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Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2nd, 2024
U.S. Travel Inducts Roger Dow, Elliott L. Ferguson, II, and Peter F. Herschend Into Hall of Leaders
U.S. Travel Association | November 20, 2023
WASHINGTON (November 20, 2023) — Travel industry leaders Roger Dow, former president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, and Peter F. Herschend, co-founder of Herschend Enterprises, were inducted into the U.S. Travel Association Hall of Leaders on Wednesday. Dow was the 2022 inductee while Ferguson and Herschend were the 2023 honorees. Dow, Ferguson and Herschend were honored at a dinner attended by more than 100 U.S. Travel board members and guests in Washington, DC. Distinguished individuals are named to the U.S. Travel Association’s Hall of Leaders for sustaine...
Europe’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Shows Slight Year-Over-Year Increases in Project Counts at Q3 2023
Lodging Econometrics | November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – In the Q3 2023 Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report by Lodging Econometrics (LE), analysts state that Europe’s total construction pipeline currently stands at 1,673 projects/249,264 rooms, up 1% by projects year-over-year (YOY). The luxury, upper upscale, upscale, and economy chain scales in Europe all show YOY increases in project counts compared to Q3 2022 totals. Luxury projects increased 2% YOY, just ten projects short of the segment’s all-time high, closing the quarter with 139 projects/18,515 rooms. The upper upscale chain scale increased 3% by projects YOY, with 284 projects/46,717 ro...
Sojern Reveals First of Its Kind ‘State of Destination Marketing 2024 Report’
Sojern | November 20, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO – 20 November, 2023 – Sojern, the leading digital marketing platform built for travel, is excited to announce the launch of the “State of Destination Marketing” report for destination marketing organizations (DMOs). This first-of-its-kind report, produced through a partnership between Sojern and Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT), and supported by Brand USA, Destination Canada and the European Travel Commission, sheds light on the latest industry trends and challenges. Based on insights from nearly 300 DMOs, government departments and affiliated tourism entities worldwide, it explores effective marketing strategies for...
Workplace Fun, Afterwork Socializing Can Lead to Employee Substance Use
The School of Hospitality Management | November 20, 2023
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Fun in the workplace can yield positive benefits to employees and employers alike, but it may also lead to an increase in afterwork employee substance use, according to new research from the Penn State School of Hospitality Management. Researchers led by Michael Tews, associate professor of hospitality management, found that fun activities for employees inside or outside the workplace and a manager’s support for fun are both correlated with substance use through coworker socializing. They published their work in the Journal of Drug Issues. “We know that fun has a positive impact in the workplace, but this...
Cendyn and SiteMinder Establish Strategic Partnership to Grow Revenue for Hotels
Cendyn | November 20, 2023
London, United Kingdom, 20 November 2023 – Cendyn, a catalyst for digital transformation in the hospitality industry, and SiteMinder, the name behind the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, are excited to announce a strategic partnership to mutually grow each other’s revenue management capabilities for the benefit of more than 70,000 hotels. Through the partnership, Cendyn customers can now gain full access to SiteMinder’s revenue platform to complement the capabilities they receive through Cendyn’s central reservations system (CRS), which for the sixth consecutive year was voted the ‘Best C...
Traveler Insights Q4 2023: Traveler Confidence Steadies
Expedia Group | November 16, 2023
The latest installment of our quarterly traveler insights look at Expedia Group’s exclusive first-party traveler search and booking data from Q3 to show shifting demand patterns and changing traveler behaviors. Our Q2 2023 data showed that traveler enthusiasm held strong, with many travelers seeking out quick trips for events and spring and summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. We also see that traveler confidence remains high as travelers plan short- and long-term trips and continue to travel for events. Read on for more insights on 2023 travel trends and behaviors. Global search volumes remain steady, EMEA shows continued growth C...
The Dark Side of Revenue Management: Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls
Connor Vanderholm | November 16, 2023
By Connor Vanderholm The Temptation of Hidden Fees Rate Manipulation Let’s face it; we’ve all been tempted to play with rates to boost revenue. It’s the oldest trick in the revenue management book, you might even say that’s exactly what revenue management is. But I’m specifically referring to the practice of lowering prices during the booking process, then adding hidden fees later. The guest feels like they’ve been duped, but hey, you’ve made a few extra bucks, right? Now, I’m not saying this is the path to take, but it’s a path some hotels have chosen. And while it might pad the bottom line temporarily, it’s a risky ...
The Employee Hierarchy of Needs
Shep Hyken | November 16, 2023
By Shep Hyken Last week, I introduced you to The Customer Hierarchy of Needs based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This week, we focus on our employees. Before you can have a strong customer experience, you must have a good employee experience. So, here are the five levels of the pyramid that make up The Employee Hierarchy of Needs. The Paycheck: At the base of the pyramid is an employee’s primary need: money. Money is generally the reason people go to work. Without money, employees can’t pay their rent or mortgage, put food on the dinner table, send their kids to college, and more. And often, money is just part of the com...
