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The Customer Is King, and Service Culture Is His Queen
André Mack | June 12, 2019
Although some companies mention "service excellence" as one of their values, they tend to solely focus on service delivery and rarely approach it as a way to reframe their business's culture. By André Mack The business environment has become a global village; traveling is easy and cheap, sharing of information happens instantly and is accessible by everybody, a new product in the US is on the market in Asia within days and vice versa, systems and procedures all look the same and innovation has become a necessity. The ubiquity of technology and the replicability of products means that service has become THE key differentiator for co...
China’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Continues to Expand With Double-Digit Increases Year-Over-Year
Lodging Econometrics | June 12, 2019
June 12, 2019 – PORTSMOUTH, NH Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that China’s total construction pipeline continues to expand with 2,845 projects/590,809 rooms, up 15% by projects and 8% by rooms year-over-year (YOY). Both projects and rooms in the pipeline are at new all-time highs. Construction growth has been substantially enhanced by the billions of liquidity unleashed by the government last year to offset the manufacturing slump and slowing economy brought about by the escalating trade dispute with the United States. China has 2,083 projects/414,967 rooms presently under construction, up 21% and 12% YOY, respectively w...
International Motivational Speaker, Chris Koch, Named GuestTek Brand Ambassador
GuestTek® | June 12, 2019
Calgary, Alberta – June 12, 2019 – GuestTek Interactive Entertainment Ltd., the global leader of end-to-end hospitality technology solutions, is excited to announce that international motivational speaker, Chris Koch, has been named as the company’s new brand ambassador. Chris has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Network, the Dr. Oz Show and has been featured on Ted Talks. Born without arms or legs in a rural area of Western Canada, Chris has learned to overcome everyday challenges most people take for granted. He travels the world to share his message of resiliency, courage, and perseverance with event appearances at schools, charitabl...
The Liquidation Sale of the Former Crowne Plaza Old Town, in Alexandria, Virginia, Opens Thursday, June, 13th at 10:00 a.m. Sale Conducted by NCL/ Nat
NCL/ National Content Liquidators, Inc. | June 12, 2019
Everything Must Go! Alexandria, Virginia (June, 2019) – The Crowne Plaza Old Town has contracted with NCL/National Content Liquidators, Inc., the leading expert in hotel liquidation management, to clear the hotel of its current contents as a prelude to the property’s redevelopment. The 258 room hotel liquidation is being held on-site at the former Crowne Plaza Old Town, located at 901 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA., 22314, and is open to both the hospitality industry and the general public. The sale begins at 10:00 am, Thurs., June 13th, and will continue for 28 days only, Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am-6:00pm and Sundays, 12:00 pm-5...
It’s More Than Okay to Self-Operate Your Audiovisual Services
Jeff Loether | June 12, 2019
10 top advantages of providing your own AV equipment and staff By Jeff Loether Outsourcing audiovisual services to a third-party provider has its advantages but is not always the right choice for every facility. Hotels and conference centers that provide standard presentation and voice reinforcement services often choose to use their own equipment and staff since they have only occasional needs for advanced equipment, support or labor. To help determine if a venue should self-operate its day-to-day AV services, operators first need to evaluate their venues, the types of support required for the events they book, the capabilities of thei...
Verdant Bringing NEW ZX Thermostat to HITEC Minneapolis
Verdant | June 12, 2019
[Montreal, Quebec — June 12, 2019] — Next week at HITEC Minneapolis, Verdant will display its newest guestroom energy-management thermostat. Smart, simple and intuitive, the new ZX energy-management thermostat leverages Verdant’s powerful energy-saving features in a sleek and trendy design. Verdant ZX will be on display in Booth 1234, June 17 to 20, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. “This is the first time that HITEC attendees in North America will have the opportunity to see, touch and try our newest guestroom thermostat,” said Michael Serour, Verdant VP of sales. “The ZX thermostat combines all of our best energy-savin...
