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IDeaS Awards 2021 Cornell Revenue Management Sponsorships
IDeaS | April 21, 2021
Six new sponsorships presented to advance the careers of the hotel industry’s future revenue leaders from around the world MINNEAPOLIS — April 21, 2021 — IDeaS, the world’s leading provider of revenue management software and services, announced today the 2021 IDeaS Cornell Revenue Management Sponsorship recipients, continuing its ongoing program to foster professional development in the field of revenue management. IDeaS 2021 Cornell Revenue Management Sponsorships – Working in partnership with Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, these sponsorships present hospit...
Lodging Interactive’s RFPAssist Generates SMERF Event Leads to Hotels
Lodging Interactive and Commingle:Engage | April 21, 2021
Lodging Interactive, a full-service digital marketing, social media engagement, and reputation management agency exclusively serving the hospitality industry, today announced that, RFPAssist, its lead generation service now delivers SMERF (Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal) event sales leads to hotel sales teams. Originally developed to capture wedding sales leads, the service has now been enhanced to capture opportunities in other SMERF markets. “Our RFPAssist event lead generation service has proven to be extremely effective in driving wedding and catering leads to our hotel clients, generating on average 50+ new w...
Onyx CenterSource Expands Partnership With Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Onyx CenterSource | April 20, 2021
DALLAS (April 20, 2021) — Onyx CenterSource, a leading global provider of B2B payments and business intelligence to the hospitality industry, today announced that it has joined the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Alliance Partner Program. Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest provider of sales, marketing and distribution services to independent luxury hotels, has been an Onyx client for more than 10 years, having designated the Onyx CommPay service as a Preferred ProTool for its member hotels to facilitate the payment of commissions from hotels to travel agents. “Onyx enjoys a close relationship with Preferred Hotels ...
Marriott International Appoints Sandeep Walia as Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East
Marriott International | April 20, 2021
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - April 20, 2021 - Marriott International, Inc. (www.Marriott.com) has announced today the appointments of Sandeep Walia as Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Jerome Briet as Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa. Walia will step into the role on July 1, 2021, following the retirement of current COO, Guido De Wilde, announced last month. Briet will take on the role from Carlton Ervin, who was recently appointed as Marriott’s Global Development Officer, International. Walia, will be responsible for Marriott International’s 146 operating hotels across the Middle ...
March U.S. Hotel Performance Highest Since Pandemic
STR | April 20, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — April 20, 2021 — The U.S. hotel industry showed its highest performance levels since the beginning of the pandemic, according to March 2021 data from STR. March 2021: Occupancy: 54.6% Average daily rate (ADR): US$106.08 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$57.87 Occupancy and RevPAR were the highest for any month since February 2020, while ADR was the highest since March 2020. While year-over-year percentage changes show significant increases because of comparison with a pandemic-affected period in 2020, the country’s performance levels remained well below the pre-pandemic compar...
Travel is Heating Up: Two-Thirds of Americans Planning Summer Vacations
Tripadvisor | April 20, 2021
NEEDHAM, Mass. - April 20, 2021 - With summer right around the corner, it's not just the weather that's heating up. Tripadvisor's 2021 Summer Travel Index reveals that - with every passing day - travel is making a big comeback. Nearly half of Americans (43%) in a recent Tripadvisor survey believe travel activity will rebound within three months. With Americans no longer settling for staycations and local trips, it appears true vacation getaways are coming back en vogue. Over two-thirds of Americans (67%) are planning to travel this summer (June 1 - August 31), which is a 17% increase from those who traveled this spring (March 1- May 31)....
Travel + Leisure Announces the 2021 It List of Best New Hotels
TRAVEL + LEISURE | April 20, 2021
NEW YORK - April 20, 2021 - Meredith Corporation's Travel + Leisure announces its annual It List of the best new hotels of the year, spotlighting the 73 most remarkable new and newly redone properties around the globe. Selected by the editors of Travel + Leisure, the hotels on this 16th annual list provide experiences that are sure to inspire wanderlust, offering travelers more reasons to make plans to get up and go. The 2021 It List is featured in the May issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands now, and at www.travelandleisure.com/it-list. Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure, said, "It's an honor to recognize each o...
The Need For Talented Employees in the Hotel and Tourism Industry
EHL | April 20, 2021
By Rémi Walbaum With 1 out of 10 jobs currently supported by the Travel and Tourism industry, 9.9% of global employment, it’s evident that this is one of the world’s largest economic sectors. In fact, according to The Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism research for 2018 conducted by the World Travel and Tourism Council, “it is estimated that nearly 100 million new jobs could be created over the decade ahead”. The tourism market is growing rapidly and the need for talented employees in our industry will keep increasing accordingly. Countries such as Switzerland, where the hotel and tourism market is mature, will ...
