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BENCHMARK® Names Tyler Alden Wine Director and Restaurant Outlets Manager for Willows Lodge, Woodinville, Washington
Willows Lodge | August 12, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Tyler Alden wine director and restaurant outlets manager for Willows Lodge and its signature restaurant, Barking Frog. A member of the Gemstone Collection, the award-winning property is located in Woodinville, within Washington State’s renowned wine country. Denny Fitzpatrick, managing director, made the announcement. “We are thrilled to have Tyler join us,” said Mr. Fitzpatrick, “and to innovate and lead our extensive wine program here at Willows Lodge in beautiful Woodinville Wine Country. “From everyday pairings in Barking Frog...
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa Welcomes Michael Bergin as New Director of Sales, Events and Marketing
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek | August 12, 2019
BEAVER CREEK, Colo. – Aug. 12, 2019 – Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is pleased to introduce Michael Bergin as Director of Sales, Events and Marketing for the luxury property, located in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. In his role, Bergin will oversee the coordination of Park Hyatt Beaver Creek’s extensive events offerings. Michael is no stranger to the Hyatt brand. He joined the company as a Food Runner at Hyatt Regency Bonaventure in 2007, going on to the Sales Corporate Management Trainee program at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in 2009. Since then, he has worked in different sales capacities at several Hyatt ho...
Celebrating International Youth Day: 50 Years of Experience With Hilton
Travel with Purpose | August 12, 2019
We all start somewhere. And that somewhere for Carol Brock was and still is Hilton. A career in the hotel industry provides a wealth of opportunity and growth, which is why in honor of International Youth Day, Hilton is celebrating Carol’s 50th anniversary with the company by looking back to where she began – a determined, young woman in Boston bound to break boundaries. “I feel blessed and honored to have spent the last 50 years with Hilton. The company has challenged and helped me to grow both personally and professionally. I have been able to travel the world and work with the best of the best. I have made friends from near and fa...
Hilton Columbus Downtown Breaks Ground on 28-Story Tower Expansion
Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority | August 12, 2019
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Hilton Columbus Downtown, owned by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and managed by Hilton Management Services, broke ground on a 28-story tower to create the first 1,000-room convention hotel in Columbus. Together with the existing Hilton, the hotel will offer 75,000 square feet of meeting space and will be the largest hotel in Ohio when it opens in 2022. View the fly-through video of the Hilton Tower here. “The addition of the tower to the Hilton Columbus Downtown will allow Columbus to attract new meetings and events business,” said Don Brown, executive director, Franklin County Convention Facil...
TraknProtect Partners With Illinois Hospitality as Safety Button Legislation Passes for Statewide Adoption
TraknProtect | August 12, 2019
Local safety button provider pledges support for Illinois hoteliers and casino operators as wide-ranging new legislation passes Springfield, IL – August 12, 2019 – With the signing into law of the Illinois Hotel and Casino Safety Act this past Friday, TraknProtect, a pioneer of location-based technology purpose-built for the hotel industry, has revealed its intention to assist local area hotels in their adoption of the new ruling. Under the Senate Bill 75, hotels and casinos statewide will be charged with providing customer-facing staff such as guest room attendants, room-service staff and casino floor employees with a safety or n...
CallTek Answers the Call for Nationwide White Label Managed Field Service
CallTek | August 12, 2019
-Three Levels of Support and High Satisfaction Rate - Los Angeles (August 12 ) – CallTek, hospitality’s white label technology support leader, has answered the call for reliable nationwide Managed Field Service support, giving the industry the high level of service and satisfaction expected by hotels, management companies and brands. Field Service Management (FSM) with CallTek provides technology companies with 24/7 dispatching and three levels of professional support, each with project management and real-time tracking, designed to give peace of mind to an industry focused on service. Since January 2019, CallTek’s 15,000 certified ...
The Raptors Won the NBA Title, But What City Won the GOPPAR Crown?
David Eisen | August 12, 2019
By David Eisen Sporting events typically serve as huge hotel demand generators for a city. And when the games are really meaningful—such as a playoff round or championship final—they become even hotter tickets, which means a greater need for hotel rooms—for guests who are attending the games and those who are there just to share in the experience. These high-demand times typically (should) equate to higher occupancy, higher rates and (hopefully) higher monthly profitability. The 2019 NBA Finals, which pitted the Toronto Raptors against the Golden State Warriors, was one of these events. For Toronto, it was especially satisfying si...
5 Things to Do After Publishing to Social Media
Pipeline Social Media | August 12, 2019
By Maiya Wall / Pipeline Social Media After publishing to your hotel’s social channels, what do you do? Do you release your content out into the world never to return to it again? If your answer is yes, you are missing out on key insights and engagement opportunities. In this article, we list 5 things you should do after each and every posting to ensure you are engaging your fans, refining your social media strategy, and ultimately turning online interactions into more bookings. The conversation between your hotel and guests begins before they arrive! Implement these 5 steps to make sure you are starting that conversation well. 5 T...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Service Takes Many Different Forms in Hospitality
David Lund | August 12, 2019
By David Lund "If Service is Beneath You – Then Leadership is Beyond You.” I cannot find an owner on Google for this statement, so I am going to claim it as mine. If someone already coined this phrase I will let it go, if not it is mine. The reason why is because it is the foundation for the transformation I experienced as a financial leader. It is also the basis for the work I do with hospitality financial leaders and their non-financial departmental managers. Let me explain to you what I mean and how these words are the very essence of creating a financially engaged team in your hotel. I worked inside hotels for more than 30 ye...
