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Industry Happenings
Jeremy Pacheco Joins Wynn Las Vegas as Society Café Encore Executive Chef
Wynn Las Vegas | April 30, 2014
LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2014) - Wynn Las Vegas and Encore have appointed Jeremy Pacheco as Executive Chef of Society Café Encore, welcoming him to the resort's renowned culinary team. Drawing upon his passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients, Pacheco will maintain Society Café Encore's elevated yet casual dining experience while incorporating his unique and artful approach to the menu. Raised on his family's farm in Arizona, working with garden-fresh ingredients is Pacheco's way of life and the motivation for his lauded culinary career. Society Café Encore's vibrant décor - modeled after Victorian era London -fosters an idyllic atmosphe...
Marcus Jackson Named General Manager of The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort, in Bluffton, SC
Montage Hotels & Resorts | April 30, 2014
April 30, 2014 (IRVINE, Calif.) - Montage Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Marcus Jackson as General Manager of The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort, in Bluffton, S.C. Jackson, who has spent almost six years as general manager of Montage Deer Valley, will oversee all operations of the classic Lowcountry address, including The Inn at Palmetto Bluff's two-year expansion project that will welcome 150 additional guestrooms and more than 30 Montage-branded residences in 2016. A 12 year associate of the Montage Hotels & Resorts team, Jackson led all departments at Montage Deer Valley, building and cultivating a...
Travel Outlook Premium Reservations Call Center™ Contracts with MileNorth
Travel Outlook | April 30, 2014
Travel Outlook Premium Reservations Call Center™ has signed an agreement to provide overflow voice reservations call services for MileNorth, by Destination Hotels & Resorts. In July 2012, CNN said, "Chicago's skyline doesn't come more accessible than at MileNorth", and that statement is supported by MileNorth's superb location only one block from Chicago's Magnificent Mile, right at the epicenter of Chicago business and leisure activities. MileNorth combines the sophistication and style of an urban Chicago hotel with the comfort of a Midwestern retreat, and while learning about the hotel and its location the Travel Outlook team wo...
Kokua Hospitality to Manage Powell Hotel-San Francisco Recently Acquired by Host Hotels & Resorts
Kokua Hospitality, LLC | April 30, 2014
CHICAGO (April 30, 2014) - Kokua Hospitality, LLC, a hotel management firm based in Chicago, today announced a partnership with Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., the nation's largest lodging real estate investment trust. Kokua Hospitality will manage Host Hotels & Resorts' newly acquired property, The Powell Hotel in San Francisco. Kokua Hospitality also manages this world class owner's highly successful Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach. "We are excited about this addition to our portfolio and thrilled to continue our relationship with Host Hotels & Resorts," said Phil Tufano, Chief Operating Officer of Kokua Hospitality. "As turnaround...
Twenty Four Seven Hotels Builds Depth in Corporate Revenue Management Team
Twenty Four Seven Hotels | April 29, 2014
Twenty Four Seven Hotels, a west coast hotel management company, reinforced their commitment to a sales driven culture beginning and ending with Revenue Management by expanding its Corporate Revenue Manager base. The Corporate Revenue Managers role is to support their assigned hotels in rate strategies and implementation across a multitude of channels, direct revenue strategy meetings, and maximize leverage of brand revenue systems to deliver maximum revenue growth and enhance profitability for owners. Staci Marshall joined Twenty Four Seven Hotels in 2007 in front office operations at a managed Marriott Courtyard. There she made the ju...
Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center Touts Superior Cell Signal Coverage with RoamBoost by RoamingAround
RoamingAround | April 29, 2014
RoamingAround's Cellular Signal Enhancement System is ensuring each guest receives a strong mobile signal whenever and wherever it is needed BOSTON, MASS. - APRIL 29, 2014 - The Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center has raised the bar once again in its commitment to customer service by ensuring that all guests can receive consistent cellular data and voice coverage no matter where they are on property. Recently the AAA Four Diamond hotel installed the RoamBoost Cellular Signal Enhancement solution from RoamingAround to improve mobile connectivity for guests. As part of this Distributive Antenna System (DAS), RoamingAround installed 16 anten...
Benchmark Hospitality Names Linda Cerra GM for The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, Racine, WI
Benchmark Hospitality International | April 29, 2014
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 29, 2014 - Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has appointed Linda Cerra general manager for The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread. The property is a Benchmark Conference Center® located in Racine, Wisconsin. Ellen Sinclair, senior vice president, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Linda on her new appointment as general manager responsible for The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread," said Ms. Sinclair. "She stepped in as interim general manager and in a short time effectively created an environment of "Be the D...
Hotel Association of North Texas Welcomes Cecile Fernandez as New Executive Director
the Hotel Association of North Texas | April 29, 2014
April 29, 2014 - DALLAS - The Hotel Association of North Texas (HANTX) announced today Cecile Fernandez has been named its new executive director. Ms. Fernandez assumes her duties immediately. Ms. Fernandez is a long-time resident of the North Texas area with a strong background in advocacy as well as experience in the hospitality industry. Most recently she worked as district director for Texas State Representative Jason Villalba and served as director of community outreach and communications for former Dallas County Commissioner Maurine Dickey. Her work in the hospitality industry includes management positions at Pizza Hut and Dickey'...
