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Industry Happenings
NOVUM Hospitality and MERKUR Begin Construction on 144-Room niu Hotel in Stuttgart
NOVUM Hospitality | January 16, 2018
Hamburg/Rüsselsheim, Germany, January 16, 2018 – NOVUM Hospitality and MERKUR Development Holding GmbH have begun work on a third niu hotel in the Fasanenhof district of Stuttgart. 144 hotel rooms and 110 serviced apartments covering a total gross floor area of some 10,500 sqm are currently being created. Completion is scheduled for the autumn of 2019. The project volume amounts to some 30 million Euros. For the Hamburg-based hotel group, the latest "niu Mesh" is the third niu project in Stuttgart, and, in addition to the projects in the Pragsattel and Esslingen districts of Stuttgart, the third development in coope...
Matt Alexander Appointed President of Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm | January 16, 2018
Walland, TN (January 16, 2018) – Blackberry Farm Proprietor Mary Celeste Beall announced Tuesday that Matt Alexander will assume the role of President of Blackberry Farm. Matt has been a part of the Blackberry Farm team for 19 years, and has been serving as Executive Vice President for the last seven years. "Matt has a wealth of knowledge from our past that uniquely equips him with a solid perspective as we move forward," said Mary Celeste. "We will work together, sharing the responsibility for enhancing this brand and family business." As President, Matt will continue to oversee the development, organization, execution and evalua...
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) Appoints Sam Woodworth to Newly Created Director of Acquisitions and Business Development Position
HVMG | January 16, 2018
ATLANTA (January 16, 2017) – Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company, has appointed Sam Woodworth as director of acquisitions and business development. In the newly created role, Woodworth will contribute to growing HVMG's hotel portfolio through third-party management, acquisitions and new development deals. "We are excited to welcome Sam back to HVMG having previously worked together during his internship while pursuing his Master's Degree at Cornell University. Sam's passion for and knowledge of the hospitality industry is noteworthy, and his exp...
30 Legendary Historic Hotels Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017
January 16, 2018
WASHINGTON--January 16, 2018--Historic Hotels Worldwide® has inducted 30 historic hotels into its registry in 2017. The 30 iconic hotels represent more than ten brands, chains, and collections from 14 countries. The oldest historic hotel inducted in 2017 is the NH Collection Porta Rossa which includes a building that dates back to the 13th Century. Historic Hotels Worldwide is an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (United States of America) for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels around the world. Historic Hotels Worldwide promotes heritage and cultural travel by featuring a prestigio...
The LCP Group, L.P. and Blue Vista Capital Management Acquire Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks
Blue Vista Capital Management | January 16, 2018
January 16, 2018, New York, NY — Blue Vista Capital Management and The LCP Group, L.P. jointly announced today the acquisition of the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks in Fairfax, Virginia. The six-story 316 guest room and suite property is located outside of Washington, D.C. The hotel contains 15,000 square feet of meeting space, the award-winning 703 Bar + Kitchen, and the amenities, facilities, and services of a full-service Marriott hotel. "In partnership with LCP, we were able to identify a unique value-add opportunity," said Jason Schwartz, Principal at Blue Vista. "Installing LCP's affiliate manager, Crescent Hotels & Resor...
PwC: Global Economic Growth in 2018 on Track to Be Fastest Since 2011
PwC | January 16, 2018
The main engines of the global economy - the US, emerging Asia and the Eurozone - are expected to contribute almost 70% of economic growth in 2018 compared to their post-2000 average of around 60%. Growth in the Eurozone is predicted to be above 2% in 2018, as PwC expects the peripheral economies to outpace the core for the fifth consecutive year. Of the larger Eurozone economies, the Netherlands is expected to lead the way with economic growth at around 2.5%. By contrast, uncertainty relating to Brexit is expected to drag on UK growth, which is predicted to be 1.4% in 2018. Barret Kupelian, senior economist at PwC, comments: "In 2...
