The Tricycle of Guest Service Excellence: A Perfect Model For Remarkable Experiences
Doug Kennedy | October 4th, 2024
Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2nd, 2024
Building a Must-Experience Hotel Restaurant That Builds Loyalty and Drives Revenue
Kai Urban | February 22, 2024
By Kai Urban, Director of Food & Beverage, Hilton Anaheim Key pillars of a profitable and successful hotel restaurant include enhancing guest experience while ensuring operational efficiencies. Hotel executives must navigate through the nuances of creating the right ambiance for the respective market and audience and address marketing, branding, and leveraging technology. To build and foster a stellar reputation as a hotel restaurant takes adapting to market trends and ultimately positioning itself as an indispensable asset in the competitive hospitality landscape. Beyond the rooms, Hilton Anaheim is known for an array of amenities...
Post-Pandemic Momentum in Manhattan
Roland de Milleret | February 22, 2024
By Roland deMilleret, Patricia Shih The Manhattan market, which demonstrated resilience during the decade ending 2019, was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city reopened in June 2021 when restrictions on gatherings were lifted, and tourist attractions reopened; Broadway theaters reopened in September 2021. Despite a minor setback in late 2021 due to the COVID-19 variants, the market has been experiencing a continued recovery since, primarily driven by strong gains in average rate over the last three years. In 2023, the average daily rate (ADR) peaked, surpassing the 2019 level by over 20%. Conversely, occupancy continued to ...
Radisson RED Belgrade Opens in Southeast Europe
RADISSON HOTEL GROUP | February 22, 2024
Radisson RED Belgrade has opened its doors as a new upscale lifestyle hotel, marking the debut of the vibrant Radisson RED brand in Southeast Europe. Located on Takovska Street near the House of the National Assembly, Radisson RED Belgrade offers a unique blend of tradition and contemporary style, following a complete renovation and rebranding of the existing hotel building. Old Town charm meets contemporary comfort at the new Radisson RED Belgrade, located in the buzzing heart of the “White City”. The opening of Radisson RED Belgrade marks the debut of the Group’s first bold and cutting edge upscale Radisson RED property, perfe...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 17 February
CoStar Group | February 22, 2024
WASHINGTON – 22 February 2024 – U.S. hotel performance increased from the previous week, while year-over-year comparisons remained mixed, according to CoStar’s latest data through 17 February. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 11-17 February 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 59.2% (-2.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$162.24 (+4.2%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$96.10 (+1.6%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Boston (+14.6% to 64.7%) and New Orleans (+14.6% to 75.7%) matched for the largest incre...
Canada Hotel Occupancy Dipped Because of Less Leisure Demand in January
CoStar Group | February 22, 2024
WASHINGTON – 22 January 2024 – Canada’s hotel industry showed lower occupancy but continued growth in average daily rate (ADR), according to CoStar’s January 2024 data. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. January 2024 (percentage change from 2023): Occupancy: 49.6% (-1.7%) Average daily rate (ADR): CAD175.38 (+4.3%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD87.00 (+2.6%) “Transient occupancy fell 3.7% year over year, with most of the decline taking place on the weekends, suggesting that individuals are pulling back on discretionary spe...
To Brand or Not to Brand
Robert Braun | February 22, 2024
by Robert Braun, Co-Chair, JMBM Cybersecurity and Privacy Group; Senior Member, JMBM Global Hospitality Group While some companies in some industries have a tendency to consolidate and eliminate brands, the hotel industry is different. Most of the leading hotel companies with brands, such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Accor, regularly acquire or create new brands or flags. Today, Marriott has 30 flags, Hilton has 22, IHG has 14, Hyatt has 29, and Accor has 40, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With so many flags to choose from, it’s easy to overlook another choice – no brand at all. While picking a brand is an obvious ...
Accor Releases Full-Year 2023 Results: Record EBITDA of More Than €1 Billion
Accor | February 22, 2024
RESULTS ABOVE 2023 GUIDANCE RESUMED ATTRACTIVE SHAREHOLDER RETURNS POLICY CONFIDENCE IN GROWTH PROSPECTS FOR 2024 * * * RevPAR UP 23% LFL REVENUE UP 20% TO €5,056 MILLION EBITDA UP 49% TO €1,003 MILLION NET PROFIT GROUP SHARE UP 57% AT €633 MILLION Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, said: “Accor generated record-high results in 2023, with EBITDA breaking the €1 billion mark for the first time in its history. While there were numerous reasons for this success, the solid performances were above all attributable to the Group’s teams. I would like to thank them for their commitm...
