Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2, 2024
Debunking Common Myths About AI: Why Human Hotel Staff Are Still Irreplaceable
John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook | September 17, 2024
Operations
Upgrade Your Digital Presentation With Cinemagraphs
Larry Mogelonsky | March 30, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Let's talk tech. It's 2016 and we all know that visual content for your digital channel mix is essential – even more so now for streamed videos. To update an old adage: if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth a thousand pictures. But embedded videos can be a pain in the donkey because they slow down page load times. Good thing there's a happy medium in the form of cinemagraphs… For our purposes as hoteliers, cinemagraphs are essentially a form of animated GIF with a short, repetitive action to give the appearance of continuous movement. With smartphone cam...
The Sharing Economy Checks In: An Analysis Of Airbnb In The United States by CBRE Hotels
CBRE Hotels | March 29, 2016
Implications On Traditional Hotel Development And Market Performance Going Forward The sharing economy has become a prominent though not well understood economic phenomenon over the past several years. Airbnb is the market leader as it relates to the temporary accommodations industry. CBRE Hotels' Americas Research compiled select information from STR, Inc. and Airdna, a company that provides data on Airbnb, for hundreds of U.S. markets to assess the relevancy of this sharing platform to the traditional hotel industry. Airbnb's presence in key markets throughout the U.S. is growing at a rapid pace, with users spending $2.4 billi...
RoamingAround ‘Location Based Marketing’ A Finalist for EyeforTravel’s ‘Best Mobile Travel Solution’ Award
RoamingAround | March 29, 2016
Identified as a 'Top 3 Technology for 2016,' RoamingAround's Location Based Marketing Platform is enabling hoteliers to be aware of guests' physical locations to add more personalized service in real time Boston, Mass. — March 29, 2016 —RoamingAround's Location Based Marketing solution was recently announced as a finalist for "Best Mobile Travel Solution" 2016 at EyeforTravel's Mobile & Innovation in Travel conference in San Francisco. Now in its 5th year, EyeforTravel's Mobile Innovation in Travel Awards were created to recognize the important role that mobile technology is playing in inspiring, engaging and convert...
Four Strategies Used by Hotel General Managers to Improve Their Hotel Reviews
ALICE | March 28, 2016
To General Managers, there might be no more important data than their guests' reviews. While this may not seem like data to most of us, reviews are the single metric that all of our hoteliers agreed on tracking. And it makes sense when you consider that ultimately, the goal of any hotel is to create an experience worthy of a return guest, and what better way to gauge success than to obsessively monitor guest evaluations? But the impact of guest reviews doesn't stop at helping GMs gauge their success. Given that: 95% of travelers report using travel reviews to make booking decisions, Travelers are four times more likely to choose a ho...
HMC Promotes Mary Ruth Javier to Newly Created Role of Corporate Director of Revenue Management
Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) | March 28, 2016
Dallas, TX – Leo Spriggs, President and CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC), announces the promotion of Mary Ruth Javier in the newly formed position of Corporate Director of Revenue Management. She will be taking on the responsibility of determining revenue/rate structures across all hotels, competitive market intelligence and to ensure property revenues are maximized. Javier previously held the role of Director of Sales & Marketing for the Radisson Hotel Dallas–North, one of the hotels currently under HMC's management. The company continues its ongoing business expansion which is made up of full service, co...
Phoenix Report Reveals 85% of Airbnb Operators Listed Properties for Rent More than 30 Days, Bringing in $41 Million in Profits
AH&LA | March 23, 2016
First in Series of 12 City-Level Reports on Major U.S. Markets; Five Phoenix ZIP codes drive 19% of Airbnb's Phoenix area revenue. WASHINGTON, D.C., March 23, 2016 – Today the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) released Phase II of a study conducted by the Pennsylvania State University School of Hospitality Management that provides a detailed analysis of the commercial activity taking place in Phoenix on Airbnb, one of the most trafficked short-term rental websites. The study builds on the national survey released earlier this year that shows a troubling trend: a growing number of commercial operators are using A...
Google Just Upped the Penalty for Not Having a Mobile-Friendly Hotel Website
the Author and HeBS Digital | March 23, 2016
by Megan Harr Just when you thought you had mobile marketing covered, Google announced the forthcoming release of an update that will increase the importance of maintaining mobile friendliness. In May 2016, Google is expected to release another mobile-friendly algorithm update, further punishing sites that are not deemed mobile-friendly. Google Mobile-Friendliness Algorithm Update 2.0 is the Issue Last April, Google released its Mobile-Friendliness Algorithm Update, the most impactful change since the rollout of Google Panda in 2011. This update gave preferential rankings to those sites deemed by Googlebot to be "mobile-friendly" and pu...
Intrapreneurs are the Lifeblood of a Hotel
Larry Mogelonsky | March 23, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Up until Julius Caesar reformed the calendar that would become the one we use today, the Roman year began in the month of March, named after their god of war, Mars. And to do their god proud, March was a time for preparations, for movement and for action. With spring now upon us, it is time for you too to embark upon a grand adventure. As a senior manager, though, it's often hard to find the time for such ventures. Instead, what I propose you focus on this year is team empowerment and imbuing your team with a refreshed sense of ambition. What you need is a corporate culture that nurtures it...
