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2019 SpendSmart Year in Review Report Highlights Corporate Travel Spend Data
Certify, part of Emburse | February 6, 2020
PORTLAND, Maine--February 6, 2020--Certify, part of Emburse, a global leader in expense management and accounts payable automation, has released its 2019 SpendSmart™ Year in Review Report. The report highlights key data insights and trends in corporate travel spend, and identifies the most popular airline, meal, lodging, and transportation services among North American business travelers, based on more than 50 million receipts and expenses submitted by Certify users. The food delivery category saw the fastest growth, seeing an 86% year-over-year increase in transactions. DoorDash overtook Grubhub as the most expensed food delivery servic...
InSite Group Acquires Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando™
InSite Group | February 6, 2020
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 6, 2020 -- South Florida-based InSite Group announces the purchase of Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando. Situated on 7.3 acres between Interstate 4 and Universal Orlando Resort™ attractions, the hotel features 390 guest rooms including 134 suites along with more than 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. The hotel will be managed by Performance Hospitality, a lifestyle hospitality management company. "With the expansion of Orlando International Airport and IDrive, as well as new Universal and Disney theme parks, the hospitality market continues to grow," says Ben Shmul, President a...
Tolles Development Company to Bring Hyatt Place Hotel to South Reno
Hyatt Place | February 6, 2020
RENO, Nev. (February 6, 2020) — Tolles Development Company announced plans for the development of a Hyatt Place hotel at The Summit in South Reno. “Alongside our partners, Tolles Development saw a need for an elevated hospitality experience for today’s forward-thinking travelers making a trip to Reno-Tahoe,” said Par Tolles, CEO of Tolles Development Company. “As Reno’s travel needs are diversifying and expanding, we are providing a state-of-the-art product that can meet both the business and leisure traveler at the top shopping and entertainment destination in the city”. In association with Pelzer Hospitality, developers ...
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Page Development Group, and Choice Hotels Partner for Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club Hotel
Page Development Group | February 6, 2020
Clearwater Beach, FL (February 6, 2020) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), Page Development Group and Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel Collection, are excited to announce the first ever Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club Hotel! With the conversion expected to be unveiled in the Spring of 2020 and sitting on America’s number one beach with 91 rooms, this eco-friendly hotel will be dolphin and marine life themed, featuring the inspiring dolphin made famous by the Dolphin Tale movies – Winter! “The opportunity to partner with Clearwater Marine Aquarium is unique and special,” said Page Development Group President Steve Page. “Our eco...
Blue Water Development Opens Comfort Inn & Suites, Daytona Beach Oceanfront
Blue Water Development | February 6, 2020
OCEAN CITY, Md. (February 6, 2020) – Blue Water Development, a luxury developer specializing in commercial and hospitality properties on the East Coast, is pleased to announce the opening of Comfort Inn & Suites, Daytona Beach Oceanfront on February 1, 2020. Formerly The Mayan Inn, this fully-renovated hotel is the company’s first property in Florida and brings its total number of hotels to ten. “We jumped at the opportunity to bring the Blue Water family to Florida and the Comfort Inn and Suites brand to Daytona Beach,” said Todd Burbage, Blue Water CEO. “We’ll be owning, operating and managing every aspect of this prop...
Isaac Esparza Named Food & Beverage Manager and Executive Chef of Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta
Casa Velas | February 6, 2020
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (February 06, 2020) – Isaac Esparza has been named Food & Beverage Manager and Executive Chef of Casa Velas, an adults-only boutique hotel and private ocean club in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In his new role, he is responsible for the hotel’s two restaurants – the AAA Four Diamond restaurant Emiliano and the private Ocean Club; 24-hour insuite dining program; and culinary experiences for guests. The appointment is effective immediately. For the past 12 years, Esparza has held various positions on the culinary team within Velas Resorts. Most recently, he served as Executive Sous Chef of sister property Grand...
