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
TripAdvisor Reveals The Best Hotels Across The Globe With 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards
TripAdvisor | January 24, 2017
Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection in Hungary Named the Top Hotel in the World; Massachusetts' Nantucket Hotel & Resort is #1 in America Annual Awards Recognize Top Hotels Overall and Top Accommodations in the Categories of Luxury, Bargain, Small, Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance and Family NEEDHAM, Mass., Jan. 24, 2017 / -- TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travelers' Choice® for Hotels awards. Travelers' Choice award winners were determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travelers worl...
Aimbridge Hospitality Awarded Management of the Sheraton Suites Dallas Market Center
Aimbridge Hospitality | January 23, 2017
Dallas, Texas (January 23, 2017) — Aimbridge Hospitality has been awarded the management contract for Sheraton Suites Dallas Market Center. The owner of the hotel, a joint venture between SV Hospitality, LLC and private funds managed by Iron Point Partners, LLC, purchased the hotel in late 2015. The owner selected Aimbridge Hospitality for their proven track record as a premier hotel management company that delivers results. "We are excited to work with SV Hospitality and Iron Point to drive value at the Sheraton Suites Dallas Market Center," said Dave Johnson, CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality. "Following the comprehensive renovation ...
Choice Hotels Appoints Brian Quinn Vice President of Franchise Development
Choice Hotels | January 19, 2017
ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 19, 2017-- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, has appointed Brian Quinn as vice president of franchise development. Quinn, who has spent his entire career in the hospitality industry, will be responsible for leading franchise development in the United States for Choice brands, including Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites and Suburban Extended Stay. "Brian is a wonderful addition to our exceptional development team and a great asset to our current and potential franchisees," said David Pepper, chief development officer at Choic...
Hard Rock International and Sunwing Travel Group Set to Rock Central America with Hard Rock Hotel Papagayo, Costa Rica
Hard Rock International | January 19, 2017
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 19, 2017 -- Hard Rock International makes waves today as it announces plans to bring the Hard Rock Hotels experience to Costa Rica with the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Papagayo, Costa Rica. Hard Rock, in collaboration with Sunwing Travel Group, is set to open Costa Rica's first Hard Rock Hotel by early 2019. The brand's strategic partnership with Sunwing Travel Group, the largest tour operator in North America, provides the perfect opportunity for future growth within the region. With Hard Rock and Sunwing Travel Group's shared vision of providing authentic experiences in word-class destinations, this n...
Aimbridge Hospitality Assumes Management of the Pearl South Padre Island Resort
Aimbridge Hospitality | January 19, 2017
Dallas, Texas (January 19, 2017) — Aimbridge Hospitality is the new hotel management company of the Pearl South Padre Island Resort, one of the top full-service resorts on the popular Texas coastal destination. Pearl South Padre is a premier full-service oceanfront resort featuring 200 ocean view guest rooms as well as 52 one- and two-bedroom condominiums ranging in size from 973-1,243 square feet complete with full kitchens. "We are excited that Aimbridge Hospitality has assumed management of this outstanding full-service resort and look forward to making lasting memories for our guests and enhancing the performance of the proper...
Hotel Equities Promotes President Brad Rahinsky to Chief Executive Officer
Hotel Equities | January 19, 2017
ATLANTA (January 19, 2017) - Atlanta-based Hotel Equities recently promoted President Brad Rahinsky to the position of President & Chief Executive Officer. Fred Cerrone, founder of the firm, retains the position of Chairman. Following a unanimous vote by the Hotel Equities' Board of Directors in December, Mr. Cerrone announced the promotion at the monthly meeting of the firm's leadership team. "An extraordinary leader with an astute business mind, Brad brings that rare mix of business acumen and street sense to his position as the President & CEO of Hotel Equities" said Fred Cerrone, Founder and Chairman of Hotel Equities. "He h...
