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
Columbia Sussex Completes First Phase of Multi-Million Dollar Renovation of Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
The Hyatt Regency | December 11, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS-Hyatt Regency Indianapolis announces the completion of the first phase of its multi-million dollar renovation, which includes the opening of its completely renovated revolving rooftop restaurant, The Eagle’s Nest, as well as completion of a redesign of the hotel’s more than 35,000 square feet of state-of-the art meeting and event spaces, ground floor restaurants, lobby and fitness center. Managed by Columbia Sussex, the contemporary 499-room hotel is conveniently connected to the Convention Center and located just steps from the vibrant downtown sites, including Lucas Oil Stadium, Circle Centre Mall and renowned dining des...
Radisson Makes Its Debut on the Las Vegas Strip With Treasure Island – TI Hotel & Casino, a Radisson Hotel
Radisson | December 11, 2019
Radisson today announced the debut of Treasure Island - TI Hotel & Casino, a Radisson Hotel at 3300 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV. The award-winning resort marks the company's first property on the world famous Las Vegas Strip and features nearly 3,000 rooms with a contemporary style and high-energy atmosphere. With the hotel now part of the Radisson brand, Radisson Rewards members can redeem points for stays when booking on RadissonHotels.com/Rewards and experience exclusive benefits from check-in to check-out. Beginning as early as Q2 2020, members can also begin earning points during their stay. “We are thrilled to welcome...
Building Your Hotel’s Bleisure Revenue
Larry Mogelonsky | December 11, 2019
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) For those of you who are not familiar with this term ‘bleisure’, it denotes a business trip that is extended either before or after the business component with a few days of leisure. Or it can be the other way around where those who have the ability to work remotely – often part of the new ‘digital nomads’ classification – do just that and spend some time on the clock while technically being off the clock. Rest assured that with the rise of internet-based forms of business communication and outsourced productivity, hybrid travel like this will continue to grow. Chances a...
IHG Signs With Kingkey Group for Management of Hotel in Dameisha, Shenzhen, China
IHG | December 11, 2019
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announced a deal with Shenzhen-based property developer Kingkey Group. Under the deal, IHG will take over the management of one of Kingkey’s hotels in Dameisha, Shenzhen, China. As of 1 January 2020, the hotel will formally be rebranded as the InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort and will offer an upgraded selection of services and facilities. The signing ceremony for the deal was held in Shenzhen and was attended by Daniel Aylmer, IHG’s Chief Operating Officer for Greater China, Hua Chen, Chairman of the Kingkey Group, and other representatives....
Standing Out in This Era of “Silent Selling”: Six Ways Hotel Salespeople Can Use Video Email to Engage Prospects
Doug Kennedy | December 11, 2019
By Doug Kennedy It is eerily silent in most sales offices these days. Whereas in the past the halls echoed with telephone conversations between sales managers and group or function planners, these days the only sounds you’ll hear are the clicking of fingers on a computer keypad. Nowadays, most leads are arriving via various “silent” channels. These include direct website RFP’s, leads forwarded from regional brand offices, app notifications coming in from lead generation platforms such as CVENT, The Knot/Wedding Wire, or digital notifications from the local CVB or DMO. Likewise, most salespeople respond silently by emailing st...
Be Part of the Evolution: HSMAI Marketing Strategy Conference
HSMAI | December 11, 2019
(McLean, VA, December 11, 2019) The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) highly-anticipated Marketing Strategy Conference will take place January 22, 2020, at the New York Marriott Marquis. This year’s conference addresses how new developments in marketers’ efforts in 2020 can connect with, track, and influence consumers throughout all phases of their travel. HSMAI’s Marketing Strategy Conference will be held the day after the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala. This year HSMAI’s Marketing Strategy Conference is all about successfully Marketing in a Digital World.” Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and C...
