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STR: U.S. Hotel Performance for May 2020
STR | June 22, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. hotel industry showed continued lower performance during May 2020, according to data from STR. In a year-over-year comparison with May 2019, the industry recorded the following: Occupancy: -51.7% to 33.1% Average daily rate (ADR): -39.9% to US$79.57 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -71.0% to US$26.35 The absolute occupancy and RevPAR levels were the lowest for any May on record in the U.S., but all three key performance metrics were up from April levels. Recent weekly data shows occupancy above 40% due to a slow and steady rise in demand....
Revenue Optimization Professionals Globally United to Fuel Recovery During HSMAI ROC@Home
HSMAI | June 22, 2020
During one day-long global experience, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) leaders collaborated to exchange industry recovery ideas and revenue optimization revitalization strategies during ROC@Home, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. HSMAI ROC@Home brought together nearly 2,500 participants from six continents and featured more than 30 live education sessions that were led by hospitality revenue optimization experts from around the world to explore the state of hospitality in different regions, reset to adjust to current circumstances, and evaluate their approaches to revenue optimization going forward. At the hea...
Cybersecurity Guidelines: Protect Your Business When Working Remotely
Alex Sogno | June 22, 2020
By Alex Sogno In the first half of 2020, Marriott International announced they had experienced a data breach, putting the personal data of 5.2 million guests at risk1. While this number dwarfs in comparison to the data breach of the 500 million Marriott and Starwood guests in late 20182, the message is clear: Hotels are a target for threats and need to focus on protecting their employees and guest data. With the advent of COVID-19, your company’s cybersecurity is at higher risk. As employees worldwide switch to working from home, the dangers associated with mobile devices, remote access to core business systems and poor online practic...
Mercure Hotel Plans Fall Opening in Seoul’s Hongdae District
Accor Ambassador Korea | June 22, 2020
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, 22 June 2020 - Accor Ambassador Korea, in partnership with Seohan Tourism Development Co., Ltd, is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae this August. Locally inspired and offering a stimulating sense of place, Mercure hotels act as genuine portals to the destinations in which they serve. Located in Hongdae, a district renowned for attracting Seoul’s younger crowd and vibrant spirit, Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae will showcase its design through a series of trendy art pieces and murals. Guests staying at the hotel can look forward to an array of immersive experiences from disc...
Major Las Vegas Development Projects Status Update
Shannon Okada | June 22, 2020
As of the end of January 2020, prior to the closures of businesses determined to be non-essential and the announcement of stay-at-home recommendations due to COVID-19, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) indicated that construction of over 12,000 hotel rooms was scheduled to be completed by 2023. While all announced projects may have not ended up being completed, strong visitation over the past few years, overall market hotel/motel occupancy of 88.9% in 2019, and the construction of projects that were expected to be major demand generators, warranted the development of significant guestroom supply at that time. While the p...
Easton’s Group of Hotels Set to Open 144-Room Element Toronto Airport
Element Hotels | June 22, 2020
Mississauga, ON – June 22, 2020 – The 144-room Element Toronto Airport opens June 24 across the street from the Toronto Pearson International Airport’s Terminal 3. Located at 6257 Airport Road, this new all suite extended stay hotel is operated as a Marriott franchise and is owned and managed by Easton’s Group of Hotels, a major force in the hospitality and service industry across Canada. Guests of the modern eco-conscious Element Toronto Airport can expect to enjoy in suite water filtration systems, bikes to borrow and electric-car charging stations. Each outdoor inspired guest suite is larger than a traditional hote...
8 Ways to Prep Your Hotel’s Social Media for Future Business
Pipeline Social Media | June 22, 2020
By Maiya Wall / Pipeline Social Media Your occupancy may still be suffering, but what are you doing today to market your hotel to potential guests? Waiting to invest in your hotel’s social media marketing until the effects of the virus are less noticeable is the wrong move. The time is now! People are starting to travel again or are making plans to venture out soon. You want to be at the top of their list when they are comfortable with traveling again. We’ve prepared 8 steps you can take with your social media strategy to prep your hotel for future success. 1. Share Photos of What Your Hotel Is Doing to Keep Guests Safe Guests n...
K Hotel Appoints of Noel Neo as CFO of K Hospitality and CEO of K Hotel Advisors
June 18, 2020
K Hospitality Pte Ltd (K Hotel), a Singapore-based hospitality firm with around 300 beds across six properties, has announced the appointment of Noel Neo as CFO of K Hospitality and CEO of investment advisory affiliate – K Hotel Advisors. Noel joins from Stewardship Asia Centre, a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings, and was previously research chief at the Asia Pacific Real Estate Association. He was earlier in his career with private equity fund manager – Pacific Star Holdings, and SGX-listed Pacific Star Development. Ken Cai, CEO of K Hotel, said “Noel has been consulting with us for a year and he was tremendously helpful in securin...
