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Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
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Dream Hotel Group Appoints Jason Francis as Corporate Director of Food and Beverage
Dream Hotel Group | March 15, 2021
NEW YORK, NY – March 15, 2021 – Celebrated hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Francis as Corporate Director of Food and Beverage, overseeing all Dream Hotel Group-managed executive chefs and culinary teams, providing strategic leadership, guidance and direction on all food and beverage concepts, initiatives and operational decisions portfolio-wide. His key areas of responsibility include concept and menu development and kitchen design with a keen focus on maximizing profitability for each concept. He will play an active role in managing front of house operations teams, ...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Shift Your Thinking Part 2
David Lund | March 15, 2021
By David Lund I like to talk to my workshop participants about this important view of their world before we begin. I know that most have come to my workshop thinking we are going to talk about accounting and for most people, that’s comparable to a dentist appointment. I mean, who would knowingly and enthusiastically show up for a workshop on accounting if it’s not your thing and be excited? But I want them to see the other side. The side that gets them excited about what’s possible. You see, the participants don’t yet know that they are in for a treat. An unexpected bonus for life. An awakening to their personal power and the po...
U.S. Travel Endorses PPP Extension Bill, Urges Swift Passage
U.S. Travel Association | March 15, 2021
WASHINGTON — March 15, 2021 — The U.S. Travel Association on Friday voiced strong support for the PPP Extension Act of 2021, a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would implement the Paycheck Protection Program extension U.S. Travel has pushed for as an essential part of economic relief. The bill would push the deadline for PPP fund applications to May 31 from its current March 31, with an additional 30 days past the new deadline for the Small Business Administration to process applications. U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes: “The hardest-hit U.S. businesses are st...
Marriott International Names Global Development Leadership
Marriott International | March 15, 2021
BETHESDA, MD — March 15, 2021 — Marriott International, Inc. announced today the appointments of Carlton Ervin as Global Development Officer, International and Noah Silverman as Global Development Officer, U.S. & Canada. These announcements follow the recent appointments of Anthony Capuano as Marriott’s new Chief Executive Officer and Stephanie Linnartz as President. As Global Development Officer, International, Mr. Ervin will oversee development in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean & Latin America, and Asia Pacific, where he will focus on expanding Marriott’s portfolio. In his role as Global Development Officer,...
National Travel and Tourism Office Launches COVID-19 Travel Industry Monitor
NTTO | March 15, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on tourism to and within the United States. In 2020, overseas visitation to the United States declined 81% to its lowest level in 35 years, while the share of global travelers planning a vacation also fell to a record low. The COVID-19 Travel Industry Monitor, a user-friendly web platform that brings key health, economic and travel data together in one place, was built to help businesses, policy makers and communities stay informed on the state of the travel industry and to plan recovery efforts. Developed by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), part of the Industry and An...
Rethinking Hotel Distribution Channels
EHL Insights | March 11, 2021
What is hotel distribution? A hotel distribution strategy is a plan of action for selling rooms profitably through a variety of channels. Hotel distribution channels A mix of direct channels, such as a hotel's website, and indirect channels such as online travel agents (OTAs), Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and wholesalers are typically used. Rethinking hotel distribution When online travel agencies (OTAs) arrived at the turn of the millennium, they levelled the playing field between big global brands and local hoteliers. A 3-room B&B in the Alps or a family-run Italian osteria could enjoy the same online visibility as a M...
Nate Urbassik Named New CFO at React Mobile
React Mobile | March 11, 2021
Leading employee safety platform, React Mobile, welcomes a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to the executive team to support the company's trajectory and growth. Seattle, WA — March 11, 2021 — Nate Urbassik has been implementing and streamlining financial processes ever since the beginning of his professional career. He has grown his expertise around forecasting and budgeting processes while teaming up with stakeholders in places like Apptio, WDS (A Xerox Company), and Tango Card. During his time at Tango Card, Nate managed the finance and accounting department and grew his team from 0 to 22 in four years while successfully closing mul...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Set to Open The Ven at Embassy Row in Washington, D.C.
The Ven at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C., a Tribute Portfolio Hotel | March 11, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 11, 2021 – The Ven at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C., a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, will be opening its doors in the heart of Dupont Circle on March 12th. In the famed Dupont Circle area known for art, international culture, cuisine and home to the world’s embassies, The Ven is reflective of the vibrant neighborhood it calls home. Offering style and international flair in a sophisticated yet comfortable environment, The Ven will implement various elements and touchpoints reflective of the Danish and Norwegian concept of hygge; design meant to encourage guests’ comfort,...
