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
Why Human Longevity Requires a Wellness Lifestyle Facilitated by Hotel Programs
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | October 10, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky As longevity researchers continue to explore the intricacies of how to ward off chronic disease, extend human life, and even reverse aging, one thing has become clear: there’s no single cure-all yet. We haven’t reached the point where a quick fix can turn back the biological clock by a decade (healthspan) or push the human lifespan beyond its current upper limit of around 125 years. While this lack of a magic solution frustrates some, it opens exciting opportunities for wellness hotels, as we’ll soon explore. Advanced treatments like induced pluripotent stem cell therapy, therapeutic peptides, targeted exe...
Chattanooga Ranks in the Top Five of Secondary Markets for the First Time in 2024
Cendyn | October 10, 2024
Cendyn reports Las Vegas leads the top 25 markets, making this the eighth consecutive month it has been in the top five AUSTIN, Texas— Oct. 10, 2024 — Cendyn’s Sales Intelligence platform, previously known as Knowland, shares its monthly data findings for hoteliers to gain insight into the top locations selected by today’s meeting planners. Cendyn reports that Las Vegas ranked first in the top 25 markets with 34.2 percent year-over-year (YoY) growth, positioning it in the top five markets for eight consecutive months; however, Chattanooga, Tenn. ranked in the top five secondary markets for the first time, coming in second with 62.7 p...
Mews Announces SaaS IPO Icon, Steve Cakebread, to Join Its Board
Mews | October 10, 2024
[New York, 10th October]: Mews, a cloud SaaS and fintech platform that serves the hospitality industry, has announced today the appointment of Steve Cakebread to the company’s board. Cakebread is famed for leading the financial teams that took Salesforce, Pandora and Yext to IPO and is the author of “The IPO Playbook: An Insider’s Perspective on Taking Your Company Public and How to Do It Right”. Cakebread serves on the board of Bill.com, which went public in December 2019, and sat on the boards of SolarWinds and eHealth. Earlier in his career, he served as CFO for Autodesk, VP of Finance for Silicon Graphics (now SGI)...
STS Cloud and Cloudbeds Unveil Powerful Integration to Transform Hotel Group Sales and Event Operations
SalesAndCatering.com | October 9, 2024
New partnership streamlines group bookings, event management, and catering to boost hotel efficiency and revenue Charleston, SC – (October 9, 2024) –SalesAndCatering.com and Cloudbeds have announced a two-way integration that will empower hotels, resorts, and conference centers to optimize hotel group sales and event management. By combining Cloudbeds' innovative property management system (PMS) with STS Cloud’s robust event management and sales capabilities, hoteliers can prevent overbookings, optimize room and event inventory, and deliver personalized service to win more deals. The integration enables hotel staff to mana...
Tanzerra Resorts Announces New Sales and Marketing Leadership
Enchantment Resort | October 9, 2024
Brett Briseno is Promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Tanzerra Resorts and Shannon Walters to Director of Sales and Marketing for Enchantment Resort and Mii amo SEDONA, Ariz. (Oct. 9, 2024) – Tanzerra Resorts, the owner and operator of five resorts, including Twin Farms in Vermont, The Cove Eleuthera in The Bahamas, the Tides Inn in Virginia and Enchantment Resort and Mii amo in Arizona, announced today the appointment of Brett Briseno to vice president of sales and marketing along with Shannon Walters to director of sales and marketing for Enchantment Resort and Mii amo. "Both Brett and Shannon bring a weal...
Hotel Equities Appoints Tim Ostrem as Regional Director of Operations, Canada
Hotel Equities | October 9, 2024
EDMONTON, AB (October 9, 2024) – Hotel Equities, a leading hotel owner, operator, and developer is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Ostrem as Regional Director of Operations in Canada. Ostrem will lend his expertise to oversee the firm's expanding portfolio of Canadian hotels, providing strategic leadership and driving operational excellence. With an impressive career spanning three decades, Ostrem brings a wealth of experience in managed, franchised, and independent properties, specializing in both limited and full-service operations across various market segments. Prior to joining HE, Ostrem served as an Area General ...