Stepstone Hospitality Appoints Erika Crane as Director of Sales and Marketing for Austin Dual-Branded Hotel
Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown-University | February 6, 2020
AUSTIN, TX (Feb 6, 2020) – Hotel Indigo® and Holiday Inn Express & Suites® Austin Downtown-University has appointed Erika Crane as complex director of sales & marketing. Crane joins the hotel just as renovations are completed at Skyline Pool Deck and Bar. Crane joins Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express & Suites from Courtyard by Marriott Columbus (GA) where she was selected as one of two Assistant General Managers to be presented during Marriott’s Eastern Region Human Capital Review. “We couldn’t be happier to have someone of Erika’s caliber join Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown-...
Mitzpe Hayamim Reopens After $23 Million Restoration, Joining Isrotel’s Exclusive Collection of Luxury Hotels in Israel
Isrotel Hotel Chain | February 6, 2020
Tel Aviv, Israel, Feb. 6, 2020 – Following an extensive $23 million renovation, Isrotel, Israel’s leading hotel group, has reopened Mitzpe Hayamim as the latest addition to Isrotel’s Exclusive Collection of five-star, deluxe hotels, kicking off an ambitious pipeline of 10 hotel launches slated over the next few years. This marks the Exclusive Collection's seventh property in the portfolio (Cramim, Beresheet, Carmel Forest Spa Resort, Orient Jerusalem, Royal Beach Tel Aviv, and Royal Beach Eilat). The 115-key Mitzpe Hayamim is embraced on all sides by lush greenery on the gently rolling slopes that overlook the majestic Hula Valley and ...
The Castell Project Releases Third Annual Women in Hospitality Industry Leadership Report
The Castell Project | February 6, 2020
ATLANTA, February 6, 2020—Officials of Castell Project, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the careers of women professionals in the hospitality industry, today released the 2020 Women in Hospitality Industry Leadership report. Now in its third year, the report benchmarks the hospitality industry’s performance in women’s careers in leadership. “Even though a great deal of distance still needs to be covered to reach true gender parity, we were delighted to find the pendulum starting to swing in the proper direction,” said Peggy Berg, president, Castell Project, Inc. “We are seeing an acceleratio...
The Top Lifestyle Trends That Every Hotel Should Be Cashing In On
Amanda Szabo | February 6, 2020
By Amanda Szabo Fueled by the experience economy, delivering memorable hotel experiences matters. Now more than ever, forward-thinking hoteliers are setting high expectations for the rest of the industry. With much of the economy forecasted to lose its shine in 2020, many hoteliers are seeing an opportunity to review their playbook for staying profitable during the downturn. Brands are considering the image their brand conveys to the world and working to create services that match consumers’ changing values and lifestyle choices. But when it comes to how the next 12 months will play out, the market will be defined by emerging trends a...
Stefan Athmann Appointed General Manager for Hotel Briston Berlin
February 5, 2020
Since September 2019, Athmann has been managing the Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann, which is under the same ownership as the Hotel Bristol Berlin. Berlin, 4 February 2020 – The famous Hotel Bristol Berlin, for over 65 years one of the landmarks of the German capital and centrally located on the 3.5 km long Kurfürstendamm, is now managed by Stefan Athmann as General Manager. As a meeting point and destination for Berliners and international travelers, the elegant hotel in the heart of Berlin has always been and still is at the centre of the lively change and development of the vibrant metropolis. While in its glorious pas...
Vision Hospitality Group Breaks Ground on AC Hotel in North Atlanta’s Perimeter Center
AC Hotels by Marriott | February 5, 2020
The AC Hotel Atlanta Perimeter Center is slated to open in 2021 and will feature 156 guest rooms Atlanta, GA – February 4, 2020 – AC Hotels by Marriott® and Chattanooga-based Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. announced the AC Hotel in North Atlanta’s Perimeter Center has broken ground. The design-driven lifestyle hotel is slated to open in 2021 and will feature 156 guest rooms, engaging communal spaces and the area’s first rooftop bar boasting panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline. AC Hotel Atlanta Perimeter Center will include a curated collection of artwork and modern design elements utilizing subtle tones and crisp, clean line...
