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
The Importance of Bottle Design in Selling Wine
Larry Mogelonsky | February 28, 2018
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) A riff on the classical adage, "Don't judge a book by its cover," let's first examine this more common expression a bit closer to see how it applies to wine, spirits and the pursuit of restaurant profits. We are told not to base our opinions or conclusions about objects and individuals solely on their outward appearance because there is often far more happening beneath the surface worthy of our consideration, if you were only to give said object or person a chance. It's a valuable piece of advice, hence why it sticks. But its popularity, aside from its terse and catchy qualities, ca...
BENCHMARK® Names Cory Campbell Director of Revenue Management for The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando
The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando | February 28, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Cory Campbell director of revenue for The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located near Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Bill Lee, general manager, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome Cory to our resort and to Benchmark," stated Mr. Lee. "Highly experienced and with a keen understanding of the Orlando market as well as guest service excellence, we look forward to Cory's active role within our revenue management and senior leadership team." Cory Campbell brings ov...
Aimbridge Hospitality Appoints Jeff Pope as General Manager and Kevin Sullivan as Director of Sales and Marketing for Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown
Canopy by Hilton | February 28, 2018
DALLAS, TEXAS – FEB. 28, 2018 – Canopy by Hilton Dallas|Uptown announces it has appointed a General Manager/"Chief Enthusiast" and Director of Sales and Marketing/"Lead Sales Enthusiast". The hotel is set to open in uptown Dallas in spring 2018. Aimbridge Hospitality, which manages Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown, selected Jeff Pope as General Manager and Kevin Sullivan as Director of Sales and Marketing. Jeff Pope brings more than 18 years of hotel management experience to the Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown. Pope served as General Manager under Aimbridge Hospitality for six years at Hyatt House Dallas. Previously, Pope held ...
PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berthed and Hyatt to Develop the First Park Hyatt hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Park Hyatt | February 27, 2018
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will top PNB 118 tower, expected-to-be tallest skyscraper in Southeast Asia CHICAGO--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berthed, an owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Malaysia's largest fund-management company, for the first Park Hyatt hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The high-end hotel, designed to meet the needs of the discerning global traveler, will join the city's prestigious development – the PNB 118 tower. Anticipated to be completed in 2020, the tower is expected to be t...
DUR Hospitality, Via a Franchise Agreement with IHG, to Rebrand Riyadh Palace Hotel as Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace
IHG | February 27, 2018
Dur Hospitality, the Saudi grown hospitality company, and IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, have recently announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace, under the master franchise agreement signed in 2014 for 4 hotels. Currently operating as Riyadh Palace Hotel, the property is expected to be rebranded to Crowne Plaza by June 2018. Remarking on this, Mr Ahdab, President of Hotel Operations Dur Hospitality said: "We are delighted to partner with IHG® yet again, for their world class brand – Crowne Plaza®, making this our second hotel with them, f...
From Dreaming to Booking: How to Capitalize on the Full Travel Planning Journey to Increase Direct Bookings
HEBS Digital | February 27, 2018
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo, Vice President Strategy This is the first article in a five-part series that focuses on reaching potential guests throughout the entire travel planning journey by addressing key digital micro-moments in each phase to shape and influence the booking decision. Travel planning. We all know from experience that a lot goes into planning the perfect vacation, and with so many devices and planning resources, the journey is complex. According to a leisure travel study conducted by Phocuswright, 60% of respondents reported that a vacation was their largest discretionary purchase. In light of this, before making this ...
Airbnb and Revenue Management: Hotels Still Maintain Upper Hand
University of Houston | February 26, 2018
by Jeanine Panzica We all know Airbnb is great for travelers, and within that statement are countless illustrations and some one-ups over hotels. Who doesn't love personal amenities left by actual home/apartment owners, even if it is a cat? Ultimately, Airbnb can insert a traveler into their destination in ways a hotel cannot and all for a relatively agreeable price. But when asked if the hotel industry is under threat of Airbnb, the answer is no. A plus for travelers, the bulk of the cost of an Airbnb stay is set by the host, they oversee nightly price, cleaning fees, and have discrepancy over extra guest and other fees. This limits th...
Four Winds Casinos Marks New Opening and Upgrades RFID Inventory Management System at Existing Properties
InvoTech Systems, Inc. | February 26, 2018
Long-time InvoTech Customer Implements RFID System at New Location and Upgrades Uniform Systems with RFID Technology for More Efficient Operations. LOS ANGELES, CA – February 27, 2018 – InvoTech Systems, Inc., the leading provider of linen, laundry and uniform inventory management solutions for hotels, casinos, resorts, and theme parks worldwide, announced that Four Winds Casinos® upgraded their existing uniform system at the Dowagiac, Hartford, and New Buffalo locations and implemented the uniform system at their newest property in South Bend. RFID technology will provide additional cost-saving benefits by automating ma...
