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 St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Unveils $45 Million Property-Wide Transformation
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort | May 7, 2024
Timed to the 15th Anniversary of the Beloved Luxury Resort, the Completion of the Highly Anticipated Renovation Ushers in a New Era for St. Regis Punta Mita Riviera Nayarit, Mexico – (May 7, 2024) –The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort today announces the culmination of its $45 million property-wide transformation, completely reimagining the iconic resort while elevating the property to a new level. Timed to its 15th anniversary, the scope of the resort’s renovation spans all common areas and public spaces, the introduction of five beachfront villas, redesigned suites and guest rooms, enhancements to The St. Regis Spa, the launch of new ...
Accor Expands in Brisbane With Addition of Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill
ACCOR | May 7, 2024
Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, is excited to expand its network of Brisbane hotels with the addition of Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill in the heart of the River City. Formerly the independently operated Pacific Hotel Brisbane, Accor now operates the 179-room Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill under a hotel management agreement. The hotel, which boasts a commanding location overlooking the city skyline and Roma Street Parklands, will undergo a makeover to bring it in line with Mercure’s globally recognised brand standards, with the new-look property set to be unveiled later this year. Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E,...
At U.S. Travel’s IPW, Leaders Say Government Must Increase Focus to Achieve Travel Growth
U.S. Travel Association | May 7, 2024
LOS ANGELES - At U.S. Travel’s IPW – the largest generator of international inbound travel to the United States – association President and CEO Geoff Freeman shared a vision to make travel a national priority, solve barriers to visitation growth, and become the most-visited nation in the world. “It should be our national goal to be nothing short of number one in terms of visitor arrivals, visitor spend and visitor experience,” Freeman said. “But our ambitions are constrained by excessively long wait times for visitor visas, often-lengthy waits at customs, and an air traffic control system that is challenged to meet demand. A...
Lodging Interactive Launches Subscription-Based Hotel Website Development and Marketing Services
Lodging Interactive | May 7, 2024
Company launches innovative 'Pay-As-You-Go' hotel website development and marketing service. Lodging Interactive, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in the hospitality industry since 2001, is excited to announce the launch of its innovative 'Pay-As-You-Go' hotel website development and marketing service. This service offers hotel operators the flexibility to minimize upfront costs while benefiting from comprehensive website development and marketing solutions. "At Lodging Interactive, we pride ourselves on crafting websites that not only captivate but convert," said DJ Vallauri, Founder and CEO of Lodging Intera...
Maestro PMS Launches MezzoPay Embedded Payments; Excitement Abounds Among Clients to Install the Enhanced, Seamless, Secure Payment Offering
Maestro PMS | May 7, 2024
Hospitality’s premier all-in-one property-management system provider improves payment processing usability, security, and sophistication Markham, Ontario, May 7, 2024 — Maestro PMS, a Web Browser-based cloud and on-premises all-in-one property-management system, announced the addition of MezzoPay as its new embedded payment processing solution. Powered by Fullsteam, MezzoPay equips hoteliers with the ability to offer seamless and secure transaction capabilities directly embedded within the hotel PMS. Using MezzoPay, hotels partnered with Maestro PMS can eliminate the need for third-party payment processing gateways. MezzoPay is clo...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: $600,000 Trash Can
David Lund | May 6, 2024
David Lund is the Hotel Financial Coach, a thought leader and trainer on using financial data to drive your business decisions and your career. A 30-year hotel vet, David has seen everything, a lot of which he shares in his book, The Prosperous Hotelier. Susan and David talk about railroads, scams, and Russians. What you'll learn about in this episode: Why it is so important to ask questions How to get better at understanding the P&L What railroads have to do with luxury hotels How much time to spend on your expense checkbook What GMs and owners who don't share numbers are up to [00:00:00] Susan Barry: This is ...
The American Privacy Rights Act – What Does It Mean for Hotel Companies?
