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
IHG Hotels & Resorts Signs First Vignette Collection in Spain with the Vignette Collection Mallorca – Finca Banyols
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 12, 2024
12.09.24 (London, UK): IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, will introduce its Vignette Collection brand to Spain following an agreement with Prevario Banyols [Owner] and Hotel Collection International - HCI [Management]. Vignette Collection Mallorca – Finca Banyols illustrates IHG’s growth in Spain, adding to our presence with nine Luxury and Lifestyle hotels in the country. The hotel joins a growing portfolio of Vignette Collection properties around the world, which is set to reach 100 hotels in 10 years, bolstering IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, one of the world’s largest. Poise...
Development Launched for Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai in China
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 12, 2024
September 12, 2024, Shanghai —IHG Hotels & Resorts today announced a new partnership with Hang Lung Group for its Luxury & Lifestyle brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. Scheduled to open by the end of 2026, the upcoming Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai will be located at the Grand Gateway 66, a premier destination for global luxury brands, in the vibrant Xujiahui commercial hub. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Greater China and a pivotal move for IHG in expanding its portfolio of Luxury & Lifestyle brands in first-tier cities, strengthening its presence in the luxu...
Omni Hotels & Resorts Partners with Midland Downtown Renaissance, LP to Develop a Convention Hotel in Downtown Midland, Texas
Omni Hotels & Resorts | September 12, 2024
DALLAS, TX (September 12, 2024) - Omni Hotels & Resorts has signed a development agreement with Midland Downtown Renaissance, LP, a collaborative effort by leading Midland-based companies, foundations and investors, to develop and manage a highly anticipated 135-room luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Midland, Texas. Omni, whose headquarters are in Dallas, is excited to expand upon its Texas presence with the addition of the Omni Midland Hotel – Omni’s 12th hotel in the state. The hotel plans include approximately 15,000 square feet of meeting space, a 7,000 square-foot ballroom, 135 guest rooms, a spa, a rooftop pool, a lobby ...
Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton Names Maria Sifuentes as Director of Sales & Marketing
Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton | September 12, 2024
September 12, 2024 – Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton, a landmark 50-year-old property located in the picturesque seaside community of La Jolla Shores, has announced the appointment of Maria Sifuentes as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. Sifuentes joins the property on the heels of an extensive multi-million-dollar reimagination encompassing all 110 guestrooms and suites, 1,600 square feet of meetings and space, and its 11th floor restaurant and private events room. In her new position at Hotel La Jolla, Sifuentes will lead the property’s sales team to drive transient and group business by leveraging the hotel’s new...
Olympia Hospitality Appoints Nick Shumate General Manager of Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Inn by the Sea | September 12, 2024
September 12, 2024 - Olympia Hospitality is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Shumate as General Manager of Inn by the Sea, Maine’s premier beach destination. Shumate began work at the Inn in 2016 as Director of Operations and later took over as Resort Manager in 2023. In his new role Shumate is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations at the resort including management of the 62-room hotel, seasonal programming, human resources and revenue generating drivers for the property including dining room, lounge, SPA, and events. Shumate brings over two decades of hospitality experience in various roles in hotels and resorts...
Houston Marriott Sugar Land Undergoes Major Renovation with Enhanced Wellness Features
Remington Hospitality | September 12, 2024
Remington Hospitality, Premier, and Pure Wellness Collaborate to Update Property Dallas, TX — September 12, 2024 — Leading hotel management company Remington Hospitality, in collaboration with end-to-end architecture, design, and development firm Premier, as well as Pure Wellness, a leading provider of turnkey antiviral, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic hospitality solutions, is proud to announce the comprehensive renovation of the Houston Marriott Sugar Land. The hotel's recent transformation includes updated guest rooms, creating a modern and welcoming atmosphere for travelers to enjoy. This project includes the introduction of th...
Multimillion Dollar Renovation Launched for the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort in Puerto Rico
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest, Beach & Golf Resort | September 12, 2024
RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico – September 12, 2024 - LionGrove, a leading hospitality investment firm based in Puerto Rico and Miami, proudly announces the unveiling of a series of transformative upgrades in an upcoming multi-million-dollar transformation of Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. The project, led by LionGrove alongside renowned hospitality and destination design firm Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, is transforming and beautifully elevating the already award-winning 542,000-square-foot resort. The transformation, that will take place over the coming months will encompass the...
Delta Hotels by Marriott Opens Delta Hotels West Palm Beach in South Florida
Driftwood Hospitality Management | September 12, 2024
Delta Hotels West Palm Beach Offers Premium Amenities, Stunning and Spacious Guest Rooms, and Prime Locale West Palm Beach, Fla. – September 12, 2024 – Delta Hotels by Marriott has made its South Florida debut with the grand opening of its first full-service property, Delta Hotels West Palm Beach. Nestled in the coastal charm of West Palm Beach, the hotel features 199 thoughtfully designed rooms. Guests can enjoy dining at The Dive Bar, the hotel’s signature restaurant and bar, or take advantage of over 6,000 square feet of versatile event space. The hotel also offers a grab-and-go café, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a refr...
