The Tricycle of Guest Service Excellence: A Perfect Model For Remarkable Experiences
Doug Kennedy | October 4th, 2024
Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2nd, 2024
AHLA Foundation Awards Hospitality Scholarships for 2025
AHLA Foundation | October 25, 2024
Nearly one million dollars in scholarship awards to support the next generation of hospitality leaders WASHINGTON (Oct. 25, 2024) – AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, announced the distribution of nearly one million dollars in scholarship funding for students at hospitality programs around the country. The Foundation awarded approximately $944,000 to 369 students who will be attending 88 different colleges and universities. AHLA Foundation awards two types of scholarships: self-nominated, in which students apply directly to compete for one of eight scholarships regardless of where they a...
King, Rounds Seeking Maximum H-2B Work Visas to Support Small Businesses in 2025
October 25, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), alongside a bipartisan group of their colleagues, have written to the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. H-2B visas fill needs for American small businesses when there are not enough able and willing American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions; when the local workforce is insufficient, H-2Bs are seen as ...
AHLA Condemns New York City Council Passage of the Safe Hotels Act
AHLA | October 24, 2024
WASHINGTON (Oct. 23, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after the New York City Council passed the “Safe Hotels Act.” “Today’s passage of the ‘Safe Hotels Act’ (Int. 991) by the City Council caps a legislative scramble and special interest power play that will do irreparable harm to the city’s hotel industry and tourism economy. From the start, this rushed and haphazard legislative process has been in service of one goal; to deliver a single special interest victory at the expense of small and minority-owned ...
IHG’s Atwell Suites Expands Footprint with Three New Hotels in Missouri, Nevada, and Texas
IHG | October 24, 2024
Hotels in Kansas City, Mo., Henderson, Nev., and Fort Worth, Texas will debut by end of 2024 ATLANTA (October 24, 2024): Today, Atwell Suites announced expansion of its U.S. presence with the upcoming openings of three new hotels in Kansas City, Mo., Henderson, Nev., and Fort Worth, Texas. These additions build upon previously opened properties in Miami, Denver and Austin, further expanding IHG Hotels & Resorts’ all-suites, upper-midscale hotel brand. These properties include: Atwell Suites – Kansas City Airport, owned by Hotel KCI LLC, is now open. This 104-room hotel is minutes from Kansas City International Airpo...
Spain’s Malaga To Ban New Holiday Flat Permits in 43 Neighbourhoods
October 24, 2024
MADRID (Reuters) - Malaga will ban new short-term tourism rentals in 43 neighbourhoods of the city, the latest step taken by Spanish authorities to address residents' concerns that they are being priced out of the property market by the booming tourism business. The city in southern Spain joins other cities in cracking down on short-term rentals, including Barcelona, which plans to scrap licences for tourist rentals by 2028. Residents protesting against high rents and a lack of long-term supply blame it on the proliferation of short-term renting on platforms such as Airbnb and booking.com and an a influx of foreigners choosing Malaga as...
Venice Expands Tourist Entry Fee System to Include More Days
October 24, 2024
By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - Venice is going to broaden its tourist entry fee system in 2025, almost doubling the number of days visitors will have to pay to see the lagoon city, and hiking the price for last-minute arrivals, officials said on Thursday. In a world first, the Italian destination introduced a 5- euro charge in April for daytrippers arriving on particularly congested days, hoping the levy would help thin the crowds. The initial scheme, which was watched closely by other global tourist hotspots, covered 29 days over a four-month period. This will be lifted to 54 days next year, over the same April-July window. ...
Accor Adjusts Guidance as It Sees Strong Demand at Luxury Hotels
October 24, 2024
By Marta Maciag and Nathan Vifflin (Reuters) -Accor, Europe's largest hotel group by portfolio, on Thursday raised the bottom end of its forecast range for 2024 core profit on strong demand for its luxury hotels. The French group, however, said China was weak, echoing other big hotel groups that are seeing declining demand there. Accor, operator of luxury hotel group Sofitel and budget brand Ibis, now forecasts 2024 gross operating income of between 1.100 and 1.125 billion euros ($1.08 and $1.22 billion), against 1.095 and 1.125 billion euros previously anticipated. "This good performance was driven in particular by the dynamism o...
AAHOA Expresses Disappointment Over Passage of New York City Council’s Safe Hotels Act
AAHOA | October 24, 2024
ATLANTA, GA, OCTOBER 24, 2024 — AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) is deeply disappointed by the New York City Council's decision to pass the Safe Hotels Act on Wednesday, October 23, despite recent revisions. While the exemption for hotels with fewer than 100 rooms offers relief to some, AAHOA remains concerned about the adverse effects of this legislation on the broader hotel industry, particularly minority-owned businesses. The revisions fail to address industry leaders' critical concerns throughout the legislative process. The Safe Hotels Act (Int. No. 991-C) threatens to disrupt normal hotel operations and could in...
