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
The Key to 5-Star Ratings
Dr. Bryan K Williams | August 14, 2024
By Dr. Bryan K. Williams I recently had dinner with the restaurant manager in a very upscale hotel. He explained to me that one of his main goals was for guests to rate the restaurant a “5," as measured by their guest satisfaction survey. The survey asks a series of questions, with a corresponding scale that follows: (1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=indifferent, 4=satisfied, 5=very satisfied). The manager told me about all the initiatives he recently implemented to get the 5 rating from guests. There is a new coffee cup storage system to ensure that cups are always available for service. Then, there is the cycle-time initiative...
What Hotel Procurement Leaders Can Learn From the Paris 2024 Olympics
Johannes Vocke | August 14, 2024
By Johannes Vocke, FutureLog Chief Financial Officer This summer, as we witnessed the world's top athletes compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, there were some profound parallels between pursuing excellence in sports and leading procurement in hospitality. Both domains demand precision, innovation, and a deep commitment to collaboration. Transparency In sports, athletes must inherently trust their partners, coaches, and teammates. This mirrors the trust required among team members in high-stakes environments such as hotel procurement. Fostering trust is paramount. Implementing clear communication channels and ensuring every team me...
Knowland and Amadeus Report U.S. Group Business Delivers Seven Consecutive Quarters of Growth
KNOWLAND | August 14, 2024
Hospitality industry business segment growth normalizes over 2023, according to the Knowland and Amadeus 2Q2024 Hospitality Group and Business Performance Index ARLINGTON, Va. — August 14, 2024 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, and Amadeus, a leading technology provider for the travel industry, today present the metrics from the companies’ Hospitality Group and Business Performance Index- the “Index”. For the second quarter of 2024, the Index shows overall health of 105.5 percent year-over-year. This is the first time the overall Index has exceeded ...
The Airbnb Dilemma: Privacy, Pricing, and the Shift Back to Hotels
André Baljeu | August 13, 2024
This is a guest post, by André Baljeu the Founder of techtalk.travel the opinions shared in this post are those of the author. In a world where your weekend getaway could come with hidden cameras, choosing between Airbnb and traditional hotels is an important decision. In recent months, there have been news reports about Airbnb guests secretly recorded by the hosts of the properties they’ve rented. This blatant invasion of privacy is very concerning, and it’s important to consider the potential outrage if this had occurred within a well-established hotel brand. Yet the hospitality industry remains relatively silent on this issue. ...
Cloudbeds Welcomes AI and Machine Learning Pioneers To Revolutionize Hospitality Technology
Cloudbeds | August 13, 2024
San Diego, CA – Cloudbeds, the innovative leader in hospitality management technology, today announced the strategic hiring of AI visionaries Amit Popat, Head of Machine Learning, and Nikhil Shah, Head of Data Science. This move marks a significant investment in artificial intelligence by Cloudbeds, aimed at developing unparalleled applications for the hotel industry and ushering in a new era of what’s possible for hoteliers. Leveraging over a decade of rich, comprehensive data from Cloudbeds’ industry-leading hospitality platform, this step toward integrating intelligence and machine learning into the platform will empower hotelie...
LBA Hospitality Celebrates Opening of TownePlace Suites by Marriott Brunswick
LBA Hospitality | August 13, 2024
Brunswick, Georgia – Premier hotel management company LBA Hospitality proudly celebrated the grand opening of its newest hotel, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Brunswick, Georgia, on Tuesday, June 25th. Owned by BPR Properties, the hotel officially commenced operations with an open house event, marking the continued growth in Brunswick’s vibrant hospitality industry as well as the strong partnership between LBA and BPR. Located next to the Residence Inn Brunswick—an LBA and BPR establishment recently recognized with the Marriott Silver Circle award for Guest Service—this new TownePlace Suites enhances Brunswick’s extended...
South Street Partners and TPG Acquire The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island From MMI Hospitality Group
South Street Partners | August 13, 2024
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga., Aug. 13, 2024 -- South Street Partners ("South Street"), a leading private equity real estate investment firm headquartered in Charlotte and Charleston, and TPG Real Estate, the dedicated real estate platform of global alternative asset management firm TPG, announced today that they have formed a joint venture (the "JV") to acquire The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort ("The King and Prince" or "the resort"), the largest beachfront resort in coastal Georgia's Golden Isles. South Street and TPG Real Estate are acquiring the resort and golf club from MMI Hospitality Group ("MMI"), a Mississippi-based, ...
Top Three Reasons a Hotel-Specific CRM Outshines Generic Solutions
Cendyn | August 13, 2024
By Carlos Moncho Experience is everything in hotels today. And a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system designed for hospitality has the power to make hotels stand out from the crowd. Positive guest interactions are the starting point for long-term loyalty and stand-out experiences. Good experiences lead to great reviews, and a progressive cycle of bookings and enthusiasm for your brand. The right hospitality CRM serves as the nerve center of your hotel, enabling you to streamline operations, cultivate long-term guest relationships, and centrally manage guest interactions throughout the hotel, including at dining, spa and leisu...
