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Stonebridge Companies Plans Fall Opening of The Slate Hotel in Denver
Stonebridge Companies | June 17, 2021
DENVER — June 17, 2021 — Stonebridge Companies, a privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer headquartered in Denver, has announced that The Slate Hotel at the site of the historic original Emily Griffith Opportunity School will begin welcoming guests this fall. Stonebridge Companies is the property owner and developer and will operate the hotel under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand. The 4-story, 135,000-square-foot property will add 251 guest rooms to downtown Denver, supporting the area’s strong demand for hospitality offerings. Located immediately adjacent to the Colorado Convention Center at 125...
The Gant Aspen Appoints Christopher M. Vlasich as Director of Food and Beverage
The Gant Aspen | June 17, 2021
Aspen, CO. – June 17, 2021 – The Gant Aspen has selected Christopher M. Vlasich to lead the resort’s food and beverage operations. In his new role, Vlasich is charged with enhancing the resort’s comprehensive culinary offerings for an array of leisure and group guests. A seasoned food and beverage savant, Christopher M. Vlasich brings industry knowledge and dedication to The Gant Aspen. Vlasich previously spent several years refining his skillset at an impressive assortment of upscale hotels and resorts. Beginning as events operations manager at the Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel, Vlasich managed and executed all phases of even...
Banyan Tree Opens Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa in Greece
BANYAN TREE HOLDINGS LIMITED | June 17, 2021
Corfu, Greece - June 17, 2021 - Banyan Tree Group, the world-renowned hospitality brand known for pioneering the pool villa concept and sustainable luxury, continues its global expansion today with the opening of its first flagship property in Europe, Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa. Set on an idyllic hilltop estate in Corfu’s Akra Punta bay, near Benitses Village, the new luxury resort debuts with a collection of 159 contemporary guest rooms, suites and 37 one to four-bedroom pool villas. Each pool villa is meant to evoke the feeling of an authentic, and private Corfu home with outdoor pavilions, terracotta rooftops and private pools. Boas...
U.S. Travel Reacts to State Reopenings from Virus Restrictions
U.S. Travel Association | June 17, 2021
WASHINGTON — June 17, 2021 — U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement: “The lifting of COVID restrictions in several of the largest U.S. states removes critical barriers to the return of our pre-pandemic economy and livelihoods. “States with delayed reopenings must recognize they’re at a competitive disadvantage to those open for business, requiring focused efforts to encourage the safe return of both business and leisure travelers. Similarly, companies that continue to restrict business travel and attendance at in-person professional meetings and events will delay their own economic r...
Are You Exceeding Your Guests Expectations?
Knowcross | June 17, 2021
By Nikhil Nath Hospitality, at its core, is an industry of people taking care of people, and has a long-standing commitment to cleanliness and service standards. While the housekeeping team is central in the delivery of those standards, it operates in the background, out of view. Room attendants and supervisors moved around discreetly to be as invisible as possible. However, COVID-19 has thrust housekeeping into the limelight. As COVID has led to a surge in public health awareness, hotels are now put in a position of making their commitment to cleanliness part of their guest experience. Rethinking operations, and re-designing ...
AAA Adds Inspected Clean Enhancement to Its Diamond Hotel Inspections
AAA | June 16, 2021
ORLANDO, Fla. — June 16, 2021 — In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels have adapted their cleaning procedures and housekeeping standards, and the AAA Diamond Program is evolving to meet the changing expectations of today’s travelers. In fact, according to AAA research, 76% of consumers surveyed would be disappointed if a third-party inspection did not evaluate whether high-touch areas in a hotel are sanitized. As a result, AAA is enhancing its housekeeping evaluation to include objective, scientific validation of the cleanliness of common surfaces throughout hotels. Hotels that meet AAA’s standards for cleanliness, condition and...
No Crowds at Tokyo 2020 Would Be Catastrophic for Japan’s Tourism Sector, Says GlobalData
GlobalData | June 16, 2021
With the jury still out on whether domestic spectators will be allowed at Tokyo 2020, the prospect of a complete ban on attendance cannot be dismissed. This scenario would be disastrous for several tourism-related industries in Japan says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Ralph Hollister, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The prospect of no attendance would take things from bad to worse for Japanese businesses involved in the tourism sector. The wait for the announcement on spectatorship with be agonizing for all businesses involved, as domestic attendance would at least allow for the recoupin...
Research Shows That You Should Let Consumers’ Photos Speak For Your Business
Linchi Kwok | June 16, 2021
By Linchi Kwok The advance of technology and the widespread adoption of smartphones and handheld devices in recent years have enabled us to publish our experience about a product or service through online photo or video sharing and provide a review. Online review websites have also updated their features, making it easier for consumers to attach pictures or videos to their reviews. As both consumers and businesses adapt to the new photo-sharing trend, it becomes crucial to expand our knowledge regarding user-generated photos’ (UGPs’) effect on online reviews. An empirical study about user-generated photos I work...
