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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
How to Manage Your Employees and Clients Through the Pandemic
GBTA | September 2, 2020
This week, GBTA Interim-Executive Director Dave Hilfman hosted well-respected travel industry human resources leader Patti Huska to share how to best get your organization and employees through this turbulent time. Huska is American Express Global Business Travel’s (GBT) Chief People Officer and also serves on GBTA’s WINiT Strategic Advisory Board. Attendees of the webinar received actionable tips and ideas from Huska and Hilfman including: Break situations down into manageable pieces. “We separated our pandemic response into three segments: ‘Respond,’ which was working through the immediate needs; ‘Reset,’ where we addres...
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid Welcomes Adrian Messerli as Regional Vice President and General Manager Ahead of September Opening
September 2, 2020
Fifteen-year Four Seasons veteran Adrian Messerli has been named Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, scheduled to open on September 25, 2020. The company’s first hotel in Spain opens following a seven-year restoration of seven historic buildings in the heart of the capital, debuting a new open-air rooftop restaurant by celebrated Spanish Chef Dani Garcia, as well a spectacular four-level spa retreat. “Adrian Messerli is an exceptional hotelier with a strong background in both food and beverage, and spa and wellness - the ideal person to lead the team as we open our doors in Madrid this month,” ...
Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 236: Hotel History: The Hermitage Hotel
Stanley Turkel | September 2, 2020
by Stanley Turkel, CMHS Hotel History: Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee (122 rooms) Historic Hotels of America is proud to announce that the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee has been selected as the 2020 Historic Hotel of the Year. “Congratulations to the ownership, leadership, and many associates at The Hermitage Hotel,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We are delighted to recognize this magnificent historic hotel and its historic hoteliers for their dedication, enthusiasm, stewardship, and leadership in preserving this iconic treasure and i...
United States Looks Set to Lose $155 Billion From Missing International Tourists and Visitors, Says WTTC
September 2, 2020
02/09/2020 $425 million a day being lost to the U.S. economy London, UK: A devastating $155 billion looks set to be lost from the U.S. economy due to the collapse of international travel during 2020, according to latest research conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, says the massive decline in the number of international travellers and tourists visiting the U.S due to the COVID-19 pandemic, could result in international visitor spending dropping by a staggering 79%. This catastrophic loss to the American economy equates to a shortfal...
Sage Hospitality Group Adds The Guild Hotel and The Lodge at Sonoma to Management Portfolio
September 2, 2020
Denver, Colo. – (Sept. 2, 2020) – Sage Hospitality Group announced today the addition of two California hotels to its portfolio of managed properties: The Guild Hotel, Tribute Portfolio in downtown San Diego and The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort and Spa in downtown Sonoma. “We are truly thrilled to welcome these two beautiful assets and their teams into the Sage family,” said Daniel del Olmo, President and COO of Sage Hotel Management, a Sage Hospitality Group company. “Both The Guild Hotel and The Lodge at Sonoma are perfect additions to our growing portfolio of lifestyle hotels, and we look forward to bringing the talent a...
Neil Murray Joins GuestTek as Vice President Strategic Partnerships
GuestTek | September 2, 2020
Calgary, Alberta – September 2, 2020 – GuestTek Interactive Entertainment Ltd., the global leader in providing innovative and interactive technology solutions for the hospitality industry, is pleased to announce and welcome Neil Murray as Vice President (of) Strategic Partnerships. As Vice President (of) Strategic Partnerships, Neil will be responsible for the development of key strategic relationships and expansion of our International Markets. Neil brings with him 23 years of corporate experience with Hilton hotels where he latterly managed a team responsible for delivering Guest WiFi across EMEA and APAC. Neil has a strong focus on ...
Enjoy the Journey as Well as the Destination
Robert Rauch | September 2, 2020
By Robert Rauch Our 10-step Method to 2021 Business Planning Every year during late August and early September, we embark on business planning for the following year. This year has been highly unusual to say the least. So, despite the low revenues, difficult operating environment, stress and anxiety and disastrous cash flow, try to breathe and enjoy the journey. It will make the transition to the other side more enjoyable and likely more successful. Here are 10 items to put on your “to-do” list that will get you there and keep you focused! 1) Complete your research. Business plans for 2021 must be clear, concise and simple a...
Edgar Toral Hernandez Appointed CEO of Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort, Phuket
Thanyapura Sports and Health Resort | September 2, 2020
Singapore, 2 September 2020 – Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort, Phuket is delighted to announce the appointment of Edgar Toral Hernandez as its new CEO, effective 1 September 2020. Edgar has been a key member of Thanyapura since 2017 as Executive Vice President and has led the team with distinction, positioning Thanyapura Phuket at the forefront of active holiday destinations in Asia. Announcing the appointment, Thanyapura’s outgoing President & CEO, Carl Philipp Berno Graf von Hardenberg said: “I had the great pleasure of working closely with Edgar for the past three years. Together with the executive team and the re...
