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Marriott International Signs Agreement with Core Hospitality to Bring Residence Inn By Marriott to The Nordics
Marriott International | March 3, 2021
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — MARCH 3, 2021 — Marriott International announced today that it has signed an agreement with Danish hotel operator Core Hospitality to bring the first Residence Inn by Marriott to the Nordics. Residence Inn by Marriott Copenhagen, Nordhavn will be located in Copenhagen’s North Harbour district, just five kilometres from the city center. Owned by PFA Properties, the hotel will become part of the group’s prestigious Nordø development project in the North Harbour area. With construction having begun in Q2 2020, the property is expected to open in 2023. “The introduction of the Residence Inn by Marriott brand in...
Eight in Ten Americans Working From Home Due to Covid-19 Say They Miss In-Person Meetings and Conventions
Meetings Mean Business | March 3, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new survey by APCO Insight affirms that Americans working from home are eager to return to in-person meetings and conventions. The survey finds that even after adapting to the new digital workplace, 81% of professionals who attended in-person meetings and conventions before the pandemic miss doing so and would be just as likely – if not more likely – to attend in-person conferences, conventions, trade shows and other business events in the future. The survey echoes similar findings from April 2020, which showed that 83% of Americans working from home missed attending in-person meetings and conventions. One ye...
Loews Hotels & Co and Omni Hotels & Resorts Form Cross-Selling Partnership
Loews Hotels & Co | March 2, 2021
NEW YORK / DALLAS – March 2, 2021 – Two of the only remaining Branded independent hospitality companies in North America, Loews Hotels & Co and Omni Hotels & Resorts, announced today the forming of a new partnership rooted in cross-selling, cross-marketing and collaborating within the sales process. The partnership primarily targets both companies’ leisure travelers, allowing increased distribution in markets where there is no crossover between the two. For example, Omni travelers looking to soak up the sun in South Beach or have a NYC getaway now have access to Loews Miami Beach Hotel or Loews Regency New York Hotel. Simil...
BU School of Hospitality Announces New Concentration in Senior Living
Boston University School of Hospitality Administration | March 2, 2021
Boston, MA – March 2, 2021 – Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration (BU SHA) Dean Arun Upneja, PhD, and Associate Professor of the Practice Leora Halpern Lanz, ISHC, Faculty Chair of the School’s Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) degree program, have announced the launch of a new concentration: Senior Living. Complementing existing concentrations in Revenue Management & Analytics, Real Estate and Finance, Digital Marketing, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, this concentration in Senior Living expands SHA’s reach, extending hospitality to other areas where students’ skill sets are mu...
At Year-End 2020, the Middle East Construction Pipeline Stands at 542 Projects/156,921 Rooms
Lodging Econometrics | March 2, 2021
PORTSMOUTH, NH – March 2, 2021 – According to the latest published Construction Pipeline Trend Report for the Middle East from Lodging Econometrics (LE), the hotel construction pipeline in the Middle East declined again to 542 projects/156,921 rooms. This is the sixth consecutive quarter project counts have dropped in the region. Fluctuations in oil and gas prices, access to vaccines, the new U.S. administration, and lack of tourism are ultimately having an impact on hotel development. The next few years will prove pivotal in this region and LE will continue to monitor and track the impact. Projects currently under construction stand a...
Sustainable Travel Statistics: 6 Facts to Open Your Mind
EHL Insights | March 2, 2021
What do industry professionals need to know about the 'new norm' in tourism? In this article we take a deeper look at 6 sustainable travel statistics. While COVID has upended the $8 trillion global travel industry, the pandemic has also paved the way for tourism and hospitality professionals to reflect, rethink and reshape the sector, making it better - and ultimately more sustainable - for people and places around the world. As UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: Sustainability must no longer be a niche part of tourism but the new norm for every part of our sector. That means an opportunity to build back better and create ...
Global Hotel Profit Performance Divides in New Year
David Eisen | March 2, 2021
Turning the page doesn’t always assure a better result. After the worst performing year on record, the hotel industry was ready for 2021, but resigned to the fact that a new year doesn’t mean things automatically get better. The harsh reality is a global pandemic that has ceased to fully recede. Still, there is cause for optimism. Though travel remains stunted across the world, some regions are showing signs of sustained performance positivity. Include Asia-Pacific and the Middle East on that list. APAC Consistency Though there remains a wide chasm in year-over-year comps, APAC has now had eight consecutive of positive gross operatin...
Hotel Industry Urges Congress to Pass the American Rescue Plan
AHLA | March 2, 2021
WASHINGTON – March 2, 2021 – The following is a statement from Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), on the American Rescue Plan. “The American Rescue plan is a vital step forward in helping small businesses stay open and protecting jobs. It contains many necessary provisions AHLA has advocated for to help put the hotel industry back on a path to recovery. We applaud President Joe Biden for recognizing that small businesses need more help to get through this difficult time and we urge Congress to act immediately. By bolstering the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and allocating g...
Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mexico Welcomes General Manager Felix Murillo
Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mexico | March 2, 2021
Tamarindo, México - March 2, 2021 - Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mexico welcomes General Manager Felix Murillo, who has spent almost three decades in various positions at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts worldwide. Murillo will lead this oceanfront oasis through pre-opening and its opening, slated for late 2021. With a plethora of knowledge from opening award-winning hotels and resorts in the brand´s portfolio, Murillo brings a breadth of luxury hospitality experience, a deep respect for the undiscovered destination and an intimate understanding of the community to his new role. Overseeing every detail of this project, Murillo is elated...
Richard Raab Appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg
March 2, 2021
St. Petersburg, Russia - March 2, 2021 - Richard Raab has taken over as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg. Richard's career in hospitality started with Four Seasons back in 1998, and the very first hotel was Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. But inspiration for this step appeared in childhood years during summer holidays in one of the most picturesque fjords, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tiny village of Geiranger, where almost the entire population is engaged in tourism, always attracted many cruise ships where Richard had the opportunity to work as a tour guide. “What kid w...
Best Western Plus Goulburn Adopts Latest in Guest Content Streaming Technology With BeyondTV
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | March 2, 2021
Family-owned 4.5 star hotel addresses guest demands for access to personalized entertainment with advanced yet cost-effective hospitality-designed solution. GOULBURN, Australia — March 2, 2021 — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions, has announced the implementation of its BeyondTV in-room entertainment platform in partnership with regional supplier, Liveport, at Best Western Plus Goulburn. An award-winning Australian property situated near Goulburn’s most popular attractions, Best Western Plus Goulburn’s adoption of BeyondTV ensures that guests seeking to entertain themselves awa...
Accor Partners With Daniel Cárdenas Family to Develop First Hyde Hotel & Residences in México
HYDE | March 2, 2021
NEW YORK - March 2, 2021 - Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announced México's first Hyde hotel and branded residences to be built in Mazatlán, a Mexican coastal resort town along the Pacific shoreline in the state of Sinaloa. The project is being developed in collaboration with owner, Daniel Cárdenas Family, an international agriculture company based in Sinaloa with more than 70 years of experience exporting vegetables to the US and Canada. This news comes on the heels of Accor's recent announcement regarding its planned venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world's largest and fastest growin...
CGI Merchant Group Hospitality Fund to Invest in Atlanta HBCU Morris Brown College With $30 Million Hotel Development Project
CGI Merchant Group, LLC | March 2, 2021
ATLANTA - March 2, 2021 - CGI Merchant Group, LLC (CGI) — a minority-owned global investment management firm with a focus in real estate and private equity — announced today it will make a $30 million investment in the historic Morris Brown College to convert existing facilities into a 150-key upscale hotel and hospitality management training complex. Construction of the 90,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is expected to begin later this year. With this announcement, Morris Brown becomes the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) nationwide with both a flagged hotel and a hospitality management training pr...
HVS Las Vegas Casino & Hotel Market Outlook 2021
Shannon S. Okada | March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021 - The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Las Vegas economy has been extremely harsh given the market’s reliance on visitation and conventions. Following five consecutive years of accommodating more than 42 million visitors, Las Vegas hosted just over 19 million people in 2020 (the lowest number of visitors since 18.1 million in 1989). While vaccination rollouts have begun in Nevada, measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus remain in place. Continued weak performance is anticipated through the first half of 2021. Thereafter, the recovery of travel and general economic performance is expected to accelerate as vacc...
Turn 2020 Profit Losses Into 2021 Wins For The Hotel Industry
Robert A. Rauch | March 2, 2021
By Robert Rauch How To Make 2021 Our Best Year Q1 of 2021 is not going to be profitable, fun or exciting for us in the hotel industry. The goods news is Q2 will come up quickly and having been through six recessions in hospitality, all the signs of a recovery are finally here. Given the significant impact of the virus on our economic, physical and mental health, I am offering a few sentences of my personal plan to recovery; we’ll dive into the following areas below: Cash Flow For Hospitality Industry Marketing, Sales & Revenue Management Technology To Improve Hotel Revenue Whether we operate a hotel, restaurant or tour...
DoubleTree by Hilton Launches First Resort in New Caledonia
DoubleTree by Hilton | March 2, 2021
NOUMEA, New Caledonia - March 2, 2021 - Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort, a fully renovated 64-bungalow resort that offers a true island experience just a short boat ride from New Caledonia’s capital, Noumea. The latest addition to the DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio, one of Hilton’s 18 market-leading brands, DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort is owned by GLP Hotels New Caledonia and operated by Hilton under a franchised agreement. “Opening the breathtaking DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort is an exciting day for Hilton’s growth in the South Pacific. Th...
