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
Marriott Opens Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive
Marriott International, Inc. | October 28, 2024
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), the largest hotel company and leader globally and in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), announced today the opening of its 500th property in the region. The Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive embodies Marriott’s commitment to elevating the all-inclusive segment and bringing unparalleled luxury experiences to one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. “The debut of Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive as our 500th property in CALA marks a decisive moment in our expansion, as it demonstrates our continuing comm...
Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa Names Rohit Pushpavanam as Executive Chef
HOTEL INDIGO | October 28, 2024
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 28 October 2024: Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa announces the appointment of Rohit Pushpavanam as Executive Chef. Chef Rohit will oversee all culinary operations at the resort, including Vue Rooftop & Lounge, the highest rooftop lounge in the Middle East offering breathtaking views, Zaatar restaurant with its modern interpretations of regional cuisine, and Café Wadi Habib, reminiscent of a casual Omani souq. He brings over 20 years of culinary expertise and a passion for innovative, locally-inspired cuisine to this stunning mountain resort in Oman. Chef Rohit's career includes positions ...
Márcia Coelho Appointed General Manager of Octant Lousã
Octant Lousã | October 28, 2024
Lisbon, October 28, 2024 – Octant Lousã has appointed Márcia Coelho as new general manager, effective October 7, 2024. With over 20 years of hospitality industry experience and a degree in hotel management, Coelho now leads a team of 37 staff members. In her new role, she will focus on driving operational excellence throughout the property. Márcia has held roles at renowned establishments such as Pousadas de Portugal, Quinta das Lágrimas, and Hotel Caramulo. In 2002, she joined the Casino da Figueira team, where she advanced to the position of Food & Beverage Director. She served as General Manager at NAU Hotels & Resorts grou...
Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown Opens Its Doors to Adventure
Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group | October 28, 2024
Located in the mountain biking capital of the world, the new hotel is set to offer guests dynamic and flexible stays in Northwest Arkansas BENTONVILLE, Ark. – October 28, 2024 – Bentonville has a new hub for exploration and adventure with the opening of Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown. Located at 229 South Main St., Bentonville, Ark., this innovative hotel is designed for the modern traveler, offering a perfect launchpad to discover the rich culture, outdoor thrills and world-class art that defines Bentonville: the new bucket-list destination in Northwest Arkansas. "We are thrilled to introduce Motto by Hilton to Bentonville, off...
The U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Surpasses 6,200 Projects at Q3 2024
Lodging Econometrics | October 28, 2024
PORTSMOUTH, NH - October 28, 2024 According to the Q3 2024 U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), the total U.S. pipeline stands at 6,211 projects/722,821 rooms, up 9% by projects and 7% by rooms Year-Over-Year (YOY). This marks a new all-time high for projects in the U.S., surpassing previous pipeline records. At the close of the third quarter, there are 1,185 projects/148,716 rooms under construction, marking an 11% increase in projects and a 6% increase in rooms YOY. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months total 2,209 projects/251,797 rooms. Projects and rooms in early ...
HCN To Showcase AI-Powered In-Room Tablets at The Hospitality Show
The Hotel Communication Network (HCN) | October 28, 2024
AiMe (pronounced Amy) uses natural language processing and translation capabilities to respond to guests’ unstructured requests and create actionable tasks that can be relayed from the HCN Navigator 2.0 tablet to staff; See AiMe in action Oct. 28-30 at the San Antonio Convention Center in Booth 1755 SAN ANTONIO — Oct. 28, 2024 — Artificial Intelligence is expected to have a profound impact on the travel and hotel industries as reported by the 2024 Customer Engagement Technology Study. For travelers, AI offers a powerful tool to enhance decision-making and personalize experiences. For hoteliers, embracing AI can lead to improved gu...
Visual Matrix Supports AHLA & AHLA Foundation To Promote Human Trafficking Awareness Training, Support Alongside Expanded Access to Housekeeper S
Visual Matrix | October 28, 2024
Hoteliers gain expanded knowledge and support in the fight against human trafficking Richardson, Texas, Oct. 28, 2024 – Visual Matrix, a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the hospitality industry, is working with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and its charitable giving arm, AHLA Foundation, to provide expanded access to the organization’s resources and training materials to help educate hoteliers in the fight against human trafficking. Through the partnership, hoteliers will know of and be able to use free training content developed by Marriott International, in collaboration with Protect All C...
Vingcard Unveils VConnect as the New Standard in Hotel System Integration Efficiency and Future-Proof Scalability
Vingcard | October 28, 2024
End-to-end solutions provider to showcase how hoteliers can seamlessly unify and streamline property operations at The Hospitality Show. Stockholm –October 28, 2024 – Vingcard, an ASSA ABLOY company and provider of advanced technologies for the hospitality industry, is pleased to announce the launch of VConnect, a cutting-edge interface able to function as a communications bridge and centralized hub for a wide range of hotel systems and devices. With its tradeshow debut taking place during The Hospitality Show from October 28-30 at Vingcard booth #713, VConnect is set to gain the interest of attendees aiming to eliminate operational si...
