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Operations
BENCHMARK Appoints William Smith Director of Finance for The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando
The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando | December 14, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 2017 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named William Smith director of finance for The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando, a new 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 William to our resort and to Benchmark," said Mr. Lee. "His extensive experience in hospitality accounting and finance is particularly relevant to The Grove and its many facets. Blending his knowledge in those key areas with his specialization in aligning financial and op...
Hilton Appoints Kellyn Smith Kenny as Chief Marketing Officer
Hilton | December 14, 2017
MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the appointment of Kellyn Smith Kenny as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Effective January 29, 2018, Kenny will oversee the enterprise marketing strategy for the world's most recognizable hospitality company and its portfolio of 14 industry-leading brands. She will also lead a high-performing team delivering creative marketing programs focusing on building meaningful relationships with guests. "The iconic Hilton brand is already recognized globally as the gold standard for hospitality," said Jon Witter, Chief Customer Officer. "With Kellyn as our new ...
Hotel Equities Promotes Drew Salapka to Senior Vice President of Revenue Generation
Hotel Equities | December 14, 2017
ATLANTA (December 14, 2017) –Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) recently promoted Drew Salapka to the position of Senior Vice President of Revenue Generation. His responsibilities include leading the revenue generation division for the organization which sets top line strategy and manages the total inventory for the firm's portfolio of hotels. Mr. Salapka's team analyzes the demand for all markets, evaluates market strengths and weaknesses and reports key statistics that impact the hospitality industry and individual hotels. The team also manages sales processes and directs the ongoing training of all key sales and revenue staff me...
HEBS Digital Celebrates 2017: A Year of Broadening the Global Footprint, Technology Innovations and Industry Recognition
HEBS Digital | December 14, 2017
Summary: HEBS Digital celebrates the firm's many accomplishments of 2017—including the launch of the hospitality industry's first Fully-Integrated Past/Future Guest Engagement and Acquisition Technology and Marketing Platform and many technology and digital marketing innovations—while looking forward to exciting developments in 2018. New York, NY (December 14, 2017) – As the year comes to a close, HEBS Digital is proud to reflect on the firm's many accomplishments of 2017, as well as recognize our clients and team members who made it all possible. Over the last 12 months, HEBS Digital continued to its industry leadersh...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Expands Radisson RED Into Peru with a Signing in Miraflores
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | December 13, 2017
MINNEAPOLIS - December 13, 2017 - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the signing of a new Radisson RED in Miraflores, Peru. The new-build hotel will offer 110 rooms and is expected to break ground early 2018 with plans to open mid-2019. Radisson RED Miraflores will be located between Calle Bolivar and Calle Alcanflores in the heart of Miraflores, a district of the Lima Province, which is known for its upscale shopping and beautiful coastline. "We are thrilled to announce our first Radisson RED in Peru and further expand the brand in Latin America," said Ken Greene, pres...
Healthy Eating Means Healthy Desserts Too
Larry Mogelonsky | December 13, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) We're a stone's throw away from 2018. People are drinking less alcohol, renouncing cigarettes, exercising more often and eating healthier. If you're smart, you'll get with the program. Many other articles, especially those under the purview of New Year's resolutions, will cover methods and choice tips by which to give your mains and appetizers the health kick they need to keep drawing in patrons with increasingly esoteric dietary restrictions. One nutritional piece of advice around this time of the year that can be quite damaging to our restaurants, however, is to cut out desserts e...
BENCHMARK Appoints Lorena Chappell Director of Sales and Marketing for Hotel Contessa, San Antonio, Texas
Hotel Contessa | December 13, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 2017 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Lorena Chappell director of sales and marketing for Hotel Contessa, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located on the Riverwalk in historic San Antonio, Texas. Troy Mathews, general manager, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I welcome Lorena to Benchmark and to our hotel," said Mr. Mathews. "She comes to us with vast knowledge of the Texas hotel market, and important leadership skills and experience in sales and marketing, which will be of great value to our property." Lorena Chappell was most r...
Paramount Lodging Advisors Breaks Ground On New Chicago Office
Paramount Lodging Advisors | December 13, 2017
CHICAGO, IL – Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA), with the support of Midland States Bank is constructing its new company headquarters in the Old Town area of Chicago. PLA has partnered with Irpino Construction as the General Contractor to build the office. The building is projected to be complete by July of 2018. The new headquarters will be a sleek, three-story building equipped with a wide variety of innovative technology and accommodations. It will also tailor specifically to the needs of the PLA's Hotel Real Estate Advisory Practice - with unique gathering spaces and private offices. The third floor, uniquely will offer a stunn...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Hans Luther as General Manager, Unscripted Durham
Unscripted Hotels | December 13, 2017
DURHAM, NC (December 13, 2017) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group appoints Hans Luther as General Manager for Unscripted Durham, the first location for its newest lifestyle brand and hospitality concept Unscripted Hotels. With nearly 15 years of experience in demanding environments, including the launch of two premier lifestyle hotels in Las Vegas and New York, Luther is a proven leader in driving new hotels to top- notch performance. His strategic vision, business acumen and passionate energy will be integral in the continued success of Unscripted Durham following its opening earlier this year. "Hans ...