IHG and AWC Grow Partnership With Agreement to Open InterContinental and Kimpton Brands in Chiang Rai
IHG | November 16, 2023
InterContinental and Kimpton brands to debut in Thailand’s famed Golden Triangle area Bangkok, Thailand – 16 November 2023: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, and Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), renowned as Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, extend their long-standing partnership with a landmark agreement to open two new luxury hotels in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Opening in 2025, InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort will offer 68 one- and two-bedroom pool and plunge pool villas. Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle, which currently op...
Renaissance New York Harlem Debuts on the Site of the Historic Victoria Theatre
Renaissance® Hotels | November 16, 2023
Today, Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, debuts its fifth property in New York City - Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel. Featuring the original landmark marquee, the much-anticipated property is situated in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic neighborhoods, on the site of the historic Victoria Theater on 125th Street and steps away from the storied Apollo Theater. Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel is the tallest building north of Central Park and the brand’s first hotel in Harlem. The property boasts 211 guest rooms and suites, a dynamic culinary offering ...
Kolter Hospitality and BH Group Acquire Crystal Beach Suites Miami Oceanfront Hotel
Kolter Hospitality | November 16, 2023
Miami, FL—November 16, 2023— Kolter Hospitality and BH Group announced the acquisition of the Crystal Beach Suites Miami Oceanfront Hotel located at 6985 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The 84-room hotel was acquired by Kolter and BH Group from Crystal Beach, Inc., and Crystal Beach Development Corp. “Our company is in a long-term growth mode, and we are constantly looking for thoughtful acquisitions to grow our portfolio,” said Scott Webb, President of Kolter Hospitality. “The hotel has a dedicated team who will join our family of employees.” Crystal Beach Suites Miami Oceanfront Hotel is located on Collins Avenue, near Bal Harb...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Crowne Plaza Brand in Canada With New Saint John Property
IHG | November 16, 2023
ATLANTA (November 16, 2023) – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, recently celebrated the opening of a new Crowne Plaza hotel in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, following a conversion and extensive renovation. Located minutes from Saint John Airport, and within walking distance to downtown Saint John, Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View offers guests coastal allure and unrivaled views of the port city. Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View provides guests a range of spaces and amenities whether travelling for business or leisure – from the 135 premium guest rooms that provide a comfortin...
Sun Siyam Pasikudah Reopens in Sri Lanka Following Extensive Renovation
Sun Siyam Pasikudah | November 16, 2023
Pasikudah, Sri Lanka – November 16th, 2023 — Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka, a proud member of the boutique collection under Sun Siyam Resorts, is thrilled to announce its reopening on November 17, 2023 after having undergone an extensive transformation and renovation and now offering guests a breath-taking experience that combines affordable luxury with the cultural richness of Sri Lanka. Arshed Refai, General Manager at Sun Siyam Pasikudah, expressed his enthusiasm as the resort reopens its doors to the public. He emphasized their strong commitment to supporting and providing opportunities to local communities, particularly in the...
Six Senses Fort Barwara Appoints Aaron McGrath as Regional General Manager
Six Senses | November 16, 2023
India, November 2023 — Six Senses Fort Barwara is proud to announce the appointment of Aaron McGrath as Regional General Manager. A holder of both a Diploma in Hotel Management from Hotel Institute Montreux, Switzerland and an MBA from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, Switzerland, and a career spanning over three decades in the international hospitality industry, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and a dynamic leadership approach to lead our team into an exciting new era. Aaron has consistently excelled in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of international hospitality, hotels, and integrated resorts. His pragmatic leadership st...
Broadwick Soho Opens in the Heart of London’s West End
Broadwick Soho | November 16, 2023
A glorious luxury hotel, created by a group of friends, is now open in the heart of London’s Soho London, 16th November 2023 - As seductive and characterful as its historic location, Broadwick Soho is an independent luxury hotel in the heart of London’s West End that has opened its doors to guests and travelers alike. Broadwick Soho channels the grit, glamour and wild energy of London’s most storied neighborhood into an opulent contemporary 57 room retreat (including nine Suites and one Penthouse), with an offer of impeccable service and quality, under the watchful eye of General Manager, David Monson. Conceived by a group of frie...
Lendlease and IHG Army Hotels Break Ground on Candlewood Suites Hotel at Fort Liberty
Lendlease | November 16, 2023
Expected to open in early 2026, the 207-room hotel will be the 17th Candlewood Suites in Lendlease and IHG’s Privatized Army Lodging portfolio. (Nashville, Tenn., November 16, 2023) – Lendlease, a global integrated real estate group, and IHG® Army Hotels announced today they have broken ground on a Candlewood Suites® hotel at Fort Liberty in North Carolina. Expected to open in early 2026, the 207-room hotel is the 17th Candlewood Suites property Lendlease and IHG have partnered on since 2009 as part of the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) initiative, a U.S. Army-led, public-private venture to revitalize on-post lodging for serv...