Hospitality Asset Managers Association (“HAMA”) Names 2018 Board of Directors
HAMA | January 16, 2018
ATLANTA, Ga., January 16, 2018—Officials of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association ("HAMA") today announced their new board of directors for 2018. Recently appointed at the group's semi-annual conference, the new members include: CHMWarnick's Maxine Taylor as president Three Wall Capital's Tim Dick as vice-president Fulcrum Hospitality's Larry Kaminsky as secretary Host Hotels & Resorts' Christopher Ostapovicz as treasurer Pinnacle Advisory Group's Matthew Arrants as marketing chair hotelAVE's Kim Gauthier, CHAM (Certified Hotel Asset Manager), as head of the education chair CHMWarnick's Larry Trabulsi as head of t...
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Arranges $60,000,000 of Financing for The St. Regis Deer Valley, Park City, Utah
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company | January 16, 2018
Beverly Hills, California – January 16, 2018 – Sonnenblick-Eichner Company announced today that it has arranged $60 million of financing for The St. Regis Deer Valley (www.stregisdeervalley.com), a year-round destination resort located on the slopes of the world renowned Deer Valley ski area in Park City, Utah. The St. Regis Deer Valley offers 67 hotel condominium suites divisible into 177 hotel keys and 25 private whole-ownership residences. The ski-in, ski-out resort is considered among the finest destination ski resorts in the world. Amenities at the resort include the 14,000 square-foot Remède Spa and fitness faci...
Bartech Appoints Peter Kuzyk as Director of Sales in Support of Growth in North American Hospitality Market
Bartech | January 16, 2018
Industry veteran with over 25 years of experience set to spearhead new business initiatives and sales strategies Las Vegas — January 16, 2018 — Bartech, a world leader in profit-generating automatic minibar solutions for the hospitality industry, has announced the appointment of Peter Kuzyk as director of sales. Based in Montreal, Canada, Kuzyk is tasked with leading Bartech sales team efforts and ensuring that the company's ongoing market growth continues throughout the North American region. With automated minibar technology continuing to gain widespread interest due to its ability of serving as an in-room revenue stream ...
Live! Casino & Hotel Selects KEYPR as Guest Experience Technology Partner
KEYPR | January 16, 2018
New Live! Hotel to deploy KEYPR's cloud-based platform which brings the latest guest experience technology to the hospitality industry Los Angeles, CA (Tuesday, January 16th) -- 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 Live! Casino & Hotel, one of the largest commercial casinos in the country, will deploy its expansive hospitality platform at the new Live! Hotel, which is set to open in Spring 2018. "After conducting a thorough and extensive search, we have deter...
Softscribe® Inc. Lists Top 5 Press Releases in 2017
Softscribe Inc. | January 16, 2018
Based on Reads, Clicks Back to Tech Client Websites: Electronic Door Locks, Energy Management, Direct Online Booking Lead the List BENTONVILLE, AR – January 16, 2018 – Softscribe® Inc., a leading hotel tech PR agency, announced its top 5 press releases from 2017 that address hoteliers' operational challenges. Ranking is based on the number of reads and press release-generated clicks backs to clients' websites. The top 5 B2B public relations press releases are: Sir Adam Amsterdam Installs dormakaba Saflok RFID Electronic Door Locks. "Sir Adam is known for its edgy, Euro-chic architecture, guest rooms, and public spaces," ...
The Belvedere Hotel Trusts IDeaS’ Advanced Technology to Optimize Revenue Strategy, Increase ADR
The Belvedere Hotel | January 16, 2018
Independent hotel switches revenue technology to capture more demand and optimize revenue results with IDeaS G3 RMS Tweet this: @BelvedereNYC switches #revenuemanagement providers to optimize revenue opportunities with @IDeaS_RevOpt MINNEAPOLIS – Jan. 16, 2018 – Step into the 1920s at this art-deco styled, independent property in New York City – The Belvedere Hotel. This non-traditional boutique hotel, accommodating an impressive 355 guestrooms, is within a block and a half of Times Square, yet offers guests a quiet residential feel. The Belvedere sought to upgrade its revenue strategy solution in order to keep up with...
