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Industry Happenings
Nanuku Resort & Spa Fiji Opens on Fiji Islands’ Main Island Viti Levu
| May 2, 2014
May 2, 2014 - Pacific Harbor, FIJI ISLANDS - Setting a new benchmark in luxury in the South Pacific, Nanuku Resort & Spa Fiji welcomed its first guests when it opened recently in Pacific Harbour Fiji, the only all inclusive "all-villa" boutique resort located in "Fiji's Adventure Capital" on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu in the South Pacific. www.nanukufiji.com. Fiji's newest resort to open boasts its own airport and two miles of private beach. The resort represents an investment of approximately $25 million. Fiji's newest exclusive luxury resort, located amid lush tropical gardens overlooking the pristine Beqa Lagoon, on one of t...
Grupo Fawcett & Hilton Worldwide to Develop 132-room Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta in Colombia
Hilton Garden Inn | May 2, 2014
MCLEAN, Va. - May 2, 2014 - Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a management agreement with Grupo Fawcett to operate a new build Hilton Garden Inn hotel in the Caribbean port city of Santa Marta, Colombia. Scheduled to open in 2016, this new Hilton Garden Inn hotel in one of Colombia's leading tourist destinations serves as an example of the company's continued expansion efforts in Colombia. "We're thrilled to enter Colombia with our first Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Santa Marta," said Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. "Hilton Garden Inn hotels offer cost-conscious travelers convenience and excellent customer serv...
Totaling 460 Rooms, Westin Bahrain City Centre & Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre to Open in Q3 2014
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc | May 2, 2014
May 02, 2014 - STAMFORD, Conn. - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) has signed an agreement with Majid Al Futtaim Properties to launch its Westin and Le Méridien brands in Bahrain. Scheduled to debut in July this year, The Westin Bahrain City Centre and Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre will be located in the heart of Manama and are in close proximity to popular tourist and commercial areas such the Manama Souq, King Faisal Corniche and Diplomatic Area. Combined, the two hotels will add 460 rooms to Starwood's portfolio in Bahrain. "We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Majid Al Futtaim Properties as...
Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, Vasant Prabhu, Resigns
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | May 2, 2014
May 2, 2014 - STAMFORD, Conn. - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that Vasant M. Prabhu has resigned as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer to join NBCUniversal as Chief Financial Officer. Twenty-year Starwood veteran and finance leader Alan Schnaid, currently Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer, will serve as interim Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. To ensure a smooth transition, Prabhu will continue with Starwood through May 30, 2014. Starwood has commenced a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement, assisted by executive search firm Korn Ferry,...
Hyatt Hotels Reports First Quarter Net Income of $56M, Systemwide RevPAR Increased 6.5%
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | April 30, 2014
CHICAGO April 30, 2014--Hyatt Hotels Corporation ("Hyatt" or the "Company") (NYSE: H) today reported first quarter 2014 financial results as follows: Adjusted EBITDA was $172 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $131 million in the first quarter of 2013, an increase of 31.3%. Adjusted for special items, net income attributable to Hyatt was $20 million, or $0.13 per share, during the first quarter of 2014 compared to net income attributable to Hyatt of $14 million, or $0.09 per share, during the first quarter of 2013. Net income attributable to Hyatt was $56 million, or $0.36 per share, during the first quarter of 2014 co...
Marriott International Reports First Quarter Net Income of $172M; North American RevPAR up 6.3%
Marriott International, Inc. | April 30, 2014
BETHESDA, Md., April 29, 2014 HIGHLIGHTS First quarter diluted EPS totaled $0.57, a 33 percent increase over prior year results; North American comparable systemwide RevPAR rose 6.3 percent in the first quarter with average daily rates up 3.3 percent; On a constant dollar basis, worldwide comparable systemwide RevPAR rose 6.2 percent in the first quarter, including a 3.2 percent increase in average daily rate; Marriott repurchased 7.0 million shares of the company's common stock for $356 million during the first quarter. Year-to-date, the company repurchased 9.0 million shares for $467 million; Comparable company-operated house p...
