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Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2nd, 2024
Charlestowne Hotels Implements ProfitSword and Event Temple Integration to Gain Real-Time Insight Into Business and Group Sales Performance
ProfitSword, LLC | February 16, 2021
Hospitality management company able to access in-depth analytics on organizational performance across the portfolio for enhanced decision-making and revenue-earning potential. CHARLESTON, S.C. – February 16, 2021 – ProfitSword, a premier developer of hospitality-related business intelligence and data integration software, has announced the implementation of its performance forecasting technology alongside Event Temple’s advanced group and event sales management software at Charlestowne Hotels. A leading hospitality management company offering expertise in hotel operations and revenue optimization, Charlestowne Hotels can now provi...
Hotel Effie Sandestin Selects Agilysys SaaS Solutions to Improve Operations & Enhance Guest Experience
Agilysys | February 16, 2021
ALPHARETTA, GA. — February 16, 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 that the Hotel Effie Sandestin in Miramar Beach, FL has selected the award-winning innovative InfoGenesis POS solution, as well as its modern cloud-native SaaS Agilysys Pay Connect secure payment processing product to enhance their guest experience. Hotel Effie Sandestin, situated on Florida’s Emerald Coast, features 250 guest rooms and suites, four culinary concepts by acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson, a luxury spa, state-of-...
Hotel Companies Turning to Aptech’s Browser Based PVNG Accounting Solution Mid Pandemic
Aptech Computer Systems Inc. | February 16, 2021
PITTSBURGH, February 16, 2021 — As hoteliers continue to use this time of low occupancy to improve their properties, many have found it the ideal opportunity to also upgrade their back-of-house systems to optimize efficiency. Aptech, the industry standard for hospitality financial management, has seen a surge in adoption of its browser based PVNG enterprise accounting solution. Since the onset of the pandemic, 166 hotels either transitioned from Aptech’s legacy accounting solution Profitvue to PVNG or added PVNG as new customers last year. Aptech Vice President Cam Troutman said he expects at least as many (if not more) hotels will transi...
Digital Tipping: Meet the Need for Speed by Avoiding the App Store
Doug Miles | February 16, 2021
Downloading an app to tip hotel staff is too inconvenient for guests on the go By Doug Miles Did you know “if people pay with a credit card, (workers) will be tipped more?” That’s what tipping expert Michael Lynn said in a recent article titled: “Tipping do’s and don’ts: When and how much to tip in every situation.” Lynn is a Burton M. Sack Professor in Food & Beverage Management at the Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, and he is a nationally recognized expert on tipping with 70+ research publications written on the topic. Did you also know that 25% of users abandon apps after a single use? Whi...
Maestro Asks: Is Your Current PMS Helping or Hindering Your Reopening Plans?
Maestro PMS | February 16, 2021
Leading property-management system provider is offering a PMS Evaluation Checklist to independent hoteliers needing a system makeover; Technology experts say today’s PMSs must support a comprehensive property experience including the contactless demands of tomorrow’s returning travelers Markham, Ontario, February 16, 2021 — 2021 is a year of disruption. Not only has the hotel business come to a screeching halt in many markets, but travelers are modifying their list of must-haves if operators want them to return, and touchless experiences — such as contactless payments, mobile check-in/out, mobile reservations, mobile keys,...
Hospitality Technology Hub, a Virtual Forum Powered by IDeaS, Launches to Support Hotel Industry
IDeaS | February 16, 2021
IDeaS’ Hospitality Technology Hub unites top industry tech vendors and advisors to empower hotel leaders’ revenue recovery and commercial growth Tweet this: The Hospitality Technology Hub, a virtual forum powered by @IDeaS_RevOpt, has launched to unite leading hotel tech vendors, advisors and hoteliers to drive revenue recovery and commercial growth. ideas.com/news LONDON—Feb. 16, 2021—IDeaS, a SAS company, the world’s leading provider of hotel revenue management software and services, announced today the launch of its Hospitality Technology Hub (https://go.rev.ideas.com/hospitality-technology-hub) leading up to and during IT...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Reveals Guests’ Growing Passion to Travel Better
IHG | February 15, 2021
People are more mindful than ever about travelling consciously following the Covid-19 pandemic, reveals a new global survey by IHG® Hotels & Resorts. The research is commissioned as part of IHG’s launch of ‘Journey to Tomorrow’: a 10-year action plan comprising a series of far-reaching new commitments to make a positive difference and help shape the future of responsible travel. 60 per cent of the 9,000 adults surveyed across the US, UK, Germany, Greater China, the UAE and Australia agree that they want to be more environmentally and socially conscious on their travels. This is led by 69 per cent of younger travellers (aged 18 t...
