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
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Unveils Completion of First Phase in Extensive Renovation Project
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace | May 10, 2024
60 renovated rooms and part of the facade restored MONTREUX, May 10, 2024 – Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, an iconic Belle Époque landmark since 1906, proudly announces the successful completion of the first phase of its extensive renovation project. This phase, featuring the refurbishment of 60 lake view rooms and enhancements to a third of its lake-facing facade, marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s journey towards redefining luxury hospitality. Led by Hamburg-based architects, cm-DESIGN, the renovation project draws inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of Lake Geneva and the hotel's majestic architecture. Meticulous at...
Marriott International Supports Increased Leisure Demand in Canada
Marriott International | May 10, 2024
Company focused on lifestyle, upper midscale and extended stay brands, as well as market-specific loyalty offerings Marriott International’s presence in the Canadian market strengthened, as the company celebrated a 36 percent year over year increase in hotel-level leisure revenue in 2023. With 274 hotels currently open and 90 in the pipeline, several factors, including a dedicated focus on lifestyle, upper midscale and extended stay brands; as well as market-specific loyalty program offerings and partnerships, continue to drive the company’s success in Canada. Lifestyle Brands Driving Success In an effort to meet the increased demand...
Hyatt Doubles Down on Latin America Growth With 30+ Planned Openings Through 2027
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | May 10, 2024
Upcoming openings in Latin America & the Caribbean enhance Hyatt’s leadership in luxury, resort and lifestyle, creating unforgettable experiences in destinations that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members CHICAGO (May 10, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) highlighted today Hyatt's expected growth trajectory, from the sought-after beach town of Miches, Dominican Republic to the lush island of St. Lucia, World of Hyatt guests and members will soon have more than 30 new hotels to consider in Latin America & the Caribbean. Through 2027, Hyatt is committed to expanding its brand presence in new and exciting ...
Meet the Money Unveils “The LIIC Top 10” for 2024
Jim Butler | May 10, 2024
By Jim Butler Today at JMBM’s Meet the Money® national hotel finance conference, The Lodging Industry Investment Council (“LIIC”) released its much-anticipated LIIC Top Ten – the 2024 update of its an annual survey of investment sentiment survey. LIIC — The lodging industry think tank The members of LIIC represent the acquisition and disposition control of more than $60 billion in lodging real estate. LIIC members comprise some of the hospitality industry`s most influential investors, lenders, corporate real estate executives, REITs, public hotel companies, brokers, and advisors. For almost 20 years, LIIC has prepar...
Southernmost Beach Resort Unveils $12.5 Million Redevelopment of Its Historic Victorian Guesthouses
Southernmost Beach Resort | May 9, 2024
Key West, Florida – April 30, 2024: Nestled in the sun-drenched tropical paradise of Key West, the award-winning Southernmost Beach Resort proudly unveils its exquisite $12.5 million transformation of The Guesthouses. This luxurious retreat, comprised of four meticulously restored 19th-century-styled Victorian homes – La Mer, Dewey, Avalon, and Duval Gardens – now stands as a beacon of modern elegance, intertwined with the rich historical tapestry and charm of the Florida Keys. The Guesthouses, an adult-only sanctuary within the larger Southernmost Beach Resort, are the crowning achievement of the resort's comprehensive transformation ...
UN Tourism Launches Second Edition of Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East
UN Tourism | May 9, 2024
UN Tourism has launched the second edition of its Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East. The initiative aims to highlight and support women entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of sustainable tourism and technology across the region. Applications now Open The competition targets startups that are led by women and based in the Middle East. Enterprises must be operating within the tourism sector and related industries, and offer sustainable solutions for people, the planet, and prosperity. They must also be an entrepreneurial project at an early stage, idea stage, or Series A stage of their journey. Applications are open for th...
Ares Real Estate Acquires Hotel Portfolio From Landsec and Operations Under AccorInvest
Ares Management Corporation | May 9, 2024
Income-Generating Hotel Portfolio Concentrated in London and Other Major UK Cities LONDON--Ares Management Corporation (“Ares”) (NYSE: ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager, announced today that funds managed by Ares Real Estate have acquired a hotel portfolio from Landsec alongside hotel operating partner EQ Group (“EQ”), a leading European hospitality investment and management platform. Prior to the acquisition, the properties were fully let to AccorInvest under long-term leases. In parallel with the closing of the acquisition, Ares entered into an agreement with AccorInvest to surrender these leases and tra...
Hyatt Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
Hyatt | May 9, 2024
CHICAGO (May 9, 2024) - Hyatt Hotels Corporation ("Hyatt" or the "Company") (NYSE: H) today reported first quarter 2024 results. Highlights include: Comparable system-wide hotels RevPAR increased 5.5% compared to the same period in 2023 Comparable system-wide all-inclusive resorts Net Package RevPAR increased 11.0% compared to the same period in 2023 Net Rooms Growth was approximately 5.5% Net Income was $522 million and Adjusted Net Income was $75 million Diluted EPS was $4.93 and Adjusted Diluted EPS was $0.71 Adjusted EBITDA was $252 million Pipeline of executed management or franchise ...
