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Global Hospitality CEO Survey: What Trends Are Shaping the Hospitality and Leisure Industry?
Kimberly Yoong | July 16, 2019
Hospitality businesses must find ways to differentiate themselves to remain competitive against ever growing industry disruption, the PwC’s 22nd CEO Survey unveils. By Kimberly Yoong According to the 22nd Annual Global CEO Survey by PwC, the Hospitality and Leisure industry's success continues to rest on its ability to cater to individual consumers’ preferences and desires. As the 3,200 global CEOs interviewed for the survey put it: “People eat, sleep, play games, cement friendships and seek cures in hospitality facilities.” However, recent trends suggest that the industry has been losing that connection with their customers as...
Radisson Signs With Bay Invest Company for Radisson Hotel La Baie d’Alger in Algiers
Radisson | July 16, 2019
Brussels/Algiers - July 16, 2019 -- Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of the Radisson Hotel La Baie d’Alger in Algiers; its second hotel in Algeria and first Radisson-branded hotel in the country. The new hotel will be a strong addition to the group’s portfolio of almost 100 hotels in operation and under development across 32 countries in Africa. The capital of Algeria, Algiers is the political, economic and cultural center of Africa’s largest country. It is a cosmopolitan city that enjoys a prominent location on a bay along the Mediterranean coastline. Algeria itself continues to show a spike in tourism. Accordin...
Mohr Capital Acquires Hyatt Regency Hotel Ground Lease In Downtown Milwaukee
Mohr Capital | July 16, 2019
MILWAUKEE, July 16, 2019 -- Dallas-based, privately-held real estate investment firm, Mohr Capital, has acquired its first hotel ground lease in downtown Milwaukee at 333 W. Kilbourn Avenue. The Hyatt Regency Hotel that sits on the 99-year ground lease is a 4-star hotel with 481 rooms on 22 floors. The hotel is managed by Interstate Hotels, one of the largest hotel managers in the United States. "We are excited to add this ground lease to our portfolio of high-quality assets across the United States," said Rodrigo Godoi, Director of Acquisitions for Mohr Capital. "We look forward to continuing our strategy of adding leased fee estates to o...
Hilton Appoints Vasco Baselli as General Manager of Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | July 16, 2019
MCLEAN, Va. – July 16, 2019 – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the appointment of Vasco Baselli as general manager of the 357-room Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. Baselli most recently served as general manager of the Hilton Lima Miraflores in Peru, where he oversaw the operation of this more than 200-room hotel, 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and more than 200 team members. Originally from Germany, Baselli is a more than 30-year hospitality industry veteran who started his career as a Line Cook Apprentice at the Inter-Continental Hotel Düsseldorf hotel in Germany. Over the course of more than three decades, Baselli develope...
McKibbon Hospitality Names Joe Taggart as Its New Chief Financial Officer
McKibbon Hospitality | July 16, 2019
TAMPA, Fla. (July 16, 2019) — McKibbon Hospitality, an industry leader in hotel development, management and renovations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Taggart as its new Chief Financial Officer, starting in his new role July 15. Taggart joins the family-owned and operated hospitality company and will oversee all McKibbon entities, including real estate, hotel development, management, renovations and the McKibbon Family Investment Fund, managing the companies’ accounting, cash management, insurance, property and income tax, partnership-owned finance, and audits. “We are excited about Joe joining our team and the wea...
Hospitality Social Media Marketing News
Lodging Interactive | July 16, 2019
In two short weeks, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have all either announced updates or made updates to their platforms that will impact social media accounts for businesses in the hospitality industry. Keep reading to see all the changes and what they mean for hotels and resorts. Facebook Ads Organic “Top Fans” Targeting Option According to Social Media Today, Facebook is rolling out a new feature that allows Pages to target their “top fans” with organic posts, showing the content only to them. This could be used to thank them, share exclusive content, or even try to increase the likelihood that big Page supporters see spec...
