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 Sebastian – Vail Appoints John D’Angelo as General Manager
The Sebastian-Vail | October 3, 2023
VAIL, CO (October 3, 2023) -- The Sebastian - Vail, a luxury mountainside resort and private residence club in the heart of Vail Village, Colorado, has welcomed John D’Angelo as its new general manager. In his role, D’Angelo is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the property and ensuring it continues delivering a five-star experience to both Owners and guests. “John is a compassionate leader who has consistently demonstrated managerial success in his previous roles,” stated Justin Vining, director of operations at Timbers Company. “We confidently selected John to uphold our commitment to providing guests and Owne...
The Eliza Jane Hotel Appoints New Executives to Leadership Team
The Eliza Jane | October 3, 2023
The New Orleans Boutique Hotel Names Parker Sams as Managing Director and Malissa Fagan as Director of Sales NEW ORLEANS – October 3, 2023 – The Eliza Jane, a Hyatt Unbound Collection hotel, announced today the appointment of Parker Sams as managing director and Malissa Fagan as director of sales. The duo will join the leadership team at the historic 196-room boutique hotel offering guests a luxurious stay in the heart of New Orleans. As managing director, Sams will oversee all day-to-day hotel operations including dining experiences and guest relations. A seasoned hospitality professional, Sams brings more than 15 years of industry e...
Aimbridge EMEA to Manage 402-Key Costa Blanca Resort Grand Luxor Hotel & Village
AIMBRIDGE HOSPITALITY EMEA | October 3, 2023
Independently owned by renowned tourism and real estate business, Santa Maria Group, the signing marks Aimbridge’s entry into the Spanish market and underscores its investment in the Iberian Peninsula GLASGOW, Scotland and PLANO, Texas – Aimbridge EMEA, a division of global management leader Aimbridge Hospitality, has been appointed by Santa Maria Group to manage its independent, 402-key Grand Luxor Hotel & Village resort on the Costa Blanca beginning October 1, 2023. The deal marks a major milestone for both companies, signaling their joint ambition to accelerate growth and provide exceptional experiences in the market. A leadi...
Hotel Property Tax Relief Varies by Geography
CBRE Hotels | October 2, 2023
By Robert Mandelbaum and David P. Fuller MAI Based on a sample of more than 3,000 hotels from CBRE’s Trends® in the Hotel Industry database, U.S. hotel property tax expenditures averaged $2,626 per available room (PAR) in 2022. This is 10.8% less than the $2,943 PAR recorded in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrently, the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for these same properties fell by 1.7%. From 2019 to 2022, the combination of EBITDA decreases, and cap rate increases put downward pressure on values. A 100 bp increase in cap rates, coupled with the 1.7% decrease in EBITDA correlate...
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi Welcomes Michael Gremer as New Executive Chef
Four Seasons | October 2, 2023
Michael Gremer has been appointed Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, taking charge of all culinary operations and teams at the award-winning island resort. A 25-year career with leading luxury hotels has taken Michael on a flavourful adventure around the world, from Bavaria, Colorado and Perth to Shanghai, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Over the course of his illustrious journey, he has had the honour of cooking for iconic personalities such as President Nixon, President Obama and King Charles. Yet, for this chef, each diner is a VIP in their own right. “No matter who they are, every guest should walk away from their meal...
Disney Vacation Club Celebrates the Grand Opening of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
Disneyland Resort | October 2, 2023
ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct. 2, 2023 -- Inspired by the creative magic of Walt Disney Animation Studios, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are now open. The all-new tower features 344 thoughtfully themed guest rooms designed to immerse guests in the worlds of classic Disney stories while offering modern, just-like-home amenities only steps away from the Disneyland Resort theme parks. "The Villas at Disneyland Hotel celebrates the remarkable legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios' storytelling and the creative process these talented artists go through to bring Disney characters to life from sketch to screen," said Bill Diercksen, senior vice presid...
Alojica Completes Acquisition of Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Alojica | October 2, 2023
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 2, 2023 -- Black Creek Mexico ("BCM") is pleased to announce that affiliates of Alojica, a BCM sponsored investment platform, have completed the acquisition of the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, from an affiliate of Marriott International, Inc. The 433-room beachfront resort, located in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, is managed by an affiliate of Marriott International under a long-term Marriott Hotels & Resorts agreement. Alojica plans for the property to undergo a transformational capital improvement plan to convert the property into All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy. Planned improvements include a compr...
Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) Releases Fall 2023 Conference Industry Outlook Survey Results
HAMA | October 2, 2023
NEW ORLEANS, October 2, 2023—The Hospitality Asset Managers Association (“HAMA”) today announced the results of its Fall 2023 Industry Outlook Survey. The semi-annual report updated the opinions, experiences and predictions of nearly 80 hotel asset managers from the earlier spring conference survey with a focus on budgetary predictions and potential causes of industry concern. Conducted in conjunction with HAMA'S 2023 Annual Fall Meeting that was held in New Orleans, the results were presented to media live with a concluding Q&A session via online conferencing. In total, 77 asset managers, comprising app...