Owned and Managed by Blue Star Hospitality, New Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Set to Open in Flat Rock, North Carolina
Fairfield Inn & Suites | January 16, 2018
Flat Rock, NC – January 17, 2018 – The 84-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Flat Rock, North Carolina is scheduled to open this Friday, January 19, 2018 with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 836 Upward Road the Fairfield Inn & Suites Hendersonville Flat Rock will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Blue Star Hospitality, LLC of Fletcher, North Carolina. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Hendersonville Flat Rock offers guests convenient access to the Flat Rock Playhouse, Carl...
Fairfield Inn & Suites Grand Mound Centralia Opens in Rochester, Washington with General Manager Curtis Crimmins at the Helm
Fairfield Inn & Suites | January 15, 2018
Rochester, WA – January 16, 2018 – The 88-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Rochester, Washington opened today with its unique design and décor that incorporate the Native American culture and reflect the heritage of the ownership. Located at 6223 197th Way SW, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Grand Mound Centralia will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Chehalis Tribal Enterprises and managed by InnSight Hotel Management Group. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Grand Mound Centralia offers guests convenient access to the Lucky Eagle Casino, the Great Wolf Lod...
Wharf Hotels Opens The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel, a Historic Landmark Preservation Project
Wharf Hotels | January 15, 2018
16 January 2018, Hong Kong – Wharf Hotels announces the opening of The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel, as the group's new flagship Niccolo property and the latest addition to the luxury contemporary chic collection by Wharf Hotels. The Murray will open its facilities, restaurants and bars progressively from today. As one of eight historic landmarks under the Conserving Central initiative introduced by the Hong Kong government in 2013, The Murray is an inspiring piece of architecture holding almost 50 years of history, and a landmark building located in the heart of the city in Central, Hong Kong. A high-profile preservatio...
Hollywood Casino St. Louis Completes $7.3 Million Renovation of Sunset Tower Hotel Rooms
Hollywood Casino St. Louis | January 15, 2018
MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. (January 16, 2018) – Hollywood Casino St. Louis in Maryland Heights has completed a $7.3 million renovation of its hotel Sunset Tower, with the total renovation of 277 hotel rooms, including 14 suites. The project follows on the heels of the $4.5 million 2016 renovation of the Rodeo Tower's 211 rooms, including 33 suites, bringing the 20-year-old hotel fully up to date. "While Hollywood Casino and Hotel has long been the leader in the market when it comes to our casino floor product, the improvement of our second hotel tower is just one more step in elevating our non-gaming offerings," said Michael J...
Iconic Maui Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Unveils Multi-Million Dollar Transformation
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC | January 15, 2018
KAPALUA, MAUI, HI – January 15, 2018 – The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – a cherished luxury resort located on Maui's pristine North Shore – announces the completion of its much-anticipated transformative renovation. Immersing guests in an authentic Hawaiian experience deeply rooted in local culture, environmental adventure and a warm Aloha spirit, the resort proudly boasts newly transformed guest rooms, suites and residences, an enhanced lobby and pool experience, and new F&B outlet, Kai Café. Celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary, these new enhancements honor the last quarter of a century while usherin...
2017 International Tourism Results: the Highest in Seven Years
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) | January 15, 2018
International tourist arrivals grew by a remarkable 7% in 2017 to reach a total of 1,322 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This strong momentum is expected to continue in 2018 at a rate of 4%-5%. Based on data reported by destinations around the world, it is estimated that international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) worldwide increased 7% in 2017. This is well above the sustained and consistent trend of 4% or higher growth since 2010 and represents the strongest results in seven years. Led by Mediterranean destinations, Europe recorded extraordinary results for such a large and rather mature region,...
