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
SSG Hotels Acquires Two Hyatt-Branded Properties in Warrenville, Illinois
SSG Hotels LLC | December 12, 2023
Lafayette, IN – December 12, 2023 – SSG Hotels, a family-owned hotel development and management company headquartered in Lafayette, IN, proudly announces the recent acquisition of two prominent Hyatt properties in Warrenville, IL. This strategic move marks another significant milestone in SSG Hotels' commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences. The newly acquired Hyatt Place Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville and Hyatt House Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville properties, located in the vibrant community of Warrenville, present an exciting opportunity for SSG Hotels to enhance its presence in the dynamic Chicagoland hospitality ...
America’s Travel Comeback: Five Ways We’re Supporting Our Travel & Tourism Industry
Grant T. Harris | December 12, 2023
By Grant T. Harris This is the fourth piece in a blog series about the 2023 National Export Strategy, a government-wide strategic plan to support American businesses through trade promotion activities. This article focuses on the Travel and Tourism chapter of the National Export Strategy. This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy. The holiday travel season is here! As families and friends gather for celebrations, it’s a great time to spotlight a critical driver of economic growth and employment in the United States: the travel and tourism industry. You’ve seen the headlines: Travel is back,...
Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Enjoys a 24% Increase in F&B Revenue Thanks to IRIS’ Mobile Dining
IRIS | December 12, 2023
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column ...
Stayntouch Raises $48 Million in Strategic Growth Equity Investment Led by Sixth Street Growth
Stayntouch | December 12, 2023
New York, December 12, 2023 – Stayntouch, a global leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS), today announced it has secured $48 million in financing in a strategic growth equity investment led by Sixth Street Growth, the technology growth investing arm of Sixth Street. Founded in 2012 and acquired by MCR in 2020, Stayntouch offers an intuitive cloud PMS for hotels to streamline operations and connect front and back office functions, including reservations, front desk operations, payments, revenue management and reporting, and multi-property management. In October 2022, the company launched Stayntouch 2.0, which expanded it...
Crafting a Distinctive Identity: The Role of Branding Within the Travel and Hospitality Technology Industry
Alan Young | December 12, 2023
By Alan Young Branding plays a crucial role in niche verticals by helping businesses establish a strong and distinct identity within their specific market segment. According to a study conducted by Forbes, 82% of consumers are more likely to trust a brand that is tailored to their specific needs and interests. This highlights the importance of creating a brand that resonates with the target audience, as it can significantly impact consumer trust and loyalty. In addition to building trust, targeted branding also has a direct impact on the bottom line. Research by McKinsey & Company reveals that companies with strong and relevant br...
Hotel Kryb I Ly Kro Adopts GuestCast to Address Influx of International Traveler Entertainment Preferences
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | December 12, 2023
Danish property sidesteps costly television replacement fees while providing travelers with ultimate personalization over content-streaming experiences. Fredericia, Denmark — December 12, 2023 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, together with local Danish supplier and IT infrastructure developer, Itplan, has announced the successful deployment of the GuestCast content streaming solution by Hotel Kryb I Ly Kro. Situated in Fredericia, Denmark, the privately operated boutique property with GuestCast can now cater to a growing number of international trav...
The Azur Selection To Acquire Two New Hotels in Volos and Meganisi, Greece
The Azur Selection | December 11, 2023
ATHENS, Greece--Regulatory News: The Azur Selection (ISIN: GRS528003007 – Ticker: MLAZR) (Paris:MLAZR), a Greek hotel company listed on the Euronext Access + market in Paris, today announces the acquisition of two new hotels in the city of Volos and on the island of Meganisi, in Greece. The shareholders of The Azur Selection, at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 6 December 2023 in the Company’s offices in Athens, approved the acquisition of two hotels, Azur Volos, in the coastal town of Volos and Azur Meganisi on the island of Meganisi, both in Greece. This acquisition will be made through the issue of 1,296,335 new shares of ...
Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index Up 9.3% in November
STR | December 11, 2023
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee, and MILWAUKEE—The Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index increased 9.3% in November to a level of 6,119. "Hotel stocks rose sharply in November and snapped a three-month losing streak; performance generally tracked the benchmarks,” said Michael Bellisario, senior hotel research analyst and director at Baird. “Lower interest rates primarily drove the gains during the month, particularly for real estate stocks, and overall investor sentiment improved. Year to date, the hotel REIT sub-index turned positive and is now +7.6%, while the hotel brand sub-index at +30.6% continues to be a relative outperformer.” “As exp...
Decoding AI Governance: Insights from Personal Experimentation to Policy Making
Mark Munger | December 11, 2023
By Mark Munger AI is making headlines with breakthroughs that are met with awe, skepticism, or indifference. The headlines herald new advancements that depending on the author’s viewpoint, are either transcending, existential, or in some cases just ho-hum. These advancements are revolutionizing capabilities, propelling both personal ambitions and corporate objectives. For forward-thinking business leaders, AI integration is non-negotiable. Consumers are reaching new productivity peaks as government policymakers contemplate regulations. The trajectory of AI is steep and inclusive, promising benefits across the spectrum. AI will continue t...