8 Critical Questions to Ask When Shopping for Voice Technology at HITEC Minneapolis
Volara | June 12, 2019
Without seamless integrations in place, even the best voice assistants can add complexity, risk and cost; Visit Volara in Booth 2408 to learn more New York — June 12, 2019, 2018 — The rate of smart speaker adoption in the United States does not appear to be slowing, with 57.8 million adults owning at least one smart speaker according to a recent Voicebot.ai survey. Perhaps that’s why 79% of hoteliers named voice-enabled technology as a top investment choice for 2019. With voice on command becoming the new on demand, hoteliers attending HITEC Minneapolis next week will be shopping for voice-enabled devices to install in guestrooms fo...
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Unveils Plans for New Hotel and Private Residences in Minneapolis
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | June 12, 2019
TORONTO, June 12, 2019 -- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, in partnership with United Properties, a leading commercial property development and investment company in Minnesota and Colorado, today announced plans for Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Minneapolis, expected to open in early 2022 at RBC Gateway. The new 34-storey building will be situated at the convergence of business and leisure in Minneapolis, at the top of Nicollet Mall, the city's pedestrian thoroughfare. A few short blocks from the Mississippi River, the mixed use complex will also serve as RBC Wealth Management's U...
Radisson Hotel Group to Debut in Pakistan With Signing of Radisson Hotel, Lahore City Mall
Radisson Hotel Group | June 12, 2019
Brussels/Lahore - June 12, 2019 - Radisson Hotel Group is delighted to announce the signing of the Radisson Hotel, Lahore City Mall in Pakistan. This deal marks the group’s debut in Pakistan and the launch of its strategy to have 10 hotels and 2,000 rooms in operation and under development across the country by 2025. This brings the group’s South Asia portfolio to 136 hotels in operation and under development. Lahore, the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab with a population of 11 million, is the second-most populous city of Pakistan. Rich in history, Lahore is a major educational, social, cultural and economic hub, contributi...
New Castle Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Opening of Cambria Hotel Charleston Riverview in South Carolina
Cambria Hotels | June 12, 2019
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 12, 2019 -- The Cambria Hotels brand celebrated its continued expansion in the Palmetto State with the grand opening of the Cambria Hotel Charleston Riverview. Representatives from the hotel brand franchisor Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), developer RREAF Holdings, management company New Castle Hotels & Resorts and local dignitaries attended to commemorate the occasion. Inspiration for the 126-room river-view hotel and grand opening event was drawn from Charleston's rich heritage, coastal roots, and unparalleled hospitality. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, guests enjoyed low-country boil cuisine...
Southern Rhode Island Hospitality Management Opens Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in South Kingstown, Rhode Island
Fairfield Inn & Suites | June 12, 2019
South Kingstown, RI – June 11, 2019– The 100-room Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in South Kingstown, Rhode Island is set to open today with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 3 Fairfield Way, the Fairfield Inn & Suites South Kingstown Newport Area will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Southern Rhode Island Hospitality Management LLC. General Manager Kerie Gendreau and Director of Sales Torin Soares lead the management team. The Fairfield Inn & Suites South Kingstown Newport Area offers guests convenient access to downtown Newport and the N...
Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration Held for New Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Philadelphia W Drexel Hill
Drexelbrook Catering & Special Events Center | June 12, 2019
(Drexel Hill, PA) – Drexelbrook Associates, owners of the award-winning Drexelbrook Catering & Special Event Center held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening Celebration at the new 100-room Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites on May 30, 2019. Located at 5400 Ferne Boulevard in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Philadelphia W Drexel Hill opened its doors to guests on May 11, 2019. The hotel is operating as an InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) franchise, owned by Drexelbrook Associates and managed by Prestige Hospitality Group of Albany, New York. Representatives of IHG, Upper Darby Township, Delaware...
