COVID-19 and the Chinese Hotel Sector
Caroline Zhang | March 31st, 2020
Covid-19: What Should Hoteliers Keep in Mind In the Midst of the Current Crisis
Pierre Verbeke | March 27th, 2020
News Top: March
FAU Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Offers Lifeline to Workers Struggling During Coronavirus Pandemic
Florida Atlantic University | March 26, 2020
BOCA RATON, Fla. (March 26, 2020) – Florida Atlantic University’s nationally ranked Hospitality and Tourism Management program, within FAU’s College of Business, is offering a free certificate to industry workers and professionals who may be affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Through a series of five online sessions in April, participants can learn about the core components required for success in the industry. The sessions cover hospitality law, career competencies, marketing and revenue management, finance fundamentals and service excellence. “Hospitality will always rebound, but this is the first global crisis where every hospi...
How Social Media Can Help Your Hotel During COVID-19
Pipeline Social Media | March 30, 2020
Canceled events. Canceled travel plans. Canceled bookings. It’s safe to say that the Coronavirus has rocked the hospitality industry and we can only hope that the effects will be over soon. You are most likely looking at your budget and finding any and all areas to trim back to meet payroll and impending bills. While you might not be concerned with social media right now, we wanted to give you some food for thought during this time in order to set your hotel up for success in the future. Social media is the first place your guests will go to get informed. They still rely on you to figure out what their travel options are, whether you a...
Now Is the Worst Time for Hoteliers to Stop Selling
Greg Johnson | March 24, 2020
By Greg Johnson We are all dealing with a crisis that is unprecedented, causing us to rethink the way we tackle our everyday jobs and how people are traveling. This is causing our hotels to run with a skeleton crew, all sharing in the responsibilities of the various tasks needing to be done. Hotel sales leaders have, in general, been protected from jumping into the daily operations of the hotel so that they can devote most of their energies towards keeping the future funnel of business coming into the hotel. That is not our current reality, though. With our past designated job descriptions being discarded in an effort to continue to ...
Coronavirus Impact On Hotels & A Plan For Recovery
GCommerce Solutions | March 23, 2020
What is the current digital marketing landscape for the hospitality industry? First, let’s summarize the larger impact of COVID-19 on the industry. Current Impact of COVID-19 on the Hotel Industry According to American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), the hospitality industry has lost 1.5 billion in room revenue and is on pace to lose $1.4 billion per week due to COVID-19. In the last few days, we have received word that many hotels have either already closed their doors or are planning to in the immediate future, all due to the impact of COVID-19. While these numbers are staggering, let’s take a look at what our hotel digit...
3 Undistributed Expense Trends to Watch
HotStats | March 16, 2020
Hotel operating departments can be divided into two main groups: those that generate revenue and those that don’t. Typically, hoteliers focus on the first group when analyzing financial performance— after all, that’s where the money comes from! Thus, departments such as rooms, F&B and spa are put under the microscope, and departmental key performance indicators (KPIs) are thoroughly studied and benchmarked. The second group consists of the undistributed departments, namely Administrative & General (A&G), Information & Telecommunications systems (I&T), Sales & Marketing (S&M) and Property & Maintenan...
COVID-19: Industry Leaders Speak Out on the Future of the Meeting Business
Hospitality Upgrade | March 12, 2020
by Fran Worrall, Hospitality Upgrade Editor Yesterday, the World Health Organization announced that COVID-19—the viral disease that has swept the globe and killed more than 4,200 people—is officially a pandemic. At the same time, President Donald Trump announced that travel from Europe to the U.S. would be restricted for 30 days, beginning tomorrow at midnight. Analysts are saying the virus is having a bigger impact on global aviation than 9/11. And a recent Skift Research survey indicates that nearly one-third of U.S. travelers are deferring their plans. A number of industry conferences and meetings have been cancelled or postponed, a...