The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel Opens on New York City’s Upper East Side
The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel | October 25, 2024
NEW YORK, NY (October 25, 2024) – Opening under an iconic moniker, The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel brings a new design and ultra-luxury experience to one of the most coveted addresses on the Upper East Side. The 16-story building is the inaugural property in North America for Corinthia Hotels. Owned by Reuben Brothers, global leaders in real estate development and private equity, with striking interiors by Martin Brudnizki of MBDS, The Surrey has been completely transformed to encompass 70 guest rooms, 30 suites, and 14 private residences. It is home to the first New York outpost of the beloved eatery Casa Tua and the tranquil Surrey Spa...
Women Are Well Represented in the Business Travel Industry but Glass Ceiling Remains
GBTA | October 25, 2024
New GBTA data reveals women’s expanding influence as business travelers and industry professionals, but with a persistent gender gap in senior leadership roles Women professionals are prominent throughout the business travel industry, but GBTA research suggests there are still gaps in gender equity as they are still less likely to be in senior executive positions than men. When it comes to women as business travelers, they highly value traveling for work to achieve their goals. Although they travel less frequently for work than men, women continue to take advantage of opportunities to blend business and leisure travel when they do travel...
The Perennial Tianjin Opens in China Joining the JdV by Hyatt brand
JdV by Hyatt | October 25, 2024
CHICAGO (October 25, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of The Perennial Tianjin, a part of the JdV by Hyatt portfolio. As the fourth hotel to join the JdV by Hyatt brand in Greater China, The Perennial Tianjin brings a new level of style to the dynamic Tianjin South Railway Station Business District, creating a vibrant cultural hub for urban travelers. Located in the Tianjin South Station Business District, The Perennial Tianjin is nestled within The Perennial International Health and Medical Hub, a mixed-use complex that integrates healthcare, senior living, hospitality, and commercial facilities. Enjoy...
STR Weekly Insights: 13-19 October 2024
CoStar Group | October 25, 2024
Analysis by Isaac Collazo, Will Anns Highlights Hurricane recovery, college football, Taylor Swift and more lift U.S. RevPAR Strong RevPAR growth seen in Northeastern U.S. hotels Global performance unwavering In the week ending 19 October 2024, U.S. revenue per available room (RevPAR) advanced 4.2% on 2.5 growth in average daily rate (ADR) and a 1.1 percentage point (ppt) increase in occupancy. RevPAR growth in the Top 25 Markets trailed slightly versus the remaining markets, which saw ongoing demand and ADR gains from areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Additionally, Taylor Swift’s tour stop and the Ado...
IHG’s Atwell Suites Expands Footprint With Three New Hotels in Dynamic Travel Hubs
IHG Hotels & Resorts | October 25, 2024
ATLANTA (October 25, 2024): Today, Atwell Suites announced expansion of its U.S. presence with the upcoming openings of three new hotels in Kansas City, Mo., Henderson, Nev., and Fort Worth, Texas. These additions build upon previously opened properties in Miami, Denver and Austin, further expanding IHG Hotels & Resorts’ all-suites, upper-midscale hotel brand. These properties include: Atwell Suites – Kansas City Airport, owned by Hotel KCI LLC, is now open. This 104-room hotel is minutes from Kansas City International Airport and historic downtown. With the city’s rich jazz heritage, famous BBQ, vibrant arts s...
Las Vegas Sands To Spend $8 Billion to Expand MBS Resort in Singapore
October 25, 2024
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Casino operator Las Vegas Sands plans to invest $8 billion in Singapore to expand its Marina Bay Sands resort, a major bet by the Nevada-based firm on the city-state's tourism market. The project, dubbed IR2, is to build a fourth hotel tower that will include 570 luxury suites, gaming areas, a 15,000-seat arena, rooftop pools, food and beverage offerings and 110,000 square feet of space for exhibitions and conferences, the company said during its earnings presentation earlier this week. "When IR2 is open ... that arena is going to be an incredibly powerful tourism driver for the overall complex," LVS Chief Operatin...
HFTP Recognizes Top Chapters in 2024 With Annual Awards
HFTP | October 25, 2024
Each year, HFTP strives to recognize the chapters who demonstrate extraordinary efforts to engage their local members and provide educational and networking opportunities to advance their professional development. The chapters who went above and beyond in 2024 were celebrated at the HFTP 2024 Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Congratulations to the following chapters! Tier A (1–35 members): HFTP Jamaica Chapter Tier B (36–70 members): HFTP New York Chapter Tier C (71+ members): HFTP Gulf Coast Chapter Student Chapter: HFTP University of Houston Cougar Chapter Representatives from all four winning ch...
Japan’s Halekulani Okinawa Names Shigeki Yamamoto as Director of Sales and Marketing
Halekulani Okinawa | October 25, 2024
Okinawa, Japan – Oct. 25, 2024 – Halekulani Okinawa, the only Double Five-Star luxury resort in Okinawa, today announces the appointment of Shigeki Yamamoto to the position of Director of Sales and Marketing. With an extensive hospitality background, Mr. Yamamoto is well positioned to lead the property’s sales and marketing efforts and perpetuate its standing as one of the finest luxury hotels in Japan. “We are delighted to welcome Shigeki Yamamoto as our new Director of Sales and Marketing,” said Jun Yoshi, General Manager of Halekulani Okinawa. “His knowledge and extensive experience in the hotel industry make him an invalua...
