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Nearly 4,000 Consumers Reveal Key Wellness Vacation Motivations Post-Pandemic
The Wellness Tourism Association | July 27, 2020
July 22, 2020 (Denver) – Nearly 4,000 consumers from 48 countries and territories responded to the Wellness Tourism Association’s second consumer survey, revealing their motivations for taking a Wellness Vacation as the industry begins to recover. The three-month (April, May, June 2020) online consumer survey was administered in collaboration with WTA Member, Professor Danny Kessler Ph.D. from Youngsan University, Busan, South Korea. Respondents were 54% female with 73% between the ages 26 to 74 (Millennials and Baby Boomers), and with close to 78% indicating they already include wellness activities when they travel. President & CEO...
The U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Remains Robust Through the First Half of 2020, Despite Pandemic.*
Lodging Econometrics | July 27, 2020
July 27, 2020 – PORTSMOUTH, NH - Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that at the close of the second quarter of 2020, the total U.S. hotel construction pipeline stands at 5,582 projects/687,801 rooms, down a mere 1% by projects and rooms, Year-Over-Year (YOY). Remarkably, despite some project cancelations, postponements, and delays, there has been minimal impact on the U.S. construction pipeline. Contrary to what is being experienced with hotel operations, the pipeline remains robust as interest rates are at all-time lows. Projects currently under construction stand at 1,771 projects/235,467 rooms, up 3% and 1% respectively, Y...
Humanizing Hotel Brands During COVID-19 Could Encourage Tourists to Return
July 23, 2020
Hotels should build an emotional attachment with tourists when communicating during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic if they are to encourage them to return, according to new research. The study finds that crisis communication emphasizing shared emotional responses to risks enables tourists to humanize the hotel, which can subsequently create an emotional attachment. This attachment can then increase tourists’ intentions to visit once the crisis ends, which is crucial if the industry is to recover. Researchers from the Universities of East Anglia (UEA), Bath and West of England say their findings challenge the approach that domina...
Nashville Short-Term Rental Performance Continued to Rise in June
STR | July 23, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—Nashville short-term rental properties showed further improvement in June after higher occupancy was seen in May, according to STR. Occupancy for the sector increased 15.5% from May to June, reaching a level of 56.7%. In May, short-term rental occupancy was at 49.1%. STR, the leader in global hospitality benchmarking and analytics, maintains the world’s largest hotel performance database. Nashville is the first short-term rental market where STR is expanding its benchmarking offerings via a pilot study. Included in STR’s short-term rental sample are both multi-family and single-family short-term rentals, ...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 18 July
STR | July 23, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—U.S. hotel performance data for the week ending 18 July showed slightly higher occupancy and room rates from the previous week, according to STR. 12-18 July 2020 (percentage change from comparable week in 2019): Occupancy: 47.5% (-38.9%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$98.56 (-28.0%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$46.87 (-56.0%) U.S. occupancy has risen week over week for 13 of the last 14 weeks, although growth in demand (room nights sold) has slowed recently. Aggregate data for the Top 25 Markets showed lower occupancy (40.3%) and ADR (US$97.16) than all other markets. Norfolk/Vir...
STR: Canada Hotel Results for Week Ending 18 July
STR | July 23, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—STR data for 12-18 July 2020 shows a continued steady rise in Canadian hotel performance but the same significant level of year-over-year declines. In comparison with the week of 14-20 July 2019, the industry reported the following: Occupancy: -57.1% to 33.3% Average daily rate (ADR): -31.6% to CAD122.94 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -70.7% to CAD40.92 Two provinces reached a 40% occupancy level: British Columbia (44.5%) and Manitoba (41.9%). Vancouver (33.1%) was the only major market at or above the 30% mark. The lowest occupancy among provinces was reported in Prince Edward Island (...
WTTC Warns Country-Wide Border Closures Could Seriously Stall Global Economic Recovery
July 23, 2020
Advises regional and local measures only to combat COVID-19 spikes Travel & Tourism sector will help power the global economic recovery London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned governments around the world that further country-wide border closures could seriously jeopardise global economic recovery. WTTC is urging authorities to take a more carefully calibrated approach and introduce localised measures, and only when necessary. This would avoid blanket restrictions, prevent stalling the fragile economic recovery and not cripple the already bruised and battered Travel & Tourism sector. WTTC would su...
Would You Fight to Make Your Customers Happy?
Shep Hyken | July 23, 2020
By Shep Hyken These are the kind of people—and the kind of company—you want to do business with. First, a little background. I was having a conversation with a colleague and came up with the idea that you shouldn’t have to fight with a company to get your problem resolved or for them to make you happy. They should want to make you happy. Just a couple days later I saw this idea in action, but with a twist. I was on a customer support call with a software company and their rep said, “I’ll need to talk to my manager. I’m on your side, and I’ll fight to make you happy.” Did he just say he would fight his manager to ma...
