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
Vizergy® Enhances TargetingHub™
January 29, 2018
A game changing platform that identifies target prospects based on your guest history through multiple data interfaces, so hotel marketers can deploy smarter marketing campaigns. JACKSONVILLE, Fla., January 29, 2018 -TargetingHub™ expands the functionality of the Vizergy Marketing System (VMS™) by allowing clients to easily integrate PMS and POS data with various marketing databases such as Salesforce and IBM's Watson Campaign Automation in one central platform. These interfaces allow customers to seamlessly analyze customer data, launch strategic marketing campaigns and measure results, all within one system. TargetingHub ...
The Olympia Companies Poised for Growth in 2018
The Olympia Companies | January 29, 2018
An Expanding Portfolio Filled with Openings & New Developments The Olympia Companies, one of the most fully integrated real estate companies in the hotel industry, is on track for growth in 2018. Known for its upscale luxury properties, such as Inn by the Sea in Maine and The Alfond Inn at Rollins in Winter Park, Florida, as well as its best-in-brand select service hotels, The Olympia Companies starts 2018 with an expanded portfolio of 22 properties and a number of exciting new projects on the drawing board. Among the highlights: OPENING 2018 SOPHY Hyde Park, Chicago, IL The Olympia Companies, in partnership with SMART Hotels, is de...
ALIS Names the 2018 Award Winners for Developments, Single Asset Transactions and M&A of the Year
Northstar Travel Group | January 29, 2018
Today the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), honored the executives and companies responsible for the most influential hotel industry deals in 2017 with the prestigious ALIS awards. The winners were announced on Wednesday, January 24th, during the ALIS conference, which ran from January 22-24, 2018 at the JW Marriott and Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE. Nominees for the awards are evaluated based on outstanding business performance in various industry sectors. In the category of Development of the Year (Full Service) 2017 (includes branded and unbranded – luxury and upper upscale chain scales, and casinos), the winner was t...
Agilysys and Xuvi Announce Strategic Partnership to Offer Hospitality Customers Immersive Data Analytics and Revenue Optimization
Xuvi | January 29, 2018
Agilysys Customers to Benefit from Analytics Using Big Data and Artificial Intelligence with New Technology Integration ALPHARETTA, GA and LAS VEGAS, NV — January 29, 2018 —Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, and Xuvi, a data science company that uses immersive data analytics and automation to help companies make intelligent data-driven decisions about their business, announced that Agilysys is now a reseller of Xuvi's solutions. This strategic partnership will help Agilysys customers increase profitability and improve guest loyalty. Xuvi's ...
OfferCraft and Agilysys Announce Strategic Partnership Helping Customers Use Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Marketing Offers and Revenue
OfferCraft | January 29, 2018
Solutions from OfferCraft Integrate with Agilysys POS and PMS Products ALPHARETTA, GA and LAS VEGAS, NV — January 29, 2018 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, and OfferCraft, a software company that uses artificial intelligence and gamification to make content more effective, today announced that Agilysys is now a reseller of OfferCraft's solutions. As part of the new relationship, OfferCraft's software is being integrated with Agilysys' point-of-sale and property management solutions to help hospitality venues increase revenue and guest s...
Owned and Managed by Operaciones Turisticas Peruanas, New Holiday Inn Lima Airport Hotel Opens in Peru
IHG | January 25, 2018
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announces the opening of the new-build, 179-room Holiday Inn® Lima Airport hotel, just five minutes from Jorge Chavez Lima International Airport. The two-tower, eight-story property is the second brand IHG has introduced in the capital city of Lima. Gerardo Murray, Regional Vice President of Brands & Marketing, Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG, said: "We are thrilled to bring the joy of travel to Lima through the Holiday Inn brand. This hotel is a great fit for guests who are looking for a fun, comfortable and affordable option th...
Aloft Makes Brand Debut in Dubai with Opening of Aloft Palm Jumeirah Led by General Manager Max Wiegerinck
Marriott International, Inc. | January 25, 2018
Marriott International today announced the opening of the design-led Aloft Palm Jumeirah, the first Aloft to open in the buzzing city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Located on the Eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, the hotel delivers a distinct lifestyle experience to the iconic landmark with its tech-forward approach, vibrant social experiences and modern style that is different by design. "We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of our first Aloft in Dubai, situated on one of the world's most sought after destinations – the Palm Jumeirah" said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, ...
New Edition of Planning and Control for Food and Beverage Operations Textbook Reflects Industry Trends, Technology Updates
the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) | January 25, 2018
Orlando, Florida, January 2018—The ninth edition of Planning and Control for Food and Beverage Operations is now available from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). Written by Jack D. Ninemeier, Ph.D., this essential management textbook introduces readers to the control processes used to reduce costs and increase efficiency in food and beverage operations in restaurants and hotels. The book explores how planning and control functions can help operations work smarter, compete for greater market share, and provide value to guests. New to the ninth edition is a chapter feature called "Advice from a Mentor,"...
Pushing Boutique Forward!