REPORT: Hotel Boards Are Becoming Increasingly Diverse
ahla foundation | October 2, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC (October 2, 2023) – The percentage of hotel industry board seats held by Black members and women members, respectively, is going up. That's according to recent research commissioned by AHLA Foundation and conducted by Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management. The increase exceeds the 2022 average in both categories for firms in the Russell 3000 Index, signaling progress in the effort to diversify corporate boards. The report highlights multiple gains for the industry. The 2022 data set analyzed 230 board members at 28 companies between 2016-2022. Key findings include: · Women occupied 31.3%...
How Hoteliers Are Using AI for Revenue Management
Dr Cindy Heo | October 2, 2023
By Dr. Cindy Heo Hotel revenue management is the process of optimizing revenue by predicting demand and setting prices accordingly, most commonly found in hotels to forecast occupancy in order to maximize their room rate, hotel marketing strategy, and overall property performance. It's a complex and ever-evolving field for a revenue manager to navigate, with many channels and tools to keep up-to-date with. But it is a key function for any hotel that wants to remain competitive in today's marketplace to get a firm handle on in order to welcome more guests through their doors. Today, Artificial Intelligence is making the job of data analysis...
2023 HVS Lodging Tax Report – USA
Thomas A. Hazinski | October 2, 2023
By Thomas Hazinski, Michael Ferguson Since room sales generate lodging tax revenues, an overview of hotel market trends provides a perspective on the industry's current and future fiscal impacts. While the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were unprecedented, as documented in our 2022 HVS Lodging Tax Study, nearly all lodging markets have reached or exceeded pre-COVID levels of revenue generation. Revenue per available room (“RevPAR”), the product of average daily room rate and occupancy rate, is a standard industry metric that combines the effects of occupancy and average daily room rate changes on hotel revenue performance. ...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Breaks Ground on New Boutique Hotel in Pacific Grove, California
IHG | October 2, 2023
ATLANTA (Oct. 2, 2023) - Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle portfolio, breaks ground today for a new, boutique hotel in the Northern California coastal community of Pacific Grove, on the storied Monterey Peninsula. Marking the boutique hotel brand’s first property in the market, Kimpton Pacific Grove Hotel will exude elevated, laid-back vibes one can only find on the Central Coast of the Golden State and serve as a premier destination featuring locally inspired restaurant and bar concepts. The property is expected to open in late 2025. Owned and developed by Cypress 16, LLC in c...
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa Appoints Geoff Pearson as New General Manager
Outrigger | October 2, 2023
OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Geoff Pearson as the new General Manager of OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa on Hawaii Island. In this role, Pearson will assume the responsibility of overseeing the daily operations and management of the resort. His duties will encompass the integration of cultural elements into exceptional guest experiences, the cultivation of a positive work environment for employees and active engagement with the Kailua-Kona community, all while striving to achieve the resort’s financial objectives. Pearson joined OUTRIGGER earlier this year as the Director of Sales and Market...
Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain, Huzhou Opens in China
Dusit International | October 2, 2023
Huzhou, 2 October 2023 – Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, has continued its expansion in China with the opening of the highly anticipated Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain, Huzhou – the 11th luxury Dusit-branded property in China. Designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers who appreciate superior levels of comfort and unique opportunities to enhance their physical and mental well-being, Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain is located at Ying Valley Resort (the east foothills of Mogan Mountain) in the heart of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, ...
Charlestowne Hotels to Manage The H Hotel in Midland, Michigan
Charlestowne Hotels | October 2, 2023
Charleston, SC – October 2, 2023 – Charlestowne Hotels, a leading hospitality management company, today announces its continued expansion in the Midwest with the management takeover of The H Hotel in Midland, Michigan—its first property in the state and seventh in the region. As The H Hotel transitions from a Dolce by Wyndham to an independent property, Charlestowne’s specialized expertise in managing lifestyle hotels will ensure The H Hotel maintains its exemplary service and commitment to excellence while remaining a point of pride within Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region. The 139-room award-winning hotel, which has been a A...
AHLA Statement in Support of the Modern Worker Empowerment Act
AHLA | October 2, 2023
Washington (Oct. 2, 2023) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Chip Rogers released the following statement today in support of the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, which was introduced in the House by Reps. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), and Michelle Steel (CA-45). “As America continues to deal with one of the worst labor shortages in decades, hoteliers need flexibility to quickly hire contractors to meet a variety of expanding and contracting needs. However, the Department of Labor’s proposed regulatory changes, coupled with recent decisions by the National Labor Relations Board, will ma...
