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
HSMAI Foundation Announces 2024 Executive Committee and Board of Directors, Led by Chair Lori Kiel
the HSMAI Foundation | February 12, 2024
McLean, VA (Feb. 12, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation is proud to announce the members of its 2024 Board of Directors and Executive Committee, led by new chair, Lori Kiel, who begins a two year term. Composed of senior travel and hospitality executives, HSMAI Foundation leaders have a passion for helping solve the sales, marketing, and revenue talent challenges being faced by many hotel and hospitality companies. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead a group of such extraordinary hospitality professionals,” said Lori Kiel on entering her first year as chair. “I’m thr...
AAHOA Hosts Inaugural, Highly Successful HYPE Ownership Conference in New Orleans
AAHOA | February 12, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, La., Feb. 12 – AAHOA's inaugural HYPE Ownership Conference held this week in New Orleans proved to be worth the hype based on feedback from attendees. Nearly 200 AAHOA Members gathered in the vibrant city of New Orleans for the launch of AAHOA's newest and most exciting initiative: HYPE Ownership: Helping Young Professionals Evolve. This groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind event marked the inception of a platform dedicated to empowering and nurturing the next generation of young professionals in the hospitality industry. This event included educational offerings – panels, roundtables, keynotes, and discussions – extensive ne...
White Lodging Plans Late 2024 Opening of Kimpton Santo Hotel in San Antonio
IHG Hotels & Resorts | February 12, 2024
First Kimpton Hotel in San Antonio reveals name, announces leadership appointments SAN ANTONIO, TX (February 12, 2024) – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, announces today the name of its first hotel in San Antonio, Kimpton Santo, set to open in late 2024. White Lodging, the hotel’s owner and operator, also confirmed leadership appointments of Lynn Snyder, who will serve as the property’s general manager, and Jeremy Lander, as its director of sales and marketing. The inspiration behind Kimpton Santo’s name stems from the soulful essence of San Antonio’s namesak...
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Appoints Anja Frankenbach as General Manager
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts | February 12, 2024
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico — The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Anja Frankenbach as General Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Anja brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role at the beloved St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. “I am honored to be at the helm of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, a property I have long admired during my tenure with Marriott International,” said General Manager Anja Frankenbach. “The resort has set the benchmark for hospitality in Puerto Rico, and I look forward to leading our team as we carry on the property’s legacy as the ...
Best Western Plus Heritage Rail Inn & Suites Is Now Open in Pennsylvania
BWH Hotels | February 12, 2024
York, Pennsylvania (February 12, 2024) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the Best Western Plus Heritage Rail Inn & Suites, located at 140 Leader Heights Road in York, Pennsylvania. The hotel, owned by Sagar V. Shah and his family, features 73 guestrooms and 55 suites. The property recently completed a comprehensive $3 million renovation, now featuring refreshed guestrooms and amenities. The property’s boutique design takes inspiration from the history of York, with railway themed artwork and unique railroad inspired design features throughout the hotel. Guests can access amenities including a new arc...
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel Adds Two Key Players to Leadership Team
Belmond | February 12, 2024
FEBRUARY 12, 2024 - El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, a serene hideaway overlooking the Pacific Ocean amidst the hills of Santa Barbara, today announces two appointments to its dynamic leadership team. These strategic hires will bolster the property’s position as the premier hotel in the American Riviera and reinforce its commitment to providing the highest standards of excellence for guests. KATHRYN CARLTON, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Kathryn Carlton, a seasoned sales and marketing leader with over twenty years of experience in entertainment and hospitality, joins El Encanto as director of sales and marketing. Over her career, she gain...
Asia Pacific, Excluding China, Hotel Construction Pipeline Surges to Record Highs in Q4 2023
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | February 12, 2024
February 12, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – According to the recent Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), the total hotel construction pipeline in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) increased 4% year-over-year (YOY) and closed 2023’s fourth quarter with a record-high 1,977 projects and 402,156 rooms. At the close of the quarter, projects currently under construction account for 47% of the projects in the region’s total pipeline, with 922 projects/212,607 rooms. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months increased 8% YOY to stand at 342 projects/65,079 rooms at the Q4 close. Projects in...
The Future of Tech in Hospitality
Tatyana Tsukanova | February 8, 2024
By Tatyana Tsukanova In prehistoric times, our technology was limited to tools made of stone and bone. In the 21st century, we live in an era of technological innovation that is changing almost every aspect of our lives, from communication and education to recreation and entertainment. Technology continues to evolve and in the hospitality industry we have seen drastic changes in recent years. A look into the future is necessary today, if only to better understand the current situation and to plan for 2024, as well as to understand what existing players are already doing and, undoubtedly, what guests and customers expect. Hospitality rides...
Hospitality at a Crossroads: Is a Remote Work Model Essential to Retain Talent?
