HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25th, 2024
Problem, Crisis, … or Something More?
Laura Zizka | April 13, 2020
By Dr. Laura Zizka In the workplace, we often face problems. They could derive from suppliers, employees, managers or customers. This is particularly evident in the hospitality industry where every day is met with new problems which we often refer to as challenges. Problems can be inclusive, i.e. ‘we’ve got a problem’ or accusatory, ‘you’ve got a problem’. Yet they can be dealt with by following SOPs or the rules and regulations the company has set up to deal with the different situations. Some problems take on a new level and become crises. Crises can derive from humans, i.e., a scandal within the company or a human error ...
Hotel Marketing and Revenue Management in the Time of Pandemic
Vikram Singh | April 13, 2020
By Vikram Singh As I write my first article during a global pandemic, my title inspiration comes from the Columbian literary superstar, Gabriel García Márquez. COVID-19 has rapidly decimated the industry I have worked in for over 20 years. There have been hardships before, but this one seems darker and more insidious than anything we have seen before. Nobody knows exactly what lies ahead, but the current reality is that thousands of our hospitality industry colleagues – many in my own personal network – have lost their livelihood or taken huge cutbacks in compensation and benefits. March was a month filled with bad news that was s...
2020 Hunter Hotel Investment Conference CANCELED
Hunter Hotel Investment Conference | April 13, 2020
The 2020 Hunter Hotel Investment Conference (the 32rd Annual) is canceled. The conference, initially scheduled to take place on March 18th – 20th, 2020, was postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the concern over the safety & health of attendees. After much deliberation, The Hunter Conference Team has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 conference. We consider the hotel community our extended family. Through continually following the published guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and our local health officials we sim...
83% of Americans Working From Home Due to COVID-19 Say They Miss In-Person Meetings and Conventions
Meetings Mean Business | April 13, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With more than 300 million Americans under stay-at-home orders to help slow the spread of COVID-19, many are now required to work from home and avoid all non-essential business travel. In a matter of weeks, thousands of conferences, conventions, tradeshows and other face-to-face business events have been postponed or cancelled. Recent estimates from the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, predict an unprecedented impact to the meetings and travel industry, which faces losses seven times greater than 9/11 due to the pandemic. A new survey by APCO Insight suggests that American wor...
A Curriculum for Commercial Leaders / Kelly McGuire
KELLY MCGUIRE | April 13, 2020
Keep those big brains active and (relatively) stress free during COVID-19 with this reading program created specifically for revenue management, sales and marketing professionals By Kelly McGuire In these unprecedented times, extremely talented hospitality professionals are finding themselves with some spare time, whether impacted by furloughs or layoffs, or even just reduction in business volumes. Many are obsessively consuming COVID-19 content. It’s the only thing anyone can talk about (for good reason). While it’s important to track the current pandemic and its implications, frankly, I’m starting to bel...
Next Round of Coronavirus Relief: What the Travel Industry Needs
The U.S. Travel Association | April 13, 2020
WASHINGTON (April 13, 2020)—All but shut down by the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. travel industry submitted a fresh list of urgent policy requests to Congress to protect the 15.8 million Americans whose livelihoods depend on travel. At the top of the list: adding $600 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and expanding eligibility to small businesses that were previously left out; and ensuring loan forgiveness can cover both payroll and other operating expenses during the shutdown. A key example of small businesses that were unintentionally excluded from the PPP under the CARES Act: local and regional destination marketin...
Why Flow-Through and Flex Analysis Will Be Key Post-COVID-19
HotStats | April 13, 2020
It feels interminable now, but there will come a day when the coronavirus — this “invisible enemy” that continues to lay waste to normal, everyday functions and in a matter of weeks succeeded in leveling the world’s economy — will subside and end. Though recovering occupancy and generating revenue will be at the top of hoteliers’ lists, beyond that, understanding how to turn revenue into profit will be essential to sustaining growth post-COVID-19. One way to do that is to understand the concepts of flow-through and flex. Historically, hotel performance has been measured using three main metrics: occupancy rate, average daily...
The Dow Hotel Company (DHC) Offers Tips to Navigate the Pandemic for Management Companies and Hotel Owners
The Dow Hotel Company | April 13, 2020
SEATTLE, Wash., April 13, 2020—Officials The Dow Hotel Company (DHC), a leading national hotel owner/investor and operator, today provided guidance to fellow hotel owners and operators as the hotel industry continues to seek ways to combat the effects of the coronavirus. “As the entire hospitality industry experiences a major decline in hotel demand, it has never been more important for management companies to be intensely focused on helping it's hotel owners and owner/partners to navigate the current environment through various types of cost containment measures,” said Murray L. Dow II, founder and president, DHC. “ Management com...
