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Pendry Chicago Appoints Stephen Blackford as General Manager
Pendry Chicago | January 13, 2021
ORANGE COUNTY, CA., January 12, 2021 – Pendry Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the appointment of Stephen Blackford as general manager of Pendry Chicago, slated to open spring 2021. Pendry Chicago will be located in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, amid a dynamic collection of cultural attractions, and distinct restaurants and shops. Its central location and proximity to other famed Chicago neighborhoods makes it the perfect launching pad to explore the city. Chicago’s vibrancy surrounds the hotel with some of city’s best shopping, dining, cultural sights and parks all within easy walking distance. Explore the Chicago River Wa...
IDeaS Named Best Revenue Management Software for Third Time in 2021 HotelTechAwards
IDeaS | January 13, 2021
MINNEAPOLIS — Jan. 13, 2021 — IDeaS Revenue Solutions, the world’s leading provider of revenue management software and services, has once again been named the highest-rated revenue management system (RMS) by Hotel Tech Report, as well as a top-10 hotel-technology company in the Global Hotelier’s Choice Competition. The HotelTechAwards winners have been selected from more than 200 of the top technology products around the world. The awards represent the best hotel software products across every category based primarily on customer feedback but also key data points including integration compatibility, organizational health, partner n...
Agilysys Names New Leadership for EMEA Operations
Agilysys | January 13, 2021
ALPHARETTA, GA. & WINDSOR, UK — January 13, 2021 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation cloud-native SaaS & on-premise hospitality software solutions and services, today announced the appointments of Ben Curtis as Managing Director, EMEA and Matthew Prosser as Senior Sales Director in EMEA. Ben and Matthew are charged with accelerating Agilysys’ continued growth in the EMEA region. Ben brings over 25 years of international hospitality experience in both property management and as a software solution sales executive, most recently as General Manager of Verteda Limited, an Agilysys reselle...
Zoox Smart Data Experiences Record Online Traffic Numbers During 2020 Holiday Season
Zoox Smart Data | January 13, 2021
Big data provider enables over 10 million connections from Thanksgiving to New Year’s weekend that boost customer targeted advertising capabilities and revenues. Alpharetta, GA — January 13, 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 released a series of holiday season internet traffic results that serve as validation of the power and reach that targeted online advertising platforms can provide. Measured from November 23 to January 3, the analytics were compiled from Zoox-enabled customer networks, includi...
An Introduction to Service Design
EHL Insights | January 12, 2021
Although service-oriented organizations now comprise 80 percent of the economy in developed countries, a surprising number of organizations in this field struggle to differentiate themselves from their competition. This can leave brands scrambling as they watch their customers select other hospitality options. Securing repeat customers, word-of-mouth recommendations and building a positive brand reputation all become significantly harder for brands that do not know how to use a service-design model. If these types of struggles sound familiar, then learning about the service-design strategies and how to incorporate them into a particular c...
Capture Direct Bookings 365/24/7
Travel Outlook | January 12, 2021
The Real Advantage to Outsourcing Voice Reservations John Smallwood, CEO Travel Outlook January 2021 As we move forward positively into 2021, the hospitality industry is rethinking its strategies. A main priority will be to carefully review how bookings are made, and the cost associated with each booking method. Now is the time to ensure bookings made through your voice channel are always made promptly, professionally, and profitably. Hotels and the bottom line Missing bookings can dramatically affect a hotel’s bottom line, especially when the reservation opportunity was a direct booking thr...
Nominations Now Being Accepted for GBTA WINiT Awards
the Global Business Travel Association | January 12, 2021
Alexandria, Virginia (January 12, 2021) - WINiT by GBTA, the only group of its kind in the business travel industry, is now accepting nominations for the WINiT Virtual Awards and Gala. WINiT, a network driving positive change for the career advancement of women in travel-related industries, will honor the women, men, and organizations who have led the way in promoting this important mission at its March 8, 2021 WINiT Virtual Awards Gala 2021. There are seven opportunities to nominate a person or an organization; the deadline to submit nominations is February 5, 2021: Pinnacle Awards: Outstanding Woman of the Year Founders In...
WTTC Says Unvaccinated Travelers Should Not Be Discriminated Against
WTTC | January 12, 2021
Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC wholeheartedly supports the testing on departure of all travellers to ensure passengers can prove they are COVID-19 free and thus avoid the spread. “It will take a significant amount of time to vaccinate the global population, particularly those in less advanced countries, or in different age groups, therefore we should not discriminate against those who wish to travel but have not been vaccinated. “Only a tiny percentage of people around the world have so far received the vaccine, whereas there are vast numbers who have not, but who could be tested, show a negativ...
Las Vegas Sands Announces Passing of Company Founder and Industry-Changing Entrepreneur Sheldon G. Adelson
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | January 12, 2021
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 12, 2021 -- Las Vegas Sands issued the following statement announcing the death of company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson: Our founder and visionary leader, Sheldon G. Adelson, passed away last night at the age of 87 from complications related to treatment for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Born to immigrant parents and raised in a poor section of Boston, Mr. Adelson went from a teenager selling newspapers on a street corner to becoming one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs. His achievements in the integrated resort and hospitality industry are well-documented. In Las Vegas, Macao a...