North Carolina’s Blockade Runner Beach Resort Launches Renovation and Rebranding to Trailborn Surf & Sound
TRAILBORN | September 12, 2024
Wrightsville Beach, NC (September 12, 2024) – The Blockade Runner Beach Resort, a North Carolina coastal landmark since 1964, is embarking on its next chapter as it officially announces a renovation that aims to enhance its guest experience while honoring its standing as a beloved local establishment. Joining Trailborn, the fast-growing outdoor hospitality brand, the resort will undergo comprehensive upgrades to the lobby and common areas, guestrooms and bathrooms, indoor and outdoor dining options, meeting and event spaces, and experiential offerings, all designed to offer an even better experience. Upon completion in early 2025, the Block...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Enters Partnership with Extell Development Company to Launch NYC Development
IHG Hotels & Resorts | September 12, 2024
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, today announces plans for a new boutique luxury hotel in New York City. Marking the brand’s third hotel in the market, Kimpton Rockefeller Center will serve as a stylish gateway to quintessential New York from the heart of one of the city’s most sought after destinations. Developed in partnership with Extell Development Company, the hotel is set to open in late 2025. Perfectly positioned at Rockefeller Center’s doorstep with a bird’s eye view of the bustling plaza below, the 33-story hotel will be brought to life by New York City-...
AAHOA Joins Rally in Opposition to New York City Council’s Proposed Safe Hotels Act
AAHOA | September 12, 2024
NEW YORK CITY, September 12, 2024—The Safe Hotels Act, proposed by the New York City Council, would negatively impact the city's hotel industry, which contributes millions annually to the local economy, according to speakers at an industry rally held Thursday, September 12, at New York City Hall. AAHOA joined other industry associations and organizations to oppose the proposed Safe Hotels Act Int. No. 991. If passed, this act would prohibit hotels from operating without an additional license and prohibit using subcontractors for core functions such as housekeeping, front desk, and security. Among industry leaders, AAHOA Treasurer Rahul ...
Maximize Your Budget: How Hospitality Procurement and P2P Software Drive Financial Efficiency
Johannes Vocke | September 12, 2024
By Johannes Vocke, FutureLog Chief Financial Officer Creating a robust budget is essential for any company's planning and operations. Yet, many hospitality organisations need to leverage all their resources and expertise. Often, they exclude procurement, a crucial player in managing expenditures, from the budgeting process. It’s hardly surprising to seasoned hospitality executives that setting and adhering to a budget can be challenging due to a lack of visibility, internal misalignment, and fluctuating market prices. When procurement is not involved in budgeting, opportunities for cost savings are missed, leading to budget overruns...
The Future of Investments and Financing – Hospitality Sector Trends
Hala Matar Choufany, ISHC | September 12, 2024
The hospitality industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving global economic trends. These changes are reshaping how investments and financing in the sector are approached. Over the next two decades, the industry is expected to witness substantial evolution in investment strategies and priorities. Currently, there are approximately 300,000 rooms under development across the GCC. However, in the current economic environment, challenges such as rising borrowing costs, development expenses, and operational expenditures are increasingly impacting hotel va...
IDeaS and Virgin Voyages Announce Partnership to Bring Advanced Revenue Management Solution to Cruise Industry
IDeaS | September 12, 2024
First-of-its-kind collaboration will result in demand forecasting, inventory management, and pricing to drive revenue for the world’s most innovative cruise line MINNEAPOLIS—Sept. 12, 2024—IDeaS Revenue Solutions, the world’s leading provider of advanced revenue management software (RMS) and services, announced that it is expanding its industry-leading suite of revenue management solutions to the cruise industry through a partnership with Virgin Voyages. Under the partnership, IDeaS is working with Virgin Voyages to develop a first-of-its-kind, innovative RMS solution for the cruise industry. To fully realize their revenue potent...
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) Assumes Management of 232-Suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Bloomington/Minneapolis in Minnesota
Hospitality Ventures Management Group | September 12, 2024
HVMG to Oversee $9 Million Renovation Project to Upgrade Guest Rooms and Public Spaces BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Sept. 12, 2024—Hospitality Ventures Management Group, an Atlanta-based third-party hotel operator and investor, today announced it has assumed management of the 232-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Bloomington/Minneapolis. The company also will oversee a $9 million renovation project to upgrade guest rooms, public space, restaurant and back-of-house items. “Between our long standing history and familiarity operating this and other Hilton-branded projects and our expertise overseeing major hotel refurbishments, the Embassy Suites by...
Travel Price Index (TPI) Shows Positive Signals For Travelers
U.S. Travel Association | September 12, 2024
WASHINGTON (September 12, 2024)—Following today’s CPI report, U.S. Travel Association Vice President of Research Josh Friedlander released the following statement: “With overall inflation cooling to its lowest level since 2021 and gas prices down significantly, travelers have reason to be excited about their plans, even as we conclude one of the biggest summer travel seasons ever. Prices of travel-related goods and services have grown less than those for the economy broadly, both annually and compared with prior to the pandemic. U.S. Travel’s Travel Price Index grew just 0.9% annually in August, compared with 2.5% for the broader CPI...
