Bringing in Blue Zone Foods
Larry Mogelonsky | December 23rd, 2020
Drinks Trends: 7 Festive Beverages to Discover From Around the World
EHL | December 23rd, 2020
News Top: December
Jan Vanhaelewyn Appointed General Manager for The St. Regis Bermuda Resort Opening Spring 2021
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts | December 17, 2020
St George’s, Bermuda – December 17, 2020 – The St. Regis Bermuda Resort, slated to open in Spring 2021, is proud to announce the appointment of Jan Vanhaelewyn as General Manager. Jan joins the resort with over 12 years of luxury hospitality experience, boasting expertise in both hotel and food and beverage management. A tenured industry veteran, he will be responsible for all aspects of operations, bringing a new era of luxury to this iconic destination. “We are delighted to welcome Jan Vanhaelewyn as General Manager of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. His extensive knowledge and expertise align with the unparalleled excellence for w...
Mark Hehir Appointed General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Opening in 2021
Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company | December 7, 2020
Male, Maldives – December 07, 2020 – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is pleased to announce that Mark Hehir has been appointed General Manager of the highly anticipated and luxurious Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, set to open in Q2 of 2021. With more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and 20 years of experience in the Maldives, Mark is truly an accomplished resort executive in the region. Born and raised in Australia, Hehir worked in his home country as well as in Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean region but came to the know the Maldives region by chance. His first role in ...
Top Ten Trends in Hospitality 2021
Robert Rauch | December 1, 2020
By Robert Rauch Today’s hotel business models look entirely different from their predecessors. COVID-19 is just one earthquake that has jolted the landscape this year. The hotel industry must evolve and reinvent itself to exploit the opportunities and cope with the challenges it faces. After all, this industry is no stranger to disruptions. As we do every year on December 1, the top trends shaping our industry next year will be: 1. Sanitation and Cleanliness Standards Hotel employees and guests must participate in a complete upgrade of sanitization and cleanliness. Each brand has added a different touch, but there are now tw...
Florida’s JW Marriott Tampa Water Street Names Leadership Team With Area General Manager, Ron McAnaugh at the Helm
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street | December 10, 2020
Tampa, Florida – December 10, 2020 – With a soft opening date slated for late December and a grand opening celebration in March 2021, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is excited to introduce its leadership team. Together, this skilled collection of hospitality professionals will ensure that the highly anticipated property offers guests an enriching, immersive escape in the midst of Tampa’s exciting Water Street neighborhood. “We’ve gathered an incredibly talented group of hospitality industry experts here on Water Street,” said Ron McAnaugh, Area General Manager at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street. ...
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation to Acquire RLH Corporation, Creating One of The World’s Largest Hotel Companies With Diversified Brands
Sonesta | December 31, 2020
NEWTON, Mass., Dec. 31, 2020 -- Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RLH Corporation (NYSE: RLH). RLH is the 10th-largest U.S.-based hotel franchise company with more than 900 hotels. After the closing of the transaction, Sonesta will become one of the largest hotel companies in the U.S. with approximately 1,200 hotels in diversified brands across multiple market segments. Sonesta also announced that upon closing of this transaction, 35-year hotel industry veteran Keith Pierce will be joining Sonesta as Executive Vice President, President of Franchi...
RIU Opens the 800-Room Riu Dubai in the UAE
RIU | December 10, 2020
Palma de Mallorca, 10 December 2020 - The Riu Dubai hotel has just opened its doors, marking a new milestone in the RIU chain’s history and bringing a new concept to hospitality in Dubai, UAE. It is the Spanish chain’s first hotel in the Middle East, and it is the emirate’s first 4-star all-inclusive, beachfront family hotel. The project is the result of a partnership between RIU Hotels & Resorts and world-leading master developer Nakheel, creator of world-famous, innovative developments including The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai’s new coastal city, Deira Islands. In adding this new hotel to RIU’s portfolio, it also adds a n...
