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
The 2024 Group Business Forecast: Trends to Help Hotels Capitalize on the Back-to-In-Person Boom
Mike Pavicich | February 6, 2024
By Mike Pavicich Group business is back in a big way. In-person events are returning to their pre-COVID normal pace. In 2024, 81 percent of meetings will have an in-person component in them. A recent study by Deloitte anticipates that by 2024, business travel spending will return to its level before the pandemic. This view is echoed in Accor's data, which shows in their latest survey regarding client business travel that 57 percent of those surveyed anticipate a budget increase for travel in 2024 compared to 2023. With this influx of in-person gatherings, in 2024, event technology is projected to become even more critical, providing k...
Best Western Premier Dynasty Joins BWH Hotels Portfolio
BWH Hotels | February 6, 2024
A Captivating Story of Family Legacy and Hospitality in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (February 6, 2024) – BWH Hotels welcomes Best Western Premier Dynasty as a new addition to the brand’s properties in Addis Ababa. Situated in a prime, beautiful location within Ethiopia’s capital, the hotel boasts 89 spacious and luxurious rooms, all meticulously designed to meet international standards. What makes this hotel truly special is its ownership by a respected family of 12 siblings. They constructed the hotel on their father's land, extending the family legacy and creating a remarkable tale behind this exquisite proper...
The Luxury Collection Announces Signing of Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks and Caicos
Marriott International | February 6, 2024
Nestled along a pristine shoreline and drawing inspiration from the nearby Salinas salt flats, the resort will reflect the natural allure and rich heritage of South Caicos, underscored by a commitment to sustainability. Plantation, Fla. February 6, 2024 – The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is pleased to announce the signing of Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos, marking the hospitality brand’s first property in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Located on the pristine beaches of South Caicos Island, the new property invites guests to discover world...
Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman Set to Open in April 2024 on Seven Mile Beach
Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman | February 6, 2024
New Premium Lifestyle Hotel Located in the Region’s Vibrant Neighborhood Will Feature Unique Culinary Experiences, Locally Inspired Art, and the Island’s Only Rooftop Lounge 6 February 2024 (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands): Anticipation is growing in Grand Cayman as IHG Hotels & Resorts and Dart Properties prepare to unveil their latest Caribbean resort, Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman. The highly awaited grand opening is scheduled for April 2024, offering guests an island experience that celebrates the cultural richness of the Cayman Islands. Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, a unique oasis enhanced by local elements, bohemian design, ...
Nomadix Earns Patent for Enhancing Passpoint (Hotspot 2.0) With Loyalty Program Integrations
Nomadix | February 6, 2024
Enabling Digital Engagement and Tiered, Location-Based Services for Visitor-Based Networks LOS ANGELES – February 6, 2024 — Nomadix® Inc., bringing connected experiences to life, was issued U.S. Patent No. 11,855,986 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on December 26, 2023. The patent, titled “Management of network intercept portals for network devices with durable and non-durable identifiers,” represents Nomadix’s ongoing innovations in networking technology and adds to its growing patent portfolio. The patent relates to using captive portals to securely manage network access requests under Passpo...
Quoting Higher Rates and Overcoming Objections Regarding Rate/Availability Restrictions
Doug Kennedy | February 6, 2024
Doug Kennedy’s Next Training Webcast; Complimentary Registration Now Open Sponsored By Travel Outlook, Better Talent, and Track Hospitality Software Register your team and participate live, or view the recording, of Doug Kennedy’s next 40-minute training webcast scheduled for Monday, February 19, from Noon – 12:40 pm EST. REGISTER HERE “As many resorts, vacation rental companies, and hotels enter the peak booking season, now is a great time to train your reservations team on tactics for successfully selling the higher rates that your revenue managers have most likely rolled out this year,” said Kennedy. Due to today’s h...
The Azur Selection Expands Into France With the Acquisition of Three Hotels in Cannes
The Azur Selection | February 5, 2024
The Azur Selection (ISIN: GRS528003007 – Ticker: MLAZR), announces its entry into the French market with the acquisition of three prestigious hotels in the centre of Cannes, France. The company signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the share capital of Hôtels Du Groupe Boucau, a well-established company renowned for its hospitality offerings. This strategic move materializes The Azur Selection's expansion plans beyond Greece, where it has already experienced rapid growth and success. With this acquisition, The Azur Selection aims to establish a strong presence in France, a worldly renowned destination for luxury and hospitality offe...
A Focus on Sports in Naples Attracts a Younger Demographic
Hannah McManus | February 5, 2024
By Hannah McManus The Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples’ premier sports and special-events venue, opened in December 2020 and has been ramping up operations and expanding since. The 180-acre venue features eight multi-use fields (for soccer, lacrosse, and football), a stadium, and six sand volleyball courts as athletic facilities. Event, entertainment, and recreational spaces at the complex include the Great Lawn and Great Lawn Amphitheater, the Factory outdoor fitness facility with the MoveStrong obstacle course, and the Cove beer and wine bar. Phase III of development is currently underway. A ninth field and eleven diamond fields ...