Hotel Marketing Is Not a Substitute for Innovation
Vikram Singh | April 30, 2014
By Vikram Singh One of the trends I have been noticing is that hotels continually generate hype instead of value. Hyper-marketing on social media platforms has led to a race for hotels to participate in everything; that participation then somehow reflects the level of "modern-ness" or innovation at your hotel. On the contrary, innovation requires time and effort, from ownership and management, and the on-property staff. Asking your internet marketing vendor to bring innovation to your hotel does not work. It just enables them to sell you a new product or service. True innovation, on the other hand, supercharges your marketing. You have ...
Rainmaker President Tammy Farley to Address Annual Production and Operations Management Conference
Rainmaker | April 30, 2014
Challenging Conventional Thinking and Traditional Models of Revenue Management Helps Create One of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies ATLANTA, GA - April 30, 2014 - When you run a multi-million dollar, high-stakes, high-reward, gaming enterprise, your instincts on how to price your hotel room inventory will take you only so far in the critical decision-making process. Few people understood this business principle more so than Tammy Farley and her longtime business partner, Bruce Barfield. The two Georgians launched The Rainmaker Group in Atlanta in 1998 as a way to help major gaming hotels and traditional hospitality companies...
Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort Installs InvoTech UHF-RFID Uniform System to Reduce Costs
InvoTech Systems | April 30, 2014
Why Did a Four-Diamond Casino Resort Automate Control of 20,000 Uniforms? Property Taps InvoTech to Track Accountability of New Uniform Inventory to Lower Replacement Expense, Increase Efficiency LOS ANGELES, CA - April 30, 2014 - InvoTech Systems, Inc. announced Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort implemented InvoTech's UHF-RFID Uniform Management System to automate uniform tracking, accounting, and reporting for 20,000 newly designed uniforms. Soaring Eagle also installed InvoTech in the property's uniform distribution center to establish 100% accountability and reduce replacement expenses. The InvoTech Uniform System interfaces with the ...
Commonwealth Names Shannon Schurr DOS for Hyatt Place & Hyatt House Chicago Naperville Warrenville
Commonwealth Hotels | April 30, 2014
COVINGTON, Ky., April 30, 2014 -- Commonwealth Hotels, Inc. today announced that Shannon Schurr has been appointed Director of Sales for the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Chicago Naperville Warrenville. The Hyatt Place has 123 rooms and the Hyatt House offers 123 suites. They are both operated by Commonwealth Hotels, LLC. As Director of Sales, Schurr will direct all areas of both the hotel's sales and marketing efforts. "Based on her outstanding record in hotel sales and marketing, we are confident that as Shannon will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our multiple property complex," said Gordy Snyder, Vice President. Prior to jo...
The 160-room Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix South Opens in Arizona Operated by Jaffer Hospitality
Four Points by Sheraton | April 30, 2014
April 30, 2014 - STAMFORD, Conn. - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its Four Points brand has arrived in Phoenix, Arizona. Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix South offers a prime location, just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and leading sports and entertainment venues including Chase Field and US Airways Arena. Operated by Jaffer Hospitality, the hotel offers stylish comfort and what is best for business including free water & WiFi, great coffee and excellent service. "We are delighted to extend Four Points' reach to the dynamic city of Phoenix where we offer tra...