Bob Braun | May 6, 2024
By Robert Braun On April 7, 2024, the United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce released the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA). While every Congress for more than a decade has introduced multiple proposals to address privacy rights on a national scale, none have gained traction, and while there’s every reason to suspect that the APRA will meet the same fate – headwinds are coming from the states that have already adopted comprehensive privacy statutes, and it is notoriously difficult to adopt legislation in an election year, and especially now), the APRA is being taken seriously, and might be the basis for a long-awaited, a...
Travel & Tourism Injected €215BN Into Italy’s Economy
The World Travel & Tourism Council | May 6, 2024
Employment and international visitor spend breaks all records Milan, Italy: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed Italy’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed €215BN, representing 10.5% of Italy’s total economic output last year, underscoring the sector’s prominence as a backbone of the Italian economy. The sector also proved a significant source of employment in 2023, breaking all records generating nearly 185,000 new jobs, raising the total to 2.97MN nationwide, representing one in every eight jobs across the country. The resurgence of international visitors to It...
Group Led by Robert J. Guidry Acquires Dual-Branded Courtyard and SpringHill Suites New Orleans for $73 Million
HREC | May 6, 2024
First Major Hotel Sale Since Early 2023 Signals Rebound of Hotel Market Sales NEW ORLEANS, May 6, 2024-- Len Wormser, Senior Vice President and Scott Stephens, Senior Principal and Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality Real Estate Counselors (HREC), together with Cushman Wakefield Commercial Real Estate Services, are pleased to announce the sale of the 410 room Marriott dual branded New Orleans Courtyard and Spring Hill Suites Hotels located near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center/Arts and Warehouse District of the Central Business District. The purchase price was $73 million. Robert J. Guidry along with Guidry Land Partners ...
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) Names Linda Philp Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Hospitality Ventures Management Group | May 6, 2024
ATLANTA--Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based third-party hotel operator and investor, today announced that the company has named Linda Philp, CPA, senior vice president & chief financial officer. In her role, she will be responsible for the company’s accounting, financial reporting, tax, systems optimization/technology and risk management functions. “Linda brings with her a wealth of finance and accounting expertise that will not only provide support for our property-level general managers and directors of finance/controllers but will also serve as a valued strategic partner for our owners and investors...
Hyatt Signs Agreement With Knowledge Economic City for Two New Hotels in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | May 6, 2024
Two Hyatt-branded hotels set to debut in Madinah as Hyatt House CHICAGO (MAY 6, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into management agreements with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) for two new Hyatt-branded hotels, Hyatt House Madinah KEC and Hyatt Centric Madinah KEC. Set to open in a highly anticipated development, Knowledge Economic City in Madinah, the properties will add a combined 576 keys to Hyatt’s portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Further signaling Hyatt's commitment to the strategic growth of its portfolio in key markets that matter to guests and owners, Hy...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Shares Q1 2024 Trading Update
IHG | May 6, 2024
Highlights Q1 global RevPAR +2.6% YOY, with Americas -0.3%, EMEAA +8.9% and Greater China +2.5% Average daily rate +2.3%, occupancy +0.2%pts Gross system size growth +5.0% YOY, +0.7% YTD; opened 6.3k rooms (46 hotels) in Q1, +11.1% more YOY adjusting for Iberostar Net system size growth +3.4% YOY, +0.0% YTD; adjusting for Iberostar +3.2% YOY, +0.0% YTD Global system of 946k rooms (6,368 hotels); 66% across midscale segments, 34% across upscale and luxury Signed 17.7k rooms (129 hotels) in Q1, +7.1% YOY; global pipeline of 305k rooms (2,079 hotels), +6.6% YOY $239m of 2024’s $800m share buyback programme completed to d...
