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
Corporate Traveler and GBTA Release Market Research and Trends Report, Comprehensive Study Examining the SME Business Travel Landscape in the U.S.
Corporate Traveler | September 26, 2024
Traveler safety revealed as the top priority for business travelers, while rising travel costs serve as the biggest pain point, according to new report analyzing the small and midsize enterprise (SME) travel industry Corporate Traveler, the flagship SME corporate travel division of Flight Centre Travel Group, and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel trade organization, announce the release of a new joint research report which offers a detailed look into the key trends, insights, and behaviors that are shaping the small and midsize enterprise (SME) business travel market in the United State...
U.S.Hotel Results for Week Ending 21 September
CoStar Group | September 26, 2024
WASHINGTON – 26 September 2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported positive year-over-year comparisons, according to CoStar’s latest data through 21 September. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 15-21 September 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 68.9% (+0.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$168.80 (+2.0%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$116.22 (+2.5%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Houston saw the highest year-over-year lift in occupancy (+10.7% to 69.0%). Driven by Dreamforce 2024, San Francisco...
How’s the Weather and Other Stock Lines that Prove the Rep Is Uninterested
Shep Hyken | September 26, 2024
Recently, Toyin McArthur, a trainer and facilitator for Storage Vault in Canada, asked me if I had any thoughts or suggestions related to customer service reps using questions like “How’s the weather?” to establish rapport with a customer. The concern was that using the “weather” is a sure way to leave the customer feeling like the agent or salesperson is disinterested and unauthentic, resulting in an overall “blah” experience. “How’s the weather?” works if it’s a topic for the day. For example, a question about the weather may be appropriate if there’s a snowstorm. But if it’s just a generic icebreaker, there...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Signs First Garner Hotel in Türkiye
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 26, 2024
26.09.24 (London, UK): IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of its first Garner hotel in Türkiye in a franchise agreement with FRT Turizm and support by AB Consulting led by Ahmet Bilgin. The 126-guestroom hotel will consist of four separate buildings and is expected to open in 2025. The signing comes just one month after IHG held its Turkish Investor Day and introduced the Garner brand to the market. Garner is IHG’s new brand in the midscale conversion space. It builds on both the company’s leading position in the Mainstream segment and its success in launching and growing conv...
Highgate Portugal to Rebrand Four Properties in Algarve Under the Marriott International Umbrella
Highgate | September 26, 2024
ALGARVE, Portugal, September 26, 2024 – Highgate, an industry-leading hotel management, investment, technology, and development company, today announced the rebranding of four of its managed portfolio assets in Algarve, Portugal under the Marriott International umbrella. Each located within the Salgados Beach resort destination, the newly rebranded and co-located Westin Salgados Beach Resort, Algarve; The Residences at The Westin Salgados Beach Resort, Algarve; Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort & Conference Center; and Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, Algarve, will be the first Highgate managed properties in Portugal to join Ma...
TFE Hotels Partners New Zealand’s Heritage Hotels in a Multi-Property Management Agreement
ADINA CITYLIFE AND RENDEZVOUS HERITAGE | September 26, 2024
AUCKLAND: In breaking news, TFE Hotels has partnered with New Zealand’s leading accommodation provider, Heritage Hotels, in a multi-property management agreement that will see five hotels refurbished in the next few years and send a positive signal to the local accommodation sector amid a resurgent international tourism market. Under the newly inked agreement, Heritage Hotels retains ownership of its portfolio in New Zealand. TFE Hotels will manage more than 500 rooms across five properties, including the Adina Citylife Auckland and Rendezvous Heritage Auckland. In Wellington, the Adina CityLife Wellington will give TFE an apartment-style...
HEI Assumes Management of the Beacon Hotel in Washington, DC
HEI Hotels & Resorts | September 26, 2024
Norwalk, CT, September 26, 2024 - HEI Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation's leading operators of institutionally owned hotels, added Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters to its growing portfolio of luxury, upper-upscale and upscale independent and branded hotels and resorts throughout the United States; a portfolio which now numbers more than 100 total properties. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the hotel is steps from the White House and within walking distance to 38 million square feet of commercial office real estate, Embassy Row and the iconic National Mall. The Beacon Hotel features 199 oversized spacious and wel...
YOTEL Unveils Plans to Build YOTEL Belfast in the U.K.
YOTEL | September 26, 2024
The global hotel brand has unveiled plans to launch its eighth property in the United Kingdom and its first on the island of Ireland, in partnership with Northern Ireland's largest hotel group, Andras Hotels LONDON, Sept. 26, 2024 -- YOTEL has announced plans to expand its portfolio in the UK and Europe with the opening of YOTEL Belfast. Slated to open in late 2026, the new-build hotel will be situated in the historic Shaftesbury Square in central Belfast, just minutes' walk from some of the city's most popular attractions, including Queen's University and the Botanic Gardens. Rohan Thakkar, Chief Development Officer at YOTEL, commen...
