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
Agilysys Unveils Software Innovations at G2E 2024 to Help Gaming Properties Enhance Efficiency and Revenue While Elevating Guest and Staff Experiences
Agilysys | October 3, 2024
ALPHARETTA, GA (October 3, 2024) — Agilysys, Inc., a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions and services, today announced new and enhanced solutions gaming properties can use to elevate guest service, alleviate staff workload stress and streamline operations. The new offerings will be showcased at the upcoming Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2024, October 7th – 10th 2024, The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, #G2E2024. Key solution highlights: Enhanced Agent Dashboard in Agilysys LMS Property Management System Enables Rewarding Employees for Effective Upselling. A new interactive dashboard tracks upsell revenue by agent...
Optimizing Menu Engineering for the Hospitality Industry...
James Samson | October 3, 2024
Menu engineering is an essential practice in the hospitality industry, particularly for food and beverage operations. It involves the strategic design and analysis of menus to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction. By applying best practices and leveraging hard data, hospitality businesses can enhance their menus to drive revenue and improve guest experiences. Strategies for Effective Menu Engineering 1. Menu Item Categorization: Stars, Plow Horses, Puzzles, and Dogs The foundation of menu engineering lies in categorizing menu items based on their popularity and profitability: Stars: High popularity, high profitability. ...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 28 September...
CoStar Group | October 3, 2024
WASHINGTON – 3 October 2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported positive year-over-year comparisons, according to CoStar’s latest data through 28 September. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 22-28 September 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 68.4% (+2.6%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$170.24 (+7.5%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$116.50 (+10.2%) Among the Top 25 Markets, New York City saw the highest year-over-year increases in each of the key performance metrics: occupancy (+11.4% to 93.2%)...
Customer Service Week 2024...
Shep Hyken | October 3, 2024
If you’re reading this article the day it comes out, then next week – the first full week of October – is Customer Service Week. This special week was created in the 1980s when the International Customer Service Association suggested that organizations should recognize the employees who create the experience that gets customers to say, “I’ll be back.” Here are five ideas to celebrate. There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging customers during this week. I encourage it. But who makes those customers want to do business with you? Your employees! So, with that in mind, here are five ideas, one for each day of the week, to insp...
Peachtree Group Breaks Ground on Dual-Branded AC Hotel and Moxy Hotel in Dallas...
Peachtree Group | October 3, 2024
ATLANTA & DALLAS--Peachtree Group (“Peachtree”) celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 19-story, dual-branded hotel development featuring the award-winning Marriott brands, AC Hotel and Moxy Hotel, in the heart of Uptown Dallas. The development will bring 264 upscale rooms, modern amenities and unique lifestyle offerings to the bustling McKinney Avenue corridor. The much-anticipated project promises to elevate the city's hospitality scene and is expected to open in Summer 2026. The property will offer an unmatched blend of comfort, style and convenience, featuring 110 rooms for the AC Hotel and 154 rooms for the Moxy Hotel, providi...
Employer Branding: Upskilling as a Strategy in the War for Talent...
EHL | October 3, 2024
“Why would an intelligent, passionate, ambitious person want to work for us?” In today's competitive job market, where the war for talent has become more intense than ever, that’s the question that every business should be asking itself if it wants to achieve success. The answer, however, isn’t always straightforward. With companies currently facing significant challenges to hiring and retaining talented individuals, it’s essential they adopt innovative strategies to enhance their employer brand, stand out from the crowd and appeal to talented professionals. One such strategy is upskilling. This involves investing in employee...
London Market Pulse 2024 – Investor Confidence Renewed...
Cassandre Pene | October 3, 2024
Owing to its rich cultural heritage, prestigious educational institutions and wide range of attractions across fashion, media and sports, London is a key destination for international visitors. In addition, its strong influence as a financial centre and a hub for technology and innovation defines it as a leading market in terms of hospitality and hotel investment. Despite its size, London’s accessibility through various international airports as well as the Eurostar high-speed rail service facilitates travel, ensuring a steady influx of both leisure and business travellers. These factors are expected to drive London’s continued success a...
Choice Hotels Relaunches Radisson Individuals as Part of Its Portfolio of Brands as an Upper Upscale Soft Brand...
Radisson Individuals | October 3, 2024
NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 3, 2024 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. today announces the relaunch of Radisson Individuals in the Americas region as an upper upscale soft brand focused on full-service, boutique and independent hotels that stand apart for their distinctive local character and superior guest service. This latest major investment in the Radisson Hotels Americas brands since their acquisition in 2022 builds on Choice's legacy as a pioneer of the soft brand segment and strengthens its portfolio with an offering that serves a fast-growing segment of travelers who value an immersive, one-of-a-kind hotel experience. Choice is now e...
Hyatt Expands Inclusive Collection Portfolio in Europe With Opening of Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina...