Hotel GMs Share What They Are Doing to Welcome Guests Back Safely and Comfortably
David Berger | July 23, 2020
By David Berger As the hospitality industry realigns to new guest requirements it begins the process of reopening hotels across the U.S. While each of their situations are unique, hoteliers are navigating similar economic and environmental challenges. Now is the time for hotel operators to learn from one another while formulating and sticking to a selection of best practices to ensure guests feel as confident checking in now as they did one year ago. To take the pulse of the industry, I spoke with four hoteliers to better understand their reopening plans. The Gale South Beach aspires to open its doors to the public on October 16th. Whil...
INDUSTRY REPORT: Hotel Investment Scene in Central & Eastern Europe
July 23, 2020
By Kimberly Yoong Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) may have, in the past, been perceived as a relatively unstable investment region, especially for the risk averse. However, record hotel investment volumes in the last years have proven otherwise, as investors begin looking to hotel real estate in the region, drawn by the relatively higher returns of hotels and more attractive yields compared to western Europe, which are typically more compressed. Expectedly, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will significantly affect hotel investment activity in the region, as uncertainty continues to grip the world across industries. Nonetheless, the sec...
Hard Rock Hotel New York Celebrates “Topping Out” at Future Times Square Location
Hard Rock | July 23, 2020
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., July 23, 2020 - Hard Rock International, one of the world's most iconic dining, entertainment and hospitality brands, and nationally acclaimed real estate developer Extell Development Company, celebrated their latest construction milestone with a "topping out" ceremony at the site of the future Hard Rock Hotel New York. This achievement marks the completion of the fundamental framework atop the 35th floor terrace of what is soon to be another marquee Hard Rock property. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Hard Rock, Extell and AECOM Tishman representatives hoisted the U.S. flag high above Times Square and hosted a socially...
Infor Turns High Touch Into High Tech With New Contactless Applications for Hospitality
Infor | July 23, 2020
Infor helps leading hoteliers implement safer business protocols for guests and staff NEW YORK– July 23, 2020 – Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry, today announced a fully contactless suite of applications for the hospitality industry, specifically designed for hotels and resorts, casinos and gaming, restaurants and food services, and event sales and table reservations. With guest and hotel staff safety in mind, Infor Hospitality Cloud Solutions are designed to address hotel operational needs for social distancing and contactless processes – including mobile check-in/check-out, digital keys, and...
Ram Hotels Set to Open New 104-Key TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Amarillo, Texas
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | July 23, 2020
Amarillo, TX – July 23, 2020 – The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Amarillo West/Medical Center is scheduled to open for business on Thursday, July 30th. The new 104-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 Amarillo area. Located at 6807 Interstate 40 West, it will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Ram Hotels of Amarillo, Texas. 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 h...
Radisson Hotel Group Adds Six New Hotels in Africa
Radisson Hotel Group | July 23, 2020
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 21, 2020 -- Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) is proud to announce the addition of six new hotels to its African portfolio, bringing the total to almost 100 hotels across 32 African markets. Building on the recent announcement of its reinforced African development team structure, the announcement of the six new hotels further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to the continent. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We believe in the vast potential of Africa. The addition of the six hotels, following the announcement of Radisson H...
Azul Hospitality Group Opens The Glenmark, Glendale, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The Glenmark, Glendale, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel | July 23, 2020
Los Angeles, CA (July 23, 2020) – The Glenmark, Glendale, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is now open in California. The sophisticated yet approachable hotel will offer an authentic Glendale experience, inspiring social interaction in a playful environment. The first full-service Marriott International hotel in Glendale will feature 85 artfully designed guest rooms; signature restaurant Olia; Mila Rooftop Bar; Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters; a lobby bar; a state-of-the-art fitness center and 7,900 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Renowned Santa Monica-based firm Hirsch Bender Associates was tapped to design the ho...
Kimpton Pittman Hotel Appoints Jack Murray as General Manager
the Kimpton Pittman Hotel | July 23, 2020
Kimpton Pittman Hotel is proud to announce Jack Murray as general manager of the forthcoming property. Set to open late Summer 2020, the Kimpton Pittman Hotel is the first hotel to open in Dallas, Texas’ Deep Ellum, a neighborhood known for its vibrant art, food & beverage scene and storied music venues. The property offers 165-guestrooms and over 8,000 square feet of meetings and event space, as well as a chef-curated American tavern, Elm + Good. “We’re honored to welcome Jack as general manager with his expertise and knowledge of the Dallas market,” said Joe Pagone, regional director of operations for Kimpton Hotels & Res...