Aperture Hotels Names Patrick Short Chief Operating Officer
Aperture Hotels | August 13, 2024
ATLANTA, Aug. 13, 2024—Officials of Aperture Hotels, a leading hospitality management provider specializing in premium lifestyle, compact full-service, and select-service hotels, today announced that Patrick Short has been named chief operating operator. In his new role, Short will provide cross-disciplinary leadership and direct operational execution and commercial strategy for Aperture's expanding portfolio of 27 managed hotels. “With more than thirty years of hospitality operations experience, Patrick is the perfect fit for Aperture’s growing portfolio to continue improving operations performance metrics across the board," said Ch...
SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront Names Samantha Pritchard Director of Sales
Key International | August 13, 2024
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 13, 2024—Key International, a globally recognized real estate investment and development company, and Shaner Hotels, an award winning, international hotel owner, operator and developer, today announced that Samantha Pritchard has been named director of sales of the new 156-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront. Pritchard joins Michael Weihs, who recently joined Shaner as general manager last fall. “Jacksonville Beach is booming, and the new SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront is well positioned to serve both the discerning business traveler and leisure guest,” We...
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort Promotes Revell Newton to General Manager
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort | August 13, 2024
KAILUA-KONA, Hawai’i (August 13, 2024) — King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort announces today the appointment of Revell Newton as the new general manager of the 455-room property, set on 22 idyllic beachfront acres on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Formerly the director of sales and marketing at the property for the past year, Newton brings over 25 years of extensive industry experience and profound local knowledge to his new leadership role. “We are pleased to see Revell Newton’s journey continue at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort,” said Vice President of Operations at Pacifica Hotels Scott Warner. “Revell has demonstrated exceptional ...
Lamington Group Continues Growth With Net-Zero room2 York To Open in 2026
Lamington Group | August 13, 2024
August 2024…// B-Corp real estate investor and developer, Lamington Group, is delighted to unveil details of its next project under the award-winning, eco hometel brand, room2, with a York property set to start site development this summer, and open in early 2026. This will be the brand's first in the North of England and continues the group’s leading commitment to take real action on climate change by building and operating net-zero carbon properties. Located inside the city’s castle walls, room2 York, will offer 116 guest rooms, a meeting space, laundry room, gym, and new Winnie’s cafe and bar concept specialising in home co...
Dusit International Signs With King Square Development for New Upscale Hotel and Residential Project in Bangkok
Dusit Hotels and Resorts | August 13, 2024
The newly built Dusit Suites Kingsquare, Bangkok and KingsQuare Residence are set to open their doors in 2026. Bangkok, Thailand, 13 August 2024 – Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a property management agreement with King Square Development Co., Ltd, a Bangkok-based real estate company established by Saha Group and Tokyu Corporation, and King Square Suites Co., Ltd. to manage Dusit Suites Kingsquare, Bangkok and KingsQuare Residence – an upscale hotel and luxury residential project slated to open in 2026. Located on Rama 3 Road next to King’s College Internation...
ITA Data Release: International Visitors Spent $21.2 Billion in June 2024
National Travel and Tourism Office | August 13, 2024
Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in June 2024: International visitors spent $21.2 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of June, an increase of more than 14 percent compared to June 2023. Conversely, Americans spent more than $20.8 billion traveling abroad during June, yielding a slight balance of trade surplus of $360 million for travel and tourism-related goods and services. International visitors have spent nearly $126.2 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services year to date (January through June 20...
Why Travelers Prefer Single Guest Itineraries
Warren Dehan | August 13, 2024
The modern hotel PMS is helping guests stay organized and hotels remain profitable By Warren Dehan Technology was supposed to make everything so easy. Instead, travelers are more overwhelmed than ever by their devices, each vying for attention every second of every day. Not only are travelers focused on getting from point A to point B, but they likely are managing work emails, speaking with family members, or are distracted by whatever book or video series currently has their attention. Therefore, travelers love it when hotels make things easy. That includes having a single itinerary with all purchase, experience, and reservation inform...
Grupo Brisas Selects Shiji To Modernize Operations and Elevate the Guest Experience
Shiji | August 13, 2024
Transforming Mexican hospitality and improving process efficiency at the iconic hotel brand with Shiji Enterprise Platform PMS and Infrasys Cloud POS. FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, USA, August 13, 2024 – Shiji, the global leader in hospitality technology, is thrilled to announce that Grupo Brisas has chosen Shiji Infrasys Cloud POS and Shiji Enterprise Platform (PMS) to transform and elevate guest experiences across their prestigious properties in Mexico. Known for its authentic Mexican spirit and luxurious services, Grupo Brisas manages three different brands from coast to coast in Mexico, including the iconic NIZUC Resort & Spa, Las...