Kimpton Debuts in the Florida Keys With Five Hotel Collection, Kimpton Key West
Kimpton Key West | March 16, 2020
KEY WEST, FL (March 16, 2020) – Today, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announces the opening of Winslow’s Bungalows, the first hotel in the new five-hotel Kimpton Key West collection. This marks the sixth outpost for the boutique hospitality company in the Sunshine State and its first in the Florida Keys. Across all five of the hotels, spread across six blocks in Key West’s historic Old Town, no two rooms in the collection’s 219 total keys are the same. A complete reimagining of the Historic Inns of Key West, accommodations span everything from estate-like guesthouses to charming bungalows and original conch houses, each with its ow...
COVID-19: Employer Obligation for Safety, Paid Leave, Wage and Hour
Jonathan Yarbrough | March 26, 2020
By Jonathan Yarbrough The hotel industry is being hit particularly hard by COVID-19 with occupancy rates plummeting for those hotels open during this crisis. Some hotels that are open are operating with a skeleton crew – with exempt managers working alongside hourly employees to ensure that hotel operations run as smoothly as possible under the circumstances. Still, these operating hotels must take precautions to ensure that staff are as safe as possible during this pandemic, while complying with the various, and seemingly ever-changing, employment laws. Wage and Hour Laws and Workplace Safety While safety of employees is certainl...
How Hoteliers Can Get Over the Coronavirus
HotStats | March 17, 2020
COVID-19 is putting an end to 11 years of unprecedented growth in the hotel industry. There is no sugarcoating it: the coronavirus has induced panic across the globe, throwing markets into chaos, postponing conferences, stamping out travel and emptying drugstore shelves. It’s still early, but the impact has been swift and pernicious for the hospitality industry as travel has come to a standstill, drying up occupancy and throwing a wicked curveball to revenue and accentuating expenses, which in turn will cast a pall over hotel bottom lines. The virus is here, and it’s doing what viruses do: invading and infecting. The hotel industry ...
10 Ideas to Improve Booking Performance During the Crisis
Milestone Inc. | March 10, 2020
By Dev Kurbur, SVP of Global Customer Success “Some companies will emerge stronger than before” – Andy Grove Intel’s Andy Grove had a lot to say about how to react to downturns and setbacks. Here are just a few of his insights and maxims: 1) The first rule is that economic downturns always end. 2) Some companies emerge from recessions stronger than before. 3) You can’t save your way out of a recession. 4) The future favors the optimist.* Milestone, Inc. has dozens of hospitality clients, so we decided to put together some recommendations for where to invest time and focus during the crisis and here we share them with ...
Will the Coronavirus Crisis Force Hoteliers to Implement New Technologies Faster?
Moritz Klussmann | March 17, 2020
By Moritz Klussmann Covid-19 is not only turning our private lives upside down these weeks and months. The spread of the virus also has a massive impact on many industries worldwide. Cancelled rooms and flights and thus absent guests are hitting the hotel and tourism industry very hard. In the current situation, hoteliers must therefore not only be creative when it comes to their pricing and cancellation conditions. They must also develop a long-term strategy to rehabilitate themselves in the market and make up for losses once the crisis is over. New technologies and especially their rapid implementation will - and must - play a key role f...
The Meritage Resort and Spa and Vista Collina Resort in Napa Valley Welcomes Two New Leadership Positions
The Meritage Resort and Spa and Vista Collina Resort | March 13, 2020
LOS ANGELES (March 13, 2020) - Napa Valley’s premier luxury destinations, The Meritage Resort and Spa and Vista Collina Resort, have announced the appointment of industry veterans David Ryan as managing director and David Burt as area director of sales. Helping to lead these resorts into the new decade, Ryan and Burt will bring a fresh perspective on luxury travel to California’s pristine wine region. “Both Ryan and Burt come to the properties with years of luxury experience and we couldn’t be more excited to have them join the team,” said President and Chief Operating Officer at Pacific Hospitality Group, Paul McCormick. “They...
