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 Statler Dallas Names Stacey Jackson as New Director of Sales
The Statler | October 27, 2023
Stacey Jackson has been named director of sales for The Statler, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel managed by Aimbridge Hospitality. Jackson has more than 20 years of hospitality sales and leadership experience, most recently with Hilton Richardson Dallas, another Aimbridge property. Prior to Hilton, Jackson reopened a hotel that had been closed due to COVID. She led sales through three brand changes until the hotel was officially named Renaissance Dallas North, exceeding personal sales goals by 150%. During COVID-19, Jackson was director of sales and marketing at DoubleTree Dallas Near the Galleria, which remained open during the pandemic...
S Hotels & Resorts Embarks on Major Renovation and Brand Uplift for SAii Resorts in Southern Thailand
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited | October 27, 2023
SAii Phi Phi Island Village, SAii Laguna Phuket, and SAii Koh Samui Choengmon, the free-spirited lifestyle retreats, to be reimagined with comprehensive upgrades from 2023 to 2025 BANGKOK, THAILAND: S Hotels and Resorts PCL, the global hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL, has announced a major USD 27 million renovation of its resorts in Thailand and Fiji, including an investment of more than THB 500m (approx. USD 14.2m) to reimagine the design, facilities and guest experiences at its three SAii Resorts in Thailand – SAii Phi Phi Island Village, SAii Laguna Phuket, and SAii Koh Samui Choengmon – and FJD 28.5m (approx. USD 12.5m) ...
Project H3 by Hilton Breaks Ground on Inaugural Hotel in Kokomo, Indiana
Project H3 by Hilton | October 27, 2023
Construction of Hilton’s new apartment-style extended-stay brand begins less than five months after launch, expected to debut in mid-2024 MCLEAN, Va. and KOKOMO, Ind., October 27, 2023 – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the groundbreaking of the first Project H3 by Hilton hotel in Kokomo, Ind., signifying the start of construction on its new studio apartment-style extended-stay hotel brand. Operating under a working title as Hilton navigates the final stages of the trademark process, the 137-room property is located at 5138 Cartwright Drive and is owned by Sun Management & Development Corporation. Hilton’s inaugural lower mi...
Urban Street Development Announces Expansion of Hotel Indigo in Tallahassee
Urban Street Development | October 27, 2023
The CollegeTown development will increase accommodations by nearly 60% for guests, as well as expand retail space TALLAHASSEE, FL – October, 27 2023 - South-Florida based developer, Urban Street Development (USD), is thrilled to announce a significant expansion to Hotel Indigo, a beloved fixture in the heart of the vibrant CollegeTown district, adding 84 new hotel rooms to its existing 143-room capacity, bringing the total number of rooms to 231. Since its grand opening in 2020, Hotel Indigo has become a landmark destination for both business and leisure travelers, especially as a hub for Florida State University sports fans, parents, ...
Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel De Allende to Open in Spring 2024
Pueblo Bonito Vantage | October 27, 2023
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (October 27, 2023) – Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts will unveil its new luxury brand with the opening of Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende in Spring 2024. Pueblo Bonito Vantage hotels will unite local traditions with exclusivity, technological comforts, singular experiences, and high-end service. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2008, San Miguel de Allende—named one of the world’s best cities and most enchanting destination by Travel + Leisure—has been charming visitors for nearly 500 years. The city is renowned for its baroque Spanish architecture, thriving arts scene...
Marriott International to Expand Luxury Portfolio in Vietnam With Signing of JW Marriott, the Luxury Collection, and Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resorts
JW Marriott | October 27, 2023
Marriott International, Inc. has announced the signing of agreements to open three new luxury resorts in Vietnam. The signings mark the expected debut of two new brands into Vietnam – Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Luxury Collection on the tropical paradise of Hon Thom Island in Phu Quoc. Additionally, Marriott also announced Vietnam’s third JW Marriott Hotel set for Trang An, the serene UNESCO World Heritage destination in northern Vietnam. The agreements were signed by President and CEO of Marriott International Anthony Capuano during a recent visit to the country. He was joined by President for Asia Pacific (excluding China) of Marrio...
Hotel Lucine Set to Open in Galveston, Texas Following Renovation and Conversion
Hotel Lucine | October 27, 2023
The property offers a nostalgic, refined space for guests to explore Galveston’s vibrant character and preserves island history with the revitalization of a 1960s motor court GALVESTON, TX (Oct. 27, 2023) – A group of hospitality industry veterans with strong ties to Galveston announce the opening date for Hotel Lucine, a 61-room boutique hotel situated at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Guests are now able to book stays beginning Friday, Nov. 10. Located on 10th Street and Seawall Boulevard in a structure that was originally the Treasure Isle Motel, the 1960s motor court has been fully revitalized and transformed into a modern oasis c...
