Navigating Today’s Persistent Labor Shortages in Hospitality
John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook | February 22nd, 2024
5 Reasons to Reevaluate Your Metasearch Marketing
GCommerce | February 14th, 2024
News Top: February
Ford Versus Ferrari: A Lesson in Customer Experience
Shep Hyken | February 15, 2024
By Shep Hyken Functionality versus customer experience: Do they belong together? Yes! And here’s a story to make the point: Two guys are buying new cars. One buys a Ford EcoSport, and the other buys a Ferrari Roma. The Ford costs about $25,000. The Ferrari costs about $250,000 – 10 times more! Both guys live in the same neighborhood. They both drive downtown to work. They use their cars for the same reason: daily transportation. Both vehicles go back and forth to work without any problems. And because of the speed limit, both take about the same amount of time to do so. And both dealerships – Ford and Ferrari – provide...
Hotel Heron Appoints Executive Team Ahead of Spring Opening in Alexandria
Hotel Heron | February 29, 2024
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Q4 2023 Major U.S. Hotel Sales Survey
Daniel Lesser | February 7, 2024
At the dawn of 2024, a U.S. presidential election looms amidst numerous geopolitical challenges including two major ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East which threaten global economic growth. The good news is, thus far it appears the U.S. economy has avoided recession with many now perceiving continued growth, albeit subdued. Inflation has cooled, the economy continues to add jobs, interest rates appear to have peaked and are anticipated to gradually decline for the next two years. Furthermore, a roaring stock market continues to fuel American consumer expenditures resulting in strong demand for travel including lodging. Despite a re...
U.S. News Reveals the 2024 Best Hotels
U.S. News & World Report | February 6, 2024
Washington, D.C. – U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs, today revealed its 14th annual rankings of the Best Hotels. The 2024 rankings highlight more than 37,000 hotels across more than 400 destinations to help travelers find the hotel that suits their needs. For the second year in a row, Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Hotels in the USA ranking, setting itself apart with its oceanfront pools, memorable dining and Mediterranean-inspired decor. The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfsi...
The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection Inducted Into Historic Hotels of America
Historic Hotels of America | February 16, 2024
NEW YORK, February 16, 2024 – The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection, located on Manhattan’s West 44th Street, is pleased to announce it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States. The Algonquin Hotel is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance. “Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct Th...
Best Western Plus Heritage Rail Inn & Suites Is Now Open in Pennsylvania
BWH Hotels | February 12, 2024
York, Pennsylvania (February 12, 2024) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the Best Western Plus Heritage Rail Inn & Suites, located at 140 Leader Heights Road in York, Pennsylvania. The hotel, owned by Sagar V. Shah and his family, features 73 guestrooms and 55 suites. The property recently completed a comprehensive $3 million renovation, now featuring refreshed guestrooms and amenities. The property’s boutique design takes inspiration from the history of York, with railway themed artwork and unique railroad inspired design features throughout the hotel. Guests can access amenities including a new arc...
The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores Rebranded as Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel | February 8, 2024
Longtime beloved beach hotel reveals new name and brand concept to the Atlantic Coast of North Carolina. (ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C., Feb. 8, 2024) -- Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel – a newly renovated coastal retreat in Atlantic Beach, N.C. with all oceanfront rooms – is entering the new year with a new name and refreshed brand identity, while still delivering the genuine hospitality and coastal charm for which the property is known and loved. Formerly known as The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, all oceanfront room hotel is ushering in a new era of modern elegance and unparalleled seaside experiences following its recent renovations. Crystal Coa...
Kevin Barosso Appointed Director of Sales & Marketing for New Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy
CoralTree Hospitality | February 27, 2024
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Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center Opens in North Texas
Loews Hotels & Co | February 13, 2024
$550 Million Hotel Development is Loews' Second Loews Property in the Metroplex, adding 888 rooms and 266,000 square feet of function space to Arlington's Entertainment District ARLINGTON, Texas, Feb. 13, 2024 -- Loews Hotels & Co, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loews Corporation (NYSE: L), today opens the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center. The hotel is Loews' second and largest hotel in Arlington, Texas and the first-of-its-kind in the market, ushering a new era of hospitality to North Texas. Loews Arlington Hotel is a state-of-the-art, full-service meetings, events and resort destination that caters to groups of all ...