The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort Welcomes Culinary Team
The Cavalier Resort | March 13, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA [March 13, 2020] - Gold Key | PHR is excited to announce the addition of top industry talent, Chef Hisashi Araki, Chef Paul Newman and Bertrand Daluzeau, to the culinary team at the highly anticipated Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. Chef Hisashi Araki joins the team as Executive Chef of Orion's Roof and Chef Paul Newman will serve as Executive Chef of Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill. Bertrand Daluzeau will take on the role of the Director of Food & Beverage for the hotel. Under the trio’s direction, the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront is set to continue to elevate the dining scene in Coastal Virginia and be...
COVID-19 and Hospitality: 7 Alternative Ways to Cut Costs and Save Your Business…BEFORE Resorting to Layoffs
Nicole Dehler, Vice President of Product Management | March 26, 2020
By Nicki Dehler The hospitality industry is entering uncharted territory. As concerns surrounding the continued transmission of COVID-19 continue to mount, we find ourselves isolated in our homes, unsure of when this pandemic will pass. What does the future hold for our communities? Moreover, what will this crisis mean for those businesses who have ceased operations due to recent recommendations and mandates for complete shutdowns? There is no denying that from a business perspective, travel and hospitality have taken the brunt of the pandemic’s economic impact. Hotels and airline companies have suffered unprecedented losses as escala...
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Announces New Hotel Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego | March 12, 2020
San Diego, Calif. (March 12, 2020) – Nationally recognized Southern California hotel, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, has announced the promotion of two team members. John Yeadon has been promoted from Director of Sales and Marketing to Hotel Manager, and prior Director of Group Sales, Michaelene Sullivan will assume the role of Director of Sales and Marketing. Both Yeadon and Sullivan bring leadership expertise to their roles at one of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts highest performing hotels. With over 20 years of experience in hospitality management and 14+ years with Hyatt, Yeadon brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position where h...
COVID-19 Pushes Hospitality Industry to the Edge: Key Considerations for Stakeholders
Todd Soloway | March 13, 2020
By Todd Soloway As reports of confirmed Coronavirus cases increase, travel bans and mass quarantines go into effect, and citizens across the globe avoid all nonessential travel, the hotel industry is being hard hit. Without exaggeration, owners, managers, and brands that were already struggling, and even those that were not, may face existential decisions. To aid in addressing the myriad of issues, we have compiled a series of key points that any stakeholder should consider in navigating and evaluating the difficult decisions that lie ahead. Cost Cutting: Can Vendor Contracts Be Modified, Suspended or Terminated? Hotels are being i...
Hilton Corporate Response to COVID-19
Hilton | March 27, 2020
McLEAN, VA - The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has created unprecedented challenges for our industry, our hotels and our Team Members. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) is taking decisive action to protect the core of its business and support affected Team Members until this crisis passes and travel resumes. With travel at a virtual standstill, operations have been suspended across many managed and franchised hotels, and those hotels that remain open have reduced services for guests because of decreased occupancy levels. At the corporate level, Hilton is taking the following actions to significantly reduce expenses and preserve l...
Urgo Hotels Are On Call to Serve First Responders During COVID-19 Crisis
Urgo Hotels & Resorts | March 25, 2020
Bethesda, Md. – March 24, 2020 – With 30 hotels in the United States and Canada, Urgo Hotels and Resorts is standing by to assist first responders, including medical personnel, government officials, and others on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis. Individuals and organizations in need of overnight rooms, function space for staging, or food and beverage service can contact any Urgo hotel for assistance. “With hotels among the essential services approved to operate during the crisis, our hotels are available to facilitate short- and long-term needs that may arise due to the shifts in personnel and resources required to deal with th...
RLH Completes Sale of Red Lion Hotel Anaheim for $21.5 Million
RLH Corporation | March 10, 2020
DENVER, March 10, 2020 -- RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) announced today that it has closed on the sale of its Red Lion Hotel Anaheim for $21.5 million in gross proceeds. Red Lion Hotel Anaheim was wholly owned by the Company and unencumbered by a mortgage. Proceeds after broker fees and customary closing costs will be used to repay the $10 million credit facility. The remaining funds of $10.8 million will be used to fund franchise growth opportunities and for general business purposes. This transaction marks the final closing of four hotels announced in September 2019 as under contract to be sold. The net proceeds from these four assets af...