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa Appoints Laura McIver as General Manager
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | December 9, 2020
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2020) — Southern California’s only Relais & Châteaux property, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, has announced Laura McIver as the new general manager. A leader in the hospitality industry with over 30 years of experience, McIver will be leading the award-winning resort and spa which spans 45 sprawling acres with wide open spaces, lush gardens and olive and citrus groves. “We are pleased to welcome Laura McIver to the Rancho Valencia family,” said Jeff Jacobs, co-owner of Rancho Valencia. “Her vast knowledge and expertise in the hospitality space will inspire our team as we continue to elevate our gu...
The Spirit of Hospitality Is Nurtured by Gratitude
Doug Kennedy | December 21, 2020
By Doug Kennedy As we count down the final days and prepare to turn the calendar to a new year, so many of us are tempted to think “good riddance to 2020.” When I read posts and view memes on social media, it seems that most of us cannot wait to put this year behind us. Indeed, it has been a tough one for all, especially those of us who work in the hospitality and tourism industry. Yet when I sit at my desk writing my last training article of this crazy year, thinking of all the ups and downs I have gone through, I find myself being grateful for 2020, because 2020 taught me how to be even more grateful. This year has made me realize ...
The 2020 Hospitality and Tourism Trends That Will Likely Stay in 2021 and Beyond
Linchi Kwok | December 2, 2020
By Linchi Kwok The COVID-19 pandemic had made an unprecedented impact on the global economy in 2020. The good news is the long-waited COVID-19 vaccines will soon become available. Let’s hope that the coronavirus will disappear soon as we enter the New Year. Looking back before we look forward At year-end 2019, I predicted a few 2020 trends in hospitality, retail, and tourism businesses. For example, I recommended that we should pay special attention to the following areas: A shifting focus on food delivery, sustainable food, and quick-casual restaurants. Using AI and facial recognition in service operations. The threats from...
Accor Presents New Hotels Opening in Australia and New Zealand in 2021
Accor | December 9, 2020
From the launch of the Mövenpick brand in Australia, to the first internationally recognised five-star hotel to be built in Adelaide in 30 years – Sofitel Adelaide, and two brand new The Sebel properties, 2021 will be a strong year of new hotel openings for Accor in the Pacific. The new openings in 2021 represent a strong investment in tourism for the Pacific region. Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said: “With the domestic leisure market growing, Australia and New Zealand are well positioned to capture both domestic travellers and returning international travellers when the borders reopen. The new properties represent the best of A...
Michelle Caporicci Appointed General Manager of Montage Big Sky Opening 2021
Montage Big Sky | December 16, 2020
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. (December 16, 2020) – Montage Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the appointment of Michelle Caporicci as general manager of Montage Big Sky, set to open in 2021. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Caporicci will oversee all daily operations of the resort in Big Sky, Montana, located less than one hour from the Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport and only 45-minutes from Yellowstone National Park. “We are proud to have Michelle lead the team in opening Montage Big Sky,” said Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and CEO of Montage International. “Michelle brings an...
Sandals Resorts Expands to Curacao With the Santa Barbara Resort on the Island
Sandals Resorts | December 11, 2020
SANTA BARBARA, Curacao, Dec. 11, 2020 -- Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the world's leading all-inclusive company, announced today the signing of an agreement that will bring Sandals® Resorts to a brand-new destination, at the Santa Barbara Resort on the island of Curaçao. This will mark the ninth island destination for the brand in the Caribbean region. The new Sandals Curaçao will initially include 350-luxurious rooms and suites stretched along the Spanish Water Bay and the Caribbean Sea, with a further expansion planned in the coming years. Formerly the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, part of a broader 3,000-acr...