Urban Commons Completes Two-Year Multi-Million Dollar Renovation of 311-Room Sheraton Pasadena Hotel
Sheraton Pasadena | June 12, 2019
PASADENA, CA (June 12, 2019) — The Sheraton Pasadena Hotel has completed a two-year multi-million dollar renovation, it was announced today by Carlos Mendoza, General Manager. The hotel, which is adjacent to the Pasadena Convention Center, now offers the most recently renovated accommodations, public areas, and meeting space of any property within easy reach of the Convention Center campus. The property is owned by Urban Commons. According to Mr. Mendoza, the comprehensive refurbishment project which was accomplished by Gensler Design and Luna Construction, entailed renovation of the entire 311-room hotel including all guest rooms and su...
Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Re-Opens After Major Renovation Led by Commonwealth Hotels and General Manager Melinda Lane
Commonwealth Hotels, LLC | June 12, 2019
COVINGTON, Ky., June 12, 2019 -- The 111-room Hilton Garden Inn Panama City is putting the final touches on their multimillion-dollar renovation following damage sustained from Hurricane Michael in October of 2018. After nine months revamping the building's interior and exterior, the property is opening its doors to the public on June 12th, 2019. Renovations include enhanced guest rooms, meeting rooms and a refurbished lobby area, as well as changes to the Garden Grille Restaurant & Bar and the former Pavilion Pantry (now called 'The Shop'). "This remodel brings a new vibrant and boutique style not only to our property, but to the H...
Crescent Hotels & Resorts Adds Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago North Shore Deerfield
Crescent Hotels & Resorts | June 12, 2019
Chicago, IL (June 12, 2019) – The Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago North Shore Deerfield is now being managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Crescent Hotels & Resorts is an award winning, nationally recognized operator of major hotels, resorts and conference centers throughout the United States, Canada & Caribbean. The 237 all-suite hotel recently completed a multi-million-dollar all-suite renovation project in April 2019. The hotel offers home-like amenities in its two-room suites including two 49 inch flat-screen TVs and a wet bar area with a refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker. The property is located in a suburban s...
The Alexander, a Dolce Hotel, Welcomes Barry Cockrum as General Manager
The Alexander | June 12, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 12, 2019) – The Alexander, A Dolce Hotel in the CityWay area of downtown Indianapolis, is thrilled to announce Barry Cockrum as its new general manager. Cockrum brings more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry to the 209-room, art-centric hotel, and will oversee daily operations, budgets, sales and marketing. “Since joining the team in 2013, Barry has been a symbol of positive leadership and unwavering commitment to both our culture and brand,” said Richard Maxfield, Senior Vice President, Operations, for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. “He has a proven track record with a commitment ...
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa Appoints Key Culinary Executives
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa | June 12, 2019
AUSTIN, Texas (June 12, 2019) – Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa announces several new appointments to their food and beverage team as the resort celebrates a Grand Reopening this month following a nearly two-year, $150 million transformation and expansion. This talented group of associates joining the culinary team bring a wealth of knowledge and unique insight, creating inspired menus bringing exceptional culinary experiences to life. The resort’s new hires and promotions include: Tobias Cox, Director of Food & Beverage With a 25-year career in hospitality, Tobias Cox brings extensive expertise to Omni Barton Creek Resort &...
New Orleans’ Le Pavillon Hotel Appoints Derek McKenna as Executive Chef
June 12, 2019
New Orleans, La. (June 12, 2019) – Glamorous and grand, the reimagined Le Pavillon Hotel proudly announces a new signature restaurant, Bijoux, and lobby bar, Cachette 1907 while welcoming Derek McKenna as executive chef. Under the leadership of award-winning Chef McKenna, Bijoux, centered around a majestic, Czechoslovakian chandelier, presents French cuisine with a New Orleans twist at breakfast and lunch, as well as an a la carte brunch on the weekends, while dinner is served in Cachette 1907. Coining its name from the French word Cachette, which means hideout, and 1907 as the year that the hotel originally opened its doors, Cachette...
