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IHG Signs With Bonnington Hospitality JLT for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai
IHG Hotels & Resorts | April 12, 2021
IHG® Hotels & Resorts , one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a franchise agreement with Bonnington Hospitality JLT for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai. Currently operating as Bonnington Hotel, home to the world-renowned McGettigan’s Pub & Restaurant group, the hotel will feature 208 keys and is expected to be rebranded to voco by Q3 2021. After the first voco opening in the Middle East in 2019, this latest development marks the tenth voco hotel in the Middle East and Africa region and adds to the growing brand portfolio with operating hotels in Dubai, Riyadh and Al Khobar and a strong pipeline acr...
New Castle Names Nicolas Messian as General Manager of Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada
the Algonquin Resort | April 12, 2021
RIDGEFIELD, Conn — April 12, 2021 — Guido Kerpel, COO of New Castle Hotels and Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, announced that Nicolas Messian has been named general manager of the landmark Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada. Previously, Messian was the hotel manager at the renowned Emirates Palace operated by Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. Messian brings to the Algonquin more than 20 years’ experience operating luxury, destination hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the United States and the Caribbean, including the Ritz Carlton Toronto, London’s famed Dorchester Hotel an...
Fragrance Group Plans May 2021 Opening of Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne
Mövenpick | April 12, 2021
Melbourne – 12 April 2021 – Accor, together with Singapore’s Fragrance Group Limited, will open Australia’s second Mövenpick hotel with the opening of Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer in May 2021. Situated at the meeting point of Melbourne’s iconic Spencer and Bourke Streets in the CBD, the 172-room premium hotel promises to indulge and delight guests with its contemporary design and boutique interiors, a dedicated cafe serving the brand’s signature ice cream, an exotic blend of modern South East Asian cuisine at it’s very own Miss Mi restaurant and bar, a daily Chocolate Hour and an assortment of other Mövenpick brand ...
Kohler Co. Veteran Shawn Dortman Appointed to General Manager of Green Bay’s LODGE KOHLER
Kohler Hospitality & Real Estate Group | April 12, 2021
KOHLER, Wis. — April 12, 2021 — Kohler Hospitality & Real Estate, part of Kohler Co., a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath plumbing products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn Dortman to the general manager of LODGE KOHLER, the AAA Four Diamond hotel in the heart of Titletown in Green Bay, WI, just steps from historic Lambeau Field. “It is a pleasure to announce the promotion of Shawn Dortman to general manager of LODGE KOHLER after 23-years with Kohler Co.,” said Christine Loose, vice president of lodging and wellness for Kohler Co. “Gracious hospitality has defined our lodging portfolio since its ince...
Andaz Brand Debuts in Indonesia With the Opening of Andaz Bali
Andaz | April 12, 2021
CHICAGO - April 12, 2021 - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Andaz Bali, marking the entry of the vibrant Andaz brand into Indonesia. Offering a contemporary take on the traditional Balinese village and its way of life, Andaz Bali is located in the heart of Sanur, a quaint seaside village known for its old-world charm, picturesque beaches and spectacular sunrises. “As we continue to offer our guests new and immersive ways to rediscover Bali, we are honored to introduce the Andaz brand to Sanur, where Indonesia’s first Hyatt-branded hotel opened more than 40 years ago,” said David Udell, group presid...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Morning Golf
David Lund | April 12, 2021
By David Lund In my career, I have worked in some incredible hotels and resorts. One of my resort experiences included a summer where a group of us would gather each morning and play nine holes of golf before work. This story is about a new set of clubs, the video lottery machines, the local bank and the cops. My story starts in late May one year about 25 years ago. A friend at work told me at lunch in the Bean that he just bought a staff membership to the hotel golf course. I remember saying I would love to get one too but with work and three girls at home, there was just no time. He gave me the gears for a few minutes on my excuses an...
Where Everybody Knows Your Name – Lessons on Guest Loyalty From a Beloved Sitcom
Amadeus | April 12, 2021
The American sitcom “Cheers” is ranked as one of the most popular television shows in history. Over 11 seasons and 275 episodes from 1982 - 1993, millions tuned in each week to see the latest happenings at local Boston drinking establishment "Cheers" (although we Bostonians know the show actually showed the exterior of the Bull & Finch pub). And while the show was mainly centered around various romances, social issues, and the personal dilemmas of the cast, it was the friendship, camaraderie, and good-natured joviality of the staff and guests that created a welcoming atmosphere that kept audiences returning each week. “Cheers” ...
StayNTouch Appoints Prabol Bhandari as CTO to Accelerate Innovation of Guest-Centric Cloud PMS
StayNTouch | April 12, 2021
StayNTouch, a leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS) and guest-centric technology, today announced the appointment of Prabol Bhandari as Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Bhandari comes to StayNTouch with over a decade of experience in cloud technology and data analytics, including as the Strategy Lead for Cloud Consumption at Dell/EMS, and as a Director at Anglepoint focusing on product development and business intelligence. As the Chief Technology Officer at StayNTouch, Mr. Bhandari will be responsible for growing StayNTouch’s product and engineering teams, driving forward technological innovation and architectural simplic...
