News Archive: April
Understanding the Role of the Hotel Revenue Manager
Ahmed Mahmoud | April 7, 2015
By Ahmed Mahmoud Revenue management has developed from yield management and market analysis, where it is not secret or a passing fad, but it is critical to maximizing a hotel's profitability, it might be "A dark science ... Combining high technology and black arts" The recent survey conducted by revenueyourhotel.com showing that there is a high link between RevPAR and profitability, indicates if the hotel take any actions to increase the RevPAR this will translate into improving the hotel's profit. This is what is 94% of the survey statistical saying. The survey includes some others statistics, finding out that 15% of key EBITDA hotels ...
Lifestyle Hotels: The Emergence of a New Creative Class
HVS | April 23, 2015
April 2015 How It All Started The Lifestyle niche has gained momentum in recent years and has evolved into an established category of hotels. This article aims to explore the dynamics and behavioral patterns of this unique market and to reveal the emerging trends that encompass this modern subdivision of the industry. The Conception of Lifestyle Hotels The travel industry of the 21st century has been marked by a rising creative movement. Demand is slowly gearing toward the desire for unique experiences based on originality, design, authenticity, and cultural connections. Consequently, the definition of luxury has evolved as it is no lo...
In Memoriam, A Tribute to Rebecca Kollaras 1969 – 2015
April 28, 2015
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 2015....Rebecca Kollaras, who was regional director of public relations for Benchmark Hospitality International and an esteemed colleague of the company's sales, marketing and public relations teams, passed away suddenly on April 19 while on a seaside outing with her family. A seasoned and exemplary public relations professional for Benchmark's Personal Luxury collection in Florida, Rebecca was one of the most exceptional human beings anyone could have the pleasure of working alongside or meeting in life. She was pure class: a feisty, courageous and adored leader who loved rocking a red power dress!...
What Is The Most Important Question Your Reservations Sales Agents Should Ask?
Doug Kennedy | April 6, 2015
by Doug Kennedy If you're like most hoteliers these days chances are you are looking to reduce distribution costs by increasing direct bookings. If so, perhaps it's time to update your reservations sales processes. Based on my experience running a hotel reservations mystery shopping business, I can definitively say that these days the majority of front desk and reservations agents offer little more than what I call "website search support." In other words, they do nothing more than what the caller could have done themselves by visiting the website; find out the dates, the number in the party, click enter, and then read off a list of the...
Conde Nast Traveler Releases The 2015 Hot List: The World’s Best New Hotels
April 20, 2015
May Issue on Newsstands April 28, 2015 NEW YORK, April 20, 2015 -- Today, the editors of Conde Nast Traveler announce the definitive guide to the best new hotels and resorts in the world, the 2015 Hot List. A select 60 properties made the 2015 Hot List, after being vetted by editors and contributors who visited hundreds of recently opened properties around the world, from West Africa to Miami. This year, an invisible and seemingly effortless attention to detail was appreciated more than over-the-top gestures. Conde Nast Traveler Editor-in-Chief Pilar Guzman says, "The standout properties were those that understood the intuitive ne...
Ocean By H10 Hotels Adds Two Cuba Resorts to Caribbean Management Portfolio
Ocean By H10 Hotels | April 29, 2015
The new all inclusive resorts, Ocean Casa del Mar and Ocean Vista Azul, will be opening by end of 2015 in Cuba. Riviera Maya, Mexico (April 29, 2015) - Ocean by H10 Hotels - H10 Hotels Caribbean Division - has announced the expansion of its presence in Cuba and the Caribbean, by adding two new resorts which will be opening later this year. In addition to the existing Ocean Varadero El Patriarca, all inclusive resort located on Cuba's famed Varadero Beach, the new all inclusive resorts Ocean Casa del Mar and Ocean Vista Azul will be opening by end of 2015 in Cuba. The 800-room, five-star Ocean Casa del Mar, located in Cayo Santa Maria (S...
Brian Obie, Developer of Inn at the 5th, Plans More of Prototype in the West
April 26, 2015
April 26--When Brian Obie opened his upscale boutique hotel Inn at the 5th in 2012 there were plenty of people who questioned whether the hotel would survive, let alone thrive. The country was deep into a punishing recession and, with rates starting at $189 a night, the inn was the priciest hotel in the local market. At a time when many Americans were cutting their travel budgets, the inn targeted a high-end market. It offered amenities such as room service from March? restaurant, original artwork, in-room fireplaces and a "butler door" that allowed hotel employees to deliver food and beverages to a room through a pass-through from the ...
Turks & Caicos Government are Aware of Legal Issues for Developer of Planned $224M Ritz-Carlton
April 17, 2015
April 17--PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands -- Almost two weeks after questions were first directed to its press office, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) government finally issued a statement on Thursday saying that it is aware of a civil lawsuit against the developer of a planned $224 million Ritz Carlton resort in the TCI seeking to recover funds fraudulently transferred by the convicted operator of a Ponzi scheme. "We are aware of the civil lawsuit against members of the Desarrollos Hotelco group. We are in receipt of representations from their attorneys, and note that those involved have filed defences in the US courts," th...