How Rooms-Only Business Impacts a U.S. Break-Even Analysis
HotStats | June 18, 2020
When a golfer hits a wayward drive, it triggers what’s referred to as a provisional ball. A provisional is a second golf ball played by a golfer who believes his or her first ball (the stroke just played) may be lost, but not in a penalty area or out of bounds. A provisional is unlike a mulligan, which occurs when a golfer, unheeding of the formal rules of golf, replays a stroke — a do-over — but doesn’t count it against their score. One is within the rules of the game; one is outside it. In May, HotStats published one of its most highly engaged with pieces of content, titled: “Analysis: At What Occupancy Rate Can a Hotel Break E...
The Top 7 Reports Every Sales and Catering Professional Should Be Using
Ryan Hamilton | June 18, 2020
By Ryan Hamilton, Co-Founder, SalesAndCatering.com and Bluebuzzard Technology Group For event planners and hoteliers, the days of manual reporting and venue management are long gone — or at least they should be. The digital age has ushered in an influx of automation, as hoteliers and venue owners leverage new-age sales and catering management technology to streamline their operational efforts and drive bookings. As we know, in the realm of sales and catering, smart data allows for smart decision making. However, if teams are inundated with data across multiple, siloed systems, they may not be able to derive the actionable insights nee...
Tharaldson Hospitality Management Opens New Holiday Inn Express & Suites Las Vegas – E Tropicana
THM | June 18, 2020
Las Vegas, NV – June 18th, 2020 – Tharaldson Hospitality Management (THM) is pleased to announce the brand-new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Las Vegas – E Tropicana is opening today! This state-of-the-art Holiday Inn Express & Suites, located at 175 East Tropicana, features 121 all-suite rooms, along with great amenities such as free Wifi, complimentary hot breakfast at the Express Start Breakfast Bar, beautiful outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, and more. Under its franchise agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group, THM will own and operate the property. This hotel is conveniently located right down the roa...
HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame 2020 Inductees Announced
HFTP | June 18, 2020
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to announce two champions of hospitality technology: Michael Blake, CAE and Henri Roelings as the 2020 HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame inductees. Blake, CEO of Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG), was recognized for his experience and leadership in promoting hospitality innovation and technology. Roelings, owner and CEO of HospitalityNet.org, was recognized for building a comprehensive digital platform for broad distribution of industry news and commentary. Both will be honored at the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and C...
Stronger, Greener and More Innovative: The Future of Tourism in the Americas
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) | June 18, 2020
Ministers from across the Americas have met to map a course for the sustainable growth of the region’s tourism sector, a lifeline for many millions and a key driver of economic growth. Though kept apart physically due to the extraordinary circumstances, the 65th meeting of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for the Americas saw Member States more united than ever in their determination to harness the power of tourism to recover from the economic and social impact of COVID-19 and drive future growth. The second of the UNWTO Regional Commission meetings to be held virtually, the high-level discussions were opened by C...
STR: U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 13 June
STR | June 18, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—U.S. hotel performance data ending with 13 June showed another small rise from previous weeks and less severe year-over-year declines, according to STR. 7-13 June 2020 (percentage change from comparable week in 2019): Occupancy: 41.7% (-43.4%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$89.09 (-33.9%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$37.15 (-62.6%) “Powered by the slow and steady rise in weekly demand, the industry clawed its way above 40% occupancy,” said Alison Hoyt, STR’s senior director, consulting & analytics. “That was still down substantially from the comparable week last year (73.6%) b...
STR: Canada Hotel Results for Week Ending 13 June
STR | June 18, 2020
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—STR data for 7-13 June 2020 shows Canadian hotel performance up slightly from previous weeks with the same significant level of year-over-year declines. In comparison with the week of 9-15 June 2019, the industry reported the following: Occupancy: -68.0% to 23.6% Average daily rate (ADR): -39.8% to CAD108.23 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -80.7% to CAD25.57 The previous three weeks produced absolute occupancy levels of 22.2%, 21.4% and 18.9%. British Columbia (28.1%), Manitoba (25.9%) and Saskatchewan (25.0%) were the provinces with occupancy at or above 25%. Vancouver (26.1%) was ...
Indicators Show Travel and Hospitality Businesses Are Picking Up
Linchi Kwok | June 18, 2020
By Linchi Kwok Places are easing coronavirus restrictions. Travel companies are reopening their business with enhanced sanitizing measures. People are ready to travel again. Do you see early signs of recovery? Here are some positive updates, although it is still too early to claim it is business as usual. TSA The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported that 430,414 people passed the security checkpoints at airports on Monday, June 8. That was about five times the record low traffic day of 87,543 in April and accounted for 16.27% of the air traffic in the same weekday one year ago at 2,644,981. It is worthy to...
