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Behind the Scenes of Cyber HITEC: Meet the HITEC Advisory Council (Part I)
HFTP | August 12, 2020
Behind the scenes of every great HITEC is a group of highly knowledgeable industry veterans lending their expertise to the planning and coordination of the conference’s education program. These individuals share a deep understanding of the complexities of the hospitality industry, as well as its strengths, challenges and continuous evolution. They take the challenges that often face hospitality professionals and collectively seek the voices that can share sustainable solutions to these challenges. In this blog post, meet a few of the great minds at work behind the world’s first-ever Cyber HITEC. This is part one of a three-part series ...
Baby Boomers Deserve Big Attention From Businesses Too
Linchi Kwok | August 12, 2020
By Linchi Kwok Jill Filipovic argued in her new book - OK Boomer, Let’s Talk: How My Generation Got Left Behind - that millennials have been going through tougher economic circumstances than any other generations since the Great Depression. I am neither a millennial nor a Boomer, but the media coverage about Jill’s arguments got my attention. The fact is no matter if we are in the position of supporting or challenging Jill’s propositions, we cannot deny that we need Boomers to boost post-pandemic consumption. Besides millennials and Gen Zers, Baby Boomers also deserve big attention from businesses. Boomers have time and money ...
Be Nice—It Doesn’t Cost You Anything
Shep Hyken | August 12, 2020
By Shep Hyken What does it cost to be nice? Some would say, “Nothing.” When it comes to people interacting with people, that’s probably true. It’s a smile, a wave, a head nod or some other gesture. It’s a genuine “thank you” or another comment to share your appreciation for your customer. None of that has any cost associated with the idea of being nice. I’m in the process of writing a new book. I’ll share more about that another time, but one of the chapters is entitled, “Be Nice.” That’s a great customer service strategy—just be nice! As simple as that sounds, there is a lot to being nice. I’ll share exam...
Hyatt Expands in Canada With Opening of Hyatt Place Toronto/Mississauga Centre
Hyatt Place | August 12, 2020
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario (August 12, 2020) – Hyatt Place Toronto/Mississauga Centre announced today its official opening, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. Located in the heart of Mississauga’s business district, the hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities that help guests do more. “We are excited to introduce Ontario’s first Hyatt Place hotel to the Mississauga area,” said General Manager, Celso Thompson. “With our smartly designed social spaces, including adaptable, state-of-the-art m...
Contactless Linen Inventory Management and Stay Safe Using the InvoTech UHF-RFID System
InvoTech | August 12, 2020
Safely manage the daily tasks related to your linen and laundry activity and work in the current situation, respecting social distancing and hygiene norms. InvoTech provides a completely contactless, safe experience for everyone in your property dealing with linens and laundry activity. The ideal solution to help housekeeping operations enable full productivity and safety for your staff. Track your entire linen inventory, maintain proper inventory levels in storerooms and manage laundry activity without physical contact. Using the UHF-RFID Linen System allows you to manage the entire inventory from initial purchase, daily usage, aging and lau...
IHG Opens First Holiday Inn in Gurugram, India
IHG | August 12, 2020
Located in the heart of New Gurugram, Holiday Inn Gurugram Sector 90 will be the first Holiday Inn hotel in the city and the third in the Delhi-NCR area. Situated on a Multi Utility Corridor and offering easy access to Manesar, Southern Periphery Road, Dwarka Express Highway and the city centre, the 263 rooms hotel is located approximately 45 minutes from Indira Gandhi International Airport, 30 mins from Gurugram’s railway station and 30 mins from Huda City Centre Metro station. The Hotel is a part of a mixed use development “V3S Sapphire 90” which offers shopping, retail, multiplex, food court, restaurants and much more. The hot...
Hotel Equities Selected to Manage Holiday Inn Boone–University Area, North Carolina
Hotel Equities | August 12, 2020
ATLANTA — (August 12, 2020) — Today, Hotel Equities (HE), a leading hotel management, development and ownership company, announced it has been selected to manage the full-service Holiday Inn Boone–University Area. The hotel located at 1075 Hwy 105 is situated in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina near Appalachian State University. A $4.3m renovation to the hotel was completed last year by Asheville, NC-based owners Watauga Hospitality, LLC. Hotel Equities assumed operations for the hotel including accounting, revenue management and sales and marketing. “We are thrilled to partner with this strong ownership g...
Study: 40% of Excess Unemployment Is in Leisure & Hospitality Sector
The U.S. Travel Association | August 12, 2020
WASHINGTON (August 12, 2020)—Faced with a fresh round of bleak employment data, the American travel industry is renewing its pleas for leaders in Washington to return to the negotiating table and finalize another coronavirus-related relief package—without which the prospects for an overall U.S. economic recovery look increasingly grim. A report prepared for the U.S. Travel Association by Tourism Economics finds a bevy of chilling jobs figures—and underscores the fact that an overall U.S. employment recovery will not be successful unless the hard-hit travel and tourism industry can be safely restarted: 40% of excess U.S. unemploy...