2024 Emerging Travel Trends: Marriott International Study Reveals Venue Customization, Flexibility Options, and Immersive Experiences Critical for Gro
Marriott International | October 27, 2023
New Meeting Planner Survey from Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America Reveals Forecasted 2024 Travel Trends, Including the Most Desired Destinations for Groups, Work and Play Plantation, FL – October 27, 2023 – Today, Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) revealed its 2024 Travel Trends Forecast, providing a comprehensive look at how event planning, business travel, and priorities are expected to evolve in the coming year. According to a national survey commissioned by Marriott International and conducted by 72Point, key findings reveal shifts in venue site selection, group travel experien...
AHLA Condemns Destructive Joint-Employer Rule
AHLA | October 27, 2023
WASHINGTON (Oct. 27, 2023) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Chip Rogers is speaking out today after the National Labor Relations Board issued a final regulation unjustifiably expanding the “joint-employer standard” under the National Labor Relations Act. The standard is used to determine when two or more employers are jointly responsible for a shared group of workers’ essential terms and conditions of employment and thus jointly liable for violations of the National Labor Relations Act and have joint bargaining responsibilities for unionized employees. The NLRB’s expansion, effective Dec. 26, ...
Is the Annual Budget Process Still a Necessary Evil for Hotels?
HotStats | October 26, 2023
By Kathrin Cockhill For hotels, the annual budget process is like a high-stakes poker game in which the owners keep their cards close to their chest and the operators try to guess what cards they’re holding and if they’re bluffing. By the time everyone shows their hands and the year kicks in, the game has often changed significantly, and all bets are off. Does it have to be this way? Today, more data than ever is available to enable operators to budget and forecast based on current conditions rather than rely on outdated projections. But will this serve the needs of owners? For insights, HotStats reached out to hospitality leader...
Travel Outlook’s Annette, The Virtual Hotel Agent™ Revolutionizes the Caller Experience at Camelback Resort
Travel Outlook The Premier Hotel Call Center | October 26, 2023
Travel Outlook's revolutionary technology is assisting Camelback Resort answer significant front desk call volume. SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO (October 2023): In every corner of industry, technology is helping companies break barriers and challenge convention. The hospitality industry is no exception, and conversational AI is making its mark, providing a new option for effective and consistent customer service. Many of the calls a hotel front desk receives are repetitive, simple requests, asking routine questions about check-out times, luggage handling, the breakfast location and hours, and general travel information. These types of questions...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 21 October
CoStar | October 26, 2023
WASHINGTON – 26 October 2023 – U.S. hotel performance increased from the previous week and showed improved year-over-year comparisons, according to CoStar’s latest data through 21 October. 15-21 October 2023 (percentage change from comparable week in 2022): Occupancy: 69.0% (-0.8%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$165.32 (+3.8%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$114.04 (+2.9%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Seattle saw the largest year-over-year lift in occupancy (+8.5% to 76.1%). Las Vegas posted the highest increases in ADR (+20.3% to US$257.42) and RevPAR (+23.5% to US$229.57). Miami saw the steepest RevP...
If I Don’t Do It, Who Will?
Shep Hyken | October 26, 2023
By Shep Hyken Not long ago, I wrote an article and created a video on Doing More Than Expected – even when it’s not included in your job description. I used the example of the server at a restaurant who ran outside during a storm to move the outdoor furniture blowing across the patio to a safer, more secure spot. He returned to the restaurant, drenched from the rain, to applause from the guests. I jokingly asked him, “Was moving patio furniture included in your job description?” He said, “I just do what it takes.” That’s a great attitude to have. First, you have to be the kind of person who innately knows you should do...
Kimpton Hotel Enso Appoints Darius Shalforoosh as General Manager
Kimpton Hotel Enso | October 26, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO (October 26, 2023) – Kimpton Hotel Enso announced today the appointment of Darius Shalforoosh as general manager. In this role, Shalforoosh will oversee the management and operation of the 131-room property, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown. Shalforoosh’s tenure with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants spans 14 years and seven properties, having most recently served as assistant general manager at Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City, a position he held since 2021. Shalforoosh started his career with Kimpton in 2009 at Nine Zero Hotel in Boston. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding various positio...
Choice Hotels Calls on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to Engage in Discussions
Choice Hotels | October 26, 2023
Choice Sees a Clear Path to Completion and Remains Committed to the Transaction Ready to Move Expeditiously to Provide Requisite Transaction Certainty Strongly Urges Wyndham to Return to the Negotiating Table ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 26, 2023 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) (the "Company" or "Choice"), today called upon the board of directors of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: WH) ("Wyndham") to engage in good faith discussions so that shareholders of both companies can benefit from the compelling combination. Patrick Pacious, President and Chief Executive Officer of Choice, said, "We appreciate the positive feed...
Accor Unveils Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket, the First Handwritten Collection Hotel
Handwritten Collection | October 26, 2023
INTRODUCING THE NEW ANDAMAN BEACH HOTEL PHUKET - HANDWRITTEN COLLECTION: PIONEERING, MODERN AND AUTHENTIC HOSPITALITY IN THE HEART OF PATONG BEACH Accor, the largest hospitality Group in the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, is pleased to unveil its first property under the Handwritten Collection brand in Thailand: Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket - Handwritten Collection. This charmingly curated hotel is now ready to welcome travellers with an authentic personality and warm connection. "Phuket has long been a key focus for our expansion efforts in Asia, we are thrilled to introduce Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket - Handwritten Collection as ...
Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach Appoints Dermot Birchall as General Manager
AYANA Hospitality | October 26, 2023
Situated in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions, Dermot's mission is to enhance AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach's commitment as an exemplar of sustainable luxury in Indonesia. Labuan Bajo, Indonesia (26 October, 2023) – AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, the first five-star hotel at Labuan Bajo, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park, announces the appointment of Dermot Birchall as its new General Manager. With over 25 years’ experience in luxury hospitality, Birchall’s appointment follows his tenure as General Manager at Barcelo Mussanah Resort in Muscat, Oman, where he successfully led the team to u...
HFTP Accepting Proposals for 2024 HITEC North America Education Program
HFTP | October 26, 2023
Austin, Texas (October 26, 2023) — Each year, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) seeks input from industry professionals and presenters to help create an engaging, informative and comprehensive education program for the association's foremost event, the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®). New for 2024, HFTP is inviting well-informed hospitality technology professionals to share their expertise and submit a presentation proposal as part of the program development process. The proposal submission period will run through January 10, 2024. HITEC 2024 is scheduled for June 24...
Q3 2023 Major U.S. Hotel Sales Survey
Daniel Lesser | October 26, 2023
By Daniel Lesser Notwithstanding a persistent jittery economic environment and rising global geopolitical concerns, market conditions in the U.S. appear simultaneously shaky and resilient. National lodging sector metrics, particularly average room rates and RevPAR, continue to achieve exceptional results as demand for travel and lodging remains robust. Although overall leisure patronage is trailing off from pandemic highs, due in part to Americans opting for international travel, domestic corporate individual and group meeting business continues to rebound to pre Covid-19 levels. Additionally, inbound international travel to the U.S. conti...
Unifocus Celebrates 25 Years of Hospitality Innovation
Unifocus | October 26, 2023
Workforce management pioneer sees track record of industry firsts as the foundation of more industry-leading transformation to come DALLAS, TX – Oct. 25, 2023 – Unifocus, the global leader in workforce management solutions for the hotel and hospitality industry, proudly marks its 25th anniversary. With a culture of innovation, Unifocus remains at the forefront of shaping workforce technology for hotels, setting industry standards. "Twenty-five years of serving the hospitality industry and counting," says Moneesh Arora, Chief Executive at Unifocus. "We're filled with gratitude for our clients who've been part of this journey, as well...
HSMAI and HEDNA Collaborate to Broaden Knowledge Resources and Distribution Opportunities
HSMAI | October 26, 2023
McLean, VA (Oct. 26, 2023) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and the Hotel Electronic Distribution Networking Association (HEDNA) announce a partnership for the mutual benefit of their members and the hospitality industry. The hospitality industry will gain from the combined knowledge and expertise from each organization. The collaboration will elevate HSMAI’s distribution capabilities and expand the educational content and insights shared with their constituents. “This new partnership between HSMAI and HEDNA will focus in areas where the two organizations have synergy with our mutual hotel st...
The Gotham Hotel Switches to Mews to Unlock More Revenue and Personalized Stays
Mews | October 26, 2023
The independently owned, family-operated 67-room Midtown Manhattan boutique hotel opted for Mews to unlock more revenue and operational efficiency. [NEW YORK – 26th of October] Mews, a leader in hospitality technology, has been selected by The Gotham Hotel to manage their upscale rooms and suites while catering to the needs of the luxury traveler. The Gotham Hotel occupies a slender, high-rise structure once home to the famous Gotham Book Mart bookstore, which inspired the hotel's name. Located in Midtown East, the hotel's communal terraces, larger-than-life rooms, and suites with private balconies were all designed to reflect New Yor...
U.S. Travel Congratulates Speaker Johnson, Urges Action on Spending Bills, Industry Investments
U.S. Travel Association | October 26, 2023
WASHINGTON (October 26, 2023)—U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement after the U.S. House confirmed Mike Johnson (R-LA) as Speaker of the House: “U.S. Travel congratulates Speaker Mike Johnson on his election to lead the House, and we look forward to working with him on issues critical to the travel industry, from the completion of FY24 appropriations bills to maintaining funding for the federal government. “Travel, essential to practically all other industries nationwide, depends on the uninterrupted services of the government. A shutdown wo...
Swinging Success? Unraveling the Impact of Golf on Resort Performance Post Pandemic
Krish Vipani | October 26, 2023
By Krish Vipani Without a doubt, leisure sports picked up in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic- especially golf. According to the National Golf Foundation, 67% of golfers credited their increased play in the late summer of 2020 to having “fewer alternative ways to spend leisure time”. Not only did existing golfers increase their time on the course, but the National Golf Foundation also reports 25.6 million golfers on the course in 2022, a 1.3 million increase from 2019. Moreover, the National Golf Foundation reports an average of 21.1 rounds of golf played per golfer in 2021. This is the greatest average number of rounds per play...