Brush Creek Ranch Appoints Prosenjit “Ricky” Biswas as Executive Chef
Brush Creek Ranch | February 19, 2024
Chef Biswas to Host Friends of James Beard Dinner August 16-17, 2024 (Saratoga, Wyo.) – February 19, 2024 – Brush Creek Ranch, named among the Top 20 Resorts in the Mountain West in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards, announced today the appointment of Prosenjit "Ricky" Biswas as Executive Chef. Continuing to grow and enhance the Ranch’s already extensive farm-to-table cuisine, Chef Biswas will oversee all culinary functions across the Ranch’s three luxury properties – Lodge & Spa, Magee Homestead, and French Creek – in addition to The Farm at Brush Creek which is home to the award-wi...
Navigating Today’s Persistent Labor Shortages in Hospitality
John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook | February 22, 2024
How technology can help the hospitality industry traverse these turbulent waters and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. By John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook February 22, 2024 – In the dynamic hospitality industry, where guest satisfaction reigns supreme, the persistent challenge of staffing shortages has reached a critical juncture. According to a recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), a staggering 67% of hotels are grappling with staffing shortages. This scarcity of personnel is not merely an inconvenience; it is a significant impediment to the industry's seamless operation. Despi...
Building a Must-Experience Hotel Restaurant That Builds Loyalty and Drives Revenue
Kai Urban | February 22, 2024
By Kai Urban, Director of Food & Beverage, Hilton Anaheim Key pillars of a profitable and successful hotel restaurant include enhancing guest experience while ensuring operational efficiencies. Hotel executives must navigate through the nuances of creating the right ambiance for the respective market and audience and address marketing, branding, and leveraging technology. To build and foster a stellar reputation as a hotel restaurant takes adapting to market trends and ultimately positioning itself as an indispensable asset in the competitive hospitality landscape. Beyond the rooms, Hilton Anaheim is known for an array of amenities...
AHLA Commends House Vote to Reauthorize Trafficking Victims Protection Act
AHLA | February 16, 2024
WASHINGTON (Feb. 16, 2024) – After the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation from Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., to reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act for five years, American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Chip Rogers released the following statement: “The hotel industry is united behind preventing human trafficking and helping survivors, and AHLA applauds House lawmakers for this bipartisan vote to extend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “The bill provides vital funding for trafficking prevention and awareness efforts as well as housing...
Hospitality Revenue Management: 10 Ways To Boost Hotel Income in 2024
EHL | February 7, 2024
Despite signs of recovery in 2023, the hospitality sector's 2024 outlook is unpredictable. Deloitte's Hospitality Industry Outlook 2023 identified the hospitality sector's key challenges for 2024 as a drop in consumer confidence, continuing labor shortages, and the inability of hotels to raise prices despite escalating costs. However, by leveraging strategic hospitality revenue management, hotels can navigate these hurdles and even drive revenue growth in the coming year. While the effectiveness of these hotel revenue management strategies will vary by location, audience and the economy; here are ten effective ways to increase your hotel'...
The Critical Role of Leadership in Championing Guest Service in the Hospitality Industry, Guest Service in the Hospitality Industry
Alan Young | February 22, 2024
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Embracing Technology Without Losing the Human Touch in Hospitality
Alan Young | February 8, 2024
By Alan Young I have been chatting with a number of hotel operators over the last few weeks, and one thing is constant between each and every one of them: we must continually improve our service delivery as the adoption rate of technology is moving at lightspeed. Why? Because when technology is so incredibly prolific, we need proof of humanity and authenticity. Hotel operators want to embrace technology to help them run their businesses more effectively, but not at the cost of losing their hotel's “human touch.” In a world increasingly dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements, the hospitality in...