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Announces Updates to Current Operations
Marcus Hotels | April 9, 2020
MILWAUKEE - Marcus Hotels & Resorts®, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE:MCS), is temporarily closing additional properties across its portfolio. This decision includes all of the following hotels owned by the Company that are currently still open, The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee; The Platinum Hotel in Las Vegas; Hilton Madison Monona Terrace in Wisconsin; and the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown in Chicago. Additionally, with respect to the hotels that we manage for third-parties, we are working with the owners of those properties to temporarily close the hotels or transition management. “Our top priority in this unprecedented t...
#FirstRespondersFirst Partners With Marriott International to Provide Free Accommodations to Healthcare Workers on the Frontlines of the COVID-19 Pand
Marriott International, Inc. | April 9, 2020
NEW YORK - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have devastating impact, #FirstRespondersFirst announced today a partnership with Marriott International to support frontline healthcare workers with essential protective equipment, accommodations, child care, food, mental health support and other essential resources. As people are being asked to serve the public health by stepping back, frontline healthcare workers are being tasked with stepping forward, putting their own health -- and that of their families -- at risk. Beginning this week, Marriott and #FirstRespondersFirst will provide healthcare workers in New York City with accommodati...
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Announces Updates to Current Operations
Marcus Hotels & Resorts | April 9, 2020
MILWAUKEE - Marcus Hotels & Resorts®, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE:MCS), is temporarily closing additional properties across its portfolio. This decision includes all of the following hotels owned by the Company that are currently still open, The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee; The Platinum Hotel in Las Vegas; Hilton Madison Monona Terrace in Wisconsin; and the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown in Chicago. Additionally, with respect to the hotels that we manage for third-parties, we are working with the owners of those properties to temporarily close the hotels or transition management. “Our top priority in this unprecedented tim...
Condor Hospitality Trust Updates Actions Taken in Response to Changes in Economic and Industry Conditions Relating to COVID-19
Condor Hospitality Trust, Inc. | April 9, 2020
BETHESDA, Md. - Condor Hospitality Trust (NYSE American: CDOR) (“Condor”), owner of high-quality upper midscale and upscale hotels primarily located in secondary markets, today provided an update on measures taken to mitigate the impact on Condor and its hotels operations of recent changes in the general economic and industry conditions relating to COVID-19. Financial markets have been disrupted and there has been an industry-wide falling off of hotel occupancies. As a result, Condor is taking actions at the corporate and hotel levels including, but not limited to: Amending its Bank Credit Facility to provide extensions options out ...
For the First Time, DoubleTree by Hilton Reveals Official Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe so Bakers Can Create the Warm, Welcoming Treat at Home
Doubletree by Hilton | April 9, 2020
MCLEAN, Va. - For the first time ever, DoubleTree by Hilton is sharing the official bake-at-home recipe for the brand’s beloved and delicious chocolate chip cookie, so at-home bakers can create the warm and comforting treat in their own kitchens. The warm chocolate chip cookie welcome is synonymous with DoubleTree hotels worldwide, and travelers look forward to receiving one, fresh from the oven, upon their arrival. DoubleTree cookies have a passionate fan following and a long history. More than 30 million are consumed every year, and the DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie even became the first food to be baked in orbit during experim...
Aimbridge Hospitality Responds to Covid-19
Aimbridge Hospitality | April 9, 2020
Aimbridge Hospitality’s leadership is taking decisive actions during this unprecedented time of the coronavirus crisis to support hotel owners and their properties, reduce costs, and maintain the well-being of associates and guests. “As we leverage our scale to add value for our owners during these unprecedented times, Aimbridge Hospitality is maintaining property support and activating resources,” said Dave Johnson, CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality. “We’re preparing for the long term, and reducing costs immediately starting with the corporate office and providing relief at the property level. Ensuring our own...
AHLA Supports Plan to Add Funds For Small Business Loans, Seeks Additional Action to Protect Hotel Jobs
AHLA | April 9, 2020
AHLA CEO says additional funding and further action needed by the Administration and Congress to save millions of hotel jobs and tens of thousands of small business hotels at risk WASHINGTON (April 8, 2020) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today expressed support for plans by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Nancy Pelosi to provide an additional $250 billion in loans for small businesses. In a letter sent to Congressional leadership today, AHLA urged Congress to make several updates to the CARES Act in addition to increasing the funding. AHLA also sent an urgent letter to the Federal Reserve and ...
SELECT Hotels & Resorts Offers Virtual Experiences
Travel Leaders Group | April 9, 2020
NEW YORK, April 7, 2020 - SELECT Hotels & Resorts, a competitive, luxury-added amenity program made up of the world's most distinguished properties, is now offering travelers access to unique virtual experiences they can enjoy no matter where they are in the world. From children's programs to cooking classes to livestream yoga and meditation, virtual offerings help keep communities connected while allowing individuals and families alike to make the most of their time at home. "Despite these uncertain times, people are still eager to stay connected," said Mike Heflin, Senior Vice President, Hotel Division, Travel Leaders Group. "We'r...