Protect NYC Tourism Coalition Rallies Against City Council’s Catastrophic Hotel Bill
AHLA | September 12, 2024
Int. 991 will damage hotel and tourism industry, force thousands to lose their jobs and harm New York’s economy NEW YORK (Sept. 12, 2024) – Today, over one thousand hotel owners, workers, and small business owners, as part of the newly formed Protect NYC Tourism Coalition, rallied on the steps of City Hall to fight against the City Council’s so-called “Safe Hotels” bill. The Coalition has also sent a letter asking the City Council to reject the bill, Int.991, as it threatens the sustainability of New York City’s hotel and tourism businesses and puts the livelihoods of thousands of dedicated workers at risk. The Coalition inclu...
TPG Hotels & Resorts Selected to Manage AC Hotel Tuscaloosa Downtown
TPG Hotels & Resorts | September 11, 2024
September 11, 2024 (Dallas, TX)— TPG Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation's premier hospitality management firms, announced today it has been selected to manage the AC Hotel Tuscaloosa Downtown, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The AC Hotel Tuscaloosa Downtown features complimentary Wi-Fi, Smart TV, a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness room, an on-site business center, and four separate event rooms totaling 1500 square feet of meeting space for corporate meetings, training sessions, or presentations. Guests can start their day with freshly baked croissants imported from France, sliced prosciutto, savory breakfast tarts, and a delicious c...
Taylor Swift Drove London Hotel Performance in August
CoStar Group | September 11, 2024
WASHINGTON – 11 September 2024 – London hotels saw a spike in hotel performance during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, according to August preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. August 2024 (year-over-year % change): Occupancy: 83.9% (+2.7%) Average daily rate (ADR): GBP191.94 (+5.1%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): GBP160.98 (+8.0%) On 15-17 and 19-20 August, Swift wrapped up the European leg of her tour at Wembley Stadium. Hotel performance levels reached a monthly high on the night of the third concert (Sa...
Core Hospitality To Bring First Marriott Bonvoy Property to Esbjerg, Denmark
Core Hospitality | September 11, 2024
Element by Westin, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands, makes its debut in Denmark with its first opening in Esbjerg. Core Hospitality has confirmed that the hotel A Place To will be rebranded to become Element by Westin Esbjerg at the beginning of 2025. Core Hospitality has signed a lease agreement with the owner Heimstaden to take over the operations of the existing extended stay hotel A Place To in the harbor city Esbjerg, Denmark. Following a soft renovation of the hotel, the hotel will rebrand to Element by Westin Esbjerg, making it available to over 200 million Marriott Bonvoy members. With 100 hote...
Managing People? Start by Improving Yourself
EHL | September 11, 2024
Most of us have experienced good and bad bosses. And the difference is huge. A good boss makes you feel supported, builds positive workplace relationships, and boosts employee satisfaction. A bad boss, on the other hand, micromanages, shows favoritism, hinders your creativity, and makes every day feel like a grind. Bad bosses can manifest in many forms - no emotional intelligence, overconfidence, and taking credit for other people’s work. But why do these people who seem so unsuited for leadership roles continue to rise to the top, and what can you do to be one of the good guys? What is the extent of the bad boss problem? Numerous st...
Looking at the Halekulani for How to Continually Surprise Guests
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | September 11, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky In the realm of luxury and ultra-luxury hotels, where room rates often exceed $1,000 USD per night, the stakes are incredibly high. These properties are not just selling a place to stay; they are crafting experiences that reinforce brand loyalty and elevate the guest's perception of value. In such a competitive market, using creativity to differentiate your offerings isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Even if your property hasn’t reached this price point yet, there’s much to learn from these high-end strategies. Competitive pricing and attractive packages are important, but they must be matched ...
Marriott International and PT. Pakuwon Jati Tbk. Sign Agreement to Open Five More Properties in Indonesia
Marriott International | September 11, 2024
Marriott International, Inc. and PT. Pakuwon Jati Tbk. announced a signed agreement to develop five additional properties, comprising more than 1,300 rooms across Indonesia. This announcement further elevates the two companies’ joint efforts to expand their footprint in the country. The multi-deal agreement was signed by Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International and Eiffel Tedja, Director of PT. Pakuwon Jati Tbk., Chairman of the Board of Marriott International, David Marriott and Chairman of Pakuwon Group, Alexander Tedja, were also present to witness the signing ceremony for this exciting collaborati...
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa Welcomes Ildebrando Salazar as Director of Sales and Marketing
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | September 11, 2024
Clearwater Beach, Florida (September 11, 2024) – Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, an upscale resort located just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico and Pier 60, welcomes Ildebrando Salazar as Director of Sales and Marketing. He joins the hotel from Texas where he most recently was part of the opening team for Hyatt Regency Conroe. “We are thrilled to welcome Ildebrando Salazar to the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach family,” said Ernesto Fernandez, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach. “Ildebrando’s extensive experience paired with his passion and dedication to providing exceptional experiences for gues...