11 Examples of CSR Practices in the Hospitality Industry
December 17, 2020
By Justine Gentinetta In recent decades, consumer awareness of social and environmental issues has increased markedly. Companies are progressively integrating sustainable development into their growth strategies for both ethical and profitable reasons, especially if they are to continue attracting the younger, socially active customer. Impact on hospitality industry Environmental policies are on the agenda for all businesses and rethinking hospitality as a sustainable practice is becoming an increasingly urgent matter. Indeed, the hospitality sector is known for its outsized environmental impact. Thus, hoteliers have shifted their f...
Driftwood Capital Acquires 248-Key Hilton Dallas Southlake Town Square in Texas
Driftwood Capital | December 22, 2020
DALLAS (Dec. 22, 2020) – Driftwood Capital, a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment, development, and lending platform specializing in hospitality, announced today that it has acquired the Hilton Dallas Southlake Town Square, a 248-key, five-story hotel located in the Dallas suburb of Southlake, approximately 10 minutes from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Driftwood Capital acquired the asset from Hobbs & Curry family limited partnership for an undisclosed price, and plans to invest $5 million in property renovations over the next 12 months. The property will be managed by Driftwood Capital’s sister comp...
The Living Company Expands Hospitality Leadership Team
The Living Company | December 3, 2020
The Living Company (TLC) announced today that three veterans of the furniture industry will join its executive team as part of its continued expansion in the hospitality space. Beyond hospitality, TLC has experienced significant growth in the burgeoning workforce housing and co-living sectors. Through its University Furnishings brand, it is the leading supplier of furniture, fixtures, and equipment to off-campus student housing. Backed by Lee Equity Partners, TLC offers a comprehensive range of services, including design, sourcing, kitting, warehousing, delivery, installation, replacement, and rehabilitation. According to President and CEO...
Pacific Hospitality Group Acquires Hotel Granduca Austin
Pacific Hospitality Group | December 23, 2020
IRVINE, CALIF. (Dec. 23, 2020) – California-based Pacific Hospitality Group (PHG) today announced its expansion with the purchase of Hotel Granduca Austin in Austin, Texas. This is PHG’s third hotel in the lone star state – with two Marriott-branded hotels in Dallas, Texas. PHG will be taking over operations of the hotel immediately with plans to rebrand the property as part of the Meritage Collection of independent hotels in the summer of 2021. Hotel Granduca Austin will mark the company’s sixth independent hotel in its Meritage Collection portfolio. “As our company expands, it has always been my goal to bring Austin into our grow...
Choice Signs With VRL Hotels to Develop Two New Cambria Hotels in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Cambria Hotels | December 15, 2020
ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 15, 2020 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has awarded franchise agreements to Victor Patel of VRL Hotels to develop new Cambria Hotels in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These agreements further the upscale brand's traction in Tennessee, which includes the already open Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown as well as soon-to-open Cambria Hotel Nashville Airport and a future property in Nashville's West End neighborhood. These proposed hotels will join other Cambria locations in top vacation destinations like Anaheim, California; Madeira Beach, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina;...
Knowland Announces the Passing of CEO Robert Post
December 9, 2020
ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 9, 2020 — It is with profound sadness that Knowland announces the passing of Knowland CEO Robert Post. Bob passed away unexpectedly on December 4, 2020. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Bob’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time. Bob joined Knowland in 2012 as an investor and a member of its board of directors and in 2013 he took the role of executive chairman. In May 2019, he became CEO, bringing decades of experience to the company as a successful entrepreneur and veteran technology company leader. Prior to joining Knowland, he served as CEO or board member of mu...
Revival at The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel Welcomes Brian Crawford as General Manager of Food and Beverage
The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel | December 1, 2020
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 1, 2020) – The Kimpton Sawyer is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Crawford as general manager of food and beverage. In his new role, Crawford will be responsible for leading the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel’s food and beverage team, in-room dining and catering efforts, in addition to overseeing operations at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, Revival at the Sawyer. As Sacramento’s first rooftop lounge, Revival features a selection of locally inspired cocktails, mocktails and small bites, overlooking stunning views of Downtown Commons and the Golden 1 Center. Bringing more than seven years of ...
