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Angevin & Co. Acquires The Frenchmen Hotel in New Orleans
Angevin & Co. | June 3, 2021
NEW ORLEANS, June 3, 2021 -- In a move that returns entrepreneur Robert Thompson to his southern roots, the food and beverage veteran's newly established New Orleans hospitality firm, Angevin & Co., has completed the purchase of the historic boutique hotel, The Frenchmen Hotel (417 Frenchmen St., New Orleans, LA 70116). The Frenchmen is the first investment of many planned for Thompson and his team as the Mississippi native joins the burgeoning New Orleans hospitality industry. Working in the restaurant and hospitality industry since he was 16 years old, Thompson has owned and operated food and beverage establishments fo...
Valor Hospitality Partners Adds 17 IHG Hotels in the UK to Management Portfolio
Valor Hospitality Partners | June 3, 2021
ATLANTA, Ga. – June 3, 2021 – Valor Hospitality Partners, a global, full-service hotel Management Company offering a full suite of services, announced today their most recent operating agreement with the addition of 17 regional IHG® Hotels & Resorts branded hotels in partnership with owner MCAP Global Finance (UK) LLP, an affiliate of New York based investment manager Marathon Asset Management, L.P. (“Marathon”). The addition of the expansive hotel portfolio doubles the global hospitality management company's United Kingdom footprint. This growth is fueled by Valor’s guiding principle to offer unique, differentiated experien...
HRI Lodging Assumes Management of Aloft Santa Clara in San Jose, California
HRI Lodging | June 3, 2021
NEW ORLEANS, June 3, 2021 – HRI Lodging, LLC, a leading third-party management company, will assume management of the Aloft Santa Clara in San Jose, California. The 175-room property, 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, 2,800 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space plus an outdoor deck, and the brand’s signature W XYZ bar. Guestrooms are tech-forward and enhanced by oversized spa showers and bright décor. The hotel is conveniently located in Alviso within the America ...
Sustainable Hospitality Design: Catching Up
Scott P. Rosenberg | June 3, 2021
By Scott Rosenberg The world’s environment is affected primarily by real estate, transportation, and manufacturing. Due to the influence that these industries have on each other, it is clear that designing and operating sustainable buildings have a tremendous impact on the environment. Some of the concerns addressed by sustainability practices include inefficient site planning; lack of smart growth; waste of water, electricity, and energy; overconsumption and excessive waste; not using sustainable materials; minimizing transportation; the lack of healthy indoor air quality; increased pollution; depletion of the ozone layer; and climate...
Targeting Hotel Staycation Demand in Canada and Beyond
Sarah Schehade | June 3, 2021
By Sarah Schehade, Luc Espaillard, Monique Rosszell When the pandemic caused traditional sources of hotel demand to collapse, Staycation demand took on a new prominence as one of the few remaining sources of leisure demand available. Hoteliers that had never courted Staycation demand in the past were left scrambling to put together packages and marketing plans with the hope of getting at least some heads in beds during this time of market meltdown. Hoteliers were thus confronted with a new problem: how does one build effective packages to develop a Staycation demand base from scratch? In the ensuing turmoil, many plans were implemented,...
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest Unveils Extensive Transformation and Expansion
Radisson Blu | June 3, 2021
3 June 2021 — Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the relaunch and repositioning of Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest, following a major capital investment to elegantly transform the hotel’s lobby and garden area, as well as increase the hotel’s room inventory by more than 600 rooms. The award-winning hotel will be joining Europe’s largest upper-upscale brand and Romania’s market leader, Radisson Blu, as part of Radisson Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups. Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest’s extensive transformation includes a brand-new redesigned lobby and a revamped inner garden with a ded...
Moxy Hotels Debuts in Mainland China With Opening of Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD
Moxy Hotels | June 3, 2021
SHANGHAI, CHINA — June 3, 2021 — Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD (Central Business District) has officially opened its doors today, debuting the Moxy Hotels brand in mainland China. Designed for the young and the young-at-heart, Moxy Hotels – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands – enables guests to save on space and splurge on experiences. With thoughtful, tech-enabled bedrooms, interactive gathering spaces and approachable service, Moxy boldly reinvents the traditional hotel stay and aims to surprise travelers with a playful, spirited and fun guest experience. The new 158-room hotel is conveniently locate...
106 Jefferson Hotel Appoints Executive Leadership Team
106 JEFFERSON | June 3, 2021
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – June 3, 2021 – 106 Jefferson, a Curio Collection hotel by Hilton, managed by Valor Hospitality Partners announced today the appointment of Hugo Reyes Duran as general manager and Mary Beth Lewis as director of sales and marketing. The 115-room upscale boutique hotel will offer an exceptional hotel experience rooted in the spirit of the community with a look and feel harkening back to the era of the space race that lifted the community to new heights. As general manager, Reyes Duran will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s opening process, as well as day-to-day operations, guest relations and staff management. A ...
