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The Guild House Hotel, a National Historic Landmark Turned Luxury Boutique Hotel in Philadelphia Plans Summer Opening
THE GUILD HOUSE HOTEL | April 8, 2021
PHILADELPHIA, PA - April 8, 2021 - The Guild House hotel, a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of Philadelphia, announces today that it has officially launched its online booking platform in anticipation of opening day, June 6, 2021. Founded in 1882, the forward-thinking, independent female abolitionists, suffragists, artists, and writers behind The New Century Guild used this building as a hub for education, entertainment, and activism in the early 20th century. The newly revamped property, the Guild House Hotel seeks to celebrate its legacy by connecting the past with the present to create an intriguing and inspiring experience for g...
Incorporating Privacy by Design’s Positive-Sum Approach Into Your Smart Data Business Strategy
Pedro Nunes | April 8, 2021
How an effective privacy program combined with smart data capabilities can overcome customer concerns while opening the door to maximum service personalization and revenue growth. By Pedro Nunes, Chief Legal Officer and Data Protection Officer at Zoox Smart Data and Daniela Cabella, Head of Privacy and Data Compliance and Data Protection Officer at Zoox Smart Data Consumer-facing industries are seemingly at a crossroads where their customers expect to have products and services instantly personalized while zealously guarding their personal data that makes such custom-tailored experiences even possible. This concern understandably comes ...
March Group Data Shows U.S. Meetings and Events Continue to Rise
KNOWLAND | April 8, 2021
Knowland numbers reveal that group business is turning the corner ARLINGTON, Va. — April 8, 2021 — Knowland, the leader in AI-powered data for hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, conference centers and other meeting venues, today released its monthly meetings and events data for March. The numbers reveal that March U.S. group meetings volume increased 42.5 percent over last month. While corporate continues to lead the way from a segmentation perspective, there were multiple large sports tournaments, home shows, bridal expos, and mid-size association events throughout the month. Average attendees – The average number of atte...
Travel Outlook Celebrates 10th Anniversary as the Only Hotel Call Center Certified by Kennedy Training Network
TRAVEL OUTLOOK PREMIUM HOTEL CALL CENTER | April 7, 2021
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - April 7, 2021 - Travel Outlook Premium Hotel Call Center (“Travel Outlook”) is set to begin its tenth year of sustaining certification by Kennedy Training Network (“KTN”), a prestigious hotel industry training company with a diverse mix of clients all over the world. Founded in 2006 and based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, KTN’s experience in hotel call center training and mystery shopping assessment stretch back over three decades when its Founder and President, Doug Kennedy, first started conducting reservations sales training for hotel call center clients including Marriott, Westin, Omni, Kimpton, Best...
Revenue Management for Recovery
Amin Himani | April 7, 2021
By Amin Himani Emerging Trends – What to Expect This year more than ever, recognizing the discipline of Revenue Management in our industry must transcend into Revenue Strategy will be crucial for success. While navigating the unpredictable travel patterns in 2021, consider that the traditional pace, competitive sets, and value-proposition identified historically to be altered and a need to examine the implications of the pandemic on each market segment and its defining attributes is required. What this means is relying on the systems and tools which help analyze patterns and recommend pricing may no longer provide the most optimal rat...
Building Bleisure With Outdoor Office Pods
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | April 7, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky Remote work is here to stay. Even if companies start to require teams to return to a central office following full population vaccination, the benefits of allowing for flexible work conditions are too good to ignore. For the employer it can mean vastly reduced rental costs, while for the employee it means less time spent commuting and the ability to handle life’s other responsibilities more adeptly like young kids. But the drawback is the monotony of working, eating, relaxing and sleeping in the same place. Hotels are here to help the work-from-home (WFH) crowd as our properties can offer an inspirational ...
WTTC Research Reveals Travel & Tourism Sector’s Contribution to UK GDP Slumped a Shocking £148 Billion in 2020
WTTC | April 7, 2021
London, UK - April 7, 2021 - The World Travel & Tourism Council’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) today reveals that the dramatic collapse of the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector has wiped out a staggering £148 billion from the UK economy. The annual EIR from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, shows the sector’s contribution to GDP, dropped by a precipitous 62.3%. Travel & Tourism GDP fell from £238 billion (10.1%) in 2019 before the pandemic struck, to just £90 billion (4.2%), a mere 12 months later, in 2020. The year of crippling ...
Avoid Customer Confusion
Shep Hyken | April 7, 2021
By Shep Hyken Today’s customers are smarter than ever. They know how to buy. The digital/online world has given customers the power to research products, read reviews, and compare prices. Often, customers have made up their minds about what they are going to buy before they ever leave their home or office. They are armed with knowledge and information, ready to talk to the salesperson and buy what they came for. Often, that works out well for everyone. The smarter customer can save the salesperson time and effort. That gives a smart salesperson the opportunity to confirm the customer is making a good decision, ethically upsell or cr...