Vanessa Ledesma Appointed CEO for Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association | October 24, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (October 24, 2024) – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) celebrates a historic moment with the official appointment of Vanessa Ledesma as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This announcement coincides with Ledesma’s 25th Anniversary with the CHTA this month, marking a significant milestone in her journey with the organization. Ledesma, who has served as Acting CEO and Director General for the past three years, is recognized for her remarkable leadership and contributions. Starting her career with CHTA in 1999 as a meeting planner, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first woman in an e...
VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts Appoints Pierre-Alex Maillard as Area General Manager
VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts | October 24, 2024
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, October 24, 2024 — VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts proudly announces the appointment of Pierre-Alex Maillard as Area General Manager. Pierre-Alex will lead the team at VERANÓ San Juan, which is the first of three new luxury lifestyle hotels slated for Puerto Rico by VERANÓ. With a rich heritage in luxury and lifestyle hotels in some of the world’s most celebrated destinations, including St Barths, The Hamptons, and Miami, Pierre-Alex brings twenty years of leadership in delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving operational success. His most recent role as general manager of Hyde Midtown Miami, where he...
Coury Hospitality Announces Promotions Across Oklahoma Properties
Coury Hospitality | October 24, 2024
Lifestyle hospitality management company Coury Hospitality today announced the promotions of two general area managers, Patrick Dougherty of The National, Autograph Collection and The Barfield Hotel, Autograph Collection and Delane McCoy of Colcord Hotel and The Ambassador Hotel Tulsa as well as Justin George, general manager of NOUN Hotel. “Patrick, Delane and Justin have all been instrumental leaders within Coury Hospitality’s success in Oklahoma,” said Emre Topcu, Regional Vice President of Operations, Coury Hospitality. “We are looking forward to see how they continue to grow and support their properties across the region.”...
Under Canvas To Launch First Pacific Northwest Camp in the Columbia River Gorge Region of Washington, Near Oregon’s Mount Hood
Under Canvas | October 24, 2024
DENVER, CO. (Oct 24, 2024) – Today, Under Canvas, the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, announced Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge – the company’s first-ever Pacific Northwest location – will open in the summer of 2025. The brand’s 13th camp, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, is set on a stunningly beautiful 120-acre property perched along the majestic Columbia River Gorge in Washington’s White Salmon River Valley, a region known for its towering peaks, famed waterfalls and beautiful wineries. Surrounded by pine and oak forested hillsides in the heart of the region’s wine country, this spectacular camp features breathta...
Department of the Air Force To Commercialize Lodging Program
Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center | October 24, 2024
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) – In an effort to ensure a sustainable lodging business model, the Department of the Air Force has decided to pursue commercialization of its lodging program within the United States, its territories, and possessions. In 2023, DAF leadership completed an in-depth analysis of the DAF lodging program and determined the best way to sustain it is through commercialization. With a portfolio of many facilities at or approaching expected service life, new construction and renovation is now needed at many locations to meet the needs of official travelers. In Fiscal Year 2019, the DAF completed an Office of the Secretary of ...
UAE’s Dex Squared Hospitality Secures Historic Contract for Baghdad’s First Luxury 5-Star Hotel
Dex Squared Hospitality | October 24, 2024
DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 24, 2024-- Dex Squared Hospitality, a leading hospitality management company in the UAE, has achieved a monumental milestone, winning a prestigious contract to develop the World Heart Hotel Brand and Operate Baghdad's first 5-star luxury hotel. This landmark 320-room property, comprising 285 hotel rooms, 35 upscale suites and 54 luxury apartments, is set to redefine Iraq's hospitality landscape. Dex Squared Hospitality's involvement underscores the company's expanding regional footprint "We are excited to bring our innovative approach to hotel operations and brand development to Iraq," said Kevork ...
Hotel Association of NYC Applauds Passage of Safe Hotels Act
HANYC | October 24, 2024
NEW YORK--The Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) issued the following statement regarding the New York City Council’s passage of Intro 991, known as the “Safe Hotels Act.” Vijay Dandapani, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City, said: “After hard-fought negotiation and necessary adjustments that exempt small hotels from onerous costs and all hotels from arbitrary licensing rules, the legislation passed today by the City Council will create a fair and practical standard for hotels that will protect both our industry and employees – and also provide the best possible experience for our guests so that ...
María Quintero of HVS Middle East & Africa is the 2024 Recipient of the ISHC Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consultin
The International Society of Hospitality Consultants | October 24, 2024
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 24 October 2024: The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) has named María Quintero of HVS Middle East & Africa as the recipient of the annual Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting. María was honored at the ISHC annual conference held 26-28 September at the St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. As the winner, María received a one-year associate membership to ISHC to further professional relationships and experience all that the Society has to offer through planned events and networking with top hospitality industry consultants from around the globe. Quintero is...
