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Columbia Hospitality Plans August Opening of Hotel Indigo Everett in Washington
Hotel Indigo® Everett – Waterfront Place | July 9, 2019
EVERETT, Wash. – Hotel Indigo® Everett announced today it is on track to open in August 2019 as part of the 65-acre Waterfront Place development in the heart of Fisherman’s Harbor on Port Gardener Bay. The hotel is part of the Port of Everett’s transformation of the waterfront, and it is positioned to be a gathering place where locals and visitors alike can come to relax and enjoy tranquil moments and views of the marina and bay. An InterContinental Hotels Group® property managed and operated by Seattle-based Columbia Hospitality, the modern hotel will be Everett’s newest full-service boutique hotel and feature exciting amenities...
HIP Signs With Room Mate Hotels to Open Pax Barracuda in Palma de Mallorca Following EUR23 Million Renovation
Room Mate Hotels | July 9, 2019
Madrid, 9th July 2019 -- Hotel Investment Partners (HIP), the largest owner of hotel resorts in Spain, has signed an agreement with Room Mate Hotels, the chain owned by Kike Sarasola, to manage the new Pax Barracuda hotel in Palma de Mallorca. The agreement involves two hotels (Calviá Dreams and Barracuda), which HIP will convert into one by investing EUR23 million in a full-scale refurbishment and repositioning project. The opening of this new hotel will mark the renowned Spanish chain, Room Mate Hotels' debut in the world of hotel resort management. HIP's strategy for assets such as these – large-scale properties with prized location...
Two Sister Bosses to Develop Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel in Sedona, Arizona
Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel | July 9, 2019
SEDONA, Ariz. (July 9, 2019) – Travelers from around the world will have a new reason to visit the soaring, majestic red rocks of Sedona, Ariz. when Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel opens in late 2020 as the first of its kind in North America. Developed, owned and managed by Two Sister Bosses, a Sedona family-owned and -operated company, Ambiente is uniquely designed to blend in with the surrounding geological wonderland and gives guests the opportunity to experience and embrace the natural beauty that surrounds them in what USA Today named among the “Most Beautiful Places in America”. Ambiente is comprised of 40 cubed-shaped, guest At...
apaleo Partners With SiteMinder to Create an Open World for Hotels
SiteMinder | July 9, 2019
Dallas, USA – apaleo, the world’s most open and connected property management system (PMS), has partnered with SiteMinder, the global hotel industry’s leading guest acquisition platform, to remove the friction involved with manual online distribution for hotels. The partnership sees apaleo’s PMS integrated with SiteMinder’s platform, so mutual hotel clients of the two companies can automate how they distribute inventory across their chosen marketing channels online and capture reservations. By automating the distribution process, hoteliers have the opportunity to increase their revenue while reducing their cost of acquisition and...
Aptech Congratulates Clients Recognized as ‘Top Management Companies’ by Hotel Industry Publications
Aptech Computer Systems, Inc. | July 9, 2019
Top Hotel Management Companies Rely on Aptech Financial and Business Intelligence Systems PITTSBURGH, July 9, 2019 – Aptech Computer Systems, the industry standard for hospitality financial systems, congratulates its multi-property clients cited in Hotel Business and Hotel Management magazine as industry leaders. A total of 15 Aptech clients are listed in 2018 top company rankings. Its management company clients include Urgo Hotels & Resorts, New Castle Hotels, Noble House Hotels & Resorts, TPG Hotels & Resorts, American Liberty Hospitality, and Concord Hospitality. Aptech is an IBM Premier Solution Provider as well as ...
GCommerce Announces Lisa McGivney as Director of Marketing
GCommerce | July 8, 2019
PARK CITY, Utah (July 8, 2019) - GCommerce has announced Lisa McGivney, a rising industry voice in search and digital marketing, has agreed to become the company’s Director of Marketing. Lisa joined GCommerce 12 years ago, first serving in the marketing department before taking on roles in Account Services and Search. Most recently, Lisa served as the Director of Search Engine Marketing for GCommerce. Historically, GCommerce has had two primary marketing-based departments: the Search Marketing team and the Strategic Marketing team. By taking this new role, Lisa McGivney will be responsible for better aligning paid search, optimization, s...
