Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
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Operations
Transforming the F&B Department in F&F
Larry Mogelonsky | March 4, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) In the good old days of hospitality, food and beverage was part of the core. Management treated the department with the lofty respect it deserved, not only in differentiating the property, but also because of the profits it delivered. The iconic hotel dining room was an important meeting place in the community it served, often considered the best table in town. Times have changed. Food is clearly important, as witnessed by a myriad of great chefs and restaurant brands associated with and located within hotels. But the drink side of the equation has taken a heavy blow. Alcoholic beverages ar...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Promotes Frances Gonzalez to Vice President, Operations, Latin America
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | March 3, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (March 3, 2015) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today promoted Frances Gonzalez to vice president, Operations, Latin America. Gonzalez previously served as senior regional director of Operations in Latin America and will report directly to Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer and executive vice president, Americas and will be based in Miami "Frances will play a key role for us as we look to accelerate the growth of our brands throughout Latin America," said Rosenberg. "She will oversee all aspects of operations along with owner relations, hotels performance, and c...
Hilton Worldwide Expands Hilton Garden Inn in the Middle East with Three New Signings in Dubai & KSA
Hilton Garden Inn | March 3, 2015
March 03, 2015 - DUBAI, UAE and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of three new Hilton Garden Inn hotels for Dubai and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) adding to the mid-market brand's growing portfolio of more than ten hotels either trading or under development in the Middle East. "Hilton Garden Inn is an exciting proposition for investors in the Middle East as Hilton Worldwide continues to grow its presence in the value segment across the region," said Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East and Africa for Hilton Worldwide. "With significant focus on the development of mid-market accommodation in Dubai and c...
InnLink Demonstrates Leadership in TripAdvisor’s TripConnect Premium Partner Program
InnLink Central Reservation Services (an IHS company) | March 3, 2015
Early adopters see average of 230% growth in reservations through TripConnect booking engine channel since launch Hendersonville, TN - March 3, 2015 - InnLink Central Reservation Services has been making great strides in leveraging their TripConnect Premium Partner certification to increase hotel participation and driving incremental reservations for their independent hotels. Implementation of the new TripConnect® instant booking capability is well received by hotels and penetration is growing rapidly in the InnLink customer base. Initial adopters have seen an average of 230% growth in TripConnect booking engine reservations since inst...
White Lodging Assumes Management of the 121-room Hampton Inn Miami-Doral Dolphin Mall in Florida
White Lodging Services Corporation | March 3, 2015
MERRILLVILLE, Ind., March 3, 2015 - White Lodging is pleased to announce it has officially taken over the management of the Hampton Inn Miami-Doral Dolphin Mall in Miami, Fla. This addition expands White Lodging's managed portfolio to 159 hotels, including 14 in Florida, and the company's 5th Hampton Inn. "Expanding our portfolio in Florida is exciting," said Regional Director of Operations for White Lodging Rocky Wruck. "The hotel is a beautiful asset in a prime location. We know our guests will enjoy everything the hotel has to offer." The hotel will be brought into the White Lodging portfolio under the leadership of Regional Director...
Accor Names Balendra Nagesvaran as Vice President of Operations Luxury and Upscale Brands
Accor | March 2, 2015
(March 2, 2015) - Accor North America, Central America and the Caribbean (NCAC) region has announced the promotion of Balendra Nagesvaran to vice president of operations for Accor luxury and upscale brands in the region. The segment encompasses all Sofitel (luxury), Pullman (upscale), and MGallery (upscale) hotels throughout the region, excluding Cuba and the Dominican Republic. His role will also include the development of the luxury and upscale segment in the region, including Sofitel Mexico Reforma, set to open in 2017. Nagesvaran brings more than 27 years of experience in international hotel operations and management to his new posi...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Appoints Greg O’Stean as Chief Development Officer
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | March 2, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (March 2, 2015) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today appointed Greg O'Stean as chief development officer. He will report directly to Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer and executive vice president, Americas. "Our development activities have been on a strong, upward swing, and we are delighted to add a development professional with a solid hotel finance and development pedigree to our team," said Rosenberg. "The momentum across our brands and the launch of Radisson Red has received an enthusiastic response from the investment and development community, and Greg ...
Hilton Worldwide Honors Twelve Team Members with the 2014 CEO Light & Warmth Award
Hilton Worldwide | February 27, 2015
February 27, 2015 - MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced that 12 Team Members at owned, managed and franchise properties have received the 2014 CEO Light & Warmth Award. This award is the highest accolade any individual can achieve, and was established to recognize exceptional Team Members and franchisee employees who embody Hilton Worldwide's Values of Hospitality, Integrity, Leadership, Teamwork, Ownership and Now. In 2014, more than 2,000 Team Members and franchisee employees from around the world were nominated by their colleagues, and finalists were selected by a committee with representatives from across the company....