Jackson-Shaw Announces Development of Dual-Branded Hotel in Las Vegas’ Symphony Park
JACKSON-SHAW | November 16, 2023
AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin groundbreaking set for January, with the opening in late 2025 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (November 16, 2023) – Jackson-Shaw, a national real estate developer headquartered in North Texas, announces the development of the dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott Symphony Park and Element by Westin Symphony Park in Las Vegas. The two hotels connected under one roof are located on the south side of South Grand Central Parkway and Symphony Park Avenue between the World Market Center and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Groundbreaking is set for January 2024, with opening in late 2025. “Symphony Park is an...
Dreamscape Companies Acquires Holston House Nashville From HRI Properties
Dreamscape | November 16, 2023
Holston House Nashville Will Make Dreamscape The Largest Hotel Owner In Downtown Nashville, With Three Hotels Totaling Over 900 Rooms Nashville, TN (November 16, 2023) – Dreamscape Companies, a New York-based real estate and investment firm, completed the acquisition of the Holston House Nashville from HRI Properties, a recently redeveloped hotel situated in the heart of Downtown Nashville. This purchase marks Dreamscape’s third hospitality transaction in the city in the last three years, having acquired The Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown and Holiday Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown. The purchase of this 191-room hotel undersco...
Hotels Poised for Strong Holiday Season Fueled by Business Travel Uptick
AHLA | November 16, 2023
Hotels continue hiring spree to meet demand, ask Congress for help with more workers WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2023) – The business outlook for hotels remains strong for the remainder of 2023 thanks to an uptick in business travel and a healthy preference among business and leisure travelers to stay in hotels. According to a survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and conducted by Morning Consult, 68% of Americans whose jobs involve travel said they were likely to travel overnight for business during the last three months of 2023, up from 59% in 2022. Hotels are the top lodging choice for 81% of business traveler...
CBRE Hotels Expects RevPAR Growth Recovery Following Summer Slowdown
CBRE Group, Inc. | November 16, 2023
Dallas – November 16th, 2023 – CBRE is forecasting revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth to recover in 2024 as inbound international travel further improves and sector-specific headwinds moderate. CBRE’s forecasts 3.0% RevPAR growth in 2024, driven by a 40 basis-point (bps) occupancy improvement and a 2.3% average daily rate (ADR) increase. RevPAR in 2024 is expected to be 14% greater than 2019 levels. CBRE’s baseline forecast anticipates 0.8% average GDP growth and 2.9% average inflation in 2024. Given the strong correlation between GDP and RevPAR growth, stronger or weaker economic growth will directly impact lodging indu...
HFTP Announces Sponsors for Inaugural Digital Horizons 360 Symposium With Fourteen IP as Leading Sponsor
HFTP | November 16, 2023
AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA (November 16, 2023) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to announce a selection of authoritative organizations as sponsors for its new European event: Digital Horizons 360 Symposium (DH360), with Fourteen IP as its exclusive Level I sponsor. This invitation-only symposium will span two-days, February 20-21, at the Palau de Congressos de Palma in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. DH360 is a non-sales event for hospitality leaders to participate in roundtable discussions on the technologies set to have the biggest industry impact in Europe. DH360 has also gained sponsorship support from m...
RealTime Reservation Accelerates PMS Connectivity With Hapi Integration Platform
Hapi | November 16, 2023
Hapi will facilitate streaming of data between RealTime Reservation and leading hotel Property Management Systems, allowing hoteliers to provide guests with a complete view of all bookings in one place. MIAMI and NEW YORK, November 16, 2023 – Hapi, the hospitality industry’s leading platform for fast and cost-effective connectivity between technology systems, has announced a new integration with RealTime Reservation, a single reservation platform for ancillary revenue. Through the integration, RealTime Reservation can ingest data from the industry’s leading Property Management Systems by writing to a single Hapi API. RealTime Rese...
Playa Hotels & Resorts Completes Renovation and Rebranding of Wyndham Alltra Vallarta in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Wyndham Alltra | November 15, 2023
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (November 15, 2023) – Playa Hotels & Resorts (NASDAQ: PLYA, Playa), a leading owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean announced today the completion of extensive renovations at the newly renamed Wyndham Alltra Vallarta in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The comprehensive refurbishment, amounting to a significant investment, is a testament to Wyndham Alltra Vallarta's commitment to providing an exceptional all-inclusive experience to the everyday traveler. Drawing inspiration from ancient Huichol culture, the resort enhancements showcase a vibrant transformation at the former Wyndham All...
Radisson Hotel Group Expands Portfolio in Greece With Signing of Radisson Blu Resort, Mani
Radisson Hotel Group | November 15, 2023
Radisson Hotel Group solidifies its position as the leading international hotel group in Greece with the signing of Radisson Blu Resort, Mani. The new-build, 150-room beach resort, scheduled to open during the 2025 season, is the fifth Radisson Blu property in Greece. Providing guests with all they require for a memorable stay, the Radisson Blu Resort, Mani will offer a plethora of dining experiences in an all-day restaurant, a beachside terrace restaurant, and pool bar. Guests can unwind and soak up the sun while lounging by the swimming pool in addition to an expansive fully serviced beach or find serenity in the onsite wellness and fi...