Ten Ways to Boost Guest Confidence and Increase Loyalty Amid COVID-19
Amadeus Hospitality | August 12, 2020
Rethinking the guest experience, creating new standards, and committing to those standards will be vital in building future loyalists. COVID-19 has caused many to reflect upon the fundamental operations of our global society and our day-to-day lives, including the way we travel. In hospitality, many are wondering how an industry that is so reliant on personal interactions can recover from the crisis and earn back guest confidence. Moving forward, hotels that integrate the newest stringent standards into their operations – while also rethinking the guest experience – will be the first to see a positive revenue impact. Further emb...
Minibar Systems Introduces SmartHands Elevator Hand Sanitizer Dispenser
Minibar Systems | August 12, 2020
[video width="600" height="338"" mp4="https://www.hotel-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/SmartHands_Elevator_Dispenser.mp4"][/video] Rockville, MD - Minibar Systems is pleased to announce our new SmartHands Elevator dispensers are now available for hotels and can soon be purchased online at SmartHands.MinibarSystems.com. The SmartHands™ elevator hand sanitizer works with the dispenser and contains 80% Ethanol Alcohol which exceeds the CDC standard and kills 99.99% of harmful germs and bacteria. Aloe vera leaf extract is added to help aid and moisturize skin after application. Please visit the website for add...
InnVentures Appoints Kimberly O’Fallon as Chief Operating Officer
InnVentures | August 11, 2020
SEATTLE, Wash. – Aug. 11, 2020 – InnVentures, a leader in extended stay and select service third-party hotel management, is igniting its expansion strategy by naming 30-year industry veteran Kimberly O’Fallon as Chief Operating Officer. The placement supports the company’s growth plans for 2020 and beyond. “Promoting thought leaders such as Kimberly from within gives us a competitive advantage as her experience is unparalleled – holding almost every operations and sales related position within our organization during her 26-year tenure,” said Rob Dann, CEO of Development, InnVentures. “It’s this experience that will prope...
Shangri-La Hotels in Hong Kong Appoint Two New General Managers
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | August 11, 2020
Hong Kong, August 10, 2020 – Shangri-La Hotels in Hong Kong are pleased to announce two new general manager appointments at Island Shangri-La and Kowloon Shangri-La in Hong Kong, effective August 1, 2020. Juergen Doerr has been appointed as the general manager of Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, while continuing his role as vice president, operations (Hong Kong & Taiwan). Doerr has been with the group for over 21 years, previously holding the title of general manager at Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong. In his new capacity, Doerr will oversee the daily operation of Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong including an extensive asset enhancement of th...
TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Antonio Northwest at The RIM Set to Open in Texas
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | August 11, 2020
San Antonio, TX – August 11, 2020 – The TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Antonio Northwest at The RIM is set to open for business this Monday, August 17th. The new 109-suite hotel is built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the area. Located at 17934 La Cantera Parkway, it will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Satesh Limited, LLC. All service team members are thoroughly trained on local knowledge and look forward to connecting guests to the local area. The hotel brand’s signature floor-to-ceiling TowneMap® also helps guests i...
Knowland Announces 3-Part Webinar Series Entitled Gearing Up for the Road Ahead
Knowland | August 11, 2020
Aug. 11, 2020 - Knowland’s vice president of product, Kristi White will speak with special guests about strategies to help hotels plan for the future and grow group business during these difficult times. With guests from management companies and training executives to technology partners and meeting planners, Kristi will dive into real conversations dealing with the re-calibration of the industry and brainstorm on potential new strategies for hoteliers as we move through the one of the greatest business disruptions in history. Seats are limited and filling up fast for this important series and attendance is complimentary. The first ...
How Hotels and Resorts Are Stepping up Marketing as Travel Rebounds
NextGuest | August 11, 2020
As travelers become more comfortable with new safety protocols and practices around COVID-19, we’re seeing travel start to rebound around the world. According to STR, hotel occupancy has been slowly recovering, especially in the US and Europe. While the travel industry is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2022, current research shows that consumer sentiment towards traveling will continue to improve throughout the year. Yet due to the quickly evolving nature of the pandemic and the possibility of a second wave, this is subject to change. In the US, a recent spike in COVID-19 cases has resulted in a decline ...
STR, AirDNA Release Full Analysis of Hotels and Short-Term Rentals
STR | August 11, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—The hotel industry has made promising weekly gains in occupancy since its low point of the COVID-19 pandemic, while short-term rentals are nearing last year’s levels in revenue per available room (RevPAR), according to a joint analysis of 27 global markets by STR and AirDNA. The full analysis is available at: https://str.com/whitepaper/covid-19-impact-on-hotels-and-short-term-rentals-airdna To measure the impact of the global pandemic on the two hospitality segments, STR and AirDNA analyzed performance of traditional hotels, hotel-comparable short-term rentals (studios and 1-bedroom units) and larger short-...
