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
Hotel Industry Announces Top Employees in U.S.
AHLA | January 27, 2020
Stars of the Industry Awards Named During Gala Supporting AHLA Foundation LOS ANGELES (January 27, 2020) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the newly rebranded American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLA Foundation) announced the top hotel employees across the country, culled from more than 300 nominations across every company and numerous career pathways. The 2020 Stars of the Industry Awards are the industry’s highest honors revealed each year at second annual “Night of a Thousand Stars” Gala, the Foundation’s premier fundraiser. The event raised a record total of over $700,000 to support its mission. ...
Proper Hospitality Launches New Brand, Hotel June
Proper Hospitality | January 21, 2020
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 21, 2020 -- Today, Proper Hospitality co-founders Brian De Lowe and Brad Korzen announce the debut of their new brand venture: Hotel June. Set to open in spring 2020, the hotel is inspired by the soul and spirit of California, named to reflect new beginnings and a summer sensibility, year-round. The inaugural property on the Westside of Los Angeles is the first of several planned locations across the U.S. and abroad. Hotel June, which marks a new chapter for Proper, caters to travelers who have a passion for design, dining and community, all at an accessible price point. De Lowe and Korzen created Hotel June as the "every v...
Milestone Inc’s Head of Hospitality Recognized as Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality for 2019
Milestone Inc. | January 21, 2020
Milestone Inc. announced today that its Head of Hospitality, Tammie Carlisle, is named as one of the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality for 2019 by HSMAI, the hospitality industry's premier organization. Tammie Carlisle heads the hospitality division at Milestone and is responsible for digital marketing engagement with major customers and hotel groups. She is a widely regarded digital marketing expert and is a regular speaker on digital trends at various hospitality conferences such as HSMAI, CHLA, AAHOA, and is also on the HSMAI's Marketing Advisory Board. "We're thrilled that she is getting recognition from HSMAI for her contribut...
HSMAI Americas Releases an Abundant 2020 Calendar of Events
HSMAI | January 17, 2020
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is pleased to announce its full schedule of events for 2020. The events to be offered to hotel professionals and their partners through HSMAI Americas in 2020 will feature conferences, awards, panel discussions and roundtables in addition to events recognizing noteworthy achievements in sales, marketing, and revenue optimization within the hospitality and tourism industry. New in 2020, HSMAI is introducing Hotel Digital Essentials, an expert-led virtual classroom series that spans six weeks. The course is designed to teach participants how to confidently find their way t...
HSMAI 2020 ROC Regional Conferences Set in 5 Diverse Cities Around the Globe
HSMAI | January 17, 2020
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to announce the return of five regional Revenue Optimization Conferences (ROC) in five major cities around the world in 2020: London, Singapore, San Antonio, Sao Paolo, and Dubai. The conference gathers leading revenue optimization professionals for an in-depth exploration of optimization, digital marketing, and distribution. HSMAI’s annual ROC regional conferences deliver the most all-encompassing and robust revenue management event for the hotel industry. “Year-over-year HSMAI ROC conferences empower revenue leaders from around the globe and give hospit...
IHG Owners Association Announces 2020 Global Board of Directors, Led by Chair Wayne West III
IHG Owners Association | January 15, 2020
January 15, 2020 (Atlanta, Georgia) - The IHG Owners Association, which represents IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) franchise hotel owners worldwide, announced that Wayne West III has assumed chairmanship of its Global Board of Directors for 2020. West is President and Partner of Newport Hospitality Group, based in Williamsburg, Va., and brings an extensive background as a hotelier and operator. With more than 40 years in the industry, he has helped hotels maximize guest loyalty and team engagement while ensuring exceptional revenue performance and profitability. He succeeds 2019 chair Kurt Furlong, Chief Revenue Officer and Partner with...
Hotel Industry Spotlights Superstars at Annual Fundraiser
AHLA | January 15, 2020
Finalists to be Recognized at “Night of a Thousand Stars” Gala Supporting Hotel Industry Foundation WASHINGTON (January 15, 2020) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AHLEF) have selected finalists for the 2020 Stars of the Industry Awards, which recognizes the top hotel employees in the country. The winners will be chosen from more than 300 nominations from all sectors of the industry and across the country and presented as part of the “Night of a Thousand Stars” Gala, the Foundation’s premier fundraiser. NORTH STAR AWARD FINALISTS Mark Ga...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Announces the 8th Annual Pebby Award Nominations
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | January 14, 2020
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--January 14, 2020-- Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the “Company”) today announced the nominations for its Eighth Annual Pebby Awards. The Pebby Award nominees were chosen for their outstanding accomplishments in 2019, as determined by the Company. The Academy’s nominations face stiff competition as the candidates are incredibly strong this year. Nevertheless, several hotels earned multiple nominations; Hotel Zelos San Francisco earned six while Argonaut Hotel, Harbor Court Hotel San Francisco, Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection, Paradise Point Resort & Spa, The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, P...
