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Short-Term Rentals Post Mixed Performance in January
STR | March 1, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — March 1, 2021 — Short-term rentals in Miami, Nashville and Philadelphia showed mixed performance results during January 2021, according to data from STR. Short-term rentals continued to post higher occupancy levels than hotels in each of the three markets. Building on STR’s world-leading hotel performance database, Miami, Nashville and Philadelphia are the first three U.S. markets where the company has expanded its benchmarking offerings via a pilot study. Included in STR’s short-term rental sample are both multifamily and single-family short-term rentals. January 2021 short-term rental performance, ...
Charlestowne Hotels Opens Hotel Morgan, a Wyndham Hotel in Morgantown, West Virginia
Charlestowne Hotels | March 1, 2021
Revitalization of Historic Accommodation is Management Company’s Tenth College-Town Property CHARLESTON, S.C. (March 1, 2021) – Leading hospitality management company Charlestowne Hotels announces the opening of Hotel Morgan, a Wyndham Hotel located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Hotel Morgan is the company’s tenth opening in a collegiate market and eighth adaptive reuse project. Charlestowne worked in partnership with Thrash Group to oversee a year-long renovation of the 95-year-old property, and will now take over hotel management, inclusive of operations, marketing, revenue management, and talent acquisition. A historic bout...
STR: Winter Storm Pushes Texas Hotel Occupancy Gains
STR | March 1, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — March 1, 2021 — Texans displaced by freezing temperatures and outages pushed the state’s occupancy to a 50-week high, according to an analysis by STR. During the week of 14-20 February, Texas hotel occupancy reached 56.3%. That 50-week high in the metric contributed 0.9 percentage points of the 3-point gain in overall U.S. occupancy (48.1%) for the week. Texas’ occupancy level grew 9.4 percentage points over the previous week, which is the largest week-over-week occupancy increase for the state in the last year. Average daily rate (ADR) rose 5.8% week over week, which was Texas’ largest gain in the me...
HRI Lodging Appoints Leadership Team for The Industrialist Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Industrialist Hotel | March 1, 2021
New Pittsburgh hotel appoints general manager, director of sales & marketing and executive chef in advance of spring opening PITTSBURGH, PA (March 1, 2021) – The Industrialist Hotel, Autograph Collection and HRI Lodging announces the appointments of Robert Brashler as general manager, Kelly Giger as director of sales and marketing and Gavin Hetrick as director of food and beverage and executive chef for the hotel opening this spring. Located in Pittsburgh’s lively downtown Golden Triangle District in the historic Arrott Building, The Industrialist will feature 124 rooms, including 3 stylish suite options, a vibrant lobby b...
James Bermingham Appointed CEO of Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels | March 1, 2021
MIAMI - March 1, 2021 - Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces James Bermingham's appointment as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Bermingham joins the Virgin Hotels executive team following nearly two decades with Montage International. He will be responsible for delivering the company's exciting global growth pipeline, multi-award-winning customer experience, and unique culture. "We are thrilled to welcome James into the Virgin Hotels family," says Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group. "For over a decade, we have been devoted to providing entertaining and ...
Radisson Individuals Makes Its Americas Debut With Opening in St. Augustine, Florida
Radisson Individuals | March 1, 2021
Minneapolis - March 1, 2021 - Radisson Hotel Group today announced Radisson Individuals, the company’s newest addition to a dynamic portfolio of brands, has arrived in the Americas. Radisson Individuals offers independent hotels, along with local and regional hotel chains, the opportunity to benefit from Radisson Hotel Group’s international awareness and experience with the freedom to maintain their individual uniqueness and identity. Each hotel joining the Radisson Individuals brand is selected for their own characteristics and personalities. The brand offers guests an opportunity to discover new locations around the world, while experie...
Baxter Hospitality Acquires Cape Cod’s The Compass Rose
Baxter Hospitality | March 1, 2021
Cape Cod, MA, March 1, 2021 – Baxter Hospitality proudly announces its expansion with the acquisition of The Compass Rose, a historic boutique inn on Cape Cod. Over the next five months, the family-owned management company will lead a comprehensive renovation and rebranding of the inn, which will debut as Chapter House this summer. Chapter House is Baxter Hospitality’s second renovation project in New England. The group also owns and operates Sesuit Harbor House, a boutique inn that seamlessly blends the warmth and charm of a B&B with the upscale amenities and guest services of a modern resort. Baxter carefully selected the loc...
Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Women of Hilton
Hilton | March 1, 2021
At Hilton, we’re committed to creating an inclusive work environment and providing opportunities for all women to thrive. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we take a glimpse back at a woman who helped to lay the groundwork for future women to succeed, then showcase current Hilton female trailblazers from across the enterprise. Read on for their stories and get inspired to achieve your own career goals. A Look Back at a Star-Studded Pioneer Merriel Abbot is seen below in 1949 as the only woman at an executive table full of men. Her background in precision acts and choreography made Merriel a subject matter expert in all things ente...