HP Hotels Names Kerry Ranson as CEO
HP Hotels Management, Inc. | April 20, 2021
Birmingham, Alabama - April 20, 2021 - HP Hotels, a leading full-service third-party hotel management company, announced today that Kerry V. Ranson, formerly the firm’s Chief Development Officer, has become its new Chief Executive Officer. HP Hotels Chairman Mike Hines made the announcement. As CEO, Kerry will continue to lead the company's strategic vision to grow and further diversify its third-party property and asset management portfolio, as well as its array of advisory services. He will also be responsible for managing and helping develop the firm’s executive leadership team; work closely with the HP Hotels’ Advisory Committee...
Hotel Imperial Plovdiv, a Member of Radisson Individuals, Debuts in Bulgaria
Radisson Hotel Group | April 20, 2021
Brussels/Plovdiv - 20 April 2021 - Located in Bulgaria’s cosmopolitan second city and highlighted as European Capital of Culture 2019, Radisson Hotel Group is delighted to announce the opening of Hotel Imperial Plovdiv, a member of Radisson Individuals. The newest addition to the dynamic portfolio of the Radisson Individuals brand, which initially launched in Europe in Q4 2020, also marks the group’s return to the Bulgarian market. Hotel Imperial Plovdiv, a member of Radisson Individuals offers 194 spacious guest rooms and suites with spectacular views overlooking the city center, the Plovdiv's Hills or the charming private garden. ...
Cross Hotels & Resorts Signs With Kasetsinn Co. to Open Cross Pattaya Phratamnak
Cross Hotels & Resorts | April 20, 2021
Bangkok – April 20th, 2021 – Cross Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading hotel operator, recently signed a significant hotel management agreement with Kasetsinn Co., Ltd. to open Cross Pattaya Phratamnak. In the face of the ongoing pandemic, Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to carve a leadership role in the hospitality sector as it once again proves that being agile in the marketplace pays dividends. Cross Pattaya Phratamnak will be the first property after their luxury brand renaming from X2 (Cross To) to Cross. Synonymous with travel and the crossing of oceans, continents and countries, Cross’ pillars of core beliefs i...
Marriott International Signs Agreement to Debut JW Marriott Brand in Spain
Marriott International | April 20, 2021
Marriott International today announced it has signed an agreement to introduce the JW Marriott brand to Madrid, offering discerning guests a new destination to rediscover a balance in mind, body and spirit, in the heart of the city. Located in the central Plaza de Canalejas, JW Marriott Madrid will be developed by Millenium Hotels Real Estate as part of their lease agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Belagua and is expected to open in 2022. “Having recently opened our 100th JW Marriott hotel worldwide, we are excited to debut the JW Marriott brand in Madrid. This incredible city is home to iconic architecture, an enviable culinar...
Karen Chastain Appointed General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel | April 20, 2021
DANA POINT, CA – April 20, 2021 – Southern California’s premier coastal resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, proudly announces the appointment of a new General Manager Karen Chastain, who joins the oceanfront resort from Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino where she served as Complex General Manager. She returns to California, overseeing The Ritz-Carlton’s flagship just as the resort unveils a captivating guestroom, suite, and Club Level renovation. With over 28 years of industry experience, she brings a strong leadership foundation with expertise in finance, operations, strategic management, and career development. ...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Set to Open The Opus, Westchester, an Autograph Collection Hotel
The Opus, Westchester, Autograph Collection | April 20, 2021
WHITE PLAINS, New York – April 20, 2021 – The Opus, Westchester, an Autograph Collection hotel, managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, is set to open its doors April 2021 in White Plains, New York, just 35 minutes from the heart of New York City. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, hotels in the Autograph Collection offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint. At The Opus, inspired interiors by New York-based Celano Design Studio will bring a luxe residential flair, capturing the calm of an inviting sanctuary retreat with a city soul and rich urban experience inf...
Casetta Group’s Casa Cody Reopens, Debuts Revitalization and Historic Restoration
CASETTA GROUP | April 20, 2021
PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. – April 20, 2021 – Casa Cody, the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, has reopened following a significant restoration and revitalization project under the management of Casetta Group to usher the renowned Palm Springs establishment into the present day with respect to its Spanish Colonial Revival heritage, adobe hacienda architecture and enduring spirit. A time-honored oasis under the open skies of the California desert, Casa Cody’s next chapter is a symphony of classic elegance with historical elements alongside a modern aesthetic and lifestyle amenities and services. Quiet and secluded yet just steps f...
Hyatt Place New York Chelsea Set to Open in August 2021
HYATT PLACE | April 20, 2021
CHICAGO – April 20, 2021 – Hyatt Place New York Chelsea is set to open in August 2021. The new 45 story, 510-room hotel will offer business and leisure travelers an open, intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, 24-hour food offerings and the 24-hour fitness center. “New York is a world-class city and key business and leisure destination, and Hyatt Place New York Chelsea will add a wonderful new option for our multitasking travelers who can accomplish all they need to do while on the road visiting the heart of the city that never sleeps,” said General Manager Gary Maida. Hyatt Place New Y...
Hotel Lawyer: How does the Supreme Court’s Google v. Oracle case impact the hotel industry?
