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
Maestro Seeing Growth in the U.K. Hotel Market Due to All-In-One PMS, Unified Guest Experiences
Maestro | October 26, 2023
The web browser based cloud and on-premises all-in-one property-management system for independent hotels is bringing a mature, stable, and proven property-management system with advanced, flexible technology to hotels across Europe’s northwest mainland Markham, Ontario, October 26, 2023 — Coming off the heels of the Independent Hotel Show in London last week, Maestro PMS is seeing a surge of new business across the United Kingdom. Already the global provider of Web Browser based cloud and on-premises all-in-one property-management system for independent hotels is signing deals post event and the outlook for growth in this region shows ...
Commonwealth Hotels Appoints Heather Etheridge to General Manager of the Springhill Suites Denver at Anschutz Medical Campus
Commonwealth Hotels, LLC | October 26, 2023
COVINGTON, Ky., Oct. 26, 2023 -- Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Heather Etheridge has been appointed the general manager of the Springhill Suites by Marriott Denver at Anschutz Medical Campus. Ms. Etheridge brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to her new role as general manager having previously served as the general manager of the Residence Inn Highlands Ranch in Colorado. An experienced leader in both operations and sales, Ms. Etheridge is responsible for overseeing and executing the hotel and property operations, including staff management, guest satisfaction, and community relations. Prior to joining Th...
World’s Largest Wyndham Grand and Wyndham Garden Open Their Doors in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | October 25, 2023
SINGAPORE (October 25, 2023) Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchisor, announced the grand openings of Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc and Wyndham Garden Phu Quoc, the biggest Wyndham Grand and Wyndham Garden in the world last Thursday, 19 October 2023. Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s largest island – has become an especially attractive holiday destination in recent years and was named the World’s Leading Nature Island destination at the 2022 World Travel Awards. Also contributing to Phu Quoc’s booming tourism sector is Vietnam’s welcoming visa policy, which exempts foreigners from entry, exit, and transit visas for...
The Hospitality Factor: Elevating Service With Empathy and Staff Empowerment
Frank Pitsikalis | October 25, 2023
By Frank Pitsikalis A smart observer once noted the difference between "service" and "hospitality" is the difference between being "well run" and being "well loved." While it is a fine accomplishment to earn a guest's, "They always do a nice job" endorsement, it is far better to inspire an effusive, "I absolutely LOVE that property – their team understands us and always provides just the right touch at the right time." Excellent service requires well-defined and reliably followed protocols. Hospitality adds empathy, personal connections and teams empowered to act outside of protocols when warranted. Service elevates to...
LTI Announces the World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brands 2023
LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence | October 25, 2023
Mandarin Oriental takes top spot for first time New entries - Peninsula and Raffles October 25, 2023: Welcome to our annual World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brands report. This is not just another World's Best list. LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence – has used the past 12 months to apply the perfect assessment process: a rigorously defined algorithm that measures the performance and values of luxury hotel brands. This year, our algorithm has 130 touchpoints relevant to the luxury hotel sector. Each has its own weighted score value with a total maximum accumulative score of 4663. The touch points relate to overall br...
Terra Unveils Plans for Mr. C Hotel & Residences in West Palm Beach
Terra | October 25, 2023
Douglas Elliman tapped to lead sales for the development’s 146 branded residences. Construction is estimated to get underway in early 2024, with completion slated for 2026. MIAMI, FL – October 25, 2023 – West Palm Beach will soon welcome its first branded luxury real estate development. Terra, one of South Florida’s most active real estate development firms, and the Palm Beach-based Morrison family’s Sympatico Real Estate, have unveiled plans for Mr. C Hotel & Residences in West Palm Beach, Florida. Located at 320 Lakeview Avenue, in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach along South Dixie Highway, the 25-story condominium ...
Hotel Performance Standouts During Beyonce’s World Tour
CoStar | October 25, 2023
Analysis by M. Brian Riley Concerts and major events have always been important revenue opportunities for hotels, but 2023 has felt like the “year of the concert” with major tour generating headlines and lifting performance all over the world. In the U.S., much of the attention went toward Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, which STR previously estimated added $208 million in U.S. room revenue. More recently though, there has been another female pop star rocking the economy – and in many markets, hotel performance. Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour generated a projected U.S. economic impact of $4.5 billion, according ...
Looking at the Net Revenue Impact of Chatbots With Tata Crocombe
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | October 25, 2023
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky Artificial intelligence will be a topic for hotels for decades to come, but right here in Q4 2023, it’s all about deploying incremental solutions to drive more and more efficiencies and profitability. Foremost amongst all the other AI tools that hotels can deploy is the guest-facing chatbot which has the potential to help drive a channel shift away from more expensive third parties. And yet, it’s rare to see a lot of financial scenarios published on the matter that explicitly show the contribution of these technologies onto the bottom line. In collaboration with Tata Crocombe, we investigated the chatbot...
