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Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino Partners With Travel Outlook to Elevate Guest Service Experience
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™ | October 2nd, 2024
Study Reveals the Emotional Journey of a Digital Detox While Travelling
August 14, 2019
New research reveals the emotional journey that tourists go on when they disconnect from technology and social media while travelling. The study, by the University of East Anglia (UEA), University of Greenwich and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), investigated how engaging in digital-free tourism impacted travellers’ holiday experiences. It involved losing access to technologies such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, the Internet, social media and navigation tools. The researchers, who also took part in the study themselves, examined participants’ emotions before they disconnected, during their disconnection, and after they...
$37 Million Rebrand of Landmark Curacao Marriott Beach Resort Nears Completion
Marriott Hotels | August 14, 2019
(CURAÇAO) August 14, 2019 – The $37 million renovation of a landmark 328-room beach hotel in Curacao is set for completion by fall 2019, breathing new life into the property, impeccably positioned on six acres of prime oceanfront real estate. The transformation of the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino to the elegantly stylish Curacao Marriott Beach Resort, promises to bring a fresh feeling of luxury and excitement to an island regarded as the ultimate vacation destination for diving, outdoor recreation, and relaxing under the famous Caribbean sun. Upon completion, the hotel, which was purchased in 2017 by Piscamara Beac...
Mobile Technology Trends for 2019 and Beyond
Matt Peterson | August 14, 2019
By Matt Peterson Over the first half of this year, I have been able to network and brainstorm with senior executives in the hotel, travel, and technology spaces. Although the conversations all came from slightly different angles, there were many similarities that all drove toward one core topic — the experience. Interestingly, “the experience,” as we have deemed it, didn’t just relate to the forward-facing guest or customer, but also to the employees and their needs and wants. The other common denominator, and this is not surprising, was the need for all-things-tech-related to be mobile-friendly. As we move into the year 2020 and b...
AHLA, IHLA Applaud Passage of Bill Requiring Employee Safety Devices for Hotel Employees
AHLA | August 14, 2019
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (August 14, 2019) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today commended Governor Pritzker for signing the Hotel and Casino Employee Safety Act included in SB0075 the Workforce Transparency Act, which includes anti-sexual harassment policies and provides employee safety devices to hotel associates. “In a business of people taking care of people, we could not be successful without the eight million men and women in jobs that the hotel industry supports. That’s why our industry has for decades prioritized programs that protect our employees and guests and invested in the safety of our workforce,” ...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Matthew Whiteheart as General Manager for Unscripted Durham
Unscripted Hotels | August 14, 2019
DURHAM, NC (August 14, 2019) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Whiteheart as General Manager for Unscripted Durham, the flagship location for its lifestyle brand and hospitality concept Unscripted Hotels. With nearly 15 years of hospitality experience, including a decade serving in various senior management roles at AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star property The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Whiteheart is an award-winning executive with a passion for delivering excellence. His strategic leadership, attention to detail and dedication to staff training and stellar...
Playa Hotels & Resorts Names Kevin Froemming Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer
Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. | August 14, 2019
FAIRFAX, VA (August 14, 2019) – Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA, “Playa”), the owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts, has announced the promotion of Kevin Froemming to the expanded role of Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. In this newly created position, Froemming assumes the key leadership role in driving Playa’s commercial strategy and initiatives throughout revenue and distribution, global sales and marketing, e-commerce, as well as brand performance and deliverability. With both top and bottom line responsibility, Froemming’s broadened role is designed to further leverage ...
InnSpire Strengthens North American Presence With Two New Additions to Its U.S.-Based Accounts Service Team
InnSpire | August 14, 2019
Stockholm – August 14, 2019 – InnSpire, a leading provider of guest engagement digital entertainment and business intelligence solutions for the global hospitality market, has strengthened its regional account service team with the appointment of two new executives to its North American Division. Sarah Kozlowski has been tapped as Strategic Account Manager and Chris Tedeschi has been appointed as Technical Account Manager for the company. InnSpire has added these new personnel to the organization in order to align with its stated growth initiatives and to continue the rapid pace of its global expansion. Kozlowski joined the InnSpire sa...