Starwood Opens the 205-room Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, in the United Arab Emirates
The Luxury Collection | April 29, 2014
April 29, 2014 - DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announces its debut in Ajman with the opening of Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this opening, Starwood expands its footprint in the UAE where it now operates 23 hotels and resorts, including three under The Luxury Collection brand. "We are proud to celebrate the milestone opening of Ajman Saray, which marks Starwood's entry into the Emirate of Ajman in the UAE," said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. "As Ajman is emerging quickly ...
Pentahotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of the Inverness pentahotel
pentahotels | April 29, 2014
April 29, 2014 - FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany - March 21st saw the opening of the Inverness pentahotel, the fourth of penta group's UK hotels and its first in Scotland. With its 90 guest rooms and an array of features that set it apart from every other hotel, pentahotel Inverness guarantees an experience unlike any other. It begins with the first moment the guest steps inside. They are greeted warmly in the pentalounge, the beating heart of every pentahotel worldwide. Where you would normally expect to see an ordinary reception desk, penta thinks differently. From the pool table to the Sony PlayStation to the fact that you can check in at...
Pegasus Reports Hotels Realize Global Gains in Business & Leisure Booking Volumes & Rates in Q1
The Pegasus View | April 29, 2014
The first quarter closed with hotels realizing steady gains in both business and leisure volumes and rates. On a global level, each month saw increases over prior year in reservations booked through the global distribution systems (GDSs) and alternate distribution systems (ADSs), as well as in the rates paid for those rooms. Corporate volumes climbed from slight increases in January and February to a solid +4.1% over prior year in March, resulting in a +2.2% year-to-date growth pace. Rates paid by business travelers were at least +2.5% ahead of 2013 each month, averaging to +2.8% year-to-date. Leisure bookings peaked in February, but fe...
The New-Build 282-room Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Pangyo Opens in Korea
Courtyard by Marriott | April 29, 2014
Seongnam, Korea, April 29, 2014 – Marriott International, Inc. today announces the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Pangyo. Located in the heart of the Pangyo Techno Valley, a rising information technology cluster in Seongnam city, the 282-room hotel is just a three minute walk away from the Pangyo subway station which gives direct access to Seoul Gangnam in just 16 minutes with easy access to all southern Gyeonggi areas. Commenting on the occasion, Don Cleary, Marriott International's chief operations officer for Asia Pacific, said: "we are delighted to be opening this Courtyard hotel as the first Marriott branded property ...
The 110-room Holiday Inn Express® Rio Branco Opens in Brazil; Owned by Inter Oceanica Hotelaria Ltda
April 29, 2014
29 April, 2014 - MIAMI – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Express® Rio Branco hotel. The new-build hotel is just a short distance from Rio Branco-Plácido de Castro International Airport and is also accessible via the Transoceanica Highway and two key Peruvian ports. The 110-room hotel is owned by Inter Oceanica Hotelaria Ltda and is franchised by an affiliate of IHG. "IHG properties have thrived in Brazil since 1946, and it is exciting to have another great opportunity to open a Holiday Inn Express hotel in a new city," said Alvaro Diago, COO, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG. "Our s...
Hospitality Executive Forum Highlight of Educational Institute’s Visit to Shenzhen, China
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | April 29, 2014
Shenzhen, China, April 2014-Executives from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) who are currently traveling in China as part of an extended visit celebrating EI's 10-year presence in that country, participated in the Sino-American Hospitality Executive Development Forum at the Goodview Hotel Tangxia, Guangdong, on April 25 and 26. The forum was one of several events that are part of the country-wide Greater China 10th Anniversary. The Sino-American Hospitality Executive Development Forum featured several high-level hospitality professionals and educators, including: Ms. Shirley Chen, talent relationship manager...
Aimbridge Hospitality Completes $11 M Renovation of 296-key Embassy Suites Nashville Airport Hotel
Aimbridge Hospitality | April 29, 2014
DALLAS, TEXAS (April 29, 2014) - Aimbridge Hospitality announced today the completion of an incredible $11 million renovation of the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport hotel. The Embassy Suites Nashville-Airport hotel has been completely transformed and made new throughout as a result of this extensive renovation, which improved all areas of the hotel. This cutting edge renovation brings the hotel to the forefront of the current Embassy Suites brand design and programming vision - and includes the following: A completely new and enhanced Front Entrance/Registration and Lobby experience A new Guest Pantry with a complete stock of food a...
MGM Resorts Reports Q1 2014 Net Revenue of $2.6B, a 12% Increase; Domestic RevPAR up 14%
MGM Resorts International | April 29, 2014
LAS VEGAS, April 29, 2014 -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2014 was $0.21, an improvement compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.01 in the prior year first quarter. "We are off to a strong start in 2014, with double digit Adjusted EBITDA growth at our wholly owned domestic resorts and record results at MGM China and CityCenter," said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO. "In the U.S., we are executing on our strategy to drive customer loyalty by increasing incremental convention business to our properties mid-...
