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
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts CEO Bill Simpson on Tradition and Technology in Business
Andrew Hazelton | February 8, 2017
By Andrew Hazelton Some atypical brands are both iconic and notable for their nostalgia factor. CEO Bill Simpson is the current steward of a business grounded in one of these rare brands – Hershey. Everyone knows and loves the chocolate, but Bill has worked for approximately 20 years to make Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) a premier guest service company wrapped in a timeless destination that provides memories that are just as sweet. Bill was appointed CEO in January 2013 after holding a string of progressively senior leadership roles at the company. He joined the company in 1996 as general manager of Hershey Lodge....
Making Wine and Chocolate Pairings Work for You
Larry Mogelonsky | February 8, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) Chocolate is a highly romantic food for the fast-approaching Valentine's Day and, of course, wine goes with just about any meal, so why not bring the two together? While you might not have any many options as a wine and cheese tasting, pairing chocolate with these grape-based liquors may be just the ticket to winning the hearts and minds of incoming guests. You can apply this concept as a small-plate amuse bouche, an appetizer, a dessert or as part of some other cocoa-infused main. Furthermore, much like any other edible staple with a bourgeois cachet, chocolate is also in the midst of an a...
Puerto Rico’s Landmark El San Juan Hotel Reopens Following $60 Million Renovation; Joins Curio – A Collection by Hilton
IMPRINT Hospitality | February 7, 2017
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico and MCLEAN, Va. - El San Juan Hotel, a landmark luxury, lifestyle and entertainment property in Puerto Rico, has joined Curio - A Collection by Hilton. As Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) rapidly-expanding global collection of distinctive upper upscale hotels, Curio caters to passionate travelers seeking local discovery and authentic experiences. Asset managed by LEÓN, MAYER & Co., who is also a co-owner of the hotel, and co-managed by IMPRINT Hospitality and Aimbridge Hospitality, the 388 guest room hotel marks the first property in Puerto Rico for Curio - A Collection by Hilton. "With the reopening today ...
Owner Sue Werschky Debuts Best Western’s SureStay Hotel Brand with Opening of SureStay Plus Poteau, OK
SureStay Hotel Group | February 7, 2017
POTEAU, Okla. (February, 2017) The SureStay Plus Poteau is opening its doors to guests in Poteau, Oklahoma. This property is one of the first of its kind to join one of the newest hotel brands in the industry – the SureStay Hotel Group℠. The SureStay Plus Poteau 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 its guests: "If something goes wrong, we will make it right. You should feel sure about your stay." "The SureStay Plus Poteau is a welcomed addition to our growing portfolio of SureSt...
sbe Names Claes Landberg as General Manager of Hudson Hotel
sbe | February 7, 2017
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2017 -- sbe, the leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues globally, today announced that Claes Landberg is joining as General Manager of Hudson Hotel. Landberg will run the energetic contemporary midtown New York hotel, which is located within walking distance from Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, Central Park and the theater district. "Claes joins sbe with over 20 years of extensive experience in the industry," stated Jorge Giannattasio, Chief Operating Officer at sbe. "We are excited to welcome him to our team and his expertise will help...
Two Roads Hospitality Assumes Management of Puerto Rico’s Royal Isabela as Part of Destination Hotels Collection
Destination Hotels | February 7, 2017
DENVER, CO. – February 7, 2017 - Two Roads Hospitality, a newly-created international lifestyle company featuring an unrivaled collection of truly individual hotels, resorts and vacation residences, has assumed management of Royal Isabela, a world-class golf resort, as part of its Destination Hotels collection. Situated on 2,000 acres of oceanfront land in northwest Puerto Rico, the family-owned property originally launched in 2012 and features beautifully-designed, luxury Casitas and privately-owned residences, along with a renowned 18-hole golf course. Perched dramatically on cliffs along the ocean, Royal Isabela also offers mul...
