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
Hampton Inn Louisville Airport in Kentucky Completes $6.2 Million Renovation
Commonwealth Hotels | June 28, 2024
COVINGTON, Ky., June 28, 2024 -- Commonwealth Hotels, a Covington, Kentucky-based hotel management company, is thrilled to announce the completion of a comprehensive $6.2 million renovation project, enhancing both the interior and exterior of the Hampton Inn Louisville Airport. This extensive transformation underscores the commitment to providing exceptional comfort and modern amenities to our guests. The renovation project encompassed significant upgrades across all facets of the hotel. Guests will now be greeted by a refreshed exterior facade, featuring contemporary design elements that blend seamlessly with the vibrant Louisville...
New York’s Montauk Yacht Club Opens Following Multimillion Dollar Renovation
Proper Hospitality | June 28, 2024
Now Under the Operation and Management of Proper Hospitality MONTAUK, NY - June 28, 2024 – Montauk Yacht Club, the 107-key Star Island seaside resort and marina, is open following a multi-million renovation and addition of the Ocean Club Montauk. The property is now under the management of Proper Hospitality within The Collective – a portfolio of independent, design-driven hotels. Built in 1928, the resort enters a new chapter this year following extensive capital improvements. Now open is Ocean Club Montauk, a dining experience helmed by acclaimed South African Chef Jarad McCarroll. Chef McCarroll’s St. Barths location inspires this ...
McKibbon Acquires the Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia
Hunter Hotel Advisors | June 28, 2024
ATLANTA (June 28, 2024) — Hunter Hotel Advisors ("HUNTER") today announced the successful sale of the Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia. An institutional seller sold the property to McKibbon Income Fund I (“McKibbon”) for an undisclosed price on June 27, 2024. David Perrin, senior vice president out of HUNTER’s Atlanta office, facilitated the transaction. “We’re excited to be expanding our footprint in the Atlanta Metro with the purchase of Courtyard Buford,” said Matthew Ram, senior vice president of acquisitions at McKibbon. “It’s been a challenging transaction market over the last few years and we are pleased to ...
King Jason Zante Is Set to Open on Greece’s Zakynthos Island
King Jason Zante | June 28, 2024
On June 29th, 2024 King Jason Zante opens its doors and invites discerning travellers to embark on a journey of tranquillity and rejuvenation, exuding the magnificent feeling of inhabiting an island within an island. This resort, the latest addition to the five star Exclusive Collection by Louis Hotels, is set in a peaceful location overlooking Tsilivi Bay. With its extraordinary modern architecture, shaded by indigenous olive trees, it is a floating tribute to the amazing power of water. Amid this first of its kind, elemental magnificence of place and space, water and air, sun-warmed earth and ancient trees, it’s easy to enjoy the small ...
HFTP Announces Slate for 2024–2025 Global Board of Directors
HFTP | June 28, 2024
After careful review and conducting in-depth interviews, the HFTP nominating committee — comprising past HFTP Global past presidents, advisory council chairs and chapter presidents — has selected the HFTP members who will replace the outgoing directors of the HFTP Global Board. Here is the official slate for the 2024-2025 HFTP Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors. HFTP Global Executive Committee (pictured top row, left to right in primary cover photo) HFTP Global President Justin Taillon, MBA, PhD, CHTP, Professor and Department Head, Highline College HFTP Global Vice President James Bina, CHAE, CHTP, Trea...
HITEC 2024 Welcomes Nearly 6,000 Industry Stakeholders to Explore Latest in Hospitality Technology
HFTP | June 28, 2024
Hospitality professionals traveled from all over the world to Charlotte, North Carolina, June 24-27 for the largest and longest-running show of its kind. The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) was created over 50 years ago to break barriers and celebrate innovation in the hospitality technology space, a purpose that has resonated with the industry, attracting industry professionals by the thousands annually and making it the largest event of its kind in the world. This year was no exception, with over 5,900 attendees convening for HITEC North America 2024, June 24-27 at the Charlotte Convention Center in ...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 22 June
CoStar Group | June 28, 2024
WASHINGTON – 28 June 2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported lower performance results from the previous week and mixed comparisons year over year, according to CoStar’s latest data through 22 June. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 16-22 June 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 69.5% (-2.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$159.88 (+0.1%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$111.17 (-2.3%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Seattle saw the highest year-over-year increases in occupancy (+11.1% to 84.9%) and RevPAR...
Taking Hotel Guest Experience to the Next Level Through Technological Integration
Imke Burger | June 28, 2024
The hospitality industry has always been centered around providing exceptional guest experiences, aiming to create memorable and comfortable stays that leave guests eager to return. In recent years, technological advancements have introduced new tools and methods that significantly enhance this mission. Today’s travelers are more tech-savvy and have higher expectations, seeking not only comfort but also personalized and seamless experiences during their stays. This shift presents hotels with an unprecedented opportunity to elevate guest satisfaction and streamline operations simultaneously. By integrating cutting-edge technology into hotel ...