The Siegel Group Acquires Former Sunstyle Suites Inn Located in Orlando, Florida
The Siegel Group | October 25, 2023
LAS VEGAS--The Siegel Group, a real estate investment and management company, announced today that it had acquired the former Sunstyle Suites Inn located in Orlando, Florida. The property, which closed in a quick 30 day off-market transaction, was purchased for $10.33 million. This acquisition increases the number of Siegel Select® (www.siegelselect.com) and Siegel Suites® (www.siegelsuites.com) properties throughout the United States to 62 and marks the second location that the brand has acquired in the Florida market within the last six months. This newest Florida location is in addition to the company’s significant presence throughou...
Case Study: Boar’s Head Resort, Charlottesville, Virginia
Auto-Chlor | October 25, 2023
Commercial dishwashing solution ensures spotless dishes through precise chemical dosing while reducing waste, cutting costs, and minimizing environmental impact Hospitality companies are seeking products and services to achieve sustainability goals while keeping their environment clean, safe, and operating efficiently. Boar’s Head Resort, a AAA four-diamond country resort owned by the University of Virginia Foundation, was looking for a way to ensure dishwashing operations used the proper chemical dosage and could be efficiently operated and maintained. They opted for the Auto-Chlor System, a commercial dishwashing model focused on recyc...
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort Debuts in Cancun’s Hotel Zone
Hilton | October 25, 2023
The recently renovated beachfront resort in Cancun’s famed Hotel Zone offers travelers an all‑inclusive, all extraordinary experience, showcasing Hilton’s iconic hospitality, breathtaking spaces and endless amenities CANCUN, Mexico and MCLEAN, Va. – Today Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the opening of Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort, representing the company’s 90th hotel in Mexico and 10th all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean and Latin America. Nestled along 600 feet of private pristine beachfront, the resort seamlessly blends Hilton’s iconic hospitality with elevated all-inclusive experiences. The recently reno...
Hilton Reports Third Quarter Results
Hilton | October 25, 2023
MCLEAN, VA - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. ("Hilton" or the "Company") (NYSE: HLT) today reported its third quarter 2023 results. Highlights include: Diluted EPS was $1.44 for the third quarter, and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, was $1.67 Net income was $379 million for the third quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $834 million for the third quarter System-wide comparable RevPAR increased 6.8 percent, on a currency neutral basis, for the third quarter compared to the same period in 2022 System-wide comparable RevPAR increased 11.4 percent, on a currency neutral basis, for the third quarter compared to the same period in 2...
Luke Borg Joins The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi as New Executive Chef
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi | October 25, 2023
LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA – October 2023 - The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi welcomes award-winning hotelier Chef Luke Borg to the team as the new executive chef. Hailing from Malta and with a Master Chef Diploma from the University of Malta, Luke brings with him over 16 years of culinary experience on the world stage, from Denmark, Malta, Mozambique, Thailand and more. A passionate chef who consistently seeks to improve, Luke keeps abreast of all the latest culinary trends and supports the use of local produce and sustainable dining. After an internship at the two Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie restaurant in The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland, Luke s...
U.S. Construction Pipeline Continues Its Steady Growth Trajectory With Upper Midscale & Extended Stay Projects Dominating the Pipeline at Q3 2023
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | October 25, 2023
October 25, 2023 – PORTSMOUTH, NH -- According to the most recent Construction Pipeline Trend Report for the United States by Lodging Econometrics (LE), at the close of Q3 2023, the total U.S. construction pipeline stands at 5,704 projects/672,676 rooms, up 7% Year-Over-Year (YOY) by projects and rooms. The hotel construction pipeline continues to grow at a moderate pace with current project counts 3% below and rooms 14% below the all-time high of 5,883 projects/785,547 rooms reached in Q2 2008. At the close of the third quarter, there are 1,063 projects/140,331 rooms under construction, up 8% by projects and 4% by rooms YOY. Projects sc...
Highgate Appoints Daniel Texeira as General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu
AC Hotels by Marriott | October 25, 2023
HONOLULU, HI (October 25, 2023) – Highgate, a leading hotel management, investment and development company, has appointed Daniel Texeira as General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu. In his new role, Texeira will oversee all operations and management of the newest property in the AC Hotels by Marriott portfolio, scheduled to open January 2024. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Texeira joins AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu from ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, where he held multiple positions over the past four years, most recently serving as Director of Operations. Prior, he served as Performance D...
U.S. Travel Applauds Senate Confirmation of Michael Whitaker to Lead FAA
U.S. Travel Association | October 25, 2023
WASHINGTON (October 25, 2023)—U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan confirmation of Michael Whitaker to serve as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): “Mike Whitaker is a capable and tested aviation leader who will bring critical expertise to the FAA. The United States should have an air travel system that is not only safe, but also modern and efficient. Establishing permanent leadership at the FAA is a key step toward alleviating strain on the current system, meeting increasing air traveler demand and building an improved air trave...