Hotel Equities Tapped to Manage Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte Lake Norman in Huntersville, NC
Hotel Equities | July 16, 2019
Atlanta, GA – July 16, 2019 – Today, Atlanta-based hotel owner, operator and developer, Hotel Equities (HE) announced their appointment as the 3rd party operator for the Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte Lake Norman. The recently purchased 101-room hotel is owned by Lake Norman NIA, LLC, a joint venture between Virginia-based TLTsolutions and North Carolina-based Second Line Investments (in association with The Calhoun Group Realty). The hotel offers over 2,000 square feet of state-of-the-art, flexible meeting space able to accommodate 100+ guests. The Four Points Charlotte Lake Norman is Hotel Equities’ tenth Four Points by Sherat...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Adds DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | July 16, 2019
Houston, TX (July 16, 2019) – The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria is now being managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Crescent Hotels & Resorts is an award winning, nationally recognized operator of major hotels and resorts throughout the United States & Canada. The 476-room boutique style hotel is located in uptown Houston at the Galleria Mall, five minutes from downtown Houston and the city's most popular shopping and dining. Most suites include balconies and beautiful city views. “As an award-winning Hilton manager, Crescent will maximize upon the potential of this great property.” sai...
Marriott International Enters Agreement With GNV Group to Debut the First W Hotel in Argentina
Marriott International, Inc. | July 16, 2019
JULY 16, 2019 – Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) has signed an agreement with GNV Group to bring its iconic W Hotels Worldwide brand to Argentina for the first time in dynamic Buenos Aires, underscoring growing demand from developers and consumers alike for W Hotels’ bold design, signature Whatever/Whenever® service and innovative programming.The hotel and residences - expected to open in 2024 - will be located within a $100 million, 34-story, mixed-use tower poised to rise in the heart of the captivating Puerto Madero neighborhood, the ideal location for the brand’s passion for what’s new/next. The expansion into Argentina...
A Story About a Dog Who Had His Day … and the Innovative Foster Dog Program Run by a Boutique Hotel
McKibbon Hospitality | July 16, 2019
In March of 2017, a friend sent Ashley Bush a photo of an adorable little dog living the high life in the lobby of the Aloft Tallahassee Downtown. Chester, a rescue, was part of the hotel’s foster dog program. Smitten by the picture, Ashley stopped in for a visit. The Leon County Humane Society placed Chester, a Pekingise/Chihuahua mix, at Aloft for his effervescence, abundant cuteness and ability to thrive in the busy environment of a hotel lobby. If Chester needed some private time, he could retire to his doghouse, a custom-built replica of the hotel. Ashley felt an immediate connection with Chester. “I put him on a leash and took...
NOW OPEN: 2019 HSMAI Adrian Awards Entries for Future-Forward Hospitality Marketers
HSMAI | July 16, 2019
(McLean, VA, July 16, 2019) Attention all bold, imaginative, and future-focused hospitality marketers: The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is accepting entries for its 2019 Adrian Awards. For the 63rd year, HSMAI will proudly recognize exceptional agencies, brands, and individuals for their creativity and innovation in hospitality advertising, digital marketing, and public relations. “Year after year, the Adrian Awards bring out the best in hospitality marketing. Our winners set the bar for marketers seeking to go above and beyond the ordinary by truly achieving the extraordinary” said Robert A. Gilber...
Resort Fee Litigation Advisory Group: Attorney General for DC Sues Marriott International Over Hotel “Resort Fees”
Jim Butler | July 16, 2019
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Authors ofwww.HotelLawBlog.com 16 July 2019 Note: If you are a consumer with a Resort Fee issue, please do NOT contact us! We do not represent consumers with complaints against hotels. We are part of the fabric of the hotel industry and are committed to informing, educating and assisting players in the hotel industry. Hotel Lawyer: We hate to say “we told you so” on Resort Fee litigation We have been watching the Resort Fee issue for several years. We have advised clients on litigation, compliance and risk mitigation strategies. We have provided counsel on Attorney General inv...