Hyatt Announces the Opening of Ronil Goa in Southwest Asia
JdV by Hyatt | February 5, 2024
Ronil Goa marks the foray of the JdV by Hyatt brand in India CHICAGO (February 5, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the opening of Ronil Goa, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, in the holiday state of Goa, India. This marks the entry of the JdV by Hyatt brand in Southwest Asia. Located on the iconic Calangute Baga Road in north Goa, Ronil Goa has a legacy of more than 35 years. In its new position as a JdV by Hyatt hotel, this boutique resort will be the first five-star hotel on this bustling stretch and is well connected to key tourist attractions as well as upscale shopping and entertainment areas. The hotel is ea...
IHG Signs With Yuvaan Developers Private Limited for Holiday Inn Guwahati in India
IHG | February 5, 2024
The new-build hotel will feature 150 keys will open its doors to guests in 2028 5th February 2024, New Delhi: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced a management agreement with Yuvaan Developers Private Limited for Holiday Inn Guwahati in India’s North-East region. Scheduled to open in January 2028, the new-build 150-key hotel signifies a significant stride towards IHG’s expansion strategy in secondary markets, in line with the growing demand for quality branded accommodation in the country. Guwahati, a gateway destination to northeastern India, is now a thriving economic hub featur...
The Logan Hotel Appoints Jessica Bauer to General Manager
The Logan Hotel | February 5, 2024
This promotion comes as Bauer celebrates 17 years at The Logan Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (February 5, 2024) – The Logan, Philadelphia’s Hotel, has announced the promotion of Jessica Bauer to General Manager. A Philadelphia native, Bauer has been with the property since 2007, most recently serving as Director of Sales and Marketing since 2016. Bauer’s new role entails overall management of the property including profitability, guest service, product quality, and cleanliness and maintenance. Situated in the vibrant, downtown cultural district of Philadelphia, The Logan is a bold, artful and irresistibly inviting urban retreat, with 39...
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino Appoints Lanette Torres as Director of Sales, Marketing and Events
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino | February 5, 2024
PALM BEACH, Aruba (February 5, 2024) – Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino, located on 12 acres of magnificent beachfront property on the world-renowned Palm Beach, is delighted to announce the appointment of Lanette Torres as Director of Sales, Marketing and Events. Torres has over 15 years of experience in sales and events management. She has had proven successes in maximizing hotel revenue through market analysis, sales strategies and initiatives, as well as brand development and marketing partnerships. “We are thrilled to have someone with Lanette’s expertise and leadership skills join our team at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort...
Fort George Hotel & Spa Opens In Belize City With 34 New Guestrooms
Fort George Hotel & Spa | February 5, 2024
BELIZE CITY, Belize (February 5, 2024) – Fort George Hotel & Spa, located in the Fort George neighborhood of Belize City, today officially opens its doors to welcome guests. The hotel brings a new, contemporary hospitality experience for discerning travelers to Belize City, one that aims to revitalize the historic Fort George area, a hub for tourists, business travelers and cruise passengers. As the only luxury hotel in Belize City, Fort George Hotel & Spa’s holistic approach to hospitality is centered on sophisticated design, elevated culinary offerings, and inspiring wellness with expansive accommodations, a destination resta...
Tivoli La Caleta Resort Opens on the Shoreline of Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts | February 5, 2024
Lisbon, February 5, 2024 – Making its debut in Spain, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, bringing the brand’s timeless glamour to the Canary Islands. Following extensive renovations, Tivoli La Caleta opens its doors, welcoming guests with elegantly renovated guest rooms and suites, exciting dining concepts and a world-class spa, all with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the hotel’s beautifully landscaped gardens. Located on southern Tenerife’s picturesque coast, nestled between the mountains and the deep blue Atlantic, Tivoli La Caleta offers an idyllic ...
The Southbridge Hotel Undergoes Rebranding to Wellsworth Hotel
the Wellsworth Hotel | February 5, 2024
The newly named Wellsworth Hotel blends historic ambience with rich amenities for the leisure and business traveler SOUTHBRIDGE, MA (February 5, 2024) - The Southbridge, Massachusetts-based Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center has completed a name change and rebranding to the historically rich Wellsworth Hotel. The change of name, brand reconfiguration and new website pays homage to the historic and entrepreneurial spirit of George Washington Wells, who was the owner of what became one of the largest and most respected optical companies in the world - the American Optical Company, locally known as “AO.” Wells believed th...
Hospitality Financial Leadership – Material and Immaterial Expenses
David Lund | February 5, 2024
By David Lund There is a critical understanding that all hospitality financial leaders need to clearly understand and communicate when it comes to expenses. It is a simple distinction that is many times missed or not clearly understood. That is what this piece is all about: Clearing up the mystery and setting the expense record straight. Here’s the scoop! That was quite a mouthful, and I do not want to downplay the importance of the need to understand the difference and impact of material and immaterial expenses on the monthly profit and loss statement. The materiality refers to the significance of the expense item in the context of t...