Podcast: Why Every Hotel Leader Needs to be a Financial Leader
David Lund | February 15, 2021
By David Lund Listen to the podcast with Sarah Dandashy (Ask a Concierge). The financial side of hospitality isn’t as sexy (to some) as other parts, but it is, of course, what determines success and that’s super sexy! In the hotel world, knowing the numbers translates to individual and organizational success. KEY POINTS Financial leadership should pertain to every hotel department. Knowing the basics of your numbers is the first step. A multi-functional leadership model is more successful than silos. Click below to listen to David’s podcast. ...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 6 February
STR | February 15, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — U.S. weekly hotel occupancy remained relatively flat from the previous week, according to STR‘s latest data through 6 February. 31 January through 6 February 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2020): Occupancy: 40.9% (-30.5%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$91.44 (-29.0%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$37.44 (-50.6%) Lifted by Super Bowl LV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida (62.9%), saw the highest occupancy level among the Top 25 Markets. Among STR-defined submarkets, Tampa East (90.4%) saw the highest spike in Friday/Saturday occupancy, while Tampa CBD/Airport posted the...
STR: Canada Hotel Results for Week Ending 6 February
STR | February 15, 2021
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee — 11 February 2021 — STR data for 31 January through 6 February 2021 showed Canada’s hotel industry with slightly lower occupancy compared with the previous week. 31 January through 6 February 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2020): Occupancy: 23.6% (-57.8%) Average daily rate (ADR): CAD105.48 (-28.7%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD24.87 (-69.9%) Occupancy for previous weeks came in at 23.8% (30 January), 23.0% (23 January), and 22.6% (16 January). For the week ending with 6 February, British Columbia recorded the highest occupancy level (30.0%) among the provinc...
Impact of Recent Federal Stimulus on the Travel Industry
Thomas Hazinski | February 15, 2021
By Thomas A. Hazinski, Joseph Hansel Introduction The COVID-19 crisis consumed the United States for approximately three-quarters of the past year. In December 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.[1] The development and distribution of an effective COVID-19 vaccine, alongside other public health measures, should allow us to combat the health effects of the global pandemic. With certainty coalescing around the health solutions to the pandemic, attention must turn to economic solutions. The economic impact of COVID-19 is seen in almost all economic indic...
Midas Hospitality Names Jena Ahlman as Minnesota Area Director of Sales
Midas Hospitality | February 15, 2021
St. Louis, Mo. - Feb. 15, 2021 - Leading hotel development, management and investment firm Midas Hospitality recently appointed Jena Ahlman as Area Director of Sales for its Brooklyn Park, Minn. hotels. In this position, she will plan and manage the overall sales and marketing strategies for the properties. Ahlman is responsible for the revenue production of both the Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn hotels while simultaneously ensuring guests enjoy a memorable experience. Ahlman has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years. Prior to joining Midas Hospitality, she held numerous positions in sales, business development and a...
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Plans Late March Opening
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas | February 15, 2021
Today, President and CEO of JC Hospitality, owner of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Richard “Boz” Bosworth announced that the highly anticipated reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton™, is scheduled to open on Thursday, March 25th. “It has been a journey, but to finally reach this milestone and confidently announce our opening date would not be possible without our incredible partners and construction team,” said Bosworth. “Today we are not only celebrating the fact that we finally get to welcome back guests to the most exciting resort to open in Las Vegas ...
HVMG Names Brian Young as Executive Vice-President, Investments and Chief Financial Officer
Hospitality Ventures Management Group | February 15, 2021
ATLANTA — February 15, 2021 — Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company, today named Brian Young executive vice-president, investments and chief financial officer. In the newly created role, Young will be leading HVMG’s finance, investor relations and financial reporting areas, and he will have a significant role leading and supporting HVMG’s aggressive growth plans around acquisitions, investments, joint-ventures and M&A activity. “Brian honed his knowledge and skillset through key leadership positions at Interstate Hotels and Resorts, the natio...
U.S. Travel Reacts to U.S. Airlines’ White House Meeting
U.S. Travel Association | February 15, 2021
WASHINGTON — February 15, 2021 — U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on the meeting between U.S. airlines’ chief executives and White House coronavirus response officials: “The high cost and low availability of testing make a domestic testing mandate a challenging concept to put into practice. Based on January 2021 data, a testing requirement for domestic air travel would necessitate a 42% increase in daily testing capacity nationwide—a substantial use of testing resources when air travel has already been shown to be safer than many other routine activities. “The recent implemen...
HEADTRASH: The Leading Killer of Human Potential
Renie | February 15, 2021
February 15, 2021 - Aspire & RCI Institute Founder Renie Cavallari is releasing her new book HEADTRASH: The Leading Killer of Human Potential on February 25th. This personal development book aimed at business leaders is a guide to dump your HeadTrash for less anxiety, bigger potential, and a better quality of life. Currently available for preorders, HEADTRASH is filled with practical strategies and heartwarming true stories that provide an inspirational self-improvement guide to master the taunting negative voices in your mind that turn up your fears, undermine your leadership effectiveness, and weaken your personal power. “A master ...