Radisson Hotel Group Lands Two Brands Under One Roof at London Heathrow
Radisson | September 2, 2020
The property features one wing with 258 bedrooms showcasing the bold and playful design of Radisson RED. The other bedrooms – more than 600 – follow the Scandinavian-inspired Radisson brand style, nodding to the hotel group’s heritage. Family rooms with bunk beds able to accommodate up to four people are featured at both brands. On arrival, guests are greeted by a stylish and contemporary lobby, designed for socializing, working or relaxing. The restaurant, lounge and bar, shared by both hotels, provide enticing spaces to start the fun of a holiday or unwind after a long day. Additionally, there is a separate reception area for the e...
Israel Set to ‘Bounce Back’ From Pandemic as Lessons Have Been Learned Before, Hears Webinar
HVS | September 2, 2020
02 September 2020, London: In a buoyant message to a webinar audience of some 300 hotel operators, investors and owners, held yesterday [1 September 2020] Israel’s Minister of Tourism was confident the country’s hotel sector would make a full recovery post-Covid, because historically the country had done so before. Asaf Zamir, speaking on an international webinar hosted jointly by HVS and the Israel Tourism Ministry, said: “because of the country’s history – with war and security – it has learnt how to bounce back more than anywhere, because we know how to do it.” Israel’s tourism sector, he said, was already showing rec...
ProfitSword Launches Hospitality Recovery Dashboard to Provide Industry With Insight Into Real-Time Market Performance and Future Outlook
ProfitSword | September 2, 2020
Latest in hospitality business intelligence software utilized to visualize a range of key performance indicators and now freely available to assist industry professionals with navigating the post COVID-19 environment. ORLANDO, Fla. – (September 2, 2020) – ProfitSword, the leading developer of business intelligence and data integration software, has unveiled its designing of an advanced hospitality market performance dashboard that can aggregate real-time metrics from businesses across the industry to present a comprehensive analysis of how recovery efforts are progressing and what hoteliers can expect from the marketplace in upcoming m...
McLaren Technologies Leads Forward-Thinking, Tech-Driven Strategy at the Iconic Byron at Byron
McLaren Technologies | September 2, 2020
Is this Australia’s most luxurious contactless check-in experience? Three reasons why Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, will reopen as Australia’s most luxe post-pandemic hotel haven this spring AUSTRALIA, 02 September 2020 – As Australia moves into post-pandemic travel territory, several progressive hotels and resorts are adapting quickly to meet the changing demands of travelers in 2020. One property leading the charge (and change) is the iconic Byron at Byron, set to reopen its doors to the world (well, perhaps just Australia for the short term) as a Crystalbrook Collection Resort on 1 September 2020. Fresh ...
Hotel Equities Promotes Bryan Decort to Chief Operating Officer
Hotel Equities | September 1, 2020
ATLANTA, GA – September 1, 2020 – Today, leading hotel ownership, management and development firm, Hotel Equities (HE), announced the promotion of Bryan DeCort to the position of chief operating officer. In his role, DeCort will be responsible for enterprise-wide performance, profitability and corporate strategy for the firm’s portfolio of 160+ hotels and resorts throughout the United States and Canada. DeCort joined the firm in 2017 as senior vice president of operations and most recently served in the role of executive vice president. He was the architect for a comprehensive internal re-organization while the firm simultaneously ...
American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP Completes the Sale of the Wingate Tampa Hotel
American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP | September 1, 2020
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 1, 2020 - American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP ("AHIP" or the "Company") (TSX: HOT.UN, HOT.U, and HOT.DB.U) announced today that it has closed the previously announced sale of its 86-room Wingate Tampa property for gross proceeds of US$7.5 million. AHIP has provided US$2.65 million in financing for the buyer, secured by a mortgage, which is repayable at the end of three years along with accrued interest. Net proceeds of the sale will be used to repay amounts outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility. "We're pleased to complete the sale of this non-core asset, which was nearing significant brand-...
How Turning to Benchmarking Can Stave Off Financial Ruin
HotStats | September 1, 2020
When the winds of crisis whip, and a hotel’s cash begins flying away, it’s easy to panic. During a crisis, it might feel like the whole market has been pulled out from under you. However, there is hope even in the worst financial crisis. With hotel benchmarking, it’s possible to fight off financial ruin, even in the middle or during the aftermath of financial turmoil. Wondering how? In this article, we dive into ways hoteliers can use benchmarking to keep a hotel out of the red and steer operations to long-term profit amid a nightmarish market. First, What Happens During a Financial Crisis? Every financial crisis will be diff...
New Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi Opens in China
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | September 1, 2020
TOKYO, Sep. 1, 2020 - Rising above Tokyo's oldest neighbourhood and just steps away to the Imperial Palace, the all-new, thoroughly modern Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is now open. "We are delighted to welcome guests to the third Four Seasons in Japan, a truly stunning property that reflects Tokyo'scaptivating contrast of modern innovation and honoured traditions. In collaboration with our remarkable partners at Mitsui Fudosan Resort Management Co., Ltd., Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi will deliver next-generation luxury through its combination of design, service, wellness experiences and culinary artistry by award-winni...
