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
Asset Management & Hotel Service Optimization Takes Center Stage at HVMG’s First Engineering Conference
OpsTechPro | September 24, 2024
OpsTechPro addresses chief engineers on the vital role its technology is playing in operational success and presents awards to top performing hotels successfully engaging with its solution PALM BEACH, Fla. — September 24, 2024 — This month chief engineers representing 56 hotels owned and operated by Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) met for the first time at the company’s inaugural Engineering Conference in St. Augustine, Fla. Spearheaded by VP of Engineering Jamison Conrey, the event provided critical education on the role today’s engineers are playing and how their performance is impacting operations, guest satisfact...
Hospitality America Expanding Its Relationship With Hotel Developer Windsor Aughtry Company
Hospitality America | September 24, 2024
Hotel Avail, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marks the 16th Windsor Aughtry Company project awarded to the growing third-party hotel management company Greenville, S.C., September 24, 2024 — Hospitality America has been selected by Windsor Aughtry Company to manage the Hotel Avail, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Rogers, Arkansas. Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2025, the 170-room hotel will feature a rooftop restaurant (Oak Steakhouse concept by Indigo Road Hospitality), café and lobby bar, meeting space and fitness center. This deal marks the 16th Windsor Aughtry development project awarded to Hospitality America, exp...
Planning for Tomorrow: Four All-In-One PMS Technologies Driving Hotelier Success in 2025
Warren Dehan | September 24, 2024
By Warren Dehan Hotel budget season is upon us, and the hotel industry remains fixated on the usual concerns and challenges that are repeated throughout the year, such as the need for improved labor efficiency, strategies to reduce wasteful spending, technology to manage operations, and innovations to optimize revenue. To realize these gains, independent hoteliers are investing in their tech stacks to ensure they are equipped with the technologies they need and guests’ demand. Often, this starts with an evaluation of an All-In-One hotel property-management system.8 Independent hoteliers, in particular, require access to technology capabl...
The Hospitality Show Wins Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award for Best New Launch
AHLA | September 23, 2024
New York/Washington (Sept. 23, 2024) — The Hospitality Show, the groundbreaking event designed to empower the hospitality industry produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), has been awarded the prestigious Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award for Best New Event Launch 2023. This recognition underscores the show's success in bringing together the diverse facets of the hospitality industry through an innovative and impactful format. Launched with the singular mission to help the hospitality industry operate more efficiently and profitably, The Hospitality Show achieved remarkable success in its ...
Global Travel Technology Company OYO To Acquire G6 Hospitality From Blackstone Real Estate for $525M
OYO | September 23, 2024
New Delhi & Dallas – September 23, 2024 – Oravel Stays, the parent company of the global travel technology company OYO, today announced that it has agreed to acquire G6 Hospitality, the leading economy lodging franchisor and parent company of the iconic Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands, from Blackstone Real Estate for $525 million, in an all-cash transaction. OYO has steadily expanded its footprint in the United States since its launch in the region in 2019 and currently operates over 320 hotels across 35 states. In 2023, OYO added nearly 100 hotels to its US portfolio and aims to add ~250 hotels in 2024. Motel 6’s franchise network pro...
Here’s Where Travelers Are Headed Post-Summer, Pre-Holidays
AAA | September 23, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC (September 23, 2024) – If there’s ever a time of year to hit the open road or jet off to a bucket list destination, it’s now! In many parts of the U.S., temperatures are dipping and leaves are changing, creating the perfect conditions for a picturesque fall getaway. Autumn is also an ideal time to travel internationally, especially to Europe, when it’s less busy compared to summer. “This time of year is known as shoulder season in travel which means mild weather, fewer crowds, and better prices,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “AAA booking numbers show more people are flying this season ...
WTTC Reveals Pandemic’s Heavy Toll on Women and Youth in Travel & Tourism Jobs
The World Travel & Tourism Council | September 23, 2024
Belem, Brazil: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, today launched a new report revealing the stark impact of the pandemic on woman and youth employment within the global Travel & Tourism sector. Almost 70 million people working in Travel & Tourism lost their jobs during the pandemic, but women and young people were disproportionately impacted because their roles were more likely to be in the worst affected areas such as hospitality and food services. While the sector has broadly seen a strong recovery, the ‘Social Trends in Travel & T...
Playa Hotels & Resorts Set to Debut Kimpton Tres Rios, the Brand’s First Ever All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico
Playa Hotels & Resorts | September 23, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 23, 2024 -- Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V., a leading owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean today announced reservations are officially open for Kimpton Tres Rios, its newest managed all-inclusive property, for stays in early 2025. Kimpton Tres Rios marks an important first for the Kimpton brand, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle portfolio, as the first all-inclusive resort for the renowned boutique luxury brand. Set on a white sand beach in Mexico's stunning Riviera Maya, Kimpton Tres Rios invites guests of all ages to experience a blend of lu...
Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown Completes Transformative Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown | September 23, 2024
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 23, 2024-- The Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, an iconic property owned by Dreamscape Companies and Centerbridge Partners standing in the heart of Music City, today announced the completion of a comprehensive property renovation. The project marks the beginning of the property's next chapter as part of Sheraton Hotels' worldwide transformation of its guest experience. Managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading, global hotel management company and the world's largest third-party hotel operator, Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown builds upon Sheraton Hotels' global mission to become the world's gathering place...
Iconic Washington, D.C. Hotel To Join Le Méridien Brand Portfolio Following Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Le Méridien Madison | September 23, 2024
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2024 -- Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, a global premium brand within Marriott Bonvoy, announced today that an iconic property in Downtown D.C. has joined the brand portfolio following a $15 million renovation. Completing the renovation in September, the Le Méridien Madison, Washington, DC, is owned by Crescent Real Estate and operated by HEI Hotels & Resorts. The renovation, designed by Parker-Torres Design, includes a redesign of the lobby, communal spaces and guestrooms to reflect the Golden Age of travel and to pay homage to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who cut the opening ribbon to The Madison in 1963. Ja...
Accor Signs Three Hotels With Over 1,300 Keys in Singapore
Accor | September 23, 2024
SINGAPORE - Accor, a global leader in hospitality, continues its strong growth trajectory in Singapore with the signing of two new-build properties with three hotel brands set to open by 2027 with its long-standing partners, Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited, both owned by Koh Wee Meng. This landmark agreement will introduce Mövenpick Singapore, the largest Mövenpick hotel in Asia Pacific, the first Mövenpick Living in Singapore, and a Handwritten Collection branded hotel situated alongside the city-state’s famed and culturally rich Waterloo Street. These new signings reaffirm Accor's position as the preferre...
New Culinary Team Appointed for The Strand Turks and Caicos Ahead of November Opening
The Strand Turks and Caicos | September 23, 2024
DENVER (September 23, 2024) – The Strand, Turks and Caicos, a new luxury, residential resort opening in November 2024 on 2,230 feet of oceanfront in Providenciales, is pleased to announce the appointments of Craig McNeil as culinary director and Gastón Campana as executive chef of the property’s signature waterfront restaurant, The DelMar Restaurant and Beach Club. “We’re thrilled to welcome McNeil and Chef Campana, two longstanding and leading authorities in Caribbean hospitality, to the culinary team at The Strand,” says John Fair, managing director of The Strand. “The DelMar is perched dramatically above the Caribbean Sea ...
Aethos Hotels Appoints Christophe Thomas as Chief Operating Officer
Aethos | September 23, 2024
The fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality brand in Europe expands executive leadership team with industry veteran Christophe Thomas Zug, Switzerland | September 23, 2024 – Aethos, the next-generation experience-led boutique hotel & member club brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christophe Thomas as the new Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. With a wealth of international experience and a track record of leading luxury hospitality properties, Thomas will be instrumental in driving the strategic direction and operational excellence of the Aethos Hotels brand. In his new role, Christophe Thomas, who...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Welcomes Two Austin Hotels to Management Portfolio
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | September 23, 2024
Austin, TX (September 23, 2024) — Crescent Hotels & Resorts announced it will manage Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown – University and Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown University in the heart of Austin's vibrant Red River Cultural District. These additions enhance Crescent’s diverse portfolio with properties that capture the essence of Austin’s eclectic culture. Situated near the Texas State Capitol, University of Texas at Austin, and the iconic 6th Street, these properties offer easy access to the city's renowned live music scene, including major festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL), as wel...
Andaz Prague Appoints New General Manager and Director of Sales & Marketing
Andaz | September 23, 2024
PRAGUE, CZECHIA (September 23, 2024) – Andaz Prague, the first Hyatt hotel in the Czech Republic, is pleased to announce the appointments of Axel Ziegler as general manager and Christopher Koleros as director of sales and marketing. Opened in 2022, Andaz Prague seamlessly blends historical charm with modern luxury. With over two decades of experience within the Hyatt brand, Ziegler brings a guest-centric, solution-driven strategic approach to his role as general manager at Andaz Prague. His extensive background includes leadership positions at Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf, Hyatt Regency Cologne and Grand Hyatt Berlin. Ziegler is responsible...
Kimpton Virgilio Officially Recognizes Erick Vargas as General Manager
Kimpton Virgilio | September 20, 2024
Vargas has been at the helm since the hotel's opening earlier this year. Mexico City, Mexico – September 20, 2024 – The executive team of Kimpton Virgilio is pleased to officially recognize Erick Vargas as General Manager of the new 48-room property, a role he has been adeptly fulfilling since the hotel’s opening earlier this year. In this capacity, Vargas has been pivotal in leading the hotel team, ensuring the delivery of Kimpton hallmark of heartfelt, personalized service, and implementing innovative strategies to establish Kimpton Virgilio as a premier luxury boutique destination in Mexico City. Vargas brings over 15 years of...