You May Not Know It, But You’re in the Subscription Business
Shep Hyken | June 18, 2020
By Shep Hyken I have an idea about renewals. Most people think that a renewal applies to some type of subscription. You renew your subscription to a magazine, a maintenance contract or a software program. But what if renewal had a broader meaning? What if renewal simply meant that the customer comes back—again and again? While repeat business may not be as steady as a subscription renewal, it can still be tracked in a similar way. A business with a true subscription model can predict renewals. Over time, any business can track return customers who, in a sense, are renewing their trust in the business to purchase from them again. ...
Choice Hotels Announces 2020 ‘Best of Choice’ Award Winners
Choice Hotels | June 18, 2020
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 18, 2020 - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) today announced the hotels named as "Best of Choice" award winners. One hotel was selected from each Choice brand for their commitment to superior guest service and operational excellence, and rank among the top properties in Choice Hotels' portfolio. The properties achieved high performance scores and exceptional guest ratings. "Recognizing stellar performance is one of the highlights of my role, and I want to offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to this year's Best of Choice winners," said Patrick Pacious, president and chief execut...
The Benefits of Service Design
June 18, 2020
On a global scale, the tourism industry impacts over 284 million jobs. These jobs comprise an enormous sector of the global economy, with these organizations focusing on providing customers with outstanding experiences. Rather than selling their customers and clients particular products to fulfill pain points, these businesses instead focus on providing customers with a promised experience. It is through these emotion-driven interactions that customers determine if their needs have been met and their view of this particular business. Within this sector, therefore, the idea of service design has a tremendous impact. Through service design,...
Choice Hotels’ Extended Stay Portfolio Shows Continued Resilience
Choice Hotels | June 18, 2020
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 18, 2020 - Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s (NYSE: CHH) strategic focus on the resilient extended stay segment continues to position the company for long-term success. Its brands, which include WoodSpring Suites and Suburban Extended Stay in the economy segment, and MainStay Suites and recently launched Everhome Suites in midscale, have achieved notable, industry-leading performance amid the current worldwide decline in travel demand. Choice Hotels' extended stay portfolio – led by WoodSpring Suites, the company's largest brand in the segment — outperformed the overall industry in several ways over the pas...
Covid-19 and The Hotel Resort Buffet: The Last Supper*?
Fred DeMicco | June 18, 2020
By Frederick DeMicco The summer of 2020 will be a year without many vacation holidays. The fear of Covid-19 will dissuade many tourists from traveling. So, in the United States especially, will loss of income from jobs placed on hold in response to the pandemic. From the “Fhobia of Flying” to those tourists lured by the sands of the Mediterranean, the Fear to take Flight now dominates the travel market. It does not help that some countries’ borders remain closed, and many also have Pre- and Post-Covid quarantines. Few events short of nuclear war could be as devastating to the global economy. Tourism is its heartbeat and a major co...
RingMD and PROVision Partners Bringing Integrated Telemedicine Platform to Hotel and Cruise Industries
RingMD USA Inc. | June 18, 2020
Globally deployed platform ensures an exceptional guest/passenger experience while providing a contactless medical outreach solution essential in today’s travel environment BOSTON AND NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA, JUNE 18, 2020 — As hoteliers and cruise operators prepare for reopening, virtually all brands are deploying heightened sanitation practices, social distancing processes, and other health safety programs to protect travelers as part of today’s “new normal.” But to go a crucial step further and provide last-mile assurances that travel is safe, RingMD USA Inc. has partnered with PROVision Partners International to bring trust...
Hotel Report: $16.8 Billion Loss in State & Local Tax Revenue From Hotels in 2020 Due to COVID-19 Impact
AHLA | June 18, 2020
WASHINGTON (June 18, 2020)—As a result of the sharp drop in travel demand from COVID-19, state and local tax revenue from hotel operations will drop by $16.8 billion in 2020, according to a new report by Oxford Economics released today by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Hotels have long served as an economic engine for communities of all sizes, from major cities, to beach resorts, to small towns off the interstate—supporting job creation, small business opportunities and economic activity in states and localities where they operate. Hotels also generate significant tax revenue for states and local governmen...
5 Easy Steps to Bring Employees Safely Back to Work Using the InvoTech UHF-RFID Uniform System
InvoTech | June 17, 2020
InvoTech Systems provides the perfect solution to help wardrobe operations transition employees safely back to work in the current situation—respecting social distancing and hygiene norms to enable full productivity of staff. Track your entire inventory and distribute uniforms without physical contact using the UHF-RFID Uniform System—from uniform purchase, assignments, daily use and laundry activity. Processing uniform transactions and recordkeeping is automated by simply passing the uniform items over a counter-top RFID antenna, a bulk reader station or using a portable handheld RFID reader. Here are the 5 easy steps you can implemen...