Court Williams | February 8, 2024
By Court Williams At one time, the concept of remote work simply didn’t fit into the hospitality paradigm. After all, the very idea of hospitality required a physical presence to facilitate the customer experience. The onset of COVID-19 changed everything, compelling this traditionally in-person sector to reimagine its operational models. In the aftermath of the pandemic, remote work has burgeoned into a significant trend in hospitality. This raises a crucial question for the industry: Is the adoption of remote or hybrid work models essential for attracting and retaining top talent, particularly among younger leaders, or does it present ...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 3 February
CoStar Group | February 8, 2024
WASHINGTON – 8 February 2024 – U.S. hotel performance decreased slightly from the previous week, while year-over-year comparisons remained mixed, according to CoStar’s latest data through 3 February. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 28 January through 3 February 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 55.2% (-0.1%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$147.99 (+1.9%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$81.69 (+1.7%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Seattle saw the largest increases in occupancy (+19.3% to 60.1%) and R...
HFTP Announces Inaugural Technology Investment Conference: HITEC-IC, Co-Located With HITEC 2024
HFTP | February 8, 2024
The inaugural conference is scheduled for June 27–28 in Charlotte, N.C.; connecting the investment community with hospitality technology company executives. HFTP offers complimentary registrations to HITEC and HITEC-IC to qualified press professionals. View details on how to register. Austin, Texas (January 8, 2024) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) announced the HITEC Investment Conference (HITEC-IC), a new event designed to connect hospitality technology company executives with the investment community. Scheduled for June 27–28, the conference will be co-located with the 2024 Hospitality Industry Te...
Crawford Hoying Acquires Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton in Partnership With Operator, Shaner Hotel Group
Crawford Hoying | February 8, 2024
HAMILTON, OHIO (February 8, 2024) -- Crawford Hoying has announced the acquisition of Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton in partnership with award-winning international hotel owner, operator and developer, Shaner Hotel Group (Shaner). This will be Crawford Hoying’s first hotel in Hamilton, Ohio and fifteenth hotel in the company’s portfolio. Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton is located in downtown Hamilton at 1 Riverfront Plaza, near the vibrant Marcum Park and numerous dining, retail and entertainment establishments. The 120-key hotel consists of three event rooms and breakout rooms, offering more than 5,800 square feet of event space....
Best Western Seaworld San Antonio Now Open in Texas
BWH Hotels | February 8, 2024
San Antonio, Texas (February 8, 2024) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts® announces the opening of Best Western SeaWorld San Antonio, located at 1605 W Loop, 1604 S, San Antonio, Texas. The hotel is owned by Aman Patel and features 70 guestrooms and 12 suites. Best Western SeaWorld San Antonio recently underwent a $1.5 million renovation. The property features a new gray exterior with sandstone, white and black trim. The updated guestrooms and suites are furnished with a 55-inch flatscreen TV, mini-fridge and microwave. Guests will also have access to a number of on-property amenities, including a fitness center, outdoor pool, laundry fa...
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort Appoints Hillary Francis as Director of Sales and Marketing
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort | February 8, 2024
Hillary joins the iconic Hawaiian resort’s ‘ohana of world-class associates Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is delighted to share the appointment of Hillary Francis to the key position of Director of Sales and Marketing. In her new role, Hillary will play a pivotal part in enhancing the property's commercial success by leading and implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies across the resort's expansive offerings. Opened on July 1, 2023, Kona Village spans 81 acres of breathtaking geological landscape and is the latest iteration of the iconic island retreat. Rooted in the rich history of the land, local culture, and natural su...
Hotel Tonnelle Unveils Renovation in the Heart of New Orleans’ Garden District
Aimbridge Hospitality | February 8, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, LA – [Feb. 8, 2024] – Hotel Tonnelle, part of Marriott’s Tribute portfolio, announces it has completed a comprehensive renovation that has transformed every corner of the New Orleans property, including guest rooms, meeting spaces, lobby and public areas. Nestled along the iconic St. Charles Streetcar line, Hotel Tonnelle stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of contemporary comfort and the timeless charm of the Garden District. The hotel's commitment to providing a serene and charismatic escape from the bustling tourist landscape is now more evident than ever. Guests will be enchanted by the refined ambiance ...
Moxy Hotels Debuts in Canada’s Coastal City With Opening in Halifax
Moxy Hotels | February 8, 2024
Style, industrial design, and vibrant communal spaces come together at Moxy Halifax Downtown Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of Moxy Halifax Downtown, marking the brand’s debut in Canada. True to the brand’s experiential voice, the hotel boldly reinvents the traditional hotel stay with vibrant guest experiences and lively, sociable service. Located in Halifax, the rapidly growing coastal city in Atlantic Canada, the new 160-room hotel is easily accessible to Halifax’s vibrant downtown scene and just steps away from a lively mix of great shopping, spas, ga...