Siegel Sez: It’s Not Just a Room – Part 1
February 12, 2021
February 12, 2020 Sometimes it is nice just to take a moment to reflect. Unfortunately, right now I am reflecting how great my relationship was with my 6-year-old laptop which I am in the process of replacing. Honestly, is there anything more frustrating than getting a new laptop and trying to bring everything over? There are always a few surprises, like finding passwords and missing documents. But enough of my venting. As I reflect and sort through the old to transfer what I might need, I think about all the people from the industry who I have gotten to know. Over the years, we have produced 15 Executive Vendor Summits which brings the s...
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Debuts Transformation
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island | February 11, 2021
AMELIA ISLAND, FLA. (February 2021) – Since opening in 1991, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has remained at the forefront of Northeast Florida luxury with warm hospitality, nature-driven experiences and award-winning amenities. In honor of its 30th anniversary this year, the iconic barrier island resort will debut transformation that reflects the destination of unspoiled coastal beauty and Southern charm, an epitome of the classic beach vacation. The renovation includes upgraded rooms and suites, refreshed meeting and event spaces, three new restaurants, and renewed resort experiences. The resort is also celebrating its 30th anniversary...
Fiji’s Kokomo Private Island Appoints Sean Flakelar as General Manager
February 11, 2021
KOKOMO PRIVATE ISLAND, FIJI – February 9, 2021 – Fiji’s most exclusive 140-acre award-winning resort – Kokomo Private Island – is pleased to welcome Sean Flakelar in his new role as the property’s General Manager in January 2021. Prior to his commencement with Kokomo Private Island, Flakelar gained experience with AMAN Resorts for nearly 20 years, where he managed some of their most iconic properties such as Amanjiwo, Amanoi, and Amangalla. Sean was AMAN’s Country Manager for Indonesia and most recently served as Country Manager at AMAN in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka. Sean brings exceptional skills at ensuring that guests have the ...
Palo Alto’s 62-Room Garden Court Hotel Rebranded to el PRADO
el PRADO | February 11, 2021
Palo Alto, Calif. – February 11, 2021 – Ferrado announced today the rebrand and renovation to el PRADO, formerly known as the Garden Court Hotel, a 62-room boutique property set in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Inspired by Spanish open-air living and the enchanting residential feel of the surrounding community, this refresh will focus on transforming the hotel’s interior layout, creating an authentic and vibrant luxury destination designed for the discerning business and leisure traveler. “This rebrand and renovation is centered around an atmosphere that is equally relaxed and inviting,” says Brayton Gosling, General Manager o...
Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Opens in Atlanta’s Buckhead Neighborhood
THE KIMPTON SYLVAN HOTEL | February 11, 2021
ATLANTA – February 11, 2021 – The highly anticipated Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta is now officially open. Tucked away in the elegant neighborhood of Buckhead, The Sylvan Hotel is a 1950s-era adaptive reuse boutique hotel with a mid-century modern design scheme, complimented by a splash of understated sophistication and heartfelt Southern hospitality. The hotel includes 217 guest rooms, a vibrant living room lobby, a refreshing private pool, and over 4,000 square feet of meetings and events space. Aptly inspired by Atlanta’s nickname of “the city in a forest” and the arboreal abundance in the hotel’s own backyard, the nam...
BENCHMARK Names Robert Marusi Chief Commercial Officer for Turtle Bay Resort, A North Shore Landmark
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® | February 11, 2021
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2021… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Robert Marusi chief commercial officer for Turtle Bay Resort, situated at the northern tip of Oahu’s legendary North Shore. The luxury resort is scheduled to reopen after a major, transformational renovation in summer 2021. "It is such a pleasure to announce that Robert has joined the leadership team at Turtle Bay Resort,” said Ted Davis, chief marketing officer for BENCHMARK®. “He brings extensive sales leadership experience and business acumen to his new role with us, having served in director-level positions for major propertie...
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Appoints Sunni Dupree as General Manager of Hotel Effie
HIGHGATE | February 11, 2021
MIRAMAR BEACH, FL - Feb. 11, 2021 - The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announced today that Sunni Dupree has been appointed as general manager of Hotel Effie Sandestin. The property opened on February 1, offering an unparalleled experience that exemplifies genuine Southern hospitality and exceptional service wrapped in comfortable luxury that feels like coming home. “Hotel Effie’s role as the ultimate host is personified through the team that welcomes our guests,” said Sara Becnel, Vice President of Development and General Manager of Hotel Effie Sandestin. “Sunni Dupree is known in the industry for her hospitable manner, and she tre...
MGM Resorts International Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial and Operating Results
MGM Resorts International | February 11, 2021
- Recovery continues to be led by the Company's U.S. Regional Operations - The Company remains confident in the long-term recovery of the Las Vegas and Macau markets - The Company's liquidity at its domestic operations remains strong at $5.6 billion - BetMGM continues to deliver on market share gains in the growing U.S. sports betting and iGaming market LAS VEGAS, Feb. 11, 2021 -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) ("MGM Resorts" or the "Company") today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020. "We remain confident in the long-term recovery of our business. We have strengthened our operational ...