Aimbridge Hospitality to Complete $11 M Renovation of Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum by the Galleria
Aimbridge Hospitality | April 30, 2014
DALLAS (April 30, 2014) - Aimbridge Hospitality, the nation's second largest independent hotel management and investment firm, announced that it will complete an $11 million renovation at the Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum by the Galleria by the end of 2014. The renovated property will offer guests the perfect balance of pleasure and productivity with its stylish lobby and expanded meeting facilities. Renovations will include: New lobby Addition of a brand new 3,000 square foot junior ballroom, perfect for corporate and social events New walk-in showers and upgraded baths in king guest rooms New beds in all guest rooms Upgrades to...
glh Increases Relationship with Infor
Infor | April 30, 2014
London Hotel Leader Completes Second Phase of Infor EzRMS Deployment NEW YORK - Apr 30, 2014 Infor, a leading provider of business application software serving more than 70,000 customers, today announced that glh, the London-based global hotel subsidiary of the Singapore-listed GuocoLeisure Group, has successfully completed the second phase of its deployment of Infor EzRMS across 10 managed properties. This follows the successful implementation of EzRMS across 19 owned properties in 2012. News Points Owner of the Guoman and Thistle hotel brands, glh is London's largest owner-operator hotel company. The glh global owner-operator has a...
UniFocus Applications Multilingual in Over 100 Countries
UniFocus | April 30, 2014
Managing a global workforce is at your fingertips with multi-lingual workforce management applications powered by UniFocus. UniFocus, the only industry leader with both SaaS Workforce Management systems and a complete suite of survey solutions, is pleased to announce our Labor Management system and Time and Attendance applications are now available in English, Chinese, Spanish, French and Japanese. It is now easier than ever to span business across the globe in six continents or in your own backyard while supporting a diverse team in the language of their choice. Vast benefits result from utilizing a multi-lingual system. It: Accelera...
Benchmark Hospitality’s Chefs at World of Whirlpool Win Gold Medal in Indianapolis ACF Competition
World of Whirlpool | April 30, 2014
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 2014 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has announced that Executive Chef Ender Oktayuren and Sous Chef James Bingham of World of Whirlpool, a Benchmark Conference Center® and Whirlpool Corporation's product experience showplace in downtown Chicago, won the Gold Medal at the Indianapolis American Culinary Federation State Competition. The chefs won the Gold Medal in the recently held competition within the Professional Two-Man Mystery Basket Category. Ken Jesina, conference center manager, made the announcement. "It was wonderful to have ...
Owned & Managed by Easton’s Group of Hotels, 148-key TownePlace Suites Thunder Bay Opens in Ontario
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | April 30, 2014
Thunder Bay, Ontario - April 30, 2014 - The 148-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Thunder Bay, Ontario is now open for business. Located at 550 Harbour Expressway, the TownePlace Suites Thunder Bay will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Easton's Group of Hotels of Markham, Ontario. Located eight kilometers from Thunder Bay International Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Thunder Bay Casino, Old Fort William Historical Park and Intercity Shopping Center. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Thunder Bay area," said Loren Nalewans...
Highest-Ranked Online Travel Agencies Excel in Effectiveness of Website, J.D. Power Reports
J.D. Power | April 30, 2014
Price Continues to be a Key Driver of Customer Satisfaction WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., April 30, 2014 -- While price continues to be an important factor driving customer satisfaction with online travel agencies, the highest-performing agencies excel by providing a superior website/online store experience, with clear layout and design, ease of navigation and useful information, according to the J.D. Power 2014 Online Travel Agency Satisfaction ReportSM released today. "In today's competitive market, offering a low price is a necessity but does not automatically ensure customer satisfaction," said Rick Garlick, global travel and hospitalit...
Arabian Hotel Investment Conference to Discuss ‘Vision for the GCC and Beyond’ Next Week in Dubai
AHIC 2014 | April 30, 2014
Dubai, UAE 30 April 2014: The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC 2014), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Chairman Dubai Airports President Dubai Department for Civil Aviation Chairman and CEO of Emirates, is gearing up for a 2 days' extensive programme from 4-5 May at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. AHIC 2014 has over 550 delegates registered this year, and is going to be held in its tenth year under the theme; 'A decade of defining the hotel investment landscape'. The conference has a line of renowned speakers from the industry leaders, senior hotel investors, developers, operators and adviso...