The Impact of Technology on Hotel Sales and Marketing
Court Williams | July 8, 2019
By Court Williams and Rachel H. Levitt Gone are the days when travelers sought accommodations using the local newspaper or telephone directory, picked up the phone and called to make a reservation. Hospitality sales and marketing in the 21st century is a much more vibrant, complex activity, populated by multifaceted stakeholders at every level of the industry. This is complemented by a proliferation of new brands, ever-increasing rivalry, and a race to introduce new tools before competitors do. The Simplicity of the Past Achieving proper exposure was fairly simple in the past, although at the time it was considered as much of a sc...
Radisson Hotel Group Signs With Block Invest to Bring First Radisson-Branded Hotel to Georgia
Radisson | July 8, 2019
Brussels/Tbilisi - July 8, 2019 - Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of the first Radisson-branded hotel in Georgia, further driving the expansion of the group’s upscale brand across Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA). The Radisson Tbilisi City Centre is set to arrive in Georgia’s capital in 2021. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer for Radisson Hotel Group, said:“We are excited to bring a Radisson to Georgia which will complement the three existing properties that we have in the country, including the recently opened Radisson Collection. A warm welcome for our owners, Bl...
Hyatt Opens Hyatt Regency Chantilly in France Led by General Manager Charles Guyonnaud
Hyatt Regency | July 8, 2019
CHICAGO (July 8, 2019) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Chantilly, the ninth Hyatt branded hotel in France. Reminiscent of an 18th-century authentic hamlet, the 211-room property is set along the Nonette River in the historic town of Chantilly. Situated in the tranquil town, only 20 minutes from Charles De Gaulle International Airport and 45 minutes from the center of Paris, the hotel is able to accommodate both business and leisure guests alike. “We are thrilled to announce the opening of Hyatt Regency Chantilly,” said Charles Guyonnaud, general manager of Hyatt Regency Chantilly. ...
How the UEFA Champions League Final Impacted Madrid Hotel Profits
David Eisen | July 8, 2019
By David Eisen Hosting a premier sporting event isn’t just a mark of stature—it can be a boon for the city’s hotel industry. From the Super Bowl and the World Series in the U.S., to the World Rugby Sevens Series held in a variety of locations, from the UAE and South Africa, to New Zealand and Hong Kong, sporting events are a facilitator of traveler demand. In Europe, where football is king, playing host to a UEFA Champions League Final (a competition that decides the best football club in Europe) can rake in hotel profits that would have otherwise been absent. That was the case for this year’s host city, Madrid, where the 201...
Proactive Customer Support
Shep Hyken | July 8, 2019
By Shep Hyken Just last week I wrote about the concept of predictive customer support. Now, we take a slightly different angle with the concept of proactive customer support. The concept is simple. The company reaches out to the customer before the customer has a chance to reach out to the company. More often than not, the customer may not even know they have a problem. As an example, when does a typical customer find out their cable TV is out? Usually when they turn the TV on. Then there’s frustration and even anger. Typically, the customer will pick up the phone to report the problem and hope the customer service agent can help them...
Hotel Revival Appoints Donte Johnson as General Manager
Hotel Revival | July 8, 2019
Baltimore, MD— Hotel Revival, a Joie de Vivre hotel located in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, is pleased to announce the appointment of Donte Johnson as general manager. As general manager, Johnson is responsible for overseeing and executing hotel and property operations, including staff management, guest satisfaction and community relations. Johnson brings nearly two decades of industry experience to the year-old Hotel Revival. He began his career in 2001 with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and has since held several positions including concierge, director of guest services, area revenue manager, ass...