The Five Best Mediums for Telling Your Brand Story
Melissa DiGianfilippo | August 14, 2019
By Melissa DiGianfilippo Recently, I shared insights into how you can engage the media and get your hotel, motel, B&B, or resort into the press regularly. Now, I want to shift perspective and discuss what makes a good story, and then share the five best mediums you should use to tell and enhance your brand story. First, what is a good story? Paraphrasing the American Press Institute – a good story is about something the audience decides is interesting or important. A GREAT story makes important news interesting and relevant to the audience that's seeing, hearing or reading the story. It's HOW you tell your brand story that makes t...
IDeaS Intern Program Voted Top 100 in U.S. on WayUp’s 2019 List
IDeaS | August 14, 2019
WayUp’s panel considered public votes and program highlights to select the nation’s best internship opportunities Tweet This: @IDeaS_RevOpt has been recognized on @WayUp’s Top 100 Internship Programs list! Check out the full list of winners: www.nationalinternday.com/top100-2019 www.ideas.com/news MINNEAPOLIS—Aug. 14, 2019—IDeaS Revenue Solutions, the world’s leading provider of revenue management software and services, has been recognized by WayUp on its Top 100 Internship Programs 2019 list. Determined by a panel of industry experts who consider everything from thousands of public votes to internship program highlights...
The EI Advantage: How Four Seasons Drives Innovation and Business Success Through the Power of Emotional Intelligence
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | August 13, 2019
TORONTO, Aug. 13, 2019 -- A global study by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services (HBR-AS) and presented by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts calls for a corporate culture transformation driven by the power of emotional intelligence (EI). For many years, EI has been the cornerstone of empowered, engaged and energetic corporate cultures. Yet the study outlines a troubling trend: companies worldwide are underestimating the value of EI, and there is a growing disconnect between what executives are saying about the importance of company culture and what they are actually doing. Emotional intelligence is a combination of self-awareness, ...
Catalina Island Company Unveils New 95-Room Hotel Atwater Following Extensive Transformation of Historic Property
August 13, 2019
AVALON, Calif., Aug. 13, 2019 -- The Catalina Island Company announces the reopening of the historic Hotel Atwater following a total transformation, bringing an exciting new guest experience to the beautiful seaside town of Avalon, just off the Southern California coast on Catalina Island. On the cusp of its 100th anniversary, the completely revitalized property, which originally opened in 1920, offers modern amenities and a revamped design while preserving its roots as part of the Wrigley family legacy. "Hotel Atwater was the first major project undertaken by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. after he purchased the Catalina Island...
Davidson Hotels & Resorts Assumes Management of The 575-Room Westin Indianapolis
Davidson Hotels & Resorts | August 13, 2019
ATLANTA, Aug. 13, 2019 -- Davidson Hotels & Resorts has been appointed to manage The Westin Indianapolis, the 575-room hotel in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Immediately adjacent and connected via skywalk to the Indiana Convention Center, the 15-story property is steps from premier shopping, dining and entertainment hubs, including Lucas Oil Stadium. "Indianapolis is such a diverse and vibrant city with strong demand from a world-class convention center, local corporations and premier sporting events, and The Westin Indianapolis is the best-located hotel in the downtown core," said Davidson Hotels & Resorts President Tho...
Wyndham Signs With Pete Patel for Development of Five Microtels Under Brand’s Moda Prototype Design
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | August 13, 2019
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (August 13, 2019) – Microtel® by Wyndham, the award-winning economy hotel brand under Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH), today announced an agreement with developer Pete Patel for five new properties under the brand’s innovative Moda prototype design. Just five months after launching the prototype, designed to increase operational efficiencies and lower development costs for hoteliers, Microtel by Wyndham’s pipeline is expanding with over a dozen new hotels adopting the design. The agreement with Patel calls for Microtel by Wyndham properties in strategic growth markets including Destin and Fort Walton Beach...
