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
The Inn at Stonecliffe Appoints Joseph Nardo as New Executive Chef Ahead of Reopening
The Inn at Stonecliffe | May 15, 2024
Hailing from Michelin-starred restaurants, Chef Joseph Nardo brings culinary expertise and passion to the newly reimagined historic property MACKINAC ISLAND, MICH (May 15, 2024) – The Inn at Stonecliffe, a luxury, boutique resort set to open in June 2024 after a $40-million renovation, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Joseph Nardo as the property’s Executive Chef. In his new role, Nardo will lead the culinary team in developing innovative menu offerings for the resort’s on-property venues and catering event menus. Nardo will focus on sourcing local products from Michigan and the Great Lakes, setting a foundation for his fa...
CoralTree Hospitality to Manage Austria Haus Hotel in Vail
CoralTree Hospitality | May 15, 2024
DENVER – May 15, 2024 – CoralTree Hospitality, one of the top independent hospitality management companies in the United States, adds Austria Haus Hotel in Vail, Colo. to its growing management portfolio. The 25-room boutique hotel is located in the heart of Vail Village on the banks of Gore Creek. CoralTree has entered into a licensing agreement with Hyatt to manage Austria Haus Hotel under the Destination by Hyatt brand. “We are excited to add another property in Vail to our growing collection of hotels and resorts,” said Tom Luersen, president of CoralTree Hospitality. “Austria Haus Hotel is an iconic property that captures th...
Conrad Koh Samui Welcomes Marco Araujo as New General Manager
Conrad Koh Samui | May 15, 2024
[KOH SAMUI, Thailand] – [15 May, 2024] – Conrad Koh Samui Resort & Residences is excited to announce the appointment of Marco Araujo as its new General Manager. With over two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Marco brings him with a wealth of expertise and demonstrated leadership capabilities to the team. In his new role, Marco will oversee the commercial and operational performances for Conrad Koh Samui. Prior to joining Conrad Koh Samui, Marco served as Resort Manager for the award-winning flagship property Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi Maldives. During his time there, Marco led the Forbes 5-star accredi...
Nabil Moubayed Appointed General Manager at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
InterContinental® Chicago Magnificent Mile | May 15, 2024
Moubayed Brings Over 25 Years of Experience to the Historic Property CHICAGO, IL (May 15, 2024) – InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is proud to announce the appointment of Nabil Moubayed to General Manager. A veteran hotelier with over two decades of experience, Moubayed looks forward to bringing his deep expertise in the Midwest market and passion for mentorship to the recently renovated hotel along Chicago’s most renowned corridor. “I am thrilled to join the immensely talented team at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile,” says Moubayed. “It is an honor to be entrusted to uphold the history of this distinguishe...
AI and Human Input: Hospitality Leader Andrew Rubinacci Shares His Recipe for Revenue Management Success
Alan Young | May 15, 2024
By Alan Young When I asked Andrew Rubinacci to describe the early days of his illustrious hospitality career, his answer was one you might not expect—“I was a guinea pig,” he’ll say with a smile. “I was, quite literally, the first revenue manager at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).” Today, Rubinacci is a well-known name in an industry of hotel revenue and technology experts, bringing over 25 years of commercial leadership experience to the table and a resume that includes a number of executive positions ranging from Chief Commercial Officer at Omni Hotels & Resorts to Senior Vice President of Distribution & Reve...
Middle East Hotel Construction Pipeline Rises to 612 Projects/144,222 Rooms at Q1 2024
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | May 15, 2024
May 15, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – The Q1 2024 Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report for the Middle East from Lodging Econometrics (LE) reveals, at Q1, the hotel construction pipeline in the region increased to 612 projects/144,222 rooms, up 5% by projects year-over-year (YOY). At Q1 2024, projects currently under construction stand at 302 projects/80,589 rooms. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months stand at 133 projects/30,447 rooms, up 28% by projects YOY and 24% by rooms YOY. Projects in the early planning stage stand at 177 projects/33,186 rooms, up 18% by projects and 12% by rooms YOY. New project announce...
Fun Thoughts on How Wellness Can Be Aided by GenAI
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | May 15, 2024
By Adam Mogelonsky, Larry Mogelonsky In the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality, the shiny new toy that is cutting-edge technologies will forever be promulgated as revolutionizing guest experiences and operational efficiency. One such technology that has garnered significant attention is generative AI (GenAI), led by the much-hyped-yet-actually-useful ChatGPT. While discussions abound regarding the transformative potential of AI for the far-off future, it's crucial, though, for seasoned hoteliers and industry executives to focus on practical applications that deliver tangible benefits here and now. One area where we can have some fun...
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes Launches New Website
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes | May 15, 2024
Myrtle Beach, SC – May 15, 2024 – Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website, now live at https://marinainnatgrandedunes.com. The revamped site offers a fresh, user-friendly design that perfectly captures the elegance and sophistication of our premier resort destination. Enhanced User Experience and Design Our new website showcases a modern, intuitive layout that enhances user experience, making it easier for guests to explore our world-class amenities, accommodations, and services. The site features stunning visuals, detailed information about our offerings, and seamless navigation ...