Steigenberger Leipzig Welcomes Guntram Weipert as New General Manager
Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts | July 8, 2019
Frankfurt am Main, 8 July 2019 Guntram Weipert officially took over as new General Manager of the Hotel Handelshof at the beginning of July. He replaces Hans Kauschke, who celebrated his retirement on the same date after a career of almost 40 years with Steigenberger and was also nominated as “General Manager of the Year” for 2017 by the EHMA. Matthias Heck, CFO and Director of Human Resources at Steigenberger Hotels AG, thanked the former Director of the Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof for the outstanding role he had played and described him as a “living hotel legend”. Berlin-born Mr. Kauschke joined Steigenberger Hotels an...
Hay Creek Hotels Appoints Executive Team for The Abbey Inn & Spa Opening Early 2020
The Abbey Inn & Spa | July 8, 2019
July 8, 2019 (Peekskill, New York) - The Abbey Inn & Spa, the Gateway to the Hudson Highlands, has announced four appointments to its opening team: General Manager Gilbert Baeriswil, Director of Sales & Marketing Olivia Calcagnini, and Executive Chef John Paidas. A new boutique hotel and spa set within the now-converted St. Mary's Convent at a historic Revolutionary War setting within Peekskill, New York, The Abbey Inn will begin welcoming guests to experience the region and the far reaches of the Hudson Valley in early 2020. Gilbert Baeriswil, General Manager A superbly versed hospitality professional with more than three decades...
The Roosevelt Hotel New York City Appoints Louis Lanfranchi as Director of Sales
The Roosevelt Hotel | July 8, 2019
(NEW YORK – July 8, 2019) – The Roosevelt Hotel, the historic and elegant hotel in Manhattan’s bustling Midtown district, today announces the addition of Louis Lanfranchi as Director of Sales. With more than 20 years of experience in advertising, hospitality, sales and operations roles, Lanfranchi brings a dynamic, multifaceted approach to lead The Roosevelt’s sales and marketing team. Most recently, Lanfranchi spent time forming and developing the sales team at the Parker New York, starting as a Group Sales Manager and moving up to Director of Group Sales, and in 2010, rising to Director of the entire sales team. There he handled ...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Why Financial Acumen Is So Important to Your Hospitality Career
David Lund | July 8, 2019
By David Lund It is common sense to know: With more knowledge and skills your career prospects and advancement possibilities are enhanced. In hospitality it is not quite as well understood. There exists a counter culture to growing up, to raising one’s self out of the guest- and colleague-only world into the financial arena. I know and have met many people who camp out in hospitality for this very reason. The idea that they will not have to deal with numbers and the black and white is part of our culture. In this piece I am going to examine why this exists and what you can do to rise up! The hotel world has changed tremendously in ...
The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa Unveils Multimillion-Dollar Resort-Wide Renovation
Westin Hotels & Resorts | July 3, 2019
LAS VEGAS, July 3, 2019 -- The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa has unveiled a multimillion-dollar resort-wide renovation, with special attention paid to upgrading its guest rooms, restaurants and meeting space. The 493-room desert oasis resort, just 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, brings the colors and textures of the surrounding landscape into guest rooms and public spaces, allowing travelers to experience the benefits of biophilic design before they step foot outside. Guest rooms and suites have been updated with new furniture, flooring, artwork and lighting, while bathrooms have new showers, countertops, flooring and fixtures....
Kerzner International Promotes Two Key Executives to Leadership Team
Kerzner International Holdings Limited | July 3, 2019
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 3, 2019 -- Kerzner International Holdings (the "Company"), the owner of the iconic Atlantis Resort and Residences and ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts brands worldwide, has announced the promotion of two key executives. Philippe Zuber has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Brett Armitage has been promoted to the new role of Chief Commercial Officer for Kerzner International. [caption id="attachment_197366" align="aligncenter" width="267"] Philippe Zuber Named Chief Operating Officer at Kerzner International.[/caption] Philippe Zuber will lead the successful operation of all Kerzner resorts, i...
