The Tricycle of Guest Service Excellence: A Perfect Model For Remarkable Experiences
Doug Kennedy | October 4th, 2024
Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2nd, 2024
Hāna-Maui Resort Appoints Ryan Parker as General Manager
Hāna-Maui Resort | July 8, 2024
HĀNA, HI (July 8, 2024) – Hāna-Maui Resort, A Destination by Hyatt, announces the appointment of Ryan Parker as general manager. In this new role, Parker oversees the day-to-day functions of the resort, including supervising in-house staff, managing monthly and yearly budgets, implementing marketing strategies and beyond. “As an innately caring leader with an uncompromised focus on high-quality standards, Ryan is the perfect fit to lead day-to-day functions for our dynamic resort and nurture our connection to the eastern side of Maui and the tightknit town of Hāna,” said Mark Jennings, Senior Vice President of Lifestyle Operations ...
Digital Trends in Accommodation: Hotels, Booking.com and DMA
HOTREC | July 8, 2024
The European hotel industry has long been warning of unfair business practices from OTAs. Competition and collaboration are crucial for the hospitality sector, but create challenges that impact prices, operations, and guest experiences. As the largest OTA, Booking.com is now a gatekeeper platform under the DMA. The dominant platform will finally have to comply to the new digital rules. This should allow hotels to offer better prices on their own distribution channels. The results of our 2024 Hotel Distribution Study confirm the need for new digital rules that will ensure fair competition in the hotel accommodation sector. The findings...
AHLA Workforce Report: Hotels Add 700 Jobs in June
AHLA | July 8, 2024
Hotels more than 196,000 jobs short of pre-pandemic levels amid economy-wide labor shortage WASHINGTON (July 8, 2024) – U.S. hotels added 700 jobs to their payrolls in June, according to the latest government data that shows the nationwide workforce shortage continues to make it difficult for hotels to fill open jobs. Total hotel employment stands at about 1.92 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s more than 196,000 fewer workers in the industry than in February 2020, just before the pandemic hit, a shortfall that reflects the scarcity of available employees. BLS also revised down the total number of hot...
Arch Amenities Group Appoints Michael Leahy as Chief Financial Officer
Arch Amenities Group | July 8, 2024
ROCKVILLE, Maryland (July 8, 2024) – Arch Amenities Group, a full-service, global provider of wellness, amenity management and meeting services for commercial and residential properties, hotels, private clubs and pools, today announced the appointment of travel and hospitality veteran Michael Leahy as chief financial officer. “Michael Leahy is a resourceful finance and team leader with an analytical approach to problem-solving and the ability to effectively communicate and coordinate efforts across all levels of an organization to achieve key deliverables,” said Steven Rudnitsky, Arch chairman. “He will support each of our businesses...
How To Train Your Guest Service Staff To Turn Every Conversation Into a Sales & Marketing Opportunity – Complimentary Registration Now Open
Doug Kennedy | July 8, 2024
Sponsored By Travel Outlook, Better Talent, and Track Hospitality Software Register your team and participate live, or view the recording, of Doug Kennedy’s next 40-minute training webcast scheduled for Monday, July 22, from Noon – 12:45pm EST. REGISTER HERE As tech solutions continue to replace “touch points” in the guest’s “cycle of service,” each remaining “conversation” becomes ever more important, especially since guests are more likely to reach out to our humans either when things go wrong, or when they have a special request or need. “With so many guests booking online, often through third parties, with an ev...
Weekend Events Drove Dublin Hotel Rates Past €300
CoStar Group | July 3, 2024
Boosted by three large-scale events during the final weekend of June, Dublin hotel average daily rate (ADR) eclipsed EUR300 for just the second time this year and sixth time in history, according to preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. Taylor Swift headlined the busy weekend in Dublin with three performances from Friday-Sunday (28-30 June) at the Aviva Stadium. Swift’s tour overlapped with Dublin Pride, which took place on Saturday as well as the All-Ireland GAA quarterfinals on Saturday and Sunday. The market’s ho...
APAC: Economic Boom or Financial Gloom?
HotStats | July 3, 2024
By Tareq Bagaeen 2024 has been very intense. Throughout my career as a hotelier, I've gone through 9/11, a few wars, a world financial crisis, pandemics, and a tsunami to name but a few significant milestones. And yet, 2024 has been the most intense year for me thus far in the quarter century of hospitality life. So, what is going on? It seems like my email inbox is impossible to keep clean. Projects keep stacking up one after another, I've already flown over 185,000 miles in 180 days, and every time I open LinkedIn, I find news of a major new signing or opening for the hotel industry around the Asia Pacific, and on top of it all I see ...
