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
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Honors Top Award Winners for 2013
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson | April 9, 2014
Marsha McCreary, Joe Freyer and the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Port Orange - Daytona, Florida MINNEAPOLIS (April 09, 2014) - Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, a leading upper midscale hotel brand known for its outstanding guest service and complimentary amenities, honored its 2013 top-performing hotels, general managers and employees at the brand's 2014 Business Conference held recently at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas. Following are highlights of the top award winners. 2013 Employee of the Year Marsha McCreary, breakfast hostess from Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Hanover, Virginia, was named the 201...
TripAdvisor Tripconnect Helps Hoteliers Cut Dependency on Booking Intermediaries
| April 9, 2014
by Pedro Colaco Having recently come back from quite a few trade shows and customer visits, and having spoken to tens of industry experts, I felt compelled to write this article about an idea that I have been sharing with our hotel customers and my industry friends for a while, but that I want to share with the industry at large and put out to debate. The idea is simple: Tripadvisor's Tripconnect is the first real challenger to Booking.com's dominance and is the first step to get hoteliers back in control of their online distribution channel. Let me explain how I came to this conclusion. Hoteliers feel trapped There is a mounting sentim...
Newmarket Providing Global Web Presentation of NICC 2014 General Sessions
Newmarket International, Inc. | April 9, 2014
Portsmouth, New Hampshire - April 9, 2014 - Newmarket International, Inc. ("Newmarket"), the proven business solutions provider for empowering hospitality organizations to lower costs and increase revenue while improving customer satisfaction and guest loyalty, is pleased to announce the opening of the annual Newmarket customer conference, "NICC 2014," being held this week at the Omni Dallas Hotel from Tuesday, April 8 to Friday, April 11. Newmarket is anticipating approximately 250 attendees at this year's conference. NICC has been acclaimed as both thought provoking and inspiring, motivating attendees to be agents of change when they...
Educational Institute and TripAdvisor® Collaborate on Reputation Management Training
the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute | April 9, 2014
Orlando, Florida, April 2014-The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI), in partnership with TripAdvisor®, has developed a 30-minute online tutorial that introduces front-line staff to the concept of reputation management. Tens of millions of travelers share reviews of their hotel stays on TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel ratings website, and millions of others read those reviews when planning trips for business and pleasure. Managing a property's online reputation is essential, as guest reviews contribute-positively or negatively-to a property's bottom line. "TripAdvisor® Reputation Management for Front-Line...
U.S. Business Travel Lifted by Positive Economic Reports; GBTA Revises Growth Forecast Upward
April 9, 2014
GBTA Revises Business Travel Growth Forecast Upward for 2014 Crimea Crisis Has Little Direct Impact on U.S. Business Travel to Date Alexandria, VA (April 8, 2014) – Despite a record-breaking winter where the effects of the polar vortex and back-to-back snowstorms halted travel across much of the U.S., business travel is expected to continue its surge in 2014. The Global Business Travel Association today significantly increased its forecast for the year, driven in large part by healthy corporate profits, rising management confidence and increased job development – a continued positive sign for the U.S. economy. U.S. business travel s...
Debbie Murakami Promoted to Assistant General Manager at the Holiday Inn® Waikiki Beachcomber Resort
Outrigger Enterprises Group | April 9, 2014
April 9, 2014 - HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII - Outrigger® Enterprises Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Debbie Murakami from front operations manager to assistant general manager at the Holiday Inn® Waikiki Beachcomber Resort. In her new role, Murakami will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the resort, working closely with the front office and housekeeping managers to oversee the bell services, housekeeping and front desk departments, and assisting the general manager in achieving financial, guest service and IHG brand requirements and goals. Prior to the Holiday Inn® Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, Murakami held the ...
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail, Colorado Names Scott Gubrud as Director of Sales & Marketing
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail | April 9, 2014
VAIL, CO (April 9, 2014) - Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail announces the appointment of a new sales and marketing team at the property, including Scott Gubrud as the Director of Sales & Marketing. The new team joins Four Seasons Vail with a high level of expertise and deep knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry. In his new role, Gubrud provides leadership on the day-to-day operations of the sales and marketing departments, while maintaining focus on the company's strategic goals. Gubrud brings more than 25 years of experience in sales and hospitality to the resort. He joins the Four Seasons with a long track record as ...
Development to Begin for 224-key Sheraton Georgetown, TX Hotel & Conference Center to Open in 2016
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | April 9, 2014
Owned by a Joint Venture Between Hines and The Novak Brothers April 09, 2014 - STAMFORD, Conn. - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced it will soon debut in Georgetown, Texas, an affluent and rapidly expanding suburb of Austin. Sheraton Georgetown, Texas Hotel and Conference Center is slated to open in 2016, within the upscale Summit at Rivery Park development. Owned by a joint venture between Hines, the international real estate firm based in Houston, and The Novak Brothers, the new-build, Starwood operated Sheraton hotel will offer 224 spacious guestrooms, extensive meeting facilities and all the She...