RIU Hotels & Resorts Reopens Riu Montego Bay Following Complete Renovation
RIU | December 14, 2020
With this renovation, the hotel is now Adults Only, which means RIU’s three hotels in the destination are only for over-18s. Following the overhaul, RIU now has a completely new or recently refurbished range of hotels in the country The hotel’s reopening coincides with the return to operation of Riu Palace Jamaica, also in Montego Bay Palma de Mallorca, December 14th, 2020 - RIU Hotels & Resorts has announced the reopening of Riu Montego Bay in Jamaica, following a complete renovation of its facilities and a change of concept in its service, as it is now Adults Only. What’s more, thanks to this renovation, RIU’s s...
Do Masks Make a Difference in Customer Perception of Service Quality in Hotels and Restaurants?
Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu | December 16, 2020
By Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu As COVID-19 spreads person to person through respiratory droplets, U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone wears a mask when they are around other people (CDC, 2020). As such, many companies have enforced mask wearing policy for their customers and employees (Markowitz, 2020). As a result, many people have started to use masks in the United States. It is noteworthy that while it is new to American culture, mask wearing is common in some Asian cultures (Beglin, 2020). [caption id="attachment_253344" align="aligncenter" width="974"] Figure 1: Type of service person and mask types used...
Azumi Setoda Set for March 2021 Opening in Japan
Azumi | December 10, 2020
10 December 2020, JAPAN: Adrian Zecha and Japanese hospitality group Naru Developments announce the launch of Azumi Setoda, the first opening of their new brand Azumi. The property will be ready to welcome guests from 1 March 2021. Azumi Setoda is located on Ikuchijima, a small island of about 8,000 people in the Seto Inland Sea. With this debut property, the brand will take the cultural framework of the traditional ryokan and infuse it with a quality offering that appeals to the modern, global traveller. The balance between tradition and innovation is integral to all parts of Azumi; demonstrated through everything from the design, service...
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort Names Stuart de San Nicolas as General Manager
Conrad Hotels & Resorts | December 11, 2020
PAPEETE, Tahiti – December 11, 2020 – Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort announces the appointment of new General Manager, Stuart de San Nicolas to lead the team and elevate the resort’s luxury offerings to an even higher level of service. Stuart De San Nicolas has served as General Manager for over two decades in hotels around the world including Altapura in France, Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Hotel & Spa in Mauritius, Pik Palace and Park Chalet, both part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, in Azerbaijan, Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort in Peru, The St. Regis Mauritius, and most recently, at Le Meridien Bora Bora. The se...
Donald Lenahan Named General Manager of Minnesota’s Grand View Lodge
Grand View Lodge | December 1, 2020
NISSWA, MINN. (December 1, 2020) – Cote Family Destinations is pleased to announce the appointment of Donald Lenahan to the position of general manager of Grand View Lodge, Spa and Golf Resort. An industry veteran with over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, Lenahan will oversee all of the management and operations for the iconic lakeside property to continue to position Grand View Lodge as the preferred resort destination in Minnesota and the greater Midwest. Lenahan will drive operations of the year-round resort’s 2,500 feet of beautiful shoreline on Gull Lake, its wide variety of accommodations, North; a boutique hotel, medl...
The Outlook for Hospitality, Part 3: Technology Vendors Reveal the Solutions That are Helping the Industry Recover
Fran Worrall | December 2, 2020
By Fran Worrall Last week, in Part 2 of our series on the outlook for hospitality, we asked some of the industry’s leading technology vendors the following question: How has your company pivoted to meet the new demands the industry is facing? Overwhelmingly, the vendor community has risen to meet the challenges surrounding the pandemic, responding in a variety of creative ways—from offering clients free or discounted services to speeding the development of solutions that provide safe alternatives for guests and support long-term recovery. This week, in Part 3 of our series, more than 30 leading hospitality technology vendors reve...
