA). He will be based at the company's London offices. Manikis will be responsible for the development of all of Wyndham Hotel Group's brands in the EMEA region as well as maximising the performance of all new and existing franchise and managed hotels. He will focus on driving the strategic objectives of Wyndham Hotel Group including quality and technology...
Hospitality Financial Leadership – Is Your Hotel Culture Blame or Appreciation?
David Lund | February 19, 2018
By David Lund In my career, I have seen both. Lots of appreciation for hard work and a challenging workplace. On the flip side a horror story of the blame for "mistakes" and lack of preparedness. Blame is the easy one to master. Management by embarrassment as I like to refer to it. One of my past hotels was a classic blame game hotel. After a much-publicized error or screw up or service interruption the GM would warmly ask, "Where is my victim?" or state, "Bring me the victim." What usually followed was paramount to a public flogging. Everyone got their turn and the others would just watch in stunned disbelief only being thankful that i...
The Ayre Group and the Government of Antigua to Develop New Luxury Resort on Valley Church Beach Funded in Whole with Bitcoin Cash (BCH) Profits
| February 19, 2018
A new and unique five star resort in Antigua was announced by the Ayre Group today. The development is located on the Valley Church beach and design work is already underway, with works scheduled to commence on site in late summer of 2018. The construction cost of the resort is expected to be in excess of USD $100m and will be entirely funded by profits made through the appreciation of Bitcoin Cash (BCH). The announcement was made by His Excellency Calvin Ayre, the Chairman of The Ayre Group, who also acts as Special Economic Envoy for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Hon. Ayre warmly thanked the Prime Minister, The Hon. Gaston Br...
Mukti Group Relaunches India’s Park Plaza Kolkata Ballygunge as Radisson Kolkata Ballygunge
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | February 19, 2018
Kolkata, India, February 19, 2018 – Park Plaza Kolkata Ballygunge today announced its rebranding to Radisson Kolkata Ballygunge – a brand synonymous with outstanding service and comfort. Strategically located in the heart of upscale South Kolkata neighborhood Ballygunge, the hotel is within proximity of the international airport and railway station. Tourist landmarks such as Kalighat temple, the Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial are within five-kilometer radius of the hotel. Radisson Kolkata Ballygunge has been revitalized with a new look in several areas of the hotels and features upgraded amenities to better serve its di...
Hotel Equities Promotes Becky Aleman to Regional Director of Operations
Hotel Equities | February 19, 2018
ATLANTA, GA (February 19, 2018) – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) recently promoted Becky Aleman to the position of Regional Director of Operations. Ms. Aleman has oversight of all above-property operations for a group of hotels managed by Hotel Equities. Based in Virginia, she most recently served as the General Manager of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lynchburg. With more than 16 years of hospitality industry experience, Ms. Aleman began her hospitality career as the Sales Manager at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Yorktown, Virginia and soon earned the post of Assistant General Manager at Courtyard by Marrio...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Converts the Duke Hotel Newport Beach to Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | February 19, 2018
Crescent Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized operator of major hotels, resorts and conference centers in the United States and Canada, today announced the rebranding of the Duke Hotel Newport Beach to the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel. All 444 guest rooms along with the lobby, restaurant and banquet space will be fully renovated for the conversion, expected to be completed in spring 2018. The upscale hotel located at 4500 MacArthur Boulevard is just two minutes from the John Wayne Airport-Orange County and offers business and leisure guests convenient access to Balboa Island, the Newport Beach Pier, Disneyland®, Disney C...
Tambourine’s Friday Freebie: The Simple Digital Skill That’s Changing Hotel Group Sales
Tambourine | February 16, 2018
Welcome to the Friday Freebie! Each week we share one impactful hotel marketing tactic that you can implement immediately to drive more conversions and more revenue. This Week's Freebie: Cold calling is dead… encourage your group sales team to master new digital business development skills. Traditionally, hotel sales teams use classic old-school textbook techniques, relying heavily on relationship selling and cold calls to book business. Today, however, meeting planners are doing 80% of their pre-purchase research in the digital world… relying far less on hotel salespeople for information, instead choosing to educate thems...
HVS Market Pulse: Palm Springs & Desert Cities
Luigi Major | February 16, 2018
By Luigi Major The Coachella Valley extends for approximately 45 miles in Riverside County and comprises the following nine cities: Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Indian Wells, Desert Hot Springs, Coachella, and Cathedral City. Typically, the population of these desert cities nearly doubles during the winter months by growing interest in leisure travel, improving convention business, and large-scale events, supplemented by part-time residents from colder climates due to its warmer temperatures. Tourism is the major industry in this area, with a variety of attractions and special events drawing significant nu...