PENN Entertainment Breaks Ground on Second Hotel Tower at The M Resort
The M Resort | December 11, 2023
WYOMISSING, Pa. & HENDERSON, Nev.--PENN Entertainment, Inc. (“PENN” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: PENN) announced today that it will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the second hotel tower at M Resort this afternoon at 2 pm PST. “We can’t wait to begin construction on a second hotel tower at M Resort,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “This new addition will benefit from the strong demand of the Henderson locals market while providing much needed additional room capacity for group business that is drawn to our market-leading resort and amenities, including our highly successful partnership with ...
The Westin Maui Announces Joshua Hargrove as General Manager
December 11, 2023
KĀ‘ANAPALI, MAUI, Hawaii--The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali is pleased to welcome Joshua Hargrove as general manager of the property. Hargrove rejoins the Marriott family in his new post and brings more than 17 years of exceptional hospitality leadership experience, primarily with Marriott brands on Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Shortly after starting in the new position, Hargrove spearheaded a resort-wide pivot to support displaced residents, emergency response teams, and affected associates after the devastating West Maui wildfires in August. Under his leadership, the Westin Maui has provided shelter to approximatel...
Customer Service Excellence in the Luxury Segment: How To Stand Out
EHL | December 11, 2023
By Breandan Ritaine In this article, we shine a light on: Consumer trends that are transforming the luxury segment The ten commandments of luxury brand service strategy Practical ways to build customer service excellence Relevant KPIs to measure customer experience in the luxury segment The luxury sector is growing steadily and creating great opportunities for brands to enter the market or grow their audience. But it’s no longer all about being flashy and pricey, today’s luxury shopper is more influenced by personalization, innovation, conscious consumerism, and an emotional experience. So while today’s luxury industry...
Sacramento Growth Continues
Brandon Conner | December 11, 2023
By Brandon Conner, John Berean Situated between Sacramento’s Central Business District and River District, the 244-acre Sacramento Railyards is one of the nation’s largest urban infill projects and will nearly double the size of Downtown Sacramento upon completion. In August 2020, LDK Ventures broke ground on The A.J., a 345-unit residential complex and the first project within the Sacramento Railyards. The development is expected to feature 10,000 residential units, 1,100 hotel units, and several million square feet of office space. Other major projects within the Railyards may include an 18-acre Kaiser Permanente medical center ...
Stonebridge Cos. Acquires Five-Property Portfolio Across U.S.
Stonebridge Cos. | December 11, 2023
The purchase of the portfolio represents the firm’s continued focus on strategic growth throughout the country into both new and existing markets DENVER — Stonebridge Cos. (“Stonebridge”), a privately owned, nationally recognized, innovative hotel owner and manager headquartered in Denver, acquired a five-property, approximately 1,200 key hotel portfolio spanning the U.S. in late November. “Our closing of this transaction was especially rewarding due to the size of the portfolio, the multiple moving parts and speed in which we were able to complete the deal,” said Navin Dimond, CEO and founder of Stonebridge. “We are ex...
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Appoints New General Manager, TJ Joulak
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi | December 11, 2023
December 2023 – Maldives – Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, the epitome of luxury in the Maldives and leader of unparalleled bespoke service, is delighted to announce the appointment of TJ Joulak as General Manager. A veteran in luxury hospitality, Joulak has over 25 years of experience in the industry and worked across markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Previously having helmed various luxury portfolios in the Shangri-La Group, Joulak for providing memorable experiences for guests. Fluent in English, Arabic, French, Italian, and Spanish, his multilingual abilities set him apart and will enable him to establish me...
DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana – Orange County Airport Undergoing Extensive Renovation
DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana - Orange County | December 11, 2023
The Orange County hotel will debut its complete renovation in March 2024 SANTA ANA, CA (December 11, 2023) - DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana - Orange County Airport is excited to announce it is undergoing a comprehensive property renovation, set to be fully completed in March 2024. The renovation will greet guests with a revitalized identity and a contemporary aesthetic, prominent in nearly every space of the property. Upon arrival, guests will experience a renewed exterior with unique artistic features. The lobby, front desk, pre-function space, restaurant and bar, as well as all 253 guest rooms will be refreshed with a sleek and moder...