Hotel Equities Names Sean McKeen General Manager for New Residence Inn Miami Beach-Surfside
Hotel Equities | February 26, 2015
Atlanta, GA – February 26, 2015 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) announced the hiring of Sean McKeen as the General Manager of the new Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach-Surfside. The $52 million resort-style hotel recently topped out at 92nd Street and Collins Avenue in the Surfside area of Miami Beach. Hotel Equities who has an ownership position in the project is also managing the 175-room upscale property for their JV partner Hotel Development Partners (HDP) of Atlanta. "Hotel Equities is delighted to introduce Residence Inn by Marriott to the Miami Beach market," said Brad Rahinsky, President and COO of...
Hard Rock International Appoints Jon Lucas as Executive Vice President of Hotel & Casino Operations
Hard Rock International | February 25, 2015
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 25, 2015 - Hard Rock International – owner of one of the world's most-recognizable and iconic brands – announces the appointment of 30-year hospitality veteran, Jon Lucas, as EVP of Hotel & Casino Operations. In this new position, Lucas will be instrumental in further igniting the brand's transition into a world-class, full-service hotel and casino management company. Lucas originally joined Hard Rock in 2013 as the president of the Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield Park, where he managed everything from site design and construction to the hiring and onboarding of key executives. During his tenure at the Rocks...
HeBS Digital and Google Co-Host a Luncheon Workshop on Engaging and Converting the Traveler
HeBS Digital | February 25, 2015
NEW YORK, NY February 25, 2015 - HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm co-hosted a Google Partners Luncheon at the Google Headquarters in New York City this week on Monday, February 23rd. The event brought together over 100 hospitality guests and a panel of industry experts to discuss the technologies to invest in, the strategies to employ to drive revenue to their hotel, and how to stay on top of their customers' minds throughout the traveler consumer's path to purchase. Representatives from Major Hotel Companies, Google Experts, and Industry ...
Your Leaders Will Also Need Mentoring
Larry Mogelonsky | February 25, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) According to a benchmark study in 2012, US companies alone spend almost $14 billion annually on leadership development with the cost of customized offerings from top business schools reaching upwards of $150,000 per person. No one can doubt that it's important. But molding the next generation of hospitality leaders (keeping this price tag in mind) is far easier said than done. There are lots of tricks to develop and coach leaders without spending excruciating amounts of money. You start by choosing only those individuals who possess the most essential capabilities for business success such ...
RLJ Lodging Trust Continues Capital Recycling Program with the Sale of 24 Hotels for $240 Million
RLJ Lodging Trust | February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015 - RLJ Lodging Trust (the "Company") (NYSE:RLJ) today announced that the Company has sold a total of 24 hotels for approximately $240 million. The sale price represents approximately a 7.9% capitalization rate on the hotels' 2014 net operating income, including planned capital expenditures. "We are very pleased with the execution of our capital recycling program. In total, we have now sold 39 hotels for approximately $370 million over the last 16 months and improved our overall portfolio metrics," commented Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain committed to creating long-term shareh...
General Manager Vishal Bharti Opens the 189-room Courtyard by Marriott Agra in India
Courtyard by Marriott | February 24, 2015
February 23, 2015, Agra, India - Marriott International continues its dynamic growth in India with the latest opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Agra. Located in the beautiful city of Agra, home to the world renowned "Taj Mahal", one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Courtyard by Marriott Agra is the 12th property for the brand in India. The hotel endeavour's to be a preferred getaway destination offering Indian hospitality with an international flair. Well-appointed rooms, varied F&B options and expansive indoor and outdoor event spaces ensure that every stay is truly memorable, be it dedicated to work or family. The 189-room pr...
Cyril Kovarsky Joins Accor as Senior Vice President of Global Sales
Accor | February 24, 2015
Cyril Kovarsky is joining Accor as SVP Global Sales, effective as of April 1st, 2015. Cyril will be responsible for defining and coordinate Accor's B-to-B sales strategy for all segments (large corporate accounts, event agencies, airlines, travel agents, tour operators). Cyril Kovarsky is graduated from ESG Paris. In 2000, he joined Orange as Sales Director for the B-to-B segment in Paris. In 2004, he became head of Orange retail stores in Paris and the Ile de France region. He then became director of Orange retail distribution in France and CEO of Orange Promotion. In 2010, Cyril was appointed Senior Vice-President Corporate Sales for ...
HeBS Digital and eCornell To Host a Webinar on Dynamic Content Personalization
HeBS Digital | February 24, 2015
Hoteliers' Powerful New Tool to Maximize Website Revenue and Conversions NEW YORK, NY February 24, 2015 - HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm today announces it will host a webinar with eCornell on Dynamic Content Personalization. Attendees will learn how successful hotels and resorts use dynamic content personalization to maximize website conversions and revenues by as much as 40% by personalizing promotions, visuals and marketing copy to user's geo location, demographics and purchase intent. Dynamic Content Personalization allows hotel mark...