An Update On Economic Conditions for Travelers and the Travel Industry
Joshua Friedlander | August 12, 2024
The volatility of markets over the last few days has raised important questions about economic health globally, for the U.S. and for the travel industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released employment figures for July that showed fewer new jobs created than prior months, and an increased unemployment rate of 4.3%. Despite these challenges, the data continues to reflect a resilient and responsive travel industry—an encouraging sign given travel’s essential role in our nation’s economic success and global competitiveness. While many travel indicators have remained positive, we recognize that the industry is not immune to ove...
Davidson Resorts Selected To Operate Two Resorts Situated in Frenchman’s Reef on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Davidson Hospitality Group | August 12, 2024
Davidson Resorts selected to operate The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef and Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands ATLANTA (August 12, 2024) – Davidson Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has been selected to operate the two distinctive yet interconnected resorts situated in Frenchman’s Reef on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands: The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef and Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection. The properties, which re...
EOS Hospitality Appoints Emily Nelson as General Manager of Kennebunkport Resort Collection
EOS Hospitality | August 12, 2024
A respected leader in the hospitality industry, Emily Nelson will focus on the ten luxury getaway destinations and eight award-winning restaurants in the Kennebunkport Resort Collection portfolio Kennebunkport, ME (August 2024) – EOS Hospitality, a full-service management company with a distinctive portfolio of best-in-class hotels and resorts, proudly announces the appointment of Emily Nelson as General Manager of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection (KRC). In her new role, Emily will oversee the collection’s ten luxury getaway destinations and eight award-winning restaurants, bringing her extensive experience and passion for hospitality...
Grand Hyatt Seattle Welcomes Kyle Cox as Executive Chef
Grand Hyatt Seattle | August 12, 2024
SEATTLE (August 12, 2024) – Grand Hyatt Seattle has announced the appointment of Kyle Cox, a five-year member of the Hyatt family, as executive chef. Chef Cox will serve as the visionary leader of the luxury downtown property's impressive culinary program, including its new sophisticated lobby bar (The Elliott Bar on Pine), in-room dining offerings, and banquet services. Chef Cox comes to Grand Hyatt Seattle from Grand Hyatt Vail, where he served as chef de cuisine and then executive sous chef, and was responsible for planning, staffing, and opening the property's signature restaurant, Makoto, as well as supporting other food and bevera...
BWH Hotels Strengthens Its Presence in Türkiye With New Best Western Premier Ottoperla Hotel in Istanbul
BWH Hotels | August 12, 2024
Istanbul, Türkiye (August 12, 2024) – BWH Hotels today announced the opening of the Best Western Premier Ottoperla Hotel in Istanbul, further showcasing the brand’s strategic growth and expansion throughout Türkiye. The Best Western Premier Ottoperla Hotel is located along the serene shores of the Marmara Sea, providing guests with breathtaking views and easy access to Istanbul's historic and cultural landmarks. The property’s 120 guest rooms and suites highlight its modern architecture and provide luxurious amenities, including an on-site spa, gym, playground, and tennis and basketball courts. “We are excited to open the Best...
La Fonda Hospitality Group Appoints Danielle Auckerman as General Manager of Newly Reimagined Piñon Court in Santa Fe
Piñon Court | August 12, 2024
Auckerman to Oversee Operations of Boutique Hotel and Recently Opened Restaurant SANTA FE – August 12, 2024 – La Fonda Hospitality Group is pleased to announce Danielle Auckerman as general manager of its 58-room boutique court hotel in downtown Santa Fe, Piñon Court by La Fonda, and its brand-new on-site dining concept, Bistro & Lounge at Piñon Court. As general manager, Auckerman ensures guest satisfaction and provides full oversight of the historic property, which was formerly Old Santa Fe Inn. The hotel recently underwent a rebrand and extensive renovation of its lobby, guest rooms and suites, while welcoming the addition o...
The Don CeSar Appoints Marina Baronas as Director of Food and Beverage
THE DON CESAR AND BEACH HOUSE SUITES | August 12, 2024
St. Petersburg, Florida – August 12, 2024 – Florida’s iconic Pink Palace®, The Don CeSar, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marina Baronas as director of food and beverage for the resort and its sister property, Beach House Suites. In this role, Baronas will oversee the properties’ banquet operations and six dining outlets including the award-winning Maritana, Society Table, Uncle Andy’s Market, The Rowe Bar, Lobby Bar, and Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout. As a fifth-time food and beverage director, Baronas has nearly two decades of experience at luxury and independent properties. Most recently, she was the director of food ...
Park Hotel Group Replaces Legacy PMS With Shiji Enterprise Platform for Superior Guest Experience
Shiji | August 12, 2024
Combining luxury, service excellence, and cutting-edge technology for improved guest services at Park Hotel Group's locations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. SINGAPORE, August 12, 2024 – Shiji, the global hospitality technology innovator is excited to announce that Park Hotel Group has selected Shiji Enterprise Platform to further enhance the experience of their guests. As one of Asia Pacific’s leading hospitality companies, Park Hotel Group continues to innovate by incorporating state-of-the-art technology. Located in Japan’s scenic Ishikari Bay and known for its breathtaking views and exceptional amenities, Grand Park Ota...
