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Hyatt Signs With KL MIDTOWN to Develop 450-Room Hyatt Regency in Kuala Lumpur
Hyatt Regency | January 13, 2020
CHICAGO (January 13, 2020) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with KL MIDTOWN Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture company by Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad (Hap Seng) and TTDI KL Metropolis Sdn. Bhd., to develop a new 450-room Hyatt Regency branded hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Set to be completed in 2024, the new hotel will mark the return of the Hyatt Regency brand to Kuala Lumpur. For leisure and business travelers visiting the Malaysian capital, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur will deliver energizing experiences and a stress-free environment that embodies the Hyatt Regency br...
5 Events That Influence Hotel Performance
HotStats | January 13, 2020
In 2008, when the U.S. economy took a nosedive, Wall Street execs weren’t the only ones panicking. Hoteliers across the country had to brace themselves for impact. On its face, the Great Recession that followed would mean less leisure and corporate travel, tighter wallets and empty rooms. However, the operations that survived were able to roll with the punches. They dug into the data and adjusted costs to increase profit. Even though the 2008 crash—a so-called “black swan event”—was in a class of its own, it’s not uncommon for events to influence the hotel industry. And each event serves as a miniature lesson for hoteliers. ...
Maximizing Your Relationship With OTAs
Tim Lee | January 13, 2020
By Tim Lee The relationship between hotels (particularly major international brands) and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) may sometimes seem an uneasy alliance. Major hotel companies, such as Hilton, Marriott and IHG, are adding policies on price match guarantees to encourage direct bookings and detract from the perceived value of OTAs. Meanwhile, OTAs push even harder for competitive pricing and invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Search Engine Marketing (SEM) to increase their market share. Due to acquisitions and mergers over the last two decades, most OTA brands are a part of, or work with the two largest players in the space: Bo...
AHLA Announces 2020 Officers, Board, Executive Committee Amid Record Membership
AHLA | January 13, 2020
WASHINGTON (January 13, 2020) – Building on record levels of membership and engagement, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today welcomed Choice Hotels International, Inc., into membership and unveiled its 2020 Officers, Board of Directors and Executive Committee, which includes top leaders representing all segments of the hospitality industry. AHLA ended 2019 representing a record 3.2 million U.S. hotel rooms. With the addition of Choice, AHLA now counts the 10 largest hotel companies as members. Jon Bortz, Chairman, President & CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, was named chair of the board; Mark Hoplamazian, President...
Lodging Interactive Establishes Gen Z Think-Tank With Rutgers University Students
Lodging Interactive | January 13, 2020
PARSIPPANY, NJ - January 13, 2020 - Lodging Interactive, a full-service digital marketing, social media engagement and reputation management agency exclusively serving the hospitality industry, today announced it has established a commingle:enagage Gen Z Think-Tank with Rutgers University students. The Gen Z Think-Tank provides insights into what resonates with Gen Z consumers as it relates to hospitality social media and travel marketing. “A first of its kind, our commingle:enagage Gen Z Think-Tank provides our marketing teams with valuable insights on how to most effectively communicate, visually and otherwise, with the Gen Z trave...
Island Hospitality Management Announces Executive Promotions
Island Hospitality | January 13, 2020
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., January 13, 2020—Island Hospitality Management, one of the nation’s largest hotel management companies, announced today that it has promoted Gregg Forde to executive vice president and chief operating officer and Roger Pollak to executive vice president and chief financial officer. “With a combined 47 years of hospitality experience, including 42 years with Island Hospitality Management and its predecessor companies, I cannot think of two more deserving people than Gregg and Roger to take on these expanded roles within the company,” said Jeffrey H. Fisher, Island Hospitality Management. “These promotions ...
Kimpton Key West Appoints Executive Leadership
KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS | January 13, 2020
KEY WEST, FL – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announces the executive leadership team at the forthcoming Kimpton Key West, slated to open its doors in early 2020. Cheryl Martin has been named General Manager while Megan Coccitto has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at the five-hotel collection, which holds a total of 219 keys. Centrally located in Old Town, Kimpton Key West boasts everything from estate-like guesthouses to charming bungalows and original conch houses, all containing the friendly vibe for which Kimpton is renowned. Cheryl Martin brings nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry to Kimpt...
Julia Massey Appointed Vice President Global Sustainability Kempinski Hotels S.A.
Kempinski | January 13, 2020
Geneva, 13 January 2020 – Kempinski Hotels S.A. has appointed Julia Massey as Vice President Global Sustainability. As part of the Operational Strategy team, Julia will be responsible for driving and developing a complete set of sustainable standards and initiatives to instill sustainability across the company’s guest journey and operations. Improving the sustainability performance as well as achieving an eco-label accreditation for existing activities in this field will be core topics for her. Julia Massey brings to her new career step an experience of 14 years in consulting and management in the area of sustainability and climate ch...