Aramark Completes Purchase of Avendra for $1,350 Million
Marriott | December 12, 2017
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced that the owners of Avendra, LLC have completed the sale of Avendra to Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) for $1,350 million. After redemption of management participation rights, transaction costs, and repayment of Avendra's outstanding debt, Avendra's founding shareholders – Marriott, Hyatt, Accor, ClubCorp and IHG – received $1,201 million in cash proceeds from the transaction. Marriott received $659 million for its 55 percent interest in Avendra. In addition, in conjunction with the sale of Avendra, Marriott has entered into a 5-year procurement service agreement with Aramark on behal...
New Fairmont Austin High-Rise Hotel Will Manage 850 Employee Uniforms with the InvoTech Uniform System
InvoTech Systems, Inc. | December 11, 2017
InvoTech Uniform System to Establish Efficient Operations and Total Control with RFID Technology at the new Fairmont Austin LOS ANGELES, CA – December 12, 2017 -- InvoTech Systems Inc. announced the recent implementation of its Uniform System at the new Fairmont Austin Hotel opening in early 2018. InvoTech Systems is the leading provider of advanced Linen Management, Laundry and Uniform Systems that integrate the latest RFID technology to increase profitability for hotels, resorts, casino operators, sports arenas, convention centers and theme parks. The InvoTech System installed at Fairmont Austin will manage the uniform inventory...
HEBS Digital Wins Record-Breaking 21 HSMAI Adrian Awards, Including 10 Gold
HEBS Digital | December 11, 2017
Summary: HEBS Digital has been recognized with 21 awards from the 61st HSMAI Adrian Awards Competition. The Adrian Awards honor the outstanding achievements of hospitality brands and agencies for creativity and innovation in advertising, public relations, and digital marketing. New York, NY (December 11, 2017) – HEBS Digital, a leading authority in hotel digital technology and marketing innovation, has been honored with a record-breaking 21 Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards for 2017. These awards mark a new record for HEBS Digital, beating their previous record of 17 awards. Now in i...
Cendyn is the World’s Leading Data Driven Marketing Agency
Cendyn | December 11, 2017
December 11, 2017 - Cendyn, the leading provider of hotel CRM and hotel sales platforms in the hospitality industry, has today been voted as the World's Leading Data Driven Marketing Agency, 2017. The prestigious World Travel Awards recognizes companies, organizations and brands that push the boundaries of industry excellence. "It's an absolute honor to win this award" says Tim Sullivan, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Cendyn. "We see day-in-day-out how many of our customers are now embracing the ability to use their data to enhance their digital marketing efforts to get more guests through the door. Not only d...
Marriott International Set to Debut Nearly 40 Luxury Hotels Across Eight Distinct Luxury Brands in 2018
Marriott International, Inc. | December 11, 2017
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced the company is set to open nearly 40 luxury hotels in 2018 as the company continues to cater to a new affluent traveler, offering an unmatched variety of transformative travel experiences. Providing globetrotters with a truly global perspective and an unparalleled portfolio of eight distinct luxury brands, Marriott International Luxury Brands include world-renowned hospitality hallmarks The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION and JW Marriott. With an unrivaled network of landmark hotels and resorts in 60 countries today, Marrio...
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Outlines Vision for the Future at 11th Asian Members’ Meeting
December 11, 2017
(Bangkok – December 11, 2017) Best Western Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the successful conclusion of its 11th Asian Members' Meeting, which gathered delegates from all across Asia to Bangkok for two days of immersive meetings, discussions and networking opportunities. Running under the theme "BW® & Beyond", this year's event provided a vision for Best Western's future as it embarks on an exciting new era. The company has launched eight new global brands since 2015, including a series of cutting-edge concepts catering for the millennial market. So, this year's Asian Members' Meeting focused on the company's bright fu...
Hyatt Debuts Andaz in Southeast Asia with Opening of Andaz Singapore Led by General Manger Olivier Lenoir
| December 8, 2017
SINGAPORE, Dec. 8, 2017 -- Hyatt Hotels Corporation(NYSE: H) announced the opening of Andaz Singapore, the first Andaz to open in Southeast Asia. Andaz Singapore furthers the brand's mission to create inspiring, indigenous experiences that immerse guests in the local culture of each unique destination. The hotel marks the seventeenth property for the brand and joins other Andaz hotels in gateway cities and top resort destinations around the world. Located at a cultural crossroad, where Marina Bay, Kampong Glam, Little India and Bras Basah Bugis districts meet, the hotel draws inspiration from its lively surroundings--alleyways fille...