John Muehlbauer Appointed CEO of the IHG Owners Association
IHG Owners Association | January 12, 2021
ATLANTA, Jan. 12, 2021 -- The IHG Owners Association, which represents the interests of IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) franchise hotel owners worldwide, announced today that John Muehlbauer has been appointed to the role of chief executive officer. Muehlbauer will continue to uphold the Association's mission of maximizing owners' investments in their IHG-branded hotels. Additionally, he will serve as the primary liaison between the Association and IHG corporate. Muehlbauer succeeds Don Berg, who has been the Association's CEO since 2015. Berg announced his intention to retire at the end of 2019 and participated in the CEO succe...
Highgate Hotels Set for February 2021 Opening of Aloft Tulum in Mexico
Aloft Hotels | January 12, 2021
TULUM, Mexico (January 2021) – Aloft Tulum, a brand-new, boho-chic inspired hotel managed by Highgate Hotels, will open in February 2021. It will feature 140 loft-style guest rooms and suites, a variety of lively spaces for socialization and music including a signature Ático Rooftop Lounge & Bar, and the destination’s only venue for corporate meetings. The Aloft Tulum will be the first Marriott International property to debut in Tulum, Quintana Roo. “Tulum is currently having its moment as one of the hottest travel destinations. We look forward to turning up the heat with the addition of our Aloft Hotel and rooftop bar,” s...
HRI Properties Plans Spring 2021 Opening of The Industrialist Hotel, Autograph Collection
Autograph Collection Hotels | January 12, 2021
PITTSBURGH, January 12, 2021 – HRI Properties and Marriott International's Autograph Collection announced today the expected Spring 2021 opening of The Industrialist Hotel, Autograph Collection, a 124-room hotel located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s downtown Golden Triangle District. The Industrialist Hotel, housed in the 18-story historic Arrott building, effortlessly blends old and new, with reimagined interiors inspired by Pittsburgh’s famous history as a steel capital. The building, built in 1902 for James Arrott, once considered the “Bathtub King of Pittsburg” as he was the first in the region to offer enameled iron bathtub...
Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport Completes $20M Renovation
IHG | January 12, 2021
Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport, owned and operated by Manga Hotels, opens its doors after completing a $20 million renovation. The transformation marks a new beginning for the hotel as staff recommits to delivering warm hospitality, memorable events and delightful dinning. The 528-room hotel is in a prime location for all travellers visiting the Toronto region and flying through the Toronto Pearson Airport. The hotel is close to Highway 401 and 427, making it an ideal venue for conferences, meetings and layover travel when the need resumes. Manga Hotels has invested in the following renovations to the 12-story property, improving the hotel...
AHLA Names Jason Riederer Senior Director of State & Local Government Affairs
AHLA | January 12, 2021
WASHINGTON (January 12, 2021) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced several additions to its staff as part of the association’s efforts to deepen its expertise in state and local government affairs and communications and meet our members’ needs today and in the future. Jason Riederer has been named Senior Director of State & Local Government Affairs. In this new role, Riederer will focus on state and local advocacy and partner state association engagement for the western U.S. He will be based in Reno, Nev. “AHLA has long recognized the importance of state and local governments in policy issues a...
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Earns Recognition as Best Mobile Key Provider During 2021 HotelTechAwards
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions | January 12, 2021
Most competitive year in HotelTechAwards history sees Mobile Access win category two consecutive years in a row and as more hoteliers look to digital key technology to enhance contactless abilities. Stockholm – January 12, 2021 – ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions is honored to announce its being named the Best Mobile Key Provider for the second year in a row by hoteliers around the world taking part in the 2021 HotelTechAwards. With each category winner selected based on over 10,000 customer reviews, this year’s winning of the Best Mobile Key Award is all the more significant with more than 318,000 hoteliers participating and making 2021 the...
Jonas Chorum Announces Integration With Akia Guest Messaging Platform
Jonas Chorum | January 12, 2021
Phoenix, Arizona – January 12, 2021 – Jonas Chorum, a suite of streamlined, intuitive, and flexible property management solutions, announces a direct integration with Akia, the premier text-messaging toolkit for hotels. With this integration, Jonas Chorum clients will be able to enhance the guest experience by leveraging two-way contactless communication. “Contactless solutions are no longer just novelties for the hospitality industry – they are critical components for hotels to operate during the ongoing pandemic,” said Evan Chen, CEO of Akia. “We are in this together. This partnership with Jonas Chorum will strengthen and ena...
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Arranges $30,500,000 of First Mortgage Financing for Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys, Florida
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company | January 12, 2021
Beverly Hills, California – – Sonnenblick-Eichner Company announced today that it has arranged $30,500,000 of interim first mortgage financing for Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, an iconic 30-suite, full service, luxury resort located in Little Torch Key, Florida. The loan refinanced a recently matured fixed rate loan and closed within 30 days of application. Mast Capital and RWN Management provided the financing. The Resort is located on an exclusive 4.12-acre private island in the world famous Florida Keys. Accessibility to the Resort is by private boat from Little Torch Key, located approximately 3 miles to the north. Am...