Frances Kiradjian | January 25, 2018
By Frances Kiradjian The Boutique and Lifestyle Lodging Association, as many of you already know, exists as the official resource for boutique hotel owners, operators, and any hospitality facing businesses. We've garnered a global community over the course of the (near) decade we have been operational, and now we look ahead to the coming trends and innovations that are sure to play pivotal roles in the industry as they're proliferated. While the majority of BLLA members are (and will remain) hotel properties, we've broadened our reach to aid capital investors, technology companies, designers, restaurateurs, PR and marketing experts and ...
Let’s Revisit This: Are You a WINNER or a LOSER?
Katie Scheer | January 25, 2018
By Katie Scheer The start of a new year brings a higher drive to succeed as goals are made and strategies are set, so it's fitting to revisit what it takes to be a winner. Let's win this year by achieving our visions for 2018. I am competitive and hate to lose - personally, professionally, and athletically. "Losing" doesn't necessarily mean I lost; instead, it might mean I defeated myself because I didn't try hard enough, dwelled too much on mistakes, and more. When I don't "win," I learn from my mistakes, pick up the pieces, and create the game plan for how to do things different next time. I hav...
Iberostar Presents New Corporate Strategy with Redefined Hotel Segmentations and Redesigned Brand Identity
Iberostar Group | January 25, 2018
Iberostar has regrouped its hotels in three segments: city hotels, ocean resorts and Iberostar Heritage, a newly-created category that includes classic hotels steeped in history and tradition. Grand, the group's luxury category, is present in all three of the new segments. Under the concept "Let it shine", Iberostar changed its corporate logo, colors and narrative to reflect the values that represent the company's essence and philosophy. Madrid, January 25, 2018. Majorcan company, Iberostar Group, has embarked on an exciting new phase in its international trajectory. Following an in-depth analysis and the redefinition of its identity,...
Waikiki Parc Reorganizes Its Sales Team Promoting Mr. Chi Hoon Bang to Director of Sales & Marketing
Waikiki Parc | January 25, 2018
WAIKIKI, Hawaii, Jan. 25, 2018 -- Waikiki Parc Hotel, Oahu's boutique hotel centrally located in the heart of Waikiki, announces the reorganization of its sales team to include Mr. Chi Hoon Bang as Director of Sales & Marketing and Mr. Makoto Kano as Senior Sales Manager of all domestic and international markets, effective immediately. Prior to his expanded role focused at Waikiki Parc for international markets, Mr. Bang was the Director of Sales and Marketing for Asia at both Waikiki Parc and its sister property, Halekulani. Mr. Bang's firsthand knowledge of sales, marketing and strategic planning for the Asia market, combi...
Oahu’s Halekulani Hotel Expands the Roles of Its Accomplished Sales Team
Halekulani | January 25, 2018
WAIKIKI, Hawaii, Jan. 25, 2018 -- Halekulani, Oahu's acclaimed luxury resort, is delighted to announce a reorganization of its sales team, to include Mr. Geoff Pearson as Director of Sales & Marketing for all domestic and international markets, Mr. Kazuki Takaoka as Associate Director of Sales & Marketing for the Asia market and Mr. Nelson Arlos as Associate Director of Sales for all other Halekulani markets, effective immediately. Prior to his expanded role, Mr. Pearson was the Director of Sales & Marketing at Halekulani for the U.S. and international markets outside of Asia; he will once again oversee all markets. Mr. ...
AHLA’s Financial Management Committee Issues Guidance for the New Revenue Recognition Standards
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) | January 25, 2018
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") recently revised how revenue from contracts with customers should be recorded. This was contained in FASB's Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606. Implementation of ASC 606 is effective starting January 1, 2018 for public companies and no later than December 31, 2019 for all other companies. The objectives of the new accounting guidance are to clarify how revenue should be recognized for goods and services. The American Hotel & Lodging Association's (AHLA) Financial Management Committee has issued guidance on the new revenue recognition standards and how it affects the hotel ...
Interstate Hotels & Resorts Completes Acquisition of 83 Property Management Agreements from White Lodging
Interstate Hotels & Resorts | January 25, 2018
ARLINGTON, Va. – January 25, 2018 – Interstate Hotels & Resorts ("Interstate" or the "Company") – the leading U.S.-based global hotel management company – announces it has closed on the acquisition of the management agreements of 82 premium-branded, select- and full-service hotels, plus one restaurant, from White Lodging effective January 24, 2018. "A transaction of this nature aligns well with our growth strategy and we're excited with the direction this new expansion is taking us," said Michael Deitemeyer, Interstate's president & CEO. "We've gained high quality hotels under long-term management agreeme...
HFTP Launches Certification Advisory Program (CAP) to Benefit CHAE and CHTP Applicants
HFTP | January 25, 2018
The new program will pair new certification applicants with experienced mentors International association Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) recently introduced its new Certification Advisory Program (CAP), which is designed to provide guidance to Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE®) and Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP®) applicants. The inaugural program will pair HFTP certification candidates with HFTP members who hold an active HFTP designation. The advisors will help and support candidates via one-to-one interactions as a supplemental review option for the certific...