PebbleBrook Appoints Laurayne Croke to Complex Director of Sales & Marketing for Two Key West Resorts
SOUTHERNMOST BEACH RESORT | June 3, 2021
KEY WEST, Fla. – June 3, 2021 – PebbleBrook Hotel Trust (PEB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurayne Croke to Complex Director of Sales & Marketing for the Southernmost Beach Resort and The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, both located in Key West, FL. In this role, Croke will be responsible for all sales and marketing efforts in addition to managing all public relations and social media efforts. Both resorts are managed by Highgate. “We are delighted to welcome Laurayne Croke to the team, and we value her expertise as a trusted professional who keeps a finger on the pulse of travel behavior, group event trends and mark...
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine Finalizes Property-Wide Renovation
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine | June 3, 2021
LA JOLLA, Calif. — June 3, 2021 — Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine announces today the completion of its property-wide, multiphase $10 million dollar renovation. Debuting a fresh, elevated design inspired by the surrounding locale, the celebrated San Diego property introduces a remodeled exterior and interior with a transformed lobby, social and event spaces. Located in the coastal town of La Jolla, Hyatt Regency La Jolla is a conveniently located retreat just minutes from picturesque beaches, University of California San Diego, Westfield UTC, and many of San Diego’s most famed attractions. Originally opened in 1989, Hyatt Regency L...
React Mobile Names John Stachowiak Interim CEO
React Mobile | June 3, 2021
Robb Monkman to remain on React Mobile Board of Directors; Shift in corporate strategy expected to catapult growth and extend the employee safety device platform to other verticals Seattle, WA — June 3, 2021 — Hospitality employee safety device leader React Mobile today announced its Chief Executive Officer Robb Monkman has resigned. Monkman will remain on the Board of Directors and assist with steering company growth. Board member John Stachowiak, a three-time CEO and four-time CFO, will fill the post in the interim. A search for a permanent React Mobile CEO is underway. Stachowiak is an accomplished senior executive with more...
Vizergy® Named Partner of the Year for Its Leading-Edge Digital Sales and Marketing Platform
Vizergy® Digital Marketing | June 3, 2021
Hospitality marketing leader recognized for its continuous commitment to excellence in driving mutual success. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – June 3, 2021 – Hard Rock International (HRI) presented Vizergy® Digital Marketing with their prestigious Partner of the Year award. Vizergy received this recognition for its excellence in overall performance, brand involvement and collaboration. “Hard Rock International’s partner in the hotel and cafe website platform, Vizergy, showed a relentless commitment to excellence throughout the global website project,” said HRI Vice President of Operations Andrea Melotti. “Unintimidated by the complexi...
Cloud5 Communications Ranked Top HSIA Provider in May GPNS Vendor Report by Marriott International
Cloud5 Communications | June 3, 2021
Chicago, IL. — June 3, 2021 —Cloud5 Communications, a leading provider of communications solutions for the world’s top hotel brands and management companies, has been recognized by Marriott International as achieving the highest vendor ranking in May for High-Speed Internet service based on its stringent Global Property Network Standards (GPNS). Cloud5 is one of a small group of providers that has earned the GPNS “Full” designation and is also among the select few approved to install and support HSIA at Marriott’s large, full service managed properties. Cloud5 outranked competing vendors in May’s GPNS report for areas includin...
Spotlight on Campus Hotels Leading Economic Recovery
Olympia Hotel Management | June 3, 2021
A Conversation with John Schultzel, Chief Growth Officer of The Olympia Companies Portland, ME – June 3, 2021. There’s growing evidence that campus hotels are a good barometer for economic and pandemic recovery, especially as the industry looks to fall 2021 when colleges reopen and there’s a return to in-person learning. No one knows this better than Olympia Hotel Management, a division of The Olympia Companies, and an industry leader continually refining the concept of campus hotels for the past decade. The company, whose goal is to genuinely and creatively link campus and community, has been in the forefront of campus hospitality,...
Atrium Hospitality Debuts Newly Branded Hilton Charlotte Airport Featuring Multimillion-Dollar Hotel Renovation
Hilton | June 2, 2021
CHARLOTTE, N.C. & ALPHARETTA, Ga.- June 2, 2021 - The “Queen City” now has a new option for clean, safe guest stays and reimagined gatherings. The newly branded Hilton Charlotte Airport at 2800 Coliseum Centre Drive in Charlotte is well prepared to welcome back guests as travel resumes. Our 275-suite hotel has a long history as a leader in upscale hospitality services and events in the CLT Airport market and Uptown Charlotte. Our property’s multimillion-dollar modern makeover is designed to delight guests and enrich their hotel experiences. The Hilton Charlotte Airport features 28,300 square feet of newly renovated meeting space and...
Ocean House Collection Names Dant Hirsch President and Managing Director
Ocean House Collection | June 2, 2021
WATCH HILL, R.I. - June 2, 2021 - Ocean House Collection, New England's leading luxury hospitality brand, today announced the appointment of Dant Hirsch as President and Managing Director. Ocean House Collection was founded by Charles and Deborah Royce in 2010 with the redevelopment of Ocean House, a Forbes Triple Five-Star hotel, now one of only 14 properties in the world to have that designation. Today, the organization consists of some of the most prestigious properties in the world, also including the Forbes Five-Star Weekapaug Inn. "Dant has the leadership track record, the creativity and the vision to successfully lead thi...
