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 Serviced Apartment Sector in Europe 2024
Clemence Sennavoine | July 17, 2024
By Clemence Sennavoine, Alexandra Dumoulin A new and dynamic era has begun for the serviced apartment industry. Our latest Serviced Apartment survey reveals a landscape marked by robust performance, adept cost management, and a positive outlook. Profitability has not only bounced back to pre-pandemic levels but is also being driven by a surge in leisure demand and a booming interest in serviced apartments. This renewed enthusiasm is drawing significant investor attention, prompting both established brands and new players to expand and innovate, setting the stage for exciting growth and transformation in the industry. Operators' Sentiment ...
The Road to Hotel Profitability: Adopting Flow Through + Flex Metrics
HotStats | July 17, 2024
When measuring hotel profitability, two key metrics stand out: flow through and flex. Flow through measures the percentage of additional profit from each extra dollar of revenue, while flex gauges the ability to save profit during revenue shortfalls. These metrics provide crucial insights into financial performance, offering a comprehensive framework for operational analysis. "Understanding flow through and flex is essential for any hotel aiming to optimize profitability and navigate economic fluctuations effectively," says Lisa Martin, Regional Director for Hotel Finance, at Davidson Hospitality. Integrating these metrics into your ana...
Rethinking Menu Ingredients to Ramp Up Guest Nutrition
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | July 17, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky Food menus need to evolve in order to keep pace with the trends so that hotels can continue to attract diners and use their restaurants as a key draw for overnight guests. One of the trends is that menus are becoming healthier and healthier over time. Whether that’s adding vegan options, reducing the amount of deep-fried items or using better quality cooking oils – in particular, excluding harmful seed oils – the demand for healthier plates is there. Nowhere better emphasizes this than all the marketing hoi polloi around all the purported superfoods – acai, kale and all the fun, new adaptogenic mushr...
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) Arranges the Sale of the Doubletree Jersey City
Paramount Lodging Advisors | July 17, 2024
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) is pleased to announce the sale of the Doubletree Jersey City. PLA transacted the 198-room asset through a receiver sale. The buyer purchased the property with an assumption of the existing CMBS debt. Sales efforts were led by PLA Principals Bennett Webster and Brent Clemens, and PLA director Sean Banilivy. “Our team remains bullish on the market and we look forward to continued strong positive RevPAR trajectory for New York City and surrounding areas. We were pleased to be able to trade with the debt assumption amidst continued uncertainty in capital markets,” noted Webster. PLA is now also...
Revolutionizing Point-of-Sale for the Lodging Industry With rezStream POS
rezStream | July 17, 2024
Denver, CO – rezStream, a leader in property management solutions, proudly announces the launch of rezStream Point-of-Sale, rezPOS, a revolutionary, cost-effective point-of-sale system integrated within their Property Management System, rezStream Cloud. This cost-effective innovation is set to transform operations for independent hotels, B&Bs, and resorts by providing a seamless, all-in-one solution for managing onsite sales and guest services. A Seamless Solution for Simplified Operations In an industry where efficiency and customer service are paramount, the newly launched rezPOS by rezStream offers a comprehensive solution that...
Aptech Teams With BirchStreet Systems To Bring Procure-to-Pay Processing to Twenty Four Seven Hotels
Aptech | July 17, 2024
Aptech provides hotels with invoice-level, vendor and general ledger spend while BirchStreet Systems manages the remainder of the P2P workflow process PITTSBURGH, July 17, 2024 — Aptech has teamed with Birchstreet Systems to deliver efficiency and automation where it is most needed – the procure-to-pay (P2P) process. Based on customer demand, this collaboration brings together the best in cloud-based enterprise accounting and P2P software to deliver better control over purchase orders, invoicing, budgeting, order delivery, flexible payment options, invoice imaging, and financial review efficiency with drill down from P&L to invo...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Sydney Premium Estate With Two Crowne Plaza Rebrands
IHG | July 16, 2024
- Courtyard by Marriott, Sydney-North Ryde and Holiday Inn Sydney Airport to transition to Crowne Plaza brand - The portfolio agreement builds on the existing partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Star Millennium Pty Ltd - Trilogy Hotels will operate both hotels, marking their first white-label hotels in the Australasian IHG estate 16 July 2024, Sydney, Australia: IHG Hotels & Resorts will expand its Sydney premium estate with the addition of two Crowne Plaza hotels, following a strategic portfolio agreement with Frank and Wade Huang of Star Millennium Pty Ltd that will see the rebranding of two well-loved hotels at Sy...
The St. Regis Chicago Appoints Erik Grazetti as Director of Sales & Marketing
The St. Regis Chicago | July 16, 2024
(July 16, 2024 – Chicago, Illinois) The St. Regis Chicago, the Windy City’s newest luxury hotel, announces the appointment of Erik Grazetti as Director of Sales & Marketing. In this new role, Grazetti is responsible for leading and directing all sales and marketing efforts for The St. Regis Chicago, including heading a team of diverse sales, catering, and marketing professionals in establishing the hotel as the pinnacle of luxury within the region. The hotel stands at Chicago’s best address, spanning 11 floors of the 101-story architectural marvel designed by award-winning architect Jeanne Gang while boasting 159 luxuriously appo...
