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
AAHOA Applauds NLRB’s Withdrawal of Joint-Employer Rule Appeal
AAHOA | July 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22 – The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) welcomes the recent announcement that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has formally withdrawn its appeal of the Federal Court decision nullifying the latest attempt to rewrite the joint-employer rules. This development marks a significant victory for hotel owners and franchisees across the United States. The joint-employer rule, which could have a significant impact on small business owners, including franchisees, determines when multiple employers are responsible for an individual employee. The proposed changes created considerable ambiguity. The co...
Raffles Hotels & Resorts to Debut Storied Brand in Tokyo
Accor | July 22, 2024
TOKYO, 22 July 2024 – Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a leading luxury hotel brand of Accor, alongside World Trade Center Building, Inc. and Tokyo Tatemono Co., today announced plans to debut the storied brand in Tokyo. Part of the redevelopment of the Tokyo’s iconic World Trade Center (WTC) in the Hamamatsuchō district, the hotel is expected to open in 2028, giving guests the opportunity to explore Japan’s capital city through the enchanted world of Raffles. “We are delighted to grow the Raffles global family with Raffles Tokyo, which will feature the brand’s world-renowned hallmarks including personalised Butler Service and an i...
Harmonizing AI and Human Touch in Hotel Management: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
HFTP | July 22, 2024
By Are Morch, Digital Transformation Coach for Hotels This article explores common pain points faced by hotel management and owners when integrating AI, along with actionable strategies to address them, all while maintaining a focus on the harmonious collaboration between technology and human expertise. In the era of AI, we must remember that the heart of hospitality beats with human warmth. The true power lies not in AI alone, but in its harmonious fusion with human empathy and creativity. This synergy elevates service, creating experiences that are both efficient and genuinely memorable. The Investment Hurdle Cost Concerns While A...
Why Rate Parity Still Has To Be “The Law of the Land” in Hospitality?
HFTP | July 22, 2024
By Max Starkov, Hospitality & Online Travel Tech Consultant Just to clarify for the non-revenue management folks here, Rate Parity traditionally means maintaining the same publicly available rate for the same room/same stay across all public distribution channels i.e. channels available to any member of the public that is not a loyalty member or member of some guest appreciation or reward program. Rate Parity is not a new online policy specifically designed for the OTAs. It existed long before the “commercial internet" came into being and there was only one reason for its existence: it made revenue management and management of di...
Channel Management: Unlocking the Full Potential in Distribution Strategy
HFTP | July 22, 2024
By Fernando Vives, Hospitality Labs Ambassador & Chief Commercial Officer at NH Group In today’s competitive hospitality market, the way you manage your distribution channels can make all the difference. Let’s explore the importance of a well-optimized distribution strategy and how it can transform the hotel’s performance. The Importance of a Well-Optimized Distribution Strategy A robust distribution strategy is crucial for reaching a wider audience and maximizing any hotel’s revenue potential. By effectively managing distribution channels, we can ensure that our rooms are visible to the right customers at the right tim...
Minor Hotels Appoints Judd Rabbidge as New General Manager of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort
Avani Hotels & Resorts | July 22, 2024
Bangkok, July 22, 2024: Minor Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Judd Rabbidge as the new General Manager of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. Effective July 2024, Rabbidge will lead the upscale lifestyle resort in the Baa Atoll, applying his passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, as well as strategic acumen, to drive results. An Australian national, Rabbidge brings a wealth of experience to his first General Manager posting. Most recently, he served as the Hotel Manager at W Sydney, overseeing the pre-opening phase of the world’s largest W Hotel and an emblematic landmark in Sydney’s cityscape. From 2018 to 202...
Aperture Hotels To Reopen Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Following Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Aperture Hotels | July 22, 2024
Hotel to Host Grand Re-Opening Ceremony August 25, 2024, to Unveil Multi-Million Dollar Renovation COLUMBUS, Ga., July 22, 2024—Officials of Aperture Hotels, a leading hospitality management provider specializing in premium lifestyle, compact full-service, select-service and extended stay hotels, in partnership with Satori Collective, a real estate investment management firm focused primarily on hotel property investment, today announced the successful re-opening of the 120-room Hilton Garden Inn Columbus in Ga. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the newly refreshed hotel now boasts upgraded public spaces, guest rooms, and mee...
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Inc. Welcomes Francine Slosser as Director of Sales & Marketing
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | July 22, 2024
Slosser to Spearhead Renovation and Repositioning of Iconic La Jolla Properties (La Jolla, CA) July 22, 2024 - The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club announced the appointment of Francine Slosser as Director of Sales & Marketing. The seasoned hospitality professional has joined the leadership team overseeing the distinguished club’s four properties: the 90-room beachfront resort, the iconic The Marine Room and Lounge, the 128-room La Jolla Shores Hotel, and the oceanfront The Shores Restaurant. In her new role, Mrs. Slosser leads the strategy for the upcoming renovation of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and La Jolla Shores Hotel,...
