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
AccorHotels Rebrands an Iconic Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai to Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites & Apartments
Mercure | April 11, 2017
AccorHotels, world leading travel & lifestyle group, today announced the extensive conversion and rebranding of a former Sheikh Zayed Road landmark into the Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites & Apartments. The property is currently undergoing the first of a two-phase comprehensive refurbishment and is anticipated to open under the Mercure brand on 19 May 2017. One hundred and twenty hotel rooms will be renovated, as part of the first phase, to fit Mercure brand dimensions by blending classic design with a modern and contemporary aesthetic. The second phase of renovations will focus on enhancing additional guestrooms and f...
Country Inns & Suites Grows Its Presence in the Heart of Dixie with a Hotel Opening in Birmingham
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson | April 11, 2017
MINNEAPOLIS (April 11, 2017) – Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, a leading upper midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Birmingham-Hoover, AL. The hotel, located at 4400 Colonnade Parkway in Birmingham, is surrounded by many businesses and area attractions as it is situated in Alabama's largest city. The hotel has recently been renovated with upgrades made to the guest rooms, lobby and breakfast area. "We are thrilled to see our brand's continued growth in the South with refreshed and accommodating locations," said Jeffrey Freund, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Amer...
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club Chooses Agilysys Solution Suite to Optimize Food and Beverage Operations
Agilysys | April 11, 2017
Cape Cod Luxury Property Selects Agilysys Point-of-Sale, Payment Gateway Solutions ALPHARETTA, GA. — April 11, 2017 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich, Mass., has selected InfoGenesis® POS, InfoGenesis® Flex and rGuest® Pay to streamline food and beverage operations and enhance guest service at the 120-room Cape Cod property. With the agreement, Agilysys continues its leadership position in the luxury hotel and resort market. Wequassett Resort caters to an upscale...
Severe shortage of skilled tourism workers in Vietnam creating huge challenge to growing sector
Larry Mogelonsky | April 11, 2017
April 11--The severe shortage of qualified workers is a huge challenge to the rapidly growing tourism sector, experts warn. The sector is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 7 per cent in 2016-20, and as a result the total demand for direct human resources is expected to be a whopping 870,000 by 2020, according to the Institute for Tourism Development Research. The sector's demand for human resources will be two or three times the number needed by other major sectors such as education, health and finance. In HCM City alone, around 21,600 workers are needed every year until 2020, or 8 per cent of the total workforce, accord...
enVision Hotel Management Debuts enVision Hotel Boston-Everett, the City’s First Hotel in Seven Decades
Ascend Hotel Collection | April 10, 2017
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 10, 2017 -- Today, the Ascend Hotel Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH), celebrated a special milestone with the city of Everett, Mass., welcoming the newly opened enVision Hotel Boston-Everett, a member of the Ascend Hotel Collection. Ascend led the lodging industry's "soft brand" concept and, in a similarly pioneering spirit, the enVision Hotel Boston-Everett is Everett's first hotel to open in more than seven decades. Just one year ago, the enVision Hotel Boston-Everett kicked off its transformational renovation from former shoe and garment factory to a truly unique, de...
Hotel Equities Names Joe Luck Regional Vice President of Business Development
Hotel Equities | April 10, 2017
ATLANTA, GA (April 10, 2017) – Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) recently named Joe Luck the Regional Vice President of Business Development for the firm. Mr. Luck will be based out of Hotel Equities Regional Office in Dallas with a focus on current prospective owners for third party management and development opportunities. "We're excited about Hotel Equities continued growth in Texas, the Midwest and West Coast said Joe Reardon, SVP of Business Development and Marketing for HE. "Joe Luck brings great knowledge and a strong following due to his years of brand and owner relations. He has a great reputation in our industry in relat...
No Taxation Without Reservations
Gemstone Collection | April 10, 2017
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Offers "Tax Day" Breaks with Travel Promotions and Values at Luxury Properties The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, April 10, 2017 … The forms are filled out, the check is in the mail and every possible deduction from child care to mortgage payments has been captured and claimed. It's time for the American taxpayer to take a break and BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, with its two leading brands of independent luxury properties, the Gemstone Collection and Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, is providing Tax Day Relief Travel Packages & Promotions to take the str...
HeBS Digital’s Launches “Brains Behind the Beauty” Promotion to Help Hoteliers Boost Direct Bookings
HeBS Digital | April 10, 2017
Summary: To help hoteliers boost direct bookings, lower distribution costs, and increase the lifetime value of guests, HeBS Digital is offering five complimentary revenue-driving modules with any new Responsive website and smartCMS®. NEW YORK, NY — April 10, 2017 — A successful hotel website must incorporate the right balance of excellent design with technology that is built to drive direct hotel bookings. HeBS Digital, the firm that helps hoteliers boost direct bookings, lower distribution costs, and increase the lifetime value of guests, is offering hoteliers five complimentary revenue-driving modules with the purchase...