Abby Murtagh Appointed General Manager of Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort | April 7, 2021
PHOENIX, Ariz. – April 7, 2021 – Debuting May 1, 2021 after a landmark transformation, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Abby Murtagh as general manager. A renowned hotelier, Murtagh will usher in the groundbreaking reimagination of the sprawling 39-acre Frank Lloyd Wright inspired desert gem. As general manager, Murtagh will oversee general operations and development of the next chapter in the legendary resort’s history. She holds over two decades of executive leadership experience within heritage lifestyle, hotel and entertainment brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Th...
Jumeirah Group Appoints Ermanno Zanini as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Jumeirah Group | April 7, 2021
United Arab Emirates, Dubai - April 7, 2021 - Jumeirah Group, a global luxury hospitality company, has announced the appointment of Ermanno Zanini to the role of Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, its flagship hotel in the United Arab Emirates. In his new role, Ermanno will oversee all aspects of the global icon’s operations, building on his rich background to further cement the exceptional service that Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is renowned for. He will lead and support the team in its unwavering dedication to create unforgettable guest experiences, while maintaining oversight for Italy and Spain. Erma...
Grand Hyatt Vail Appoints Danielle Boyles as Director of Sales and Marketing
Grand Hyatt Vail | April 7, 2021
Vail, CO. – April 7, 2021 – An innovative and enthusiastic sales and marketing executive, Danielle Boyles brings proven expertise and thoughtful leadership to Grand Hyatt Vail. Eager to celebrate the year round appeal that the Vail Valley has to offer and the resort’s extensive array of experiences, Boyles is committed to showcasing Hyatt’s first Grand Hyatt hotel within a world-class U.S. mountain resort destination. Returning to the Hyatt family and with over 20 years sales and marketing experience, Boyles is no stranger to the hospitality business. Before joining the Grand Hyatt Vail team, Boyles spent several years in various s...
Oxford Capital and Quadrum Global to Rebrand Iconic Michigan Avenue Hotel Into Le Méridien Essex Chicago
Le Méridien Essex Chicago | April 7, 2021
CHICAGO, IL — April 7, 2021 — Oxford Hotels & Resorts, LLC, the Chicago-based hotel management affiliate of Oxford Capital Group, LLC, today announces the rebranding of Hotel Essex, the luxury lifestyle hotel located on Michigan Avenue adjacent to Grant Park, as Le Méridien Essex Chicago. The property, owned by an Oxford joint venture with Quadrum Global, and managed by Oxford Hotels & Resorts, will continue to operate as an independent hotel until it officially joins the Marriott Bonvoy family this summer. “We are excited to join forces with Marriott International to marry our midcentury modern landmark Hotel Essex with the...
HNH Hospitality Opens DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti in Italy
DoubleTree by Hilton | April 7, 2021
VENICE - April 7, 2021 - HNH Hospitality, among the top independent Italian operators, is pleased to announce the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti, in Piazza dell’Esquilino in the heart of the Eternal City. The hotel, owned by Reale Immobili, has been transformed into a prestigious hotel for business and leisure travelers. It will operate under the renowned international brand DoubleTree by Hilton, following a refurbishment by the firm THDP, specializing in architecture and interior design for hotels. DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti sits in a strategic position in one of the most dynamic and eclectic neighborhoods, Rione Monti...
Alila Napa Valley Appoints Ty Accornero as New General Manager
Alila Napa Valley | April 7, 2021
Napa Valley, Calif. – April 7, 2021 – Alila Napa Valley, the luxury boutique hotel and spa reopening March 15, 2021 in the community of St. Helena, has named Ty Accornero as General Manager, effective immediately. A Sonoma County native, Ty has been immersed in the hospitality industry for over 25 years and possesses a vast knowledge and familiarity of the region, a benefit to both visiting guests and locals alike. As part of his new role, Accornero will oversee all property operations, including 68 guest rooms and suites, Spa Alila and Fitness Center, over 5,500 square feet of meetings and events space and the exceptional signature rest...
Cendyn Names Jenny Cybul Chief Human Resources Officer
Cendyn | April 7, 2021
April 7, 2021 – Cendyn, the leading innovator in CRM, sales, and revenue strategy for the hospitality industry, is excited to announce the appointment of Jenny Cybul as Chief Human Resources Officer at Cendyn. Jenny is a results-driven, strategic leader who has proven success building and nurturing relationships at all organizational levels. She joins Cendyn with demonstrated expertise in benefits strategy, payroll leadership, international human resources, and collaborative problem solving to achieve company-wide goals. "We are incredibly excited to have Jenny join our team. Her wealth of experience and track record with people manag...
Rachel Clark Named Director of Sales & Marketing of SOPHY Hyde Park in Chicago
SOPHY® Hyde Park | April 7, 2021
Chicago, IL – April 7, 2021 – Rachel Clark has been named the Director of Sales & Marketing for SOPHY® Hyde Park hotel in Chicago. The 98-room boutique hotel is home to Mesler Restaurant & Bar and is located in the dynamic Hyde Park community, close to the new David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago as well as the site of the future Obama Presidential Center. Ms. Clark is a 15-year veteran of the hospitality industry. A Pennsylvania State University graduate in Hospitality Management, Clark started her sales career with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place as a Corporate Management Traine...