Jeffrey Goldman | April 20, 2021
By Jim Butler, Jeff Goldman The recent ruling in Google v. Oracle has altered the definition of “fair use” when it comes to functional works such as code. While the use of existing creative works must still be transformative in order to avoid violating copyright laws, it will now be much easier to claim fair use when building on existing functional creations. JMBM’s Entertainment Litigation Chair Jeff Goldman explains the case below and discusses its potential impact on the hotel industry. It was hyped as the “copyright case of the century.” Justice Clarence Thomas, in his dissent, frets that the majority “transforms the d...
HSMAI Foundation Distributes COVID Relief Grants to More Than 260 Hospitality Professionals Around the World
HSMAI Foundation | April 20, 2021
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation is supporting the hospitality industry by distributing more than $130,000 in HSMAI Foundation COVID Relief Fund grants to more than 260 hospitality professionals around the world. The HSMAI Foundation COVID Relief Fund was established in 2020 with the generous support of benefactors and individual donors. The fund provides HSMAI membership and educational grants for HSMAI programs to members and non-member industry professionals in need due to challenging circumstances related to the global pandemic. The first quarterly call for HSMAI Foundation COVID R...
Owner of Two of the South’s Leading Properties Chooses Advanced Vapor Technologies’ MondoVap 2400® Steam Vapor Systems for Cleaning &
Advanced Vapor Technologies | April 20, 2021
AIKEN, S.C. — April 20, 2021 — At Aiken, South Carolina’s The Willcox and Lake Toxaway, North Carolina’s The Greystone Inn—lauded for their southern hospitality by readers of the world’s leading travel publications—owner Shannon Ellis is using MondoVap® 2400 machines from Advanced Vapor Technologies to keep the properties sparkling clean and disinfected with just one ingredient: ordinary tap water. “There is nothing safer than working with water rather than chemicals,” says Kerry Rigg, an OSHA instructor who visited The Willcox and The Greystone Inn a year ago to train staff on the MondoVap®. [caption id="attachment_...
Radisson Hotel West Memphis Adopts BeyondTV for Enhanced Guestroom Entertainment Personalization and Contactless Convenience
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | April 20, 2021
Soon to open full-service hotel leverages HIS technology to address guest preferences for access to streamed subscriptions while boosting in-room contactless service abilities. WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — April 20, 2021 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, has announced the successful deployment of its BeyondTV guestroom entertainment and service solution at Radisson Hotel West Memphis. A full-service property set to open May 4, Radisson Hotel West Memphis’ adoption of BeyondTV forms a vital part of the property’s goal to provide its guests with a pe...
Cloud5 Earns Top Hospitality Partner Recognition by Mitel With Technical Excellence for 2020 Award
Cloud5 Communications | April 20, 2021
Communications technology provider endorsed for its best in class solutions and leading hospitality industry expertise. Chicago, IL. — April 20, 2021 — Cloud5 Communications, a leading provider of communications solutions for the world’s top hotel brands and management companies, has been named the winner of the Technical Excellence Award for 2020 by Mitel, a global leader in telecommunications technology. Providing a full-service range of high-performing internet solutions, voice systems and managed IT services, Cloud5’s latest achievement serves as further recognition of the company’s technological ingenuity and high le...
Cycas Hospitality Secures Three Hotels Deals Across Europe in First Quarter of 2021
Cycas Hospitality | April 19, 2021
Cycas to manage the E&O Group’s first European serviced apartment property, in London Cycas has also taken over the management of Qbic Brussels and Qbic Manchester, which opens May 2021 Cycas Hospitality’s European expansion plans continue, following the signing of three hotel management agreements across the UK and Belgium so far this year. The first property deal is with Eastern & Oriental (E&O) to manage the E&O Group’s inaugural European serviced apartment property; a 54-room luxury property in the heart of London. Expected to open in autumn 2021, The Lincoln Suites will offer 28 one-bedroom suites, and 26 studio...
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Appoints Steven J. Smith as General Manager
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa | April 19, 2021
San Antonio, Texas – April 19, 2021 – Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, the premier Hill Country resort located on 300 acres in San Antonio, announces Steven J. Smith as general manager. Smith joins the property from Hyatt Regency Houston. “I am thrilled to join the great team at Hyatt Regency Hill Country and to become involved in the vibrant community here in San Antonio,” said Steven J. Smith, general manager of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. “As 2020 was a difficult time in travel, it is my goal to showcase our amazing resort and the world-class experience it provides for guests, while providing unmat...
WTTC Reveals U.S. Travel & Tourism Sector Suffered Loss of $766 Billion in 2020
WTTC | April 19, 2021
MIAMI, FL - April 15, 2021 - The annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today revealed the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector suffered a significant loss of $766 billion* in 2020. In 2019, the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector accrued a GDP of nearly $1.9 trillion. However, WTTC’s research found that in 2020, a year in which the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the industry, the country saw a 41% decrease to the sector’s GDP contribution. With the U.S. being the largest Travel & Tourism economy in the world, the country’s recovery plays an important role in the rebound of the sector on a g...