Denver’s The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center to Convert to Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brand in March 2017
The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center | January 19, 2017
DENVER, CO and MCLEAN, VA – January 19, 2017 – The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center, a luxury hotel and resort located in the southern Denver suburb of Englewood, announced the property will become part of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in March 2017. The conversion to the Hilton brand will not affect guest reservations, and is the next phase in the property's multimillion dollar three-year capital expenditure and property improvement plan. "The conversion of The Inverness Hotel & Conference Center to a Hilton Hotels & Resorts property will bring a newly designed hotel to the Denver area, while also o...
Sofia Hospitality & Carlson Rezidor Break Ground on Park Inn by Radisson Colombo in Sri Lanka
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | January 19, 2017
SINGAPORE, January 19, 2017 - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, marked its entry into Sri Lanka at a recent groundbreaking ceremony of Park Inn by Radisson Colombo. The event was inaugurated by Hon. Minister John Amaratunga, Sri Lanka's Minister of Tourism Development & Christian Religious Affairs, Anil Amarasuriya and S.R. Gnanam, chairman and managing director, respectively, at Sofia Hospitality (Pvt) Ltd, and Thorsten Kirschke, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Strategically located on Galle Road, at the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) and 26 ki...
sbe Announces Jorge Giannattasio as Chief Operating Officer
sbe | January 18, 2017
Former Starwood Chief of Latin American Joins Leading Global Lifestyle Hospitality Company to Spearhead Daily Operations LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18, 2017 -- sbe, the Los Angeles-based leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues globally, today announced that Jorge Giannattasio has joined as Chief Operating Officer. In his role, he will work closely with sbe Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian to oversee the daily operations across the sbe platform. "We are thrilled to welcome Jorge to sbe," stated Nazarian. "In December, we announced the acquisition of Morgans Hotel Group ...
HeBS Digital Offers Hoteliers a Guarantee to Lower Distribution Costs by 20%
HeBS Digital | January 18, 2017
Summary: As part of a new promotion to help hoteliers improve profitability, HeBS Digital is offering a guarantee to lower distribution costs by 20%, with the purchase of a full-service website design and digital marketing package. NEW YORK, NY — January 18, 2017 — With supply predicted to outpace demand in many major markets, and as Airbnb continues to steal share from hotels (STR and CBRE), HeBS Digital wants to help hoteliers lower distribution costs, the only realistic option for improving the bottom line in 2017. HeBS Digital, the firm that helps hoteliers drastically increase direct bookings and lower overall distribut...
The New Food for 2017 is ‘Starchy’ Fruit
Larry Mogelonsky | January 18, 2017
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.lma.ca) With 2016 dubbed 'The Year of the Pulse' by the United Nations with beans cited for their versatility as both an energy and protein source in addition to their potent health benefits, it is time once more to declare 2017 as a banner year for something else. While many chefs are still searching for new and clever ways to infuse legumes into their menus, it is nevertheless every hotelier's duty as a benefactor for food innovation to be on the lookout for the best big thing. This year, I'm not waiting for the UN to make its proclamation; I am telling you today to start looking at starchy fruit...
Technologies That Will Have a Major Impact on Hotels in 2017 and Beyond
ALICE | January 18, 2017
Technologies that were big in 2016, and are only getting bigger. HOTEL STAFF TECHNOLOGY. Ops is the new black. Happy staff = happy guests, and 2016 was the year where staff technology and back of house operations finally got the attention and validation it deserves. Until last year, most attention was on guest technology, particularly on guest apps and on guest-facing innovation, like keyless entry and in-room controls. Companies like Marriott and IHG poured millions into their mobile guest applications, while their staff were left to fumble with clunky, poorly designed systems. Staff are the heart of hospitality. Without them, hotels a...