JLL: Hotel Investment Outlook 2021
JLL | March 1, 2021
This report shares anticipated investor trends accelerated since the onset of the pandemic Uncertainty and cautiousness plagued hotel investor interest in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the global lodging industry is eager to move forward. According to JLL Hotels & Hospitality’s annual Hotel Investment Outlook, the industry’s resilience has shaped new experiences and demand from consumers. It has also introduced a wave of trends that have been accelerated as hotel leaders quickly shifted operations and strategy to navigate through one of the most transformational and economically challenging times in modern h...
Owner Tracy Prigmore Talks Diversity, Representation & Early Exposure to Hotel Ownership
Hilton | March 1, 2021
To be globally successful, Hilton must be locally successful, one hotel at a time, working together with a diverse array of owners who reflect the communities and guests we serve. Whether through supplier diversity programs, multicultural marketing to diverse customer segments, partnerships with nonprofit organizations or identifying inclusive paths to ownership, Hilton is helping pave the way to more diverse and inclusive growth. A staunch advocate of these efforts is Tracy Prigmore, founder of TLTsolutions and She Has a Deal, and owner of Hampton Inn by Hilton Waldorf in Waldorf, MD. As Black History Month comes to a close and we lo...
The Top 10 Trends Impacting and Transforming Meetings in 2021
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company | March 1, 2021
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas - March 1, 2021 - BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, announces the Ten Top Trends that are impacting and transforming meetings in 2021. The trends were observed by Benchmark’s portfolio of 80 meeting hotels, resorts and conference centers located coast to coast. Benchmark is the leading U.S.-based independent hospitality management company, operating award-winning properties within its Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, Gemstone Collection and Benchmark Conference Centers brands. Benchmark’s 2021 meeting trends were announced by Eric Gavin, chief sales officer. “If there’s one thing we l...
Australia Welcomes First Hotel Indigo in the Vibrant Neighbourhood of Adelaide
IHG Hotels & Resorts | March 1, 2021
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ boutique lifestyle brand, Hotel Indigo, has made its Australian debut with the opening of Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets on 1 March. The much-anticipated 145-room hotel with its intriguing design features, deep connections to the neighbourhood and exemplary culinary offerings is set to become a vibrant cultural hub for locals and visitors, and a hallmark of Hotel Indigo properties around the world. Located next to the lively Adelaide Central Market, the hotel champions local producers in its two restaurants, Market & Meander Eatery and Bar, as well as rooftop raw food bar, Merrymaker, which stands as the hi...
Oostwegel Collection Welcomes Two New Members to the Management Team
Oostwegel Collection | March 1, 2021
Valkenburg aan de Geul - March 1, 2021 - Oostwegel Collection completes its management team with two new members. Ilona van Rooij (29) joined as Director of Sales & Revenue on 1 February and Desiree Dils (41) will become General Manager of Kruisherenhotel Maastricht on 1 April 2021. Camille Oostwegel is delighted to welcome these new members. "Our management team is complete and with it we will build on our vision and ambition. That vision and ambition is about winning, and we can only do that with a robust team. With the arrival of Ilona and Desiree, we have a complete, robust and dynamic team with a range of experiences and perspecti...
Tourism Tidbits: The Dark Side of Tourism
Peter Tarlow | March 1, 2021
Protecting some of our most vulnerable: the fight against human trafficking during the age of pandemics By Dr. Peter Tarlow Tourism security has traditionally been about protecting visitors from themselves, from other tourists and from locals who seek to rob and or steal from them, commit fraud against them or in one way or another verbally or physically assault the visitor. Tourism security professionals must also deal with the threat pf terrorism, aimed at transportation hubs, major events, and the food and lodging side of the travel and tourism industry. In the world of pandemics, tourism security is also about keeping those who ...
Tharaldson Hospitality Management Opens New Hyatt House Nashville Airport
THM | March 1, 2021
Nashville, TN – March 1, 2021 – Tharaldson Hospitality Management (THM) is pleased to announce the opening of the brand-new Hyatt House Nashville Airport! This extended-stay Hyatt House, located at 14 Century Blvd, features 128 suites and guest rooms, along with great amenities such as free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, business services, guest laundry, meeting facilities, room service, and much more. This property also features the excellent H-Bar, a place right in the lobby where guests and anyone else can get a custom-made cocktail, craft beer, or just meet up with some friends or colleagues. It is conveniently locat...
Viceroy Hotel Group Chooses Travel Outlook to Optimize Voice Channel
Travel Outlook Premium Hotel Call Center | March 1, 2021
Travel Outlook Premium Hotel Call Center Expands Partnership with Viceroy Hotels & Resorts to 14 Properties SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO (March 1, 2021): Travel Outlook Premium Hotel Call Center is expanding its alliance with Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, which offers personalized management of incoming voice calls for all 13 properties in the current Viceroy portfolio. Opening early 2021, Viceroy’s newest ski-in, ski-out luxury mountain resort, Viceroy Kopaonik Serbia is also set to use Travel Outlook following an immersive onboarding process. As a global luxury brand, Viceroy values a call center that can set the tone for an incredibl...