The Graham Georgetown Appoints John Waldy as Executive Chef
The Rooftop at The Graham Georgetown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton | August 12, 2019
Washington, DC (August 12, 2019)—The Graham Georgetown (1075 Thomas Jefferson Street NW) announced today that John Waldy will head the property’s kitchens as executive chef. A veteran of the hospitality industry, Waldy brings nearly 20 years of experience working for outstanding brands including The Ritz-Carlton and Renaissance. In his new post, Chef Waldy will oversee in-room dining, the daily menu at The Alex Speakeasy, and will introduce Rooftop EATS today, August 12, a full-service restaurant atop The Graham Georgetown with sweeping 360-degree views of the city skyline and Potomac River....
Owned and Managed by KM Hotels, 111-Key Residence Inn by Marriott Opens in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Residence Inn by Marriott | August 9, 2019
Tuscaloosa, AL – August 9, 2019 – The 111-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is now open with its upscale, stylish décor that offers flexibility, while creating a unique environment. Located at 211 Rice Mine Road Loop, the all-suite Residence Inn Tuscaloosa will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by KM Hotels of Richmond, Virginia. General Manager Emily Pearce leads the management team at the all-suite property for KM Hotels. The Residence Inn Tuscaloosa offers its guests convenient access to the University of Alabama and Bryant Denny Stadium, the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, the Alabama Museum of Natur...
Halekulani Okinawa Opens in Japan Led by General Manager Jun Yoshie
Halekulani Okinawa | August 9, 2019
NEW YORK, Aug. 9, 2019 -- Halekulani Okinawa, enviably situated on the main island of Okinawa, Japan, officially opened its doors on July 26, 2019, revealing an elegant 360-room hotel that fuses luxury with the island's natural energy. Inspired by its sister property, Halekulani Waikiki on Oahu, Halekulani Okinawa offers a beach-front experience set amidst lush Okinawan greenery, where guests can experience the rich culture and heritage of the region. Jun Yoshie, General Manager of Halekulani Okinawa, stated: "At Halekulani Okinawa, we have captured the perfect orchestration of top-level hospitality, including flawless experiences, pe...
DiamondRock Hospitality Company Appoints Jeffrey J. Donnelly as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
DiamondRock Hospitality Company | August 9, 2019
BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 9, 2019 -- DiamondRock Hospitality Company (the "Company") (NYSE: DRH) a lodging-focused real estate investment trust that owns a portfolio of 31 premium hotels in the United States, today announced the appointment of Jeffrey J. Donnelly as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer effective August 19, 2019. Mark W. Brugger, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company stated, "With 25 years of institutional real estate experience, Jeff brings a depth of market knowledge and strategic understanding that will allow him to make an immediate impact. I look forward to working closely with Jeff on capita...
Successfully Recruiting Hotel Executives in the 21st Century
Matt Peterson | August 9, 2019
By Matt Peterson Extreme competitiveness in today’s business world demands that hotel companies consistently outthink and outpace companies within and outside their immediate hospitality verticals. Such competitors include cruise lines, home-sharing, and other luxury or niche experiences like “glamping,” all of which constantly strive to dominate market share. Identifying and securing superstars for senior leadership roles is the cornerstone for ongoing company performance in branding and profit share. Here, companies must be forward-thinking by looking at the “best-in-class” talent from other segments and specifically those w...
It’s Here! Doors Officially Open Today at Taco Bell’s First-Ever Dream Hotel in Palm Springs, California
Taco Bell Corp. | August 9, 2019
PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Aug. 9, 2019 -- Summer's most anticipated hotel and destination is finally open as Taco Bell® debuts its spiciest limited time offer - The Bell: A Taco Bell Hotel and Resort. So craveable that reservations sold out in just two minutes, fans are finally checking-in for a flavor-filled getaway, packed with exclusive food innovation, unforgettable entertainment and 'gram-worthy' fashion. Traveling from 21 different states, lucky fans who scored rooms will dine against the picturesque Palm Springs desert backdrop while being served an array of Taco Bell favorites, yet-to-be released menu test items, unique drinks and t...
Q2 2019 Cvent Group Business Outlook Shows Continued Group Booking Slowdown
Cvent | August 9, 2019
Quarterly forward-looking report informs hoteliers of key market trends to help drive group business growth TYSONS, Va.--August 9, 2019 --In the latest Cvent Group Business Outlook, a 24-month forward-looking report highlighting United States group booking activity through the Cvent Supplier Network, data shows U.S. hotels will continue to face a challenging group business market. “While group booking pace has picked up slightly compared to last quarter’s report, the overall 24-month view is still fairly weak,” said Jeffrey Emenecker, senior director of analytics at Cvent. “As we look at the next two years, our sourcing data sh...