Hospitality Leadership Series – Future Leaders: Seeking Advice and Applying the Right Filter
Thomas Mielke | January 13, 2020
By: Thomas Mielke Seasoned executive search professional and human capital advisor, Thomas Mielke, shares thoughts on success for emerging hospitality industry leaders A new year has arrived and with it comes different opportunities and challenges. Some things, though, never change – the great majority of us tend to ‘take stock’ at this time of the year and plan for what we want to achieve or do differently, both personally and professionally. For most industry ‘novices’, the fresh hospitality graduates or apprentices out there, there does not tend to be a limit on their ambitions and aspirations. With a clear target in min...
AHLA Announces 2020 Officers, Board, Executive Committee Amid Record Membership
AHLA | January 13, 2020
WASHINGTON (January 13, 2020) – Building on record levels of membership and engagement, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today welcomed Choice Hotels International, Inc., into membership and unveiled its 2020 Officers, Board of Directors and Executive Committee, which includes top leaders representing all segments of the hospitality industry. AHLA ended 2019 representing a record 3.2 million U.S. hotel rooms. With the addition of Choice, AHLA now counts the 10 largest hotel companies as members. Jon Bortz, Chairman, President & CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, was named chair of the board; Mark Hoplamazian, President...
HSMAI Adrian Awards to Recognize the Best in Travel Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
HSMAI | January 13, 2020
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is thrilled to announce the Gold Winners of the 2019 Adrian Awards. HSMAI’s Gold Winners have exemplified outstanding advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and integrated marketing in hospitality. Platinum and Best of Show winners will be revealed at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala on January 21st at the New York Marriott Marquis. View the complete list of Gold Award winners on the Adrian Awards website. This year, HSMAI received over 1,100 entries. The Gold Awards will be presented to a large group of multitalented winners including 99 a...
IHG Intensifies Effort to Fight Human Trafficking in the Americas
IHG | January 9, 2020
Company focuses on awareness and prevention with mandatory training, tools and resources for hotel colleagues January is recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the U.S. and IHG®, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has intensified its ongoing effort to fight human trafficking. The company has introduced new programs, tools and resources for colleagues to increase awareness and aid prevention of human trafficking, including a free training available to all IHG-branded hotels worldwide, including more than 4,200 properties in the Americas. Human trafficking, a form of modern slavery, is a $15...
Pop-Up Hotels, Autonomous Vehicle Sightseeing and Other Trends to Watch in 2020 and Beyond
Alan Young | January 8, 2020
By Alan Young Two decades ago, if I were to have asked you what the world would look like in 2020, what would you have said? Would you have anticipated the steady rise of self-service technology, tools allowing for instant gratification across all aspects of our life, and artificial intelligence? The autonomous vehicle? The seemingly endless runway of possibility stretches before us, with the help of cutting-edge platforms that were once merely a futuristic concept? Moreover, what predictions would you have offered up for travel? While our industry is always subject to change and, most would argue, has been on an upward trajectory of te...
Widewaters Hotels Honored by Hilton as Full Service Developer of the Year
The Widewaters Group | January 7, 2020
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Widewaters Hotels, an award-winning, innovative hospitality management leader, was named “Developer of the Year” in the full service category of Hilton’s 2018 Legacy Awards. The award was announced in September at the Hilton Americas Owner Conference in Orlando, Florida. The Legacy Awards recognize the passion, creativity and innovative spirit of Hilton’s partners who are committed to quality projects that meet or exceed brand standards and have a positive impact on communities around the world. The leaders of Hilton’s development and brand teams select the winners based on strict criteria, including hotel qual...
New Orleans-Based Owner and Operator of 19 Boutique Hotels and Resorts Debuts as The J Collection
January 6, 2020
NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 6, 2020 -- Today marks the official launch of the J Collection, a New Orleans-based collection of exceptional Southern hotels and resorts. The J Collection is comprised of 19 unique, locally owned and operated hotels situated throughout New Orleans and the surrounding region. Each property offers its own distinctive style and personality, along with personalized service and southern hospitality. This new brand is the next step in the evolution of the New Orleans Hotel Collection and the French Quarter Hotel Collection – previously two separate hotel groups – which are now under the same umbrella of the J Collection. ...
Tourism Tidbits: Working in a Global Tourism Market
Dr. Peter Tarlow | January 3, 2020
By Dr. Peter Tarlow The start of the new decade is a good time to take a deep breath and reflect upon the many changes and challenges that have occurred. The last decade has seen both political and economic turmoil in both Europe and Asia. Political changes have occurred throughout Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Many nations have had to deal with failing economies. Other nations, such as the United States, have enjoyed unprecedented economic gains. Energy has also played a part. The US is now the world’s largest energy producer. Furthermore, with pressure on fossil fuels scientists are seeki...
