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
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Assumes Direct Responsibility of Brand in Mexico
January 3, 2019
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Assumes Day-to-Day Management of the Brand in Mexico Phoenix, Arizona (January 3, 2019) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts today announced that it has assumed direct responsibility for the Best Western brand in Mexico & Central America and surrounding countries (collectively, "Mexico"). Best Western will now operate on a property direct relationship ("PDR") with Best Western branded hotels in Mexico, all of which remain independently owned and operated. The transition to direct responsibility of the brand in Mexico will result in focused brand-level efforts and increased synergy and...
PolyU Study Reveals Motivation for Family Vacations With Young Children
January 2, 2019
Families with young children have rather different motivations for going on holiday than families with older children, according to the findings of a study by Dr Mimi Li, Dr Dan Wang and Ms Wenqing Xu of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a co-researcher. Having analysed online travel reviews and blogs, the researchers found that parents believe "travelling as a family contributes positively to family bonding and interaction" and that providing young children with new experiences and lasting memories is the most important part of a successful trip. Tourism promoters should thus ...
Continuing Professional Development for Housekeepers
Larry Mogelonsky | January 2, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) While new legislation is emerging from all corners of the world to better safeguard workers, and more specifically housekeepers, from harm and thereby generate new applicants for these roles. Two prominent examples are the widespread mandate for employee safety devices, often called the panic button, as well as the new musculoskeletal injury prevention regulations in California. I see these trends as part of a bigger issue, though. Namely, we aren't doing enough to make this particular line of work rewarding over a long stretch of time. Housekeeping can be grueling, monotonous and o...
Ahead of November 2018 Opening, California’s Moxy San Diego Appoints Executive Team
Moxy San Diego | November 9, 2018
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (November 9, 2018) – Opening this November 2018 as the first California hotel under Marriott International's experiential, millennial-minded Moxy Hotels brand, the 126-room Moxy San Diego announces its executive team to lead the bold, yet playful, boutique hotel. Designed for the next generation of travelers, Moxy San Diego will embrace the destination's coastal roots while showcasing the eclectic and vibrancy of downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Leading the team as Captain – the brand's twist on the traditional General Manager position – will be Lindsay Jones who will oversee all facets of the day-to-day hotel ...
Marriott International Names Liam Brown President and Managing Director of Europe
Marriott International, Inc. | November 9, 2018
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced today that Liam Brown, President, Select Brands and Owner and Franchise Services, North America, will take on the role of President and Managing Director of Europe, a division within Marriott International that encompasses the United Kingdom, Ireland and Continental Europe. Brown will replace Amy McPherson, who announced last week that she will be retiring from the company in early 2019. "Liam is the perfect choice to lead Marriott's next chapter of growth in Europe," said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. "Liam has an extraordinary ability to ...
Radisson Hotel Group Appoints James Pawlikowski as Vice President of IT Service Management
Radisson Hotel Group | November 8, 2018
Minneapolis (November 8, 2018) - Radisson Hotel Group today announced the appointment of James (Jamie) Pawlikowski as Vice President of IT Service Management. In this newly created role, Pawlikowski will be responsible for supporting business operations and continuously improving the service performance of Radisson Hotel Group's current and future platforms. He will also lead the Service Management team and oversee global test strategy and planning, service testing, operations, and performance and issue management. Under Pawlikowski's leadership, the Service Management team will focus on enhancing the current system support capabilities...
Meetings & Conventions Magazine Names Benchmark’s Ellen Sinclair One of the “Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry”
November 8, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, November 2018 … Ellen Sinclair, senior vice president of operations at BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, is among the "Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry" honored by the leading Meetings & Conventions magazine. The current issue features a cover story on the visionary meetings and hospitality professionals who have demonstrated extraordinary talent, leadership, creativity and advocacy in the field. The list of honorees includes leaders from all segments of the meetings industry: hotels, conference centers, convention and visitors bureaus, corporations and associations. "We are de...
Hospitality & Technology – What to Look for When Hiring a CTO
Thomas Mielke | November 7, 2018
By Thomas Mielke On the topic of hospitality, technology and recruitment (as published in Hospitality Upgrade) Over the last several years, the function of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) has become increasingly important to the success of almost every type of organization. Yet, despite its importance, it is still rare for hospitality firms to provide a board seat for this vital function. Consequently, the public profile of CTOs is often limited. So, what are the building blocks that form the profile of a successful CTO? And, what are the character traits that hiring committees should be looking for in a CTO? The CTO 'WISH LIST' In ...