Ace Parking at Phoenix Airport Credits IDeaS in Helping Modernize Its Revenue and Commercial Management Strategies
IDeaS | May 15, 2024
Car Park clients increased revenue, on average, by 26.3 percent in 2023 while delivering a seamless, personalized, and positive customer experience MINNEAPOLIS—May 15, 2024—Parking is a critical source of revenue for airports. Yet, many operators continue to rely on a one-size-fits-all approach to parking rates, often ceding revenue opportunities to public transportation and ride-sharing services. IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of revenue management software and services, announced today that Ace Parking at Phoenix Airport (PHX) has optimized revenue and operations through investments in its modern technology s...
RMS Cloud Appoints David Murray as New Chief Executive Officer
RMS Cloud | May 14, 2024
Melbourne, 14 May 2024 - RMS Cloud, a leading global provider of property management software, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Murray as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2024. Bringing a wealth of leadership experience and a track record of success in growing businesses, Murray has previously held key roles at renowned enterprises such as IBM and Amdocs. Joining RMS Cloud after a successful tenure as CEO of Buildxact, a global Software-as-a-Service company, Murray brings a growth mindset backed by proven results to the future of RMS Cloud, which seeks to take its global customer base of 7500+ properties to new heig...
Club Med, Royal Court Affairs and Omran Group to Develop Club Med Musandam on the Persian Gulf
Club Med | May 14, 2024
14th May, 2024, Singapore. The hospitality landscape in Sultanate of Oman is about to be reinforced with the official signature of Club Med Musandam project, the first Club Med Resort in the Gulf States, with an exclusive beach opening to the astounding Persian Gulf. The official signature event held on May 2nd 2024 in Muscat counted the distinguished presence of His Excellency Mr. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, His Excellency Mr. Nasr bin Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs, Her Excellency Mrs. Véronique Aulagnon, Ambassador of France in Oman, His Excellency Mr. Azzan ...
A Deep Dive Into Japan’s Hotel ADR Growth Trends
CoStar Group | May 14, 2024
Analysis by Kelsey Fenerty Japan’s growth in hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) has remained extremely impressive over the past 15 months – a function of a later opening post-pandemic, above-average inflation, and an influx of international demand. That’s largely reflected in average-daily-rate (ADR) growth, although through much of 2023, the first and third points helped drive double-digit occupancy increases as well. Occupancy growth has trailed off, however, with single-digit increases or declines year over year for the past five months. At the same time, rates have grown mor...
Travel Leaders Share Impact of IPW on International Inbound
U.S. Travel Association | May 14, 2024
Last week, U.S. Travel welcomed 5,700 attendees, including 2,000 international buyers and media from nearly 70 countries—an impressive 20% increase from last year––to IPW in Los Angeles. Each IPW not only cultivates valuable connections and knowledge-sharing but also serves as an economic catalyst, driving over $5.5 billion in future travel to the U.S. by spotlighting the very best of what our country has to offer. There is a decade of opportunity ahead as the United States prepares to welcome millions of new travelers to major events in destinations nationwide, such as Copa America this summer, the FIFA World Cup games and Americ...
Tripadvisor Predicts Busy Summer Travel Season for Americans; An Increasing Desire for Adventure
Tripadvisor, Inc. | May 14, 2024
NEEDHAM, Mass., May 14, 2024 -- Americans and travelers around the world continue to place a high priority on summer vacations, according to the annual Summer Travel Index released today by Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform. In fact, 95 percent of respondents are planning to travel as much (51%) or more (44%) than last summer, despite some concern about economic headwinds. Whatsmore, over a quarter (26%) of Americans are planning to spend $5,000 or more on their getaways. Tripadvisor's Summer Travel Index also highlights the top summer destinations for 2024, with Las Vegas claiming the top spot for US domestic ...
Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton, Opens in Coastal Town Close to Lisbon
Hilton | May 14, 2024
Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton, opens in vibrant coastal town a short distance from the Portuguese Capital CASCAIS, Portugal — Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the opening of its newest European property, Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton – marking the latest addition to its rapidly growing boutique collection brand. The intimate 59-room hotel perfectly blends modern distinct design with opulent glamour, a nod to the area’s famed past and regal heritage as a much-loved summer retreat of royalty and European nobility, dating back to 1890 with King Louis I. Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by H...
Bentley Legacy Holdings and Pendant Capital Acquire The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection
Bentley Legacy Holdings | May 14, 2024
Historic Kansas City landmark to undergo guest room refresh and public area enhancements KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 14, 2024)—Bentley Legacy Holdings (BLH), through its partnership with Pendant Capital, has expanded its portfolio of boutique hotel assets with the acquisition of The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection, a distinctive and historic Kansas City landmark blending classic elegance with contemporary sophistication. Bentley Legacy Group (the management arm of BLH) has immediately assumed management of the hotel, with a vision of ensuring its legacy remains during planned updates set to elevate the guest experience. Located just off th...