The Battle for Direct Bookings Is Hand-to-Hand Combat, Not Aerial Strafing
Doug Kennedy | March 11, 2021
By Doug Kennedy For years now, hotels have been fighting desperately to win back market share from third parties such as Online Travel Agencies and thus reduce the cost of customer acquisition. Huge sums are spent on strategic initiatives such as ad campaigns, updating guest loyalty programs, improving organic and paid SEO, making sure the website tells the hotel’s story and ensuring a smooth journey from looking-to-booking. All of this increases the likelihood that a prospective, web-surfing guest may engage with the hotel directly. In military terms, I would say it is sort of like aerial strafing because the “ammo” has a mostl...
Silvio Araujo Appointed Director of Sales and Marketing for Rosewood São Paulo
Rosewood São Paulo | March 11, 2021
Rosewood São Paulo, the ultra-luxury hotel set to open in late 2021 as Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ first South American property, is pleased to welcome Silvio Araujo as director of sales and marketing. In his role, Silvio will be responsible for developing and executing innovative sales and marketing strategies for all aspects of the new hotel, including its six bars and restaurants, eight distinctive event spaces and an outpost of Asaya, Rosewood’s lifestyle community that provides encouraging experiences for growth and self-discovery. Silvio joins Rosewood São Paulo with more than 20 years of hospitality sales and marketing experi...
Culture Is Contagious
Shep Hyken | March 11, 2021
By Shep Hyken I was recently interviewed by Yigal Adato for his mastermind group, all entrepreneurs and owners of pawnshops. We were discussing how important it is to “bake” customer service into the culture. It’s leadership’s job to define the customer service vision, ensure it’s communicated, and be the role models demonstrating how customers and employees are to be treated. In addition, leadership and management must defend the culture. If any part of the team isn’t in alignment with the customer service vision, be it an individual or a department – or even an entire region for larger companies – they need to be...
Manhattan Lodging Overview Summary – Q4 2020
Chris Fernandes | March 11, 2021
By Chris Fernandes, Anne R. Lloyd-Jones, Roland deMilleret The COVID-19 outbreak began affecting the New York City lodging market in late February 2020 and, in the months that followed, led to the virtual dissipation of traditional sources of lodging demand. As an international gateway city, the complete stoppage of inbound international flights and travelers is of particular note. Because of the reduction in travel across virtually all demand sources, this diversification has resulted in an even harder hit to New York than other smaller U.S. markets. Nonetheless, many reasons remain for optimism into 2021 as vaccine distribution ramps up ...
Asset World Corporation and Hyatt Sign Framework Agreement to Develop Over 1,000 New Rooms
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | March 11, 2021
CHICAGO – March 11, 2021 – Asset World Corporation (AWC), Thailand's leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H), today announced their affiliates have signed a Framework Agreement for the development and management of new hotels under various Hyatt brands in locations across Thailand. The Framework Agreement outlines the expected development of more than 1,000 new rooms across multiple Hyatt-branded hotels, which will give guests, customers, and World of Hyatt members even more hotel offerings and experiences in key tourism destinations throughout the country. These hotels will strengthen Thailand...
Hyatt Launches Global Franchise and Owner Relations Organization
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | March 11, 2021
CHICAGO – March 11, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced a new Global Franchise and Owner Relations organization, dedicated to advancing care for owners and operators, enhancing the guest and customer experience and supporting accelerated franchise growth. In close consultation with its hotel owners and operators, Hyatt is dedicating focused resources to support this key stakeholder group in an effort to expand the franchise portfolio and increase property performance by further elevating Hyatt’s guest and customer personalization strategy. Jim Chu, EVP Global Franchising and Development Paul Da...
Bruce Ryde Appointed General Manager and Brand Strategist for Kamalaya Koh Samui
Kamalaya Koh Samui | March 11, 2021
Koh Samui, Thailand - March 11, 2021 - Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa has announced well known hotelier, Bruce Ryde as its new General Manager and Brand Strategist. Ryde has a long hotel history both operating hotels and leading global brands in Asia Pacific. The native Australian had most recently been managing the luxury brand strategy for Marriott Internationals brands amongst them The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels as Vice President in the Asia Pacific. Prior to that Bruce held the same position with IHG, overseeing the InterContinental brand as well as the launch of the Hotel Indigo...
BENCHMARK’s New “Meeting the Moment” Initiative Offers a Vision for Meetings in 2021
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company | March 11, 2021
Expert Team of Leaders Offer Personalized Solutions for Planners The Woodlands, Houston, Texas - March 11, 2021 - As the meetings industry continues to confront the profound changes and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, is launching a visionary new educational initiative to help meeting planning professionals. “Meeting the Moment” is a strategic initiative designed to address today’s issues while laying the foundation for safer, healthier and more productive meetings in 2021. The program provides customized information and solutions to help planners deal with the complexities ...