Clear Sky Software’s Inventory Control System Installed at The Sheraton Boston Hotel
Clear Sky Software | November 7, 2018
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – November 7, 2018 –The Sheraton Boston is a large and busy hotel and thus needed a better way to manage its extensive beverage inventory. The executive team selected Clear Sky Software's beverage inventory system called Clear Sky BEVERAGE. Now, management has a complete, perpetual-based inventory system for managing all beer, liquor and wine products. The Sheraton Boston is taking advantage of the features of this industry-leading beverage system that include purchasing/ordering, receiving, electronic requisition, outlet transfers/issues/returns and physical inventory. This Boston hotel also instal...
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa Appoints Roberto Vazquez Pulido as New Executive Chef
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa | November 6, 2018
LAKE ARROWHEAD, Calif. – Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection, nestled high in San Bernardo National Forest along the shore of picturesque Lake Arrowhead, has announced Roberto Vazquez Pulido will serve as its new executive chef. Pulido will oversee all operations of the signature restaurant BIN 189 and its Magnum Private Dining Room, as well as be in charge of catering, banquets and weddings. He will be creating new menus for BIN 189 that reflect his penchant for contemporary American steakhouse comfort food including seafood and vegetarian/vegan options – all prepared with modern twists and inspired by the s...
How Involved Are Hotel Owners in Property-Level Decisions?
Demian Hodari, Ph.D | November 6, 2018
By Demian Hodari, Michael J. Turner, Michael C. Sturman Hotel owners increasingly contract hotel management companies to operate their properties. While extensive research has examined management agreements to determine the balance of power between owners and management companies, little research has investigated the actual role that hotel owners play in property-level decision making. This is perplexing because management companies generally insist that hotel management agreements (HMAs) specifically stipulate that the owner should not seek to influence the hotel's general manager (GM). In other words, in exchange for their services, m...
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Opens Hotel in Erie, Pennsylvania
November 6, 2018
Minneapolis - November 6, 2018 - Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson, a leading upper midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Erie, PA located at 8050 Peach Street. The newly renovated hotel features the brand's latest modern design with updated interiors and spacious guest areas. The hotel's convenient location near U.S. Route 19 and Interstate 90 makes it the perfect spot for guests visiting the indoor waterpark at Splash Lagoon, soaking up the sun at Presque Isle State Park, spending a night out at the Presque Isle Downs and Casino or catching a game at Erie Bank Sports Park. G...
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® Takes Top Honors in 2018 Stella Awards
Northstar Meetings Group | November 6, 2018
Meetings Professionals Name the "Best Overall Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel Brand" The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, November 6, 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, announces its signature brand, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels®, has taken top honors in Northstar Meetings Group's prestigious 2018 Stella Awards. Meetings and events professionals and a panel of judges named it the Best Overall Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel Brand. The distinguished brand portfolio of BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels spans 26 distinguished properties in unique domestic and international d...
Now Available: The Q4 Hotel Digital Marketer’s Whitepaper
HEBS Digital | November 5, 2018
Now available for viewing and download, the HEBStrategy Q4 2018 Whitepaper Edition: The Hotel Digital Marketer's Whitepaper, covers current trends and industry insights hoteliers should be paying attention to in order to have a strong digital presence. The whitepaper takes a deep dive into strategies that will help to reach different audiences. Read the HEBStrategy Q4 2018 whitepaper to learn about: What's Trending: Stay in the loop with the must-know trends of the quarter, including the growth in popularity of loyalty programs, updates to Google Hotel Ads, and tips for capitalizing on intent. From the Design Studio: Get inspiration fro...
Radisson Hotel Group Shares Update on $50MM Radisson and Country Inn & Suites Renovations With Hospitality Properties Trust
Radisson Hotel Group | November 5, 2018
Minneapolis - November 5, 2018 - Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the completion of the renovations to its Country Inn & Suites by Radisson hotels owned by its longstanding partner, Hospitality Properties Trust (HPT). During the past two months, HPT completed extensive renovations to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson hotels located in Brooklyn Center, Minn.; San Diego, Calif.; and Bothell, Wash. These updates bring each of the properties to the brand's latest Gen 4 design featuring a modern look, convenient amenities and spacious guest rooms and suites. In addition, Radisson Hotel Group is announcing that HPT has kicked-...
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® Selected by Gruppo Barletta to Manage Rosewood Venice, Set to Open in 2020
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | November 5, 2018
HONG KONG, Nov. 5, 2018 -- Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has been appointed by Italian real estate company Gruppo Barletta to manage Rosewood Venice, which is set to open in 2020 as the ultra-luxury brand's second property in Italy and eighth in Europe. Located in the heart of the bustling Cannaregio neighborhood, Rosewood Venice will be housed within the magnificent fifteenth century Palazzo Dona' Giovannelli and located near many of the city's most legendary landmarks, including the Strada Nova, Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco, and Palazzo Ducale. Constructed in the mid-1400s by Filippo Calendario, the master architect of the s...
Airbnb Pricing: What’s the Reason for Discrepancies?
