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
Putting ‘Job-Hopping’ in Proper Perspective
Terry Donovan | June 14, 2018
By Terry Donovan Executive search clients consistently voice concerns about candidates who appear to be "job-hopping"– i.e., frequently move to new opportunities after relatively short stints. These concerns are reasonable and can be justified in many circumstances, although other times, movement early in an individual's career can be both beneficial and rational. For instance, one AETHOS placement talked about how he sought different companies and experiences in the beginning years of his career to make himself more well-rounded and adaptable in the future. Aiming to understand better these different views on job-hopping, an anal...
Owned by The Javelin Group and Managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown Set to Open in Texas
Canopy by Hilton | June 14, 2018
DALLAS, Texas and MCLEAN, Va. (June 14, 2018) – Today, Canopy by Hilton, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) lifestyle hotel brand, revealed the first look inside the brand's newest Texas property, Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown. Scheduled to open in late June 2018, Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown's 150 "Just Right" rooms will offer a modern hotel experience in Dallas' most walkable district featuring more than 100 shops, restaurants and entertainment. With Canopy by Hilton's emphasis on neighborhood offerings and thoughtfully local choices, Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown will tell the story of the Uptown district throughout the hotel including a...
Marriott, AccorHotels and IHG Top Asia Pacific Construction Pipeline, Excluding China
Lodging Econometrics | June 14, 2018
June 14, 2018 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – According to the most recent Asia Pacific Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics, the top global hotel companies in the Asia Pacific Construction Pipeline, excluding China, are: Marriott International with 204 Projects/48,003 Rooms, AccorHotels with 215 Projects/45,086 Rooms, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 122 Projects/28,186 Rooms, Hilton Worldwide with 82 Projects/17,750, and Best Western with 34 Projects/6,146 Rooms. The largest brand in the Pipeline for each of these companies is: Marriott's Sheraton Hotel with 29 Projects/7,069 Rooms, Accor's Ibi...
W Hotels Returning to Sydney in 2020 Through Deal With Grocon
W Hotels Worldwide | June 14, 2018
Harbouring a long-held crush, W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today announced its grand re-entry to the iconic harbour city with the highly-anticipated signing of W Sydney. Built and developed by Grocon and funded by Greaton Group, W Sydney will make waves with its debut slated for 2020. The new-build hotel will be part of 'The Ribbon', an electrifying development designed by the award-winning architect HASSEL that will transform Sydney's skyline on Darling Harbour. With its game-changing Whatever/Whenever service and bold design, W Sydney will shake up the city's social scene, turning traditional luxury on its head....
Giving Your Concierge A Digital Upgrade
Larry Mogelonsky | June 13, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) With the modern traveler glued to his or her phone, why would such a guest bother to consult the concierge instead of simply performing a Google search or looking on a resourceful travel website like TripAdvisor or Yelp? With mobile apps capable of offering a similar amount of information about the local area as any single person can, does this not make the concierge obsolete? This topic stems from a grievance that multiple general managers have brought to my attention with no clear answer in sight. The concierge is a core operation for any hotel in the upscale or luxury segments as...
Virtua Partners and Hotel Equities Break Ground on Fairfield Inn & Suites in Tolleson, Arizona
Virtua Partners | June 13, 2018
PHOENIX, June 13, 2018 -- Virtua Partners and co-developer Hotel Equities celebrated the groundbreaking of a 116 room Fairfield Inn & Suites in Tolleson (West Phoenix), Arizona. The Marriott flagged hotel is scheduled to open late Summer 2019. The hotel is part of a mixed-use site that Virtua is developing at the corner of 91st Avenue and McDowell, fronting the I-10 freeway. Tofel Dent Construction is the general contractor for the project. Virtua Partners Co-Founder Quinn Palomino, and Mayor of Tolleson, Anna Tovar, welcomed distinguished members from the Tolleson City Council, Marriott International, local media, partnering compan...
New Residence Inn Phoenix Chandler/South Opens in Arizona With General Manager Doug Rosepapa
Residence Inn by Marriott | June 12, 2018
Chandler, AZ – June 12, 2018 – The 142-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Chandler, Arizona is scheduled to open this Friday, June 15, 2018. Located at 2727 West Queen Creek Road, the all-suite Residence Inn Phoenix Chandler/South will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by HCW Development of Branson, Missouri and managed by Aimbridge Hospitality of Plano, Texas. Located in downtown Ocotillo and 10 minutes from downtown Chandler, the Residence Inn Phoenix Chandler/South offers its guests convenient access to downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, the Chandler Fashion Center Mall and Wild Horse Pass. Rates vary depending o...
BENCHMARK® Names Jonathan Chaplowe Director of Human Resources for the Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center
June 12, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, June 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Jonathan Chaplowe director of human resources for the Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, currently under construction in College Station, Texas. The Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property is expected to open in August. Greg Stafford, general manager, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome Jonathan to our pre-opening team," said Mr. Stafford. "Not only is he highly qualified and intimately familiar with our market, he is a leader in community outreach which will be important for our entire emplo...