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore Appoints Matthias Al-Amiry as Managing Director and Regional Vice President Southeast Asia
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore | March 10, 2020
Singapore (10 March 2020) – Change at the top of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. Matthias Al-Amiry today takes over the management of the five-star luxury hotel at 15 Stamford Road. He holds a dual role as he is also the Regional Vice President Southeast Asia for the Kempinski Hotels group. He will oversee Kempinski’s properties in Bangkok, Jakarta and Bali as well as the future Hotel & Residences in Kuala Lumpur. He is also responsible for future projects in the area. With Matthias Al-Amiry, Kempinski has brought on board an extremely experienced hotelier. Matthias was born and raised in Germany and most recently held the...
COVID-19 Hotel Resource Guide
Ahmed Kabani | March 27, 2020
By Ahmed Kabani Kabani Hotel Group Presents: COVID-19 Hotel Resource Guide Given the uncertain times that we are in, we at Kabani Hotel Group have compiled a guide for hoteliers, to cope with the current state of the hospitality market. Although an economic recovery date remains uncertain, previous crises have taught us that the hospitality industry is resilient. Max Starkov, a hospitality and online travel technology strategist, and founder of NextGuest, believes that global tourism will recover quickly due to the growth of the global middle class. By 2030, this class is expected to reach 5.3 billion people, and middle-class spen...
8 Ways Hotel Contact Centers Can Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19
Cloud5 Communications | March 23, 2020
As the hospitality industry faces unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of hotel reservations and airline bookings are being cancelled or postponed. It’s daunting to imagine that each caller wants to talk to a live person to ensure their transaction is handled correctly. This extraordinary call volume puts unparalleled stress on industry call center operations and your brand at risk. If calls are handled well, you have the chance to minimize revenue loss and grow customer loyalty. If not – you not only lose the short-term booking, but the lifetime value of the guest. In today’s environment, your call center ...
Historic Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Reveals $30M Transformation
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | March 12, 2020
PHILADELPHIA (March 12, 2020) – Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International’s most global brand, welcomes today the reimagined Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel to its portfolio, following a $30M renovation. A Center City landmark at Logan Square and the second-largest hotel in the city, the property has deep roots in the local community and a long legacy of welcoming visitors to explore, relax, and enjoy the possibilities of travel. The downtown Philadelphia hotel is owned by Cambridge Landmark and operated by Aimbridge Hospitality. “Philadelphia is the cultural crossroads of history and innovation, and we are proud t...
Knowland Insights: Coronavirus Pandemic – Hotel Group Impact and Actions
Knowland | March 12, 2020
Large losses of business, mitigation in the short term and positioning for an eventual rebound Washington, DC (March 12, 2020) Knowland, the leader in revenue-generating hospitality meetings data and analytics, is tracking the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on group business for the hotel industry. Today, Knowland announced estimated group cancellation rates across a 90 - 120 day booking window for the US/North America, Asia Pacific and Europe regions. As expected, Asia Pacific has the highest cancellation rate with 90%, while U.S./North America hotels report a 40% cancellation rate for events and meetings. The U.S./North America ...
ALICE Launches Free COVID-19 Checklist Software
ALICE | March 31, 2020
ALICE has launched a new free product to help hoteliers operate more efficiently during COVID-19. ALICE’s COVID-19 Checklists Software is available now, and is free to help hotels manage operations through times of low occupancy or closure, back into times of recovery, and up to full occupancy again. ALICE Checklists provides hoteliers with tools to streamline operations and communications. With more than 100,000 hoteliers across 2,500 hotels using ALICE, it is the hospitality industry’s leading operations technology, connecting every department of the hotel with one platform for all staff communication and guest requests. With ALICE C...