Dr Elisa Chan | November 5, 2018
Bloomberg recently released the latest edition of its index which ranks locations around the world – taking into consideration some 120 cities – according to rates charged by Airbnb. Among its main findings were that although Miami and Boston took the top two places for the second year running regarding Airbnb pricing, Middle East destinations are now some of the most expensive in the world, with locations such as Tel Aviv, Dubai, Jerusalem, Riyadh and Kuwait City among the top 15. But how reliable are the data? According to EHL assistant marketing professor Elisa Chan, there is a challenge in understanding how Airbnb sets i...
Adrian Chan Named General Manager of Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay and The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya, Autograph Collection
Autograph Collection Hotels | November 1, 2018
SANYA, China, Nov. 1, 2018 -- Recently, Adrian Chan has been appointed as the new General Manager of Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay and The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya, Autograph Collection. Adrian is now fully responsible for the operation and management of these two landmark hotels catering to business and leisure travelers. Born in Hong Kong, Adrian graduated from the University of Calgary in Canada. He has extensive knowledge built from an impressive career of over 22 years in management experience in various cities, including Calgary, Beijing, Suzhou, Chengdu and Sanya. Adrian started his career at the Calgary Marriott and expande...
Abu Dhabi National Hotels Signs for Two New Radisson Blu Hotels
Radisson Hotel Group | November 1, 2018
Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of the Radisson Hotel Group, is delighted to announce the signing of two hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Signed in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche and the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain will play a key role in the group's growth in the Middle East. With plans to reach 100 hotels and 20,000 rooms in operation across the region by 2020, the group is keen to accelerate the expansion of its Radisson Blu brand in the UAE. Both the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi...
Paramount Lodging Advisors Successfully Completes Another Texas Transaction with the Sale of the Courtyard by Marriott in Beaumont, TX
Paramount Lodging Advisors | October 31, 2018
Beaumont, TX - Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) has successfully executed the transaction of the Courtyard by Marriott in Beaumont, TX. Managing Director Kami Burnette and Managing Director Adam Montufar represented the seller in the sale. The 78-room upscale hotel is ideally located on Interstate 10 in Beaumont. This transaction represented the buyer's objective to capitalize on increasing revenues generated from the oil-driven market. Upon completion of the property improvement plan (PIP), the buyer should be well-positioned to penetrate the market. "The shale boom has generated a surge in Texas oil exports and its impact on employmen...
Brookwood Hotels Enters Agreement With Choice Hotels to Develop More Than 20 New WoodSpring Suites
WoodSpring Suites | October 31, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 30, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) signed an agreement with Brookwood Hotels to develop more than 20 new WoodSpring Suites hotels over the next few years. The brand now has more than 130 hotels in the pipeline and more than 245 are open. "Sustained interest in the WoodSpring Suites brand and the performance of the business model affirms our growth strategy is working," said Ron Burgett, vice president, WoodSpring Suites development, Choice Hotels. "WoodSpring has experienced tremendous success since Choice's acquisition, breaking the brand's record for most franchise con...
Choice Hotels Grows Presence in Latin America and Spain With 40 Hotel Openings in 2018
Choice Hotels | October 31, 2018
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 31, 2018 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) continues to expand its international footprint with 40 hotel openings planned this year in Latin America and Spain. This includes introducing the first Choice Hotels brands in Spain and Colombia, as well as opening hotels in Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, and Panama, adding nearly 5,000 rooms. This growth is highlighted by: Spain: 16 Ascend Hotel Collection properties were introduced through Choice Hotels' recent alliance with Sercotel, a leading hotel operator and franchisor based in Spain. Another eight Ascend properties are expected to open before the end...
The Need for True Careers in Housekeeping
Larry Mogelonsky | October 31, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) A widespread problem that hotels are currently facing pertains to staffing shortages. Lensing our discussion to the housekeeping department where turnover is often at resource-exhaustive rates, a common thread I've seen and heard from executive housekeepers and human resource directors is that this line of work is not seen as desirable, only attracting those candidates who desperately need a job and who are not motivated to stay beyond the base need for a weekly stipend. Some room attendants end up staying from lengthy breadths of time – decades even – and become cheris...
Hotel Equities Promotes Joe Reardon to Chief Development Officer
Hotel Equities | October 30, 2018
ATLANTA, GA – October 30, 2018 – Today, Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) announced the promotion of Joe Reardon to Chief Development Officer. In his new role, Reardon will oversee all aspects of development for the hotel ownership, management and development firm. Reardon brings 25 years of industry experience and an unwavering commitment to the company's core values to his new position. In his previous role, Reardon served as SVP of Business Development & Marketing where he orchestrated the firm's impressive expansion. "Joe has been a tremendous asset to the organization," said Brad Rahinsky, President & CEO o...