New EVEN® Hotel Atlanta – Cobb Galleria Debuts in Georgia
EVEN HOTELS | June 16, 2021
ATLANTA – June 16, 2021 – In partnership with IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, Miami-based development group EPELBOIM opened the 133-room EVEN® Hotel Atlanta - Cobb Galleria earlier this month. The second Atlanta-area location for the brand, both developed by EPELBOIM, EVEN Hotel Atlanta - Cobb Galleria offers the perfect balance of work and play, with quick access to city thoroughfares I-75 and I-285 and minutes away from some of Atlanta’s top attractions, including Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, The Battery, Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing A...
Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle Coming to Morocco in 2023
Radisson Hotel Group | June 16, 2021
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the debut of its second brand and third hotel in Morocco with the signing of Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle in partnership with Al Hoceinia Hospitality. With construction already underway, the hotel is scheduled to open in 2023 and will consist of 133 guestrooms and suites. Located in the heart of Casablanca’s vibrant and exclusive Gauthier district, one of the prominent corporate, financial and entertainment districts, Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle is just 2.5 km from the glistening La Corniche, the charming Old Medina, and Hassan II Mosque, the second largest...
Radisson Signs With Experience Management for The Robertson, a Member of Radisson Individuals
Radisson Individuals | June 16, 2021
Minneapolis, MN — June 16, 2021 — Radisson Hotel Group Americas today announced the signing of The Robertson, a member of Radisson Individuals. The hotel holds incredible history for the city and with its anticipated opening in the fall of 2021, it will be the first hotel to open its doors in downtown Joplin in more than 50 years. The hotel was originally built in 1917 by Riley Robertson as an apartment complex. The restored building will bring a breath of fresh air into downtown Joplin while offering a glimpse of the city in the roaring 20s. “We launched Radisson Individuals in the Americas earlier this year to bring unique, one-of-a...
Hyatt Regency Taghazout Opens in Morocco
Hyatt Regency | June 16, 2021
CHICAGO – June 16, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Taghazout, representing the third Hyatt-branded hotel in Morocco. The 190-room hotel is located directly at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and offers breathtaking ocean views from every room. Hyatt Regency Taghazout, a beachside property, caters to business and leisure guests alike with stress-free travel experiences. For business travelers who are seeking productive and seamless experiences, Hyatt Regency Taghazout offers several sophisticated venues fit for events and meetings of all sizes. For guests...
IHG Signs With RIVA Development Company to Bring Hotel Indigo to the Saudi Capital
IHG Hotels & Resorts | June 16, 2021
Expanding its presence in the capital city of Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is bringing the world’s first globally branded boutique hotel brand to the Kingdom with the signing of Hotel Indigo Riyadh King Abdallah Road. This development also marks the first hotel to be signed under the Master Development Agreement (MDA) between IHG and RIVA Development Company via its wholly owned subsidiary RIVA Hospitality for Hotel Services Company. No two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, and this stunning addition to the brand portfolio will have Riyadh’s cultural influences embedded in ...
Paceline Affiliate Acquires 247-Room Sheraton Boston Needham Hotel
THE SHERATON BOSTON NEEDHAM HOTEL | June 16, 2021
DALLAS - June 16, 2021 - Sheraton Boston Needham Hotel, a 247-room full-service hotel located in Needham, Massachusetts on the I-95 Corridor today announced that Providence-based StepStone Hospitality was appointed as property manager. The appointment of StepStone Hospitality, a best in class hotel management company, follows the acquisition of the Sheraton by an affiliate of Paceline Equity Partners, LLC ("Paceline"), a Dallas-based private equity manager. The hotel reopened in May and is poised to re-emerge as a sought-after destination for corporate, social, education, and sporting groups, as well as business and leisure travelers....
Colorado’s Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Promotes Wendy Mallas to Director of Sales & Marketing
The Westin Riverfront | June 16, 2021
AVON, Colo. – June 16, 2021 – The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley is excited to announce that it has promoted Wendy Mallas to the position of Director of Sales & Marketing. The award-winning resort has also promoted Jing Butler to serve as Associate Director of Sales and hired Scott Copertino to serve as Dining Room & Banquet Manager. [caption id="attachment_269526" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Wendy Mallas[/caption] Mallas joined The Westin Riverfront team in 2017 as a Leisure Sales Manager and has worked her way up to Director of Leisure Sales and now Director of Sale...
The Aloft Santa Clara Appoints Leadership Team
HRI Lodging | June 16, 2021
NEW ORLEANS, LA. - June 16, 2021 - The Aloft Santa Clara, HRI Lodging’s first hotel in Silicon Valley, has announced the appointment of Tyler John to General Manager and Khushnum Modi to Director of Sales. The 175-room Aloft Santa Clara, located in the bustling technology hub of California’s Silicon Valley, features an outdoor splash pool, a 24-hour re-charge gym, re:fuel at Aloft, a one-stop gourmet grab-and-go food and beverage area, 1,980 square feet of flexible meeting space plus an outdoor deck, and the brand’s signature W XYZ bar. [caption id="attachment_269511" align="aligncenter" width="133"] Tyler John[/caption] ...