AC Hotels by Marriott Celebrates Its Brand Debut in Southwest China With the Opening of AC Hotel Chengdu North
AC Hotels by Marriott® | May 6, 2024
Doors open to a curated guest experience in thriving and dynamic Jinniu District of Chengdu AC Hotels by Marriott®, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the opening of AC Hotel Chengdu North, which marks the lifestyle brand’s debut in Southwest China. Situated at the junction of Chengdu’s Jinniu District and Xindu District, the new hotel has been expertly refined and crafted to deliver The Perfectly Precise Hotel™ experience. "The addition of the AC Hotels by Marriott brand to Chengdu underscores our dedication to expanding our global footprint, particularly in coveted leisure desti...
Pendry Park City Welcomes John Rolfs as New General Manager
Pendry Park City | May 6, 2024
Global hospitality leader joins Pendry Park City executive team PARK CITY, UTAH (May 6, 2024) – Pendry Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of John Rolfs to the role of general manager of Pendry Park City, the contemporary resort and residences located in the heart of Canyons Village. Rolfs joins the Pendry Hotels & Resorts family with more than 28 years of experience in hospitality, including over two decades with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, most recently as general manager of St. Regis Bal Harbour Hotel. In his new role as general manager, Rolfs will oversee all aspects of resort operations for Pendry Par...
Whitestone Capital Acquires Pennsylvania Holiday Inn in Partnership With PJD Capital
Whitestone Capital | May 6, 2024
Columbus, OH (May 6, 2024) - Whitestone Capital, a division of Whitestone Companies, joined forces with PJD Capital to purchase the 152 room Holiday Inn East Mountain in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. This acquisition marks the first joint venture between the two real estate companies. “We are excited about our new partnership with PJD Capital to reposition this property into a product the Wilkes Barre community has been craving,” said Jay Batra, Chief Executive Officer of Whitestone Companies. “We expect the transformation to happen in two phases with the first phase starting later this year.” Phase one of the transformation will ...
Canada’s Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge Appoints Benjamin Godin as New Executive Chef
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | May 6, 2024
The celebrated luxury wilderness lodge refreshes its culinary staff with esteemed, Tofino-born Chef Vancouver, British Columbia (May 6, 2023) – Baillie Lodges’ Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, nestled in the remote wilderness of Canada’s Vancouver Island, officially announces its recent appointment of Executive Chef Benjamin Godin. With an illustrious career spanning 13 years, Chef Godin brings a wealth of culinary expertise to further enhance and elevate the guest experience at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge. In his new role, Godin will oversee the lodge’s culinary operations across the lodge’s restaurant, The Cookhouse, and lounge, The I...
Sydney’s Iconic Hotel Woolstore 1888 to Join Accor’s New Handwritten Collection
ACCOR | May 6, 2024
ACCOR SELECTED TO OPERATE SYDNEY’S ICONIC HOTEL WOOLSTORE 1888 UNDER ITS NEW BOUTIQUE HANDWRITTEN COLLECTION BRAND Accor announced today that one of Sydney’s finest heritage hotels, Hotel Woolstore 1888, is joining its portfolio of Handwritten Collection hotels in May 2024 under a hotel management agreement with the hotel’s new owners Shakespeare Property Group. The iconic Darling Harbour property was originally built in 1888 and is the fourth oldest of 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney, however, with its contemporary design and industrial-chic interiors with modern and pop art, nothing is old-fashioned about this hotel. First open...
Accor Partners With Red Panda Property for 2027 Opening of Pullman Launceston in Tasmania
ACCOR | May 6, 2024
ACCOR ANNOUNCES DEBUT OF PULLMAN BRAND IN TASMANIA NEW PULLMAN HOTEL TO PRESERVE HERITAGE WHILE ADDING CUTTING-EDGE ACCOMMODATION, DINING AND MEETING FACILITIES TO CREATE DYNAMIC ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURAL HUB FOR LAUNCESTON Tasmanian urban regeneration specialists, Red Panda Property, announced today that Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, will manage its first hotel project - a five-star Pullman hotel in the heart of Launceston – under a hotel management agreement. Designed by one of Asia-Pacific’s leading design practices, DKO, the $45 million Pullman Launceston will regenerate a heritage-listed educational building i...