Newly Built 107-key TownePlace Suites by Marriott Set to Open in Corpus Christi, Texas
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | April 29, 2014
Corpus Christi, Texas - April 29, 2014 - The 107-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Corpus Christi, Texas is scheduled to open on Friday, May 9, 2014. Located at 6701 South Padre Island Boulevard, the TownePlace Suites Corpus Christi will operate as a Marriott franchise, developed by Western International, owned and managed by MCR Development, LLC. Located 13 miles from Corpus Christi International Airport, the hotel offers guests convenient access to Padre Island National Seashore, the USS Lexington Museum and Texas State Aquarium. Rates vary depending on length of stay. "We are pleased to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to t...
Gaming and Technology Revenue Professional Rory Fagan Joins Duetto as Director of Casino Sales
Duetto | April 29, 2014
Las Vegas, April 29, 2014 - Duetto, innovators in software-as-a-service hotel revenue strategy solutions, named gaming and technology professional, Rory Fagan, as Director of Casino Sales. In his new role, Fagan will drive further adoption of Duetto GameChanger - an entirely web-based revenue strategy application developed by gaming veterans to meet the unique challenges of modern casino hotels and resorts. Prior to joining Duetto, Fagan led sales efforts for SAS, a business analytics software and services company, focusing on the hospitality and gaming market for six years. Previously, he held key sales management positions with leadin...
CSM Lodging Names Erica Lundgren DOSM, Courtyard Marriott Downtown Convention Center, Portland, OR
CSM Lodging | April 29, 2014
Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 29, 2014 - CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation, has named Erica Lundgren director of sales and marketing for the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Convention Center, located in Portland, Oregon. Robert Payne, CSM Lodging's regional vice president of sales, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome Erica to CSM Lodging's Courtyard by Marriott," said Mr. Payne. "She is a proven professional in her field of hospitality sales, and has exhibited outstanding leadership skills in her previous roles, which we look forward to her utilizing in her new assignment." Erica Lundgren was previously director ...
The Shift in Desktop to Mobile & Tablet Continues to Transform Hotel Bookings in Q1 2014
the Author and HeBS Digital | April 29, 2014
By Max Starkov The results from Q1 of 2014 demonstrate a tremendous and continuous shift in hotel bookings and customer engagements from desktop to mobile and tablet devices. Over 36% of web visitors and nearly 34% of page views were generated from non-desktop devices (mobile and tablet), while over 15% of bookings and nearly 14% of room nights and revenue came from tablets and mobile devices. There is no doubt that hoteliers must up their marketing and distribution game in this multi-channel, multi-device world we live in. The Mobile vs. Tablet Argument When analyzing the shift from desktop, the three devices - desktop, mobile (smartp...
Accor Makes CEO Appointments within HotelServices in Europe; Steven Daines and Laurent Picheral
Accor | April 29, 2014
Steven Daines is appointed CEO HotelServices United Kingdom, Ireland, Benelux, Switzerland and Russia. Laurent Picheral is appointed CEO HotelServices Germany, Poland and Central Europe. April 29, 2014 - Steven Daines and Laurent Picheral will be members of the Executive Committee. They will replace Peter Verhoeven who joins Booking.com. These appointments will be effective as of July 1st, 2014. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor declared: "I am very happy for Peter who is seizing a compelling opportunity. I am convinced he has the talent and energy to make this turning point in his career a great success and I wish him the ver...
Choice Hotels Reports Q1 2014 Net Income of $18.9M, a 22% Increase Over Prior Period; RevPAR up 5.6%
Choice Hotels | April 29, 2014
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 28, 2014 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) today reported the following highlights for the first quarter of 2014: Diluted earnings per share ("EPS") for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $0.32, an increase of 23 percent from the same period of 2013. Diluted EPS from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $0.29, an increase of 12 percent from the same period of 2013. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") from franchising activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $40.1 million, an increase of 15 perc...
Knowland Releases New Data Verification Feature That Helps Keep Information Fresh and Accurate
the Knowland Group | April 29, 2014
Customers can now request validation of specific data in their Knowland product. Washington, D.C. (April 29, 2014) - The Knowland Group, the largest data company in the global meeting and event industry, announced today a new data verification feature for customers, designed to leverage Knowland's internal data management system. This revolutionary research process ensures fresh and accurate data, and allows customers to drive verifications with the click of a button. "Thanks to our extensive infrastructure, Knowland is in a unique position to constantly research and update information in our database. No other data provider in the glob...
Ohio’s $272 M 600-key Cleveland Convention Center Hotel, Hilton Cleveland/Downtown Breaks Ground
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | April 29, 2014
April 29, 2014 - CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson were joined by Ted Ratcliff, Senior Vice President of Operations, Eastern North America, at Hilton Worldwide, and other distinguished guests this afternoon for a groundbreaking ceremony to formally recognize the start of construction on the largest hotel project in downtown Cleveland. "The start of this construction project marks another step forward in Cleveland's rebirth, and puts Ohio's largest city in an even stronger position to compete for trade show and convention business," said County Executive FitzGerald. "I am especially p...
