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Timothy Caspare Appointed Executive Chef at The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection | September 26, 2023
September 26, 2023 - The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection, the iconic mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, is pleased to announce the appointment of Timothy Caspare as Executive Chef. With almost two decades of industry experience, Chef Caspare has served as a chef across various international cities and Michelin Star restaurants joining the team from Pasquale Jones in New York City. Caspare has held head chef positions throughout New York and California, including Research and Development Chef at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Chef de Cuisine at Quince Restaurant, and Sous Chef at Eleven Madison Park. With this influence, Caspare brings ...
Fall Break and Homecoming Scheduling Provides Hotel Demand Opportunities Across the U.S.
STR | September 26, 2023
Analysis by Brannan Doyle School is now fully in session in the U.S., and upcoming fall schedules are the first opportunity this season for hoteliers to capitalize on an influx of traveling students and their families. More specifically, the hotel industry can plan on peak fall break demand during the first half of October 2023. Fall break, already STR’s thorough database of public school districts showed 11 September to be the latest K-12 start date of the year—except for those districts delayed due to contract disputes. Those starting during the second week of September were fringe cases as comparisons with a similar dat...
Le Meridien Houston Downtown Appoints Daniel Tabares as General Manager
Le Meridien Houston Downtown | September 26, 2023
HOUSTON (September 26, 2023) – Le Meridien Houston Downtown announces the appointment of Daniel Tabares as general manager. With 20 years of experience in hotel operations and extensive knowledge of the Houston market, Tabares will oversee the day-to-day functions of this Downtown Houston AAA Four-Diamond Hotel, including team member development, revenue management, maintaining outstanding guest satisfaction and more. “I’m excited to bring the team here at Le Meridien my many years of hotel management expertise and proficiency that will only elevate the current goals and aspirations of the hotel,” says Daniel Tabares. “I take pr...
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard Debuts Comprehensive Renovation
Courtyard Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard | September 26, 2023
Modern design and upgraded amenities enhance the guest experience at storied Washington D.C. hotel Washington, D.C. – Sept. 25, 2023 – The Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard, an inspired urban destination managed by HHM Hotels in the heart of the city’s vibrant Navy Yard neighborhood, today announced the completion of a comprehensive property renovation. Offering a refreshed aesthetic, upgraded amenities and enhanced meetings and events capabilities, the renovation ushers in the next chapter of the property’s story. “The needs of today’s traveler continue to shift and this renovation presented an opportu...
Island Hospitality Management Selected to Operate 114-Room SpringHill Suites Truckee
Island Hospitality | September 26, 2023
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., September 26, 2023 — Officials of Island Hospitality Management, the premier third-party management company for select-service and upscale, extended-stay hotels, announced that the company has been named the operator of the 114-room Springhill Suites Truckee. The property is owned by Mission Hill Hospitality, a leading select service and extended stay hotel investor. “We are extremely excited to add another premier hotel in California, strategically positioned in a region that enjoys the advantages of diverse activities and attractions,” said Gregg Forde, president and COO, Island Hospitality Management. “W...
Mission Hill Hospitality Names Tom Barber as Chief Financial Officer
Mission Hill Hospitality | September 26, 2023
DENVER, CO – September 26, 2023: Mission Hill Hospitality, a leading select service and extended stay hotel investor, announced that Tom Barber has been named Chief Financial Officer, a newly-created position. Tom joined Mission Hill Hospitality as Managing Director of Acquisitions when the firm was launched in March 2021. Today, Mission Hill has built a high-quality portfolio of 33 premium select service and extended stay hotels across 16 states, particularly in markets driven by year-round education, medical, corporate and leisure demand. “I am delighted for Tom to step into this new role. He has been instrumental in Mission Hill Hos...
Navigating the Investment Terrain: Trends in GCC Hotel Development Costs
Hala Matar Choufany | September 26, 2023
By Hala Matar Choufany, Filippo Sona Welcome to the world of hospitality development, where unique developments and unforgettable moments come to life. We are thrilled to introduce you to our latest publication, "Navigating the Investment Terrain: Trends in GCC Hotel Development Costs" where we delve deep into the intricate world of hotel development costs, unveiling the secrets that impact project costs and hotel values. In this joint publication, we outline the main hotel development expenses and recent trends in hotel development and design. Whether you are a seasoned developer, an aspiring hotelier, or simply an enthusiast curious ...
Ifuru Island Maldives Officially Opens
Ifuru Island Maldives | September 26, 2023
26 September 2023: The Maldives’ most well-kept surprise opening, Ifuru Island Maldives, celebrated its official opening on 23 September 2023 with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the owners, the resort’s All-Star team and the very excited first official guests. A lush natural island boasting a 1km long stretch of white sandy beach with spectacular sunset views, the Ifuru Island concept brings unique and engaging experiences for guests seeking social connections and everything the Maldives has to offer in one place. ‘Island Vibe Boss’, Rochelle Kilgariff, commented: “Surprise! We’re absolutely thrilled to cele...
