Navigating the Complex World of Conversational AI – Part 4
John Smallwood | August 28th, 2024
Louisville, Kentucky Nearly Doubles Year-Over-Year Event Volume, Hits 94.9 Percent Growth in July
Knowland | August 21st, 2024
News Archive: August
How To Implement a Front Desk Upsell Program That Outperforms Your Prearrival Email Campaign
Doug Kennedy | August 22, 2024
Despite what digital marketing and tech providers may say, I believe upselling can best be accomplished when warm, welcoming, front desk colleagues have authentic, human conversations. That’s not to say that pre-arrival emails that market upsell options in advance do not serve a role, because they do. For one, whatever upselling revenue they produce is a plus, especially since it is automatically generated. Also, pre-arrival emails tee-up a conversation-starting question that a well-trained receptionist can use to open the door. The challenge is that these days, guests who book travel in advance are inundated with pre-arrival emails explai...
HVS U.S. Hotel Development Cost Survey 2024
Luigi Major, MAI | August 19, 2024
By Luigi Major In 2023, the national lodging market continued to achieve high performance levels. While occupancy growth was minimal, compared to the level achieved in 2022, average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) reached all-time highs. This robust performance reflects a strong recovery and growth trajectory following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data for 2024 illustrate that the hotel industry has continued to experience minimal improvements in key performance metrics. Despite occupancy remaining relatively flat, both ADR and RevPAR have shown continued growth thus far this year. These healthy...
NexGen Hotels Acquires The Cole Hotel in Palm Springs, California
NexGen Hotels | August 6, 2024
NexGen Hotels Expands its Portfolio into the California Market Palm Springs, CA – August 6, 2024 – NexGen Hotels, a hotel development and management company based in Itasca, Illinois, today announced the acquisition of The Cole Hotel in Palm Springs, California. Located at 2323 North Palm Canyon Drive, the boutique hotel will be managed by Genuine Hospitality Group of St. Louis, Missouri. The Cole Hotel is nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains and is the perfect desert oasis whether looking to be laid-back poolside or out for adventure. The 30-room hotel offers guests convenient access to the scenic trails of th...
Exploring the El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, With Janis Clapoff, General Manager
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | August 21, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky When considering California’s Santa Barbara, you immediately envision a never-ending white sand beach surrounded by trendy restaurants and beach-front accommodations. But drive a few minutes up the city’s hills, and you will reach the El Encanto, a secluded, 7.5-acre oasis of verdant gardens tucked into the upper reaches. Here, a serene presence contrasts the endless hubbub of cars, people, boats, and related commercial activities. This geographic differentiation endears guests to the Belmond property, which, in a word, ‘unwinds’ them from the day-to-day intensity of a traditional visit to the city. ...
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort Expected to Debut in Early October 2024 After $115M Renovation
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa | August 5, 2024
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch will transition to the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona, with transformative renovations of accommodations, pool, suites, and food and beverage concepts. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (August 5, 2024) – With a phased full property renovation under way, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch expects to unveil its highly anticipated $115 million property-wide renovation and rebrand to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort in early October 2024, marking the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona. The newly reimagined luxury resort invites guests to connect with the captivating spirit of ...
LBA Hospitality Celebrates Opening of TownePlace Suites by Marriott Brunswick
LBA Hospitality | August 13, 2024
Brunswick, Georgia – Premier hotel management company LBA Hospitality proudly celebrated the grand opening of its newest hotel, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Brunswick, Georgia, on Tuesday, June 25th. Owned by BPR Properties, the hotel officially commenced operations with an open house event, marking the continued growth in Brunswick’s vibrant hospitality industry as well as the strong partnership between LBA and BPR. Located next to the Residence Inn Brunswick—an LBA and BPR establishment recently recognized with the Marriott Silver Circle award for Guest Service—this new TownePlace Suites enhances Brunswick’s extended...
ChatGPT and AI in the Hotel Industry: Transforming Hospitality
Agilysys | August 22, 2024
The hotel industry is undergoing a transformative shift, largely driven by advancements in artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT. These innovations are not just reshaping customer service but are also revolutionizing how hotels operate, manage resources, and interact with guests. In an increasingly competitive landscape, AI offers tools that enhance guest experiences, optimize operations, and provide strategic insights, making it an indispensable part of modern hospitality. Enhancing Guest Experiences One of the most significant impacts of AI in the hotel industry is on guest interactions. ChatGPT, a conversational AI develo...
Stop It: Ten Bad Customer Service and CX Habits You Need to Stop
Shep Hyken | August 15, 2024
By Shep Hyken Recently, Bob Newhart, a famous comedian and actor, passed away. He started his career as a stand-up comedian and eventually hit it big on television, starring in a TV series aptly named The Bob Newhart Show. His awards include three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In 1960, his comedy record The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart reached No. 1 on Billboard’s pop album chart. But enough about Newhart’s history and accolades, why is he showing up in an article about customer service and experience? The answer can be found in one of his TV specials in a funny ...