Best Western and India’s Sorrel Hospitality Sign Master Franchise Agreement for Future Development Across India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka
Best Western | March 22, 2016
PHOENIX (March 22, 2016) - Best Western® Hotels & Resorts today announced that it has inked a master franchise agreement with Delhi-based Sorrel Hospitality. Led by a team of seasoned hospitality industry veterans with extensive experience building and managing hotel portfolios, Sorrel will be responsible for Best Western's future positioning, growth and development across India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka. "We see tremendous potential right now in India and we are delighted to have aligned with a company like Sorrel Hospitality, which has an outstanding track record of success, as we work to expand our footprint in India," said...
Hard Rock International and Luneng Real Estate Group to Develop New Oceanfront Resort on Dalian’s Golden Beach in China
Hard Rock International | March 22, 2016
HONG KONG, March 22, 2016 -- Hard Rock International – with 23 Hotels & 11 Casinos from Bali to Ibiza and San Diego to Singapore – expands its portfolio with the announcement of Hard Rock Hotel Dalian, in collaboration with China-based Luneng Real Estate Group. Located in China's northeastern Liaoning Province, the 200-room Hard Rock Hotel Dalian, a new-build, oceanfront resort will soon rise on Dalian's Golden Beach. With projects currently underway in Shenzhen and Haikou, Hard Rock Hotel Dalian will be the brand's third property in Mainland China upon completion in 2018. "With the Chinese travel indust...
Hotel Equities Names Roger Miller Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Hotel Equities | March 21, 2016
Industry veteran brings multi-brand full service, resort expertise and relationships to firm's leadership ATLANTA, GA (March 17, 2016) – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) recently named Roger A. Miller the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the firm. A veteran of more than 20+ years in multi-unit hotel sales and marketing, Mr. Miller brings full service and select service brand expertise and leadership to his new position including a background in training, coaching and mentoring. In addition, he has a solid history of building collaborative business partnerships with owners, lenders, investors, asset managers and multip...
Marriott Counters – Starwood Accepts
Marriott International, Inc. | March 21, 2016
BETHESDA, Md. and STAMFORD, Conn., March 21, 2016 -- Starwood's Board of Directors determined that revised terms from Marriott constitute a superior proposal compared to previously announced offer by Consortium led by Anbang Insurance Group. Increased cash consideration to $21.00 for each share of Starwood common stock. Revised exchange ratio of 0.80 shares of Marriott common stock for each share of Starwood common stock. Targeted annual G&A synergies increased to $250 million run-rate. Marriott and Starwood special stockholder meetings to be held on April 8, 2016 with transaction closing planned for mid-2016. Marriott ...
FCS’ e-Laundry Automated Tracking Solution Helps Hotels Go Green and Streamline Laundry Operations
FCS | March 17, 2016
Launch of new FCS e-Laundry solution helps track transactions and costs for hotel operations with substantial laundry service demands Hong Kong – March 17, 2016 – FCS Computer Systems (FCS), a leading comprehensive hospitality solutions and services provider, announces the launch of e-Laundry, an automated alternative to manual laundry and linen tracking. The new e-Laundry solution is designed to help hotels eliminate paper trails, while gaining greater perspective into real-time inventory, operational needs by shift, and future consumption forecasting. e-Laundry is especially suitable for hotels with more than 300 rooms, me...
DS Hospitality Taps Hotel Equities to Manage New Courtyard by Marriott in Dripping Springs, TX
Hotel Equities | March 16, 2016
Atlanta, GA–March 16, 2016 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities announced its selection as the management firm for the new-build Courtyard by Marriott in Dripping Springs, Texas, just 25 miles west of Austin Texas. The Courtyard by Marriott will begin construction in April with opening expected in the second quarter of 2017. Hotel Equities will work directly with ownership and design and through the construction process to ensure a great hotel for this thriving market. HE will also work in market closely with Marriott and the community to ensure all pre-opening training and hiring are in place prior to opening. DS Hospitality, LLC...
Four Horsemen of the Hotel POST-Apocalypse
Larry Mogelonsky | March 16, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Last year, I wrote a sensationalist article playing off the common religious story of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Giving each a hotel inference, the four became: PLAGUE (red horse) – The OTAs WAR (white horse) – Airbnb FAMINE (black horse) – Too Many Brands DEATH (pale horse) – Lack of Entrepreneurship While there was some disagreement over what the four hospitality horsemen actually were, one truly insightful complaint was that I only identified and explained the issues without offering any clear and present solutions. Thus, this sequel article is wha...
Benchmark Hospitality International Names Tom Faust Vice President, Sales
Benchmark Hospitality International | March 15, 2016
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, March 2016 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has appointed Thomas Faust vice president, sales. In this role, Mr. Faust will oversee the company's global sales initiatives, as well as Benchmark's Personal Luxury- and Benchmark Resorts-properties throughout Florida, in San Antonio and on the Caribbean island of Curacao. Ted Davis, Benchmark Hospitality's chief sales & marketing officer, made the announcement. "It is a true pleasure to welcome Tom to Benchmark," said Mr. Davis. "His broad and highly successful industry experience and extens...