The Tension Between Leadership and Customer Service
Shep Hyken | May 9, 2024
By Shep Hyken My friend Sterling Hawkins just wrote a great article about the tension between the leadership of a company and the salesforce. Hawkins reports the president of a Fortune 500 company told him, “Tension between the salesforce and leadership is normal. One is always bargaining with the other for more. The sales team wants more time and budget, and the leadership wants more sales.” That made me think of the tension that is sometimes created between leadership and the customer service team. In the end, it’s mostly because of unrealistic expectations. It reminds me of an episode of Amazing Business Radio when I...
Creating Memorable Guest Experiences: Personalization With Storytelling
Dr. Suzanne Godfrey | May 9, 2024
By Dr. Suzanne Godfrey In the world of hospitality, experiences play a crucial role in creating lasting memories for guests. While everyone may talk about the ideal guest experience, it's essential to recognize that not all experiences are created equal. What truly sets a guest experience apart and makes it unforgettable? Personalization is obviously key. Tailoring each interaction to the individual guest's preferences and needs can elevate a stay from ordinary to extraordinary and as a result, be highly memorable. But there is more than just understanding preferences and meeting needs... This article helps hoteliers to understand h...
Choice Hotels International Concludes 68th Annual Convention, One of Its Largest Ever
Choice Hotels | May 9, 2024
Highlights included the relaunch of Park Inn by Radisson, the reintroduction of the SOAR program to create hotel ownership opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs, and awards for top hotels NORTH BETHESDA, Md., May 9, 2024 -- Last week, Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) concluded its 68th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV, one of the largest to date. Over the course of three days, Choice provided owners and operators with a roadmap on how together they will capitalize on their competitive position to capture the growing demand for travel. Choice announced the relaunch of Park Inn by Radisson and its strategic reposit...
Affixify, the unbiased, cost-free, technology selection platform for hotels launches worldwide.
Affixify | May 9, 2024
Fort Worth, Texas, May 9, 2024-Affixify, an unbiased technology selection platform for hotels, is proud to announce their official launch into the hospitality space. Poised to become the new standard of hotel technology selection, the platform allows hoteliers to find the right software for them without having to rely on top-ten lists and biased opinions. Affixify uses an unbiased algorithm that takes the buyer’s required features and matches those to the available vendors who meet their buying criteria. Affixify has been praised as a “gift to the hospitality industry”. According to Founder and CEO, Jasmine Seliga, “We are the f...
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort Set for Summer 2024 Opening on Florida’s Gulf Coast
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts | May 9, 2024
LONGBOAT KEY, FL (May 9, 2024) - St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has officially announced that reservations are open for the highly anticipated opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, a beachfront oasis slated to open in Summer 2024. Developed by Unicorp and meticulously designed by SB Architects, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA Miami) and Dutch East Design, Longboat Key marks the only St. Regis opening in the U.S. in 2024, setting the tone for the brand’s expanding resort portfolio, known for redefining the best addresses around the world. Nestled on Sarasota’s most coveted barrier island, just beyond the city’s charming downtown, ...
Oliver Hospitality Appoints Chett Abramson as President
OLIVER HOSPITALITY | May 9, 2024
Abramson brings decades of operational expertise to Oliver Hospitality NASHVILLE (May 9, 2024) – Oliver Hospitality, an award-winning hospitality development and management company, announces the appointment of Chett Abramson to president. Abramson brings three decades of senior leadership experience to Oliver Hospitality, with his background in hotel, food and beverage operations. Previously serving as COO, Abramson played a pivotal role in Oliver Hospitality’s expansion and operational efficiency. Under his leadership and strategy, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the industry with a reputation for e...
The Indigo Road Hospitality Group Opens The George in Historic Georgetown, SC
The Indigo Road Hospitality Group | May 9, 2024
CHARLESTON, SC — May 9, 2024 — The Indigo Road Hospitality Group has opened The George Hotel, a 56-key boutique property in historic Georgetown, SC. The George represents major milestones for both The Indigo Road and the city of Georgetown — it is the first hotel to open and operate on the city’s historic Front Street in more than 50 years, as well as The Indigo Road’s first property to open in the company’s home state of South Carolina. The hotel was developed by Winyah Properties and is operated by The Indigo Road. Historic Allure Georgetown is the third-oldest city in South Carolina, as well as the state’s second-l...
Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa Debuts Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
MOUNTAIN VIEW GRAND RESORT & SPA | May 9, 2024
Whitefield, NH — Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, a charming retreat nestled amid the picturesque peaks of New Hampshire’s famed White Mountains, has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation that redefines the resort experience. Blending thoughtful enhancements to the lobby, guest rooms, and restaurants with meticulous preservation of historical details and classic architectural elements, it’s a transformation that will carry Mountain View Grand into the future while honoring its cherished heritage. The elegant refresh also extends beyond physical improvements, with a new Tower Spa menu and wellness offerings, family-friendly p...
Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman Opens Its Doors on Famed Seven Mile Beach
IHG | May 9, 2024
Featuring Innovative Culinary Experiences, Modern Accommodations And One Of The Island’s Only Rooftop Lounges, This New Lifestyle Hotel Is Available To Book Now 9 May 2024 (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands): Today’s unveiling of Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman has added a touch of brilliance to Grand Cayman’s picturesque Seven Mile Beach. Developed by IHG Hotels & Resorts and Dart, the highly anticipated upper upscale lifestyle hotel offers an unparalleled island oasis, boasting 288 exceptional sunrise and sunset ocean view guest rooms, multi-concept dining including one of the island’s only rooftop lounges, elevated pool and beachs...
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Welcomes Laurent Brun as Executive Chef
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa | May 9, 2024
Bora Bora, French Polynesia (May 9, 2024) – The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, a premier resort opening summer 2024 in Bora Bora, at the base of majestic Mount Otemanu, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Laurent Brun as Executive Chef. With a career spanning several continents including previous experience in The Islands of French Polynesia, Chef Brun brings a wealth of international experience and culinary expertise to the property’s three restaurants and three bars. "We are excited to welcome Executive Chef Laurent Brun to our team, as we celebrate Bora Bora’s first new resort opening since 2017 – truly a milest...
Reservations Sales Agents: It Is NOT Our Job To Tell Them What’s Available; It IS Our Job To Help Them Decide! Complimentary Registration Now Open f
Doug Kennedy | May 9, 2024
Sponsored By Travel Outlook, Better Talent, and Track Hospitality Software Register your team and participate live, or view the recording, of Doug Kennedy’s next 40-minute training webcast scheduled for Friday, May 17, from Noon – 12:45pm EST. REGISTER HERE “As evidenced by the pre-training mystery shopping our team provides for new clients, an awful lot of reservations sales agents do little more than find out the caller’s dates and number of people, and then quote them the same rates the caller has already seen online prior to calling,” said KTN President Doug Kennedy. “When you think about it, this approach is like treatin...
OTA Savings by x·quic™ Announces Strategic Alliance With Preferred Travel Group
OTA Savings by x·quic™ | May 9, 2024
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, May 9, 2024 – x·quic™, the leader in AI-powered online travel agent (OTA) reconciliation, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Preferred Travel Group™ as an Alliance Partner. This collaboration gives Preferred Travel Group access to the most cutting-edge OTA reconciliation technology and services and allows Preferred Hotels to save time and money on OTA Commissions. Nimesh Shah, CEO of x·quic™, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: "Joining forces with Preferred Travel Group as Alliance Partners is a significant milestone for us. Our service is specifically designed for indepen...
Asia Pacific Excluding China Hotel Construction Reaches New Highs With 13% Year-Over-Year Project Count Growth
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | May 9, 2024
As seen in the Q1 2024 Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), the total pipeline in the Asia Pacific region, excluding China, (APEC) reached a record-breaking project total of 2,021 projects/402,312 rooms. This new all-time high represents a 7% year-over-year (YOY) increase in projects and a 2% YOY increase in rooms. At the close of the first quarter, there are 866 projects/198,267 rooms under construction throughout the region. Additionally, there are 340 projects/65,259 rooms scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months, marking a 13% YOY increase in projects and a 10% increase YOY in rooms. The...
Nashville Sees Highest Growth in Meetings and Events in April, Up 38 Percent Year-over-Year
KNOWLAND | May 9, 2024
National Associations lead the charge heading into a busy group business season, Knowland reports ARLINGTON, Va. — May 9, 2024 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, reported that Nashville saw an uptick in meetings and events in April, growing 38.0 percent year-over-year (YoY). Las Vegas continued a steady climb with 22.8 percent YoY growth. This data is sourced from Knowland’s sales intelligence platform and designed to help hoteliers protect and grow their revenue base. Overall meeting volume growth was flat for the industry at a 1.3 percent increase...
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences Appoints Mr. Manish Bedi as Director – Food & Beverage
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences | May 8, 2024
Gurugram, May 2024: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences announced the appointment of Mr.Manish Bedi as the Director of Food & Beverage. In his new role, Mr.Manish will oversee F&B across all aspects of the luxury hotel ensuring the highest standards of service and exceptional experience for guests. As the Director of Food & Beverage, Manish’s strategic vision and hands-on leadership style are poised to enhance the esteemed hotel’s F&B offerings, elevate service standards, and reinforce F&B’s position as a destination of choice for diners. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Manis...
Iconic Resort Destination Ocean City, MD Is Poised for Success
Michael Lambdin | May 8, 2024
By Michael Lambdin, Scott Killheffer Ocean City, Maryland, a perennial draw for travelers along the Eastern Seaboard, continues to solidify its reputation as a leading resort destination. Ocean City is known for its expansive beaches and its boardwalk and welcomes millions of visitors annually. This robust tourism industry fuels a thriving hospitality market, and recent strategic investments underscore Ocean City's focus on providing exceptional experiences for a range of visitors. The market’s hospitality sector is experiencing a dynamic transformation. Two beachfront resorts have recently undergone complete makeovers. First, the for...
