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
Hilton Signs With Acre Hotels to Debut Hampton by Hilton at London Heathrow
Hilton | July 25, 2024
LONDON, UK – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced the signing of Hampton by Hilton London Heathrow Bath Road, marking the brand’s debut at Europe’s busiest airport, as part of a franchise agreement with Acre Hotels Ltd, part of the Westcombe Group. Conveniently located near the M4 motorway, the hotel will be a short 7-minute drive from Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 and 3, with easy access to Central London in 30 minutes via the Elizabeth Line. The 157-room hotel will offer onsite parking and Hampton by Hilton’s signature amenities including flexible communal spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast, and a retail market for o...
InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue Arrives in the Pacific Northwest
IHG Hotels & Resorts | July 25, 2024
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, announces that InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue is open to guests. This 208-room luxury hotel, situated within the $1bn+ Avenue Bellevue complex developed by Fortress Development, marks the brand’s debut in the Pacific Northwest, setting a new standard for luxury accommodations in the region. With breathtaking views of Lake Washington and downtown Seattle, InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue is poised to become a premier destination for local, regional, and global travelers. General Manager Haje Roger Thurau, a 30-yea...
Kasidy DeWitt Appointed as Spa Director for Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar
Edward Thomas Collection | July 25, 2024
Santa Monica, CA (July 25, 2024)—Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar, the iconic side by side properties situated along the coveted Southern California coastline, proudly announce a key appointment to their world-class team of associates—Director of Spa, Kasidy DeWitt. Under Kasidy’s helm, Shutters on the Beach’s ONE Spa and Hotel Casa del Mar’s Sea Wellness Spa will further strengthen the wellness experiences for guests, blending state-of-the-art treatments with Santa Monica’s laidback California lifestyle. Renowned as a bespoke refuge for celebrities and an authentic reflection of coastal sophistication by travellers an...
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Appoints Diego Ortega as Executive Chef
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts | July 25, 2024
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico – The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is delighted to announce the appointment of Diego Ortega as Executive Chef of the beloved resort. Boasting extensive knowledge of the culinary and hospitality industry, Chef Ortega brings a wealth of experience to his new role at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, where he will oversee the resort’s culinary direction. Chef Ortega joins The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort from Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where he served as Executive Sous Chef. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing and enhancing culinary offerings. He also held prior positions at The Ritz-...
Commonwealth Hotels Welcomes Mark Shine as Director of Sales and Marketing, The Art Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
The ART Hotel Denver | July 25, 2024
DENVER, Colo. (July 25, 2024) – Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Mark Shine has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing of The ART Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton. With over 25 years of tenure in the hospitality industry, Shine aims to draw upon his extensive hospitality expertise in his new role where he will lead the sales and marketing teams, and exceed guest satisfaction all while successfully driving sales, maximizing opportunities for leisure, business and group travelers, and more. “Mark emulates all of the qualities we deem essential for success on property. His proven track record in the industry will un...
CoralTree Hospitality to Manage California’s Outbound Mammoth
Outbound Hotels | July 25, 2024
DENVER – July 25, 2024 – CoralTree Hospitality, one of the top independent hospitality management companies in the United States, adds Outbound Mammoth in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. to its growing management portfolio. The 184-room resort is located in the heart of the Sierra Mountains with access to all of the region’s year-round activities including skiing at nearby Mammoth Mountain. “Our company’s roots are in managing year-round mountain resorts like Outbound Mammoth,” said Tom Luersen, president of CoralTree Hospitality. “This property is an exciting addition to our management portfolio. Outbound Mammoth is located in an ico...
GBTA Convention 2024 Delivers Record Forecast Outlook and Positive Future Vision for Business Travel While Bringing Education, Connections and Inspira
Global Business Travel Association | July 25, 2024
The world’s largest gathering of the global business travel industry transcends travel disruption challenges, hosts 5,400 global delegates in Atlanta during its annual event July 22-24 The global business travel industry converged in Atlanta, Georgia, for the GBTA Convention 2024 held July 22-24 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Attracting 5,400 registered attendees from 50 countries – including more than 1,100 travel buyers from 600+ companies and 310 travel supplier exhibitors – the not-to-be-missed industry event featured over 200 dynamic presenters, 86 peer-reviewed and curated education sessions, unmatched networking oppor...
International Visitors to U.S. Spent $21.6 Billion in May 2024
NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM OFFICE | July 25, 2024
Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in May 2024: International visitors spent a record-setting $21.6 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of May, an increase of more than 16 percent compared to May 2023 and surpassing pre-COVID records set in March 2018; in fact, monthly U.S. travel and tourism exports have never been higher. Conversely, Americans spent nearly $20.5 billion traveling abroad during May, yielding a balance of trade surplus of more than $1.1 billion for travel and tourism-related goods and services. International ...