CapitaLand Ascott Trust Completes Divestment of Four Properties in Regional France for EUR44.4 Million
CapitaLand Ascott Trust | September 26, 2023
Singapore, 26 September 2023 – CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) has completed the divestment of four mature serviced residences in regional France to an unrelated third party for a total of EUR44.4 million (S$64.7 million[1]). The four properties are Citadines Croisette Cannes, Citadines Prado Chanot Marseille, Citadines Castellane Marseille and Citadines City Centre Lille. The four properties were divested at 63% above book value[2] and net proceeds of the divestment is approximately EUR34.1 million (S$49.7 million). The exit yield[3] is about 4% and CLAS received a net gain of approximately EUR1.2 million (S$1.8 million). Post-dive...
Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse Completes Extensive Renovation
Le Méridien Tampa | September 26, 2023
Tampa, FL [September 26, 2023] - Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse, a cherished registered historic building originally built in 1902, announces it unveiled an extensive renovation on Sep. 22. The extensive redesign was led by Saguez & Dash, and they strategically preserved the hotel's historical charm while infusing it with a fresh identity and a bright, modern aesthetic. "This renovation has truly been a remarkable journey," said Andrew Spicknall, General Manager at Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse. "I'm filled with excitement and pride as I witness Le Méridien Tampa emerge from this meticulous process, and I eagerly anticipate t...
NewcrestImage & Dabu Group Acquire Full-Service Marriott Dallas/Fort Worth Westlake in Texas
Newcrest Image | September 26, 2023
A joint venture of two Dallas-based companies – NewcrestImage and Dabu Group – has acquired the full-service Marriott Dallas/Fort Worth Westlake. The hotel features architecture by award-winning Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, who is known for his innovative use of bright colors, light and shadow, and geometric shapes. Newmark Lodging Capital Markets arranged the sale on behalf of the seller. The team was led by Vice Chairman Miles Spencer and Director Parker Sherrill. The Marriott is convenient to corporate offices, historic downtown Grapevine, and destinations such as the world headquarters of Charles Schwab Corporation, DFW ...
Thompson Palm Springs Appoints Quentin Garcia as New Executive Chef
Thompson Palm Springs | September 26, 2023
Aspiring Culinary Talent Returns Home to California Desert Bringing Levantine-Inspired Cuisine to the Table PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 26, 2023) – Thompson Palm Springs is pleased to announce the appointment of Quentin Garcia as its new Executive Chef. In his new role, Garcia will build on the concept of Thompson Palm Springs’ new and exciting mainstay restaurant, lead all front and back of house kitchen staff, and curate new and innovative programming for the budding culinary scene of Palm Springs. A budding culinary talent born and raised in Indio, Garcia returns to the Coachella Valley, bringing a thought-provoking menu of Levanti...
NTTO Updates U.S. States and Cities Visited Monitor to Calendar Year 2022
International Trade Administration | September 26, 2023
The International Trade Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) has updated its U.S. States and Cities Visited Monitor, a data visualization tool highlighting overseas visitation to U.S. states and cities through interactive tables and maps, to calendar year 2022. Highlights for 2022 include: Top state visited by overseas visitors: Florida (7,145,000) Top city-MSA visited by overseas visitors: New York City (6,992,000) Biggest # gain of overseas visitors from 2021: New York (+5,034,000) Biggest % gain of overseas visitors from 2021: Guam (+1,928%) Top 5 states’ combined market share: 90.8% of oversea...
AHLA Foundation Names Julienne Smith as 2023 Peggy Berg Castell Award Recipient
AHLA Foundation | September 26, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC (September 26, 2023) – AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), honored Julienne Smith, Chief Development Officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, as the 2023 recipient of the Peggy Berg Castell Award. Presented at The Lodging Conference on September 20, the award highlights women trailblazers who are paving the way for more women to rise to the top of the hospitality industry. In her role overseeing the growth of IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Americas region, Julienne's leadership has paved the way for her own successes as well as the success of others. Julienne is a...
SalesAndCatering.com Welcomes Hotel Technology Executive Mike Pavicich as Director of Global Sales
SalesAndCatering.com | September 26, 2023
With over two decades in the hotel sector, Pavicich aims to bolster SalesAndCatering.com's global reach and fortify its leadership in hospitality solutions. Charleston, SC – (SEPTEMBER 26, 2023) – SalesAndCatering.com is excited to announce the appointment of Mike Pavicich as their new Director of Global Sales. With over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, Pavicich brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. In his new role, Pavicich will be responsible for driving global sales strategies, expanding business partnerships, and implementing successful sales initiatives. With his extensive background in the hospit...
Black Travel Summit Launches National Black Travel Day to Commemorate the Black Travel Movement
Black Travel Summit | September 26, 2023
MIAMI, Fla. (September 26, 2023) – Black Travel Summit (BTS) introduces National Black Travel Day (November 11), a new holiday dedicated to celebrating, honoring, and uplifting the global Black travel community. National Black Travel Day is a day for Black travelers and travel professionals to celebrate diversity, their impact, future, and culture in travel. It is an homage to the Black travel movement; a reminder for allies, supporters, but also for the community that diversity in travel isn’t a trend that ends, it’s necessary for a brighter future for all who travel. Following the summit’s annual in-person conference in October,...
Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown Deploys High-Performance WiFi Upgrade by Hotel Internet Services
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | September 26, 2023
15-story property leverages HIS industry expertise to achieve competitive edge in catering to modern online guest expectations. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah. — September 26, 2023 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, has been credited with implementing a high-speed internet network upgrade at Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown in Utah. A 381-room property benefitting from an extensive renovation, Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown further invested in its property with a powerful online WiFi infrastructure which will further increase guest satisfaction. Catering...
How Sharing Information Between Hotel Departments Via Tech Is Changing the Future of Hospitality
Warren Dehan | September 26, 2023
Hotels are breaking down the walls between departments and improving their knowledge and situational awareness of the marketplace — powered by PMS technology By Warren Dehan Hoteliers have become accustomed to seeking excellence within each department, with each group internally supporting the other through consistency and diligence. However, today’s operations call for greater collaboration than in years past. Individual workers today have much greater responsibility and face more scrutiny from managers and guests. Hotel workers are expected to oversee multiple aspects of hospitality simultaneously, and roles spanning multiple depart...
Jackson Hole’s Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa Promotes Troy Batten to Area Director of Food and Beverage
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa | September 25, 2023
JACKSON HOLE, WY – September 25, 2023 – Beloved Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, part of the Noble House Hotels and Resorts collection of luxury hotels and resorts, happily announces the appointment of Troy Batten, the current Executive Chef of the hotel’s award-winning Spur Restaurant & Bar and Spur Catering, as the new Area Director of Food and Beverage. Batten began his career at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa as lead cook 14 years ago. His strong work ethic and dedication quickly moved him up the ranks to Sous Chef, Chef De Cuisine, and finally to Executive Chef in 2019. Batten was instrumental in the success of Spur, help...
Sonesta Announces Plans for Larimar City & Resort in the Dominican Republic
Sonesta | September 25, 2023
New Multi-use Development to Feature The Royal Sonesta and The James Brands as well as Residences NEWTON, MA [September 25, 2023] – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced plans for Larimar City & Resort, a new multi-use development that marks the company’s entry in the Dominican Republic. Anchoring this development will be new Royal Sonesta and James hotels, two of Sonesta’s luxury and lifestyle brands. “This development leverages two of our premier brands, The Royal Sonesta and The James, to grow our footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is a strategic priority for Sonesta,” said ...
Hotel Crescent Court Appoints Shawn Nayyar as General Manager
Hotel Crescent Court | September 25, 2023
DALLAS – Sept. 25, 2023 – The iconic Hotel Crescent Court, set in the heart of Dallas’ vibrant Uptown, is proud to announce the appointment of its new General Manager, Shawn Nayyar. Nayyar brings more than 30 years of diverse global hospitality and leadership experience to the hotel. He will focus on hotel’s strategic goals while overseeing all operations of the 226-room property and the exclusive members- and guests-only Crescent Club. “Shawn’s unique entrepreneurial outlook and diverse global experiences are a remarkable addition to the hotel’s leadership team,” says Denise Mope, director of sales and marketing. “We a...
Business Travel in Asia Pacific Poised for Significant Rebound in 2023, Spending Forecast To Reach Almost $800 Billion by 2027
GBTA | September 25, 2023
GBTA reveals regional outlook data and insights during its sold-out 2023 GBTA APAC Conference held this week in Singapore After challenging years due to the pandemic, for 2023 and beyond, business travel in Asia Pacific is forecast for significant growth, with travel spending gaining 41% to USD $567 billion this year ─ and rising to $800 billion by 2027. China’s reopening and robust domestic demand will be a big catalyst for the growth. Solid rebound is also anticipated in Japan, South Korea, and Australia, along with the return of international business travel, which is anticipated to boost Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. ...
UK Travel & Tourism Sector Now Worth More Than Quarter of a Trillion Sterling Says WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council | September 25, 2023
London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals the UK Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to exceed the 2019 peak this year. The sector is set to contribute £252.4BN to the UK economy this year, surpassing the 2019 pre-pandemic high of £248.5BN. WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create almost 380,000 jobs this year, recovering almost all of the jobs lost due to the COVID 19 pandemic to reach more than 4MN, with around one in nine workers in the UK, in the Travel & Tourism sector. International visitor spend to the UK is forecast to reach £26.18BN...
Industry Sentiment Remains Hopeful for ADR and Group Demand, Recession Fears Grow
CoStar Group | September 25, 2023
In early Q3 2023, STR completed the third edition of the Hospitality Industry Sentiment (HIS) survey, a quarterly survey of travel industry professionals. Between the first and second waves of this survey, we saw some subtle shifts in experts’ expectations for industry performance. Leisure demand was tapering off, but group demand and major events were on the rise. Now with the third wave of the survey on the books, some patterns have become further established, and some new trends emerge as well. Average daily rate (ADR) expectations across the globe remain positive, while optimism for occupancy growth has slipped into the...