RoomKeyPMS Powers Pacifica Hotels with Cloud-based Property Management System
RoomKeyPMS | February 24, 2015
Properties across California coast to benefit from RoomKey's user-friendly PMS February 24th, 2015, Vancouver, BC: RoomKeyPMS, a leading cloud-based Hotel Property Management system is excited to announce their newest partnership with Pacifica Hotels. RoomKeyPMS is a powerful cloud-based PMS that is easy to implement and scalable for any size independent hotel or multi-property. With easy anytime, anywhere access to your hotel, RoomKeyPMS was built by hoteliers for hoteliers. The Pacifica Hotels properties span the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Half Moon Bay, as well as Florida and Hawaii. Over the past two years, Pacifica Hotels has ...
San Antonio’s La Cantera Hill Country Resort Set to Reopen Following Renovation
La Cantera Hill Country Resort | February 23, 2015
SAN ANTONIO – La Cantera Hill Country Resort, managed by Destination Hotels, is readying for reopening after its multi-million dollar transformation. The 550-acre resort, which suspended overnight guest accommodations in November of 2014, will welcome back guests in April, with dramatic enhancements throughout the resort. "All elements of the resort's transformation have been carefully designed to elevate guest experiences and position the property as the preeminent resort in Texas," said John Spomer, vice president and managing director, La Cantera Hill Country Resort. "Throughout this process, we are holding true to our commitment t...
Accor Sells Zurich MGallery for $62.6 Million, Retains Management; Buyer Plans $26 M Renovation
Accor | February 19, 2015
Paris – February 19, 2015 - Accor announces the signing of a sale and management-back agreement for the Zurich MGallery with a private investor, already an Accor franchisee, for a total of €55 million (€355K per room). This amount includes the sale price of €32 million and a commitment from the buyer to carry out €23 million worth of renovations as soon as the transaction is finalized. Ideally located close to the main railway station and the old town, and offering 138 rooms and suites, the hotel will continue to be operated by Accor under a long-term management contract. The asset was part of the acquisition of a portfolio fr...
Hilton Worldwide Appoints Tom Potter as Senior Vice President for the Caribbean and Latin America
Hilton Worldwide | February 19, 2015
Potter to Lead Operations at Nearly 40 Properties and Oversee Development Pipeline MCLEAN, Va. – Feb. 19, 2015 – Hilton Worldwide announced the appointment of Tom Potter as senior vice president, Caribbean and Latin America. Potter takes the helm of the region's owned and managed portfolio, while playing a key role in the company's ambitious expansion plans throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. With more than 35 years with Hilton, Potter has had a front row seat to the company's impressive growth in Latin America. In his new role, he is focused on continuing this effort and being a driving force in the region's success. "Expan...
Alisa Faulk Named Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association General Manager of the Year
Concord Hospitality | February 19, 2015
RALEIGH, N.C., (February 19, 2015) - Concord Hospitality Enterprises, one of the nation's top-ranked hotel developer/owner/operators, announced that Alisa Faulk of the company's Courtyard by Marriott, Settlers Ridge was named General Manager of the Year by the Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association (GPHA) at the organization's annual meeting and gala. The General Manager of the Year award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated professionalism in operating a property and taken a leadership role in the industry by actively participating in association, community or industry programs. "Both Concord Hospitality and Marriott Internationa...
Shortcuts that Kill Revenue: Using the “DIY” or “Build It Quick & Cheap” Approach for Hotel Websites
the Author and HeBS Digital | February 19, 2015
By Max Starkov Recently, a major player in the industry announced the launch of their new $399/month service for "DIY" hotel websites. In the past, there have been many attempts to help hoteliers create a quick and cheap website presence, dating back to 1997 and GoDaddy. The main premise of this approach is that all hoteliers need is a website, and that any website would do: choose from a few design templates, slap some photos, add thin, unappetizing descriptions and textual content with no SEO value, add a booking engine widget, and voila! There you have it! This is exactly what $399/month buys these days. Unfortunately, in this multi...
A Checklist for Your USP
Larry Mogelonsky | February 18, 2015
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Central to building your property's awareness and sales generation, is its 'voice' or unique selling proposition (USP). Specific to the hospitality industry, a USP is defined as the single most identifiable benefit a property can give to consumers. In this day and age of endless distractions and screen bombardment, you have at best five to ten seconds, or one short phrase, to impress a prospective guest - not much time to communicate the full extent of your brand value. But this should be enough for you to get across one clear idea or selling point. From a marketer's point of view, an ironc...
Hotel Equities Names Amanda Michael as General Manager for New Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Louis
Hotel Equities (HE) | February 18, 2015
Atlanta, GA–February 18, 2015 – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (www.hotelequities.com) announced the hiring of Amanda Michael as the General Manager of the Home2 Suites by Hilton Forest Park, the hotel nearing completion in St. Louis, Missouri. Hotel Equities is managing the 107-room hotel for Above All Development, LLC of St. Louis. "Hotel Equities is delighted to introduce Home2 Suites by Hilton to the St. Louis market," said Joe Reardon, VP of Business Development and Marketing. "This is our first hotel in the all-suites brand and its innovative approach is sure to appeal to our guests whether they are business travelers or extende...