7 Mobile Marketing Trends to Watch in 2020
Anthony Del Gigante | February 5, 2020
By Anthony Del Gigante Which mobile trends are likely to have a major impact on marketing in the year ahead? That question is particularly challenging to answer in 2020 because we're in a period of transition: current mobile technologies are still transforming consumer and business behaviors in crucial ways, but the effects of the next big thing—5G wireless—likely won't be felt this year. As Forrester Research put it in a recent report: "Yes, [5G] will matter for industrial players, but to consumers, 5G in 2020 will feel like 3G in 2004 or 4G in 2010." In other words, 5G is something you should definitely be thinking about, bu...
Reconsidering the Marketing Director Position
Larry Mogelonsky | February 5, 2020
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) As simple as it may be, while marketing is forever a somewhat nebulous pursuit, everyone understands revenue, particularly general managers and owners. This alone has meant that the Revenue Director has gained status over the marketing ninjas within the past two decades, and yet the two must still work harmoniously. Revenue is what drives our business. Revenue keeps the financial wolves at bay. Revenue is what allows paycheques to be written. Revenue equals cash flow and without it a property ceases operation. Accordingly, a revenue director is a critical member of your management t...
McNeill Hotel Company Celebrates Groundbreaking of Tru by Hilton Rockwall, TX
McNeill Hotel Company | February 5, 2020
The four-story, 98-room select-service TRU by Hilton Rockwall is expected to open in Fall 2020 Germantown, Tenn. – February 5, 2020 – The TRU by Hilton in Rockwall, TX celebrated its official groundbreaking today. The hotel is situated on a bluff with views of Lake Hubbard, and offers convenient access to the Harbor District of shops, restaurants and a movie theatre. Co-owner Bill Margaritis and Mark Ricketts, President and COO of McNeill Hotel Company, made the announcement. Tru by Hilton is a game-changing new brand from Hilton (NYSE:HLT), grounded in value for both business and leisure travelers. Tru by Hilton offers smart and ...
Sheraton New York Times Square Names Jim Mooney Director of Hotel Sales
Sheraton New York Times Square | February 5, 2020
NEW YORK – (Feb. 5, 2019) – Sheraton New York Times Square, the iconic fifty-floor property on the corner of Seventh Avenue and 53rd Street in the heart of Times Square, is proud to announce the appointment of Jim Mooney as director of hotel sales. “Jim brings to Sheraton New York Times Square a long history of building and managing successful sales operations within the hospitality industry,” said Sean Verney, general manager of Sheraton New York Times Square. “We’re thrilled to have him join the team and look forward to watching him step into such an important role.” Mooney brings to the hotel more than 24 years of hospita...
Marin Management Adds Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Chico to Management Portfolio
Marin Management, Inc. | February 5, 2020
SAUSALITO, California (Feb. 5, 2020) — Marin Management, Inc., a California-based hotel management company, announced today that it has added its first hotel management contract for 2020, demonstrating continued momentum following its rapid expansion and portfolio growth of over 70 percent year over year in 2019. Currently named the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Chico, the hotel will rebrand to DoubleTree by Hilton Chico this spring. Located 90 miles north of Sacramento, near California State University’s Chico campus, the hotel has an onsite restaurant and 6,000 square feet of event space. “With its close proximity to Cal State Chico a...
AETHOS Shares Assessment of Hotel CEO Pay and Performance in 2019 / Keith Kefgen
AETHOS Consulting Group | February 5, 2020
A year passes with the hotel industry having solid but unspectacular performance. That is probably a good thing in comparison to what many prognosticators predicted. It appears that strategy and execution were the best predictors of performance. Companies that executed poorly got penalized, just look at Red Lion. Greg Mount was one of the top performing CEOs in 2018 but 2019 was not so kind. In contrast, RMR and Ashford has changes in strategy that had legs. We predict that 2020 will be another “down in the trenches” year as investors watch the economy and the presidential election very carefully. What we have found over the twenty-plu...