PROVision Partners Welcomes Ted Horner as Senior Advisor
PROVision Partners | April 8, 2021
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, April 09, 2021 — PROVision Partners (“PROVision”), a leading global strategic growth, marketing, technology, and commercial services advisory firm to the travel and hospitality industry, announces the appointment of Ted Horner as a Senior Advisor. Horner is owner and managing director of the Sydney-based information and technology services firm, E Horner & Associates Pty Ltd. Horner is recognized both in Australia and internationally as one of the premier consultants in the industry for the past 30 years. He was inducted in 2004 to the Hospitality Technology and Financial Professionals (“HFTP”) Inte...
The Importance of Training and Onboarding Staff in a Post-Pandemic World
Jeff Venza | April 8, 2021
By Jeff Venza In any industry, hiring, training, and effectively onboarding new staff is a significant undertaking that is often wrought with nuanced challenges. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, however, we find ourselves in an entirely new landscape. Over the past 12 months, rapid digital transformation has enabled organizations to reimagine how they work and manage talent completely. By 2028, 73% of all departments will have remote workers (Upwork), and internal communication and support processes across organizations have been placed under a critical lens. Workflow breakdowns and lapses in best practices have come to the fore...
U.S. Market Recovery Monitor – 3 April 2021
STR | April 8, 2021
April 8, 2021 - Previous MRM versions: March 20 | March 27 Week Ending 3 April 2021 Weekly RevPAR rose to US$65.34, which was a 4.2% increase week over week and the industry’s highest level of the past 56 weeks when indexed to 2019. RevPAR has increased week over week all but three times this year. STR’s Market Recovery Monitor reflected the country’s stronger overall RevPAR performance with 73 markets either in Recovery or Peak categories. More encouraging, only 20 markets were in the Depression category, the least of the past 53 weeks. Top 25 Markets are also improving, and as a group, entered the Recession phase for the first...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 3 April
STR | April 8, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — April 8, 2021 — U.S. hotel occupancy remained flat from the previous week, while the country’s ADR and RevPAR levels were its highest since the beginning of March 2020, according to STR‘s latest weekly data through 3 April 2021. 28 March through 3 April 2021: Occupancy: 57.9% Average daily rate (ADR): US$112.76 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$65.33 The occupancy level was 1 point below the pandemic peak reached two weeks prior. The RevPAR value represented 73.1% of the comparable 2019 level, which is the closest the U.S. has come to RevPAR recovery territory in STR’s Mar...
COVID-19’s Impact on the San Antonio Lodging Market
David Bone | April 8, 2021
By David Bone, Shannon Sampson Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Downtown San Antonio was enjoying a decade of revitalization and growth. The year 2020 was poised to be a banner year, spurred by the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center’s $325-million renovation and expansion, which was completed in January 2016. Data provided by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts indicate that hotel revenue across the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA declined by roughly 53% in 2020. RevPAR for the MSA remained relatively stable in 2018 and 2019, before plummeting approximately $40 in 2020 to a historical low of $37. New hotel supply increased by alm...
First Radisson Serviced Apartment Hotel Opens in Western Europe
Radisson Hotel Group | April 8, 2021
Brussels/Amsterdam - 8 April 2021 - Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of its first serviced apartment property and eighth operating hotel in the Dutch capital. The 227 all-suite aparthotel Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South offers the perfect base for families and long-stay visitors. Nestled amidst a maze of canals in a leafy neighborhood, guests will have a quintessential Amsterdam experience with easy access to the city’s central business district. The upscale Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South is an aparthotel featuring 227 suites within eight suite types, spanning from 21m2 to 106m2. All the sui...
Luxurious New Hutton Brickyards Property to Power Relaxing Retreats With the INTELITY Platform
INTELITY | April 8, 2021
The groundbreaking redesign of a nineteenth century brick manufacturer, Hutton Brickyards will combine history and modern technology to create a truly unique stay for all guests Los Angeles, CA - April 8, 2021 - INTELITY®, the provider of hospitality’s broadest guest experience and staff management platform, has signed a deal with Hutton Brickyards to implement the full INTELITY platform at the new retreat located in Kingston, New York. Opening in May 2021, Hutton Brickyards will provide mobile, in-room, and staff capabilities that optimize operations and eliminate friction within the guest experience in order to foster genuine rela...
Alaia Belize Appoints Leadership Team Ahead of May Opening
ALAIA BELIZE | April 8, 2021
AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE – April 8, 2021 – Alaia Belize, one of the largest waterfront resorts and residential properties on the principal island of Belize, announced seasoned professional, Sandra Grisham-Clothier, as the general manager and veteran sales expert, Edward Donaldson, as the director of sales and marketing. In her new role, Grisham-Clothier will be responsible for the daily operations at the hotel to assure optimum performance, guest satisfaction and that the property upholds the high-quality standards of the Marriott brand. In his new role, Donaldson will develop a strategic plan to drive online bookings and lead marketing and...
