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Industry Happenings
General Manager Matt DeHuff Welcomes Guests to New 88-Suite TownePlace Suites Battle Creek, Michigan
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | November 13, 2017
Battle Creek, MI – November 13, 2017 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's TownePlace Suites by Marriott Battle Creek is scheduled to open for business today. On average, a TownePlace Suites opens every six days. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Battle Creek area. The new TownePlace Suites Battle Creek located at 12917 Harper Village Drive, continues to exemplify the brand's rapid growth. The new hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by SKLM Hotels and managed by HHC Hospitali...
Hotel Industry Teams Up With World Wildlife Fund and The Rockefeller Foundation to Reduce Food Waste
the Project | November 13, 2017
12-Week Pilot Program Results in 10 Percent Decrease in Food Waste New York, New York – Today, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, unveil results from a set of projects demonstrating innovative strategies aimed at reducing food waste in the hotel industry. Based on the results, WWF, AHLA, and The Rockefeller Foundation are releasing a toolkit with strategies to help hotel properties and brands meet measurable, time-bound goals to reduce food waste. Ten hotel properties participated in the 12-weeks of demonstration projects, including a mix...
How the Middle East is Drawing in Chinese Visitors
JLL Real Views | November 13, 2017
By Emily Perryman Whether they're after windswept deserts, archaeological treasures or luxurious beach resorts, China's growing middle class is increasingly considering the Middle East as their next holiday destination. Amid rising affluence levels, the number of travelers from China has soared in recent years, making it the world's largest outbound tourism market. But in addition to visiting countries in the Far East and Europe, Chinese tourists are seeking new destinations off the beaten path. Last year, around 540,000 tourists visited Dubai from China, up from 450,000 in 2015. It makes China one of Dubai's top 10 source markets, acco...
2018 Trends in All-Inclusive Sector
Diego Lowenstein | November 13, 2017
By Diego Lowenstein 1. What sets today's luxury all-inclusive properties apart from the all-inclusive properties of the past? From food and beverage options to upgraded amenities, the luxury all-inclusive sector has greatly evolved in recent years. In the past, many all-inclusive resorts offered a three-star, mid-level experience that, while it was an affordable and attractive option, did not always wow travelers. But today's all-inclusive properties, at least the ones that are doing it right like Hyatt Ziva and Zilara and the AM Resorts brands, are focusing less on delivering a cost-effective all-inclusive experience and more on delive...
Hospitality Financial Leadership – Runnin’ Down a Dream
David Lund | November 13, 2017
By David Lund Yeah, runnin' down a dream - That never would come to me - Workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads - Runnin' down a dream – Tom Petty In life we think dreams, big ideas and accomplishments are someone else's domain, but not ours. We think those people are special, gifted, magical. They were the ones who were chosen for that higher calling to be that explorer, the writer or the leader that made a difference and really had something special to do and share with the world. Well, that is not true. We all have that something and it is right there, inside of us and we can see it, feel it and we know i...
IHG Signs with Quantum Hi-Tech Group to Develop Largest Hotel in Fiji, Crowne Plaza Fiji Wailoaloa Beach
IHG | November 13, 2017
453-room Crowne Plaza Fiji Wailoaloa Beach marks the debut of the brand in the heart of the South Pacific InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Quantum Hi-Tech Group Limited to develop the largest hotel in Fiji, Crowne Plaza Fiji Wailoaloa Beach. Opening in 2020, the new 453-room Crowne Plaza Fiji Wailoaloa Beach will boast tranquil ocean views and feature direct access to the beach. The Crowne Plaza Fiji Wailoaloa Beach is located just a short ten-minute drive from Fiji's main airport, Nadi International Airport. With its prime beachfront location, l...
Marriott’s Moxy Hotels Brings 360 Rooms to Japan with Opening of Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho and Moxy Osaka Honmachi
Moxy Hotels | November 13, 2017
Spirited, confident and cheeky – Marriott International today announced the openings of two fresh new additions to its playful Moxy Hotels brand: Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho and Moxy Osaka Honmachi. True to its name, the Moxy brand is designed for a new generation of socially extroverted, curious and energetic global "Fun Hunters". Owned by Tokyo-based Pacifica Capital K.K., the 205-room Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho features the brand's industrial-chic DNA with stylish exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors and fun collaborative spaces. The hotel is located in the urban Kinshicho district, close to some of the city's coolest tourist attra...
Davidson Hotels & Resorts Welcomes The Hotel Minneapolis, Autograph Collection to Its Pivot Hotels & Resorts Portfolio
Davidson Hotels & Resorts | November 13, 2017
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2017 -- Davidson Hotels & Resorts expands its Pivot Hotels & Resorts portfolio with the addition of The Hotel Minneapolis, Autograph Collection, a historic 222-room property in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Known for its fusion of old city charm and contemporary flair, The Hotel Minneapolis, Autograph Collection, is conveniently located downtown where guests can easily access sensational attractions such as the Guthrie Theatre, Mill City Museum and the U.S. Bank Stadium, utilizing the pedestrian friendly skyway system or hopping on the nearby light rail. After a busy day of sightseeing or attending a Vikings game...