Commonwealth Hotels Adds Courtyard by Marriott Columbus-Dublin to Management Portfolio
Commonwealth Hotels, LLC | July 3, 2019
COVINGTON, Ky., July 3, 2019 -- Commonwealth Hotels added the Courtyard Columbus-Dublin to their portfolio, effective June 14, 2019. This brings the hotel management company's nationwide portfolio to 48 properties with over 5,500 rooms. "We are thrilled to add another Courtyard to the portfolio while entering the Columbus market," said Brian Fry, President of Commonwealth Hotels. "The on-property associates have been incredibly receptive to their new management – we are looking forward to supporting them as they continue to deliver world class service with midwestern charm." The property is located within five miles of the Muirfield V...
10 American Brands That Get Patriotic Marketing
Michael Del Gigante | July 3, 2019
As Americans prepare for the July 4th celebrations this year, patriotism is on the rise. That’s not conjecture, but fact: According to a recently released survey of 5,862 US consumers conducted by Brand Keys, the share of people who consider themselves extremely or very patriotic increased across all age groups between 2018 and 2019. For marketers, this rising tide of patriotism presents powerful opportunities to connect with consumers. However, it also presents difficulties. As the researchers note in their report: “We live in an era of political polarization, consumer tribalism, and increasingly fervent social movements…Not onl...
Cedar Fair Acquires 236-Key Sawmill Creek Resort Located Within Minutes of Its Flagship Amusement Park Cedar Point
Cedar Fair | July 3, 2019
SANDUSKY, Ohio -- Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and immersive entertainment, today announced it has acquired Sawmill Creek Resort located in Huron, Ohio. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Commenting on the acquisition, Cedar Fair President and CEO Richard Zimmermann said, “We are excited about the opportunity to add Sawmill Creek to our growing portfolio of resort properties serving Cedar Point, Cedar Point Shores Waterpark and the Cedar Point Sports Center, which is currently being expanded to include an indoor sports facility. Along with Hotel Breake...
Radisson Hotel Group Opens New Radisson Resort Paracas in Peru
Radisson Hotel Group | July 3, 2019
Minneapolis - July 3, 2019 - Radisson Hotel Group today announced it has recently become the fastest growing global hotel company in Peru with the opening of Radisson Resort Paracas. The newly constructed hotel is located on Peru’s coastline with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Radisson Hotel Group is rapidly expanding in Peru with five hotels now in operation and another hotel set to open this summer. Peru will soon feature three of Radisson Hotel Group’s brands; Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson RED. Many of the hotel’s are located within the flourishing Lima District, including Radisson Hotel Decapolis Miraflores...
Owned and Managed by RudraH Hospitality, Home2 Suites by Hilton Smithfield Providence Opens in Rhode Island
Home2 Suites by Hilton | July 3, 2019
July 3, 2019 -- SMITHFIELD, R.I. and MCLEAN, Va. - Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Smithfield Providence. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 100 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Smithfield Providence complements the need for hotels in the area due to Providence seeing a record-setting occupancy in the past year-and-a-half, reaching as high as 80% in the summer months*. “As Home2 Suites by Hilton continues its strong national an...
The Serviced Apartment Sector in Europe: Poised to Outperform
Simon Hulten | July 3, 2019
By Simon Hulten and Sophie Perret During the last 12 months, the serviced apartment sector in Europe continued to see strong momentum in both demand and supply. This year’s report looks at the recent trends, discusses our analysis of the 2019 lenders survey results and recent transaction evidence and provides an outlook in terms of pipeline. Year in Review The sector continues to innovate, with exciting new brands being introduced and traditional brands being reinvented. Alternative concepts such as co-living, co-working, student accommodation and home-sharing are merging with the serviced apartment concept, creating hybrids as a resp...