Travel & Tourism in Latin America Could Boost Region’s Economy by US$260BN Over the Next Decade
The World Travel & Tourism Council | July 3, 2024
WTTC’s latest report highlights actions to boost sector’s growth Mexico City, Mexico: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the Latin American (LATAM) Travel & Tourism sector could add nearly US$260BN to the region’s economy and create nearly eight million new jobs over the next 10 years. According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in LATAM’, this potential growth is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 3.4%, reaching a contribution of nearly US$909.2BN. The report includes a policy package focused on...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 29 June
CoStar Group | July 3, 2024
WASHINGTON – 3 July 2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported higher performance results from the previous week and positive comparisons year over year, according to CoStar’s latest data through 29 June. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 23-29 June 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 71.9% (+3.2%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$162.81 (+3.6%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$117.13 (+6.9%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Minneapolis saw the highest year-over-year increases in each of the three key performa...
What Is Sustainable Travel: 10 Best Practices
Dr. Carlos Martin-Rios | July 3, 2024
As academics specializing in the travel, tourism and hospitality (TTH) industry, we have trained and advised dozens of companies in their journey towards sustainable businesses. There is so much more to sustainable travel & tourism than the generic statements you see on brand websites - which are invarably an attempt to greenwash. TTH firms are accountable and must take the changes taking place seriously, from Greta Thunberg's movement to new priorities in the World Economic Forum´s agenda or the ever-growing list of world moguls taking on a leading role in the fight against climate change. For that reason, we have identified 10 ...
California’s New Junk Fee Law Now Has Worldwide Effect. Here’s What You Need to Know to Avoid Costly Litigation
Jim Butler | July 3, 2024
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com On July 1, 2024, California’s new Junk Fee Law took effect. It could have worldwide impact if prices for goods or services are publicly advertised and reach California residents. How can you avoid that with online ads and other public broadcasts over commercial media? In anticipation of this event, many international hotel companies, cruise lines, travel providers, ticket sellers, and online sellers have already changed their advertising and promotions to comply with California law rather than risk violation. Watch for a big change to ...
Assessing the Digital Infrastructure of Your Hotels
CBRE Hotels | July 3, 2024
By Robert Mandelbaum, John Pomposello, and Adam Barry In 2023, U.S. hotels faced rising operating expenses outpacing revenue growth, resulting in declining profit margins. To combat this, hotels are leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction. Key areas of technological investment include employee productivity tools, automated guest services, and improved cybersecurity. Analyzing IT expenditures from 4,121 properties, CBRE found that IT costs represented a relatively controlled 1.4% of total operating revenue, despite a 7.4% increase in 2023. Higher IT spending was noted in Resort and Convention hotels due to their e...
Hilton Partners With Fragrance Group To Launch DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart, Hilton’s First Hotel in Tasmania
Hilton | July 3, 2024
Located in the heart of Hobart, DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart is slated for opening within 2024 SYDNEY and MCLEAN, VA – DoubleTree by Hilton, together with Fragrance Group Limited, is thrilled to announce its latest hotel signing in Hobart, Tasmania. DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart is in advanced construction status and is set to open in the second half of 2024. Situated within walking distance to Hobart’s Central Business District (CBD), the waterfront, and the vibrant Salamanca Place, the new hotel promises to be a standout addition to the city’s hospitality landscape. The new DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart will offer guests a blend of...
IHG Hotels & Resorts, in Partnership With the V&A Waterfront Bring InterContinental Brand to Cape Town
IHG Hotels & Resorts | July 3, 2024
Set to open in 2025 after refurbishment, InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town will build on the legacy of the property and write a new era of luxury hospitality in the country. Cape Town, South Africa, July 3, 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the debut of the InterContinental brand in Cape Town with the signing of InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in IHG’s luxury portfolio. Inaugurated in May 1997 by former South African president Nelson Mandela, the renowned Table Bay Hotel has consistently set the benchmark for world-class hospitality. Lo...
InterContinental Makes Greek Island Debut With Opening in Crete
IHG Hotels & Resorts | July 3, 2024
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts proudly presents its inaugural property in the Greek Islands, InterContinental Crete. Bolstering IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio – now the second largest in the world – InterContinental Crete is the embodiment of contemporary Grecian hospitality and one of the first openings to follow the brand’s announcement of a transformative evolution. InterContinental is reimagining the luxury travel experience, building on its heritage dating back over 75 years, as it turns the page on this next chapter. Panoramic bay views and a rugged coastal backdrop set the scene for InterC...
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Promotes Aaron Slattery as General Manager of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington | July 3, 2024
Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation, today announced that Aaron Slattery has been promoted to general manager of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington. In his new role, Slattery will oversee the 256-room hotel located near the Mall of America and West Bloomington Business Corridor. He assumes the general manager role following Jim Waldvogel’s promotion to general manager of the recently acquired Loews Minneapolis Hotel, which has been rebranded as The Lofton Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is manager and part owner of Th...