Hilton Launches Incubator to Fast-Track Guest Innovations
Hilton | November 13, 2017
With the Opening of New Innovation Gallery, Hilton Officially Joins "I-270" Tech Corridor MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of its Innovation Gallery, a first-of-its-kind incubator and experiential showcase for cutting-edge product developments that will shape the future of Hilton hospitality. Open to invited guests including Hilton Team Members, hotel owners and technology partners, the 4,300-square-foot gallery brings together all elements of Hilton's innovation process. It is a physical space where conversations between thought leaders, design experts and hospitality professionals deliver new products a...
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino Appoints Carlos Cabrera New General Manager
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino | November 13, 2017
PALM BEACH, ARUBA (November 13, 2017) – Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino is pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos Cabrera as Area Vice President and General Manager of Aruba's premier beachfront property. A seasoned veteran of the Hyatt hospitality family, Carlos brings over 40 years of experience, expertise, and passion to the resort. In his new role, Carlos will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, including food and beverage, staff management, recruitment, and development, amongst other daily operational tasks. A talented leader with an excellent track record of significant improvement in profits, ...
Trump SoHo® New York Appoints Bill Pierce as Director of Sales & Marketing
Trump SoHo New York | November 13, 2017
NEW YORK – Nov. 13, 2017 – Trump SoHo® New York is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Pierce as Director of Sales & Marketing. A New York City hospitality veteran, Pierce brings over 20 years' experience to the Director of Sales & Marketing position, most recently as Director of Sales & Marketing at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Times Square. His previous positions include roles with Hyatt Hotels, Hilton Worldwide and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. In this new role, Pierce will oversee the hotel's on-site sales and marketing team, including sales, catering, public relations and e-commerce. He will also b...
US Hotel Industry Grows at Half Rate of Overall US Economy
e-forecasting | November 13, 2017
Durham, New Hampshire USA - Business activity for US hoteliers held steady at previous month reading of 118.8 in September according to today's release of the Hotel Industry's Pulse (HIP) indicator. e−forecasting.com's HIP - a predictive analytic which gauges monthly overall business conditions for hotels earlier than any industry indicator - stalled, posting a nil growth rate in September after a flat performance at a rate of 0% in August. The index is set to equal 100 in 2010. September US HIP Hotel Industry Pulse Real Time Index Stalls HIP's six-month growth rate, which has historically confirmed the turning poi...
Bartech Launches New Corporate Website to Showcase Latest Advances in Hotel Minibar Automation and Customization
Bartech | November 13, 2017
Updated online portal offers visually compelling, intuitive experience to educate visitors on the benefits of advanced minibar technology Las Vegas — November 13, 2017 — Bartech, a world leader in profit-generating automatic minibar solutions for the hospitality industry, has launched a fully redesigned website aimed at educating visitors on the potential of the latest in automated minibar technology to enhance hotel revenues, guest satisfaction and guestroom design, while reducing expenses. The new website also offers user-friendly navigation, a visually appealing design and detail-rich infographics that demonstrate how au...
West Belmont Place Crowns Junior Chef During Taste of the Season Event in Leesburg, VA
West Belmont Place at The National | November 13, 2017
LEESBURG, VA, November 2017 … West Belmont Place at The National Conference Center hosted its second Junior Chef Competition on Saturday, November 4 with 10 busy junior chefs vying for a grand prize – a Chef's Table for 10 to host their parents, teachers and friends. The second annual event was part of the West Belmont's Taste of the Season event announcing the partnership with CEA Farms, highlighting local wines and beer and celebrating the fall harvest with local foods. The food pairings were created by Executive Chef Todd Goldian. The Junior Chef participants were in two categories, determined by age, where they prepared...
Meliza Lessard Promoted to Director of Food & Beverage for Three Palo Alto Hotels
The Clement Palo Alto | November 13, 2017
PALO ALTO, CA (November 13, 2017) — The Clement Palo Alto has announced that Meliza Lessard, Director of Food & Beverage at The Clement, is now Director of Food & Beverage for The Clement, The Westin Palo Alto and Sheraton Palo Alto. All three hotels are owned by Pacific Hotel Management, LLC, based in San Mateo, California. Lessard has been Director of Food & Beverage at The Clement since September 2016. Prior to joining The Clement, Lessard was Food & Beverage Director from 2014-2016 at the Claremont Club & Spa, in Berkeley, California, and Assistant Food & Beverage Director at the Fairmont Mayakoba at Pl...
The Changing Needs of Millennials: New Implications for the Travel Industry
MyTravelResearch.com | November 13, 2017
Business travel, loyalty programs, food and beverage consumption, and travel marketing content are already feeling the impact By Bronwyn White Millennials are becoming responsible parents and business travellers with their own unique set of service expectations from hotels, restaurants, destinations, airlines and loyalty programs Millennials – also known as Gen Y or the Me Generation – are moving into a new life stage. The 18 to 35 year olds are becoming responsible parents and assertive business travellers. The travel industry needs to be aware of such changes because millennials are entering into 'peak influence' as busine...