Extended Stay America Launches New Premier Suites Brand
Extended Stay America® | March 1, 2021
Charlotte, NC — March 1, 2021 — Extended Stay America, Inc. (NASDAQ:STAY), the largest mid-priced extended-stay hotel brand, announced today the launch of Extended Stay America Premier Suites. The new brand will feature new construction and fully renovated properties with upgraded amenities to target higher-rated extended-stay guest segments, expanding Extended Stay America’s reach. The Company will also rebrand the remaining portfolio to Extended Stay America Suites. “With industry leading brand awareness, Extended Stay America is the brand extended-stay travelers trust to deliver what matters most when they are away from home f...
China’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Ends 2020 With 3,375 Projects/639,811 Rooms
Lodging Econometrics | March 1, 2021
PORTSMOUTH, NH – March 01, 2021 – According to the latest China Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), China's total hotel construction pipeline dipped slightly at the end of Q4 ’20 to stand at 3,375 projects/639,811 rooms, down 4% by projects and 1% by rooms year-over-year (YOY). This is the second quarter off the peak reached in Q2 ’20, where construction pipeline totals stood at 3,574 projects/647,704 rooms. However, due to China’s robust manufacturing and export industry, their GDP has remained strong throughout the pandemic, as has their construction industry. China currently has 2,293 projects/41...
Excluding China, the Asia Pacific Construction Pipeline Stands at 1,732 Projects/368,820 Rooms at Year-End
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | March 1, 2021
PORTSMOUTH, NH – March 1, 2021 – According to analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) the Asia Pacific, excluding China, pipeline ended the fourth quarter of 2020 at 1,732 projects/368,820 rooms, down 10% by both projects and rooms year-over-year (YOY). The Asia Pacific region, no different than any other, has felt the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic. It has had universally damaging effects to the region’s economies and hotel development. However, there is renewed optimism by economists that as the region’s economies emerge from the current downturn, so will hotel development. Even as the region struggled in 2020, it ...
Maximizing Airport Revenues in the Era of Smart Data Technology and Experience Personalization
Sandy James | February 25, 2021
How existing Wi-Fi services can be integrated into a smart data strategy to provide travelers with enhanced satisfaction while generating much needed income for airport operators. By Sandy James, Director of Business Development – North America at Zoox Smart Data Cancelled flights, record lows for both international and domestic travel, longer wait times due to enhanced cleaning regulations — these are just a few of the hardships shared by airports around the world since the beginning of the global pandemic. Yet, airports must remain open to serve those who still have a necessity or a desire to travel on commercial airlines. This inev...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 20 February
STR | February 25, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — 25 February 2021 — U.S. weekly hotel occupancy reached its highest level since late October, according to STR‘s latest data through 20 February. 14-20 February 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2020): Occupancy: 48.1% (-23.8%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$101.57 (-22.1%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$48.82 (-40.6%) Popular leisure markets in Florida, with leftover demand from the long holiday weekend, posted the week’s highest levels. Among STR-defined markets, the Florida Keys reached 93.5% occupancy, followed by Fort Lauderdale (80.1%). Miami saw the highest ...
Reducing Friction Makes You Money
Shep Hyken | February 25, 2021
By Shep Hyken Reducing friction is all about creating an easier experience for the customer. In my book, The Convenience Revolution, I identify six ways to create convenience. The first, reducing friction, is tied to all five other principles. And, all of them focus on creating convenience and reducing friction for customers. But how about we look inside our organizations and the way we conduct business internally? Do we think about the friction we cause our employees? What extra work do they do because of antiquated systems and processes? For our outside customers, when we reduce friction, they find it easier to do business with ...
Four Seasons and Omnam Group Announce Plans for Beachside Resort in Southern Italy
Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts | February 25, 2021
TORONTO - Feb. 25, 2021 - Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, an international leader in luxury hospitality, and Omnam Group, a global real estate firm, announce plans for a brand-new resort in Puglia, the stunning coastal region of southern Italy. Located on a pristine beachfront property, the upcoming Four Seasons property in Puglia will be comprised of 150 rooms and suites. The exclusive seaside location will offer guests views of the Adriatic Sea and direct beach access, along with easy accessibility to the nearby historic town of Ostuni and countless other attractions in the region. "As we grow as a brand, our focus is on opening ho...
Hyatt Signs With IFF Holdings for Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa and Residences in Vietnam’s Popular Beach Destination, Ho Tram
Hyatt Regency | February 25, 2021
HONG KONG – FEBRUARY 25, 2021 – Hyatt announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into an agreement with IFF Holdings Joint Stock Company (“IFF Holdings”) for Hyatt Regency Ho Tram Resort and Spa and Residences. Slated to open in 2024, this will be the first Hyatt Regency development in the south of Vietnam. With 280 guestrooms and 63 pool villa residences, Hyatt Regency Ho Tram Resort and Spa and Residences will be situated in a prime location along an over 1,000-foot (330-meter) picturesque coastline known for its pristine sandy beaches, turquoise waters and coastal vibe. Ho Tram is a popular weekend getaway for Vietname...