Some Customers Aren’t Worth Doing Business With
Shep Hyken | June 28, 2024
In some of my customer service speeches, I joke that some customers aren’t worth doing business with. The way I position it in the speech is funny, but in reality, it’s pretty serious. Sometimes, a customer isn’t worth doing business with because they are truly a bad customer. The result could be choosing to say, “Goodbye,” and sending them to the competition. While there are many reasons you might end your relationship with a customer, I came up with six obvious ones to get you thinking: Customers who repeatedly return products. This is often the result of a liberal return policy that some customers abuse. Repeat...
Measuring Economic Impact Is a Win-Win for Developers and Municipalities
David J. Sangree | June 28, 2024
June 2024, by David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC Introduction: At a time when financing for hospitality development projects is challenging for developers, it can often mean that some projects won’t ever come to fruition. At the same time, municipalities would like to increase their hotel or resort offerings to attract travelers to their destinations while remaining fiscally responsible. When developers seek government assistance for development projects, state and local authorities must balance the needs of developers in the community with the financial realities of the project. Commissioning an economic impact study will provide important ...
Remington Hospitality Elevates Ted Peters to Senior Vice President of Beverage & Food
Remington Hospitality | June 27, 2024
Industry B&F Specialist Celebrates 16 Years With Leading Management Company Dallas, TX — June 27, 2024 — Remington Hospitality, a leading hotel management company, proudly announces that Ted Peters has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Beverage & Food. With 16 years as a key member of the firm’s growing team, Ted has spearheaded B&F efforts over the past two years, leading to substantial growth across Remington’s properties. “We’re thrilled to announce Ted Peters’ promotion to Senior Vice President of Beverage & Food," said Sloan Dean, CEO of Remington Hospitality. “Ted's dedication and leadership, pa...
Grace Bay Resorts Welcomes Fred Khoury as General Manager of Point Grace in Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay Resorts | June 27, 2024
Luxury Hospitality Veteran Tapped to Lead Boutique Resort in Turks and Caicos Through Expansion Project PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands (June 27, 2024) – Grace Bay Resorts, the boutique owner, developer and operator of the finest luxury resorts and branded residences in Turks and Caicos, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fred Khoury as General Manager of Point Grace. In his role as General Manager, Khoury will supervise all operational aspects of Point Grace, upholding Grace Bay Resorts’ commitment to providing excellent service and guest satisfaction. With an extensive background in hotel management, sales, marketin...
Hilton Appoints Ruben Gabino as General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts | June 27, 2024
Gabino brings a wealth of luxury experience to Waldorf Astoria’s first property in Costa Rica, and will lead a distinguished lineup of luxury executives COSTA RICA and MCLEAN, Va. – June 27, 2024 – Today, Hilton proudly announces the appointment of Ruben Gabino as general manager of the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, set to open in late 2024 as Waldorf Astoria’s first hotel in Costa Rica. The 188-room resort located in one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2024, creating a new benchmark for sustainable, barefoot luxury. A seasoned hospitality ex...
Pivot Tapped to Manage The Scarlet Hotel, Lincoln, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Nebraska
Goldenrod Companies | June 27, 2024
Lifestyle operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group adds second Nebraska hotel to portfolio ATLANTA (June 27, 2024) – Pivot, the lifestyle operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, has been selected by Goldenrod Companies to manage The Scarlet, Lincoln, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska. The only hotel in partnership with the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and located on the Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC), the property features 154 guestrooms and suites inspired by towns across the state; a variety of restaurant and bar experiences including signature rest...
The Dolce by Wyndham Versailles – Domaine du Montcel Opens in the Outskirts of Paris
Dolce Hotels and Resorts by Wyndham | June 27, 2024
Located just 30 minutes outside Paris, timeless resort has been magnificently restored to showcase its historic buildings, monuments and gardens LONDON, June 27, 2024 -- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has officially opened the doors to its newest hotel, the luxurious Dolce by Wyndham Versailles – Domaine du Montcel. Nestled in the outskirts of Paris in famed Domaine du Montcel Park, just minutes from the world-renowned Palace of Versailles, the striking 178-room resort sits on a charming estate in the heart of the beautiful Bièvre Valley and opens just as the world prepares to turn its competitive gaze to Paris this summer. Once...
California’s Westin San Diego Bayview Unveils $20 Million Renovation
The Westin San Diego Bayview | June 27, 2024
Reimagined guest rooms and meeting spaces offer elevated accommodations with natural, tranquil vibes for overnight stays and on-site events SAN DIEGO, June 27, 2024 —The Westin San Diego Bayview has completed a comprehensive $20 million renovation intended to elevate the guest experience, marking a significant transformation of its 436 guest rooms and meeting spaces in the heart of downtown San Diego. Located just steps away from the waterfront near the Gaslamp Quarter and destinations like Petco Park and the San Diego Zoo, the extensive renovation creates a calming urban oasis focused on exceeding guest expectations at every turn. “...