Viejas Casino & Resort Appoints Antonio Votta as Executive Chef of Willows Hotel & Spa
Viejas Casino & Resort | January 25, 2018
SAN DIEGO--Viejas Casino & Resort has announced Antonio Votta as Executive Chef of Willows Hotel & Spa's new restaurants Locale and Ginger Noodle Bar. His focus in this new role will be highlighting the very best locally sourced bounties for the farm-to-table inspired menus. "Antonio's creativity and innovative ideas will be a game changer for our new restaurants," said Viejas Vice President of Food and Beverage, David Duran. "He's greatly admired and I look forward to seeing his talented influence take guests to a new culinary level." The Forbes Travel Guide 4 Star rated, AAA 4 Diamond rated Viejas Casino & Resort will open...
Alex. Brown Realty and TCOR Hotel Partners Acquire TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Northwest Dallas
Alex. Brown Realty, Inc. | January 25, 2018
BALTIMORE--Alex. Brown Realty, Inc. (ABR) and TCOR Hotel Partners (TCOR) have announced the acquisition of the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Lewisville, Texas. ABR Chesapeake Fund V, a value-add real estate fund sponsored by ABR, invested $4.4 million in the joint venture. Financing for the project will be provided by Inwood National Bank. The 118-room extended-stay hotel is located within the Vista Ridge Business Park in Lewisville, a suburban-Dallas community within the thriving North Texas region. Positioned at the confluence of I-35 and state highway 121, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lewisville offers guests prime access to ...
Marriott Boasts Largest Franchise in U.S. Construction Pipeline with 1,410 Projects Total
Lodging Econometrics | January 25, 2018
January 25, 2018 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – Marriott International currently has the largest construction pipeline of any franchise company in the U.S. with 1,410 Projects/180,647 Rooms. Their largest brands in the Total Pipeline are: Fairfield Inn with 303 Projects/29,051 Rooms, Residence Inn with 199 Projects/24,680 Rooms and TownePlace Suites with 208 Projects/21,299 Rooms. Marriott has the most rooms currently Under Construction with 502 Projects/68,119 Rooms, which represents more than 1/3 of all Pipeline rooms Under Construction. Additionally, they have the most rooms Scheduled to Start Construction in the Next 12 Months with ...
PolyU Study Finds Russian Tourist Satisfaction Hinges on Hotel Features
January 25, 2018
The majority of Russian tourists are highly satisfied with Hong Kong's upmarket hotels, according to the findings of a recent study by Dr Denis Tolkach and Dr Tony Tse of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). A consideration of more than a thousand online reviews written by Russian guests revealed a particular appreciation for Hong Kong's spectacular views and attentive and friendly hotel staff. While there are a few negative issues that hotels may wish to focus on improving, the findings present an overall positive picture. Despite its size and importance, the researchers not...
BENCHMARK Appoints Jean Spaulding Director of Sales & Marketing for Villas of Grand Cypress
Villas of Grand Cypress | January 25, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, January 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Jean Spaulding director of sales & marketing for the Forbes Four Star-rated Villas of Grand Cypress, a Gemstone Collection property located in Orlando, Florida. Mark Cox, BENCHMARK's general manager at the resort, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I welcome Jean to Benchmark and to Villas of Grand Cypress," said Mr. Cox. "She comes to us extremely qualified and with extraordinary leadership skills. Her connections within the industry will serve our resort well and we look forward to her active role i...
Chesapeake Hospitality Promotes Cassie Bond to Regional Vice President of Revenue Management
Chesapeake Hospitality | January 25, 2018
GREENBELT, Md., January 25, 2018 – Chesapeake Hospitality, a dynamic third-party hotel management company, announced today it has promoted Cassie Bond to regional vice president of revenue management. Kim Sims, president of Chesapeake Hospitality, made the announcement. With more than 10 years of dedicated revenue experience, Bond joined Chesapeake Hospitality in 2008 as revenue manager at the Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore. During her time with Chesapeake, she has held a number of positions, serving as regional director of revenue management and, most recently, senior regional director of revenue management. "Cassie's knowledge, ex...
The State of Central Reservations Systems
h2c | January 25, 2018
Key Hotel Requirements Driving the CRS Evolution Written and researched by Christin Hänsel, Michaela Papenhoff, Ralph Merten and Friederike Winkowski Today's travelers have high expectations of a personalized e-commerce experience along their journey, which makes guest-centric functionalities a top priority for a hotel chain's central reservations systems (CRS). As a result, the hoteliers' demand for innovative and improved CRS services continues to grow. Although many of the related digital marketing, distribution and guest retention requirements can be found on the development roadmaps of the CRS providers, it remains mission cri...
Steigenberger Hotels AG Appoints Thomas Willms as CEO
Deutsche Hospitality | January 25, 2018
Frankfurt am Main, 25 January 2018 The Supervisory Board of Steigenberger Hotels AG has appointed Thomas Willms as spokesperson of the Management Board (CEO). Mr. Willms, who joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in June 2017, will take up his new position with immediate effect. He will retain overall operational responsibility for all three hotel brands – Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts, Jaz in the City and IntercityHotel. Sales & Marketing, E-Business, Revenue Management, Strategy, Future Openings & Franchise, Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility will all also still fall within his remit....