Essex Hotel Management Completes Renovation of Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid in New York
Essex Hotel Management, LLC | September 26, 2024
ROCHESTER, NY — September 26, 2024 — Essex Hotel Management, LLC, is pleased to announce the completion of a $1.8 million comprehensive renovation of the Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid, located at 801 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid, NY 12946. The hotel is owned by The Hotel at Mirror Lake, LLC, and opened in 2013. The 97 guestrooms, common areas, indoor pool area, and exercise facilities were all refreshed, including upgrades to the carpet, artwork, soft seating, and televisions. Case goods, appliances, and window treatments were similarly updated throughout the hotel. ACC Design, the hotel's original designers, managed the i...
November Opening is Set for Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah
Grand Hyatt | September 26, 2024
PARK CITY, UTAH (September 26, 2024) – Grand Hyatt Deer Valley will set a new standard of mountain adventure and hospitality as it anticipates welcoming its first guests in November 2024. This beautiful resort marks the debut of Deer Valley East Village and offers an exclusive first look at the expansive new terrain of Deer Valley. The new hotel will feature approximately 400 luxury accommodations, including 100 discounted rooms reserved nightly for our country’s service members, multiple exciting food and beverage experiences, and one of the largest mountainside event facilities in the U.S. In addition to Deer Valley’s expanded ski te...
Hotel Equities Opens Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kansas City at The Legends in Kansas
Hotel Equities | September 26, 2024
KANSAS CITY, KS – September 26, 2024 – Today, hotel owner, operator, and developer, Hotel Equities (HE), proudly announces the opening of the new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kansas City at The Legends. The hotel, located at 1925 North 98th Street, Kansas City, KS 66111, is owned by Legend Hotel LLC and managed by Hotel Equities. “We are thrilled to introduce this beautiful new hotel to the Kansas City market,” said Karen Mendez, Senior Regional Director of Operations for HE. “With its prime location near Legends Outlets and major highways, along with its exceptional amenities and team members, we are confident that...
Lanson Place Parliament Gardens Opens in Melbourne, Australia
Lanson Place | September 26, 2024
Singapore, 26 September, 2024 - Lanson Place Parliament Gardens has officially opened its doors, unveiling the brand’s first Australian hotel in the vibrant heart of Melbourne. The newly- launched 5-star boutique hotel offers a unique blend of heritage and modernity and is housed in the historic 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works building, located in Albert Street, East Melbourne. Michael Hobson, CEO of Lanson Place Hospitality Management, shared his excitement: “Today marks the beginning of our growth into Australia and the creation of a lasting connection with the vibrant city of Melbourne. We are wholly committed to providin...
Dusit International Partners with Paljor Global Corp for South Asian Expansion
Dusit International | September 26, 2024
Building on their successful collaboration at Dusit Princess Kathmandu hotel, both companies aim to introduce more Dusit brands and businesses in Nepal – and throughout the region. Bangkok, Thailand, 26 September 2024 – Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Paljor Global Corp Private Limited, a leading Nepalese investment firm and luxury carpet manufacturer, to seek opportunities to introduce Dusit’s diverse offerings in Nepal and throughout South Asia. Building on their successful collaboration at Dusit Princess Kathmandu—ow...
AHLA Strengthens Conferences and Events Team with New Senior VP, Steven Okuley
AHLA | September 26, 2024
WASHINGTON (Sept. 26, 2024) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced it has hired Steven Okuley as its new senior vice president for conferences and events. Okuley previously served at American Airlines, where he was Director of B2B Customer Engagement & Communication and oversaw all global sales and distribution tradeshows, internal meetings, customer events, sales incentives, and advisory boards. Prior to that, Okuley was Director of Global Meetings & Events for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Okuley joins AHLA Sept. 30 and will lead a seasoned team responsible for creating and executing high-value e...
The Wildbirch Hotel is on Track to Open in Early 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska
THE WILDBIRCH HOTEL | September 26, 2024
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Sept. 26, 2024 – Slated to open in early 2025 in the heart of Anchorage’s downtown Mushing District, The Wildbirch Hotel will offer guests a truly unique experience as the city’s first boutique property and newest lodging option in 20 years. The Wildbirch Hotel is anticipated to be the first JdV by Hyatt property in Alaska and is situated amidst the vibrant energy of the burgeoning West Fourth Avenue corridor. The hotel will serve as both a community hub and a centrally located basecamp for travelers seeking the full spectrum of Alaska adventure. The hotel will feature 252 modern and design-forward accommodatio...
Portland Maine’s Historic Landmark Building to be Transformed into Independent Hotel
Fathom Companies | September 26, 2024
PORTLAND, Maine, September 26, 2024 - Local developers plan to transform the former Fidelity Trust Building at 465 Congress Street into a historic hotel that captures the beauty and detail of its 1910 architecture. Fathom Companies, in partnership with SwingPoint Development, will lead the historic Portland landmark’s restoration, which will match the style and level of historic preservation of the award-winning Press Hotel, which it developed and operates. “When we restore historic buildings, we revitalize neighborhoods and promote local businesses while protecting our environment,” said Jim Brady, president of Fathom Companies. “...