All-in-One Platforms: Convenience or Costly Mistake for Hotels?
Joe Vargas | October 9, 2024
By Joe Vargas SVP & General Manager, Infor Hospitality The debate between “best-of-breed” and “all-in-one” solutions is not new; in fact, the war between these competing ideologies has waged on for many years, especially within the world of hospitality. On one hand, it’s rather easy to make a case for an all-in-one solution – if you can get everything you need, exactly as you need it, in one place, why would you divide and conquer? On the other hand, countless real-life scenarios help to illustrate the limitations of solutions that claim to have it all. Let’s consider, for example, a modern fitness tracker. Some c...
JW Marriott Dallas Arts District Promotes Miguel Antonio to Executive Chef
JW MARRIOTT DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT | October 9, 2024
DALLAS – October 9, 2024 - JW Marriott Dallas Arts District announces Miguel Antonio has been appointed Executive Chef for the hotel’s three food and beverage outlets, including the signature ranch-to-table restaurant now known as Montage. Chef Antonio’s vision of elevated, yet approachable dishes can be experienced through the now available fall and winter menu, available featuring seasonal ingredients and globally inspired flavors. Born in Tampico, Mexico, and trained in the United States, Antonio is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Dallas. He originally joined the JW Marriott team in May of 2023 as Seni...
Arizona’s Las Posadas of Sedona Unveils Modern Rustic, All-Suite Retreat After Million-Dollar Renovation
Ensemble | October 9, 2024
SEDONA, Ariz., Oct. 9, 2024 -- Las Posadas of Sedona proudly announces the completion of its million-dollar renovation, transforming the property into a modern rustic, all-suite retreat. The complete refurbishment of Las Posadas of Sedona includes the renovation of all 23 oversized, spacious guestroom suites and villas ranging from 650-square-feet to 1,650-square-feet, each featuring double-sided fireplaces and private patios. The property's newly revitalized and invigorating amenities now offer secluded courtyards with cozy firepits and games, a serene swimming pool and Jacuzzi, refreshing cold plunge, sauna, and several other enhan...
Nathaniel Johns Takes the Helm as General Manager of The Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town in California
Courtyard by Marriott | October 9, 2024
Following $12.8 million renovation, Pasadena's premier hotel destination hires experienced General Manager. PASADENA. Calif. – The Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town announced today that Nathaniel Johns will join as the property’s General Manager, effective immediately. Johns will function as the strategic business leader for the property and will oversee business development, financial performance, community engagement and guest and employee satisfaction. Johns is an accomplished hospitality General Manager with more than 16 years of experience leading full-service hotel teams and owners to performance and operational ...
Copenhagen Food Collective (COFOCO) Welcomes James Spreadbury as the Group’s First CEO of Cofoco’s Hotels
Copenhagen Food Collective | October 9, 2024
September 20, 2024...Copenhagen Food Collective (COFOCO) is excited to welcome James Spreadbury as the group’s first CEO of Cofoco’s hotels. James brings 22+ years of hospitality experience to this newly created position. In his role, James will elevate guest experiences while developing and overseeing day-to-day operations as well as manage and motivate the teams at the award-winning Coco Hotel, and the new Hotel Bella Grande. “The partnership with James is part of the idea of growth within our hotels – in terms of guest experience, the F&B experience and maybe somewhere in the future even opening a new hotel. We w...
Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius Is Set to Reopen Following Extensive Renovation
Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius | October 9, 2024
After 45 years of setting the standard for luxury in Mauritius, Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius, will re-open in style on the 19th October after its highly anticipated renovation. This extensive redesign has enhanced every facet of the resort, from its 185 guestrooms and suites, to its renowned restaurants and bars. The resort has been transformed into a chic, tropical playground, where the vibrant spirit and colorful essence of Mauritius is reflected in every detail. Nestled along the pristine shores of the east coast, Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius embodies a fresh, contemporary style, combining the country’s rich cultural heritag...