Luxury Brand Kempinski Hotels Selects Shiji’s IcePortal for Global Content Management and Distribution
Ice Portal, a Shiji Group Brand | February 5, 2020
Hollywood, FL –Shiji Group, a global leader in providing secure and scalable technology solutions for the hospitality, food service, retail and entertainment industry, announced today its’ IcePortal content distribution system has been selected by Kempinski Hotels to provide complete visual content management and distribution for its full portfolio of 76 luxury hotels across 34 countries. Shiji’s Iceportal will enable Kempinski to curate, score and track their visual content across a wide distribution network which includes all major distribution channels and global distribution systems (GDS). In addition, Kempinski Hotels will be ab...
Cloud5 Communications Appoints Reed Majors as Executive Director of Business Development for the Western U.S.
Cloud5 Communications | February 5, 2020
CHICAGO (February 5, 2020) – Top-rated hospitality technology provider Cloud5 Communications expands its sales team with the appointment of Reed Majors as Executive Director of Business Development. Based in Palo Alto, California, Majors will support the growing demand for Cloud5 High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) and communications solutions from leading hotel brands and management companies in the Western U.S. Majors draws upon 25 years of technology experience and a deep knowledge of guest WiFi, converged networks, telephony, mobile and video solutions. Prior to joining Cloud5, he headed up the Internet business at SONIFI Solutions whe...
Crestline Hotels & Resorts to Manage Four Additional Hotels
Crestline Hotels & Resorts | February 5, 2020
FAIRFAX, VA – February 5, 2020 Crestline Hotels & Resorts, LLC (“Crestline”) announced today that it has been appointed to manage four additional hotels: the 78-guestroom Courtyard Asheville and the 88-guest suite SpringHill Suites Asheville in Asheville, NC, the 105-guestroom Courtyard Athens Downtown in Athens, GA, and the 112-guestroom Courtyard Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland in Orlando, FL. “These four hotels are important to Crestline’s ongoing growth,” said James Carroll, Crestline’s President and CEO. “We anticipate several additional significant expansion announcements this year as we continue to attract...
How to Get That Wayward Employee’s Attention
John Hendrie | February 5, 2020
By John Hendrie In this new world of changing market dynamics, we have the typical response – we ask more of our employees. In many cases, we just pile on the extra assignments, “rewarding” our top employees with additional work and responsibilities. Many times, we do not even provide the proper training or resources to perform the job(s). Across the board we are demanding more for or with less. We end up with overburdened employees or those who simply are not interested in excelling or paying attention to the demands of the work. Our customers suffer; you are frustrated. The employee who is not contributing is the real challe...
Louis T Collection Appoints Anselm Cuypers as Corporate Director of Food & Beverage
February 5, 2020
BANGKOK (Feb. 5, 2020) - Hospitality & building solutions group Louis T Collection is going green on the food front with the help of new corporate director of food & beverage, Anselm Cuypers. “As we move into a new decade we’re implementing a lot of changes in our F&B departments,” said Cuypers. “Our core focus is on sustainability, developing Louis T’s signature F&B offering, and launching wellness-focused menus across the properties.” In this new role, Cuypers will focus on expanding sustainability initiatives at the restaurants and bars at Louis T Collection’s properties in Thailand, Taiwan, and Austral...
Coury Hospitality Appoints General Manager and Director of Sales for Hotel Carmichael, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel in Carmel, Indiana
Hotel Carmichael | February 5, 2020
Carmel, IN – February 5, 2020 – Coury Hospitality announces the appointment of Jamie Hopwood as general manager and Zach Tharp as director of sales for the soon-to-open Hotel Carmichael, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in Carmel, Indiana. The 122-room hotel located at One Carmichael Square is owned by CCC Boutique Hotel, LLC and managed by Coury Hospitality of Kansas City, Missouri. Jamie Hopwood brings 25 years of hospitality experience to his new role as opening general manager of the immersive boutique hotel. Previously, Hopwood was general manager of high-end boutique hotels in Beaver Creek, Colorado for RockResorts and Vail ...