Former Inverness Hotel & Conference Center Reopens as Hilton Denver Inverness
Hilton Hotels & Resorts? | April 6, 2017
April 6, 2017 DENVER, Co. and MCLEAN, Va. - Today, the "Mile-High" city opens its doors to Denver's newest hotel, Hilton Denver Inverness. The iconic getaway, formerly known as the Inverness Hotel & Conference Center, will bring a freshly appointed and technologically sophisticated guest experience to the region while also offering all the benefits and high quality service expected from a Hilton resort. Hilton Denver Inverness is conveniently located minutes south of the Colorado capital and offers travelers and local customers alike a retreat with a championship 18-hole golf course, full-service spa and five award-win...
Details Revealed for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Hard Rock International | April 5, 2017
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., April 5, 2017-- Today, Hard Rock International officially announced the completed acquisition as well as unveiled plans for the launch and significant redevelopment of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Dignitaries including Governor Chris Christie, Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian, Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen and Senate President Stephen Sweeney, as well as local representatives, gathered to learn more about the momentous opportunity the project will bring to Atlantic City. The former Taj Mahal building will undergo an all-encompassing $375 million renovation and reopen in summer 2018. The u...
FCS Launches Cloud-based CosmoPMS Property Management System
FCS | April 5, 2017
Singapore – 5 April, 2017 – FCS Computer Systems (FCS), a leading provider of comprehensive hospitality technology solutions and services, has announced the launch of FCS CosmoPMS, its newly developed SaaS-based property management platform. Designed specifically to meet the needs of smaller properties, inns and even alternative accommodations, CosmoPMS offers a radically new approach to how properties oversee and manage their operations. A PMS portal that prioritizes easy user navigation and quick access to sought after information, the new platform offers an array of customizable features designed to simplify otherwise com...
Paramount Lodging Advisors Team Arranges Sale of the Heartland Inn Coralville, IA
Paramount Lodging Advisors | April 5, 2017
CORALVILLE, IA—Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) has successfully sold the Heartland Inn located in Coralville, IA. Managing Directors Adam Montufar, Bennett Webster, and Brent Clemens represented the seller in this transaction. The 169-room Heartland Inn is situated walking distance from the University of Iowa Campus. In addition to its ideal location, the hotel has sustained consistent, prosperous overall performance for the past several years. "We are extremely pleased with the execution of this transaction. It had a variety of unique complexities that all parties diligently worked through. The collaborative effort between our C...
Choice Hotels Honors its Top Hoteliers with the 2017 Platinum and Gold Hospitality Awards
Choice Hotels | April 5, 2017
ROCKVILLE, Md. , April 5, 2017 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's leading hotel companies, is honoring the highest rated properties within its portfolio of more than 6,500 franchised hotels around the world by announcing the winners of its prestigious 2017 Platinum and Gold Hospitality Awards. "These hotels rose to the top of our global hotel system because they exceed our key fundamentals – exceptional value and superior guest service," said Steve Joyce, chief executive officer of Choice Hotels. "Choice Hotels is proud to highlight this elite and extremely deserving group of ho...
Hotel Survival In An Airbnb World
Chamberlin Public Relations | April 5, 2017
Of course you're concerned about the Airbnb effect on your hotel business – you should be. Home-sharing services are luring a key demographic away from traditional hotels and are vastly changing the hospitality industry. Competition is intensifying as Airbnb continues to up its game to reach an even broader audience. Earlier this month, it acquired the vacation rental company Luxury Retreats International to better compete in the high-end vacation rental market. In response, hotel companies are now taking steps to keep up with home-sharing services. In the last few years alone, many major hotel corporations have announced new bran...
The Importance Of How You Address Senior Hoteliers
Larry Mogelonsky | April 5, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) The workplace today is vastly different than it was 50 or even 20 years ago. Organizations have a flat structure, people opt to work from home, attire is far more casual and we've all but stopped addressing our superiors by their formal titles. While most of these progressions are indeed progress and advantageous for productivity, employee happiness and innovation, it's the latter one that may cause some problems specific to the hospitality industry. As a cross example, the phasing out of the necktie for front desk staffers (for the men at least) will likewise change guests' percept...
Sage Hospitality Opens The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block in Denver
| April 4, 2017
Denver, CO (April 4, 2017) – Sage Hospitality is thrilled to announce that The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block, a vibrant new urban hotel concept, is now open in downtown Denver. The independent Maven delivers an industrial hotel experience with an energetic lobby highlighting an eclectic mix of local art and handmade products delivered by a passionate staff. Located in the heart of Lower Downtown (LoDo) on the corner of Wazee and 19th Streets, the first Maven Hotel anchors Denver's new Dairy Block mixed-use development by Sage, McWHINNEY and Grand American, Inc. "We carefully designed this hotel to showcase Sage's dedication to creati...