Israel VWP Admission To Add $1.8 Billion to U.S. Economy
U.S. Travel Association | October 2, 2023
WASHINGTON (October 2, 2023)—U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on Israel’s admission to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): “The highly successful Visa Waiver Program has a proven record of boosting travel exports and U.S. global competitiveness, benefiting U.S. destinations, businesses and the broader American economy. Following Israel’s admission to the Visa Waiver Program, the U.S. can expect to welcome 200,000 additional Israeli visitors per year, generating an additional $800 million in direct travel spending and producing an economic impact of roughly $1.8 billion. “U.S. T...
How Travelers Find Destinations for Their Trips
Expedia Group Media Solutions | September 28, 2023
In today’s digital-first era, there’s a myriad of influential resources that inspire travelers to seek out certain destinations. From viral content on social media and posts from friends and family to destination sites and travel blogs, where people decide to travel can be a click away. Given that travelers are inundated with these outside influences and factors, how do people decide where to go? Insights from Expedia Group and Luth Research’s study, The Path to Purchase: Uncovering How Travelers Plan and Book, explores the complex online path behind the travel customer journey and provides actionable insights to help destination m...
6 Marketing Tactics To Boost Revenue at Your Hotel Restaurant
Alison Wilson | September 28, 2023
By Alison Wilson As a hotel general manager and restaurant owner, driving revenue growth for your establishment is an important priority. To achieve this goal, implementing effective marketing initiatives is crucial and in this article we’ll share, we present five tactical marketing strategies that can help elevate your hotel restaurant’s revenue and set it apart from the competition. 1. Establish an Irresistible Online Presence Ensure your website showcases the unique qualities of your hotel restaurant, from its ambiance to its delicious menu offerings. Include high-quality photography to entice potential diners. Boleo in...
RevPAR Growth Slowed Globally, Ireland Occupancy Breaks 90%, and China Recovery Softens
CoStar Group | September 28, 2023
Analysis by Eddie Yeung STR's global “bubble chart” update as of 16 September 2023 showed 86% of markets with growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) compared to 2019. With summer travel season winding down in many parts of the world, this figure was expectedly lower than the previous update (by 2%) but well above the 2022 comparable (66%). Among all countries with a total supply of more than 50,000 rooms, Israel, France, Greece, Singapore, and Italy led in RevPAR on an actual basis. Greece sustained the top spot for the third consecutive 28-day period. Five countries recorded an occupancy rate above 80%—Irelan...
U.S. Hotel Performance Increased for Week Ending 23 September
CoStar Group | September 28, 2023
WASHINGTON – 28 September 2023 – U.S. hotel performance increased from the previous week, according to CoStar’s latest data through 23 September. 17-23 September 2023 (percentage change from comparable week in 2022): Occupancy: 68.5% (-1.6%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$164.97 (+2.9%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$112.96 (+1.2%) Occupancy remained down year over year due to the Rosh Hashanah calendar shift. Among the Top 25 Markets, Minneapolis saw the largest year-over-year occupancy increase (+7.4% to 71.3%). Helped by the United Nations General Assembly, New York City posted the highest jumps...
Playing to Win in Customer Service
Shep Hyken | September 28, 2023
By Shep Hyken One of the more enjoyable activities in my life is playing hockey. When I’m in town – not out speaking at conferences – I lace up the skates several times a week to play in a friendly hockey game. In close games, when my team is up by one or two goals, I remember my school days when our coaches encouraged us to continue playing to score, even when we were winning, versus switching to more defensive play to prevent the other team from scoring. So, what does this have to do with business, specifically customer service and CX? Plenty! In any team sport, the goal is to win. In the customer service world, we shou...
HFTP Announces Return of Entrepreneur 20X at Major 2024 Events, Applications Now Open
HFTP | September 28, 2023
Austin, Texas (September 28, 2023) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to announce the return of the premier hospitality technology pitch competition Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) at three events in 2024. Startups will have the opportunity to present their cutting-edge platforms at HFTP’s inaugural Digital Horizons 360 (DH360) Symposium in Europe in February and at HITEC Dubai and HITEC North America in June. Applications to compete are now open. Established in 2015, the upcoming E20X events will mark the fourth and eighth E20X competitions at HITEC Dubai and HITEC North America, respectively. DH36...
HVS ANAROCK Hotels & Hospitality Overview, September 2023
Akash Datta | September 28, 2023
By Akash Datta, Dipti Mohan, Dhwani Gupta Read the latest edition of the HVS ANAROCK monthly industry update, Hotels & Hospitality Overview (H2O), for the key trends in the Indian hospitality industry. Key highlights include: In August 2023, domestic air passenger traffic grew by nearly 23% year-on-year, marking the sixth consecutive month that domestic air traffic in the country has surpassed pre-COVID levels. Country-wide occupancy remained at similar levels from the previous month, indicating demand normalization. India-wide average rates are rising steadily, with a year-on-year growth of 13-5% in August 2023. Even be...