Lucid Ventures Selects Valor Hospitality South Africa to Manage Operations for New Boutique Hotel Brand, Home* Suites
Valor Hospitality Partners | July 16, 2019
JOHANNESBURG (July 2019) -- Valor Hospitality South Africa, a subsidiary of Valor Hospitality Partners, which owns and operates 75+ hotels across the globe, has been selected to manage Lucid Ventures’ new hotel brand, Home* Suite Hotels. Lucid Ventures, the R350M Cape Town-based hotel fund, launched Home* Suite Hotels in May 2019 -- opening the first hotel on the corner of Oxford and Bristol Roads in central Rosebank. Lucid Ventures will open more locations in Johannesburg, Sea Point, Gardens and De Waterkant in Cape Town over the next 24 months. A luxury boutique hotel brand, Home* Suite Hotels locations are designed to provide the c...
The Gabriel Miami Appoints Craig Tooker as Food & Beverage Director
The Gabriel Miami | July 16, 2019
MIAMI – (July 2019) -- The Gabriel Miami—recently reinvented since joining Hilton’s growing brand—is proud to welcome Craig Tooker as Director of Food and Beverage. The newly renovated lifestyle property is located on Biscayne Boulevard and is home to the newest upscale, Latin-inspired dining concept, CVLTVRA. Craig has a notable career track with more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Through his leadership, Craig has established great credibility in the restaurant business, focusing on quality and service, while guiding and developing concepts with remarkable outcomes in profit. After receiving his Bachelo...
Sage Hotel West Perth Appoints Graeme Rutherford as General Manager
Next Story Group | July 16, 2019
16 July 2019 - The team at Sage Hotel West Perth has welcomed new general manager, Graeme Rutherford to the fold and he brings with him extensive hotel experience. Graeme began his hospitality career with Rydges Hotels working his way up to his first General Manager position in Melbourne. Since then he has managed a number of hotels in Australia and New Zealand, including Rydges Perth and Frasers Suites Perth. After a stint with the Brisbane Casino Tower, Graeme has returned to Perth and brings with him experience within the local market and a professional network that will be an asset to the team at Sage Hotel West Perth. Commenting on...
Sustainability in Hotels Explores Growing Emphasis on Green Building Practices in the Hospitality Industry
The Urban Land Institute | July 16, 2019
WASHINGTON (July 16, 2019) -- A new report from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) suggests that sustainable building practices, including those involving energy and water conservation as well as waste reduction, are increasingly being incorporated throughout the hotel sector to add value and provide a competitive edge to properties. Sustainability in Hotels: Opportunities and Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality assesses the state of sustainability in the hotel sector by identifying best practices, highlighting industry trends in sustainability, and offering solutions to sustainability-related obstacles. The report, published by ULI’s G...
BENCHMARK® Names Diana Youngblood Director of Finance at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels | July 15, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, July 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Diana Youngblood director of finance for the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Gainesville. Kirk Jones, Benchmark’s chief financial officer, made the announcement. “It is such a pleasure to announce Diana’s promotion within our company,” said Mr. Jones. “She knows our Be The Difference service culture intimately, lives it every day, and is a superb financial manager. We congratulate Diana on her new role within Benchmark.” Diana Youngblood previously served ...
Naumi Hotels Acquires Second Queenstown Hotel – Central Ridge Boutique Hotel
Naumi Hotels | July 15, 2019
London, 15July 2019 – Naumi Hotels, Singapore-based private hotel owner and operator is pleased to announce it has acquired another hotel in Queenstown – Central Ridge Boutique Hotel. This comes on the back of its recent acquisition of The Dairy Private Hotel, also located in Queenstown. “To have not just one, but now two hotels in Queenstown city centre reinforces our commitment to bringing Naumi to tourism hotspots in New Zealand. We are immensely proud to have secured this deal which will increase our brand awareness in the South Island and further bolster the Group’s growth in major cities around the world,” said Gaurang Jhun...