Pacifica Hotels Unveils Guestroom Renovation of Jamaica Bay Inn
Pacifica Hotels | May 6, 2024
The waterfront Southern California property completed updates to all 111 guest rooms & suites Aliso Viejo, CA - May 6, 2024 - Pacifica Hotels, the owner and operator of Jamaica Bay Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, recently completed the total renovation of all guest rooms and suites at the ideally-situated waterfront property in Marina del Rey, Calif. Pacifica Hotels is the largest owner and operator of independent, design-inspired hotels on the Pacific Coast. Helmed by Norah Shimer of Pacifica Design Group, the thoughtfully updated guest rooms at Jamaica Bay Inn include new wall coverings, carpet, paint, drapery, lighting, art ...
Marriott’s Sheraton Suites Galleria Atlanta Unveils $12 Million Renovation
Highline Hospitality Partners | May 6, 2024
Hotel’s transformation ushers in a new era of hospitality in the heart of Atlanta ATLANTA, Ga – May 6, 2024 – Marriott’s Sheraton Suites Galleria Atlanta proudly announces the completion of its $12 million renovation, marking a new era of luxury and comfort for guests. The comprehensive renovation breathes new life into every facet of the guest experience. Guest suites exude sophistication and comfort with new carpeting, beds, bedding, furniture, artwork, and upgraded bathrooms. The lobby and restaurant boast a refreshed, modern aesthetic with ample seating and a welcoming ambiance, perfect for work or leisure. “With this ...
Labor as We Know It Is Changing: How Hoteliers Can Fill the Gap
Elad Inbar | May 6, 2024
By Elad Inbar Hotels with Wi-Fi and televisions were, at one point, unimaginable for hoteliers, but as technology evolved, it became necessary for the hospitality industry to follow. Today, we are in the middle of an AI revolution — one that meets resistance from skeptics — but history has shown that early adopters of technology have kept hotels running by adapting to changing consumer needs. Clearly, new technology pays off. Recent research is showing that the robotics market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 12.29 percent in the next seven years, exceeding $225 billion in 2030. With operations being impacted by short staffing and ch...
Hawai‘i Passes Landmark Legislation to Rein In Illegal Short-Term Rentals, Help Keep Housing Affordable for Aloha State Residents
AHLA | May 6, 2024
Law ensures local control over lodging taxes and regulations WASHINGTON (May 6, 2024) – Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green today signed into law landmark legislation (SB 2919) that grants local governments the power to regulate short-term rentals to meet the needs of their communities. This legislation will give localities the power to rein in short-term rentals that have taken over local communities and bring back affordable housing for hotel employees and other Hawai‘i residents. The law ensures Hawai‘i counties have the authority to tax and regulate short-term rentals by the same standards as hotels, designate them as a non-residential ...
AHLA Statement on Presidential Veto of Legislation to Overturn Joint-Employer Rule
AHLA | May 6, 2024
WASHINGTON (May 6, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement after President Biden vetoed legislation that would have overturned the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) dangerous joint-employer rule: “We’re disappointed the president vetoed this bill and ignored the serious concerns of AHLA’s 30,000-plus members, the courts, and Democrats and Republicans in Congress,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “Thankfully, a federal court has already intervened and is blocking the administration from implementing its job-kil...
AHLA Workforce Report: Hotels Add 1,200 Jobs in April
AHLA | May 6, 2024
WASHINGTON (May 6, 2024) – U.S. hotels added 1,200 jobs to their payrolls in April, according to the latest government data that shows employment in the industry is still far from pre-pandemic levels. Total hotel employment stands at about 1.92 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s 193,600 fewer workers in the industry than in February 2020, just before the pandemic hit. “Hotels are doing all they can to attract and retain workers, but the nationwide workforce shortage is preventing our industry from reaching its full potential,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “AHLA members need...