DUA Miami, Autograph Collection, Located in the Heart of Miami’s Brickell District, Is Now Open
Evolution Hospitality | July 16, 2024
MIAMI, FL – July 16, 2024 – Located against the backdrop of the dynamic Brickell district, the DUA Miami, Autograph Collection offers elevated accommodations and amenities that seamlessly blend personal fulfillment with social connection. "DUA" translates to Love and Desire in Albanian, reflecting the hotel's ethos of personal indulgence and meaningful connections. DUA Miami features 124 stylish rooms and suites, each with a private balcony offering breathtaking panoramic views. Guests can unwind at the on-site DUA Spa or indulge in culinary delights at AHU | MAR, the wood-fired seafood restaurant specializing in innovative dishes ...
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown Area Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
HHM | July 16, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC — JULY, 2024 - With a commitment to elevating guest experience, Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown Area has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, updating all 238 guest rooms throughout the property alongside a further 3,165 square feet of redesigned meeting space, express check-in, a 24-hour fitness center, and a refreshed outdoor patio. “Our central West End location makes this renovation ideal for business and leisure travelers alike,” said General Manager Tom Smith. “We've combined modern functionality with relaxing elements to meet the needs of today's traveler and we’re confident guests will find ...
ONYX Hospitality Group Completes Key Handover Ceremony for Its New Sri Lanka Property: Amari Colombo
ONYX Hospitality Group | July 16, 2024
London, 16th July 2024: ONYX Hospitality Group, recognised as a leading medium-sized hospitality management company in Southeast Asia, is proud to announce the successful completion of the key handover ceremony for its new property in Sri Lanka, Amari Colombo. This milestone marks the official transition of the property to ONYX Hospitality Group, ushering in a new era of excellence and hospitality in Colombo. Scheduled to open in Q4 2024, Amari Colombo is strategically situated in Colombo's vibrant cityscape, offering a harmonious blend of contemporary comfort and traditional Sri Lankan charm. Luxurious accommodation across 167 rooms is t...
First Hospitality’s Roger Baker Named Chief Investment Officer and Advisor
First Hospitality | July 16, 2024
CHICAGO, IL (July 16, 2024) - First Hospitality, a national hotel operating, management, and development company, proudly announces the transition of Roger Baker from CFO to his new role as CIO and Advisor. With 40 years of experience in the real estate industry, including 16 years as a leader on First Hospitality's executive team, in this new role, Baker will advise on selected capital formation transactions as well as certain management and investor relations initiatives. "Roger’s leadership has been instrumental in the growth and success of First Hospitality during his tenure and we’re pleased that he will continue to be part of ...
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Welcomes New Executive Chef Chandra Swamy
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel | July 16, 2024
New Orleans, LA (July 16, 2024) — Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of Chandra Swamy as the property’s new Executive Chef. With an impressive culinary career spanning over 28 years, Swamy brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and a passion for food that promises to elevate the dining experience for hotel guests. “We are extremely fortunate to have Chef Swamy join our Sheraton New Orleans team,” said Jim Cook, General Manager for the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. “His genuine passion for food and presentation promises to bring fresh and exciting flavors to the Sheraton’s menus, incorporat...
U.S. Department of Commerce Seeks Applications for Brand USA Board of Directors
International Trade Administration | July 16, 2024
The Department of Commerce is currently seeking applications from travel and tourism leaders from specific industries for membership on the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Travel Promotion (dba Brand USA). The purpose of the Board is to guide the Corporation for Travel Promotion on matters relating to the promotion of the United States as a travel destination. The Travel Promotion Act (TPA), which was signed into law by President Obama on March 4, 2010, established the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a non-profit corporation charged with the development and execution of marketing strategies for U.S. travel and tourism and to ...
Tale of Two Travel Markets: High-End Hotel Segments See Steady Guest Satisfaction Improvement, While More Affordable Hotel Segments Post Declines, J.D
J.D. Power | July 16, 2024
Higher Room Rates, Longer Stays and Fewer Trips Put Focus on Quality of Guest Rooms and Hotel Maintenance TROY, Mich.: 16 July 2024 — With an average daily rate (ADR) for a U.S. hotel room of $158.45 in May 2024—the second-highest month ever behind $159.01 in October 20231—virtually every traveler in every hotel price bracket is paying more for a hotel room. According to the J.D. Power 2024 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study,SM released today, travelers’ perceived value for those higher prices is very much dependent on how well the hotel delivers on their expectations. This year, the luxury and upper upsca...
2024 HSMAI Adrian Awards Open for Entries: Wish You Were Here
HSMAI | July 16, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (July 15, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is now accepting entries for 2024 Adrian Awards. The theme for the 68th annual Adrian Awards competition is Wish You Were Here, highlighting the most memorable and successful travel marketing and public relations campaigns, ads, earned media programs, and experiential and digital experiences. Winners will be honored at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration in 2025. "We have seen a remarkable increase in entries, with submissions growing by 20% annually since 2020," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and C...