Riegel’s RieNu Napkins Made From Recycled Plastic Water Bottles Are a Must at ‘The Buff’
Reigel | August 13, 2019
To comply with the city of Boulder’s Universal Zero Waste Ordinance, owners of the iconic eatery choose to use RieNu 100% post-consumer recycled polyester napkins; One RieNu napkin eliminates thee plastic bottles from ending up in landfills [AIKEN, S.C.— August 13, 2019] — For restaurateurs Chris and Jacquelyn Meyer, becoming one of the first businesses in Boulder, Colo., to divert more than 95% of potential waste into compost or recyclables is something they are extremely proud of. After the couple bought The Buff in 1995, the college town restaurant and bar quickly became a Boulder institution known citywide for good food, grea...
Dogs Had Their Day at Aloft Orlando Downtown
Aloft Hotels | August 13, 2019
ORLANDO, Fla. (August 13, 2019) — On July 27, the Aloft Orlando Downtown hosted a special party to mark a warm-and-fuzzy milestone that is dear to the hearts of hotel associates, guests and people in the community. It’s called the Bow Wow Luau, and it celebrated the 100th dog to be adopted in a partnership with the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. The luau was not your everyday canine mixer. The event included two Hawaiian-themed food trucks, live music, a Pawaiian costume contest and other fun activities. Special drinks such as Whisker Sours and Barky Marys were served at the bar. Hotel staff reached out to people who’ve...
Alex Pasco Appointed Executive Chef at Virginia’s Tides Inn
The Tides Inn | August 13, 2019
(IRVINGTON, VA; August 13, 2019) – The Tides Inn—an iconic coastal resort located in Irvington, Virginia—announces today the appointment of its new Executive Chef Alex Pasco, following the debut of Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, the resort’s newest waterfront eatery. Bringing over 10 years of industry expertise and a passion for supporting local purveyors, Pasco joins the team prepared to elevate the guests’ culinary experience, immersing them in local tradition and showcasing the unique fare of Virginia’s Northern Neck. Pasco’s passion and vision for the Tides Inn promises a seamless evolution of the resort’s food and beverage program...
486-Room Full-Service Sheraton Park Anaheim Goes to Auction on RealINSIGHT Marketplace
RealINSIGHT Marketplace | August 13, 2019
ANAHEIM, CA—August 13, 2019—RealINSIGHT Marketplace and Berkadia are pleased to offer for sale the leasehold interest in the 486-room, Sheraton Park Hotel at The Anaheim Resort for your acquisition consideration. Located steps from the Anaheim Convention Center, Disneyland® Resort, Disneyland California Adventure® Park, Downtown Disney, and the Anaheim Garden Walk. This represents an exceptional opportunity for investors to acquire an institutional quality, full-service, Marriott branded hotel in a premium location with significant operational upside through renovation/brand conversion, leasing vacant space, reconfiguring the hotel layo...
Content Personalization on the Hotel Website Whitepaper
NextGuest Digital | August 13, 2019
Personalization in the hospitality industry isn’t a new concept. Hotels often provide personalized in-room and on-property experiences, so why should the website experience be the same for all visitors? It’s not enough to present potential guests with static website content and expect them to find what they’re looking for and make a reservation. In fact, a Salesforce study found that by 2020, 51% of consumers will expect brands to anticipate their needs and make relevant suggestions. Through personalization, hotels can create a dynamic user experience. Rather than one broad experience that attempts to reach all possible travelers,...