Amadeus Improves Sales, Meeting & Event Planning With Enhanced Delphi® Experience
Amadeus | July 25, 2024
A newly enhanced and expanded sales and catering suite of solutions will allow hotels of all sizes to maximize efficiency and profitability July 25, 2024 - Group business is top of mind for hoteliers in 2024, with new research finding that hoteliers are prioritizing ways to strengthen customer relationships, to improve outreach with new and repeat business, and to plan and execute events more effectively. Recognizing this, Amadeus has harnessed over three decades of expertise to develop an enhanced Delphi solution. Designed to support teams from sales lead to execution, Delphi has been updated to better meet the needs of any hotel, no matte...
Growth in Room Rates Continues To Drive Canada Hotel Industry
CoStar Group | July 24, 2024
WASHINGTON – 24 July 2024 – Canada’s hotel industry achieved continued performance gains through average daily rate (ADR), according to CoStar’s June 2024 data. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. June 2024 (percentage change from 2023): Occupancy: 74.5% (+0.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): CAD231.04 (+3.7%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD172.10 (+4.2%) “ADR continues to be the main driver of RevPAR improvement in Canada,” said Laura Baxter, CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for Canada. “The 3.7% increas...
The Top 7 Pain Points in Hospitality Procurement and How to Overcome Them
Johannes Vocke | July 24, 2024
By Johannes Vocke, FutureLog Chief Financial Officer Siloed and fragmented procurement software often complicates the procure-to-pay process. Outdated solutions are typically expensive, inflexible, and inefficient, yet many organisations persist in using these antiquated systems. This reliance on old-fashioned procurement management systems hinders operational efficiency. A 2023 Procurement Insights report reveals that 80% of organisations still depend on manual or semi-digital tools to manage their P2P cycle. These businesses typically utilise ERP or accounting software—an approach comparable to using a flashlight to crack a nut. W...
Sustainable Hospitality: Using Technology To Go Green Means More ‘Green’ for Hoteliers
Joe Vargas | July 24, 2024
By Joe Vargas SVP & General Manager, Infor Hospitality In 2023, the World Tourism Organization spotlighted an impressive trend: a significant 73% of global travelers now prefer hotels that adopt sustainable practices. This shift is driving hotels to incorporate green technology extensively in their operations. According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, by 2025, green technology will distinguish industry leaders in the hospitality sector. However, despite these advancements, the hotel industry still struggles with achieving environmental sustainability. It remains a significant contributor to global carbon emissions an...
Valencia Hotel Group Secures Largest Equity Raise to Date, Acquiring Cavalry Court and The George in College Station, Texas
Valencia Hotel Group | July 24, 2024
HOUSTON, TX – Valencia Hotel Group is thrilled to announce a major achievement in its growth trajectory with the successful completion of its largest equity raise to date. This landmark investment facilitates the acquisition of Cavalry Court and The George, two premier boutique hotel properties located in the heart of College Station, Texas. With this significant expansion, Valencia Hotel Group now holds majority interest in all hotels within its management portfolio. The acquisition of these distinguished hotels was made possible through the purchase of the controlling interest from Harrison Street, a leading investment management firm ...
Coast Hotels Announces New 91-Room Franchised Property in Courtenay, British Columbia
Coast Hotels | July 24, 2024
Vancouver, B.C. – July 24nd, 2024 – Coast Hotels Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotel Canada, Inc. and one of North America’s fastest-growing and one of Canada’s largest hotel brands, is pleased to announce the opening of its latest franchised property in Courtenay, British Columbia. The reimagined Coast Courtenay Hotel officially opened its doors to guests on June 04th and is offering a comfortable and convenient stay for travelers visiting Vancouver Island and the Comox Valley. Conveniently situated just two blocks from the Strait of Georgia, near the vibrant downtown core of the stunning oceanside community of Courtena...
Sandpiper Hospitality Managing First ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Sandpiper Hospitality | July 24, 2024
Richmond, Va. – (July 24, 2024) – Sandpiper Hospitality – a Virginia-based hotel management company with vast expertise in the extended-stay segment – is managing the new ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham Spartanburg in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Opened earlier this month, the ECHO Suites Extended Stay Hotel by Wyndham Spartanburg is the first property to open in Wyndham’s new brand of extended-stay hotels. Each of the 124 suites in the newly constructed hotel features a kitchenette with two stovetop burners, a full refrigerator, and a microwave. The modern rooms also offer smart HDTVs, free WiFi and a bathroom with a c...
Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts Appoints James Cassidy as Executive Chef
Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts | July 24, 2024
SEATTLE (July 24, 2024) – Acclaimed Chef James Cassidy brings his international culinary expertise to All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar as its new executive chef, elevating the dining experience at Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts, located near the Seattle Waterfront and Pike Place Market. With more than three decades in fine dining at award-winning, five-star hotels and resorts across three countries, Chef Cassidy has developed a distinct culinary perspective. His formal training in traditional French technique and classic Italian cooking, combined with extensive experience with Asian and Latin flavors, informs his approach to Pa...