Video Report: dormakaba Announces Advanced Saffire LX™ Electronic Lock at HITEC
dormakaba | June 11, 2019
At HITEC in Minneapolis Visit dormakaba in Booth #1308 JUNE 17-20, 2019 at the Minneapolis Convention Center Mobile-Ready Saffire LX is Attractive, Secure RFID Lock for Retrofits and New Builds to Enhance Guest Experience MONTREAL, June 11, 2019 – dormakaba, the provider of secure Saflok™ and Ilco™ electronic door locks will demonstrate its new Saffire LX mobile-ready RFID guestroom electronic door lock for HITEC attendees at booth 1308. Saffire LX features reliable RFID technology in a contemporary design. Easy-to-use, flexible, and secure, Saffire LX gives hotels the option of offering guests RFID keycards or issuing mobile cre...
Softscribe Inc. Names 5 Steps on Instagram to Pack Your Sales Funnel for HITEC 2019
Softscribe Inc. | June 11, 2019
Choose Quality Posts Over Quantity. See B2B Instagram Examples at @softscribeinc BENTONVILLE, AR – June 11, 2019 – Softscribe Inc., the leading hotel tech PR agency for the hospitality industry, outlined 5 ways technology vendors can use Instagram to drive qualified leads at #HITEC2019. HITEC, the world’s largest hotel tech conference, is in Minneapolis, MN, June 17 to 20, 2019. Softscribe Inc. provides B2B PR for the hotel tech market and related industries. It creates public relations content, search and social media to help technology companies achieve their business goals and increase sales. “Experts suggest two future ...
Jolly Named Inaugural Recipient of King Early Career Professorship
The Penn State School of Hospitality Management | June 11, 2019
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Phillip M. Jolly, assistant professor of hospitality management, has been named inaugural recipient of the Elizabeth M. King Early Career Professorship. Jolly focuses his teaching and research on better understanding why people do what they do at work and how to leverage that knowledge to improve organizational performance and employee well-being within multifarious hospitality and related service environments. "It is a tremendous honor to be named the inaugural recipient of the Elizabeth M. King Early Career Professorship," said Jolly. "I'm excited by the opportunities that this endowment will provide me to enh...
Guests at Elliot Park Hotel in Minneapolis to Benefit From Wireless Casting and Voice Control Technology From BeyondTV During HITEC 2019
Hotel Internet Services, Inc. | June 11, 2019
Recent HIS implementation of content streaming and virtual assistant platform at luxury Minneapolis property to provide real-world experience of BeyondTV GuestCast solution during world’s largest technology show. MINNEAPOLIS — June 11, 2019 — Each year, hotel technology executives from around the world flock to HITEC in search of the most advanced technologies to address rapidly evolving guest needs, as well as enhancing operational efficiency. This year, guests staying at the ultra-modern Elliot Park Hotel in downtown Minneapolis during the show will have a unique advantage. As a result of a recent Hotel Internet Services (HIS) impl...
Fuel to Power Live Video Interviews With HITEC 2019 Exhibitors and Attendees
Fuel | June 11, 2019
Producer of Leading "Fuel Hotel Marketing Podcast" and "This Week In Hospitality Digital Marketing" combine forces to bring exclusive video interviews, live from the show floor in Minneapolis Myrtle Beach, SC and Minneapolis - HITEC Booth #2920 - June 11, 2019 – Fuel, a leading provider of hotel software and digital marketing solutions for the global hospitality industry, is joining its “Fuel Hotel Marketing Podcast” with another podcast, “This Week In Hospitality Digital Marketing,” to provide exclusive live interviews from the show floor at HITEC 2019 in Minneapolis. As part of the event, Stuart Butler, COO of Fuel, and Lore...
Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Pros & Cons of Keeping a Hotel Open During Renovation
Cicero's Development Corporation | June 11, 2019
PLAINFIELD, IL, JUNE 11, 2019 -- Renovating an existing hotel is all about time and money. That's why it is essential to plan ahead for the challenges—and costs—a renovation can pose. If you are a hotel owner or operator, balancing the need for cash with your renovation objectives is one of those challenges, bringing to the forefront the most crucial decision made during renovation planning: "Should we keep the hotel open or should we close?" The answer lies in the scope of the project plus any role seasonality plays in the business. On one side of the ledger, closing a hotel makes good sense. It allows for a far broader scope so th...