Nominee for “2016 Hospitality Leader of the Year”
James Houran, Ph.D. | January 18, 2017
By: James Houran, Ph.D. | Keith Kefgen | Chris Mumford The past year was full of compelling events and personalities within the hospitality industry, and looking back, many leaders stand out as strong contenders for the title of "Leader of the Year." To our way of thinking, anyone receiving this designation must exhibit true "servant leadership" by aligning people practices to business practices, and in so doing, bring about tremendous quantifiable results and return on investment (ROI) for all shareholders. For example, arguably the most obvious and easily defendable choice is Arne Sorenson at Marriott. He pulled off the biggest deal i...
2017 Hotel Director of Sales Compensation Study – United States Courtesy of Aethos Consulting Group
David Mansbach, CCP | January 17, 2017
By David Mansbach, CCP A recent compensation review of more than 250 Directors of Sales (DOS) from four- and five-star properties throughout the United States has resulted in AETHOS Consulting Group's Director of Sales Compensation Study. According to AETHOS Managing Director David Mansbach, author of the study, "too many hotel organizations are losing out by not seriously considering the exponential value a great Director of Sales brings to the table. As hotel properties are fighting more than ever to capture market share, it is incredibly important to identify the strongest candidates and create compensation programs to attract and re...
Hotel Equities to Manage SpringHill Suites St. Petersburg Clearwater
Hotel Equities | January 17, 2017
ATLANTA–January 17, 2017– Atlanta-based Hotel Equities recently announced its selection as the management firm for the SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. Petersburg Clearwater. Owned by Alliras Hospitality, LLC, the hotel is located at 3485 Ulmerton Road in Clearwater, Florida. Newly renovated, the all-suites hotel is located near St. Petersburg Clearwater Airport and Bright House Networks Field, the home of spring training for the Phillies. Guests also have easy access to Clearwater Beach, Pier 60 for entertainment under the stars, St. Petersburg Pier and Tropicana Field. "We are pleased to expand our presence on Florida's w...
Corporate Governance in a Trump Presidency
Keith Kefgen | January 17, 2017
By: Keith Kefgen Like it or not, corporate governance is about to change in a big way. President-elect Donald Trump has already been talking tough about "dismantling" the Dodd-Frank Act. Many of the Dodd-Frank policies were put in place to curb banks from causing another financial crisis, but others like "Say on Pay" make little sense. While the U.S. Congress and Trump battle it out in 2017, there are a number of trends and actions in corporate governance that public boards should be thinking about in the New Year: Succession plan. One of the primary responsibilities of a board is to ensure that a thoughtful and comprehensive successi...
Eros Group and Carlson Rezidor Open Radisson Blu Faridabad in North Indian State of Haryana
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group | January 16, 2017
Faridabad, India (January 16, 2017) –Radisson Blu Faridabad, the city's first upper-upscale hotel, opens in the north Indian state of Haryana, one of India's largest business and industrial hubs in the National Capital Region (NCR). Faridabad is home to many industries and corporations as well as a center of attraction for leisure travelers with the presence of striking places of interests including the Badhkal Lake and Raja Nahar Singh Palace. Radisson Blu Faridabad features 124 contemporary rooms complemented with modern amenities. Stylish, sophisticated and comfortable, guests will enjoy the brand's internationally renowned Yes...
IHG® Challenges Brands to Address the Needs of the Uncompromising Customer in the ‘Age of I’
IHG | January 16, 2017
Davos, Monday 16th January 2017: Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG®) today launches its 2017 Trends Report - The Uncompromising Customer: Addressing the Paradoxes of the 'Age of I' - at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The report highlights the uncompromising nature of today's customer who increasingly expects brands to deliver experiences that satisfy contradictory needs. IHG's research identifies four paradoxes that are driving the decisions customers make in a landscape constantly changing through advances in technology. In this environment, customers do not want either/or solutions: they want the best of bo...