Amadeus Data Alert: Top U.S. Destinations for Spring Break by Hotel Occupancy and Air Travel Booking Volumes
Amadeus | March 11, 2021
Spring Break is here and whether due to the need to get a break from cold winter temperatures, or the excitement to travel again following recent vaccinations, or both, it seems there is an increased interest to travel. Amadeus, a global leader in travel technology, with its unique ability to track forward-looking occupancy in major markets around the world, is seeing a positive trend in U.S. hotel bookings during the month of March. Overall hotel occupancy remains below 2019 levels, however the number of markets with over 50% occupancy has tripled since November 2020 with 33 for spring break 2021 compared with only 10 for the Thanksgiving...
The Hotel Show Dubai Returns for Its 21st Edition in 2021, Including HITEC Dubai
HFTP | March 10, 2021
The region’s premier hospitality event has led the industry for over 20 years. A notable feature of this year’s show will be HITEC Dubai, examining hospitality technology solutions to aid market recovery post pandemic. The Hotel Show Dubai is delighted to announce its return, live and in-person, from 31st May - 2nd June 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Under this year's theme, 'Redefining Hospitality', The Hotel Show Dubai offers the industry professionals in the Middle East a powerful platform from which to source, connect and learn about critical topics over the course of three inspirational days. A notable feature of The Hot...
KAYAK to Open Its Own Hotel in Miami Beach
KAYAK Miami Beach | March 10, 2021
STAMFORD, Conn. - March 10, 2021 - KAYAK, the company that pioneered flight metasearch in 2004, is reimagining the in-travel experience. Opening in April 2021, KAYAK Miami Beach brings the power of the KAYAK app to the guest stay. "We see a big opportunity to apply our audience and technology to the accommodations space to level the playing field for independent hotels," said Steve Hafner, CEO of KAYAK. "Our Miami Beach property will serve as our hotel design lab and deepen our knowledge of hospitality and showcase our growing capabilities." Guests of KAYAK Miami Beach will enjoy numerous innovations during their stay. All check-ins/out...
Playa Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Announce New Boutique All-Inclusive Resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Tapestry Collection by Hilton | March 10, 2021
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - March 10, 2021 - Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA, "Playa"), a leading owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts across Mexico and throughout the Caribbean, has announced its newest all-inclusive resort with Hilton (NYSE: HLT), adding The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton to its managed resort portfolio and entering the growing soft branded all-inclusive market. Playa first entered a strategic alliance with Hilton in 2018 and currently operates Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Jamaica, Hilton La Romana all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Hilton Playa de...
Dwelling on a Permanent Relaunch to the Regional Market
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | March 10, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky This article is aimed primarily at resorts, but there is a profound lesson in here for urban hotels as well. To summarize what will be discussed, it’s okay to only ever cater to a regional or domestic market and becoming comfortable with that fact in the wake of COVID-19 can help you to better serve the territories where the majority of your guests will be coming from while also cutting costs. Prior to the pandemic, many of our asset management assignments involved the long-term ramp up of international traveler awareness so as to make the property as prestigious as possible in a strategic vision focused o...
Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel Completes Full Property Renovation
Columbia Sussex | March 10, 2021
DALLAS - March 10, 2021 - Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel announces the completion of its top-to-bottom renovation that includes a total transformation of guest rooms, fitness center, and public spaces, as well as a redesign and upgrade of its more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces. Associate and guest safety continues to remain paramount during the pandemic with current guidelines located here. Owned and managed by Columbia Sussex, the Renaissance Dallas Addison is extremely popular for groups of all sizes and leisure travelers to North Dallas. Offering the biggest meeting space of any hotel in Addison, the hotel is lo...
Virdee Becomes ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Certified Partner to Advance Industry’s End-to-End Contactless Check-In Abilities
Virdee | March 10, 2021
Integration provides Virdee and ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions hospitality customers with a seamless virtual reception and contactless access solution AUSTIN, Texas– March 10, 2021 - Virdee, a SaaS company serving the lodging, multifamily and commercial real estate industries, announced today it has entered into the Certified Partner program by ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions (OTCMKTS: ASAZY), a global leader in access solutions, to deliver a robust contactless check-in and Mobile Access solution to joint hospitality customers and third-party integrators. Virdee’s secure, contactless check-in flow allows ID-verified users to obtain keys for...
American Express Launches 2021 Global Travel Trends Report
AMERICAN EXPRESS | March 10, 2021
NEW YORK - March 9, 2021 - American Express (NYSE: AXP) released the American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report today, which provides unique insight into consumer sentiment toward travel nearly one year after the COVID-19 pandemic began. The findings in the report, grounded in survey research across seven countries, including the United States, Australia, India, Canada, Mexico, Japan and the United Kingdom1, demonstrates that consumers are looking forward to traveling again and that they are planning for future trips. Top insights include: Strong Pent-Up Demand for Travel: 87% of people surveyed said that having a trip plann...