UgoVirtual™ Debuts New 3D and AR Elements to Enhance Engagement and ROI of Virtual, Hybrid and Physical Events
UgoVirtual | June 16, 2021
Innovative new addition to UgoVirtual’s modular virtual/hybrid event solutions platform leverages the advanced power of 3D and AR to maximize attendee engagement and ROI for virtual, hybrid and physical events. ATLANTA – June 16, 2021 – UgoVirtual™, a leading global provider of a comprehensive digital platform of modular engagement solutions designed to meet the rapidly expanding needs of the virtual/hybrid conference and event management industry, today announces the debut of Ugo3D & AR Elements, a highly advanced and unique way to add dimension to virtual, hybrid and in-person events. With the addition of Ugo3D & AR Ele...
Hodges Ward Elliott Mourns the Passing of President Mark Elliott
June 15, 2021
Hodges Ward Elliott (HWE) is saddened to share the news that company President Mark Elliott passed away unexpectedly on June 12th. Mark joined the firm in 1983 and has served as the strategic leader of the firm’s various business lines for nearly forty years. Along with his partners, he dedicated his career towards shaping the culture of HWE and his steady-hand approach remains a central pillar of the firm’s overall philosophy. Mark is also one of the true legends in the hospitality industry and over the course of his career, he sold more hotels than any other individual in the United States. He was a past co-chairman of Industry ...
For Hotels, Restaurants a Cautionary Tale
Hotstats | June 15, 2021
By David Eisen Vulnerability and loss of control are two of COVID-19’s biggest lessons. Unlike past threats, this one was unique in its ability to deliver damage under the guise of invisibility. It couldn’t be seen; it couldn’t be heard; it couldn’t be smelled; it couldn’t be touched. But its impact was like a Category 5 storm: deadly, destructive, leaving nothing unaffected in its path. The tempest has simmered, but in the clearing is no rainbow. Instead, hotels are saddled with a host of new challenges: labor woes, supply chain worry and other P&L headaches. It’s a hurdle restaurants know all too well and a warning ...
Revenge Travel Is Trending, but the Destination Price Tag Determines Where 87% of Consumers Go
Discover | June 15, 2021
RIVERWOODS, Ill. - June 15, 2021 - After a year stuck at home, the majority of U.S. consumers, 70%, say they want to start traveling again, with more than 50% planning one to two vacations in the next six months, according to Discover’s annual travel survey. Following a stressful and socially distant year, 66% of consumers are planning trips between one to six days in length and report their top reasons for wanting to take a vacation are: to relax, 37% visit family and friends, 18% and experience a change of scenery, 10% Of those looking to spend time with family, Boomers lead the charge, 28%, compared to 18% of G...
Cerberus and Highgate to Acquire Dorsett City London Hotel
Cerberus | June 15, 2021
LONDON & NEW YORK - June 15, 2021 - Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (together with its affiliates “Cerberus”) and Highgate today announced the signing of a Sale and Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) for the acquisition of Dorsett City London, located at 9-13 Aldgate High Street in London (the “Hotel”), from subsidiaries of Far East Consortium International Limited (“FEC”; SEHK: 35). Located in the heart of London’s financial district with a strong reputation for luxury and service, Dorsett City London is well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing economic recovery. This transaction further strengthens Cerberus’ and Hig...
Ohana Real Estate Investors Acquires La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas
Ohana Real Estate Investors | June 15, 2021
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - June 15, 2021 - Ohana Real Estate Investors (“Ohana”), a vertically integrated investment firm focused exclusively on full-service hotels, announced today the acquisition of the La Cantera Resort & Spa, a 496-key luxury resort located in San Antonio, Texas, from USAA Real Estate. This transaction advances Ohana’s strategy to acquire high-quality hotel and resort properties across North America. Located at the highest elevation point in San Antonio on 550 acres, La Cantera Resort & Spa is a pristine oasis offering stunning views of the Texas Hill Country and is in close proximity to San Antonio attractio...
New Forecast Signals Long Road to Recovery for Business Travel
U.S. Travel Association | June 15, 2021
WASHINGTON — June 15, 2021 — Lingering COVID restrictions and a patchwork approach to reopening across the country will prevent the economically crucial business travel segment from recovering until at least 2024, according to a Tourism Economics analysis released Tuesday by the U.S. Travel Association. Travel overall is by far the U.S. industry hardest hit by the ongoing fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Spending on travel for large, in-person professional meetings and events (PMEs) declined by 76% last year—a $97 billion loss in spending. With vaccinations and infection rates in the U.S. trending favorably, restrictions low...
Ascott Opens Japan’s First lyf Coliving Property in Fukuoka City
June 15, 2021
Singapore –15 June 2021 – CapitaLand’s wholly owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), will be opening lyf Tenjin Fukuoka, Ascott’s first lyf-branded coliving property in Japan on 16 June 2021. lyf Tenjin Fukuoka is the first of six lyf properties that are slated to open this year in Singapore, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Xi’an, as Ascott gears up to meet the strong demand by customers and property owners for the unique lyf coliving product. The 131-unit lyf Tenjin Fukuoka is strategically located in Tenjin, the major shopping and recreational centre of Fukuoka, and is near the business district as well. The coliving p...