Moxy Hotels Expands in Paris With the Opening of Moxy Paris Clamart
Cycas Hospitality | June 27, 2024
The vibrant and welcoming Moxy Hotel showcases stylish design, lively communal spaces, and the iconic Moxy Bar. PARIS, FRANCE – 27 June 2024 – Moxy Hotels, the playful experiential hotel brand part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary brands today announces it has opened its latest hotel in the Paris region, Moxy Paris Clamart, inviting guests to experience modern comfort and convenience in the heart of the Grand Canal area. Housed in an existing building, Moxy Paris Clamart breathes new life into an existing structure, with the essence of Moxy's vibrant spirit shining through. The seriously considered and playfully ...
Paris Hotel Booking Levels Nearing 80% for the Summer Olympics
COSTAR GROUP, INC. | June 27, 2024
WASHINGTON – 27 June 2024 – With one month until the start of the Summer Olympic Games, Paris hotel booking levels are nearing 80%, according to CoStar’s latest Forward STAR data. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. A growth trajectory in occupancy on the books has accelerated in recent months, as levels were pacing just above 60% in April and at roughly 50% in February. As of 17 June, occupancy on the books is peaking at 77.8% on Saturday, 27 July, the night of 14 gold medal events. Opening night is a close second with occupancy on the bo...
How the Right Asset Management Firm Helps Optimize Hotel Investments
Kasia Russell | June 27, 2024
When implemented effectively, partnering with the right asset management firm can help maximize investor returns and real estate property values. Asset management is particularly important in this post-pandemic environment where macroeconomic conditions are in constant flux, geopolitical issues continue to intensify, and domestic monetary policy has considerable implications for real estate wealth management. These factors present both challenges and opportunities; however, without the proper analysis and expert tactics of skilled asset managers, risk becomes more difficult to anticipate and opportunities more challenging to harness. The ...
Change Requires Choice (and Work)
Shep Hyken | June 27, 2024
At the end of the CEO’s speech to his employees, he said, “And one other thing, we want to deliver better customer service.” Then he walked off stage. Delivering better customer service is a good idea, but just saying you want to do so will not make it happen. Most likely, it will remain just a good idea, because, without the right implementation, the idea will never come to anything. Nothing will change. A big part of my business is serving as a keynote speaker on customer service and CX for all kinds of companies and organizations. I always ask, “Why is this topic important to you and this audience?” Most of the time, ...
Playing Ball: Summertime Isn’t the Only Time to Solicit Sports Tourism & Travel-Team Bookings
Hospitality America | June 27, 2024
Best practices to attract and retain this market segment for year-long profitability By Donna Oglesby There may be no crying in baseball, but hoteliers who are not building relationships with travel sports teams may find themselves shedding a few tears once they realize how much money is being left on the table by not catering to the lucrative sports tourism segment. As a mother of two, I know firsthand how much parents pay annually to support the travel-team circuit and I’ve experienced the pain points when dealing with hotels. That’s why, as director of sales and marketing for two Hospitality America hotels, I began researching how t...
Scoring Big: How Sport Tourism Impacts the Global Hotel Industry
Joe Vargas | June 27, 2024
The sports tourism sector is poised for dramatic growth over the next five years. Understanding this sector and ensuring that your hotel operations are ready is the key to success. By Joe Vargas, SVP & General Manager, Infor Hospitality Sports tourism, as it’s called, is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Hotel room rates on Super Bowl weekend soared 257% compared to 2023, the biggest year-over-year spike for a first-time host city in NFL history. According to hotel data and analytics firm STR, Southern Nevada’s 172,707 rooms (at 393 hotels) char...
GrowthCurve Capital Acquires Duetto
Duetto | June 27, 2024
San Francisco, CA – June 27, 2024 – Duetto (“Duetto” or the “Company”), a leading provider of revenue management software for the hospitality industry, today announced that it has been acquired by GrowthCurve Capital (“GrowthCurve”). GrowthCurve is acquiring the business from affiliates of Warburg Pincus and other shareholders. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Duetto offers innovative solutions that simplify hotel operations and optimize revenue. With a focus on organic product development, data and integrations, Duetto connects disparate systems into a cohesive, efficient platform that drives profitability and g...
Navigating the Complex World of Conversational AI – Part 1
John Smallwood | June 27, 2024
Questions Every Hotelier Should Ask When Considering Guest-Led Conversational AI By John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook June 2024 In the rapidly evolving hospitality industry, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become crucial for hoteliers looking to enhance guest experiences and stay ahead of the competition. As AI technology continues to develop, hoteliers need to ask the right questions to ensure they select the best guest-led conversational AI solutions for their needs. Not all conversational AI solutions are created equally, and what works for one industry may not be effective in hospitality. In this series, we d...