A 21st Century Quandary: Pause To Assimilate But Never Stop Running
Thomas Mielke | February 7, 2017
By Thomas Mielke Wherever I go, I see signs of people wanting to hit the pause button, to take a moment to assimilate what is happening around them. Overwhelmed by fast-paced developments and an ever-changing environment, some are longing for the orderly and structured world of times past. These are unprecedented times, and one can either embrace the new realities or rescind and give up. So, wearing my hat as an organisational advisor in talent management and human resources, I have been asking myself, 'Is hitting the pause button the right thing to do? What is needed for leadership talent in the hotel industry to adjust to and not be o...
sbe Appoints Daniel Entenberg as General Manager of SLS Park Avenue
sbe | February 6, 2017
New York – February 6, 2017 – sbe, the leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues globally, today announced that highly-esteemed hospitality executive Daniel Entenberg is joining as General Manager of SLS Park Avenue. Entenberg will orchestrate the launch of the hotel and manage its day-to-day operations. The highly-anticipated SLS Park Avenue is scheduled to open in Manhattan's trendy NoMad neighborhood in Spring 2017. "Daniel is an exceptional addition to sbe and the SLS Park Avenue team," stated Jorge Giannattasio, Chief Operating Officer at sbe. "His experie...
FCS Computer Systems Expands Operations into Vietnam with Newly Opened Regional Office
FCS | February 6, 2017
Ho Chi Minh City-based branch set to provide Vietnamese hospitality market with cutting-edge operations management solutions Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 6 February, 2017 – FCS Computer Systems (FCS), a leading comprehensive hospitality solutions and services provider, has announced the opening of its newest office location in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Situated at 46 Dach Bang 2 Street on the first floor of the Kicotrans building, the new office will be tasked with supplying regional hospitality professionals with industry leading solutions designed to streamline backend operations and maximize guest satisfaction. "With a domestic ...
Sage Hospitality Completes Renovation and Expansion of The Denver Marriott Tech Center
Sage Hospitality | February 1, 2017
Denver, Colorado (Feb. 1, 2017) – The Denver Marriott Tech Center & Sage Hospitality are pleased to announce that they have completed the major hotel renovation launched in Fall 2015. The Denver Marriott Tech Center now boasts 605 modern guest rooms redesigned to reflect the natural beauty of Colorado. The transformation included the creation of five Residential Suites complete with full kitchens, living rooms and workspaces, plus 36 Studio Suites. All of the new guest rooms feature sleek furniture and original Colorado art, 49-inch and larger flat screen TVs and renovated bathrooms with gorgeous tile, sliding doors and high-e...
Be Wary Of Double Deviations This Year
Larry Mogelonsky | February 1, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) The following article pertains to an incident at a hotel that happened late last fall pertaining to something called a 'double deviation'. Please read through this short story, and then do your best to ensure that your hotel doesn't succumb to this most gravest of service errors. A wedding in the family served a worthy excuse for a Saturday night sojourn to a resort hotel in a small city two hours away from my hometown of Toronto. The venue was immaculate, the bride was stunning, the speeches were uproarious, the food was great and the whole shebang went off without a hitch. But an issue ar...
No Reviews Means Bad Reviews: Optimize on the Power of Guest Reviews for Your Hotel
Hotelogix | January 31, 2017
'Maximize distribution, boost exposure' is the mantra on almost every hotelier's mind today. And with good reason – OTAs have opened the doors to attracting a global audience. Hotels that are on more channels get seen by more travelers, and are hence likely to attract more bookings. With modern capabilities like real-time integration to channel managers, properties can connect to any number of online distribution portals without sparing a thought for the complexity of managing so many channels. However, this scramble for online dominance seems to have distanced a number of hoteliers from a more integral aspect of attracting bookin...