Atrium Hospitality Selects IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System to Help Drive Growth Strategy
IDeaS | April 7, 2021
With IDeaS partnership, Atrium transitions two hotel properties from manual revenue management environments MINNEAPOLIS — April 7, 2021 — IDeaS, a SAS company, the world’s leading provider of software and services, announced today it will implement IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System (RMS) at two properties for Atrium Hospitality: the Chateau on the Lake, Branson, and the Wyndham Grand, Oklahoma City. Seeking to drive greater profitability, productivity, and commercial growth across its portfolio of over 80 hotels, Atrium Hospitality sought a revenue technology partner it could count on to provide the most robust capabilities...
Luxor Capital Group Reveals Plans for New Ownership Partner of Ocean Casino Resort
OCEAN CASINO RESORT | April 6, 2021
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - April 6, 2021 - Luxor Capital Group, LP, the primary owner of Ocean Casino Resort, announced today that it is pursuing a partnership with the Ilitch organization. Subject to regulatory approvals and final closing conditions, the Ilitch organization would own, through an affiliate, up to 50% of Ocean, with Luxor owning the rest. This joint endeavor will bring to Atlantic City the extensive experience that the Ilitch organization has in the gaming industry through MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit's only locally owned and operated casino. MotorCity Casino Hotel offers luxury hotel accommodations and spa faciliti...
Quorum Hotels Assumes Management of Two Hotels in Fort Worth, TX and Mesa, AZ
Quorum Hotels & Resorts | April 6, 2021
DALLAS - April 6, 2021 - Quorum Hotels & Resorts, a leading independent provider of hospitality management solutions since 1987 has announced it assumed management of the Hyatt Place Fort Worth/TCU upon opening on February 11th. Quorum assisted ownership since 2018 in the design and development of the 150-key hotel which is the first and only hotel to be located on the campus of Texas Christian University (TCU). The hotel provides 3,500 square feet of meeting and event space, two (2) Top Golf Swing Suites and Lot 12, a rooftop outlet that includes a 6,500 square foot terrace overlooking the TCU campus and downtown Fort Worth. ...
Commonwealth Hotels Acquires Hyatt House and Hyatt Place Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville
Commonwealth Hotels, LLC | April 6, 2021
COVINGTON, Ky. - April 6, 2021 - Commonwealth Hotels is excited to announce the acquisition of the Hyatt House Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville and the Hyatt Place Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville. The neighboring hotels offer guests varying amenities in a comfortable location just 30 miles west of Chicago. "It is an exciting time to enter the Chicago market," Jennifer Porter, newly-appointed Chief Operations Officer, said. "We believe with our rapidly growing talent and dedicated on-property staffs that these hotels will provide ample positive memories for travelers visiting the Naperville and Warrenville communities." The H...
McNeill Hotels Announces Completion of Company-Wide Hotel Sales Training on Using “Tech for Touch”
Kennedy Training Network: | April 6, 2021
Memphis, Tenn. – April 6, 2021 – McNeill Hotel Company announced today the completion of the company-wide roll-out of an innovative hotel sales training and coaching program, entitled Hotel Sales Skills for Remote Buyers, delivered by Kennedy Training Network, Inc. “This program has helped us put the people part back into hotel sales,” said Mark Ricketts, President, “This approach aligns perfectly with McNeill’s overall focus on ‘people serving people,’ which is a core value of our company culture.” “For years now, hotel sales conversations have been taking place more and more by way of email, text and apps,” said ...
The Return of Business Travel
Robert Rauch | April 6, 2021
By Bob Rauch When Is business travel really coming back? Many corporate executives had all their meetings online in 2020. In 2021, we believe that will change soon due to the pace of vaccines, decline of COVID-19 cases, and negative impacts of closed economies. Regional sales trips are beginning again and airport executives suggest that business travelers are coming back. But when will this segment really return? Realistically, look at Q4 of 2021. Q2 will see an uptick, Q3 will be all about pent-up leisure demand and Q4 will see a strong return of business travel. Companies have been able to conduct business online with improved onl...
Marriott Executive Apartments Debuts in Doha
Marriott Executive Apartments® | April 6, 2021
DOHA — April 5, 2021 — Marriott Executive Apartments, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 leading brands, has announced its debut in Qatar with the opening of Marriott Executive Apartments City Center Doha. Owned by Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), the elevated serviced apartments answer the rapidly growing demand for longer stay accommodations that offer a sophisticated experience with amenities and services that mirror the comforts of home. “We are pleased to build on our fantastic relationship with ARTIC and open the first Marriott Executive Apartments in Qatar. With the current trend for ‘blei...
Majority of India Hotel Markets Remain in Recession Territory
STR | April 6, 2021
India hotels achieved a 50% occupancy level in February, which was the first time the country eclipsed that monthly mark since the start of the pandemic. Occupancy climbed to 54.5% (-23.5% year over year), while average daily rate (ADR) reached INR4,361.46, a drop of 31.4% year over year. The ADR level was the second highest since the start of the pandemic, trailing behind December 2020 (INR4,554.29). While the actual levels are something to cheer about, the year-over-year percentage changes have become less actionable when analyzing performance recovery. STR’s new Market Recovery Monitor compares the performance of key markets within...