Hyatt Signs With CR Land for New Park Hyatt Hotel in Xi’an
Park Hyatt Hotels | July 24, 2024
Park Hyatt Xi’an will be ideally located in the Xi’an CCBD commercial complex along the city’s central axis, creating a new landmark in the city CHICAGO / SHANGHAI (July 24, 2024) -- Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and China Resources Land (CR Land, HKEX: 1109) announced that Hyatt has entered into a management agreement with CR Land for a Park Hyatt hotel in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China. This project will be ideally located in the CCBD, one of the key mix-use commercial complexes along Xi’an’s central axis. Park Hyatt Xi’an will provide worldly travelers a sophisticated home-away-from-home in the ancient capital of China....
Bunkhouse To Make Fall Debut in Houston With Opening of Hotel Saint Augustine
Bunkhouse | July 24, 2024
Houston, Texas (July 24, 2024) – Hotel Saint Augustine, a forthcoming boutique hotel from Austin’s acclaimed hospitality group Bunkhouse, is now accepting reservations for fall 2024. As the first Bunkhouse hotel concept coming to Houston, Hotel Saint Augustine will further the brand’s reputation for creating some of the most celebrated hotels with a strong emphasis on design, rooted in the communities in which they exist. Located in the cultural heart of the city in Montrose’s Museum District, the hotel will be a brand-new build with 71 rooms and suites spread across five small buildings over two floors, in addition to an all-day r...
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts Debuts Its First Hotel in Italy: Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts | July 24, 2024
~ The luxury property opens in the Gulf of Trieste with two exciting partnerships—Purobeach Portopiccolo and Terme di Saturnia ~ Lisbon, July 24, 2024 – Tivoli Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa, bringing the brand’s timeless glamour to the Gulf of Trieste in northern Italy, and marking its expansion into Italy. Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana welcomes guests to experience its unique location, exciting culinary concepts, and two new partnerships: Purobeach Portopiccolo, the beach club that brings the Mediterranean lifestyle to the unspoiled coast of the No...
Capella Hotel Group Appoints General Managers To Helm the Brand’s 2025 Japanese Openings
Capella Hotel Group | July 24, 2024
John Blanco, appointed Cluster General Manager Capella Kyoto and Patina Osaka, will lead the brand in its expansion into Japan, and Ellen Franke will be General Manager at Patina Osaka. Singapore – 24 July 2024 - Capella Hotel Group is excited to announce two new executive appointments to spearhead the brand’s foray into Japan with Capella Kyoto and Patina Osaka, both scheduled to open in 2025. Formerly General Manager of Capella Bangkok, John Blanco will bring his long-standing hospitality leadership experience and distinguished track record of excellence to his new role of Cluster General Manager for both Capella Kyoto and Patina ...
John Silva Appointed to Executive Chef of Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Harrah’s Resort | July 24, 2024
FUNNER, CALIF. (July 24, 2024) – Harrah’s Resort Southern California is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef John Silva as Executive Chef of Hell's Kitchen. In this role, Chef John will oversee daily culinary operations for the first and only Hell’s Kitchen in California. With close to two decades of experience in the industry and a long-standing background in destinations across the region, Chef John will be a tremendous asset as Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort Southern California continues to evolve. “I am honored to be leading the Hell’s Kitchen team at Harrah’s Resort Southern California,” said Chef John. “...
How to Make a Hotel’s Common Areas Anything But Common
Cicero Construction Group | July 24, 2024
PLAINFIELD, IL, JULY 24, 2024 -- Before embarking on a hotel renovation, do not overlook common spaces like the pool, business center, and grab-and-go pantry. Updating these spaces can improve the overall guest experience, attract new customers and lead to return visits. In addition, renovating common areas can save the hotel money in the long run by addressing maintenance issues, therefore preventing deterioration and extending the lifespan of the property. Cicero Construction Group, a premier contractor with more than fifty years renovating commercial properties, offers the following renovation ideas for hotel common spaces: BUSINESS ...
Artificial Intelligence Agents as a Next Step for Hotel Tech
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | July 24, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky Coming out of HITEC 2024 in Charlotte, Generative AI (genAI), specifically large language models (LLMs) and generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs), are moving beyond only chatbots for use cases in the hospitality sector. These AI tools are primarily recognized for handling guest inquiries and managing standard room reservations. However, their potential extends far beyond these capabilities. The future of AI in hospitality lies in agents trained for complex tasks, offering advanced solutions across various departments such as HR, finance, sales, and marketing. Despite the promising advancements, there ar...
Indigo Road Hospitality Group Appoints Katharine Ames as Chief Marketing Officer
The Indigo Road Hospitality Group | July 24, 2024
Charleston, SC – (July 24, 2024) – The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katharine Ames as Chief Marketing Officer. In this newly created role, she will continue to oversee all marketing efforts across the company’s portfolio, including internal communications, public relations, programming and branding, partnerships, and social media. Ames, who is based in Atlanta, previously served as Director of Marketing since joining the company in 2021. She will continue to lead an internal team of marketing directors, managers, and coordinators and oversee several agency partners. She will continue ...