Debunking the Impact of Blockchain on Hotel Distribution
HEBS Digital | June 12, 2018
By Max Starkov Background: A recent article on the Nasdaq website called "How Blockchains Are Changing the Hotel Industry" claims that blockchain-based platforms "offer promising solutions" to particular areas of difficulty in the hospitality industry, including blockchain-based hotel booking platforms. Before we jump on analyzing blockchain technology's impact on hospitality, let's quickly review what this new technology and some of its more popular applications are all about. Blockchain is an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way. Blockchain operates...
Sage Hospitality Appoints Caryn Granzow as Director of Sales and Marketing
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection | June 12, 2018
(CHICAGO; June 12, 2018) — Sage Hospitality, one of the leading hotel management and investment companies in the country, today announces the appointment of Caryn Granzow to director of sales and marketing of The Blackstone. Granzow brings nearly a decade of experience to the position having held a variety of hotel sales leadership roles within the Chicago market. "I'm excited to continue my hospitality career in Chicago with The Blackstone," says Granzow. "The hotel has so many stories to tell, and I couldn't have asked for a more talented and creative team to help bring these narratives to life for our guests." In her new role, ...
IHG Launches New Upscale Brand, voco, With a Signing in Australia
IHG | June 12, 2018
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) has today launched voco™, its new upscale hotel brand, alongside announcing a first signing in Australia. voco will focus primarily on conversion opportunities and will strengthen IHG's offer in the $40 billion upscale segment, which is expected to grow by a further $20 billion by 2025. Working with high-quality individual and locally-branded hotels, this distinctive brand will offer owners the ability to drive higher returns through delivering a compelling guest experience and leveraging IHG's powerful systems. This includes best-in-class revenue management and technology capabilities and ...
Hospitality Financial Leadership – Business Acumen and Women
David Lund | June 11, 2018
By David Lund I may have caught your attention with this potentially explosive title, so I hope you will read this and either help change this inside your hospitality business or personally get your hospitality business acumen on, whether you're a woman or not. In my experience in the last 35+ years I know three things are true about women and business acumen. By the way, I think the word "acumen" is the wrong word simply because it has the word men in it. To my way of thinking it is a non-starter right out of the gate because it sounds sexist. To me the words to describe any manager who has their stick together with the numbers side of...
Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Rebranding to Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Marking Andaz Entry Into the Middle East
Andaz | June 11, 2018
CHICAGO--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi will rebrand to Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, turning the iconic 'Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi' into the first Andaz branded hotel in the Middle East. The hotel is owned by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and is expected to be rebranded in late 2018. The word andaz means "personal style" in Hindi, and the Andaz brand is aimed at those well-traveled, guests who search for inspiration and enriching experiences that expand their perspectives. Aligned with the brand's ethos of bringing the local neighborhood to life, Andaz Capital Gate...
Aimbridge Hospitality Promotes Lynne Roberts to Executive Vice President of Capital Markets
Aimbridge Hospitality | June 11, 2018
DALLAS, Texas (June 11, 2018) – Aimbridge Hospitality has promoted Lynne Roberts to the position of Executive Vice President of Capital Markets. In her new position, Roberts sources capital for sizeable transactions and structure both North America and off-shore inbound investment platforms. Additionally, she oversees a Capital Markets team growing Aimbridge's footprint of investors with large scale acquisition requirements in hotel real estate with longer term hold horizons. "My time at Aimbridge has been extremely gratifying since joining with eight hotels under management," said Roberts. "I'm particularly interested in leveragi...
Owned by MJM Group and Managed by Midas Hospitality, Dual-Branded Courtyard and Residence Inn Opens in Charlotte, North Carolina
Courtyard by Marriott | June 11, 2018
Charlotte, NC – June 11, 2018 – Marriott International, Inc. today announced that a combined 94-room Courtyard hotel and 94-suite Residence Inn hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina is now open for business. Located at 9110 Harris Corners Parkway, the hotel is owned by MJM Group of Raleigh, NC and managed by Midas Hospitality of St. Louis, Missouri. The seven-story property will share a heated outdoor swimming pool, two patios for guest comfort and convenience, a fitness center and 1,386 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 154 people. Located just minutes from Northlake Mall and Lake Norman, the hotel...
Dream Hotel Group Signs With Tamayo Desarrollos to Launch The Chatwal in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 2020
Dream Hotel Group | June 8, 2018
NEW YORK, NY (June 8, 2018) – Renowned hotel and brand management company Dream Hotel Group today announced plans to launch its five-star luxury brand The Chatwal in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 2020. The latest hotel signing with Mexico-based Tamayo Desarrollos represents a major milestone for Dream Hotel Group, positioning the company as international hospitality innovators and leading the way for new growth in the region. "We are honored to partner with Alejandro Tamayo and his team in bringing The Chatwal brand to San Miguel de Allende," said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein, "San Miguel is one of the most creative and cult...