Hyatt Unveils Plans for Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives
Hyatt Regency | September 26, 2024
SINGAPORE (26 September, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with SingHaiyi for Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives. Located in the picturesque North Malé Atoll, Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives will mark Hyatt Regency’s brand entry into the Maldive Islands. Slated to open in late 2027, the new all-villa resort will join Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the third Hyatt property in the Republic of Maldives. “The Hyatt Regency brand is rooted in a culture of bringing people together and fostering a spirit of community. F...
U.S. Travel Association Commends Congress for Avoiding Government Shutdown, Urges Long-Term Funding Solutions
U.S. Travel Association | September 26, 2024
WASHINGTON (September 26, 2024)—U.S. Travel Association commends Congress for its bipartisan effort to pass a short-term Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government open and funded through December 20. This crucial action prevented a government shutdown that would have cost the U.S. travel economy an estimated $140 million per day. U.S. Travel Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes released the following statement: "We appreciate Congress’ important steps to avoid a shutdown, but the country simply cannot afford the uncertainty of temporary funding resolutions. As we look beyond the November el...
HSMAI Century Campaign Update: One Year into Building a Bridge to Our Brightest Future
HSMAI Foundation | September 26, 2024
McLean, VA (Sept. 26, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation proudly marks the one-year anniversary of its Century Campaign, a five-year fundraising initiative set to culminate in the organization’s 100th anniversary on September 22, 2027. As we mark the 97th anniversary of the founding of the association in 1927, the Century Campaign seeks to generate awareness around HSMAI’s legacy and future, showcasing the organization's enduring contributions to the hospitality industry. Funds from the campaign will go to key initiatives that align with HSMAI’s mission to drive industry innova...
Top 10 Ways to Increase F&B Guest Spend and Profitability with Mobile Ordering
IRIS | September 26, 2024
How hoteliers can maximize the revenue potential from their F&B operations without adding to their staff's workload. By Kate Fuller, Senior Marketing Manager at IRIS As many guests and operators prepare for the upcoming season, have you been tracking the latest trends relating to mobile ordering to ensure you are maximising each and every sales opportunity? With 6.3 billion smartphone users globally and 88% of mobile time spent engaging with and using apps, mobile usage is rapidly continuing its upward trajectory. With mobile ordering set to continue to bear influence over how guests interact, view menus, order and spend, how ...
Titanic Hotels Selects IDeaS G3 RMS to Maximize Revenue Across German Property Portfolio
IDeaS | September 26, 2024
LONDON, Sept. 26, 2024 – Titanic Hotels, a leading hotel brand operating across Turkey and Germany, has partnered with IDeaS, a SAS company, the world’s leading provider of revenue management software and services, to optimize its revenue strategy across their German portfolio. Prior to implementing IDeaS G3 RMS, Titanic Hotels Germany relied on manual revenue management processes and siloed internal databases. Additionally, Titanic Hotels’ ability to accurately forecast demand at a granular level was limited, affecting price decision-making and their ability to capture an optimal mix of demand. To align with their strategic busin...
Be Aware of AI Biases in Hiring
Linchi Kwok | September 25, 2024
Using computer programs to screen job candidates’ resumes is not a new HR practice among big corporates. AI accelerates the automation process for all companies in the selection process. More companies are using AI to evaluate job candidates’ performance in their initial interviews, such as word choice and cognitive abilities, in addition to screening their resumes. AI speeds up the hiring process AI can help companies speed up the hiring process because they usually receive hundreds or even thousands of job applications for a vacancy. It becomes unrealistic for companies to solely rely on “human eyes” to screen all resumes or perfo...
HFTP 2024 Annual Business Meeting Scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at Annual Convention
HFTP | September 25, 2024
The HFTP 2024 Annual Business Meeting will take place Thursday, October 24 in conjunction with the association's Annual Convention at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT USA. Running 4:30–5:30 p.m. local time, attendees will hear the various accomplishments of HFTP from the past year and what to expect from the association over the next year. In addition, the 2024–2025 leadership will be installed. What: HFTP 2024 Annual Business Meeting When: Thursday, October 24 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. Where: Cabaret at the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino Who: All HFTP members are invited to attend. Be sure to register for the HFT...
Hyatt Unveils Plans for Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives in Partnership With SingHaiyi
Hyatt Regency | September 25, 2024
CHICAGO (September 25, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with SingHaiyi for Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives. Located in the picturesque North Male Atoll, Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives will mark Hyatt Regency’s brand entry into the Maldive Islands. Slated to open in late 2027, the new all-villa resort will join Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the third Hyatt property in the Republic of Maldives. “The Hyatt Regency brand is rooted in a culture of bringing people together and fostering a spirit of community. For more tha...