Global Business Travel Becomes The Latest Casualty of the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Global Business Travel Association | April 9, 2020
Alexandria, VA (April 9, 2020) — Business travel has become the latest casualty of the coronavirus pandemic by coming to a halt across the globe, according to the latest research conducted by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). This is the fifth poll that GBTA is releasing and the numbers are dire. To understand the coronavirus’s effects on business travel, GBTA conducted its fifth lightning poll among membership on April 1-4, 2020. GBTA received responses from almost 1,000 member companies throughout the world. View the entire poll results here. “With the spread of the coronavirus and many countries under quarant...
Message From Arne Sorenson, Marriott CEO: Our Continued Efforts: We Will Travel Again
Marriott | April 8, 2020
It’s been three weeks since I last communicated with you about the dramatic impact of COVID-19 on our business. Sadly, since that time, we’ve all borne witness to how this insidious virus is impacting our families, our communities and our very way of life. What we’re facing is daunting, but I am heartened by the moments of triumph in everyday acts of courage, humanity and love. Although these are trying times for us all, I remain optimistic that our world will thrive once again. Today, I want to let you know how we’re focused on supporting the communities where our associates live and work. I also want to provide you with an up...
How Well You Communicate With Employees During a Crisis Will Determine a Hotel’s Reopening Success
Beekeeper | April 8, 2020
By Andrada Paraschiv In just three months, the coronavirus spread from Wuhan, China, to every corner of the world. Everyone is affected by this global pandemic, and few industries have been as negatively impacted as hospitality and travel. As in any crisis, communication with employees is essential. With hotels closing daily and workers being furloughed, hoteliers are quickly realizing that they do not have effective communication processes in place to stay connected with their valued workforces. Although hotel companies are working diligently to triage this crisis the best they can, each are facing limitations. But there is some good news...
MGM Resorts’ Entertainment Partners Unite in Unprecedented Support for Company’s Employees During COVID-19 Crisis
MGM Resorts | April 8, 2020
LAS VEGAS (April 8, 2020) – MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) today recognized the support of many of its resident entertainment partners who generously donated to the company’s Employee Emergency Grant Fund in support of those impacted economically by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. David Copperfield, Jay Leno, Bill Maher, Kathleen Madigan, David Spade, Boyz II Men, Brad Garrett, Carrot Top, Terry Fator, Ray Romano, Jabbawockeez, Shin Lim, Thunder from Down Under, Hans Klok, Australian Bee Gees, Fantasy and Bill Blumenreich Presents each showed their support for the MGM Resorts family this week with a donation to the fund....
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Lodging industry, 2020 – Major Players Using Loyalty Schemes to Create Value for Their Customer Base and In
April 8, 2020
DUBLIN - The "Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Lodging industry: Hot Topic Brief - Issue 1" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus, is dominating headlines the world over. The travel & tourism sector is suffering significant disruption and the lodging industry is very much impacted. This report provides insight into the current state of play, offers a look at potential future scenarios, and assesses the actions that lodging operators can take to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Key Highlights Major players in the lodging industry are using their respecti...
Accor shelters Australia in fight Against COVID-19
Accor | April 8, 2020
Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, is providing vital shelter in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. The company has transformed itself from providing a luxury service to crucial infrastructure, as Accor works with government authorities and community organisations, making its accommodation and services available to those most in need. Accor hotels are sheltering; Front-line health workers The homeless and disadvantaged Vulnerable families Returning residents who are required to go into quarantine for 14 days Accor Pacific’s Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath, said: “Welcoming, ...
National Travel and Tourism Week 2020 Celebrates “Spirit of Travel”
The U.S. Travel Association | April 8, 2020
WASHINGTON (April 8, 2020)—National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight resilience and hope in the face of the coronavirus pandemic with this year's theme: the Spirit of Travel. Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to underscore the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 37th NTTW (May 3-9) arrives at an opportune moment to unite the industry, celebrate its indomitable spirit and elevate the role it will play in America's economic and employment recovery. "Through every hardship, I f...
Marketing Tips for the Socially Distanced Traveler
Larry Mogelonsky | April 8, 2020
By Larry Mogelonsky Whenever the pandemic subsides, fear and new social patterns might linger for quite some time after that in what could best be described as ‘post coronavirus stress disorder’ (PCSD). Such a mass behavioral shift dictates that hospitality will need to adapt yet again to meet any demand changes. While people will always want to vacation in far-off lands or visit new cities for business trips, the new normal of social distancing will result in many travelers developing a profound and lasting stigma against widely shared spaces including hotel lobbies, packed restaurants, communal office setups and even guestrooms in...