The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel, Now Welcoming Guests in Lake Forest, Illinois
The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel | April 8, 2021
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – April 8, 2021 – A contemporary new hotel located at 200 N. Field Dr. in Conway Business Park, The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel developed by Janko Group and operated by Janko Hospitality is a one-of-a-kind boutique inspired offering from the Hyatt Place brand. Marking the first hotel to open in the North Shore suburb since 1929, the property’s concept is inspired by the city of Lake Forest’s motto, “Naturae et Scientiae Amor,” which translates to “Love of Science and Nature.” The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel is at a similarly unique crossroads, offering all the benefits of a Hyatt Place hotel, while a...
Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle Opens in Switzerland
Hyatt Regency | April 8, 2021
CHICAGO – April 8, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle, the first hotel under the Hyatt Regency brand in Switzerland. The 255-room hotel is located directly at Zurich’s brand-new hub The Circle, boasting retail shops, offices, health facilities, and restaurants, all situated on over 44 acres (180,000 square meters) and alongside a nearly 20 acre (80,000 square meter) park with greenery and running paths. Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle will be joined by the planned opening of a Hyatt Place branded hotel at The Circle hub. The Circle Convention Centre ...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Appoints Haitham Mattar as Managing Director of India, Middle East & Africa
IHG Hotels & Resorts | April 8, 2021
IHG® Hotels & Resorts , one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the appointment of Haitham Mattar as Managing Director of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), effective 18 April 2021. Haitham is a well-known industry veteran in the IMEA region, with over 25 years of experience in hospitality and tourism and an outstanding network across the industry. In his new role with IHG, Haitham will take on a broad leadership agenda to drive IHG’s business in the Middle East, Africa and the South West Asia region, covering both development and operations responsibilities across a portfolio of 165 operational hotels and a...
Dreamscape Companies Acquires The Saint Hotel in New Orleans
Aimbridge Hospitality | April 8, 2021
PLANO, TX – April 8, 2021 – Dreamscape Companies, a real estate development and investment firm, has acquired The Saint Hotel in New Orleans and has engaged Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading, global, third-party hotel management company, as their operating partner to manage The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection®. “We are very pleased to announce our acquisition of The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection and our partnership with Aimbridge Hospitality. With their deep operating acumen and proven record of success, we are certain we will see a continued mutually beneficial relationship on this transaction,” said Eric Birnbaum, Founder &...
Leslie Chiyoma Appointed General Manager of Grand Park Otaru on Ishikari Bay
Park Hotel Group | April 8, 2021
Grand Park Otaru, a luxury 296-room hotel located along Ishikari Bay in the beautiful sea-trading port of Otaru, today announced the appointment of Leslie Chiyoma as General Manager of the hotel. Leslie joins the hotel with more than 20 years of hospitality experience where he held leadership appointments with luxury hotel chains and select service hotels in Japan, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Born in Saitama, Japan, Leslie started his career as a sales manager in an international hospitality company. He worked across multiple functions and rose through the ranks to leadership positions that required him to oversee the development...
Pegasus Inks Agreement With Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts to Manage Dhawa Quy Nhon Vietnam
April 8, 2021
SINGAPORE – April 8, 2021 – Pegasus Investment and Consultancy JSC (“Pegasus”) and Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts today signed a hotel management agreement to operate Dhawa Quy Nhon Vietnam upon the completion of the resort, expected in 2023. Aiming to create an international tourist destination with beautiful landscape and architectural design, Dhawa Quy Nhon Vietnam will be managed by highly-acclaimed and deeply experienced Singapore hotel operator – Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts – under its Dhawa brand. With an estimated total investment value of S$100 million, Dhawa Quy Nhon Vietnam is the second phase of Pegasus Educati...
Wyndham Adds Turtle Island Beach Resort in the Caribbean to Trademark Collection
Trademark Collection by Wyndham | April 8, 2021
PARSIPPANY, N.J. – April 8, 2021 – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries, today announces the opening of Turtle Island Beach Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Belize. The hotel operated by Wyndham Hotels & Resort’s management division is set on a private island on the west side of pristine Ambergris Caye, just five minutes by boat from San Pedro Town. Owned by Castle Capital Investment LTD, the resort marks the third Wyndham-branded hotel in Belize and the second hotel on the island to convert to the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. ...
The Lodging Conference Is Tracking for a Great Turnout This September
THE LODGING CONFERENCE | April 8, 2021
New York - April 8, 2021 - With six months still to go, The 26th Annual Lodging Conference in Phoenix is tracking for an excellent turnout. The annual event, which attracts the top hotel owners and operators from around the country, was canceled last year because of the pandemic but demand for this September's event is very promising according to conference founder Harry Javer. "It's still early, but we already have 800+ hotel company executives signed up and rooms at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort are practically sold out. With vaccinations rolling out, and air travel picking up rapidly, we are expecting to have a great event ...