Harcourt Developments Completes First Phase of Multimillion-Euro Upgrade for Lough Eske Castle in Ireland
Harcourt Developments | October 9, 2024
One of Ireland’s largest privately held companies, Harcourt Developments, are unveiling the results of the first phase of a €20 million investment in its hotel portfolio - The Harcourt Collection, at County Donegal’s five-star Lough Eske Castle. The first phase includes a multimillion-euro investment into County Donegal’s only five-star hotel, Lough Eske Castle. Set to launch this autumn, the development will deliver 25 new luxurious suites and two double rooms. The additional suites and rooms will give the award-winning castle hotel a 28% increase in rooms inventory, bringing the total number of keys to 124. Designed by Belfast b...
LBA Hospitality and BPR Properties Open Homewood Suites Goldsboro in North Carolina
LBA Hospitality | October 9, 2024
GOLDSBORO, N.C., Oct. 9, 2024 -- Today, LBA Hospitality and BPR Properties proudly celebrate the grand opening of Homewood Suites Goldsboro, their second hotel in the city. This launch expands the LBA and BPR portfolio to 18 hotels, including the nearby TownePlace Suites. Homewood Suites Goldsboro offers 113 comfortable suites with full kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas, creating a perfect home-away-from-home experience. Guests will enjoy a range of amenities, including: Complimentary daily breakfast Weekly social with free food and drinks Pet-friendly accommodations Over 1,500 square feet of meeting space ...
Tropicana Las Vegas Says Final Farewell With Historic Implosion, Making Way for A’s Ballpark and Bally’s Entertainment Resort
Bally's Corporation | October 9, 2024
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 9, 2024-- In a dazzling finale that lit up the Las Vegas skyline, the legendary Tropicana Las Vegas bid farewell with a breathtaking display of fireworks and a 555-drone show, culminating in a 22-second implosion at 2:30 a.m. PT. The demolition marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Las Vegas, paving the way for the A's state-of-the-art ballpark and a world-class entertainment resort in partnership with Bally's Corporation, a cornerstone of Vegas hospitality and gaming. "Bally's is honored to have been part of this historic moment, bidding farewell to the iconic Tropicana," said Soo Kim, ch...
Statistics, Sustainability and Governance: UN Tourism Hosts Week of Meetings to Celebrate Milestones and Strategize on Way Forward
UN Tourism | October 9, 2024
With the global tourism sector shifting towards greater sustainability, the meetings at the Organization’s Madrid headquarters advanced work around effective governance and harmonized measurement and monitoring. Statistics for Sustainability The Expert Group on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) met for the fifth time, moving on from the technical development of the landmark UN-endorsed Statistical Framework to its global implementation. Endorsed by the 55th session of the UN Statistical Commission, this framework is the first sectoral example of statistics going beyond GDP, demonstrating the integration of data across eco...
WTTC 24th Global Summit 2024 Officially Opens in Perth, Australia
The World Travel & Tourism Council | October 9, 2024
Perth, Australia: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has officially opened its 24th Global Summit in the heart of Western Australia’s vibrant capital, Perth (Boorloo). Gathering industry leaders, government officials, and distinguished guests from across the globe, the summit aims to set the strategic direction for the future of the Travel & Tourism sector. In her keynote address, WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson, underscored the significance of holding the summit in Perth, a city renowned for its historical connection to the world of exploration, its deep ties to Indigenous heritage, and its modern role as a globa...
Oceania’s Travel & Tourism Sector Could Boost Region’s Economy by US$112BN Over the Next Decade
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) | October 9, 2024
Perth, Australia: A new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that Oceania’s Travel & Tourism sector could inject an additional US$112BN to the region’s economy by 2034, bringing the total contribution to a record-breaking US$ 336BN. According to the report, in collaboration with VFS Global and launched today at WTTC’s 24th Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, this boost could also support an extra 1.1 million jobs, raising the total employment in the region supported by Travel & Tourism to 3.5 million by 2034. The report, “Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Grow...