New P3 Gift Voucher Module Enhances Hotel Revenue Opportunities and Streamlines the Guest Experience
P3 Hotel Software | July 16, 2024
July 16, 2024 — Dublin & Denver — P3 Hotel Software, a leading innovator in hotel booking solutions, today announces the introduction of its latest product module, P3 Gift Vouchers. This new feature seamlessly integrates with existing P3 Booking Engines, enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining the online guest experience. Part of a comprehensive suite of P3 products, the Gift Voucher module ensures that hotels can manage all aspects of the guest journey, from direct booking and online check-in/out to ancillary add-ons and more, without relying on multiple software vendors. Seamless Integration and Effortless Management ...
Amadeus and Meeting Professionals International Unveil Six Pivotal Sales & Event Trends Shaping the Industry in 2024
Amadeus | July 16, 2024
• Group travel is set for continued growth with worldwide group revenue up 5% through June 2024 over the same period last year. • Providing value and personalization is crucial in today’s market, driven by the rising demand for unique experiences and an increasing focus on sustainability. July 16, 2024 - A new report from Amadeus and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) integrates global market data with insights from industry specialists to highlight six crucial trends that will shape hospitality over the coming year. The comprehensive guide, Hotel Sales Stars: The Ultimate Strategy Playbook, is designed to assist hoteliers ...
Navigating the Complex World of Conversational AI – Part 2
Travel Outlook, the premier hotel call center™ | July 16, 2024
AI's Role in Hospitality: Enhancing Guest Experience with Conversational AI By John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook July 2024 As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool that allows hoteliers to unlock new levels of efficiency. Not all AI is created equal, and what works for one industry may not work for another. In our previous post, we explored the fundamental questions hoteliers should ask when considering AI solutions, focusing on how AI can provide guests with a warm, engaging, and personalized experience. Continue reading below as we dive into the conversati...
AI’s Flight Path: The Emergence of the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) in the Hotel and Airline Industries
Ivana Johnston | July 15, 2024
By Ivana Johnston The "Chief AI Officer"—or CAIO—is one of the hottest new job titles in the corporate circuit, and both the hotel and airline industries are embracing this role to stay competitive in the digital era. LinkedIn reports that the number of companies with a “Head of AI” position has more than tripled in the last five years. When IBM and Dell cut the ribbon for their Chief AI Officers last year, the race was on, and it wasn't long before Accenture, Arizona's renowned Mayo Clinic, and WPP heard the call and announced their very own CAIOs. In 2023, President Joe Biden pulled all the federal agencies into the AI race, ...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Opens Its First Boutique Luxury Hotel in the Heart of Budapest
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | July 15, 2024
BUDAPEST, 15 JULY 2024: Today, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, opens Kimpton BEM Budapest, heralded as ‘the city’s newest hotspot in Buda.’ Transformed from a historic 19th-century mansion to a sophisticated 127-room enclave, this boutique hotel welcomes guests with a front-row seat to Budapest’s celebrated historic and cultural landscape. Kimpton BEM Budapest is nestled along the banks of the Danube River on the city’s picturesque Buda side near the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Castle District. Guests will enjoy unrivalled proximity to Budapest’s most...
Gulph Creek Hotels Selected To Manage SpringHill Suites Centreville Chantilly
Gulph Creek Hotels | July 15, 2024
(Wayne, PA) – July 15, 2024 – Gulph Creek Hotels, a leading Mid-Atlantic hotel management and development company, has been selected as the management company for the SpringHill Suites Centreville Chantilly in Virginia. The hotel is strategically located in the heart of Northern Virginia, offering easy access to major attractions, businesses, and Washington Dulles International Airport. “We are thrilled to take on the management of the SpringHill Suites Centreville Chantilly, which will strengthen Gulph Creek Hotels' presence in the DC market,” said Derek Sylvester, Principal at Gulph Creek Hotels. “Our team is committed to lever...
Peter Island Resort Introduces Leadership Team in Preparation for Its Fall 2024 Opening
Peter Island Resort | July 15, 2024
New York, New York, July 15, 2024 – Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands is on schedule to unveil its reimagined, luxury private island hideaway this fall. In preparation, the resort is pleased to introduce its Leadership Team overseeing the much-anticipated relaunch of this treasured Caribbean classic that has been undergoing its transformed to a new level of luxury for the past six years. General Manager, Carrie Bligh A seasoned hotel and real estate professional, Bligh saw the opportunity to oversee the relaunch of Peter Island Resort as the ultimate dream job. Prior to her post as General Manager of Peter Island Re...
Grande Lakes Orlando Welcomes Chef Graeme Little as Executive Chef at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Grande Lakes Orlando | July 15, 2024
ORLANDO, FLORIDA (July 15, 2024) – Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, is excited to welcome Chef Graeme Little as JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes new Executive Chef. Chef Little brings with him nearly 20 years of culinary expertise, garnered from his extensive experience in luxury hotels. "I am absolutely thrilled to join the Grande Lakes Orlando team,” said Chef Little. “It's an incredible opportunity to be part of such a renowned establishment known for its dedication ...