IHG Opens Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside
IHG | July 22, 2020
Today, IHG® Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of Holiday Inn Express® Amsterdam – North Riverside, the largest Holiday Inn Express® in Europe. Located on the northern shore of the IJ-lake, just a short free ferry ride from Amsterdam City Centre, the hotel is a perfect choice for those travelling for tourism or business. Holiday Inn Express is known for catering to smart, savvy travellers who are on the move to their next meeting or connection. A twenty five minute drive from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and a ten-minute drive from Amsterdam Central Station, the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside has 438 ...
STR: U.S. Hotel Performance for Q2 2020
STR | July 22, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. hotel industry reported its worst quarter on record during Q2 2020, according to data from STR. In a year-over-year comparison with Q2 2019, the industry posted the following: Occupancy: -52.1% to 33.5% Average daily rate (ADR): -37.1% to US$83.59 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -69.9% to US$27.98 The absolute occupancy and RevPAR levels were the lowest for any quarter in STR’s U.S. database. The year-over-year declines in the each of the three key performance metrics were the worst for any quarter on record. Among the Top 25 Markets, Oahu Island, Ha...
STR, AirDNA Analysis of Short-Term Rentals and Hotels in 27 Global Markets
STR | July 22, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee and DENVER, Colorado—Short-term rentals have maintained higher performance levels than hotels during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the preliminary findings of a joint global analysis by STR and AirDNA. The full analysis will be made available via each company’s website and through press release distribution during the coming weeks. Additional preliminary findings will be shared this Thursday, 23 July, via a Cloudbeds webinar featuring Scott Shatford (AirDNA founder and CEO) and Robin Rossmann (STR’s managing director). For the purpose of the analysis, STR and AirDNA looked specifically a...
Cleanliness and Communication Continue to Drive Hotel Guest Satisfaction, J.D. Power Finds
J.D. Power | July 22, 2020
A year ago, hotel summer marketing and advertising efforts were in full swing with images of epic pools, zen-like spas and cozy bed linens. Today, hotel ads are filled with images of electrostatic sprayers, updates on new cleaning protocols and offers for free last-minute cancellations. These are smart moves, according to the J.D. Power 2020 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study,SM released today, which finds that meeting guest expectations for cleanliness and proactively communicating with guests prior to arrival continue to be critical drivers of guest satisfaction. “While the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly ampli...
Kerzner International Appoints Philippe Zuber as Chief Executive Officer
Kerzner International Holdings Limited | July 22, 2020
DUBAI, UAE, July 22, 2020 - Kerzner International Holdings Limited (the "Company"), the owner of the iconic Atlantis Resort and Residences and ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts brands worldwide, today announced a restructure of its strategic leadership team. Michael Wale, who has held the role of Chief Executive Officer since February 2018, has been invited to join the Board of Directors of Kerzner International and Philippe Zuber, the current Chief Operating Officer, will be leading the Company as Chief Executive Officer. Finally, Michel Checoury, who has held the position of Chief Financial Officer since October 2018, will be adding Ch...
Take Local to the Extreme
Larry Mogelonsky | July 22, 2020
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Prior to Covid, hoteliers all over the world were already working on various programs to support local businesses and showcase the best of the community to guests. Now that the pandemic is practically locking out international travelers, the push for drive market customers and ‘local everything’ has bloomed exponentially. But if you are pursuing a course that many of your competitors are also going after, how do you stand apart? The answer is to go deep into your culture and lore, and simply outdo your rivals through what I call ‘extreme local’. Every city is unquestionab...
Radisson Partners With Cycas Hospitality for Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South
Radisson Hotel Group | July 22, 2020
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the launch of a strategic collaboration with Cycas Hospitality, who will operate the Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South under a lease agreement with ECHO Partners, who recently acquired the hotel for its ECHO Fund. Cycas Hospitality has signed a lease agreement with ECHO Partners to operate the all-suite property. Opening in early 2021, the 227-suite Amsterdam aparthotel will become the first serviced apartments product to operate under the upscale Radisson brand in Western Europe. The new property brings the group´s portfolio in The Netherlands to six properties in operation and under de...
JW Marriott Nara Opens in Japan Marking 800th Property in Asia Pacific
Marriott International, Inc. | July 22, 2020
Marriott International, Inc. [NASDAQ: MAR] today announces the opening of its 800th property in Asia Pacific, the JW Marriott Nara in Japan. The opening marks the entry of the JW Marriott brand into Japan. The company also expects the EDITION and Aloft brands to debut in Japan before the end of the year. Across the Asia Pacific region throughout 2020, the Moxy brand anticipates its first hotel opening in China. “We remain confident in the resilience of travel, our owners and franchisees, guests and associates as well as the future prospects of lodging in Asia Pacific, our second largest market, ” said Craig S. Smith, Group President, A...