Owned and Managed by Midas Hospitality, New 123-Room Courtyard Hotel to Open in St. Peters, Missouri
Courtyard by Marriott | March 15, 2016
St. Peters, Missouri – March 15, 2016 – Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis/St. Peters is scheduled to open its doors in St. Peters, Missouri this Monday, March 21, 2016. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 4341 Veterans Memorial Parkway, the 123-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Midas Hospitality of St. Louis, Missouri. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard St. Louis/St. Peters offers guests con...
Midas Hospitality, LLC Acquires the Courtyard by Marriott – Clemson, SC for $16.5M
Midas Hospitality, LLC | March 15, 2016
SAINT LOUIS, MO, March 15, 2016 – An investment group led by Midas Hospitality, LLC has acquired the 110-room Courtyard by Marriott - Clemson, SC for $16.5M. St. Louis-based hotel owner, operator and developer, Midas Hospitality, LLC will manage the asset. Opened in 2009, the Courtyard by Marriott - Clemson, SC is located at 201 Canoy Lane, Clemson, SC, at the corner of SR-123 & 93, less than one mile from the Clemson University campus. The asset boasts 110 guest rooms and suites, fitness center, Bistro restaurant & bar, meeting rooms and a heated indoor swimming pool. Robert Willard, President & Principal, Midas Hospi...
White Lodging Names Brian Burton as Vice President of Revenue Strategy and Optimization
White Lodging Services Corporation | March 15, 2016
In his new role, Burton will oversee sales and revenue strategies for the full service and lifestyle hotels MERRILLVILLE, Ind., March 15, 2016 -- Bringing nearly 25 years of hospitality experience, Brian Burton joined White Lodging last month as the Vice President of Revenue Strategy and Optimization for the full service and lifestyle division, responsible for its sales and revenue strategies. "It's exciting to join such a well-respected and growing organization," Burton said. "White Lodging has always been the pinnacle in which all other management companies aspire to become." Prior to joining the company, Burto...
TSA Partners with Copthorne Hotel Dubai, to Increase Upsell Revenue by 400% in Less than a Year
TSA Solutions | March 15, 2016
TSA Solutions' Upsell Programs Support the Hotel with Dramatic Increases in Revenue, Guest Satisfaction, and Front Desk Upselling Efficiency DUBAI and NEW YORK — MARCH 15, 2016. Continuing its accelerated expansion worldwide, TSA Solutions has implemented its Front Desk Upselling program to support the 210-room Copthorne Hotel Dubai in enhancing upselling revenues, building RevPAR and promoting increased guest satisfaction. TSA now has close to 40 hotel partners in Dubai. In less than a year since implementing the program, the hotel saw monthly upsell revenue grow from 1% to 4% of total room revenue, an increase of 400%. The hote...
Don’t Neglect This Key Component of Asset Management: Cellular Infrastructure
Sarah Smith | March 15, 2016
By Sarah Smith When people think about asset management, they typically contemplate services that maximize returns for owners. If you really want to protect the owner's investment while delivering a quality product with exceptional service levels, there's a key component to asset management that you may be overlooking: Establishing a Strong Cellular Infrastructure. If your hotel company is committed to taking care of people, adding value to your brand, enhancing and protecting long-term real estate values and serving the owner's objectives, one of the very best things you can do is provide a safe and reliable cellular infrastructure. Do...
Concord Hospitality Set to Open 146-Room Courtyard by Marriott in Dowtown Akron, Ohio
Courtyard by Marriott | March 14, 2016
Akron, Ohio – March 14, 2016 – Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown is scheduled to open its doors in Akron, Ohio this Thursday, March 17, 2016. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 41 Furnace Street, the 146-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Concord Testa & Associates LLC and managed by Concord Hospitality Enterprises of Raleigh, North Carolina. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard by Marriott Akron...
Marriott International Reaffirms Commitment to Merge with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide
Marriott International, Inc. | March 14, 2016
BETHESDA, Md., March 14, 2016 -- Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today reaffirmed its commitment to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) to create the world's largest hotel company. The combined company will offer stockholders significant equity upside and greater long term value driven by a larger global footprint, wider choice of brands for consumers, improved economics to owners and franchisees leading to accelerated global growth and continued strong returns. Marriott is confident that the previously announced merger agreement is the best course for both companies. On March 11, 2016 Starwo...
Second Assurances
Larry Mogelonsky | March 9, 2016
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) The funny and scary thing about first impressions is that you only get one. One chance to nail that perfect handshake at the start of a job interview. One chance to set the mood for an outstanding hospitality experience upon guest arrival. I've long argued that in the hospitality space, first impressions are first assurances – subconscious cues for the guests that they will be safe within the confines of your property, that their needs will tended to and that they are about to experience something great. There are many aspects involved in a first impression, from cleanliness and strik...
