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
Since When Have EV Chargers Become a Necessity for Hotels?
Linchi Kwok | July 2, 2024
I rented a pure electronic vehicle (PEV) or battery electric vehicle (BEV) for a road trip to Palm Springs in January. That was the first time I took a trip with an EV, and I discovered that a PEV was only good for short or daily commutes. I will need a hybrid EV or a gas-powered car for longer road trips. My not-as-pleasant EV experience in Palm Springs Before this road trip, I assumed that EV chargers would be “everywhere” in California because California is the pioneer in banning the sales of new gas-powered vehicles. As a result, I did not “bother” to check how many EV chargers the area or my hotel has, even though I kne...
Sports and Conventions Support Hotel Industry in Cincinnati, OH
Brian Arevalo | July 2, 2024
Cincinnati is a significant hub of culture, commerce, and tourism in the Midwest. This dynamic metropolis boasts a rich tapestry of demand generators that fuel its hotel industry. From its renowned arts and music scene, highlighted by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and a multitude of festivals, to its bustling business districts and expansive convention centers, the city attracts a diverse array of visitors year-round. Additionally, Cincinnati's historical landmarks, major sporting events, and burgeoning culinary landscape help draw a steady influx of leisure and business travelers alike. Convention Center Expansion The second largest ...
IHG Signs With Geelan Residency for voco Srinagar Marking Brand Debut in Kashmir
IHG Hotels & Resorts | July 2, 2024
July 2nd, 2024, National: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Geelan Residency for voco Srinagar - IHG’s first hotel in Kashmir. Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, the signing is in line with IHG’s strategy to expand presence across key leisure destinations in India and capitalize on the growing tourism industry in the country. The signing also marks the sixth voco hotel being developed in India and follows the opening of the first voco in Jim Corbett. voco offers a premium experience to guests and combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with th...
JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa Appoints Manuel Magana as New General Manager
JW MARRIOTT CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT & SPA | July 2, 2024
Clearwater Beach, Florida (July 2, 2024) – JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, part of Marriott’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has announced the appointment of Manuel Magana as General Manager. A highly accomplished and results-driven hotel executive with 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Magana brings a rich skill set to the property which opened in May 2023. Magana has a storied tenure and success with Marriott; his journey began as a Room Service waiter at the JW Marriott Mexico City and evolved into roles in HR and Food & Beverage, and quickly advanced to management roles. During his time in Mexico...
SH Hotels & Resorts Unveils Plans for 1 Hotel & Homes San Miguel de Allende
SH Hotels & Resorts | July 2, 2024
Introducing a Sustainable Landmark in a UNESCO World Heritage Site MIAMI, FL (July 2, 2024) - SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable hotel brand management company founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, today announced plans to unveil 1 Hotel & Homes San Miguel de Allende. Set to open in 2027, the property is poised to redefine luxury and sustainability in the heart of historic Mexico. Located just minutes away from the vibrant city center of San Miguel de Allende and perched on an incline with breathtaking views, this sanctuary will offer a profound escape guided by the beauty of its surroundings. “1 Hotel & Homes S...
Corendon Hotels & Resorts Appoints Four New Executive Team Members
Corendon Hotels & Resorts | July 2, 2024
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands – (July 2, 2024) – Corendon Hotels & Resorts, an Amsterdam-based hospitality group with properties throughout Europe, Turkey and Curaçao, today announced the appointment of four seasoned industry executives to key leadership positions. Atacan Uslu has been promoted to managing director and will work alongside Niels Brugman, who has joined the team as sales director, overseeing all brand operations. Imre Heijboer has been appointed cluster general manager and will lead teams at The College Hotel, Autograph Collection, a recently renovated boutique property in Amsterdam’s vibrant Museum Quarter, as well ...
BWH Hotels Re-Enters Aruba Market With Aruba Boutique & Art Hotel, BW Signature Collection
BWH Hotels | July 2, 2024
Palm Beach, Aruba (July 2, 2024) – BWH Hotels today announced the addition of the Aruba Boutique & Art Hotel to the BW Signature Collection® portfolio. The property’s addition to the portfolio marks the re-entry of BWH Hotels to the Aruba market, providing travelers with the brand's signature accommodations in one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations. The property opened in the heart of Palm Beach, Aruba in April 2024. As the second largest soft brand company in the world, BWH Hotels is proud to continue growing its collection of independent hotels that maintain their unique identity and character. “We are thrilled to ...
Executive Chef Ashley Thompson Takes the Helm at Kimpton Everly Hollywood
Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood | July 2, 2024
Los Angeles, CA (July 2, 2024) – Kimpton Everly Hollywood, the boutique Los Angeles hotel that exudes relaxed California sophistication, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Ashley Thompson as Executive Chef, ushering in exciting culinary updates including the launch of an all-day brunch at the property’s signature restaurant, Jane Q. The new all-day brunch menu offers guests a array of dishes that blend classic favorites with innovative twists, curated by Chef Thompson. "We are thrilled to welcome Chef Ashley Thompson to the Kimpton Everly Hollywood family," said Benjamin Palmer, General Manager. "Chef Thompson’s passion ...
