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
Megan Ferguson Appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company | January 29, 2024
The Ritz-Carlton Central Park, New York - the iconic property located in Midtown Manhattan - is delighted to announce the appointment of Megan Ferguson as their new Director of Sales and Marketing. Stepping into the role on January 22, 2024, Megan brings more than two decades of experience in ultra-luxury hospitality to this position. In her role, Megan will work closely with operations and sales & marketing teams and will be responsible for successfully driving top line revenues across all segments. Most recently, Megan was Director of Sales at Lotte New York Palace - a role she held for eight years - where she was responsible for th...
Vision Hospitality Group Plans Q2 2024 Opening of Moxy Boulder
Moxy | January 29, 2024
BOULDER, CO – [January 29, 2024] The Nichols Partnership and BMC Investments, in collaboration with Vision Hospitality Group, announce the anticipated debut of the Moxy Boulder located in Boulder, Colorado. The long-anticipated Moxy Boulder is slated to open early in the second quarter of 2024 and will mark the first hotel to open in Boulder since 2018. Moxy Hotels, a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Distinctive Select portfolio, offer a playful hotel experience that steps outside of a conventional hotel stay and promotes a social center to both locals and adventure seeking travelers. Moxy Boulder, located at 1253 Pleasant Street, is strategica...
Hotels Will Pay Historic Wages, Generate Record Level of Tax Revenue in 2024
AHLA | January 29, 2024
Despite labor shortages and persistent inflation, industry recovery continues WASHINGTON (Jan. 29, 2024) – Hotels are projected to pay a record amount of wages and generate a record level of tax revenue in 2024, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2024 State of the Hotel Industry report. The report, which forecasts that hoteliers will face continued challenges due to nationwide labor shortages while inching closer to 2019 occupancy levels, is based on data and analysis from Oxford Economics and was created in collaboration with AHLA Premier Partners STR, Avendra, Ecolab, Encore, JLL, Oracle, and Towne Park. Top...
Canada’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Closes 2023 With a 10% Year-Over-Year Project Increase
Lodging Econometrics | January 29, 2024
January 29, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – According to the year-end Lodging Econometrics (LE) Construction Pipeline Trend Report for Canada, the country ended 2023 at 294 projects/38,396 rooms, a mere 11 projects short of the country’s peak of 305 projects achieved in Q4 2019. Canada’s pipeline is up 10% by projects and 7% by rooms, year-over-year (YOY). At the close of 2023, there are 66 projects/8,998 rooms under construction, up 27% by projects and 36% by rooms YOY. Projects scheduled to start construction within the next 12 months are at 85 projects/9,810 rooms, while those in early planning are at 143 projects/19,588 rooms, up 12% b...
Powerhouse Hotel Leaders Join AHLA Executive Committee, Board of Directors
AHLA | January 29, 2024
Hilton’s Kevin Jacobs named 2024 board chair WASHINGTON (Jan. 29, 2024) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced its 2024 officers, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, all of which include some of the most influential leaders from all segments of the hospitality industry. Kevin Jacobs, Hilton’s Chief Financial Officer & President, Global Development, was named chair of the board; Vision Hospitality Group President & CEO Mitch Patel was named vice chair; Marriott International Group President, U.S. & Canada Liam Brown was named secretary/treasurer; and IHG Hotels & Resorts Chief...
HSMAI To Honor GCommerce Solutions With Three Adrian Awards for Outstanding Travel Marketing
GCommerce Solutions | January 29, 2024
Park City, Utah, January 29, 2024 – GCommerce Solutions will be honored for travel marketing excellence by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) at the annual Adrian Awards Celebration Award winners to be celebrated at an in-person event at the New York Marriott Marquis, on February 13, 2024. The Adrian Awards, now in their 67th year, are the largest and most prestigious competition in global travel marketing. For 2023, Adrian Awards are being presented for highlighting the stories of remarkable campaigns, ads, and experiences that sparked a love for travel, igniting a desire for exploration in travel...
85% of Global Markets Recovered RevPAR Last Year
CoStar Group | January 26, 2024
Analysis by Eddie Yeung Note: All financial figures presented in US$. STR's global “bubble chart” update for 2023 shows 85% of markets with revenue per available room (RevPAR) higher than 2019. In terms of top-line performance, that means most markets have recovered from the significant declines caused by the pandemic. Among countries with 50,000 rooms and adequate hotel reporting levels, Singapore, France, Switzerland, Ireland, and Greece led in RevPAR on an actual basis. Most of the above countries maintained relatively high levels in both average daily rate (ADR) and occupancy throughout the year. Ireland led all ...
Women in Saudi Arabia: Making Their Mark in the Hospitality Industry
Kaushiki Khanijo | January 26, 2024
By Kaushiki Khanijo Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 Enabling and empowering Saudi women in every sector, utilizing their skills and potential for the progress and economic prosperity of the nation, is a fundamental aspect of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. With the goal of increasing women's engagement in the workforce to 30% by 2030, Saudi Arabia is committed to providing opportunities and support for women to thrive professionally. To accomplish this objective, Saudi Arabia has taken the lead in implementing a range of initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive atmosphere for the economic advancement of women. The country has embarked on a...