Marriott Signs With PGA Hotel Management Group to Debut First Westin Hotels & Resorts All-Inclusive Property in South America
Marriott International | March 2, 2021
PORTO DE GALINHAS, BRAZIL — March 2, 2021 — Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with PGA Hotel Management Group to introduce the first Westin all-inclusive resort to South America. Expected to welcome its first guests in September 2021, the Westin Porto de Galinhas will serve as the first Westin Hotels & Resorts-branded property in Brazil after undergoing an extensive renovation. "We are delighted to work with PGA Hotel Management Group to introduce the Westin all-inclusive brand extension and its signature wellbeing offering to one of the most beautiful areas in the northeastern coast of Brazil,...
Commonwealth Hotels Appoints Aaron Bajorek as General Manager, The Art Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Commonwealth Hotels, LLC | March 2, 2021
Covington, KY - March 2, 2021 – Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Aaron Bajorek has been appointed general manager of the Art Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. Mr. Bajorek brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to his new role as general manager having previously served as the property’s assistant general manager since joining the Art in 2017. “Mr. Bajorek is a proven leader who has demonstrated success in driving revenue as well as exceeding customer service and guest satisfaction at every touch point,” said Jennifer Porter, chief operating officer for Commonwealth Hotels. “He will be integral in ensuring the Ar...
NewcrestImage Acquires Magnolia Hotel in Downtown Dallas From Stout Street Hospitality
NewcrestImage | March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021 - The Magnolia Hotel in downtown Dallas begins the latest chapter in its long and rich history when Dallas-based NewcrestImage acquires the 325-room, 29-floor property today from Denver-based Stout Street Hospitality. It’s the first investment by NewcrestImage’s new $100 million real estate fund, which has raised more than $25 million since being announced on January 4th of this year. The hotel is one the most recognized buildings in downtown Dallas, opening in 1922 as the headquarters offices for Magnolia Petroleum. It was the city’s first skyscraper and the first high-rise in the United States to hav...
Agilysys Announces Powerful New Guest Loyalty & Promotions Solution as Part of – Agilysys Engage
Agilysys | March 2, 2021
Agilysys Engage Offers A Set of Powerful Guest Engagement Modules Integrated Across The Agilysys Hospitality Solution Suite ALPHARETTA, GA. — March 2, 2021 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation cloud-native SaaS and on-premise hospitality software solutions and services, today announced the availability of its Loyalty & Promotions module as part of Agilysys Engage, its integrated set of guest engagement solutions. Agilysys Engage – Loyalty & Promotions helps operators that don’t have their own loyalty solution to increase guest wallet-share through repeat visits while leveraging gues...
Zoox Smart Data Partners With Leading Hospitality Wi-Fi Network Providers to Enable Seamless Access to Guest Preference Profile Technology
Zoox Smart Data | March 2, 2021
Strategic partnerships ensure that hotel and travel businesses can deploy hyper-targeted promo campaigns and offer custom-tailored experiences using data from existing Wi-Fi services. Alpharetta, GA — March 2, 2021 — Zoox Smart Data (“Zoox”), an international provider of technological solutions that harnesses big data to build customer profiles from existing Wi-Fi networks, has announced additional partnerships with third-party Wi-Fi providers to ensure that more hotel and travel businesses can seamlessly integrate its advanced profile technology with pre-existing Wi-Fi operations. Zoox’s recent collaborations now provide full and...
Luxury Resort Operator Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados Switches to Cloud-Based Maestro PMS Mid Pandemic
Maestro | March 2, 2021
In-demand contactless and mobile tools, exceptional online training, and 24/7/365 support are giving the versatile property-management-system provider glowing reviews Markham, Ontario, March 2, 2021 — Exceptional Service is at the heart of operations for Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados, but that is not what the family-owned company of three mixed-use, four and five star luxury resorts felt they were receiving from its previous property-management system provider. At the heart of the pandemic, and with two hotels recently reopening and a third hotel and residences undergoing an extensive renovation, the ownership group pulled the plug on i...
Hard Rock to Redevelop Iconic Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Co. Site for New Hotel Property
REVERB by Hard Rock | March 1, 2021
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., March 1, 2021 -- Hard Rock Hotels announced plans for development of a new addition to the REVERB by Hard Rock portfolio, their business casual hotel concept designed to be an energetic cultural hub for connection, creation and inspiration among music fans, locals, and travelers alike. REVERB by Hard Rock Kalamazoo will embody the brand's modern, urban design package, featuring traveler-friendly integrated technology, smart rooms, shared spaces designed for collaboration, and will offer programming highlighting local music, food and entertainment. Working in partnership with PlazaCorp Realty Advisors and Dora Hotel Comp...
Delaying the Restart of International Travel Will Cost the UK Economy Almost £27 Billion
WTTC | March 1, 2021
London, UK - March 1, 2021 - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned that nearly £27 billion will be lost from the UK economy if the government delays restarting international travel until May 17. The date was set by Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he unveiled the highly anticipated roadmap out of lockdown earlier this week. According to the government’s roadmap, two households will be able to mix outdoors from March 29 and WTTC believes this should signal the restart of safe international travel. Resuming international travel by just seven weeks earlier, to coincide the Easter holiday break, could save struggl...