Teneo Hospitality Group Names Rene McCoy Director of Sales Mid-Atlantic
Teneo Hospitality Group | January 15, 2018
Minneapolis, MN, January 2018 - Teneo Hospitality Group, the premier global firm representing 300+ independent and luxury branded hotels, resorts and DMCs, has named distinguished hotel sales executive, Rene McCoy, as Director of Sales Mid-Atlantic. "We are delighted to welcome Rene to our growing sales team," says Teneo President Mike Schugt. "Her executive career spans key hotel and conference markets in the Mid-Atlantic and Caribbean, and includes both association and corporate sales on a local and global level. Her exceptional track record and background in the DC Metro Market will make Rene a great asset to our Mid-Atlantic office ...
BENCHMARK®, a Global Hospitality Company, Announces the “Top Ten Meeting Trends for 2018”
January 15, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, January 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, announces the "Top Meeting Trends for 2018" as observed by its properties. Benchmark is a leading U.S.-based global hospitality management company, which operates 70 award-winning hotels, resorts, and conference centers within its Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and Gemstone Collection brands in locations coast to coast, off shore, and internationally. Trend 1 Entering 2018 Cautiously Optimistic. The meetings marketplace is cautious nationwide for 2018, but optimistic in major markets like Boston and Los Angeles where demand is s...
Hilton New Orleans Riverside Appoints David Piscola as New General Manager
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | January 15, 2018
NEW ORLEANS – January 15, 2017 – Hilton New Orleans Riverside announces today the appointment of David Piscola as the new general manager. With more than 25 years of hospitality expertise with Hilton, Piscola has taken the helm of the 1,622-room hotel, concentrating on elevating guest satisfaction and managing day-to-day operations. "David is a strong addition to Hilton New Orleans Riverside's leadership team bringing strategic focus and hospitality know-how to the property," said Keith Clampet, SVP of Hotel Operations for Hilton Worldwide. "With a wealth of knowledge managing the successful day-to-day operations of the...
Rajiv Kapoor Promoted to General Manger at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa and Langkawi International Convention Centre
Westin Hotels & Resorts | January 15, 2018
January, 2018 (Langkawi, Malaysia) – The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa and Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Rajiv Kapoor to General Manager. Kapoor joined The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa in 2013 as Hotel Manager and made exceptional changes to improve the resort's operation, service, and facilities. He also spearheaded the renovation of guestrooms, 20 villas, restaurants, airport lounge, Westin Workout and the main lobby. Since the refurbishments, the resort has garnered positive returns year on year. In his new role, Kapoor is responsible for all areas of the hotel in...
Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing Welcomes Till Martin as Opening General Manager
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | January 15, 2018
BEIJING, Jan. 15, 2018 -- Mr. Till Martin has been manning the helm as Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing's Opening General Manager since November 2016, bringing with him a rare passion and expertise to the opening of the hotel. Scheduled to debut in the second quarter 2018, the first Hyatt Regency in the Chinese capital is designed by globally renowned architect Kengo Kuma and Associates. The hotel concept creates a refreshing Urban Forest in the vibrant Wangjing Central Business District. Veteran Hyatt Hotelier to Lead First Hyatt Regency in Beijing Hailing from Germany, Till Martin has an illustrious hospitality career and rich exper...
Plaza Hospitality Selects Hotel Equities to Manage Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Trinity, Florida
Hotel Equities | January 15, 2018
ATLANTA–January 15, 2018–Atlanta-based Hotel Equities recently announced its selection as the management firm for the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Trinity, Florida. Owned by Plaza Hospitality, LLC, the property continues to be a first choice for travelers in the Trinity, Florida market with some of the highest guest satisfaction scores and a top ranking among nearly 300 hotels in the Tampa St. Petersburg Clearwater area. Located in the North Tampa Bay community of Trinity, the lakefront, resort-style hotel stands conveniently among shopping and restaurants and within minutes of beaches and the wide variety of attracti...