Aimbridge Hospitality Appoints Executive Team for Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown
Canopy by Hilton | August 9, 2019
DALLAS, TEXAS (AUGUST 9, 2019) -- Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown, a neighborhood-centric lifestyle hotel in Uptown Dallas, announces it has named Mike Haddad as General Manager and Nathan Tyndall as Director of Sales and Marketing. Mike Haddad joins Canopy Dallas Uptown with more than 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with expertise in sales and catering, food and beverage management, front office leadership and revenue management. Most recently, Haddad served as the General Manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Brookfield for nearly three years. He has also held General Manager positions at several properties...
Main Street Hospitality Group Appoints Robert Burnell as Executive Chef of Red Lion Inn
Main Street Hospitality Group | August 9, 2019
STOCKBRIDGE, MA (August 9, 2019) Robert Burnell has been appointed Executive Chef of all dining venues at the Red Lion Inn. In his new role, Burnell oversees the day-to-day culinary operations of the Main Dining Room, Widow Bingham’s Tavern, the Lion’s Den, and the seasonally open Courtyard. In addition, Chef Burnell will collaborate with Brian Alberg, Vice-President of Culinary Development on all future food and beverage-related development, including specialty menus for Inn guests and private parties. “Robert Burnell is a welcomed addition to the Red Lion Inn culinary team,” said Brian Alberg. “With well-rounded experience, ...
Canada’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Continues to Grow Hitting an All-Time High
Lodging Econometrics | August 9, 2019
August 9, 2019 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that at the close of the second quarter of 2019, the total construction pipeline in Canada hit an all-time high with 273 projects/35,787 rooms. Construction pipeline projects are up 14% and rooms are up a lofty 20% year-over-year (YOY). Currently, there are 92 projects/11,118 rooms under construction. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months stand at 95 projects/11,097 rooms with projects in the early planning stage at 86 projects/13,572 rooms, both stages hitting record high counts. In the first half of 2019, Canada opened 28 new ho...
Customer Service May Not Be Your First Priority, and That’s Okay
Shep Hyken | August 8, 2019
By Shep Hyken Tony Hsieh is the CEO of the online shoe and clothing company, Zappos. The company’s reputation for amazing customer service is almost a cliché in the customer service world. Zappos stories have become customer service legends. The Zappos phone call that lasted 10 hours and 43 minutes is one such legend. There are many others, and this is just one of the reasons Zappos is recognized as one of the top customer service companies on the planet. Their secret to success? Contrary to what you might think… Customer service is not the first priority. WHAT?! How can that be? This is what Zappos is known for. Well, hold on! ...
JW Marriott Debuts First Marquis Hotel in China, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts | August 8, 2019
Marriott International Inc. announced the opening of JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong today, marking the first JW Marriott Marquis hotel in China. The 515-room luxury property debuts in Shanghai’s most dynamic commercial neighborhood situated near the Huangpu River and Lujiazui Central business district. Owned by China’s Luneng Group, the new hotel is inspired by principles of mindfulness and features touchpoints of JW Marriott’s intentional and reflective focus. The highly anticipated JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong is centrally located and allows for convenient access to the city’s main business centers and vis...
Sandeep Bhalla Appointed General Manager at The Connaught, Mayfair
The Connaught | August 8, 2019
Distinguished hotelier Sandeep Bhalla has been appointed General Manager of The Connaught, the iconic five star hotel on Mount Street, in the heart of Mayfair, part of Maybourne Hotel Group. Indian-born Sandeep has worked in the luxury hospitality sector for 25 years in London, Dubai and India. Before joining The Connaught as Hotel Manager in 2018, he worked at sister hotel The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, where he joined as Director of Food and Beverage in 2007 and was subsequently appointed Hotel Manager in 2012. Before joining Maybourne Hotel Group Sandeep was part of the pre-opening team of the prestigious Burj Al Arab in ...
IHG and Operadora MBA Celebrate Groundbreaking of First avid Hotel in Mexico
IHG | August 8, 2019
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announced today that its avid™ hotels brand continues to expand, with nearly 200 signings now in place for new locations. More than 60 of those signed are hotels under construction, or have design and construction plans approved. Accelerating growth internationally is key to the brand’s overall expansion, with the company recently marking the groundbreaking of the first avid hotels location in Mexico. Leaders from IHG joined owners of the new Fresnillo location, Mexico-based Operadora MBA, as well as owners of other future avid hotels in Mexico, g...
Balancing Technology With the Human Touch in Hospitality
Nicole Dehler | August 8, 2019
By Nicole Dehler, Vice President of Product Management StayNTouch, A Shiji Group Brand Recent advances in artificial intelligence promise to revolutionize the hospitality industry, dramatically enhancing personalization, connectivity and revenue generation. But some technology experts ask: Will people still be able to make a difference, or are we entering a brave new world where self-service and intelligent communication platforms completely take over? In the past decade, technologies such as cloud computing, complex data analytics, and A.I. have swept across the hospitality landscape, modernizing formerly archaic systems that once de...