Jannika Spremberg Appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing for Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC
Fairmont | January 13, 2020
VANCOUVER – January 2020: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, the iconic world leading hotel group known for its historic luxury and unparalleled service, has announced the appointment of Jannika Spremberg as Director of Sales and Marketing of Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC. In her new position, Spremberg will lead the Sales, Marketing, Public Relations, Catering and Conference Services teams, tasked with optimizing revenue opportunities and continuing to develop the hotel’s iconic brand. She most recently served as the Director of Revenue Management, Fairmont Empress, a role that gave her valuable insights and understanding of the hotel’s ...
Cendyn Appoints New Sales Leadership for EMEA & Americas
Cendyn | January 13, 2020
Veteran hospitality technology experts to accelerate growth in key regions January 13, 2020 – Boca Raton, FL – Cendyn, the leading innovator in CRM, sales and revenue strategy for the hospitality industry, announced today the appointment of Emma Johnstone to Vice President of Sales, EMEA, and Ricky Castoldi to Vice President of Sales, Americas. Both will be responsible for team excellence for their regional sales teams, establishing new and trusted relationships across the hospitality space, while driving maximum revenue and productivity for the hotel clients they oversee. Working from London, Johnstone will oversee Cendyn’s strategic...
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Wins Top Spot at HotelTechAwards 2020 for Best Mobile Key Solution
ASSA ABLOY | January 13, 2020
Industry-leading pioneer of mobile access technology voted best provider of digital key functionality by hospitality customers around the world. Stockholm – January 10, 2020 – ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions has been named the winner of Mobile Key & Keyless Entry for the 2020 HotelTechAwards. Organized by HotelTechReport, this year’s HotelTechAwards had over 24,000 hoteliers across more than 200 countries vote to rate their most favorite products and technologies. In winning the Mobile Key & Keyless Entry category, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions competed against the world’s leading digital key providers and was able to stand apart...
Declaring Their Independence, Big Box Hotels Combine Capacity, Personalized Service, High Tech & Flexibility
Teneo Hospitality Group | January 9, 2020
Eleven Teneo Members Offer Hot Dates, Promotions in 2020 Eden Prairie (Minneapolis) MN, January 2020 … Bigger, bolder and now independent – Big Box Hotels are increasingly breaking off from major brands and deploying their expansive meeting spaces, extensive room inventory and outstanding technical services to become independent operators. It’s a growing trend that offers planners the advantages of a large hotel accommodating groups of up to 3,000 attendees while providing a level of flexibility and creativity once reserved for boutique properties and smaller brands. Teneo Hospitality Group, the leading group representation firm, ...
New Castle Hotels & Resorts Appoints Guido Kerpel as New Chief Operating Officer
New Castle Hotels and Resorts | January 9, 2020
Shelton, CT - - (January 9, 2020) - - Jeremy Buffam and Julian Buffam, partners at New Castle Hotels and Resorts, today announced the appointment of Guido Kerpel as chief operating officer. Previously, Kerpel was the company’s vice president of operations. Kerpel joined New Castle in1999 as the general manager of the Westin Nova Scotian before assuming broader responsibilities for development and operations of the company’s Canadian portfolio including the northeastern U.S. Under Kerpel’s leadership, New Castle expanded its Canadian presence from one hotel to eight, including the recently opened Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marri...
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa Appoints Mike Waddell as General Manager
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa | January 9, 2020
With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Waddell is leading the iconic desert resort’s $21 million property-wide transformation, set for completion in early 2020 INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – January 9, 2020 – Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is pleased to announce Mike Waddell as its new general manager. A hospitality veteran, Waddell brings more than two decades of hospitality management experience to the resort amidst its expansive $21-million property-wide transformation. Renovations include updates to the resort’s meetings spaces and penthouse suites, and the addition of premier bungalows, a lazy river, and 30-fo...
MCR Acquires SpringHill Suites by Marriott Green Bay in Green Bay, Wisconsin
MCR | January 9, 2020
NEW YORK / JANUARY 9, 2020 The Pack is back — and we’re ready! MCR, the fifth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, has acquired the 127-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott Green Bay in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It’s a touchdown for Packers fans gearing up for Sunday’s big playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Green Bay is just minutes from the Green & Gold’s legendary stadium — making it the perfect spot to watch the NFC Divisional Round (kickoff is at 6:40 PM EST). “The hotel is close enough to the field that fans and guests can hear the roar from Lambea...
Chris Dunne Joins Atrium Hospitality as Chief Financial Officer
Atrium Hospitality | January 9, 2020
ALPHARETTA, Ga.--January 9, 2020--Atrium Hospitality this week announced the appointment of Chris Dunne to chief financial officer (CFO). With more than 20 years of hospitality operations finance experience, Dunne joins Atrium to serve as the company’s senior financial executive to lead accounting and finance disciplines in the newly created CFO role on Atrium’s executive team. His primary responsibilities will include oversight of the corporate and hotel accounting, treasury, tax, payroll, IT and procurement platforms for Atrium’s portfolio of assets under management comprised of 84 hotels and 20,897 guest rooms/suites in 28 states. Si...