Navigating Today’s Persistent Labor Shortages in Hospitality
John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook | February 22, 2024
How technology can help the hospitality industry traverse these turbulent waters and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. By John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook February 22, 2024 – In the dynamic hospitality industry, where guest satisfaction reigns supreme, the persistent challenge of staffing shortages has reached a critical juncture. According to a recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), a staggering 67% of hotels are grappling with staffing shortages. This scarcity of personnel is not merely an inconvenience; it is a significant impediment to the industry's seamless operation. Despi...
Terramor Outdoor Resort Welcomes Josh Brillhart as New General Manager
Terramor Outdoor Resort | February 22, 2024
BAR HARBOR, Maine, Feb. 22, 2024 – Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor is thrilled to announce the appointment of Josh Brillhart as General Manager. With an extensive background in hospitality management and a passion for the outdoors, Josh is set to lead Terramor's commitment to exceptional service and immersive natural experiences. Josh joins Terramor with a wealth of experience, notably from his role as Interim General Manager at AutoCamp, where he significantly contributed to operational efficiencies and guest satisfaction. His diverse career also includes notable leadership roles across various Hospitality organizations such as ...
HSMAI Foundation’s Annual State of Talent Report Reveals Top Hospitality Talent Trends
the HSMAI Foundation | February 22, 2024
McLean, VA (Feb. 22, 2024) The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation is proud to release its third Annual State of Talent report which reveals this year’s trends in the hospitality industry that are impacting the talent within the sales, marketing, and revenue optimization disciplines. “This year the report builds on the foundation from last year’s report and captures new trends in the industry,” explains HSMAI Foundation Executive Director Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA. “We also showcase examples of leaders who have created inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking work environments, sharin...
SOCi Report: 52% of Marketers Cite Privacy as Top Concern in AI Adoption for Hotels
SOCi | February 22, 2024
Study of nearly 320 marketers finds 40% have no “clear and actionable plan” in place for AI integration SAN DIEGO – February 22, 2024 – SOCi Inc., the leading CoMarketing Cloud Platform for multi-location enterprises, today released Part IV of its AI Marketing Transformation Index. The comprehensive report offers insights into the current implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and forecasts its trajectory in the marketing industry. SOCi's commissioned study of more than 300 digital marketers provides further understanding of AI utilization in marketing and future plans for its use. Part IV focuses on whether or not clear...
The Critical Role of Leadership in Championing Guest Service in the Hospitality Industry, Guest Service in the Hospitality Industry
Alan Young | February 22, 2024
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Mission Resort + Club Welcomes David Mudge as New Food & Beverage Director
MISSION RESORT + CLUB | February 22, 2024
Culinary Professional David Mudge to Lead Storied Florida Resort’s Food and Beverage Department HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, FL (February 22, 2024) – Mission Resort + Club, an MMI Hospitality Group property, is pleased to name David Mudge, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of culinary experience, as its new Food & Beverage Director. Mudge joins the resort with extensive knowledge of both front and back-of-house operations across restaurants, banquet facilities and resorts. Mudge’s appointment brings a welcomed fresh perspective to the historic property’s four culinary outlets, as well as wedding, meeting and special event caterin...
AREV Collection Appoints Alexandre Lebrat as Global Director of Sales and Marketing
AREV Collection | February 22, 2024
Saint-Tropez – AREV Collection is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexandre Lebrat as Global Director of Sales and Marketing. With nearly 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Alexandre brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Commenting on his new position, Alexandre Lebrat stated, “I am honored to join the team at AREV Collection. I look forward to welcoming travelers from around the world to experience the charm of AREV Saint Tropez, an extremely special new property.” Alexandre Lebrat joins AREV Collection from La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa and Villas, where he served as the Director of Sal...
ITA Data Release: December 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending
National Travel and Tourism Office | February 22, 2024
International Visitors Spent $19.5 Billion in the United States in December 2023 Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in December 2023: International visitors spent $19.5 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States, an increase of more than 22% compared to December 2022 and the highest level of monthly spending since December 2019 (before the onset of reported COVID-19 cases). In fact, monthly U.S. travel and tourism exports are within $1.4 billion of their highwater mark set back in March 2018 when international visitors spent an appreciable $20.8 billion ...
Middle East Hotel Construction Pipeline Marks Highest Year-Over-Year Project Growth Since 2018
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | February 22, 2024
February 22, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – The Q4 2023 Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report for the Middle East from Lodging Econometrics (LE) states that at the close of the fourth quarter, the region’s total pipeline stands at 607 projects/145,984 rooms. The region boasts an impressive 11% year-over-year (YOY) increase in projects and a 2% YOY rise in rooms, marking the most substantial growth by projects since Q1 2018. At Q4, there are 309 projects/83,308 rooms under construction, up 2% YOY by projects. Those projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months are at 110 projects/26,454 rooms, up 7% YOY by projects, while...