Owned and Developed by Majid Al Futtaim, Aloft City Centre Deira Opens in Dubai
Aloft Hotels | June 7, 2018
Marriott International today announced the opening of Aloft City Centre Deira, the company's design-led Aloft brand's third property in the buzzing city of Dubai. Owned and developed by Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, Aloft City Centre Deira is situated in the cultural heart of Dubai and is the first hotel in the region to offer movie-themed suites, alongside a VOX Cinemas' OUTDOOR screen and the Aloft brand's signature programming. "Aloft continues to redefine the traditional hotel experience in the region and we are delighted to introduce the...
Autograph Collection Hotels Opens 272-Room RYSE in Seoul’s Hongdae Neighborhood
Autograph Collection Hotels | June 7, 2018
Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International's distinctive collection of passionately independent hotels, today announced the opening of RYSE in Hongdae, the neighborhood known to be a creative trendsetters in Seoul. RYSE is the second Autograph Collection hotel in Seoul and joins the brand's diverse portfolio of more than 135 hotels around the world that champion values of vision, design and craft. "Autograph Collection Hotels is growing in lockstep with global demand from travelers for independent hotels and individual experiences when traveling: from dining to design," said Jennifer Connell, Vice President, Global Brand Market...
Fairmont San Jose Appoints Dan McGowan as General Manager
Fairmont San Jose | June 7, 2018
*SAN JOSE, June 2018 – Paul Tormey, Regional Vice President and General Manager California Region, AccorHotels, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan McGowan as General Manager of Fairmont San Jose, effective June 1, 2018. Dan will oversee all operational, financial and strategic aspects at the 805-room landmark hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley. "Dan brings a wealth of hospitality and leadership experience, along with extensive knowledge of the Fairmont brand, to his new role at Fairmont San Jose," said Tormey. "We are delighted to welcome him to the California region and look forward to seeing the continued success of...
ISHC Worldview: Sharing Economy and the Appeal of Timeshare
ISHC WorldView | June 7, 2018
7 June 2018 ISHC WorldView revealed that 69% of members surveyed believe the appeal of timeshare is diminishing. With Airbnb.com now allowing hotel listings through 3rd party distribution platforms, it's clear the sharing economy hasn't stopped evolving to increase their piece of the pie. What does the sharing economy have that timeshare doesn't? Insights from ISHC members revolve around two common themes: flexibility and unique experiences. ISHC's Tim Peck, Chairman of OBM International Limited commented, "The sharing economy allows far more flexibility in being able to have your home away from home." "Why would a consumer want to lock...
Hilton Garden Inn Greenville Unveils Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Led by General Manager Barrett Alexander
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | June 7, 2018
Top-to-bottom renovation project yields 'like new' hotel in well-established location GREENVILLE SC (June 7, 2018) -- A $4-million project has totally revamped Hilton Garden Inn Greenville. The renovations include both interior and exterior upgrades to the six-story, 120-room property at 108 Carolina Point Parkway, near the intersection of I-85 and I-385 in Upstate South Carolina. "This was a full, top-to-bottom renovation," says Brandy Hardy, Director of Sales at Hilton Garden Inn Greenville. "It's like having a brand-new hotel in an already-established location." The project began last fall with exterio...
How Halal Tourism Is Reshaping the Global Tourism Industry
Paramount Lodging Advisors | June 7, 2018
By Yulia Belopilskaya Spending by Muslim travelers is expected to rise to US$220 billion by 2020, with the number of Muslim tourists growing to 156 million from 121 million in 2016. That's according to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GTMI) 2017, which was produced by Mastercard and CrescentRating, a 'halal-friendly' travel consultancy. 'Halal' tourism is clearly a growing market segment, with Muslim tourists seeking destinations which meet their needs, in terms of diet, dress or rituals. Translated from Arabic, 'halal' means permissible in accordance with Islamic teaching. Alcohol, pork, nudity and gambling are off limits. With a burgeo...
Hyatt Expands Global Presence with 19 Executed Management and Franchise Contracts During March and April 2018
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | June 6, 2018
CHICAGO (June 6, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced executed management and franchise contracts for 19 hotels. The executed contracts, which represent important expansion in key markets or markets in which Hyatt brands are under-represented, are for the following hotels: Hyatt Regency Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts offer a full range of services and amenities, including the space to work, engage or relax; notable culinary experiences; technology-enabled ways to collaborate; and expert event planners who can take care of every detail. Asia Pacific Hyatt Regency Kaohsiung in Kaohsiung, Taiwan Hyatt Rege...
Tourism Tidbits: Marketing Love and Marriage
Dr. Peter Tarlow | June 6, 2018
By Dr. Peter Tarlow June is known as the month of love. In the northern hemisphere it is also the most popular month in which to marry. In fact many people dream of a June wedding. Although there are specific locales that are known for weddings and romantic interludes, in reality with a small amount of creativity, almost any location can turn itself into a wedding or romantic destination. A major marketing tool that can apply to locations almost anywhere is the love and marriage market often connected with romantic tourism. In fact this market is so big that it is estimated that romantic tourism, including destination weddings and roman...