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Appoints Mark Sutton as New Director Of Development For The Northeast U.S.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | April 3, 2017
MINNEAPOLIS (April 3, 2017) -Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced Mark Sutton as director of Midscale Development for the Northeast U.S. Sutton is based in Philadelphia and will report to Fred Schwartz, senior vice president, Midscale Development, Americas. "Mark is an industry veteran with decades of experience that spans across franchised brands," said Schwartz. "We are excited to welcome Mark to our team to spearhead the growth of Country Inns & Suites in the Northeast." Most recently Sutton was vice president of Business Development at Ten-X Commercial. Prior to t...
Marriott International Sells the 759-room Westin Maui Resort & Spa and Retains Long-term Management Agreement
Marriott International, Inc. | April 3, 2017
BETHESDA, Md., April 3, 2017 -- Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced it has completed the sale of its long-term leasehold interest in The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali for approximately $317 million. Marriott will continue to manage the 759-room property under a long-term management agreement. The buyer is a joint venture among funds managed by Trinity Investments LLC and Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. The transaction underscores Marriott's success advancing its plan to sell hotels acquired through its merger with Starwood Hotels & Resorts last year. "We are proud to announce the sale of thi...
Introducing the “FAIR” Interview – Four Traits Critical for Success in a Meritocracy
Andrew Hazelton | March 31, 2017
By Andrew Hazelton Whether through social media, internal referral systems or recruiters, companies searching for top talent consistently ask me and other AETHOS partners for advice and guidance on interviewing people to determine whether they will likely thrive in a meritocracy. That's the name of the game in today's hospitality industry – though not everyone is equally equipped to excel in such an environment. Wikipedia defines a meritocracy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritocracy) as "a political philosophy that power should be vested in individuals based on ability and talent. Advancement in such a system is based on perfor...
Benchmark Partners with Acclaimed Chef Stephan Pyles to Create Ground-Breaking Culinary Program
March 31, 2017
Ambitious Plans Inform Every Aspect of Food & Beverage Operations at 70 Benchmark Hotels & Resorts and Gemstone Collection Properties The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, March 31, 2017 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has announced a far-reaching new partnership with internationally acclaimed Chef Stephan Pyles that will inform every aspect of the company's food and beverage program. The comprehensive and ambitious plan will bring new levels of culinary innovation to BENCHMARK and the 70 luxury properties under its Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and Gemstone Collection brands. Chef, cookbook author, philanthrop...
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Opens Hotel in Commerce, Georgia
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson | March 30, 2017
MINNEAPOLIS - March 30, 2017 - Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, a leading upper midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Commerce, GA. Located just off I-85, the hotel is accessible to many area restaurants and attractions. The hotel has recently been renovated with upgrades made to the guest rooms, breakfast area, pool, fitness center and lobby. "This has been a substantial year of growth for the Country Inns & Suites brand and we are excited to welcome this refreshed hotel to our expanding portfolio," said Jeffrey Freund, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas, Carl...
Concord Aztec Brickell LLC and Hyatt to Open New Build Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami Q3 2017
The Hyatt Centric Experience | March 30, 2017
CHICAGO-March 30, 2017-Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with Concord Aztec Brickell LLC for Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami, located at 1101 Brickell Ave. in the center of Miami's thriving financial and business district. Concord Aztec Brickell LLC is a joint venture comprised of Aztec Group and Concord Hospitality, which will manage the hotel. Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami is expected to conclude construction and open in Q3 2017. As with all Hyatt Centric hotels, Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami will place guests in the heart of the action, providing an ideal launc...
Benchmark Names Katie Tully Director of Guest & Owner Services, The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando, A Benchmark Resorts & Hotels Property
The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando | March 29, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, March 2017… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Katie Tully director of guest & owner services for The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando. The 878 room all-suite hotel, which is a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property, opened its first phase on March 10, 2017, just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. Bill Lee, The Grove's general manager, made the announcement. "As a resort property with a residential component in one of the world's most sought after travel destinations, it is important to have a leader in this role with the ability to effectively s...
Wine Is A Story About People
Larry Mogelonsky | March 29, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) You drink wine. You have a fondness for white or red. You have your favorite producing countries, regions, varietals, blends, vineyards and wineries. Then you can also take into account terroir, age of the vines, vintage, aging process and yearly climatic fluctuations. There's a reason why good sommeliers must go to school to perfect their expertise. Wine is a complex story with many layers to regale the novice to even the most veteran drinker. Increasingly, though, it's becoming a story about people above all else. It doesn't matter about country of origin, the prestige of the winery, micr...