Ways Hotels Can Leverage Influencer Marketing for Brand Growth
Debbie Miller | October 9, 2024
In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, hotels increasingly turn to influencer marketing as a strategic tool to boost brand visibility and drive bookings. Why? Partnering with influencers allows hotels to tap into their engaged audiences, leverage authentic storytelling, and create compelling content that resonates with potential guests. Here are a few ideas for how hotels can effectively collaborate with influencers to strengthen their online presence and attract more guests. Understanding the Power of Influencer Marketing To start, let’s define “influencer marketing.” Simply put, influencer marketing...
Market Snapshot: Asia Pacific 2024
Hok Yean CHEE | October 9, 2024
In 2023, hotel transaction volume in the Asia Pacific recorded approximately USD11.7 billion, a 12% decrease from USD13.3 billion from the previous year. The decline in transaction activity can be attributed to the high interest environment, buyer and seller price expectation gap, and a lack of suitable or available hospitality assets in the market. Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), as well as Southeast Asia, observed decreases of 20% and 56% in transaction volume, respectively. However, the trailing 12 months have shown positive signs, with total transaction volume recording a 17% increase, reaching approximately USD12.1 billion. Thi...
Hotel Sales Training Lessons Learned From a Top-Tier Real-World Practitioner
Doug Kennedy | October 9, 2024
Real-world insights into today’s hotel sales environment While being a sales trainer for a diversity of lodging providers certainly keeps me in touch with what’s going on in the profession of hotel sales these days, I always capitalize on every opportunity to gain insights from real-world practitioners. One such opportunity recently presented itself when I caught up with Jennifer Daudi, Chief Executive Officer of Invigorate Hospitality, which offers remote sales support to a long and diverse list of hotels across virtually all major brands. Besides overseeing her team of expert salespeople, Jennifer herself has decades of experie...
106 Jefferson Hotel in Huntsville, Alabama Selects Sam Buchanan as New Executive Chef
106 Jefferson | October 8, 2024
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Oct. 8, 2024 – 106 Jefferson, a Curio Collection by Hilton™ managed by Valor Hospitality Partners, announced the appointment of Sam Buchanan as executive chef. The accomplished gastronomic expert will oversee all culinary operations at the 115-room lifestyle hotel’s two food and beverage concepts, Revivalist and Baker & Able. Buchanan brings nearly three decades of culinary expertise to 106 Jefferson. As executive chef, he is responsible for daily operations and team management for all food and beverage services. He leads a team of 14 staff members, develops curated menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, din...
Dallas Based Hospitality Company Makeready Appoints Eric Gavin as President of Operations
Makeready | October 8, 2024
DALLAS, TX (October 08, 2024) – Makeready, the Dallas-based leading experience-driven hospitality company, announces the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Eric Gavin, as President of Operations. Gavin joins Christine Magrann, President of Brand Development and Restaurants, in leading Makeready. The move reinforces Makeready’s unwavering commitment to being recognized as the best-in-class operator of notable hotels, restaurants, and retail experiences. With over 20 years of experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Makeready...
From Asia Pacific to the World: The Luxury Group by Marriott International Reveals Culinary and Beverage Trends in The Future of Food 2025 Report
Marriott International, Inc. | October 8, 2024
The Luxury Group by Marriott International today released its new comprehensive report, The Future of Food 2025, which highlights the transformative power of the Asia Pacific region in shaping global culinary and dining trends. With insights from more than 30 top chefs, mixologists, and industry insiders from the region, the report identifies 10 macro trends influencing the food and dining industry and the region’s impact on global gastronomy. With the Asia Pacific region at the epicenter of culinary tourism, commanding a remarkable 37.8% share of the global market in 2023, with a projected growth of USD 6.2 trillion by 2033*, this vibr...