Kimpton’s The Brice Hotel in Savannah, Georgia Names Kate Brown as Director of Sales & Marketing
The Brice hotel | April 9, 2014
SAVANNAH, Ga. (April 9, 2014) - Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants' soon-to-open The Brice hotel just got richer in talent with the addition of four new sales leaders. Heading up the department, Kate Brown, director of sales and marketing, brings more than 21 years of hospitality experience to this role and will oversee the sales department, including: Kelly Young, group sales manager; Marie Dalis, leisure sales manager; and Kelly Russo, revenue manager. Kate Brown has been with Kimpton for five years and was previously the senior sales manager at Kimpton's The Sky Hotel in Aspen, Colo. Having served in a variety of roles such as wedding ...
Travel Tripper Introduces Specials & Packages and Offer Landing Pages in RezTrip Web-booking Engine
Travel Tripper | April 9, 2014
(NEW YORK)-RezTrip, the premium central reservation system by hotel technology provider Travel Tripper, now generates an automated Specials & Packages page and distinct Offer Landing Pages for Group and Transient rate plans. The new features continue to add to RezTrip's reputation as one of the industry's most innovative and modern CRS systems. Specials & Packages linked from RezTrip CRS directly to hotel website Most hotels maintain a "Special Offers" page on their respective websites. Every time a hotel creates a new special offer, the marketing team usually has to coordinate with the hotel's website design agency to make upda...
HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to Receive AHIC 2014 Leadership Award
AHIC 2014 | April 9, 2014
AHIC 2014 to be Held May 4-5, 2014 in Dubai Dubai, UAE 9 April 2014: The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC 2014) will be presenting the Leadership Award this year to HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), in recognition of his vibrant role in developing the hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia. In his role as SCTA President and Chairman, HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman has helped in driving the development of the hotel industry in Saudi Arabia with key initiatives that respond to the rowing domestic demand on hospitality. A strong cor...
The 110-room Courtyard Columbus Set to Open in Mississippi; Owned & Managed by Peachtree Hotel Group
Courtyard by Marriott | April 9, 2014
Columbus, Mississippi - April 9, 2014 - Courtyard by Marriott is scheduled to open its doors in Columbus, Mississippi this Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 1995 Sixth Street North, the 110-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Peachtree Hotel Group of Atlanta, Georgia. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard Columbus offers guests convenient access to Columbus Air Force Base, Missis...
Managed by Zen Operadora, Owned by Andicapital, 64-key Park Inn by Radisson Bogota, Colombia Opens
April 9, 2014
MINNEAPOLIS (April 09, 2014) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups today announced the opening of Park Inn® by Radisson Bogota located at Cra 18 No 93-97 and is the brand's first location in Colombia. "We are pleased to unveil the Park Inn brand in Colombia," said Scott Meyer, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. "This is a great addition to our portfolio - the hotel is centrally located in Bogota, just minutes from nightlife and blocks from the financial and commercial districts, making it perfect for business and leisure travel, as well as cor...
The 243-key Radisson Hotel Trinidad Opens in Port of Spain, Trinidad; Owned by Allied Hotels Limited
April 9, 2014
MINNEAPOLIS (April 09, 2014) Radisson®, one of the world's best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the opening of the Radisson Hotel Trinidad. The 243-room hotel is on Wrightson Road in Port of Spain and offers a variety of guest rooms and suites. "The opening of this hotel reinforces our commitment to enhance the brand's portfolio and further expand throughout the Americas," said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson. "This is the third hotel we have opened in the Caribbean in the last year with this ownership group, we are excited about this expansion and are pleased to welcome a hotel that is perfect for both bus...
Resorts World Bimini Selects Agilysys Solution Suite
Agilysys | April 9, 2014
Destination Resort Implements Property Management, Condo Accounting Solutions ALPHARETTA, GA. - April 9, 2014 - Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading provider of innovative hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Resorts World Bimini has selected the Agilysys Lodging Management System® (LMS) and the Agilysys Visual One™ Condo Accounting System to streamline operations and provide comprehensive condominium management at the 480-unit Bahamas resort. A new 326-room luxury hotel, scheduled to open in June, also will use LMS®. "When shopping for new technology, we had very specific criteria," said Chad Mostat...
Starwood Sells Aloft Tucson University to Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust II
Aloft Hotels | April 9, 2014
April 9, 2014 - STAMFORD, Conn. - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that it has completed the sale of Aloft Tucson University to Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. ("LVPRII"), a public, non-traded REIT sponsored by The Lightstone Group ("Lightstone"), a privately held real estate company, for $19 million. As part of the agreement, the hotel will be managed under a long-term license agreement by Island Hospitality Management and continue to fly the Aloft brand flag. "The sale of Aloft Tucson University highlights Starwood's commitment to an asset-light strategy as we continu...