67% of Surveyed Hotels Report Staffing Shortages
AHLA | February 5, 2024
More than 80% of hotels are boosting wages to hire and retain staff WASHINGTON (Feb. 5, 2024) – As more than two thirds of hotels continue to experience staffing shortages, hoteliers are offering more pay and a host of incentives in order to attract and retain talent, according to a new survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Over the last six months, 82% percent of respondents have increased wages, which hit a record high average for hotels in December 2023. In addition, 59% are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 33% are expanding benefits. Nonetheless, 72% say they are still unable to fill ...
ITA Forecasts More Than 15% Increase of International Visitors to the United States in 2024
the International Trade Administration | February 5, 2024
WASHINGTON – The International Trade Administration (ITA) today released the U.S. government’s official forecast of international visitation to the United States. ITA’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) forecasts the total volume of international visitation to the United States to increase to 77.7 million in 2024, up 10.4 million, or 15.4% from 67.3 million visitors in 2023. NTTO also estimates international visitation to reach 85.2 million in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 visitation of 79.4 million. Additionally, according to NTTO’s forecast, the United States is on track to reach 91 million visitors in 2026, excee...
Cloudbeds Reveals Highest Revenue-Generating OTAs for Independent Properties
Cloudbeds | February 5, 2024
Cloudbeds unveils its rankings of the highest revenue-generating OTAs worldwide for independent hotels, highlighting the continued dominance of Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb. The findings indicate a strong comeback for OTAs, the return of Asian travelers, and a renewed demand for hostels and shared accommodations. Based on data from thousands of independent properties, Cloudbeds’ customer insight affirms that properties see a boost in revenue when additional OTA channels are added. San Diego, CA – Cloudbeds, the hospitality management platform powering more reservations and happier guests for independent lodging business...
U.S. Hotel Profitability Gains Led by Full-Service Chains, Major Markets
CoStar Group | February 2, 2024
WASHINGTON – 2 February 2024 – Improvement in group business, especially across the Top 25 Markets and upper-upscale chains, drove growth in U.S. hotel revenues and profits, according to 2023 P&L data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 2023 per-available-room metrics (% change from 2022) GOPPAR: US$75.83 (+8.2%) TRevPAR: US$211.49 (+9.6%) EBITDA PAR: US$53.05 (+7.6%) LPAR (Labor Costs): US$71.56 (+13.2%) “Total industry revenues and profits were well beyond 2022 levels as pricing power continued to outweigh the impac...
Why the Marketing Budget Should Include Customer Service Training
Shep Hyken | February 2, 2024
By Shep Hyken Many companies still believe that customer service is what happens when something goes wrong. However, that is only one part of customer service. The bigger picture is that customer service happens throughout a customer’s entire experience while doing business with you. It starts the moment they interact with your company, and that might not even be with a live human. It could be an interaction they have with your website. Companies spend a lot of money to get you interested in what they sell and eventually get you to buy. Traditionally, that is marketing and sales. Then, throughout the journey, you have an experience....
Saltwater Holdings Acquires Wilmington’s The Hive Hotel
The Hive | February 2, 2024
WILMINGTON, N.C., Feb. 2, 2024 -- Today, Wilmington-based real estate holding company Saltwater Holdings announced its acquisition of local boutique hotel The Hive, located at 505 N. 2nd Street. A local real estate family, the Rosenbergs, and developer, Kaylie O'Connor, originally opened the hotel in 2019. They bought the original building in 2009 and teamed up with local interior decorator Robin Hertzog to create rooms with unique furniture and artwork -- mixing modern styles and bright colors in a home-like atmosphere. "We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Hive and deeply honored to uphold the Rosenbergs' visio...
How Consumer Insight Is a Driving Force in Navigating CSR
EHL Insights | February 2, 2024
It used to be the case that organizations were only responsible to their owners and shareholders. The primary goal was to make a profit, and as long as the business met that objective, it was deemed a success. Now all that has changed: Consumer insight is now a crucial driving force in corporate decision-making. Today, consumers increasingly seek to support organizations that align with their own moral and ethical views. That is particularly true of younger consumers, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge. According to one study, 91% of Millennials would switch brands to one associated with a cause they believed in, while 94% of G...
Everhome Suites Continues Sustained Growth Across the Southwest With Six Groundbreakings
Everhome Suites: Closer to Home | February 2, 2024
Choice Hotels continues to lead in extended stay, with latest Texas and Arizona groundbreakings NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 2, 2024 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) continues its leadership in extended stay with five Everhome Suites breaking ground in Texas cities including Amarillo, Bastrop, Brownsville, El Paso, and Waco, and one groundbreaking in Yuma, Arizona. Driven by a thriving economy, diverse business landscape, favorable climate, and a steady influx of travelers, the Southwest presents an unparalleled opportunity for both business and leisure travelers seeking extended stay accommodations. "With over 60 Everh...