Dream Hotel Group Signs with Mohamed Manik and Alpha Kinam Holdings to Develop Two Hotels in the Maldives
Dream Hotel Group | January 30, 2017
NEW YORK, NY (January 30, 2017) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group signed two hotels in the Maldives with local entrepreneur Mohamed Manik and Alpha Kinam Holdings to develop The Chatwal Maaga Maldives and Dream Gasveli Maldives. Set to open in 2019 and 2020 respectively, the new locations triple the group's presence in Asia and mark a pivotal step in Dream Hotel Group's global expansion strategy. "Last year, we signed more new hotels and resorts than ever before," said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein. "I'm thrilled to announce another equally strong year of growth momentum with the signing of The Chat...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Karan Narang to Senior Director of Acquisition & Development Analysis
Dream Hotel Group | January 30, 2017
NEW YORK, NY (January 30, 2017) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Karan Narang as Senior Director, Acquisition & Development Analysis. With nearly ten years of experience in leading hospitality acquisitions, dispositions, development and asset management, Narang will play an integral role in the continued growth strategy and expansion of Dream Hotel Group. Narang joins Dream Hotel Group from Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) where he served as Director of Acquisitions and Financial Analysis for nearly six years. At HVMG, Narang served a key role...
Hard Rock International Appoints Edward Tracy as CEO of Newly Launched Hard Rock Japan LLC
Hard Rock International | January 30, 2017
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 30, 2017 -- Hard Rock International – with presence in more than 74 countries – announces the launch of Hard Rock Japan LLC and the appointment of Edward Tracy as chief executive officer of the company's new division. Tracy's recent appointment is a strategic move designed to support the company's growth plans in the region. Hard Rock is no stranger to Japan with more than 30 years of experience in the country – opening its first Japanese cafe in Tokyo with long-time partner, WDI Group, in 1983. With six Hard Rock Cafe locations currently in operation, in addition to 24 hotels and 11 cas...
HeBS Digital Recognized Among New York’s Fastest-Growing Companies in SmartCEO’s Future 50 Awards
HeBS Digital | January 30, 2017
NEW YORK, NY — January 30, 2017 —SmartCEO has recognized HeBS Digital as the winner in the Future 50 Awards for being one of the region's 50 fastest-growing mid-sized companies and for its outstanding growth in revenue and employment. The New York SmartCEO 2017 Future 50 Awards recognize companies that represent the future of the region's economy and embody the entrepreneurial spirit critical for leadership and success. The winners are profiled in SmartCEO magazine and celebrated at a black-tie awards gala. "Our company's success is driven by both our team of dedicated, passionate digital technology and marketing experts and...
InterContinental Hotels Group Appoints Sudeep Jain as Vice President, Development, South West Asia
January 27, 2017
New Delhi, 27 January, 2017: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has appointed Sudeep Jain as Vice President, Development, South West Asia. His immediate remit will be to further strengthen IHG's presence in the region encompassing India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. IHG currently has 29 hotels open in South West Asia with a further 43 in the development pipeline. Sudeep brings more than 15 years' experience in the hospitality sector from roles based in the US and India, working across brand management, asset management, strategy, planning and real estate development. His most recent...
HeBS Digital to Present on the Future of Data-Driven Marketing at the 2017 Smart Travel Data Summit North America Conference
HeBS Digital | January 26, 2017
HeBS Digital CEO Max Starkov to speak at the 2017 North American Smart Travel Data Summit, discussing the future of intent and data marketing for hoteliers. New York, NY – January 26, 2017 – President and CEO Max Starkov of HeBS Digital is scheduled to present at EyeforTravel's 2017 Smart Travel Data Summit North America in Atlanta, GA. Taking place February 22-23, 2017, the Smart Data Travel Summit highlights trends and developments in data-driven marketing, revenue management, and product development in the travel industry. As an industry thought leader and data marketing specialist, Max Starkov will discuss the future of ...