Grand Hyatt Singapore Slated to Welcome Guests Unveiling First Phase of Its Renovation
Grand Hyatt Singapore | July 3, 2024
Steps away from bustling Orchard Road, the iconic hotel will reopen on 10 July 2024, starting with the reimagined Terrace Wing, refreshed dining concepts and lush public spaces. SINGAPORE, 3 July 2024: Grand Hyatt Singapore is slated to welcome guests back on 10 July 2024 as it unveils the first phase of its multi-year transformation. The Terrace Wing will offer leisure and business travellers new, tranquil spaces, alongside lush gardens and cascading waterfalls in the iconic Orchard Road district. The reimagined urban sanctuary will present experiences that are grounded in sustainability and wellness to further care for modern trave...
ONYX Hospitality Group Opens Shama Suasana Johor Bahru: First Shama Hotel and Serviced Residence in Malaysia
Shama | July 3, 2024
London, 3rd July 2024: ONYX Hospitality Group, a renowned leader in hotel management, is proud to announce the opening of Shama Suasana Johor Bahru, marking the debut of the first Shama hotel and serviced apartment in Malaysia. This milestone expansion further strengthens the Shama brand's presence in Southeast Asia, and is particularly significant as it makes Malaysia the first country, outside of Thailand, to host all three ONYX Hospitality Group brands: Amari, OZO, and Shama. Shama is dedicated to offering a unique blend of comfort, style, and convenience to both business and leisure travellers, combining fully-furnished apartments wi...
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl Opens in Restored 15th Century Austrian Castle
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl | July 3, 2024
Perched upon the breathtaking blue waters of Lake Fuschl and the base of the Austrian Alps, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl opens its doors as an enriched, elevated luxury resort that allows guests an intimate and rare experience of the Austrian landscape and its cultural heritage. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl both preserves and re-births Austrian traditions through its thoughtful restoration of the 15th-century castle and embracing of the natural surroundings through sustainable practices. The property features 98 furnished guestrooms, including 42 suites and six chalets, and sits as the gateway to Austria’s Salzkammergut region offering unparalleled ...
Springboard Hospitality Appoints John Mootz as Corporate Director of Food and Beverage
Springboard Hospitality | July 3, 2024
The Award-Winning Hospitality Management Group Brings on Seasoned Food & Beverage Industry Veteran to Enhance its Properties’ Culinary Experiences Across the Country LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 3, 2024) – Springboard Hospitality, the leading hospitality management company with 48 independent hotels in metropolitan and leisure destination markets across 14 states, announced that John Mootz will join the company as the company’s first-ever Corporate Director of Food and Beverage. In his newly created role, Mootz will work closely with individual property general managers, executive chefs, and food and beverage teams across the portfo...
Aloft Singapore Novena Appoints Tan Kim Seng as General Manager
Aloft Hotels | July 3, 2024
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2024 – Aloft Singapore Novena, Singapore’s first and the world’s largest Aloft Hotels, announces the appointment of General Manager, Tan Kim Seng. Tan, whose experience spans over four decades in some of the most internationally-acclaimed properties in the industry, is expected to take over the helm from the current General Manager, Tony Cousens, with effect from 1 August 2024. Tony, a 30-year veteran hotelier, retires after deftly navigating the property’s transition to Aloft Singapore Novena under the Marriott International group in September 2023. Prior to this appointment, Tan was the Chief Operating Officer of ...
New JW Marriott Hotel Coming to Detroit at Water Square – The Site of the Former Joe Louis Arena
JW Marriott | July 3, 2024
• Sterling Group and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority announce that the hotel at Water Square will be the “JW Marriott Detroit Water Square” • The hotel will be 25 stories and have 600 rooms on site of former Joe Louis Arena adjacent to the Residences at Water Square • The new JW Marriott will be connected to the Huntington Place Convention Center by a skybridge • 50,000 sf of meeting spaces, Restaurants, lobby bar, market, etc. July 3rd, 2024 (DETROIT, MICHIGAN) Detroit-based developer Sterling Group and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) announced new details today related to the h...
Inspiration for Meeting the Demand for Low-Sugar Desserts
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | July 3, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky In the past, dietary fat was considered the main culprit in weight gain. Today, however, popular nutritional trends such as keto and paleo diets emphasize low-carb and low-sugar regimens as the best methods for weight loss and maintaining insulin sensitivity. Refined or added sugar, in particular, is now seen as the primary dietary element to eliminate in order to achieve a wide array of health benefits. Emerging research even suggests that cutting out sugar could help prevent dementia-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, which is now colloquially referred to as ‘Type-3 Diabetes.’ Supporting this view is the...
HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference Welcomes Record Attendance for Two Days of Collaboration
HSMAI | July 3, 2024
McLean, VA (July 3, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, proudly concluded its highly anticipated first Commercial Strategy Conference which took place from June 25-26, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The sold-out event, an evolution of HSMAI’s Marketing Strategy Conference and HSMAI ROC, brought together a record-breaking 860 industry professionals from 152 unique hotel brands and management companies, and more than 40 partner companies, from across the hospitality sector to explore the latest trends, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of commercial success in the indust...