IHG Partners With Whitestone and Redrock Portfolio to Bring Six Senses to the South Carolina Coast
IHG | February 28, 2024
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Winter Haven Hotel Miami Beach Unveils New Renovation
Winter Haven Hotel | February 26, 2024
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35th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference Highlights Legacy in Hospitality With Fireside Chat Featuring Anthony Capuano, President & CEO of Marriot
Hunter Hotel Investment Conference | February 20, 2024
ATLANTA (February 20, 2024) – The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference (“HUNTER”) is thrilled to highlight the past and future icons of our industry with a session devoted to legacy as the event celebrates its 35th anniversary this coming March. The session will showcase a captivating fireside chat with Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, interviewed by Mitch Patel, CEO of Vision Hospitality Group. This intimate discussion, which combines the perspectives of a major brand leader with a seasoned hotel owner and developer, is one of the many additions to HUNTER’s 2024 program. Taking the HUNTER stage for...
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Adds Two Key Players to Leadership Team
Belmond | February 12, 2024
FEBRUARY 12, 2024 - El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, a serene hideaway overlooking the Pacific Ocean amidst the hills of Santa Barbara, today announces two appointments to its dynamic leadership team. These strategic hires will bolster the property’s position as the premier hotel in the American Riviera and reinforce its commitment to providing the highest standards of excellence for guests. KATHRYN CARLTON, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Kathryn Carlton, a seasoned sales and marketing leader with over twenty years of experience in entertainment and hospitality, joins El Encanto as director of sales and marketing. Over her career, she gain...
Overcoming the Huge Disconnect Between Service Mottos and What Guests Actually Experience
Doug Kennedy | February 12, 2024
By Doug Kennedy I have always been a huge fan of articles written by Alan Young, CEO of Puzzle Partner, but I was super happy to read his most recent article entitled Has the ‘New’ Service Culture Become the ‘No’ Service Culture? In this publication. I definitely suggest that my readers click and read the full article wherein Alan calls out and challenges major, iconic brands to live up to their lofty company mottos and read his pointed questions to them. His work has inspired me to write more about the disconnect between brand messaging and operational delivery, along with discussion questions for your next leadership meetin...
IHG Signs With Yuvaan Developers Private Limited for Holiday Inn Guwahati in India
IHG | February 5, 2024
The new-build hotel will feature 150 keys will open its doors to guests in 2028 5th February 2024, New Delhi: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced a management agreement with Yuvaan Developers Private Limited for Holiday Inn Guwahati in India’s North-East region. Scheduled to open in January 2028, the new-build 150-key hotel signifies a significant stride towards IHG’s expansion strategy in secondary markets, in line with the growing demand for quality branded accommodation in the country. Guwahati, a gateway destination to northeastern India, is now a thriving economic hub featur...
Reframing Sustainability as a Hotel Profit Maker
Adam Mogelonsky, Larry Mogelonsky | February 28, 2024
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StudentUniverse Releases Their Annual State of Student Travel Report Revealing Key Trends Amongst Gen Z Travelers
StudentUniverse | February 14, 2024
This Year StudentUniverse Delves into the Importance of Traveling for One’s Mental Well-Being, the Impact of AI, Top Destinations for 2024, Embracing Sustainability, and Inspirational Travel Platforms Waltham, Mass. (February 14, 2024) – StudentUniverse, a Flight Centre Travel Group company and the world’s largest student and youth travel marketplace, today released its annual The State of Student & Youth Travel Report delving into the latest travel sentiments amongst those aged 18-25. The report reveals some interesting trends amongst Gen Z travelers including a preference for taking “dry vacations” and a concern for the...
AREV Collection Appoints Alexandre Lebrat as Global Director of Sales and Marketing
AREV Collection | February 22, 2024
Saint-Tropez – AREV Collection is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexandre Lebrat as Global Director of Sales and Marketing. With nearly 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Alexandre brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Commenting on his new position, Alexandre Lebrat stated, “I am honored to join the team at AREV Collection. I look forward to welcoming travelers from around the world to experience the charm of AREV Saint Tropez, an extremely special new property.” Alexandre Lebrat joins AREV Collection from La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa and Villas, where he served as the Director of Sal...