Knowland’s Market Segmentation Analysis Feature Now Available for Property-Level Hotel Sales Teams
KNOWLAND | October 25, 2023
Add-on feature helps sales teams better understand specific market segment performance, plan account strategies, and gain insight into competitive activities ARLINGTON, Va. — Oct. 25, 2023 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, announced an add-on feature explicitly designed to help on-property sales teams better understand and target the right group segments booking in their market. Sales teams are often challenged to understand what groups have met in their competitive set. Knowland’s Market Segmentation feature delivers detailed insight into group busi...
This Thanksgiving, Americans Are Gobbling Up Flights to New York City and Mexico’s Beaches
Allianz Partners | October 24, 2023
RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 24, 2023 -- Americans are continuing to prioritize trips to the Big Apple and the beaches of Mexico for their turkey-day celebrations, according to the 2023 Allianz Partners Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index. Allianz Partners reviewed more than 800,000 travel itineraries* around the Thanksgiving holiday to reveal the most popular domestic and international destinations for 2023. Roundtrip flights departing from United States airports from Saturday, November 18 to Thursday, November 23, and returning Friday, November 24 to Tuesday, November 28 were considered. For the third consecutive year, New York...
Business Travel Accelerating
Jamie Mageau | October 24, 2023
By Jamie Mageau Despite ending 2022 still 29% below 2019 levels, transient and group business travel have made considerable progress this year. With the traditional summer vacation behind us and leisure travel demand ‘normalizing’, it is increasingly important that business travel—both transient and group continue growing. And the signs are there. Lodging data confirms the accelerated recovery of business and group travel. STR reported that the hotel industry finished the month of September strong with room demand the second-highest ever for the month. Weekday occupancy has increased, particularly in the top 25 larges...
Four Seasons Names Adrian Messerli President, Hotel Operations in the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region
Four Seasons | October 24, 2023
A Four Seasons veteran of 18 years, Messerli takes on responsibility for a diverse region with a robust growth pipeline Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons announces the promotion of Adrian Messerli to the role of President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa. As a member of the company’s operations leadership team, he now has responsibility for a region that includes more than 40 hotels, resorts and residences – and growing. As Four Seasons strengthens its presence in each of three regions – Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) – Messerli is leading an expanding tea...
Connecticut’s Post-COVID Climb
Kilian O’Brien | October 24, 2023
By Kilian O'Brien The onset of COVID-19 in March 2020 had devastating effects for the tourism industry across the country, and the state of Connecticut experienced the third-largest decline in travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation employment from Q2 2019 to Q2 2020. Connecticut was quick to rebound, however, with 2022 occupancy levels only slightly below those of 2019 and average daily rate (ADR) levels far surpassing those of 2019. The upcoming renovation of the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut’s “Find Your Vibe” campaign, and the state’s current hotel development pipeline are all indicators of Connecticut’s recovery and s...
The Omni Homestead Resort Celebrates Completion of $150+ Million Property-Wide Renovation
The Omni Homestead Resort | October 24, 2023
HOT SPRINGS, VA (October 24, 2023) –The Omni Homestead Resort is proud to celebrate its official Grand Reopening upon completion of the highly-anticipated $150+ million dollar property-wide renovation project. Nestled within the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia and spanning more than 2,300 acres, America’s first resort is instantly recognizable by the lovingly restored tower that hovers above the treetops, just beyond the perfectly manicured golf courses, beckoning guests to experience the next chapter at the storied property. Throughout its 250-year history, The Homestead has served as a home away from home fo...
Fusion Appoints Three New General Managers at Vietnam Properties
Fusion | October 24, 2023
HO CHI MINH CITY (Oct 24, 2023) — Renowned as a trailblazer in the field of wellness-inspired resorts with its “all-spa inclusive” vacationing concept, Fusion Hotel Group announced the appointment of three new general managers at its hotels in Vietnam as the group continues to expand its presence across the country. Peter Meyer, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group and Lodgis, said the three new general managers are well equipped to deliver continued success in their new roles. “Each of these new general managers brings a wealth of experience and vitality to their respective hotels across Vietnam,” he said. “Two of these appointees will ta...
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Welcomes New General Manager, Stephen Power
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort | October 24, 2023
MIAMI, FL – October 24, 2023 – The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Power as the new General Manager. Power brings two decades of hospitality experience to his new role. Prior to joining The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Power served as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, where he led the hotel in exceeding top line and GOP to budget in 2022, as well as saw the property achieve #1 hotel rankings in San Francisco within several coveted travel publications. His extensive background in hospitality has also seen him serve in numerous other hotel management positions within the ...