Introducing: LUCID, The Next Generation of Content Manager
Leonardo | October 24, 2024
Leonardo is excited to announce the launch of LUCID Content Manager, the future of hotel content distribution. Our new platform is the next generation of our enterprise media distribution platform. Leonardo has been distributing hotel photos and other media for over 20 years. We have long been at the forefront of distribution innovation, and we’re excited to continue in that role with our new system. With this new platform, we’re expanding the capabilities of our technology beyond media. LUCID Content Manager distributes all static or descriptive hotel content to travel channels. We now have brand-approved textual content like contact in...
HSMAI Announces 2024 Sales Career Achievement and Professional of the Year Honorees
HSMAI | October 24, 2024
McLean, VA (Oct. 24, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to introduce the 2024 Career Achievement and Sales Professional of the Year award recipients who will be celebrated during HSMAI’s Sales Leader Forum on Nov. 13, 2024 in Washington D.C. The following hospitality executives have showcased exceptional talent, a deep passion for their profession, and outstanding expertise in hotel sales. HSMAI’s Award for Career Achievement in Sales Dan Surette, Chief Sales Officer, Omni Hotels & Resorts Dan Surette is chief sales officer at Omni Hotels & Resorts where he leads the...
U.S. Hotel Construction Increased for Seventh Consecutive Month
CoStar Group | October 24, 2024
WASHINGTON – 24 October 2024 – The volume of U.S. hotel rooms under construction increased year over year for a seventh consecutive month, according to CoStar’s September 2024 data. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. U.S. Hotel Pipeline September 2024 (percentage change from September 2023) In construction: 157,253 rooms (+7.0%) Final Planning: 268,190 rooms (+10.4%) Planning: 336,205 rooms (+38.4%) “Growth in rooms in construction has accelerated over the last seven months,” said Isaac Collazo, STR’s VP, analytics...
Hotel Pipeline Activity Increased Globally, Except for Europe
CoStar Group | October 24, 2024
WASHINGTON – 24 October 2024 – Europe is the only world region with lower hotel pipeline activity year over year, according to September 2024 data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. September 2024 (% change in comparison with September 2023): Europe In construction: 163,135 rooms (-1.0%) Final Planning: 87,779 rooms (-21.9%) Planning: 162,275 rooms (+1.7%) Total Under Contract: 413,189 rooms (-5.4%) Among countries in the region, Germany (27,175) led in construction activity, closely followed by the U.K. (24,733). ...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 19 October
CoStar Group | October 24, 2024
WASHINGTON – 24 October 2024 – The U.S. hotel industry reported positive year-over-year comparisons, according to CoStar’s latest data through 19 October. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 13-19 October 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 70.1% (+1.6) Average daily rate (ADR): US$169.85 (+2.5%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$119.01 (+4.2%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Tampa saw the largest occupancy lift (+23.6% to 83.7%), due to continued displacement demand from Hurricane Milton. Miami ...
77% of Global Markets Grew RevPAR Against Last Year, Japan Generating More Momentum
CoStar Group | October 24, 2024
Analysis by M. Brian Riley Note: All financial figures presented in US$. STR's global "bubble chart" update for the four weeks ending 12 October 2024 shows 77% of markets with year-over-year growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR). That was a substantial 14-point increase in the proportion of global hotel markets experiencing matched period RevPAR gains in last month's update Among countries with 50,000 rooms and sufficient hotel reporting levels, Greece ($255), Singapore ($241), Italy ($240), France ($232), and Switzerland ($196) posted the highest RevPAR on an actualized basis. That was the same set of countri...
B·Hospitality Completes Portfolio-Wide Implementation of Aptech’s PVNG Hotel Accounting Solution at Bayfront Inn 5th Avenue
Aptech | October 24, 2024
PITTSBURGH – October 24, 2024 – Aptech, a leading provider of enterprise accounting, business intelligence, financial planning and management solutions for the hospitality industry, today announces that B·Hospitality has implemented Aptech’s award-winning enterprise accounting solution, PVNG, at its luxury property, Bayfront Inn 5th Avenue in Naples, Florida. This rollout completes the seamless implementation of the solution in all three of Ontario-based B•Hospitality’s North American hotel properties. Known as a leading provider of back office and accounting solutions for the hospitality industry, Aptech has more than 50 years of ...
Stools and Stereotypes: Why Accommodating Disabilities in Hotels Is Non-Negotiable
Chuck Simikian | October 23, 2024
An employee comes to you and says they need a stool to sit on while they do their job. You immediately think – “We don’t have stools for employees to sit on. That is a standing position.” But….is that the correct response? What should you do? It is a common scenario that I frequently see in my HR career supporting the hospitality industry. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been in effect for nearly 35 years, yet many employers still struggle with accommodating disabilities in the workplace. A recent lawsuit filed by the EEOC against TNNY Hotel, LLC, and other entities operating The Ned NoMad hotel in Manhattan h...