How to Compete With Amazon
Shep Hyken | June 2, 2021
By Shep Hyken Amazon has changed the way customers think. It has pushed customer service and experience to a higher level. The result is that consumers are more demanding and have higher expectations. It doesn’t matter what type of business or industry, Amazon has changed what customers want and expect from any type of business. This is actually good for everyone. So, how do you compete with Amazon? Five Ways to Compete with Amazon 1. Stop Competing: The first step is to change your mindset. Stop thinking of this as an all-out competition. Even if you’re in the retail world and sell the same merchandise as...
Tourist Numbers Down 83% But Confidence Slowly Rising
UNWTO | June 2, 2021
International tourist arrivals were down 83% in the first quarter of 2021 as widespread travel restrictions remained in place. However, the UNWTO Confidence Index shows signs of a slow uptick in confidence. Between January and March 2021 destinations around the world welcomed 180 million fewer international arrivals compared to the first quarter of last year. Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the lowest levels of activity with a 94% drop in international arrivals over the three-month period. Europe recorded the second largest decline with -83%, followed by Africa (-81%), the Middle East (-78%) and the Americas (-71%). This all follows...
Using an On-Demand Worker Platform to Thrive When Groups Return
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | June 2, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky When are groups coming back? This is undoubtedly a question on many hoteliers’ minds, but perhaps the better question is, how are you going to manage operations when they do come back? Right now, the industry is narrowly focused on two central issues – the post-pandemic surge in leisure guests (as epitomized by the concept of ‘revenge travel’) and the labor shortages resulting from so many furloughed staffers permanently leaving the industry (amongst other factors). Both of these matters not only influence the groups segment, but also compound many of their underlying problems. To help navigate th...
How Human Touch in Service Encounters Makes a Winning Customer Experience Strategy
Dr Sébastien Fernandez | June 2, 2021
By Dr. Sébastien Fernandez This article focuses on the power of touch in service encounters. It is a timely topic as physical distances in restaurants have never been so important. In many countries, restaurants are closed. In other countries, tables in restaurants are kept separate at a significant distance, and service providers and customers wear masks. Social distancing is nowadays required. Touch is no longer a sign of care and affection but may constitute a fatal weapon. Even before the pandemic, many people unfavorably perceived touch, considering tactile contact among service providers and guests as inappropriate or even rude. Whe...
Plava Laguna Partners With IDeaS to Automate Revenue Management Processes
IDeaS | June 2, 2021
Croatian multi-segment, leisure hotel company implements IDeaS G3 RMS ahead of returning demand LONDON—June 2, 2021—IDeaS, a SAS company, the world’s leading provider of hotel revenue management software and services, announced today that Plava Laguna, a multi-segment, leisure hotel company, selected IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System (RMS) to automate processes and leverage the technology ahead of an anticipated busy summer season. Plava Laguna’s multi-segment portfolio includes hotels, villas, apartment resorts, campsites with pitches, glamping tents and mobile homes. Plava Laguna used the quiet period of the pandemic to evaluat...
WTTC Projects 2M U.S. Jobs Could Be Created This Year Should International Travel Resume This Summer
WTTC | June 2, 2021
Miami, FL - June 2, 2021 - The latest research compiled by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), reveals that more than two million jobs could be created if international travel reopens before the busy summer period. However, if current restrictions continue and international travel is not allowed to resume at a greater capacity over the next few months, WTTC warns that the potential U.S. job recovery will be cut in half, to only one million generated. WTTC’s latest economic modeling found that $105 billion in the U.S.’s Travel & Tourism sector contribution to the national economy is at stake should travel not resume....
HFTP E20X Dubai Competition Debuts in the Middle East With Eight Start-Up Competitors, Software Platform Company Hoick Announced Winner of the Judges
HFTP | June 2, 2021
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) successfully featured eight start-up companies with innovative technology solutions at its Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) competition at HITEC® Dubai on June 1, 2021. This was the Dubai debut for E20X, which was first established in 2015 at HITEC North America. The competitors each pitched their solution to a panel of six industry experts for four minutes, which was then immediately followed by four minutes of Q&A from the judges. At the conclusion, the judges selected the top competitor and presented The Judges’ Choice Award, which included a $2,500 USD prize. The 2021 E20X was held...
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Debuts Registry Collection Hotels With Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun | June 2, 2021
PARSIPPANY, N.J. – June 2, 2021 – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries, today unveiled its 21st brand, Registry Collection HotelsSM, adding a luxury offering to the upper end of the Company’s growing brand portfolio while further advancing its mission to make hotel travel possible for all. The launch of Registry Collection Hotels comes at a time when a growing number of independent luxury hotel owners are seeking out proven and established partners to help them recover from the challenges of the global pandemic. Registry Collection Hotels a...