Construction for Vegas’ Circa Resort & Casino Reaches Halfway Mark, On Track for December 2020 Opening
Circa Resort & Casino | December 11, 2019
Las Vegas – Today, CEO and developer Derek Stevens announced that his highly anticipated integrated gaming resort Circa Resort & Casino has reached the halfway mark in its 22-month construction process. On track for a December 2020 opening, the project will be the first ground-up gaming resort in historic Downtown Las Vegas since 1980. “Reaching this milestone for Circa would not be possible without our incredible partners and construction team,” said Stevens. “Today we not only celebrate this exciting moment in Circa’s journey, but those who have helped us bring the project to life. I’m proud to deliver something completel...
OTO Development Acquires Howard Johnson by Wyndham St. Pete Beach Resort Hotel
OTO Development | December 11, 2019
SPARTANBURG, SC (December 11, 2019) – OTO Development has jumped into the seaside hotel market in St. Pete Beach by purchasing the Howard Johnson by Wyndham St. Pete Beach FL Resort Hotel. The purchase was finalized on December 5 between the Reagan Family Trust and OTO Development. “We are continually surveying the market in key travel destinations for opportunities to expand our portfolio,” said Corry Oakes, CEO of OTO Development. “We are excited to have this St. Pete Beach property as part of our family and getting started on renovations to improve the guest experience.” Preston Reid, previously a senior director with JLL, ...
McNeill Hotel Investors Acquires Hyatt Place Bloomington / Normal, IL
McNeill Hotel Company | December 11, 2019
Germantown, Tenn. – December 11, 2019 – McNeill Hotel Investors (“McNeill”) announced today the acquisition of the 114-room, upscale select service, Hyatt Place Bloomington / Normal, IL, adding to the company’s growing portfolio and expanding its presence in the Midwest market. The announcement was made by Phillip McNeill, Jr., the company’s chief executive officer. The Hyatt Place Bloomington / Normal features a spacious, attractive lobby and relaxed rooms that offer partially separated sitting areas with desks and pullout sofas. The rooms feature tea and coffeemakers, minifridges and wet bars, along with 42” flat-screen HDT...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Chapter Three – The Flags
David Lund | December 11, 2019
By David Lund The crap I must deal with never ceases to amaze me. The Stow sees many groups and we were preparing for an international political gathering and my country’s government was hosting the event. This meant lots of politics, decorum and protocol that all gets sorted out, or so to speak. It was nothing short of a cluster bomb and I had to stick-handle my team and the politicians. Our city and country have a colorful history and it is rich in its traditions and symbols. My phone rang late one afternoon as the summit was less than a week away. My secretary, notice I didn’t call her an assistant, she was a secretary and somewh...
Waramaug Acquires Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bonita Springs, Florida
Waramaug Hospitality | December 11, 2019
December 11, 2019, Boca Raton, FL — Waramaug Hospitality announced today that it acquired the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples North – Bonita Springs, located in Bonita Springs, Florida. The four-story, 105-room property features standard Holiday Inn Express amenities and was renovated to the IHG Formula Blue standard at a cost of $1.5mm in 2016. Waramaug will complete the Formula Blue renovation with significant lobby and public space upgrades, as well as new carpet and other amenities in the guest rooms. “Despite its outstanding location and amenities, the property has been trailing the competitive set, and we intend to ...
Beonprice Redesigns Hotel Quality Score to Improve Revenue Strategies
Beonprice | December 11, 2019
Cutting-edge technology pairs traditional revenue management tools with new Hotel Quality Index™ to boost hotels’ REVPAR 11 December 2019: Challenging the adage of ‘quality over quantity’, travel technology company Beonprice (www.beonprice.com) has redesigned the hospitality industry benchmark assessment to help hoteliers better qualify rates and competitor set in their revenue management strategies. The new Hotel Quality Index™ (HQI™), developed by Beonprice, is a unique way of assessing a hotel’s reputation and market position to improve a property’s REVPAR. Combining traditional revenue management considerations with real...