Patrick Miller Appointed as President and CEO of Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
the Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas | May 14, 2024
LAS VEGAS (May 14, 2023) - The Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is pleased to announce Patrick Miller has been appointed President and CEO. Miller has an impressive career spanning 28 years in the gaming and hospitality industry and a proven track record of success leading some of Las Vegas' most popular Strip resorts. Miller's journey to Rio Hotel & Casino has been marked by significant achievements. He held key positions within MGM Resorts International, including Senior Vice President overseeing the Hospitality divisions at MGM Grand, New York-New York, Excalibur, Signature, and the Shadow Creek golf course. His most notable rol...
Omni Hotels & Resorts Appoints Michael Innocentin as Chief Marketing Officer
Omni Hotels & Resorts | May 14, 2024
DALLAS, TX (May 14, 2024) - Omni Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Innocentin as its Chief Marketing Officer. Innocentin will oversee the planning, development, and execution of all brand marketing initiatives, including advertising, public relations, social media, the website, and digital campaigns. Additionally, he will direct Omni’s customer engagement and Select Guest Loyalty programs. He will report directly to Jeff Doane, Omni’s Chief Commercial Officer. “I'm excited to join Omni because of its commitment to exceptional guest experiences and its diverse portfolio of hotels & resorts," s...
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco Appoints Nicholas McDermott as New General Manager
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco | May 14, 2024
Nicolas McDermott joins the award-winning hotel to propel the exceptional guest experience and maintain the property’s standard of excellence SAN FRANCISCO, CA [May 14, 2024] – The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is delighted to announce the appointment of Nicholas McDermott as its new General Manager, effective May 13, 2024. Nicholas joins The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco from The St. Regis Houston, where he served as General Manager for the past four years. His remarkable leadership during unprecedented times, notably steering the hotel through pandemic challenges, has earned him recognition throughout the hospitality industry. Under his ...
Tribute Portfolio Debuts in the UAE With The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Tribute Portfolio | May 14, 2024
Tribute Portfolio – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s growing collection of characterful, independent hotels - welcomes its first hotel in the Middle East with the launch of The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Dubai. Tribute Portfolio – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s growing collection of characterful, independent hotels - welcomes its first hotel in the Middle East with the launch of The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Dubai. Offering the ultimate urban escape within the emerging Jumeriah Village Circle (JVC) neighbourhood, the hotel marries the bustling energy...
Julio Campos Appointed Executive Chef at The Royal Sonesta San Juan
Royal Sonesta San Juan | May 14, 2024
Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. Raul Bustamante, general manager at The Royal Sonesta San Juan, is delighted to announce the appointment of Julio Campos as the hotel´s new Head Chef. With vast experience in the culinary and hotel industries, Chef Campos oversees the hotel´s culinary team with a mission to elevate the epicurean experience for both locals and tourists. “The Royal Sonesta San Juan family is extremely pleased to welcome Chef Campos,” said Bustamante. “Julio´s talent without a doubt will elevate the culinary diversity at our hotel to a level of excellence for the enjoyment of our guests.” Chef Campos joins The Royal...
New Jersey Franchise Bill Takes Dangerous Step Forward, Despite Significant Concerns Expressed by Majority of Committee
AHLA | May 14, 2024
WASHINGTON (May 13, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after a committee in the New Jersey Assembly approved A3495, a bill that would destroy the hotel industry in the state. The bill is still being considered in the state Assembly, and similar legislation (S2336) is pending in the state Senate. “If A3495 and S2336 become law, they will lower hotels’ quality, service, and safety standards and drive many brand-name hotels out of the state. On behalf of New Jersey’s more than 45,000 hotel employees, we urge lawmakers to rethink th...
Forty-Five Percent of Hotel Projects in Europe’s Total Pipeline Are Under Construction at the End of Q1 2024
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – Lodging Econometrics (LE) has released its Q1 2024 Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report for Europe. According to LE analysts, the region’s total pipeline stands at 1,705 projects/253,777 rooms at the close of the first quarter. As of the first quarter's close, 45% of the hotel projects in Europe’s total pipeline are in the under construction stage, standing at 762 projects and 117,815 rooms. Another 411 projects with 60,356 rooms are scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months, while 532 projects with 75,606 rooms are in the early planning stage, slightly below the record-high reported ...
What It Really Takes To Book More Groups, Meetings, and Events These Days
Doug Kennedy | May 14, 2024
By Doug Kennedy Today’s hotel and event salespeople work in completely different environments than most of their leaders experienced. Meeting and event booking sites have created a flood of leads, which can be overwhelming for those working in a sales role equipped and staffed for the era when leads came in by phone or website inquiry forms. When revenues drop, salespeople are required to meet prospecting quotas, based on a set number of calls, sent emails, DMs, or door knocks. Yet calls go to voicemail, emails go to spam, random DMs go unread, and the office doors being knocked on are either locked, or if open, there’s no one at th...