Sheraton Celebrates the Opening of Its 100th Hotel in Greater China With the Debut of Sheraton Lanzhou Anning
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | July 2, 2024
The new hotel made its debut in the city of the Yellow River with refreshing design, embodying the brand spirit of "The World’s Gathering Place" with vibrant energy Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands, today announced the opening of Sheraton Lanzhou Anning in Lanzhou of Gansu province. The opening also marks the 100th Sheraton Hotel in Greater China, where the brand made its market debut 50 years ago. Located in the heart of Lanzhou's Anning District, the new hotel draws on the brand’s roots as a gathering place for both locals and guests in communities around the...
Roberto van Geenen Named General Manager of the Luxury Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth
The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth | July 2, 2024
Mr. van Geenen brings 35 years of experience in luxury hotel management FORT WORTH, TX (July 2, 2024) – The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth proudly welcomes Roberto van Geenen as its new General Manager. With an illustrious career spanning over 35 years in luxury hotel management, Mr. van Geenen brings a legacy of exceptional service and operational excellence to his new role. Mr. van Geenen's career spans renowned luxury properties globally, including notable locations in London, Amsterdam, and Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles. His leadership has been pivotal in the successful opening and conversion of six hotels, consistently raising sta...
AHLA Foundation Announces Third Annual No Room for Trafficking Summit
AHLA Foundation | July 2, 2024
Highlights first year of Survivor Fund grantee impact on nearly 650 human trafficking survivors Washington, D.C. (July 2, 2024) - AHLA Foundation today announced their third annual No Room for Trafficking Summit will take place July 30, 2024, the same day as the United Nation’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. At last year’s No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Summit, the inaugural grantees of the NRFT Survivor Fund were announced, including: Safe House Project, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), Restore NYC, Inc., University of Maryland Support, Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment (SAFE) Center for Human Traffick...
New Report Reveals Changing Face of Luxury Travel in Asia Pacific
Marriott International, Inc. | July 2, 2024
The Luxury Group by Marriott International launches extensive research among affluent travelers across six markets 68% spending more on leisure travel with 74% respondents planning an intra-regional holiday within Asia-Pacific (APAC) Australia is the top destination in next 12 months ahead of Japan, with 46% planning to visit Indian HNW are driving luxury travel with 89% Indians planning to spend more in next 12 months High end gastronomy is the primary driver for luxury travel with 88% planning holidays around food Three new personas of luxury traveler defined As the Asia Pacific region continues to be the growth engine f...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: The Top 10 Accounts Receivable Controls
David Lund | July 2, 2024
“AR” as we commonly refer to the sub department of the accounting function is a mainstay in any larger group-based hotel. In these juggernauts the importance of efficiently collecting your money is mission critical. Not only do we take the chance that the group will come and stay after we hold all those rooms, but we also roll the dice and give them credit. In today’s business world it would shock many to realize that credit is a common element in these group hotels. It’s common because we need to be competitive; that other hotel around the corner offers a master account and we need to as well. But be warned. Offering credit comes wi...
Unlocking Success: 9 Reasons Hotels Are Adopting Omni-Channel Marketing
Jeannie Zaemes | July 2, 2024
By Jeannie Zaemes In the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, hotels face the challenge of reaching and engaging customers across a multitude of channels. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Priceline have 39% of the U.S. online booking market and that number is likely to increase as direct online bookings decreased from 79% to 67% in 2023. With the rise of digital platforms and changing consumer behaviors, the need for a comprehensive and cohesive marketing strategy has never been more critical. This is where the omni-channel approach steps in, offering hotels a dynamic solution to maximize visibility, enhance cu...
H-2B Visas as Quality Solution for Hospitality: Improve Customer Service With a Fully Staffed Team
Suzanne Sukkar | July 2, 2024
By Suzanne Sukkar and Najah Allaham Managing a hotel, keeping it fully staffed, and maintaining a high level of customer service is stressful. Whether it is peak summer travel, football season, skiing at the lodge in the wintertime, or Spring Training, labor shortages and seasonal workforce demands have hospitality managers constantly placing help wanted ads. There is another reliable (concierge level) solution that will put to bed at least one hospitality grievance and that is the H-2B visa program. This program allows hotels to bring in foreign workers for temporary, non-agricultural jobs precisely when you need them most. Whether you nee...
IRIS F&B Mobile Ordering Now Available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace
IRIS | July 2, 2024
Available through the Oracle Cloud Marketplace, IRIS F&B Mobile Ordering integrates with Oracle Simphony Cloud to enhance F&B operations with a near-seamless and convenient way for guests to order F&B online on their own device, anywhere, anytime. London, 2nd July 2024 – IRIS, a leading provider of digital F&B and guest experience platforms for the hospitality sector and a member of Oracle Partner Network (OPN), today announced F&B Mobile Ordering is available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace and can be integrated with Oracle Simphony Cloud using Transaction Services API Gen2 (STSG2). This follows their position as a certi...