Revenue Generation and Hotel Operation Experts Launch New Management Company – Genuine Hospitality, LLC
Genuine Hospitality, LLC | July 15, 2019
SAINT LOUIS, MO (July 15, 2019) -- Kurt Furlong, a seasoned revenue generation expert and Rob Willard, a multi-brand hotel operator who also possesses more than three decades of lodging experience, have announced the launch of a new hotel management company, Genuine Hospitality, LLC. The St. Louis-based firm provides premium hotel management services, with focus on revenue generation, operational oversight, sales and marketing, accounting, and growth & development. As a hospitality firm, Genuine Hospitality respects and stresses the importance of organizational culture and delivering on the company’s mission to provide the finest fac...
Information & Telecommunication Spending Trends in the US
Tanya Venegas | July 15, 2019
By Tanya Venegas In mid-June, HFTP hosted the 47th annual Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference, better known as HITEC. The event occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota and welcomed more than 6,000 attendees, making it one of the largest hospitality technology conferences in the world. What brought these people together? A common interest in hospitality technology. Sessions were highly attended and focused on topics including data security, artificial intelligence, biometrics, digital transformation and guest technology. The all-important question attendees walked away asking themselves: What technologies should we inve...
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and Margaritaville Holdings Bringing First Margaritaville Island Resort to West Coast
Margaritaville | July 15, 2019
San Diego, Ca. July 15, 2019 – Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) and Margaritaville Holdings today announced the global lifestyle brand’s first west coast resort in San Diego, California. The Margaritaville Island Resort San Diego is expected to open in 2020. Located on the 44-acre Vacation Island in Mission Bay, just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego, the site of the resort is currently home to Paradise Point Resort & Spa. Following extensive renovations and conversion of the existing property estimated at approximately $35 million, the Margaritaville Island Resort San Diego will feature 462 casita-style single-story guestrooms...
PM Hotel Group Adds Hyatt Place King of Prussia to Management Portfolio
PM Hotel Group | July 15, 2019
CHEVY CHASE, Md., July 15, 2019 -- PM Hotel Group, one of the nation's leading hotel management companies, is proud to announce that they have broadened their portfolio of managed brands to include Hyatt Hotels Corporation. PM Hotel Group has been named the management company for the Hyatt Place King of Prussia. This new contract marks the continued diversification of the PM footprint which now includes 20 hotel brands, as well as a collection of independent and historic properties. "We are thrilled to be forging new relationships across the hospitality industry and are excited to welcome the Hyatt Place King of Prussia into our growing fa...
GCommerce Announces Lindley Cotton as President
GCommerce | July 15, 2019
PARK CITY, Utah (July 15, 2019) - GCommerce has announced the ascension of Lindley Cotton to President of the organization. Over her storied career at GCommerce, Mrs. Cotton has been a powerful and insightful voice in hospitality digital marketing. She has crafted award winning campaigns and helped GCommerce clients achieve premium results. Mrs. Cotton started at GCommerce in the Search Engine Marketing department before moving into the Strategic Marketing department followed by the Account Services Department. She quickly rose to become the Director of Account Services. Due to her natural leadership ability and vision, she was prom...
Access Point Financial Appoints New Senior Leadership Team to Accelerate Corporate Growth and Program Expansion
Access Point Financial | July 15, 2019
Recognized leader in hospitality-focused lending announces key appointments, including Dilip Petigara as CEO and Michael Lipson as Chairman of the Board ATLANTA – July 15, 2019 – Access Point Financial, LLC (APF), a leading direct lender and specialty finance company focused exclusively on the hospitality industry, today announced two key appointments to its senior leadership team, naming Dilip Petigara as Chief Executive Officer and Michael Lipson as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The appointments were made as part of aggressive new corporate growth initiatives put in place to meet the growing demand for financial services in th...