Hospitality’s Role in Driving Sustainability and Community Projects
August 11, 2020
As one of the world’s largest industries, it’s up to travel and tourism to lead the way toward a carbon-smart, sustainable future that contributes to the well-being of people and the planet. This means giving back to local communities, particularly now, since so many places around the world that depend on visitors are struggling as a consequence of COVID-19. Even before the virus took its devastating toll on the industry, visitors have been looking for ways to create deeper and more meaningful connections with the places they care about - a trend known as voluntourism. Voluntourism, when done right, is a win-win situation for everyone:...
Marriott International Introduces New Content On Digital Platform For Meetings & Events
Marriott International, Inc. | August 11, 2020
Following the announcement of Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean and Global Cleanliness Council, Marriott has introduced digital content about redefined processes and reimagined spaces guided by cleanliness experts and best practices to help hosts, organizers and attendees plan and execute meetings and connect with confidence. Recognized as an industry leader for quality and exacting standards for over 93 years, Marriott is introducing changes which include enhanced sanitation guidelines, new operational training for associates, and increased use of conference technologies to ensure that customers are able to come together when...
The Luxury Collection Debuts In Abu Dhabi With Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
The Luxury Collection® Hotels and Resorts | August 11, 2020
The Luxury Collection®, part of Marriott International, Inc., today welcomed Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa to its unique ensemble of iconic hotels, marking the debut of the portfolio in the UAE capital. Just a 30-minute drive from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa is located deep within the expansive landscape of Abu Dhabi. With a design reminiscent of a historic desert village, it is an intimate retreat suffused with natural beauty, unique tranquillity, and rare experiences. “We are delighted to welcome Al Wathba, Desert Resort & Spa to our ensemble of hotels that define the destination and offer ...
IHG Releases Interim Results to June 30, 2020
IHG | August 11, 2020
Key metrics $6.6bn total gross revenue (down (52)%; (51)% at CER) (51.7)% global H1 RevPAR (74.7)% global Q2 RevPAR 1 Excludes System Fund results, hotel cost reimbursements and exceptional items. 2 Comprises the Group’s fee business and owned, leased and managed lease hotels. 3 Excludes owned, leased and managed lease hotels, significant liquidated damages and the results of the Group’s captive insurance company, with 2019 restated accordingly. 4 Calculated using results from Reportable Segments and Adjusted Interest, and excluding changes in fair value of contingent consideration. 5 Reportable segment ...
Kimpton Pittman Set to Open in Dallas’ Historic Knights of Pythias Temple
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | August 11, 2020
THERE’S A NEW KID IN TOWN With the opening of the Kimpton Pittman Hotel on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 comes the rebirth of one of Dallas’ most historic buildings in the storied Deep Ellum neighborhood. The property serves as the first hotel in the neighborhood and provides doorstep access to some of the city’s most popular shops, craft breweries, dining destinations and over 30 live music venues. The Kimpton Pittman Hotel makes its home in the historic Knights of Pythias Temple. Designed in 1916 by prominent African American architect and son-in-law of Booker T. Washington, William S. Pittman, for whom the hotel is named, the proper...
McKibbon Hospitality Appoints Todd Kinney General Manager for Hyatt House Tampa Avion Park
Hyatt House | August 11, 2020
Tampa, FL (August 11, 2020) – McKibbon Hospitality, an award-winning leader in hotel management, today announced the appointment of hospitality veteran Todd Kinney as General Manager of the new Hyatt House Tampa Avion Park. Upon completion, Kinney will be responsible for overseeing all operations for the 145-room, extended-stay hotel, which is slated to open at the end of this year. Kinney, who has been with McKibbon Hospitality since 1997, brings nearly 30 years of extensive and tenured hospitality management experience to Hyatt House Tampa Avion Park. Most recently, he served as a Regional Vice President of Operations for McKibbon, whe...
AHLA Applauds President Donald Trump for Signing Executive Orders Extending Unemployment Benefits
AHLA | August 10, 2020
WASHINGTON (August 10, 2020) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today applauded President Donald Trump for supporting Americans by signing Executive Orders that extend unemployment benefits and support those impacted by COVID 19, while urging Congress to come together swiftly and pass meaningful, bipartisan legislation that helps support the hotel industry and the millions of employees we support. The following statement is attributable to Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA: “Millions of America’s hotel workers remain out of work as our industry struggles to survive the pandemic. We applaud the actions take...
Hilton College Announces Winners of the First-Ever Hospitality Hackathon (HC3), Sponsored by HFTP
Hilton College | August 10, 2020
This summer, the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, in partnership with Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), challenged students in hospitality programs across the globe with the first-time Hilton College Hospitality Hackathon. The competition asked participants to tackle COVID-19 head-on and address the challenges it has posed to all sectors of the hospitality, travel and tourism industry, and to develop solutions to move it forward. "The response to our first HC3 Hilton College Hospitality Hackathon from hospitality programs around the world has been nothing short of...