BYD Lofts Grows Revenues by 15 Percent With IDeaS G3 RMS
IDeaS | July 2, 2024
SINGAPORE – July 2, 2024 – IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of hotel revenue management software and services, announced today that BYD Lofts Boutique Hotel & Serviced Apartments had grown its property revenues by 15 percent with IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System after adopting the system to automate daily pricing activity and enhance its commercial strategies. BYD Lofts is situated 200 meters from Patong Beach in Thailand. It offers a range of upscale rooms, suites, and fully furnished serviced apartments. In a highly competitive resort and holiday market, BYD Lofts needed to move beyond manual-based revenue ...
Blackstone Real Estate Acquires Village Hotels
Blackstone Real Estate | June 28, 2024
LONDON, UK – June 28, 2024 – Blackstone Real Estate (“Blackstone”) announced on June 26th that funds managed by Blackstone have completed the acquisition of Village Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and developer, from affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses. Village Hotels owns and operates 33 well-located assets in large regional cities and suburban areas across the UK. Representing 4,400 hotel keys, it operates as an “all under one roof” leisure destination, offering traditional full-service hotel stays, fitness clubs, food and beverage outlets, and co-working spaces. Thanks to i...
Replay Destinations Plans to Develop 53-Key Luxury Hotel in Downtown Healdsburg, California
Replay Destinations | June 28, 2024
Unique Partnership to Create a Sonoma-Centric, Experience-Driven Hotel in the Heart of Wine Country HEALDSBURG, Calif., June 28, 2024-- Replay Destinations ("Replay"), a fully integrated destination development company, today announced their plans for the development of a 53-room luxury hotel at Mill District, Healdsburg, CA. The new hotel will form the heart of Mill District, downtown Healdsburg's newest master planned neighborhood, and Replay's re-envisioning and re-development of a 10-acre former lumber mill site. In addition to the hotel, Mill District will feature exceptionally designed residences by architects such as Olson K...
Hyatt Acquires The Me and All Hotels Brand From Lindner Hotels AG to Unlock Growth in New European Markets
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | June 28, 2024
Builds on strategic collaboration with German Lindner Hotel Group, with plans to increase footprint of fast-growing upscale brand me and all hotels as part of Hyatt’s lifestyle portfolio CHICAGO--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has acquired the me and all hotels brand from Lindner Hotels AG (Lindner) to unlock growth in new European markets and build on Hyatt’s strong momentum in the region. This move builds on the successful strategic collaboration that Hyatt and Lindner entered into in 2022, which significantly increased Hyatt’s brand footprint in Germany and Europe, with the subsequent in...
Larry Tsoumas Joins Thompson Zihuatanejo as Director of Sales & Marketing
Thompson Zihuatanejo | June 28, 2024
ZIHUATANEJO, Mexico (June 28, 2024) – Thompson Zihuatanejo, a beach resort by Hyatt located in Mexico’s idyllic La Playa Ropa, announces the appointment of Larry Tsoumas as the new Director of Sales & Marketing. With over 25 years in five-star world-class luxury markets, Tsoumas returns to the Hyatt corporation where he will drive hotel performance and commercial strategy through marketing, sales, revenue management, events and communications. “It is our pleasure to welcome Larry to the Thompson Zihuatanejo family,” said General Manager, Manuel Villalobos. “In addition to his extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry, h...
Stephan Fitz Is Appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at The Adolphus in Dallas, Texas
The Adolphus | June 28, 2024
DALLAS, TX (June 28, 2024) – The original address for hospitality in Dallas, The Adolphus is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephan Fitz as Director of Food and Beverage. A seasoned leader with decades of experience in the industry, Fitz will oversee the hotel’s five distinct dining experiences alongside its banquets and catering program. This includes The French Room, Dallas’ most iconic fine dining establishment; The French Room Bar, an elegant artisanal cocktail bar; City Hall Bistro, a lively daytime bistro paying homage to the original site of Dallas’ City Hall; Rodeo Bar, a casual yet gritty Western saloon; and Ot...
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe Names Dania Duke as Managing Director
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe | June 28, 2024
South Lake Tahoe, CA (June 28, 2024) – Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, the brand’s first lodging location in a mountain destination, is excited to announce the appointment of Dania Duke as Managing Director. The new resort, nestled at the base of Tahoe’s Heavenly Mountain Resort in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is the only all-suite resort in the South Lake Tahoe basin promising an unforgettable experience in one of the most picturesque settings in the country. In her new role, Duke will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, focusing on delivering exceptional guest satisfaction, enhancing operational efficiencies and fo...
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans Appoints David Bilbe as General Manager
Royal Sonesta New Orleans | June 28, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, LA. (JUNE 28, 2024): The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, a stylish and sophisticated icon located in the heart of the French Quarter, announces the appointment of hospitality industry veteran David Bilbe as General Manager. The hotel, which provides for exploration and destination immersion, offers guests a VIP seat to a true New Orleans experience, and the team is thrilled to have David Bilbe at the helm. In his role, Bilbe will be responsible for overseeing the 483-key hotel’s day-to-day operations, management, training, and guest satisfaction. “We are delighted to welcome David to The Royal Sonesta New Orleans to lead our belo...