HOF Village, LLC Announces $21 Million Renovation to Upcoming DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Canton, Ohio
HOF Village, LLC | January 9, 2020
Expected to join the DoubleTree by Hilton brand in the summer of 2020, the hotel will welcome travelers with comfortable accommodations and best-in-class hospitality CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 9, 2020 -- HOF Village, LLC (HOFV), the owner of the premier sports, entertainment and media enterprise surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, today announced that it will open a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Downtown Canton. The fully renovated hotel, which was acquired by HOFV in October 2019, is expected to open in the summer of 2020, in time to welcome guests for the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Powered by Johns...
The Westin New Orleans Unveils $30 Million Renovation
Westin Hotels & Resorts | January 9, 2020
NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 9, 2020 -- The Westin New Orleans is pleased to announce the completion of a $30 million revitalization spanning the entire hotel. The extensive architectural and interior redesign includes major renovations to all guestrooms and suites, lobby/check-in, and 30,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel also features new dining establishments Bistro at the Bend restaurant and Observatory Eleven bar and lounge, as well as new special event space, Riverbend Ballroom. The restaurant, bar, and ballroom are located on the 11th floor, where hotel guests may enjoy cocktails, Southern cuisine through a regional lens, and the abili...
Radisson Hotel Group Signs Radisson Hotel Saint Denis in Reunion Island
Radisson | January 9, 2020
Brussels/Saint Denis - January 9, 2020 - Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of the Radisson Hotel Saint Denis in Reunion Island, the Group’s entry into their third Indian Ocean Island. The group is now present in three of the four main Indian Ocean Islands, bringing their Indian Ocean portfolio to seven hotels in operation and under development. Saint Denis is the administrative capital of the French overseas region, located on the north end of Reunion Island and Radisson’s newest hotel is located on the major axe within walking distance from the main commercial and financial district. It is ideally positioned in fron...
Marriott International Signs Agreement With Fibra Inn to Bring W Brand to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
W Hotels Worldwide | January 9, 2020
218-room, oceanfront W Playa del Carmen is expected to open in 2023 Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Fibra Inn (BMV: FINN13, ADR OTC: DFBRY) to bring the W brand for the first time to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The property is expected to rise on an oceanfront site in Playa del Carmen within walking distance to entertainment, upscale shopping and restaurants. “We are excited to work with hotel developer Fibra Inn to open a cutting-edge W hotel in Playa del Carmen, a destination ready for the brand’s bold design, signature Whatever/Whenever service and innovative program...
IHG Intensifies Effort to Fight Human Trafficking in the Americas
IHG | January 9, 2020
Company focuses on awareness and prevention with mandatory training, tools and resources for hotel colleagues January is recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the U.S. and IHG®, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has intensified its ongoing effort to fight human trafficking. The company has introduced new programs, tools and resources for colleagues to increase awareness and aid prevention of human trafficking, including a free training available to all IHG-branded hotels worldwide, including more than 4,200 properties in the Americas. Human trafficking, a form of modern slavery, is a $15...
Smile and the World Smiles With You—Unless It’s Fake
Shep Hyken | January 9, 2020
By Shep Hyken One of our faithful Shepard Letter subscribers emailed me a story. He was at a store, and the employee was friendly and engaging. But when he saw her later—when she was off duty—she acted indifferent toward him, almost rude. She wouldn’t even smile, which made him wonder, “Shouldn’t people greet you as warmly outside of their work environment as they do while on the job?” When you hire someone for a job, you should understand their personality. Do they come to the job with the positive attitude you want your customers to experience? Or do they have to “fake it”? The old cliché of “hire for attitude and t...
Verdant ZX Thermostat Recognized Globally for Cutting-Edge Design
Verdant | January 9, 2020
Energy-management solutions company earns Good Design® award for its newest smart thermostat [Montreal, Quebec — January 9, 2020] — Verdant has entered the New Year with yet another top honor. In December 2019, the provider of state-of-the-art energy management solutions for commercial buildings was awarded the GOOD DESIGN® 2019 award in the Building Products category for its Verdant ZX thermostat. The tribute, which recognizes products with cutting-edge design and innovation around the world, was bestowed by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and the Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd. Since 1950, the Good Design pr...
Volara Named ‘Best Voice Activated Tech Product’ of 2020 by HotelTechReport
Volara | January 9, 2020
Hoteliers give Volara’s powerful, secure conversation-management tools positive reviews for enhancing the guest experience and enabling staff to be more efficient New York — January 9, 2020 — “The Grammy’s of Hotel Tech” – also known as The HotelTechAwards – were announced this week by HotelTechReport, a technology-driven media platform that helps entrepreneurial hoteliers find the best technology tools to solve problems and grow their business. Volara – the voice hub for the hotel industry – was named “Best Voice Activated Tech Product of 2020” in the Guest Experience Software category by a global community of ver...