Radisson Hotel Group Signs Three Hotels in Vietnam
Radisson Hotel Group | December 10, 2019
Singapore - December 10, 2019 - Radisson Hotel Group continues to introduce world-class hospitality to Vietnam’s most exciting emerging destinations, with the signing of three new hotels on the country’s captivating coastline. Radisson Blu Resort, Quy Nhon is nestled on Vietnam’s pristine south-central coast in Binh Dinh province, approximately halfway between the cities of Nha Trang and Hoi An. Slated to open in 2023, the resort will offer a choice of 120 contemporary rooms and suites in the main building and 160 standalone villas, surrounded by lush landscaped gardens. The resort will feature an exceptional array of leisure faciliti...
Ecosystems Strategy in the Age of Digitization
Dr Nicole Rosenkranz | December 10, 2019
How hospitality players are aligning their business models to a changed play field. By Dr. Nicole Rosenkranz The transformation of the hospitality industry is relentlessly progressing. In the past 20 years the hospitality landscape has seen the inception of service providers like OTAs, the creation of new market segments, like online private rental platforms, and more recently a proliferation of digital services ranging from revenue management to advanced customer interfaces. The effects of an increased proliferation of digital solutions have challenged many traditional hotels in the industry, driving a new momentum where classic busi...
Baby Boomer Travelers: What Marketers Need to Know [Infographic]
Michael Del Gigante | December 10, 2019
By Michael Del Gigante In their rush to court younger consumers, travel marketers sometimes overlook an important demographic: baby boomers. Members of this cohort, defined roughly as those born between 1946 and 1964, are especially valuable because they often have the income and time to take multiple trips each year: 70%: The share of total US disposable income controlled by baby boomers $6,600: How much boomers spend on leisure trips each year, on average 4 to 5: How many leisure trips boomers take each year, on average What are the key motivators and behaviors of this group? To find out, check out MDG Advertising’s ...
Radical Innovation Awards Opens Call for Entries
Radical Innovation | December 10, 2019
New York, NY -- December 10, 2019 -- Radical Innovation, an initiative that challenges creative thinkers at the professional and student level to pioneer compelling ideas in travel and hospitality, is accepting entries to its annual competition. New in 2020, the competition is adding a Hospitality Product category. Radical Innovation is asking participants to submit their most innovative hospitality product(s) capable of transforming the industry standard and offering new strategic career and investment growth opportunities. This year, the submission categories include: Professional and/or Student: Radical Hospitality Design, Conc...
Valor Hospitality Partners Opens The Harpeth Hotel in the Heart of Historic Downtown Franklin, Tennessee
The Harpeth | December 10, 2019
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – December 10, 2019 – The Harpeth Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, managed by Valor Hospitality Partners, announced its official opening today in the heart of historic downtown Franklin. As the town’s first boutique hotel, The Harpeth Hotel pairs modern-day comfort and timeless charm, offering spacious guest rooms and suites, upscale amenities, two unique dining venues, and thoughtful design with subtle nods to Franklin’s rich history. The Harpeth Hotel boasts 119 elegant guest rooms, including a vast range of room types for the curious and experience-driven traveler. Roo...
Rocco Forte Hotels Appoints Jan Arnold as New Vice President of Sales
Rocco Forte Hotels | December 10, 2019
London -- December 10, 2019 -- Rocco Forte Hotels, the prestigious family-owned hotel group led by Sir Rocco Forte, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jan Arnold as Vice President of Sales effective 1 November 2019. Based in Frankfurt, Arnold will direct a team of 24 Regional Sales Directors and Managers located in 12 countries in Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and China. He will be a member of Rocco Forte Hotels’ Executive Committee, reporting to the Director of Operations, Maurizio Saccani. Arnold joins Rocco Forte from Four Seasons where he began his career in 2002 as a trainee in operational and administration department...