Turnbull Capital Group and Dr. Donald W. Wise Present a World Class Team of Professionals to Discuss: Where Are Hotel Asset Values Today?
Turnbull Capital Group | January 12, 2021
Dr. Donald W. Wise, Co-founder and Senior Managing Director of Newport Beach-based Turnbull Capital Group, and Gretta Brooks, Founder & CEO of Plano-based SalesBoost, LLC, are pleased to announce their fourth Webinar in a series on the discovery of hotel and resort values today. This Webinar is moderated by Dr. Donald W. Wise, Founder of CBRE Hotels in the 1984 and Founder of the lodging and hospitality lending group at Walker & Dunlop in 2007. The Webinar is Wednesday January 13th at 9:00 AM PST - 12:00 PM EST ~ we have added Ms. Tanya Pierson, MAI, Senior Managing Director, HVS and 35-year friend Mr. William H Reynolds Jr.,...
First Hospitality Appoints Natalie Stone to Vice President of Business Development
First Hospitality | January 11, 2021
(CHICAGO; Jan. 11, 2020)—First Hospitality, a hotel management, acquisition, development, and consulting company, announces the appointment of Natalie Stone to vice president of business development. Stone brings over 24 years of hotel, restaurant, real estate, fund management, and development experience to her new role. “We created this new position with First Hospitality’s next phase of growth in mind,” says David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality. “Natalie comes from an owner-operator background, and she has a keen understanding of nearly every level of hotel operations. As a successful entrepreneur herself, I know ...
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis Appoints Executive Team Members
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis | January 11, 2021
MEMPHIS, TN – January 2021: Slated to open this March, Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis, a new build and the first full-service Hyatt branded hotel in Memphis, announces the appointment of its newest team members who will lead the hotel’s culinary program and operations. Troy Dixon has been appointed director of operations and Keith Potter has been named executive chef. Potter will curate the hotel's culinary program across all outlets including the lobby bar, Latin-American inspired CIMAS eatery and Beck & Call whiskey bar, while Dixon will oversee all facets of the hotel's day-to-day operations, the overarching food and beverage...
Why HR Practitioners Look Forward to Rolling-Up Their Sleeves as 2021 Provides Opportunities To ‘Build Back Better’
Thomas Mielke | January 11, 2021
By Thomas Mielke In Conversation with Susan Meinl... Susan Meinl is an industry veteran, having spearheaded for well over two decades the HR function within one of the original associations set-up to support small boutique hotels across the globe. As global HR leader at Design Hotels (www.designhotels.com), she has witnessed and shaped the organisation’s journey from start-up all the way through to its (gradual) acquisition by Starwood Hotels & Resorts / Marriott International. After more than twenty years within the corporate world, Susan has now decided to set up her own practice, honing-in on leadership coaching, and HR facilit...
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Unveils $30 Million Renovation and Redesign
Grande Lakes Orlando | January 11, 2021
NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2021 -- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated, newly renovated guest rooms, luxury pool and Club Lounge. The $30 million renovation features cohesive, layered, and refined accommodations, a new luxury pool and cabanas and updated Club Lounge. Due to be complete February 2021, the 582 guest rooms will feature design inspired by the natural beauty of the property's lushly landscaped grounds, wildlife-filled water and surrounding habitats. Each room offers guests a sanctuary to relax and unwind with added technology touchpoints for the modern traveler including higher qua...
Travelers Are Checking In to Spontaneous Trips in 2021
Hotels.com | January 11, 2021
DALLAS, Jan. 11, 2021 -- Spontaneity will be the word of the year for 2021 travelers as a new global study reveals 89% of U.S. travelers intend to be more impulsive than ever, following 2020's cancelled trips, boredom and all round 'year of nothing'. The new report from Hotels.com®, 'The 2021 Upgrade', has uncovered how this new lust for spontaneity will have a ripple effect on the hotel and travel industries, as travelers say 'yes' to more. Take me away…and quick! The global study showed that 32% are dubbing 2020 the 'lost year' for travel prompting more than a third (35%) to be more likely to drop everything to vacay if they can in...
RFPAssist Continues to Drive New Event Sales Opportunities for Hotels
Lodging Interactive | January 11, 2021
Lodging Interactive, an award-winning digital marketing and social media engagement agency exclusively serving the hospitality industry, announced today that it continues to see increasing demand for group and social event bookings through its recently launched RFPAssist lead generation service. “Our RFPAssist lead generation service is delivering an average of 37 new group RFP’s for our hotel clients on a monthly basis,” stated DJ Vallauri, Founder, President & CEO of Lodging Interactive. “This comes in a time where properties continue to struggle to generate new event revenue opportunities.” Lodging Interactive’s RFPAs...