Deer Path Inn Taps Jeff Vucko as Executive Chef
Deer Path Inn | July 22, 2024
LAKE FOREST, IL (July 22, 2024) — Deer Path Inn—one of the Midwest’s most celebrated hotels—has named Jeff Vucko as its new executive chef, charged with overseeing the culinary programs at popular restaurants The English Room, White Hart Pub, and The Bar. His appointment comes at a special moment for the inn, as it celebrates its 95th year of iconic English hospitality on Chicago’s North Shore. Vucko’s passion for food stems from an early age, fostered by memories of backyard vegetable gardens, his mom’s chocolate chip cookies, grandmother’s donuts and monkey bread, and cookouts during camping trips with his Boy Scout troop...
$90 Million Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection Restoration Complete
Hotel Cleveland | July 22, 2024
Iconic Downtown Cleveland property reopens with new guestrooms, bar, restaurants and meeting spaces Cleveland – Following an impressive $90 million restoration and nearly a decade of careful planning, Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection and its monumental renovation is complete at 24 Public Square in Downtown Cleveland. Beyond being restored to its former glory, the project moves this historic American icon into the future with the contemporary refinements this important architectural treasure and its guests deserve. Reservations and property details for Hotel Cleveland, formally Cleveland Renaissance Hotel, are available at hotelclevel...
Hoteliers Win as NLRB Withdraws Joint-Employer Appeal
AHLA | July 22, 2024
WASHINGTON (July 22, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) withdrew its appeal of a federal court ruling blocking its joint-employer final rule. That rule would have made it easier for the NLRB to declare joint-employment status in business relationships and allowed unions to organize by company rather than property by property. “Today marks a huge victory in our fight to preserve the franchise business model for hoteliers across the country. The NLRB’s decision to withdraw its appeal will ...
Hotels to NYC: Slow Down on Bill That Would Decimate Hospitality Economy
AHLA | July 22, 2024
WASHINGTON (July 22, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey issued the following statement today after the introduction of a New York City Council bill that would force hotels to abide by arbitrary operational mandates in order to stay in business. “This abrupt and destructive bill would permanently alter how hotels operate and threaten the jobs of thousands of New Yorkers,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “If it becomes law, thousands of hotel jobs could be lost, hotels will shutter, and New York City’s economy – especially small business retailers, r...
Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown Appoints David Cron as General Manager
Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown | July 19, 2024
David Cron joins the Embassy Suites team with more than two decades of hospitality experience ASHEVILLE, N.C. – July 19, 2024 – Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown announces David Cron as general manager. The 188-room hotel, owned and managed by Parks Hospitality Group, opened earlier this year alongside two onsite dining concepts, E’Terie and Soprana Rooftop Cucina. “David Cron will be an excellent addition to this team,” said Jack Benton, director of sales at Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown. “He is an award-winning general manager with more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, ...
The Inverness Denver Announces Key Leadership Appointments
The Inverness Denver, a Hilton Golf & Spa Resort | July 19, 2024
Aaron Bajorek has assumed the role of General Manager and Daniel Daughtry has been named the property’s Food & Beverage Director DENVER, Colo. (July 19, 2024) – The Inverness Denver, a Hilton Golf & Spa Resort, part of the Crescent Hotels & Resorts collection, announced the appointment of two key positions to the property’s leadership team. Aaron Bajorek has been appointed General Manager and Daniel Daughtry has been named Food & Beverage Director. With rich local and luxury hospitality backgrounds, Bajorek and Daughtry bring exceptional knowledge and enthusiasm to the iconic Denver destination. “We are ple...
Costa Sur Resort, Classico Collection by Sonesta Opens in Puerto Vallarta
Sonesta | July 19, 2024
NEWTON, MA [July 19, 2024] – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced the opening of Costa Sur Resort, Classico Collection by Sonesta. The 206-room, upper-upscale property is located on a private beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Banderas Bay, south of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. The resort sits atop a protected lagoon and is minutes away from local attractions, including The Malecón boardwalk, The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Zona Romántica (Old Vallarta), and Rio Cuale Island. “The opening of Costa Sur Resort, Classico Collection by Sonesta is significant for Sonesta as it is our first pro...
Kimpton Claret Hotel Opens in Denver’s Belleview Station Neighborhood
IHG | July 19, 2024
(DENVER, CO) – July 19, 2024 – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, announced that Kimpton Claret Hotel officially opens its doors to guests today. Anchoring the burgeoning lifestyle scene of the Belleview Station neighborhood, Kimpton Claret Hotel is a brand new, pioneer property for residents and visitors seeking a fresh yet familiar hospitality experience in South Denver. “We are excited to open our doors as the first lifestyle boutique hotel in this area,” said Kimpton Claret General Manager Keith Siebenaler. “Belleview Station is a destination on the rise as ...