Marriott Signs With Enjoy Group to Launch Two Additional Autograph Collection Hotels in Costa Rica
Autograph Collection Hotels | December 11, 2023
Expected to debut in 2025, two additional properties propel companies’ plans to craft an exclusive array of locally inspired hotels in Costa Rica under the Autograph Collection brand, promising a unique and culturally immersive hospitality experience. Plantation, Fla. December 11, 2023 – Marriott International announced today it has signed an agreement with Enjoy Group to launch two additional Autograph Collection hotels in Costa Rica reinforcing the companies' vision to create an exclusive array of locally inspired hotels in the country. Anticipated to open in the last quarter of 2025, Villa Lapas, Autograph Collection and Marina ...
Hasham Soliman Appointed Area General Manager for St Martins Lane and Sanderson London
ENNISMORE | December 11, 2023
Hasham Soliman brings over 30 year’s industry knowledge to two iconic London hotels Morgans Originals, the curators of independent hotels and part of the Ennismore brand, have appointed Hasham Soliman as Area General Manager for both St Martins Lane (the boutique five-star hotel in London’s West End) and Sanderson London (the luxury lifestyle hotel in Fitzrovia). Soliman brings with him an impressive 30 years’ experience in the London luxury hotel industry, where he has been involved in a total of seven new hotel openings, with him assuming the role of General Manager within four of those; all of which have built expertise that tran...
EDITION’S First Caribbean Property Makes Its Debut Within a 620-Acre Nature Reserve in Mexico’s Riviera Maya
EDITION Hotels | December 11, 2023
Nestled within the new luxury resort community of Kanai and its natural mangroves, lagoons and beaches, EDITION’s newest gem marries its signature brand of hospitality with the Yucatan Peninsula’s modern and ancient cultures The premiere of The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai introduces a completely new concept of laidback luxury to the Caribbean coastline, combining unparalleled dining and entertainment, services and amenities with the unique traditions and tastes of the famed locale. Created by Ian Schrager as a result of a partnership between Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the EDITION brand has become synonymous with individua...
Harvest Inn Appoints Colin Rupp as Executive Chef
HARVEST INN | December 11, 2023
The seasoned Napa Valley chef will oversee culinary operations for Harvest Inn’s signature restaurant, Harvest Table HELENA, CALIF. (December 11, 2023)– Harvest Inn, part of the Woodside Collection, is excited to welcome Executive Chef Colin Rupp to its signature restaurant, Harvest Table. With an impressive culinary background and a passion for crafting exceptional dining experiences, Chef Rupp brings a wealth of expertise to his role at the charming retreat in the heart of St. Helena following eight years at the acclaimed and celebrated Morimoto Napa. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Rupp to the team, where he’ll lend his e...
Top 10 Trends for the Hospitality Industry in 2024
Robert Rauch | December 11, 2023
By Robert Rauch The hospitality industry transformed in 2023, driven by technological advancements and evolving guest demands. We'll explore the ten emerging trends for 2024 in the hospitality industry. Artificial Intelligence AI in the hospitality industry will enhance revenue management, menu development, employee and guest education, marketing, sales, and more. We are at the very beginning of this exciting technology that comes with some cautions ahead--cybercrime and terrorism for starters. This technology is growing 10 times faster than the iPhone, Android, and others when they launched circa 2007. Wellness, Fitness, and Di...
Rosewood and Murbee Resorts Partner to Expand in Caribbean With Development on Barbuda
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | December 7, 2023
HONG KONG, Dec. 7, 2023 -- Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® is proud to announce today that the secluded island of Barbuda will welcome its latest Caribbean escape as the brand looks to further expand into this highly coveted region. Developed by Murbee Resorts, Rosewood Barbuda will bring an intimate expression of Rosewood's ultra-luxury hospitality experience to the island, featuring 50 resort suites and 35 Rosewood Residences. Known for its year-round warm weather, turquoise water, pink sand beaches, and authentic local culture, Barbuda is an ideal fit for Rosewood as the brand grows its presence throughout the Caribbean island...
Estreya Gosalbez Appointed as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor
Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor | December 7, 2023
The former Hotel Formentor is currently undergoing extensive renovations and revitalization ahead of planned reopening next year After years of working and traveling around the world, Estreya Gosalbez has returned to her home country to lead the team that will reintroduce a beloved landmark hotel as Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor next year. “Estreya is such a perfect fit for this exciting and highly anticipated opening,” notes Adrian Messerli, who most recently led the team at the company’s first Spanish property in Madrid, and is now Four Seasons President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa. ...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 2 December
CoStar Group | December 7, 2023
WASHINGTON – 7 December 2023 – As expected, U.S. hotel performance increased from the previous week, according to CoStar’s latest data through 2 December. 26 November through 2 December 2023 (percentage change from comparable week in 2022): Occupancy: 54.2% (-1.6%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$144.88 (+0.8%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$78.54 (-0.8%) Among the Top 25 Markets, New York City saw the largest year-over-year increases in occupancy (+6.8% to 83.5%) and RevPAR (+17.2% to US$319.18) Las Vegas posted the largest ADR lift (+11.2% to US$232.94). Due to the Miami Art Week/Art Base...