AJR Hospitality and Hotel Equities Open Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Dublin, Georgia
Hotel Equities | February 26, 2018
ATLANTA/Dublin, GA – February 22, 2018 – Hotel Equities announced the opening of the 75-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Dublin, Georgia. Located at 620 Pinehill Road, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Dublin will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by AJR Hospitality LLC and managed by Hotel Equities of Atlanta, Georgia. Malcolm Donseroux serves as the General Manager with Nicole Asbell as the Assistant General Manager. "We are excited to introduce the Fairfield Inn & Suites to the Dublin area," said Joe Reardon, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing. "This is the first Marriott hotel...
Hyatt Names Mark Vondrasek as Chief Commercial Officer
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | February 26, 2018
CHICAGO (February 26, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the appointment of Mark Vondrasek as the company's chief commercial officer. In this role, Vondrasek will be responsible for the previously announced commercial services organization driving guest and customer engagement functions while working across the organization to enhance the frequency and level of engagement with guests. Vondrasek will assume his new role effective March 1, 2018, continuing to report to Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer. "Mark's track record as a transformational leader, his past experience and recent suc...
BENCHMARK® Names Greg Stafford General Manager for Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, A Benchmark Resorts & Hotels Property
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels | February 26, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Greg Stafford general manager of Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, currently under construction in College Station, Texas. The Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property is expected to open in the Fall of 2018. Jay Rocha, vice president of operations for Benchmark, made the announcement. "I am thrilled to welcome Greg to this exciting new property on the campus of Texas A&M University," said Mr. Rocha. "I can't think of anyone more qualified or prepared to lead the opening and management of this remarkable new hotel an...
Hard Rock International Names Danielle Babilino Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos
Hard Rock International | February 22, 2018
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Feb. 22, 2018 -- Hard Rock International announces the appointment of Danielle Babilino as senior vice president of global sales and marketing for Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos. In her new position, Babilino will have overall responsibility for the Hard Rock Hotel sales division, as it supports the expanding global portfolio of Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos. Babilino will report to Jon Lucas, Hard Rock International COO. She will manage all hotel sales and marketing incentives, sales training, customer events, sales program implementation and the recruitment and retention of sales professionals. "An aggressive, r...
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Names Jerry Gibson Vice President and Managing Director for Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu
Turtle Bay Resort | February 22, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Jerry Gibson vice president and managing director for Turtle Bay Resort, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Greg Champion, president, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I welcome Jerry to Benchmark and to Turtle Bay Resort," said Mr. Champion. "I can't think of anyone more qualified to lead this magnificent property to even greater levels of success, and to continue the resort's active involvement with Oahu's North Shore community. He is a terrific addit...
The Top 5 Things You Need to Know Now in Hotel Digital Marketing: February Edition
HEBS Digital | February 22, 2018
By Margaret Mastrogiacomo, Vice President Strategy This month, the industry is abuzz about new Google AMP updates, consumers gaining the ability to mute retargeting ads on the Google Display Network, and ensuring that display campaigns meet the requirements of the Coalition for Better Ads to avoid being blocked in the Google Chrome browser. From SEO to design, read on to learn the top five things you need to know now in hotel digital marketing, and stay informed. 1. SEO: New Features for AMP Pages including AMP Stories and AMP for Email. While last month it was the Google Speed Update making headlines, in February it's important to als...
ALICE Named Forbes Travel Guide’s Official Staff Operations Technology Provider for 2018
ALICE | February 21, 2018
With new hotel products and technologies emerging at a dizzying rate, hoteliers need a simple way to learn about the ones that can make meaningful improvements to the guest and staff experience. That's why Forbes Travel Guide introduced their Brand Official Program in 2017, designed to point the world's best hoteliers towards products and services worthy of endorsement. ALICE, the industry's leading Hospitality Operations Platform, was named the Guide's Official Staff Operations Technology Provider for 2018. CEO of Forbes Travel Guide Gerard J. Inzerillo expresses his confidence in the newly-appointed brand official: "We are extremely p...
Holiday Inn Express® Moscow – Sheremetyevo Airport Opens in Russia
IHG | February 21, 2018
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group®), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announces the opening of Holiday Inn Express® Moscow – Sheremetyevo Airport. Located within walking distance to terminals D, E and F at Sheremetyevo International Airport, Russia's largest airport by passenger numbers, the hotel is in a prime location to accommodate Russian and international travellers, as well as the crew of leading airlines. Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport is the largest hi-tech terminal complex in Eastern Europe with 35 million passengers a year (according to Aviaport agency) and is a leading Russian c...