ALIS 2024 HVS Takeaways: Upbeat, Optimistic, and an Eye on Innovation
Rod Clough | January 26, 2024
By Rod Clough, Marcus Lee, John Berean, Eric Guerrero, Alice Sherman HVS was a proud sponsor of this year’s ALIS conference, and both our HVS Los Angeles leader Kirsten Smiley and our HVS San Francisco leader John Berean moderated educational and engaging panels at the event. Given that hotel performance metrics remain strong in most markets and difficulties persist in the office and multi-family sectors, both investors and lenders are finding hotels to be a particularly attractive asset class for 2024. Sentiment at the ALIS conference was upbeat, with participants and analysts buoyed by the improved lending economics as of Q4...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Announces the 12th Annual Pebby Award Nominations
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | January 26, 2024
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.-- Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the “Company”) today announced the nominations for its Twelfth Annual Pebby Awards. The Pebby Award nominees were chosen for their outstanding accomplishments in 2023, as determined by Pebblebrook’s selection committee. The 2024 Pebby Award nominees represent a diverse array of urban hotels and resorts. Leading the pack with multiple nominations are prestigious properties like Hotel Monaco Washington DC, The Westin Copley Place, Boston, and 1 Hotel San Francisco. This year's lineup not only showcases excellence but also sets the stage for what is anticipated to be the most rive...
Radisson Hotel Group Signs First Radisson RED Hotel in Berlin
Radisson | January 26, 2024
Radisson Hotel Group announces the signing of Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm, the Group’s first bold and cutting-edge upscale Radisson RED property in Germany’s capital, set to open in late spring 2024. Located just steps from Kurfürstendamm, commonly known as Ku'damm, Berlin's iconic boulevard and one of its most famous shopping streets, and within walking distance of the famed KaDeWe department store, the new Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm is perfectly situated for those looking to explore the city, with sights such as the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Berlin Zoo and sprawling Tiergarten park around the corner. Following an extensive ...
Hilton and the James Beard Foundation Evolve Partnership in Year Two, Honoring Excellence in Food and Beverage at the 2024 James Beard Awards
Hilton | January 26, 2024
Amplified partnership champions Hilton’s ongoing commitment to food & beverage innovation and culinary talent MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton today announced an expanded partnership with the James Beard Foundation, serving as an In-Association Sponsor of the 2024 James Beard Awards and Presenting Sponsor of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Outstanding Chef category. Following last year’s industry-leading partnership as the first global hospitality company to sponsor the Outstanding Bar category, this renewed support underscores Hilton's ongoing innovation in food and beverage and, this year, puts the spotlight on top-tier culinar...
Motto by Hilton Debuts in Peru with Opening of Motto by Hilton Cusco
Hilton | January 26, 2024
The property is a first in South America for Hilton’s growing lifestyle brand that helps guests live like a local CUSCO, Peru – Uniting centuries-old legacies with its urban aesthetic, Motto by Hilton makes its much-anticipated South American debut with the opening of Motto by Hilton Cusco. A more than $5 million investment in the center of the Imperial City, the 58-room architectural gem pays homage to Cusco’s intricate past, from the mysteries of the ancient Killke era to the opulence of the Inca dynasty. The hotel is ideally situated for guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and is steps away from Cusco’s most visi...
Juan Bochenski Joins Hotel Effie as New Executive Chef
Highgate | January 26, 2024
MIRAMAR BEACH, FL (January 26, 2024) – Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announces the appointment of Juan Bochenski as executive chef of Hotel Effie. Bochenski assumes the position immediately, helming the kitchen at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Ovide, and overseeing all aspects of food and beverage operations across the hotel’s four restaurant outlets and in-room dining. In his new role, he supervises the culinary team, manages budgets and maintains the overall guest experience. Bochenski also works closely with local farmers and vendors to ensure the hotel restaurants continue to serve farm-fresh and sustainable ingredients when...
Hard Rock Hotel New York Appoints Oscar Gonzalez as Food & Beverage Director
Hard Rock Hotel New York | January 26, 2024
NEW YORK (January 26, 2024) - Hard Rock Hotel New York is thrilled to announce the appointment of Oscar Gonzalez as their new Food & Beverage Director. With an illustrious career steeped in culinary innovation and a profound commitment to exceptional guest experiences, Gonzalez steps into this pivotal role after his successful tenure as the property’s Executive Chef, bringing a wealth of expertise and visionary leadership to the esteemed property. Drawing from an extensive background in culinary arts, Gonzalez assumes the mantle of Food & Beverage Director at Hard Rock Hotel New York, where he will spearhead the introduction of ...
SureStay by Best Western Huntsville University Area Debuts in Alabama
BWH Hotels | January 26, 2024
Huntsville, Alabama (January 26, 2024) The SureStay by Best Western Huntsville University Area has opened its doors in Huntsville, Alabama, and invites travelers to experience one of the newest hotel brands in the industry – SureStay® Hotels, comprised of four distinctive brands offering traditional and longer stay travelers’ comfort and value while away from home. SureStay by Best Western Huntsville University Area will provide guests with an experience they can count on, and the amenities today’s travelers have come to expect. SureStay’s service promise reflects the brand and the hotel’s commitment to providing quality servi...
Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula Welcomes 10-Key Boutique Property, Todos Santos Boutique Hotel
Todos Santos Boutique Hotel | January 26, 2024
Set within a masterfully renovated historic estate, Todos Santos Boutique Hotel Brings Elevated Luxury to the Baja Peninsula’s first “Pueblo Magico” Todos Santos, MX (January 26, 2024) - Nestled within the hidden oasis of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula an hour north of Cabo, lies Todos Santos Boutique Hotel, set within a masterfully renovated historic estate previously owned by a Spanish countess. Originally constructed as a heritage landmark in 1890, the 10-key boutique property has been brought back to its former glory, carefully preserving its iconic historic charm. Todos Santos Boutique Hotel honored the captivating architecture indica...
Global Hospitality Executive Keith Barr to Receive 2024 Cornell Hospitality Icon Award
January 26, 2024
Jan. 26, 2024 (Ithaca, NY) — The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration announced today it has selected Cornell alumnus Keith Barr ’92, IHG’s former chief executive officer, as the recipient of the 2024 Cornell Hospitality Icon of the Industry Award. The award will be presented at the Cornell Hospitality Icon and Innovator Awards ceremony in New York City on June 4, 2024. Barr has spent more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, starting in hotel operations. He was appointed CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts in July 2017 after serving as chief commercial officer for four years and a member of the executive...
The Lodge at Sonoma Appoints New Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Food & Beverage
The Lodge at Sonoma, an Autograph Collection Resort | January 26, 2024
SONOMA, CALIF. (January 26, 2024) – The Lodge at Sonoma, an Autograph Collection Resort, a quintessential luxury resort located in the heart of Northern California’s wine country, is pleased to welcome Nicole Whitaker as Director of Sales & Marketing, and Jeff Libunao as Director of Food & Beverage. Both offering over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Whitaker and Libunao bring a wealth of knowledge to their new roles at The Lodge at Sonoma. “We are thrilled to have Nicole join us and to welcome Jeff back to The Lodge at Sonoma,” said General Manager Fungai Muzunze. “We look forward to entering 2024 with...
Union Market Hotel, Washington, DC Relaunches Under the Management of TPG Hotels & Resorts
Union Market Hotel | January 26, 2024
The boutique hotel reintroduces itself with a new name and rooftop restaurant, offering modern comforts while embracing its roots in the capital city (WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 26, 2024) – Union Market Hotel, Washington, DC, located in one of the capital city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, traces its roots all the way back to the 1930s, when it housed the historic Bolgiano Seed Company. What was once a thriving seed factory has been completely transformed into an extraordinary 106-room boutique hotel, situated in the heart of Union Market District's bustling culinary and cultural community. The property is ushering in a new era as it...
UNWTO Becomes “UN Tourism” to Mark A New Era for Global Sector
January 25, 2024
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enters a new era today with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that “people and planet” are always center stage. To achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative. This involved renaming the Organization, trans...
AI-Augmented Decision Intelligence: The Next Paradigm Shift in Hospitality Revenue Management
Andrew Rubinacci | January 25, 2024
By Andrew Rubinacci Artificial intelligence is everywhere. It’s making inroads into practically every field of human activity. It’s integrated into search engines, word processors, and various apps likely installed on your smartphone in your pocket. And there’s a reason for the tech’s proliferation: it is incredibly adept at analyzing data much faster and at a much larger scale. In the hospitality realm, most people consider revenue management to be something that only humans can do effectively. Now, with the advent of AI, that’s no longer the case. As technology continues to advance, there is a growing trend toward enhancin...
MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa Appoints Robyn Montes as New F&B Director
MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa | January 25, 2024
SONOMA, CALIF. (January 25, 2024) – MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, a 69-room luxury boutique hotel recently acquired by Foley Entertainment Group (FEG), proudly announces the appointment of Robyn Montes as the new Food & Beverage Director. In her role, Montes will help support the daily culinary operations for the property’s three culinary concepts — Layla, the dining centerpiece of the hotel, The Bar at MacArthur and The Porch, a marketplace featuring local purveyors — weddings and social events, poolside dining, and the hotel’s in-room dining program. With a rich background in the culinary arts and a commitment to impecca...
HFTP Announces Program, Entrepreneur 20X Participants for Digital Horizons 360 Inaugural symposium to discuss issues of AI, self-sovereign identity an
HFTP | January 25, 2024
Inaugural symposium to discuss issues of AI, self-sovereign identity and the future of HFTP Europe Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) has announced the planned roundtable discussion topics set to be considered at its inaugural Digital Horizons 360 (DH360) Symposium next month in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. An invitation-only, non-sales event, DH360 will bring together dozens of hospitality leaders for roundtable discussions on the technologies set to have the biggest industry impact in Europe. This year’s topics include risk mitigation for AI in guest services, local- and globalized data protection challenges i...