Banyan Group Expands in East China With Three New Resort Openings
Banyan Tree | September 20, 2024
China, September 2024 – Banyan Group is pleased to announce the next milestone in its strategic multi-brand expansion across East China with the opening of Banyan Tree Yangcheng Lake, Garrya Yangcheng Lake, and Garrya Xianju. The three new resorts, catering to a diverse range of travellers, are poised to deliver experiences that bring out the cultural richness of Yangcheng Lake and serene beauty of Xianju, showcasing the unique sense of place that the destinations have to offer. Philip Ding, Vice President and Head of Regional Operations – China at Banyan Group, highlighted the significance of the new openings, “For three decades...
The St. Regis New York Celebrates Its 120th Year With Renovation Debut
The St. Regis New York | September 20, 2024
The St. Regis New York celebrates its 120th year this fall with the debut of an extensive redesign and renovation, marking a new chapter of glamour and sophistication. With revamped public spaces including the lobby, King Cole Bar, and two new dining locations, The St. Regis New York unveils a striking new era at Manhattan’s best address. The renovation reflects the hotel’s enduring legacy reborn for today’s global traveler with a modern aesthetic led by renowned design firm Champalimaud Design. “We are thrilled to debut the exquisite renovation of our very first St. Regis hotel and global flagship, The St. Regis New York, while a...
Sonesta Executes Deal With Jarabacoa Hotel Construction for Five Sonesta ES Suites in Dominican Republic
Sonesta International Hotels | September 20, 2024
NEWTON, MA [September 20, 2024] – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced the execution of a deal to open five Sonesta ES Suites hotels in the Dominican Republic. The first property, Sonesta ES Suites ELEMENTS Jarabacoa, is scheduled to open in the first trimester of 2026 with the remaining four hotels to be completed within seven years. Sonesta ES Suites ELEMENTS Jarabacoa, an upscale, extended stay hotel, will be located in the La Vega province, surrounded by mountain views and at an altitude of 595 meters. The hotel will be in a region known for its annual flower festival celebration and bordered by four lar...
Josh Fryer Named Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Four Seasons | September 20, 2024
Four Seasons Hotel Denver has announced the appointment of Josh Fryer as the new Executive Chef for the Hotel and EDGE Restaurant & Bar. Fryer joins Four Seasons Hotel Denver from Four Seasons Resort Maui where he served as Executive Sous Chef. Originally from a small town in West Virginia, Fryer embarked on his culinary journey after earning a bachelor's degree in criminology from West Virginia University. He honed his skills at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute’s le Cordon Bleu program in Pittsburgh before starting his career at prestigious establishments such as PGA National Resort & Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida, and ...
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale Appoints Mali Carow as New General Manager
Four Seasons | September 20, 2024
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale announces that Mali Carow is appointed General Manager, bringing two decades worth of world-class experience to the vibrant shores of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since joining Four Seasons in 2000, the Minnesota native has garnered international expertise in both the Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East, Africa regions before returning home to the Americas where she most recently led the opening of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans during her first term as General Manager. Celebrated for its rich food culture, the “Big Easy” is no stranger to exceptional dining concepts, however under ...
International Tourist Arrivals Hit 96% of Pre-Pandemic Levels Through July 2024
World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) | September 20, 2024
International tourism bounced back to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the seven months through July 2024, driven by strong demand in Europe and the re-opening of markets in Asia and the Pacific. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, about 11% more than in 2023 and only 4% less than in 2019. Data show a strong start to the year, followed by a more modest second quarter. Results are in line with UN Tourism’s projection of a full recovery in international arrivals in 2024 despite ongoing economic and geopolitical risks. UN Touri...
AHLA Statement on the Introduction of the HOTEL Act
AHLA | September 20, 2024
WASHINGTON (Sept. 20, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement after the introduction of the Halting of Trafficking and Exploitation in Lodging Act, or the HOTEL Act, which encourages federal workers traveling for business to stay at hotels with anti-human trafficking programs. “The HOTEL Act recognizes the crucial role hotels play in the fight against human trafficking, and we are proud to support this important legislation,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “We look forward to working with Reps. Smith and Krishnamoorthi an...
All Eyes on India: Why the World Is Watching
HotStats | September 20, 2024
With over two and a half decades in the hospitality industry, my experience spans markets that have attracted both international interest and domestic excitement. The initial Dubai buzz in 1999, following the opening of Burj Al Arab, made a powerful statement and set off a wave of impressive assets in quick succession. While recent years have brought magnificent hotels like Atlantis the Royal, the true sweet spot for me was about 15 years ago when each visit to Dubai revealed a dramatically changing landscape. Vietnam also experienced a boom, with signings happening almost weekly, though this momentum faded faster than expected due to corr...