Now Available for Download: HEBStrategy Q1 2018 Hotel Digital Marketing, Technology, and Trends Whitepaper
HEBS Digital | February 20, 2018
HEBS Digital's first installment in 2018 of the HEBStrategy—our whitepaper series covering the latest news and trends in hotel digital marketing and technology—is now available for download! The HEBStrategy Q1 edition takes a deep dive into content marketing through the funnel, and includes strategies for reaching different audiences with customized content. Download the HEBStrategy Q1 2018 whitepaper to learn about: What's Trending: Stay in the loop with the must-know trends for 2018, including driving engagement through video and reposting user-generated content (UGC). From the Design Studio: How can you use content to ...
Hilton Debuts First Dual-Brand Property in Mexico With Addition of Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Santa Fe to DoubleTree by Hilton Opened in 2016
Hilton Garden Inn | February 20, 2018
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO and MCLEAN, Va. – February 20, 2018 – Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) upscale yet affordable global brand of hotels, today announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Santa Fe. In conjunction with the DoubleTree by Hilton Mexico City Santa Fe opened in 2016, the two hotels represent Hilton's first dual-brand property in Mexico. The contemporary Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Santa Fe hotel offers 190 spacious guest rooms and suites for business and leisure travelers seeking upscale accommodations in an easy-going, amenities-rich environment. Meanwhile, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Mexi...
Radisson Hotel Curicó Opens in Chile Led by General Manager Maria Ignacia Del Real
February 20, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS (February 20, 2018) – Radisson®, one of the best-recognized hotel brands, today announced the opening of Radisson Hotel Curicó. The new hotel features a modern design with exceptional amenities. Located in Curicó, the hotel is minutes from beautiful vineyards and the many attractions in the nearby commercial district. "We are so proud of the continued growth of the Radisson brand across Latin America," said Frances Gonzalez, vice president of Operations for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in Latin America. "This hotel's beautiful look, fantastic location and commitment to our signature Yes I Can!SM servic...
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Lexington Makes Its Debut in Kentucky
February 19, 2018
Lexington, Kentucky (February 19, 2018) The SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Lexington is opening its doors in Lexington, Kentucky, and inviting travelers to experience one of the newest hotel brands in the industry – the SureStay Hotel Group®. The SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Lexington will provide guests with an experience they can count on and the amenities today's travelers have come to expect. SureStay's service promise reflects the brand and the hotel's commitment to providing quality service and value to its guests: "If something goes wrong, we will make it right. You should feel sure about your stay." Located...
Wyndham Hotel Group Appoints Dimitris Manikis to Lead Growth Across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa
Wyndham Hotel Group | February 19, 2018
LONDON, Feb. 19, 2018 -- Wyndham Hotel Group, the hospitality giant with an unparalleled global portfolio of more than 8,400 hotels, today announced the appointment of Dimitris Manikis to the role of President and Managing Director for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa(EMEA). He will be based at the company's London offices. Manikis will be responsible for the development of all of Wyndham Hotel Group's brands in the EMEA region as well as maximising the performance of all new and existing franchise and managed hotels. He will focus on driving the strategic objectives of Wyndham Hotel Group including quality and technology...
Mukti Group Relaunches India’s Park Plaza Kolkata Ballygunge as Radisson Kolkata Ballygunge
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | February 19, 2018
Kolkata, India, February 19, 2018 – Park Plaza Kolkata Ballygunge today announced its rebranding to Radisson Kolkata Ballygunge – a brand synonymous with outstanding service and comfort. Strategically located in the heart of upscale South Kolkata neighborhood Ballygunge, the hotel is within proximity of the international airport and railway station. Tourist landmarks such as Kalighat temple, the Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial are within five-kilometer radius of the hotel. Radisson Kolkata Ballygunge has been revitalized with a new look in several areas of the hotels and features upgraded amenities to better serve its di...
Hotel Equities Promotes Becky Aleman to Regional Director of Operations
Hotel Equities | February 19, 2018
ATLANTA, GA (February 19, 2018) – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) recently promoted Becky Aleman to the position of Regional Director of Operations. Ms. Aleman has oversight of all above-property operations for a group of hotels managed by Hotel Equities. Based in Virginia, she most recently served as the General Manager of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lynchburg. With more than 16 years of hospitality industry experience, Ms. Aleman began her hospitality career as the Sales Manager at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Yorktown, Virginia and soon earned the post of Assistant General Manager at Courtyard by Marrio...
Marriott Partners with Owner/Developer Jinshan Investment Group to Debut Le Méridien Brand in Melbourne
Marriott International, Inc. | February 16, 2018
Marriott International today announced the signing of Le Méridien Melbourne, in partnership with owner and developer Jinshan Investment Group. Slated to open in 2020, the 235-room hotel will boast the brand's distinct mid-century modern approach to design and bold 'Destination Unlocked' positioning. This signing reinforces Le Méridien's dynamic global growth, following recent openings in Italy, South Korea, China and the United States, all within the last 12 months. ...