Bob W Forms £400M Joint Venture With OCIM To Convert Hotels and Offices Into Serviced Apartments
Bob W | July 19, 2024
Major joint venture established to raise capital for the acquisition and conversion of obsolete assets into serviced apartments Joint venture is targeting a GDV in excess of £400 million for initial development pipeline Partnership is targeting UK and key European markets to deliver up to 2,000 apartments exclusively for Bob W brand Comes amid growing demand for more flexible, high-quality accommodation options LONDON 19 July 2024 – A new joint venture between Bob W, the tech-powered hospitality operator, and Osborne+Co Investment Management (OCIM), the in-house investment management arm of global build-to-suit developer a...
President and CEO of HSMAI, Bob Gilbert Announces Retirement
HSMAI | July 19, 2024
The Esteemed HSMAI Leader Will Retire After More Than 30 Years of Dedicated Service FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (July 19, 2024) – Following 30 years of executive leadership for the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation and HSMAI Global, the organization is announcing the retirement of President and CEO, Bob Gilbert. A cherished and admired leader in the global hospitality industry, Gilbert has accelerated his retirement plan as a result of a serious health issue. “It is with the utmost respect that we announce today the retirement of Bob Gilbert from his role of Pre...
Dar Global Collaborates With The Trump Organization To Develop Trump Tower Dubai
July 19, 2024
DUBAI, UAE, July 19, 2024 -- Dar Global, the luxury international real estate developer, has announced a prestigious collaboration with The Trump Organization to establish the iconic Trump Tower Dubai. This extraordinary development, situated in a prime location in Dubai, is set to establish new standards in luxury hospitality and residential living in the region. Both the location and design will be unveiled towards the end of 2024. Trump Tower Dubai, a beacon of elegance and sophistication, promises to captivate and thrill with its unparalleled offerings. The development will include the renowned Trump Hotel and branded residential ...
An Immediate Way to Drive Revenue to Your Hotel’s Top and Bottom Lines
Don Farrell | July 19, 2024
By Don Farrell Who wouldn’t want to make a few hundred thousand more in immediate room revenue and see most of that go to the bottom line? In fact, it may be the largest account your hotel can go after, particularly if you are a focused service property. Where can you find this low-lying fruit and how can you harvest it? Your Single Largest Account is at your Front Desk by Converting More Reservation Inquiries And this is the best form of revenue…..the single room requests that come into your front desk in the form of phone inquiries and walk-ins. Imagine what losing one of your top accounts would look like. With front desk reser...
USALI Global Finance Committee Members Provide Hotel Reporting Guidance Following New California Bill Banning Hidden Fees
HFTP | July 19, 2024
Written by HFTP Publications — Contributor “Whether buying tickets to a concert or sporting event or booking a vacation or a hotel, Californians deserve to know exactly how much they’re being asked to pay, and not be surprised later by hidden junk fees,” said California Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) in regard to a proposed bill she coauthored called Senate Bill 478 (SB 478), which has since been enacted and just took effect in the state earlier this month. Designed to protect consumers from hidden fees, businesses and sellers must, as of July 1, 2024, list the price of any good or service to include all mandatory charges ...
The Americas and Asia Pacific Show Growth in Hotel Pipeline Activity
CoStar Group | July 19, 2024
WASHINGTON – 19 July 2024 – Two of the world regions, the Americas and Asia Pacific, showed a year-over-year increase in hotel pipeline activity at the end of the second quarter, according to June 2024 data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. June 2024 (% change in comparison with June 2023): Europe In construction: 165,858 rooms (-2.4%) Final Planning: 93,241 rooms (-20.9%) Planning: 160,651 rooms (+8.0%) Total Under Contract: 419,750 rooms (-3.8%) Among countries in the region, Germany (27,302) led in construction act...
Leading Change Effectively – Insights From Top Hospitality Leaders
EHL | July 19, 2024
Dr. Stefano Borzillo, Dr. Steffen Raub Welcome to a collection of insights and learnings based on the lived experiences of some of the many hospitality managers encountered at EHL. Based on practicing a set of key principles and behaviors, becoming an effective change leader is a skill that develops over time. The need for constant change It has become almost commonplace to state that change is everywhere around us. And yet, it is true that in complex and challenging business contexts few organizations can be successful without continuously questioning and adapting their way of doing things to the changing realities of the industry aroun...
Travel and Tourism Sector Deal Activity Down by 12.6% YoY in H1 2024, Finds GlobalData
GlobalData | July 19, 2024
A total of 347 deals (comprising mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, and venture financing deals) were announced in the global travel and tourism sector during the first half (H1) of 2024, which was a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 12.6% compared to the 397 deals announced during the same period in the previous year, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Even though there was a decline globally due to a dent in deal-making sentiments, the trend was a mixed bag across different markets and regions, with some countries contributing to the decl...