Choice, PiNNacle Hospitality Group and The Wankawala Organization Celebrate Groundbreaking of Cambria Hotel Ocean City
Cambria | February 16, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 16, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, along with PiNNacle Hospitality Group and The Wankawala Organization, announced this afternoon the groundbreaking of the Cambria Hotel Ocean City. Located at 309 North 1st Street, the 133-room property is slated to open in summer of 2019. The Cambria Hotel Ocean City property will have spacious guest rooms with private balconies overlooking the Isle of Wight Bay, an indoor/outdoor infinity pool, poolside cabanas, tiki bar, outdoor fire pits, local art collections, 2,200 square feet of multi-function meeting spa...
Pyramid Hotel Group Opens New 288-Room Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel in California
Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel Hotel | February 16, 2018
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 13, 2018) – World-class luxury arrives in a bustling Los Angeles suburb as Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel debuts unrivaled accommodation, meeting space, catering, restaurants and bar. The new Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel hotel is now open, featuring 288 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, EST. Prime Steakhouse, transcending the quintessential steakhouse with top-quality, imported steaks and fresh seafood, the highly anticipated Chinese import, Ba Shu Feng, opening in spring, 24-hour fitness center with yoga space and Sheraton Club Lounge for the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) frequent, loyal traveler. Wit...
Managed by Provenance Hotels, Portland’s Historic Heathman Hotel Undergoing Renovation
The Heathman Hotel | February 16, 2018
February 16, 2018 – PORTLAND, Ore. – The Heathman Hotel, a Portland cultural fixture since the day it opened in 1927, is undergoing a renovation that will polish this treasured jewel, renew its luster, reaffirm its illustrious past and ready it for a bright new future. Slated for completion in June 2018, the project encompasses the complete renovation all 151 guestrooms and public spaces. Lighter, brighter and more contemporary, the new design is nonetheless rooted in the building's unique history and pays homage to the hotel's role as muse to generations of guests. The Heathman Hotel has been a Portland touchstone for trave...
Meridian Group Completes $37 Million Transformation of Maryland’s Iconic Hyatt Regency Bethesda
Hyatt Regency Bethesda | February 16, 2018
Bethesda, MD (February 16, 2018) - Hyatt Regency Bethesda, a prominent landmark in the heart of downtown Bethesda for more than 30 years, announced today the completion of a comprehensive, $37 million renovation. The hotel's 390 guest rooms, façade, lobby, meeting and event spaces underwent an extensive transformation, along with the addition of The Rooftop Downtown Bethesda, a stunning rooftop event space crowning the hotel. In late spring of 2018, the hotel will host an official celebration of the reinvigorated property and introduce new retail offerings including one of the tristate area's largest Starbucks at 2,600 square fee...
LBA Hospitality and Apple Hospitality Unveil Renovation of 84-Room Residence Inn Dothan in Alabama
LBA Hospitality | February 16, 2018
Residence Inn Dothan held a renovation celebration with an official ribbon cutting on Tuesday, February 13, to unveil the hotel's upgrades in all guest rooms and public spaces. The three-story property's 84 suites now offer updated soft goods including paint, artwork, carpeting, furnishings (sofas and chairs), vinyl wall coverings/ wallpaper, window coverings and lighting. The facility is one of two properties in Dothan, AL, managed by LBA Hospitality and owned by Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. The Residence Inn Possibilities Décor Packages remodel featuring fresh new decor with contemporary appeal was completed by BMA Architectura...
South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa Launches $40 Million Phased Renovation of 2,163 Guestrooms Led by General Manager Ryan Growney
South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa | February 16, 2018
LAS VEGAS – South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa unveiled a $40 million remodel plan to its guest rooms throughout the property's three towers, which includes 2,049 rooms and 84 suites featuring new furniture, luxury flooring, crown molding, mini refrigerator and bathroom upgrades. The first phase of the redesign, which will begin in April of 2018, will be completed by September 2018, with 100 rooms currently on sale for reservations beginning in May 2018 at the South Point Hotel website. The three-year project will refurbish one hotel tower each year and is scheduled to be completed by September 2020. By the end of 2018, more than 6...
What Is Social Proof, and How Can You Use It on Your Hotel Website?
Ben Hanley | February 16, 2018
By Ben Hanley Shop on the web for a short time and you'll quickly realize how integral social proof is to the online shopping experience. This social proof comes in numerous forms, from customer reviews and testimonials to star ratings and Facebook Likes. All of which let shoppers know that the service or product they're interested in comes recommended by others. In turn, this brings confidence and reassurance to the buying process, increasing the odds that a customer ends up making a purchase. The power of social proof in travel Today, virtually all travelers (95%!) read reviews before they book their accommodation. Major review sites ...