Upper Midscale and Upscale Are the Largest Chain Scales in the U.S. Construction Pipeline Comprising 67%
Lodging Econometrics | November 10, 2017
November 10, 2017 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that the Upper Midscale category stands at 2,066 Projects/205,330 Rooms, and has the largest project count of all chain scales in the Total U.S. Construction Pipeline. The second largest is the Upscale category which has 1,274 Projects/164,628 Rooms. Together, the Upper Midscale and Upscale Pipelines comprise 67% of all projects in the Total Pipeline. The brands with the largest number of projects in Upper Midscale are; IHG's Holiday Inn Express with 442 Projects/41,053 Rooms; Hilton's Home2 Suites 348 Projects/36,439 Rooms and Hampton Inn &...
Millennial Travelers Across Asia-Pacific Prioritize Feeling Pampered, Trip Activities and Culinary Experiences When Planning a Trip
Expedia Media Solutions | November 10, 2017
BELLEVUE, Wash.--New generational data released today by Expedia® Media Solutions, the advertising arm of Expedia, Inc., shows that Australian, Chinese and Japanese travelers are all looking for the best deals and the most value for their money, but preferences and priorities vary by generation and country. The findings, from a survey conducted by Northstar Research Partners, illustrate broad Asia-Pacific travel trends and distinct shopping habits, influences and motivations of travelers across four generations, including Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X and Baby Boomers. Racking up more than 35 travel days per year, Australi...
New Study Reveals Tax Reform Could Boost Hotel Industry by $131.7B
the American Hotel & Lodging Association | November 10, 2017
Analysis Shows Hotels, Employees, Travelers All Benefit From Tax Reform WASHINGTON (November 10, 2017) – As tax reform legislation moves through Congress, a new economic impact study found that tax cuts could generate $131.7 billion in economic activity for hotels and related industries over the next 10 years. On behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Oxford Economics analyzed the impact of tax policy changes that would result in a tax cut of $1.5 trillion over 10 years, which they believe will cause real GDP growth to accelerate to 3.0% in 2018. The results show that tax cuts will stimulate the economy and...
Anbang Launching First Phase of Renovation and Restoration of Historic Waldorf Astoria New York
Anbang Insurance Group | November 10, 2017
NEW YORK, NY – November 10, 2017 – Anbang Insurance Group New York Office ("Anbang") and AECOM Tishman, the premier global construction firm, announced today that the first phase of construction work to renovate and restore the historic Waldorf Astoria New York will begin in December. Since the Waldorf Astoria New York achieved the designation as New York City's largest private interior landmark, Anbang has made significant progress towards renovating the property. The development team has advanced design plans, secured permits and carefully moved, preserved and stored prized historic items, including the Cole Porter piano, ...
Pascua Yaqui Tribe Adding 150 Hotel Rooms to Tucson’s Casino Del Sol
| November 10, 2017
TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 10, 2017 -- The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is expanding hospitality amenities in Tucson at its casino enterprises, Casino Del Sol and Casino of the Sun. In October, the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council approved up to 150 additional hotel rooms, 90 RV sites, and a 9,600-square foot expansion of the current convention space at Casino Del Sol. In addition, a new 11,000-square foot Event Center next to Casino of the Sun will be built. "The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is honored to have the opportunity to build new accommodations and meeting spaces for guests who visit our properties," said Robert Valencia, Chairman of the Pascua Yaq...
Brian Czarnecki Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Camelback Resort in the Pocono Mountains
| November 10, 2017
Tannersville, Pa. (Nov. 10, 2017) – Ken Ellis & Arthur Berry III, co-owners of Camelback Resort, located in the Pocono Mountains, officially announce the promotion of Brian Czarnecki to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Czarnecki's previous role was that of vice president of sales & marketing for the popular, four-season destination, which is has become a leading ski and four-season destination in the Northeast. "In his new role, Brian will direct the operations, technology, brand and marketing of Camelback Resort's many business units, allowing us to direct our focus to additional projects, opportunities, and interests...
BENCHMARK Names Caleb Lara Executive Chef for The Essex – Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa
November 10, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, November 2017… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Caleb Lara executive chef for The Essex - Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa, a Gemstone Collection property located minutes from downtown Burlington in the foothills of the legendary Green Mountains. Nic Barger, general manager, made the announcement. "I am thrilled to welcome Caleb to our resort," said Mr. Barger. "Highly credentialed and with experience gained at top restaurants in the United States, he is the perfect choice for this important leadership position at Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa." Caleb Lara b...
Hotel El Ganzo Names Rene Enrique Perez Lima Food & Beverage Director and Omar Lopez Flores as Executive Chef
Hotel El Ganzo | November 10, 2017
San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico (November 10, 2017): Hotel El Ganzo, San Jose del Cabo's boutique artist haven, is revamping its food and beverage concept with the appointment of new Food & Beverage Director Rene Enrique Perez Lima, and of Omar Lopez Flores as Executive Chef. "Hotel El Ganzo is pleased to welcome Rene and Omar to our team. Their experience, enthusiasm, and creativity is breathing new life into our food and beverage concept," said Ella Messerli, general manager at Hotel El Ganzo. "With their talent and leadership, a new identity for all of our in-house food options is being rolled out." Lima brings ...