Enjoy Group Appoints Frederic Cappello as General Manager at El Mangroove, Autograph Collection in Costa Rica
El Mangroove, Autograph Collection | October 25, 2024
COSTA RICA (October 25 , 2024) — Acclaimed hospitality management company Enjoy Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Frederic Cappello as General Manager of the 121-suite El Mangroove, Autograph Collection, located within the Blue Zone of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula on the Gulf of Papagayo. With an impressive career spanning more than two decades in the luxury hospitality industry, Cappello brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences to his new role. Frederic Cappello joins El Mangroove following a successful tenure as General Manager at El Silencio Lodge & Spa, a pre...
Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo Opens in the Dominican Republic
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | October 25, 2024
CHICAGO (October 25, 2024) — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo, the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in the Caribbean. Located within the stylish Ensanche Piantini neighborhood, this new lifestyle property welcomes savvy business and leisure travelers to explore the historical and modern sites in the Dominican Republic’s capital, from high-end shopping to upscale dining and entertainment, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized Colonial Zone, renowned for its 16th-century architecture and iconic landmarks such as Alcázar de Colón and the Cathedral of the America...
Maine Course Hospitality Group Breaks Ground on HomeAwhile in Scarborough, Maine
HomeAwhile | October 25, 2024
Scarborough, ME – October 25, 2024 – Maine Course Hospitality Group is excited to announce the groundbreaking on HomeAwhile, an innovative boutique hotel concept set to transform the extended stay experience in Scarborough, Maine. The ceremony will take place on October 24, 2024, marking the official start of construction on this 109-room all-suite hotel. HomeAwhile is designed to provide long-term guests with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, featuring fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, expansive bedrooms, and dedicated workspaces with high-speed internet access. This unique hotel concept is tailored to meet the evol...
10 Ways Hotel Groups Can Maximize Efficiency and Revenue
Tom Brown | October 25, 2024
Once a hotel brand or portfolio scales across multiple properties, its operations become more complex. It’s natural and it’s necessary. What’s unnecessary, however, is that the work for hoteliers exponentially increases. Although the management of hotel groups provides bonus challenges like centralized operations, brand consistency and heightened security, it also brings opportunities for bigger customer reach, economies of scale and more revenue. So how can you tap into the benefits of being a group without putting extra strain on your staff? Here are ten places to start. 1. Go cloud-native Challenge: On-premises solutions a...
Choosing the Right Words Can Transform a Customer Service Conversation
Shep Hyken | October 25, 2024
In the customer service world, we’re contacted by customers who have questions and problems. A conversation that begins with the three words, “How do I …?” is an opportunity for a positive customer service conversation right from the start. On the other hand, a conversation that starts with a problem or complaint forces us to turn a negative into a positive. Words that we use can help drive the positive experience. Here are three ideas: Yes and No – If you’ve been in sales, you may have been taught that the goal is to get the customer to say yes. I agree with this in principle. The word yes evokes positivity. Howeve...
a&o Hostels Expand in Belgium With Opening of 133-Key a&o Antwerpen Centraal
a&o Hostels | October 25, 2024
The a&o Antwerpen Centraal will operate under the a&o brand from 1st November 2024. The hostel is located opposite to Antwerp Central Station in an ideal city centre spot a&o Antwerpen Centraal is a&o’s first property in Belgium The hostel is scheduled to open from November 1st and will be the 41st property for Europe’s largest hostel brand With 133 rooms and 516 beds, a&o Antwerpen offers guests a comfortable and affordable stay in Belgium’s largest city with a central location at the Art Nouveau Central Station a&o will invest 4 million euros in the conversion and modernization of the property...
U.S. Travel Reacts to DOJ, DOT Inquiry on Air Travel Competition
U.S. Travel Association | October 25, 2024
WASHINGTON (October 25, 2024)—U.S. Travel Association issued the following statement on the Departments of Justice and Transportation inquiry on the state of competition in air travel: "Today's announcement by the Departments of Transportation and Justice that they will launch 'broad inquiries' into airline business practices is another in a long line of disappointing political stunts. Airfares are at new lows and air travel demand is at historic highs. Yet air travel could be improved—by investing in technology, funding airport improvements and addressing the shortage of 3,000 air traffic controllers. Rather than solve these serious, ...
BWH Hotels Hosts 3,000 Attendees at Accelerate Conference Showcasing Global Strategy and Momentum for the Future
BWH Hotels | October 25, 2024
Phoenix, Arizona (October 25, 2024) – BWH Hotels, the leading hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay® Hotels, hosted its annual convention this week in Charlotte, North Carolina. With “Accelerate” as this year’s theme, nearly 3,000 attendees, including BWH Hotels’ hoteliers, operators, and partners from around the globe, came together to celebrate one another’s accomplishments and set the groundwork for a successful year ahead and beyond. “We chose ‘Accelerate’ as our theme because it perfectly encapsulates the energy and momen...