Wymara Resort & Villas Appoints Rolf Lippuner as General Manager
Wymara Resort & Villas | August 13, 2019
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS + CAICOS – August 13, 2019 – The Swiss national, South-African educated, globally trained citizen of the world, Rolf Lippuner, infuses sophisticated luxury with the service and charm of the Caribbean as the new General Manager of Wymara Resort & Villas on Grace Bay Beach in Turks + Caicos. Having stamped his passport in Johannesburg, San Diego, Nevis, Washington, D.C. and Riyadh, Lippuner returns to the Caribbean, primed and ready to take the helm of Turks + Caicos’ premier beachfront resort. With a penchant for entrepreneurial enterprise, Lippuner held several senior executive roles within the hotel indust...
Rainmaker, a Cendyn Company, Has VP Lead Session on Measuring the Success of Group Business at Hotel Data Conference
Rainmaker | August 13, 2019
ALPHARETTA, GA. — August 13, 2019 — Rainmaker, a Cendyn company, today announced that Dan Skodol, the company’s vice president of revenue analytics, will be leading a session at Hotel Data Conference on August 15, 2019 at the JW Marriott in Nashville, TN. Dan will also participate in a panel on August 16 discussing The true price and value of loyalty at the. conference. The company is a Presenting Sponsor of the event. Skodol’s session titled, “Group Revenue Management – Measuring Success” will take place from 4:15-4:40 on August 15th and will highlight key metrics hoteliers can use to evaluate the success of a Revenue Manage...
AWH Partners Acquires Newly-Renovated DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque
AWH Partners | August 13, 2019
NEW YORK (Aug. 13, 2019) – AWH Partners, LLC, a privately held real estate investment, development and management firm, announces the acquisition of DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque, marking more than a dozen Hiltons and over 1,500 DoubleTree keys acquired across the United States - and the first hotel purchased in the growing New Mexico market - for the investment firm. Located in the heart of Albuquerque’s Central Business District, the newly-renovated DoubleTree is the only hotel directly connected to the 300,000 square-foot Albuquerque Convention Center, giving the property a strategic competitive advantage over other full-service...
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Arranges $46,000,000 of First Mortgage Financing for Maison Dupuy, New Orleans, Louisiana
Sonnenblick-Eichner Company | August 13, 2019
Beverly Hills, CA (August 13, 2019) -- Sonnenblick-Eichner Company announced today that it has arranged $46,000,000 of interim first mortgage financing for the Maison Dupuy, a five-story, 200-room, full-service, boutique hotel located in the world-famous French Quarter of downtown New Orleans, LA. Proceeds from the five-year non-recourse LIBOR-based loan will be utilized to pay off the existing indebtedness and provide funds for the renovation of the property. The Hotel is excellently located just two blocks off of Bourbon Street at the corner of Toulouse Street and Burgundy Street. The French Quarter is the center of New Orleans’ hospit...
McKibbon Hospitality Appoints Leslie Lindley as Director of Sales for Aloft Tallahassee Downtown
Aloft Hotels | August 12, 2019
Aloft Tallahassee Downtown, the city’s premier boutique hotel, has named Leslie Lindley its new Director of Sales. Lindley brings 12 years of hospitality experience to the position and has worked in sales for such premier brands as Marriott, Sheraton and Hilton. Tallahassee born and raised, and a diehard Florida State Seminoles fan, Leslie started as a Food-and-Beverage Manager and ascended to Sales Manager within a year at Four Points Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown. From there, she spent nearly six years as Director of Sales for LBA Hospitality. ...
Sunrise Hospitality Opens TownePlace Suites by Marriott Danville in Illinois
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | August 12, 2019
Danville, IL – August 12, 2019 – Marriott International’s TownePlace Suites by Marriott Danville is scheduled to open for business this Thursday. August 15, 2019. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Danville area. The new hotel located at 330 Eastgate Drive, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Sunrise Hospitality, Inc. of Fremont, Ohio. “We are excited to introduce the TownePlace Suites brand to the Danville area,” said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. “At TownePlace Suit...