SHR, Developer of Windsurfer® CRS Announces New Senior Management Appointments to Address Aggressive Growth Objectives
SHR | January 16, 2017
Houston, Texas, January 16, 2017—SHR, the innovative developer of central reservation system (CRS) software for hotels, has announced the addition of two key leadership positions at the company's headquarters in Houston. Chief Operating Officer (COO) Adam Roark joins the SHR team from the audit, tax and advisory firm Grant Thornton LLP, where he served as senior manager. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of customer support for Cardtronics, the world's largest ATM owner/operator. A financial and operational leader with experience in high-tech and traditional businesses, Roark brings a history of building collaborativ...
Managed by Hotel Equities, Fairfield Inn by Marriott Corpus Christi Aransas Pass Opens in Texas
Hotel Equities | January 13, 2017
ATLANTA–January 13, 2017–Atlanta-based Hotel Equities opened the Fairfield Inn by Marriott Corpus Christi Aransas Pass in Texas and serves as the hotel's management company. Hotel Equities now manages 21 hotels in the state of Texas. Owned by HCNA Enterprises, LLC, the hotel is located at 2379 Business Highway 35, only 23 miles from Corpus Christi International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown. Guests welcome convenient access to Conn Brown Harbor, Kohootz Dolphin Encounters and Aransas Queen Casino. "We are pleased to expand our presence in Texas by opening another property in the southern part of the state," said Joe R...
Dream Hotel Group Names Executive Management Team for Dream Hollywood Opening February 2017
Dream Hollywood | January 13, 2017
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 13, 2017) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group announces the appointments of three seasoned hospitality executives to lead its west coast flagship, Dream Hollywood: Ayo Akinsete as General Manager; Kendall Viola as Director of Sales & Marketing; and Carly Skinner as Hotel Manager. With nearly 30 years of collective experience within the highly competitive hospitality industry, Akinsete and team will be integral in the launch and success of Dream Hollywood, slated to open in February 2017. "Los Angeles has long been on our short list of dynamic U.S. cities for growth, and we a...
HRI Lodging Names Paige Carlson Director of Sales for River’s Edge Hotel & Spa
HRI Properties | January 12, 2017
PORTLAND – January 12, 2017 –HRI Lodging, LLC (HRIL), an affiliate of HRI Properties, and River's Edge Hotel & Spa has named Paige Carlson as its new Director of Sales for the 99-room boutique hotel in Portland. Carlson re-joins the hotel after previously serving as its Director of Sales from 2013-2015. She has also served in executive hospitality sales positions for such properties as The Nines, a luxury hotel collection also located in Portland, and almost eight years at The Phoenician resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Carlson will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing for the hotel, including training, developing an...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Leiya Cohen Director of Operations for The Time New York
The Time New York | January 12, 2017
NEW YORK (January 12, 2017) – The Time New York is pleased to announce the appointment of Dream Hotel Group veteran Leiya Cohen to Director of Operations. In her new role, Cohen is responsible for the daily management of the hotel's front office, housekeeping and engineering to ensure operative success and an unrivaled guest experience. "Cohen has played an instrumental role during the hotel's renovation, displaying a heightened level of leadership and competency," said Kanvar Singh, Area Managing Director for The Time Hotels. "We expect to see continued innovation and growth for the hotel under Cohen in her new role with us." Pri...
Now Available for Download: HeBStrategy Q1 2017 Hotel Marketing, Technology, and Trends Whitepaper
HeBS Digital | January 12, 2017
As part of its position as a hospitality industry thought leader, HeBS Digital is pleased to announce the release of the first in a series of HeBStrategy whitepapers for 2017. The HeBStrategy Q1 edition highlights key developments in the hospitality, travel, and digital marketing spaces, their impact on hoteliers and hotel management, and their influence on trends into 2017. Download the HeBStrategy Q1 2017 whitepaper to learn about: What's Happening in 2017? Stay updated on developments that impacted hoteliers in Q4 2016 including changes in TripAdvisor search, Airbnb's continued growth, and new products from Google. Find out how the...