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | October 3, 2024
CHICAGO, IL (October 3, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced the opening of the family-friendly, all-inclusive Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina. This luxury resort marks Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection’s entry into Portugal, supporting Hyatt’s strategic growth plan to add hotels new destinations and provide more distinctive options for guests and members seeking unique experiences. “The introduction of Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina continues to enhance all-inclusive offerings within Europe to meet the growing demands of travelers and serves as a truly all-inclusive experience in the region,” s...
Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown Unveils Renovation...
Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown | October 3, 2024
BETHESDA, MD (OCTOBER 3, 2024) – Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown has completed a four million-dollar transformation, including the lobby, meetings and events spaces, bar and lounge, restaurant, and a new fitness center. The renovation ushers in a newly reimagined era for the 216-room property with contemporary and purposeful design elements complemented by technological enhancements such as amplified Wi-Fi capabilities, keyless locks, and UNO Net television systems. Whether guests are traveling for business, attending an event, or enjoying vacation, the welcoming, pet-friendly oasis provides a relaxing and convenient base to explore ...
Silversea To Develop The Southernmost Hotel on Earth in Puerto Williams, Chile...
Silversea | October 3, 2024
MIAMI – October 3, 2024 – Silversea, the leaders of luxury expedition travel experiences, today announced it is developing a hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile – the southernmost city on Earth – to create an unrivaled experience for guests to explore the rugged landscape of Antarctica. The hotel will facilitate a uniquely frictionless journey to the ‘White Continent,’ allowing guests to enjoy Silversea’s personalized service and warm hospitality throughout their voyage. Guests embarking on the cruise line’s innovative Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise program – the fastest and most direct route to Antarctica – will fly directly ...
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts to Open in Portugal’s Porto Region With Brand-New Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel...
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts | October 3, 2024
Porto, October 3, 2024 – Tivoli Hotels & Resorts announces its continued expansion in Portugal, the brand’s home country, with the upcoming launch of Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel. Located on the south bank of the Douro River in the city of Gaia, the wine-country hotel is scheduled to open early in 2025. Currently under development, the new Tivoli Kopke will set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the northern region of Portugal, combining Tivoli’s heritage of timeless travel with the unique history and legacy of Kopke, the oldest Port Wine House in the world, established in 163...
Origin Hotel Kansas City Appoints Key Leadership Ahead of October Opening...
Origin Hotel Kansas City | October 3, 2024
Origin Hotel Kansas City, a Wyndham Hotel, is the first-ever hotel located on the Berkley Riverfront along the Missouri River, opening in October 2024. The property is proud to announce its executive leadership team: Director of Food & Beverage Brandon Buschart, Executive Chef Michael Olson, Director of Sales Katie Tiegreen and General Manager Dustin Weber. Brandon Buschart, director of food & beverage Joining the Origin Hotel Kansas City team with over 25 years of experience, Buschart is responsible for the overarching guest experience, ensuring that Chef’s vision is brought to life and aiding in the mentoring of hospitality...
General Manager Ana Gorjão Henriques Tapped to Lead Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo In Costa Rica...
Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo | October 3, 2024
Peninsula Papagayo, COSTA RICA — Ana Gorjão Henriques has been named General Manager of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo, the brand’s first property in Central and South America and eighth in the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, set to open in early 2025. Nekajui (NEK-ah-wee), meaning “lush garden” in the Chorotega dialect, promises an ocean-facing retreat of unparalleled luxury, wellness, and adventure located in an unspoiled 1,400-acre tropical forest along the northwestern province of Guanacaste. “Nekajui is transformative, pure, and immersive, providing a truly unique and tranquil experience,” said Hen...
D’Anthony Foster Appointed Executive Chef for The Point in the Adirondack Mountains...
The Point | October 3, 2024
September 25, 2024 (Saranac Lake, New York) – With autumn mere weeks away, The Point is pleased to announce a new executive chef and seasonal events to entice guests to enjoy the coziest time of year in the Adirondack Mountains. Secluded on 75 acres of the former Great Camp of William Avery Rockefeller II on Upper Saranac Lake, the first Relais & Châteaux in North America invites travelers to relax, unplug, and feast upon an all-inclusive wealth of activities and amenities any way they desire, while enjoying the “house party” atmosphere that pervades the estate. New Talent Leading the Kitchen Communal dining is an essential in...
NewcrestImage Acquires The Beeman Hotel In Dallas...
NewcrestImage | October 3, 2024
NewcrestImage continues to grow its portfolio of luxury full-service properties with the addition of The Beeman Hotel, which features 296 guest rooms and suites over nine floors. “The Beeman is a very high-quality property that offers tremendous upside potential to help drive our ambitious growth goals,” said Mehul Patel, Managing Partner and CEO of NewcrestImage. “To further and fully optimize this hotel’s value and profits, we intend to rebrand in the high-end upscale category.” NewcrestImage has selected Coury Hospitality to manage the property. Coury, along with its Concert Hospitality affiliate, already manages four upscale...