Upscale All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean Getting to Know Their Guests with ZDirect
Jewel Resorts | April 30, 2014
The Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort and Spa, Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort and Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa in Jamaica are using ZMail® to identify preferences and provide stellar service before, during and after each guest's stay [HALLANDALE BEACH, FL- APRIL 30, 2014] - ZDirect is helping resorts in the Caribbean to stay connected with its customers. Using ZMail®, ZDirect's electronic communications platform, three upscale, all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica - The Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort and Spa, Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort and Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa - are sending int...
Quadriga Secures Credit Facility to Support Growth Strategy
Quadriga Americas | April 30, 2014
See us on booth 119 at 2014 HITEC Los Angeles, USA April 30th 2014: Quadriga, the leading global provider of guest-facing technology solutions for the hospitality industry, today announced that it has secured a revolving credit facility with Celtic Bank Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT). The facility with Celtic Bank allows borrowing by Quadriga Americas of up to $3.0 million. The credit facility provides Quadriga Americas with access to additional working capital, ensuring the company is well placed to help its customers finance their network infrastructure and TV and mobile entertainment systems to build competitive advantage and meet ...
Quadriga Launches SmartQubeTV; The Clever Box that Makes Hotel TV ‘Smart’ and Delivers In-Room WiFi
Quadriga Americas | April 30, 2014
See us on booth 119 at 2014 HITEC April 30th 2014: Quadriga has announced the launch of its latest guest technology and entertainment solution for the global hospitality industry. SmartQubeTV enables a hotel to simply and cost-effectively upgrade any hotel TV (with a HDMI port) to the latest 'Smart TV', to provide guests with the type of 'home-from-home' experience they demand and expect, without having to invest in the latest, most expensive range of Smart TVs. SmartQubeTV is a small box, no more than 10cm square, which enables hoteliers to immediately transform the guest TV experience consistently in every room throughout their proper...
MCR Development Expands Portfolio, Uses hotel SalesPro Sales System Across all 56 Properties
MCR Development LLC | April 30, 2014
How Does Centralized Sales Management Support Growth? When MCR recently Acquired 26 additional hotels, it Smoothly Merged its Hilton and Marriott Properties into MCR's Centralized hotel SalesPro Sales System to Grow Corporate Accounts Atlanta - April 30, 2014 - hotel SystemsPro announced that MCR Development LLC expanded its use of the hotel SalesPro web-based Sales and Catering system to include 26 hotels that it recently acquired. MCR manages 56 premium-branded hotel properties with approximately 7,000 rooms. The company uses hotel SalesPro throughout its portfolio of Hilton and Marriott brand properties. hotel SystemsPro is a leadin...
Intelity Releases Introductory Mobile Hotel Platform for 21st-Century Travelers
Intelity | April 30, 2014
As mobile technology continues to increase in popularity among travelers, Intelity releases an upgraded version of its integrated mobile app to assist hotels in leveraging mobile and emerging technologies. NEW YORK CITY - April 30, 2014 - Intelity, the first company to make hotel guest services available on guestroom tablets and on guests' personal connected devices, has released an upgraded version of its trademarked guest services software, ICE (Interactive Customer Experience™), that will make it easier for hotel brands and individual properties to offer guests a mobile app experience. The app is being offered at introductory prici...
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chooses Agilysys InfoGenesis™ POS
Agilysys | April 30, 2014
Point-of-Sale System Selected for Two New Ships, Bringing Total to 35 Vessels ALPHARETTA, GA. - April 30, 2014 - Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading provider of innovative hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in Miami has again selected the Agilysys InfoGenesis™ POS system. The solution will be deployed on Royal Caribbean International's two newest ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. This brings the total to 35 vessels that use Agilysys software solutions. "The InfoGenesis POS system continues to be well-suited to our needs," said Bill Martin, vice president...