Nanuku Resort Fiji Appoints Shaun Thomson as New Executive Chef
NANUKU RESORT FIJI | February 8, 2024
The lauded chef brings unrivaled talent, unique South Pacific flavors and new culinary programming to the barefoot luxury resort (VITI LEVU, FIJI; FEBRUARY 8, 2024) — Five-star luxury resort, Nanuku Resort Fiji, is pleased to announce the appointment of award-winning Shaun Thomson as its new Executive Chef. With an illustrious career spanning over 18 years in the hospitality industry, Chef Thomson brings a wealth of culinary expertise that will further enhance and elevate the resort’s dining experiences to be incomparable and memorable for all guests. “We are excited to welcome Executive Chef Shaun Thomson to Nanuku Resort,” says Ge...
TFE Hotels Partners With Limitless Developments for New Adina Chermside Brisbane
ADINA APARTMENT HOTELS | February 8, 2024
BRISBANE: TFE Hotels, the Australian-based leader in high-quality apartment-style hotels, today announced the signing of the WMK-designed, Adina Apartment Hotel Chermside Brisbane, a new build hotel set to open in 2025. The 148-key hotel will be in the heart of one of Brisbane’s most vibrant and fastest growing suburbs, Chermside, and aims to offer a perfectly located and modern experience for guests. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant; café/bar, lobby lounge, a meeting room, gym, rainwater harvesting capabilities, and hotel car parking. “The signing of Adina Chermside Brisbane is a significant milestone for TFE H...
Radisson Hotel Group Debuts in Montenegro With the Signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Kolasin
RADISSON HOTEL GROUP | February 8, 2024
Radisson Hotel Group announces at HOTCO 2024 its debut in Montenegro with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Kolasin. The 188-room hotel consisting of spacious standard rooms and a range of contemporary suites, including junior and presidential, is scheduled to open during the ski season in Q4 2024. Standing tall at an altitude of 1450m, the resort is situated within the prime location of the renowned ski centre “Bielasica 1450” on the Bielasica mountain, offering 42km of ski slopes and endless hiking trails. Kolasin, Montenegro’s main ski and mountain zone, is easily accessible by road from within the country and surroun...
Artificial Intelligence in Hotel Marketing: Use Cases and Perspectives
BEONx | February 8, 2024
Although the technology has advanced significantly in recent years, a real revolution in Artificial Intelligence occurred only last year. But in the tourism industry its true impact will be based on how it is implemented for practical purposes. A group of experts from leading hotel chains spoke about it recently at FITUR, read on to find out more. Madrid, 8th February 2024 - Within the framework of FITUR, the international tourism fair that took place recently in Madrid, a round table discussion entitled "Artificial Intelligence in hotel marketing: real use cases" was co-organised by BEONx and Hotelverse. Moderated by Lore...
The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores Rebranded as Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel | February 8, 2024
Longtime beloved beach hotel reveals new name and brand concept to the Atlantic Coast of North Carolina. (ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C., Feb. 8, 2024) -- Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel – a newly renovated coastal retreat in Atlantic Beach, N.C. with all oceanfront rooms – is entering the new year with a new name and refreshed brand identity, while still delivering the genuine hospitality and coastal charm for which the property is known and loved. Formerly known as The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, all oceanfront room hotel is ushering in a new era of modern elegance and unparalleled seaside experiences following its recent renovations. Crystal Coa...
Secondary Markets Beat the Top 25 in Meeting and Events Growth in January, Knowland Reports
KNOWLAND | February 8, 2024
Lexington leads secondary markets, while Nashville heads the Top 25 ARLINGTON, Va. — Feb. 8, 2024 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, reported meetings and events in secondary markets outpaced the traditional Top 25 markets in January. Most notably, the highest growth Top 25 market, Nashville, was up 16.1 percent, while top growth secondary market city, Lexington, Ky., had a 76.4 percent uptick in meetings and events for the month. This exposes a trend that indicates meeting planners are sometimes opting for secondary destinations to reduce costs. This d...
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Welcomes New Executive Chef John Marchetti
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown | February 7, 2024
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Airlie Beach’s Iconic Mantra Club Croc Unveils Guestroom Renovation
Accor | February 7, 2024
An $8 million refurbishment to transform all 160 guestrooms at Airlie Beach’s iconic Mantra Club Croc has today been unveiled. Owned by Well Smart Group and operated under Accor’s popular Mantra brand, the resort’s new interior design concept echoes seaside elegance, offering stylish boutique-style accommodation with coastal-inspired décor. Situated close to the beachfront and Coral Sea Marina, Mantra Club Croc is housed in a traditional Queenslander-style building, providing guests with a glimpse into the region's rich past. Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PME, Adrian Williams, said: “The transformation of all 160 guestr...