BENCHMARK Names Joseph L. Stamile Director of Food & Beverage for The Heldrich, New Brunswick, New Jersey
The Heldrich Hotel | December 7, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 2017 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Joseph L. Stamile director of food & beverage for The Heldrich, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Colin Ankersen, general manager, made the announcement. "I am very happy to welcome Joseph to The Heldrich," said Mr. Ankersen. "He has extensive food and beverage leadership experience at a variety of properties and operations within New Jersey. We look forward to his active participation as part of our executive team. Joseph Stamile brings over a decade of experience in ...
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Appoints Jim Cosgrove as New Board Chairman
December 7, 2017
PHOENIX (December 7, 2017) - Best Western Hotels & Resorts today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Jim Cosgrove as Board Chairman for 2018. Cosgrove brings deep industry knowledge and experience to his new position, as he is a second-generation Best Western-branded hotel owner and has served in several leadership roles throughout his time with the company. His upbringing in hospitality, combined with his extensive involvement in the brand, will be instrumental in continuing Best Western's momentum and paving the way for another groundbreaking year. "I am pleased to announce Mr. Cosgrove as our new Board Chairman as h...
RLJ Lodging Trust Expands Relationship with Interstate Hotels and Resorts
RLJ Lodging Trust | December 7, 2017
BETHESDA, Md.--December 7, 2017--RLJ Lodging Trust (the "Company") (NYSE: RLJ) today announced that it has expanded its relationship with Interstate Hotels and Resorts ("Interstate") in connection with White Lodging's sale of management contracts to Interstate. The transaction is expected to close on or about January 31, 2018. The terms of the original White Lodging contracts will remain in effect. "This transaction will result in Interstate Hotels becoming our largest management company," commented Ross H. Bierkan, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We value our long-standing relationship with White Lodging and thank them for thei...
BENCHMARK®, a Global Hospitality Company, Sweeps HSMAI Adrian Awards
HSMAI | December 7, 2017
Brand Positioning Initiatives, Marketing Platforms Win 15 Awards The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 2017 … They are the "Oscars of the Travel Industry", coveted trophies of gold, silver and bronze that showcase the creative talent of marketing teams around the globe. The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's prestigious Adrian Awards set the Gold Standard for travel marketing excellence. This year, BENCHMARK®, global hospitality company, swept the Adrian's with 15 prizes for achievements in branding, web design, public relations, social media and destination marketing. The honors spanned both cor...
McWHINNEY and Sage Hospitality Debut The Elizabeth Hotel, an Autograph Collection Hotel, in Fort Collins, Colorado
The Elizabeth Hotel | December 6, 2017
FORT COLLINS, Colo., Dec. 6, 2017 -- Today, The Elizabeth Hotel officially opens its doors in historic Old Town Fort Collins as part of Autograph Collection Hotels' diverse portfolio of more than 125 hotels around the world - all one-of-a-kind properties that champion values of vision, design and craft. Guests of The Elizabeth Hotel can enjoy locally inspired art, music and craft beer at the hotel, serving as an introduction to the city's culture and lifestyle. Cultivated by McWHINNEY, a Colorado-based national real estate development company, and Sage Hospitality, the hotel's operator, the 164-room hotel invites guests to e...
IHG Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Brand, avid™ hotels, in Oklahoma City
December 6, 2017
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) celebrates today the first groundbreaking of its new midscale brand, avid™ hotels, in Oklahoma City. The groundbreaking comes only two months after the brand was launched, well ahead of initial projected timing. Since launching avid hotels, developer interest and demand continues to be strong, with more than 100 franchise applications received, including 34 which have already been converted to signed deals for avid hotels locations across the U.S. Additionally, avid hotels is now franchise ready in Canada, further demonstrating the brand's rapid start and growth potential. Projected to...
Trends in Reservations Inquiry Call Volumes: Is There More to the Numbers?
Doug Kennedy | December 6, 2017
By Doug Kennedy As a hotel reservations consultant and sales trainer, I'm often asked for my perspective on the current trends regarding the number of inquiry reservations call received vs. previous years. Many hotel marketers seem to think this is a simple question and I suppose that on one level it should be. It certainly is possible to just ask a large sample of hoteliers for their number of calls received YTD vs. previous YTD and then average the percentage of change either way. However, based on my experiences in consulting with a multitude of very different lodging operations throughout North America, I would say that such a simpl...
Using Gamification to Sell Guestroom Upgrades
Larry Mogelonsky | December 6, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Selling room upgrades is a vital tactic for generating incremental revenue and filling unused inventory. Most websites that I've visited attempt to outline the advantages of better rooms, be it through size, view, bed type, floor level, amenities or a combination of these elements. But once the consumer purchases a specific room type, how do you entice them to spend a little extra to get something even better than what they've already confirmed? While there's the age-old approach of prompting them either through a pre-arrival email or phone call, or once they are physically at the f...