Hyatt Signs With Mani Brothers for Conversion of Travaasa Hana Into Hana-Maui Resort
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | September 1, 2020
CHICAGO - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Mani Brothers Real Estate Group, a leading Southern California based full-service commercial property firm that owns and operates one-of-a-kind landmark properties, to rebrand the 75-room Travaasa Hāna into Hāna-Maui Resort, under the Destination Hotels brand. Offering a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America, Destination Hotels properties are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. “Hyatt is excited to welcome H...
What Is Service Design?
EHL | September 1, 2020
With this in mind, service design can be applied to both new services and existing ones. Possibilities and opportunities for best-case-scenario service provision are analyzed and stakeholder expectations assessed. According to the Institute of User Experience Design, considerations of personas, the customer journey and touchpoints help feed into the ideal service provision outcome – for customers and service providers alike. This distinction between customers and service providers draws our attention to an important concept in service design: the differentiation between “frontstage” and “backstage”. As the terms suggest, the key ...
Federal Per Diem: Fiscal 2020/21 & Historical Trends
Chelsey Leffet | September 1, 2020
By Chelsey Leffet Government per-diem rates are set for a number of locations, many applying to multiple regions or localities in each state. A per-diem rate is made up of three components: a lodging allowance, meals allowance, and incidental expense allowance[1]; however, this article and the data presented below focus solely on the lodging allowance. The per-diem lodging rates, which provide a maximum amount that a federal traveler can reimburse, are based on the costs of mid-priced hotels, and are set annually by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The following article examines the per-diem trends of the top lodging markets...
Hilton’s Conrad Brand Resort Debuts in Mexico With Opening of Conrad Punta de Mita
Conrad Punta de Mita | September 1, 2020
Nayarit, MEXICO – September 1, 2020 – Mexico’s coveted Riviera Nayarit welcomes a bright new era in hospitality with today’s official opening of Conrad Punta de Mita – Hilton’s first-ever Conrad brand resort in Mexico, and the second Conrad brand property in the country. Situated beside the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific on a two-mile-long beach, the highly anticipated opening of the 324-key property invites travelers to discover contemporary luxury. “The opening of Conrad Punta de Mita marks an important milestone for Hilton, as we bring Conrad-level style, service and experiences to the sho...
State of Hotel Industry Six Months Into Covid Pandemic
AHLA | September 1, 2020
Labor Day weekend hotel bookings down 66% compared to last year 4 out of 10 hotel employees not working with 65% of hotels operating below breakeven point Urban hotels impacted the most with crippling low occupancy rates at 38% Click here to download full “State of the Hotel Industry” report WASHINGTON (September 1, 2020) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today released an analysis on the economic and human struggle of the hotel industry six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, with millions of employees still furloughed or laid off and travel demand lagging far behind normal levels. ...
Hyatt Regency Sofia Opens in Bulgaria
Hyatt Regency | September 1, 2020
CHICAGO (September 1, 2020) Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Bulgaria, Hyatt Regency Sofia. The 183-room hotel is ideally located in the heart of the capital on Vasil Levski Square and within walking distance of Sofia’s major tourist attractions and government institutions. The opening of the hotel marks an important milestone for Hyatt, thoughtfully growing its brand presence in Southeast Europe. The Hyatt Regency brand is designed for productivity and stress-free stays by offering seamless and personalized, high-touch experiences. The full range of services and ameniti...
The Hotel Group, Along With Kauri Investments and Washington Holdings, Opens Hilton Garden Inn Redmond Town Center
The Hotel Group | September 1, 2020
SEATTLE, WA (September 1, 2020) — The Hotel Group (THG), a leading national hotel management and investment company, announced today the opening of the 177-room Hilton Garden Inn Redmond Town Center in Redmond, Washington. The Hotel Group manages the new property on behalf of Kauri Investments and Washington Holdings, and is THG’s sixth Hilton branded hotel in the Puget Sound. “The Hilton Garden Inn Redmond Town Center marks The Hotel Group’s 50th new hotel opening in our 36-year history,” said Doug Dreher, President and CEO of The Hotel Group. “THG is thrilled to work with Kauri Investments and Washington Holdings on this ne...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Set to Debut in Two New Markets in October 2020
September 1, 2020
InterContinental Hotels Group® (IHG) will debut its luxury boutique brand Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants® in two new markets this October with Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo opening on October 2, 2020 in Japan and Kimpton Bangkok Maa-Lai opening on October 1, 2020 in Thailand. The much-anticipated openings mark Kimpton’s expansion in Asia and rounds out the brand’s global presence in some of the world’s most exciting cities including London, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Taipei. Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants pioneered luxury boutique hotels in the US, delivering distinctive, design-driven hotels and award-w...