Upgrading Your Beverages Also Means New Glassware
Larry Mogelonsky | January 25, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) "You have chosen…wisely," is what the immortal knight says to Indiana Jones after he drinks from the Holy Grail – an unsuspecting wooden cup hidden among a swath of poisonous chalices and jeweled goblets. I'm reminded of this scene at the climax of The Last Crusade whenever I have to make a decision as to how best to pair a chosen wine with its appropriately suitable glassware. Not that it is a blatant faux pas to mismatch wine and glass (at least not in my circle of friends), but proper etiquette should be followed wherever possible. Not only do shape and size affect aroma and...
NAVIS Data Exchange Boosts Speed, Reliability, Security of PMS Integrations
NAVIS | January 25, 2017
New back-end platform also simplifies future integrations BEND, Ore. (January 25, 2016) – NAVIS, the #1 reservation sales and marketing technology provider for the hospitality industry, has revamped its data exchange platform, NAVIS Data Exchange (NDE) to make existing integrations with dozens of property management systems (PMS) faster and more secure. NAVIS' performance management platform, Narrowcast and Reach in particular, already take advantage of certified integrations with most PMS systems. Although the new NDE required retooling these integrations, Amber Mayer, vice president of product solutions, says the majority ar...
The White Sands Oceanfront Resort and Spa Installs Maestro PMS to Personalize Guest Experience At Every Touch Point
Maestro PMS | January 25, 2017
Professional On-Schedule Installation, Actionable Guest Personalization, Integrated Booking Engine and Powerful Yield Management Give Popular Beach Destination Resort Tools to Engage Guests and Make its Numbers January 25, 2017 – The White Sands Oceanfront Resort and Spa is a popular year-round destination on the New Jersey coast. The independent family-owned property successfully recovered from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The resort faced another challenge in 2016. Weeks before its high season, the resort's hotel management software proved it could not handle the coming high-occupancy summer season. White Sands' owners turned to Mae...
SHR Developer of Windsurfer® Completes Integration with Google Hotel Ads
SHR | January 25, 2017
HOUSTON, TX January 24, 2017—SHR, developer of the Windsurfer® hotel reservation and distribution platform, today announced it has completed its integration with Google Hotel Ads and is now providing their hotel partners access to this new marketing channel. SHR joins a select group of authorized integration partners providing access to Google Hotel Ads. Hotels like La Quinta Inns & Suites, Premier Inn, and Hilton Worldwide have achieved impressive booking numbers leveraging Hotel Ads, with Hilton seeing an increase in conversion rates as high as 45%. Estella Hale, VP of Product for SHR, commented: "We are excited to offer...
Wyndham Hotel Group Opens Newly-Built 343-Room Wyndham Grand on the Shores of Clearwater Beach, Florida
Wyndham Hotel Group | January 24, 2017
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (January 24, 2017) – Wyndham Hotel Group, the hotel giant with an unmatched global presence of nearly 8,000 hotels, is making waves and defining approachable luxury in Florida with the opening of its latest resort destination, the new-construction, 343-room Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. The striking two-tower resort, owned by Florida philanthropist Dr. Kiran Patel and managed by Wyndham Hotel Group, sits just steps from Pier 60 and the white sands of Clearwater Beach, named the best beach in the U.S. It offers direct Gulf Coast views, signature dining, contemporary décor, and more than 22,000 square feet ...
Benchmark Names Antonio Estremera Executive Chef for The Grove Resort & Spa
The Grove Resort & Spa | January 24, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, January 2017… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Antonio Estremera as executive chef for The Grove Resort & Spa, an expansive 106-acre hotel destination in Orlando, Florida, minutes from Walt Disney World®. The resort will open its first phase on March 10. The 878 room, all-suite hotel will feature multiple food and drink venues, including a three meal-a-day restaurant, two poolside eateries, two lounges, and a large-scale grab-and-go style marketplace. Each will be overseen by Chef Estremera. Bill Lee, The Grove's general manager, made the announcement. "It is a pleasu...