Inaugural Conference Led by Women in Tourism & Hospitality to Promote Diversity and Inclusion
Women in Tourism & Hospitality (W.I.T.H.) | January 2, 2020
W.I.T.H. Conference filled with lodging educational workshops and keynote speakers set for March 19 and 20, 2020 San Diego–Women in Tourism & Hospitality (W.I.T.H.), will host its inaugural conference March 19 through 20, 2020 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego-Mission Valley. The W.I.T.H. program recognizes and supports the contributions of women professionals who are significantly impacting tourism and hospitality in the San Diego metro area. W.I.T.H. will bring together corporations, tourism executives, industry insiders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, educators, and students for one full day of motivation, education...
Alternative Accommodations Likely to Bring Continued Disruption to Hotel Industry in 2020
MaryJo Finocchiaro | December 23, 2019
Real estate and hospitality professional MaryJo Finocchiaro expects trend to continue as consumers compare price/value proposition of the two products BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 23, 2019 -- The alternative accommodation business is a significant hotel industry disruptor and is becoming increasingly institutionalized characterized by sophisticated revenue management, multi-unit management companies, and talks of IPO's. According to MaryJo Finocchiaro, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for BRE Hotels & Resorts, "The alternative accommodation trend is expected to continue to grow but facing headwinds with the threat of e...
Dream Hotel Group Continues Partnership With No More for 2019 Holiday Season
Dream Hotel Group | December 23, 2019
Global hotel company launches charitable giving initiatives across all U.S. properties to help movement to end domestic violence & sexual assault You indulged in turkey and all the trimmings. You scored great deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Now it’s time to take a moment to spread the word on Dream Hotel Group’s charitable giving campaign benefiting NO MORE. Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group today announced plans to renew its charity partnership with NO MORE, an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action and fueling culture cha...
Hotel Industry, AARP Join to Help Protect Seniors From Travel Scams
AHLA | December 23, 2019
Joint Effort Will Help Consumers Identify Online Booking Scams and Search Smarter WASHINGTON (December 23, 2019 –As Americans book last-minute holiday travel and begin contemplating summer trips, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and AARP today announced a coordinated campaign aimed at educating senior travelers to avoid travel scams. This collaboration aligns with both AHLA’s Search Smarter campaign and the AARP Fraud Watch Network, initiatives designed to help consumers avoid falling victim to scams and fraud. According to AHLA research, online booking scams and dishonest marketing practices by fraudulent and m...
Understanding the Future of Alternate Accommodations
Larry Mogelonsky | December 18, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) We tend to consider the hotel industry in a traditional sense of hotels and resorts. But in case you’ve been ostrich with your head in the sand for the past few years, the term no longer really applies, replaced instead with ‘the accommodations industry’ that incorporates all the new table names that were only fringe players a decade ago. The incredible growth of Airbnb, as an example of one such entrant, has hopefully raised our collective awareness. To narrow down our market scope a bit, according to HVS services apartments in Europe are expected to outgrow traditional hotel...
Politics to Steer Hospitality Landscape in 2020
AETHOS Consulting Group | December 17, 2019
(December 17, 2019) - AETHOS Consulting Group's UK and US Managing Directors have gathered their collective thought leadership and now share predictions, concerns and issues for the hospitality industry in 2020. For this monumental year, the issues, unsurprisingly, relate to finding labor, particularly in light of politics across the globe, and technology. Some of AETHOS's observations include: Development Programs Should Deliver More Predictable Talent Pipelines and Consistent Organizational Bench-Strength. Says AETHOS Managing Director and head of the firm's workplace psychology and 20|20 Assess survey and assessment practice, Jame...
HITEC San Antonio Announces Best Selling Socialnomics Author Erik Qualman as Opening Keynote
HITEC | December 12, 2019
HITEC San Antonio will be June 15-18, 2020 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas USA Digital leadership speaker and author Erik Qualman will initiate a technology-focused week as the Opening Keynote speaker for the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) in San Antonio, Texas USA. Qualman has performed in over 50 countries and reached 25 million people this decade. He will present his observations on digital trends and transformation to the 6,000 plus attendees expected at the 2020 event, which offers a high-quality education program and exhibition focusing on the latest in hospitality...
Noble Mourns Death of Long-Time Executive Mark Rafuse
Noble Investment Group | December 12, 2019
ATLANTA, Dec. 12, 2019 - Noble Investment Group ("Noble") today announced with great sadness the death of long-time executive, Mark Rafuse, from cardiac arrest. He had served in multiple leadership roles with the organization since 1999. "We are heartbroken by Mark's sudden passing," said Mit Shah, Noble's Chief Executive Officer. "Mark was a dear friend and partner and a dedicated steward of our Noble organization. He believed in our team and our mission and was unwavering in his commitment to our endeavors. I was honored to work alongside him for more than twenty years and we are going to profoundly miss his friendship. Our hearts...