Royal Sonesta Boston Appoints Eduardo Fernandez as General Manager
Royal Sonesta Boston | December 10, 2019
Boston, MA - December 10, 2019 - Royal Sonesta Boston is pleased to welcome Eduardo Fernandez as the new General Manager of the riverfront, award-winning property. In his new role, Fernandez is responsible for the successful execution of all aspects of the hotel's sales, marketing, financial and hotel operations. Fernandez joins the team from his most recent position at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach where he served as General Manager for the past six years. "It is an honor to join such a wonderful and well-respected team at Royal Sonesta Boston," stated Eduardo Fernandez, "I am looking forward to further contributing to the ongoing suc...
Asia Pacific’s Hotel Construction Pipeline, Excluding China, Continues in a Topping-Out Formation
Lodging Econometrics | December 10, 2019
December 10, 2019 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – In the recently released report from analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE), Asia Pacific’s total construction pipeline, excluding China, continues in a four-quarter topping out formation with 1,779 projects/389,830 rooms, up 2% and 6% respectively, year-over-year (YOY). The region currently has 958 projects/221,927 rooms under construction. There are 391 projects/78,032 rooms scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months and 430 projects in the early planning stage with room counts at an all-time high of 89,871 rooms. Brand conversions are also at an all-time high. Excluding China, the ...
Accor Signs Franchise Agreement With Mandala Asset Solutions for Recently Purchased Mackay Marina Hotel
Accor | December 10, 2019
December 10, 2019 -- Accor has further increased its footprint in the central Queensland market having acquired a franchise agreement with Mandala Asset Solutions for their recently purchased Mackay Marina Hotel. The eight-storey, 79-room hotel will rebrand as Mantra Mackay on 15 December 2019, becoming Accor’s second property in the central Queensland hub of Mackay, joining the Group’s 152-room ibis Mackay hotel. Mantra Mackay, which was constructed in 2005 and stands on a prime waterfront site offering views over the Coral Sea, also features a restaurant and bar, fitness centre, swimming pool, four conference and meetings rooms and a ...
NewcrestImage Launches First International Hotel With Courtyard by Marriott in India
NewcrestImage | December 10, 2019
December 10, 2019 -- NewcrestImage continues steady portfolio growth with its first international hotel – a Courtyard by Marriott in Vadodara, India. The 14-floor, 123-room property will be the first Marriott branded hotel in Vadodara, which has a metro area population of about four million people and is a major industrial, cultural, and education hub for the western state of Gujarat. The hotel is currently under construction and is expected to open in March of 2021, featuring rooms with deluxe décor and amenities; a restaurant with private dining areas; a café; an outdoor swimming pool; a 30-car underground parking garage; and 13,00...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Adds Sarasota Modern Hotel to Latitudes Collection
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | December 10, 2019
Crescent Hotels & Resorts adds Sarasota Modern Hotel to Latitudes Collection Sarasota, FL -- December 10, 2019) -- The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, will join Crescent Hotels & Resorts “Latitudes” collection of lifestyle resorts. Crescent & Latitudes, based in Fairfax, Virginia is a nationally recognized operator of major hotels and resorts throughout the United States and Canada. An architectural fixture of the Rosemary District just steps from downtown Sarasota, the boutique hotel has created a series of micro-paradises that challenge the conventions of hospitality, delivering highly curated living experi...
The Guestbook Releases New White Paper, “Understanding Boutique Aficionados,” Analyzing Experiential Traveler Preferences and Booking Beha
The Guestbook | December 10, 2019
Cash back rewards innovator The Guestbook examines experiential travel market, helping boutique hoteliers harness actionable insights to drive direct bookings LOS ANGELES — December 10, 2019 — The Guestbook, the world's largest rewards program for independent and boutique hotels, today announces the release of a new white paper, entitled “Understanding Boutique Aficionados.” This informative new white paper breaks down the specific booking and travel behaviors shared by two distinct segments of experiential travelers and reveals insights collected by The Guestbook through a national research study, which surveyed 1,031 Americans ov...