AHLA, Hotel Industry Leaders Remain Opposed to Revised NYC Hotel Licensing Bill...
AHLA | October 3, 2024
WASHINGTON (Oct. 3, 2024) – After New York City Councilwoman Julie Menin shared a new version of her hotel licensing bill with industry stakeholders, hotel industry leaders released the following statements: “While we appreciate the Councilwoman’s willingness to listen to industry feedback and work toward more sensible outcomes for New York City’s hotels, the new version of the legislation still contains language that will cause significant economic harm – primarily to small, family-owned hotels and the largely immigrant and minority-owned businesses that support them. There is no question that this bill, if passed, will cause ...
How to Convince AI That You Are the Best Candidate for the Job...
Linchi Kwok | October 2, 2024
Last week, we discussed how more companies used AI to screen resumes and analyze job candidates’ performance in the initial interviews. We called for companies’ attention to the potential AI biases in hiring. This week, we will visit what job candidates can do to help AI pick us and recommend us for hiring. A. Writing a Resume Tailored to AI Screening First and foremost, job candidates must thoroughly research the job and the company to understand its job descriptions and organizational culture. From there, they can: Write the resume in Word and submit it as a Word document instead of a PDF file. Select a straightforw...
Taiba Investments and Hilton to Introduce Madinah’s First Waldorf Astoria...
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts | October 2, 2024
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--Taiba Investments, a leader in Saudi hospitality and real estate, has unveiled a strategic partnership with Hilton (NYSE: HLT) to bring the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand to the holy city of Madinah. Signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World in Dubai, this agreement underscores Taiba Investments’ ongoing expansion into the high-end hospitality market and further reinforces the company’s commitment to elevating Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector by partnering with world-renowned hospitality companies such as Hilton. Commenting on the partnership, Sultan Al Otaibi, CEO, Taiba Inv...
Understanding Event Sponsorship as a Marketing Tool...
EHL | October 2, 2024
With the cost of marketing on digital platforms going up and conversion rates heading in the other direction, brands in many industries are looking for different ways to reach and attract customers. Event sponsorship positions your brand and message in the spotlight of the people that matter. With events teams expecting a 10% increase in attendees this year and 86.4% of organizers planning to maintain or increase their events in 2024, in-person events are thriving. With that in mind, how can you choose the right event to sponsor to generate the best possible return on investment? Why sponsor an event? Before we discuss the different t...
Hotel Performance Outlook for Denver: Growth Picking Up Through 2026...
Katy Black | October 2, 2024
For Denver hotels, the first five months of 2024 were somewhat volatile, with March declines being offset by April gains. This trend can be partially attributed to Easter falling in March this year. After two months of RevPAR declines in Denver in June and July, August was a stellar month for the city’s hotels, with the RevPAR increase nearing 10%. However, the declines in June and July resulted in little growth for the city in the summer of 2024, as overall RevPAR growth through August is less than 0.5%. No significant changes in the fourth quarter will likely result in little to no RevPAR growth in Denver from 2023 to 2024. This nomina...
Hyatt Completes Acquisition of Standard International and Its Iconic Hotel Brands, The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels...
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | October 2, 2024
CHICAGO (OCTOBER 2, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the completed acquisition of the brands and most of the affiliates of pioneering lifestyle hospitality company Standard International, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands. This acquisition enhances Hyatt’s leading position in the industry’s premier lifestyle segment, building on both Hyatt’s organic growth and a series of acquisitions that quintupled the number of lifestyle rooms in Hyatt’s global portfolio between 2017 and 2023. The 100% asset-light portfolio includes management, franchise and license contracts for 22 open hote...
Graduate by Hilton Opens First Alabama Hotel Steps From Auburn University...
Hilton | October 2, 2024
AUBURN, Alabama – Graduate by Hilton has opened its first Alabama location in Auburn, a city renowned for its legendary sports and college culture. Located steps from Auburn University, the property spans nearly 140,000 square feet with 177 guest rooms across five floors, 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and two signature food and beverage offerings: The War Eagle Supper Club, an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant that pays tribute to its namesake, and Bo Jackson’s Beans, a coffee shop, community gathering place, and cocktail bar created in partnership with professional sports legend, Auburn University alumni, and ...
Upcoming HFTP Annual Convention Features Top Hotelier Panelists, Featured in New HFTP Academy Micro-Certificate Program...
HFTP | October 2, 2024
October 2, 2024 (Austin, Texas) – A highlight of the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals’ (HFTP®) upcoming Annual Convention is the session, “Navigating Challenges in 2025: How Hotel Owners and Management Companies Can Collaborate Successfully.” Speaking on the panel are top hoteliers John Murray, president and CEO for Sonesta International Hotels Corp. and Blair Wills, president and CEO for StepStone Hospitality. Scheduled for October 23, the conversation will be moderated by Robert Mandelbaum, research director for CBRE Hotels Research and a director on the HFTP Global Board. The Annual Convention is October 23...