Ohio’s 121-key Courtyard Cleveland Airport North Completes Major Guest Room Renovation
the Courtyard Cleveland Airport North | April 8, 2014
NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio, April 8, 2014 -- The Courtyard Cleveland Airport North has completed a major renovation of its guest rooms to offer even more comfort with a sophisticated style. Featuring Courtyard's latest contemporary CYnergy package room design as well as an innovative lobby space, the hotel in North Olmsted provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experiences. Courtyard constantly researches trends and evolves to meet the changing needs of its guests. The latest room design at the hotel offers hybrid zones for working, sleeping, relaxing and getting ready. Indirect lighting and a n...
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills in California Appoints Nicholas Rimedio as Food & Beverage Director
L'Ermitage Beverly Hills | April 8, 2014
BEVERLY HILLS, CA (April 8, 2014) - L'Ermitage Beverly Hills has named Nicholas Rimedio as Food & Beverage Director, overseeing all culinary efforts and partnerships for the property. No stranger to Viceroy Hotel Group, Rimedio previously served as a project consultant on two separate occasions for L'Ermitage, as well as on the primary task force for the opening of Viceroy Anguilla in 2009. He will work closely with the executive chef of LIVELLO to continue providing discerning locals and hotel guests with a distinctly unique dining experience at that reflects the top tier service and luxury standard of L'Ermitage Beverly Hills. Rim...
Noble House Hotels Names Stephen Belie as Executive Chef for 72-room Gateway Canyons Resort in CO
Gateway Canyons Resort | April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014 - SEATTLE, Wash. - Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. (NHHR) - a collection of luxury hotels and resorts - proudly announces the appointment of Stephen Belie as Executive Chef to Gateway Canyons, located southwest of Grand Junction in Gateway, Colorado. In this role, Belie will oversee all culinary operations for Gateway Canyons and its signature restaurants, which feature superior Colorado cuisine and offers a discriminating wine selection in an al fresco, serene setting. "We're extremely excited about the unique blend of creativity and the level of passion for cuisine that Chef Stephen Belie will bring to Gateway Can...
JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Completes Renovation to Guest Rooms & Lobby; Adds Xanat Restaurant
JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City | April 8, 2014
MEXICO CITY, April 8, 2014 -- The JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City has completed a nearly year-long renovation just in time for a new year and is set to show off its refreshed guest rooms, lobby, Xanat Bistro & Terrace, health club and executive lounge. The Mexico City hotel's guest rooms, already boasting marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, received fresh paint and new carpet and draperies to raise the standard of elegance in the consistently luxurious accommodations. Deluxe beds with down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens and plenty of fluffy pillows ensure a sound night's sleep. In-room safes provide travelers...
Stella Chow Appointed as Director of Marketing and Sales for Lanson Place Hotel Hong Kong
Lanson Place Hospitality Management Limited | April 8, 2014
HONG KONG, April 8, 2014 -- Lanson Place Hotel, Hong Kong (the Hotel) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Stella Chow as Director of Marketing and Sales effective from 13 February 2014. Ms. Stella Chow is appointed as the Director of Marketing and Sales of Lanson Place Hotel, Hong Kong Stella will be heading the sales team in developing new business and marketing initiatives to further enhance the hotel's reputation as one of Hong Kong's leading luxury boutique hotel brands. Stella has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing positions. Prior to joining Lanson Place, she was Director of Business Development at Passke...
Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos Promotes Nora Swire to Senior Director of Marketing
Hard Rock International | April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014 - Orlando, Fla. - Hard Rock International - one of the world's most-recognizable and iconic brands - proudly announces the promotion of its current Director of Marketing - Hotels and Casinos, Nora Swire, to Senior Director of Marketing - Hotels and Casinos - a tremendous success as research has shown that although women are the backbone of the hospitality industry, making up 60% of the sector's workforce, they only account for six percent of senior executives. In this capacity, Swire will continue to lead the brand's global marketing efforts, including the execution of strategic marketing and brand building initiatives, ma...
Ian Schrager Company Appoints Danette Opaczewski as New Chief Operating Officer
Ian Schrager Company | April 8, 2014
NEW YORK, April 8, 2014 -- Ian Schrager Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Danette Opaczewski as Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Opaczewski joins Ian Schrager Company with a strong, multi-disciplined financial and operational background with over 20 years in the hospitality industry. In her most recent position as Executive Vice President of Operations and Technology for the Denihan Hospitality Group, a privately held hotel management company that owns and operates high-profile properties, Ms. Opaczewski's leadership and strategic direction added hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate value to the company by renovati...
Pearl Hotel Investors Set to Open New 233-suite Residence Inn In Portland, Oregon’s Pearl District
Residence Inn | April 8, 2014
Portland, Oregon - April 8, 2014 - The 223-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Portland, Oregon is scheduled to open this Friday, April 11, 2014. Located at 1150 Northwest Ninth Avenue, the all-suite Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Pearl District is the first hotel to open in the Pearl District and, is owned by Pearl Hotel Investors LLC and managed by Marriott International, Inc. Located in the trendy Pearl District, within walking distance to numerous restaurants, breweries, modern art galleries and fantastic nightlife and shopping that Portland has to offer, the hotel offers its guests convenient access to Powel's Books, Portland's Jap...