Jonas Hospitality’s Newly Created Property Systems Group To Bridge the Gap Between Best-in-Class & All-in-One Solutions
Jonas Hospitality | February 22, 2024
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Florence Market Pulse
Ezio Poinelli | February 21, 2024
By Lorenzo Gullotta, Giammarco Pignocchi, Ezio Poinelli The city of Florence underwent a sustained period of tourism growth spanning over a decade, navigating various crises, including the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent economic recession in Italy, as well as the 2015 terrorism threat in Europe. However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point. Like most destinations globally, Florence faced substantial challenges due to the pandemic and associated travel restrictions. Nevertheless, with the successful implementation of vaccination campaigns and the gradual relaxation of the containment measures throug...
Hilton Accelerates Expansion in the Caribbean and Latin America With Record Room Growth in 2023 and a Pipeline of Nearly 110 Hotels
Hilton | February 21, 2024
Hilton is poised for another breakthrough year in the region with 2024 expected to bring first in market openings across multiple brands, including the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique and Zemi Miches All‑Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton MCLEAN, Va. – Leading global hospitality company, Hilton (NYSE: HLT), achieved a year of exceptional growth in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), entering new markets and celebrating brand milestones in 2023. Last year, Hilton opened 19 new hotels and approximately 4,000 rooms in the Caribbean and Latin America, representing more rooms added in the region than ...
Best Western North Side Inn Is Now Open in Wichita Falls, Texas
BWH Hotels | February 21, 2024
Wichita Falls, Texas (February 21, 2024) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the Best Western North Side Inn, located at 1307 Kenley Avenue in Wichita Falls, Texas. The hotel is owned by Nitin Chanana and features 94 guestrooms. The property recently underwent a complete renovation and offers updated amenities throughout the guest rooms and common areas. The new look follows a classic Best Western motif with greys, mauves and eggshell shades throughout the building, and a Scandinavian meets mid-century modern aesthetic. Each room is equipped with a 50-inch television, mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker a...
MCR To Acquire Historic BT Tower – One of London’s Tallest Buildings
MCR | February 21, 2024
NEW YORK, NY / FEBRUARY 21, 2024 MCR, the third-largest hotel owner-operator in the U.S., has agreed to purchase the BT Tower — one of London’s tallest buildings — from BT Group. MCR will own the 620-foot Tower and podium, encompassing a full London city block, freehold. MCR intends to secure the future of the iconic Tower — which was opened in 1965 in Fitzrovia, London, and is listed Grade II importance by England’s Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission — by repurposing it as a hotel and opening it up to the public. MCR will partner with London-based Heatherwick Studio to consider how best to reimagine its use as a ho...
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Unveils Guestroom Refresh
ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT | February 21, 2024
Enhancements to the beachfront Wailea resort include upgrades to the guest rooms, suites, and common areas, alongside elevated guest amenities WAILEA, MAUI (February 21, 2024) Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, the luxurious beachfront property situated on Maui’s premier southwestern coastline along Mōkapu Beach, today announces the completion of its enhanced room product. Marking the resort's 10th anniversary, the refresh establishes a new decade for the property and includes a tasteful redesign of key components within the resort's 320 guest rooms, including 35 suites. “For more than a decade, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort has offer...
Patrick Martin Promoted to General Manager of Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes | February 21, 2024
Myrtle Beach, SC– Feb 21, 2024 – The luxurious and perennial four diamond Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is delighted to announce the promotion of Patrick Martin to the position of Hotel General Manager. Mr. Martin, who has been at the property since it opened in 2006 holding the positions of Financial Controller and Resort Manager, will be responsible for directing all aspects of day-to-day management and operations of the highly-popular 230-room Resort. Mr. Martin replaces the retiring, seasoned hospitality professional David Nelson, former General Manager at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes since 2012. The announcement was made by Darin ...
Retreat Hotels & Resorts Breaks Ground on Dual-Branded Marriott Hotel on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter
Retreat Hotels & Resorts | February 21, 2024
Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”), the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (“GAEA”), and the City of Perry, GA announced the start of construction of a new TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott dual-branded hotel on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (“Fairgrounds”) in Perry, GA. The hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2025. The planned 129-key hotel features two brands under one roof, with 66 TownePlace Suites by Marriott keys and 63 Fairfield by Marriott keys. The property will be connected via an air-conditioned corridor to the adjacent conference center, the Miller Murphy Howard Center...