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
Indian hospitality company Oyo Hotels to create 10,000 jobs in UAE in next three years
October 15, 2018
Oct. 15--DUBAI -- Indian hospitality brand Oyo Hotels will create over 10,000 jobs in the UAE within the next three years as it aims to expand its footprint across all emirates and will also open a training facility in the country, a senior executive said. "We have five institutes in China and 20 in India. We created 100,000 jobs in India and 60,000 in China. We hope to create jobs for tens of thousands of UAE natives who can get trained at this facility; once they are trained, they can choose Oyo Hotels or any other brand of their choice. We are scouting for a location to set up a hospitality training academy in the UAE. The train...
Millions in tourism dollars lost because of red tide. Here’s how Manatee County will fight back
October 15, 2018
Oct. 15--Bradenton -- By some estimates, red tide has cost Manatee County $4.4 million in direct visitor spending since early August, dealing a harsh blow to tourism, the area's leading economic engine. Even though conditions have improved recently and visitors are returning to the beach, red tide is a naturally occurring phenomenon, aggravated by human activity, and could intensify again. That threat, and the economic pain inflicted by red tide, were at the center of conversation Monday at the Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting. "We need to bang on the table," said an impassioned Ed Chiles, a restaurateur ...
Andrew Lakefish Named Director of Sales & Marketing at Anaheim Marriott
Anaheim Marriott | October 14, 2018
ANAHEIM, CA (October 15, 2018) -- Andrew Lakefish has been named the new Director of Sales & Marketing of the Anaheim Marriott, it was announced today by John Kalinski, General Manager. Mr. Lakefish comes to the Anaheim Marriott from Portland, Oregon where he was most recently Area Sales Leader for Marriott International in the Western Mountain Pacific Region. His 16- year career with Marriott has included a previous stint at the Anaheim Marriott as a Senior Account Executive from 2006 to 2010. Other positions include regional sales office positions for Marriott throughout California, with a specialty in large group and convention s...
Leslie Hospitality’s sale of Waterloo’s Ramada Hotel and Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center falls apart?
October 14, 2018
Oct. 14--WATERLOO -- Leslie Hospitality is no longer running the Ramada Hotel and Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center it was previously planning to buy and renovate. Leslie Hospitality president Edwin Leslie and hotel owner Luke Castrogiovanni both confirmed Friday the hotel and city-owned convention center are back under Castrogiovanni's control. Castrogiovanni said the purchase and management agreements he had with Omaha, Neb.-based Leslie Hospitality have been terminated and he was working to restore relationships with Ramada corporate and other vendors. "Things have not worked out as planned," he said. "(Lesl...
St. Augustine industry leaders: Hospitality hiring just getting tougher
October 13, 2018
Oct. 13--A booming economy and growing tourism industry have left St. Augustine in an enviable position but also with a labor shortage in the hospitality industry. The businesses that serve the estimated 6 million tourists who visit St. Johns County every year are having trouble finding and keeping workers. There is no scarcity of jobs as the county's unemployment has hovered around 3 percent recently. And even the state as a whole is seeing nearly full employment with a jobless rate of 3.7 percent in August. Despite the disruption of hurricanes each of the last few years, tourism continues to grow statewide with an estimated 65.5 m...
Northern Quest Resort & Casino anticipates adding 150 to 250 hotel rooms in future
October 13, 2018
Oct. 13--Northern Quest Resort & Casino just wrapped up $30 million worth of new construction to expand entertainment options for families. Next on the agenda: More hotel rooms for the Airway Heights casino. Based on occupancy rates at the existing 250-room hotel, Northern Quest anticipates adding 150 to 250 rooms in the future, said Brandon Haugen, general manager for Kalispel Development. "Our existing hotel has been really successful," he said. "Based on the occupancy rate, we see the demand for more hotel rooms." Northern Quest could either build its own hotel expansion or work with a hotel partner, Haugen sa...
Tourists come for the beach, but don’t stay for much else. Has Miami Beach lost its mojo?
October 12, 2018
Oct. 12--Ricky Arriola remembers 1990s Miami Beach in shades of pulsing neon and "Miami Vice" pastels. Tourists shared sidewalks with European models and fashion titans. Nightlife was so hot that Mickey Rourke, Prince and Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood opened their own clubs. But not anymore. The models and fashion industry are gone, ousted by rising rents and stricter permitting. Many clubs have fled across the bridge. Only the best-known brands like Nike and Apple can afford shops on Lincoln Road. Ocean Drive has become a rowdy, tourists-only playground with limited appeal for locals. "We rested on our laurels for to...
What city would walk away from a $100 million business windfall? Anaheim.
October 12, 2018
Oct. 12--Anaheim has essentially rejected a no-money-down, debt-free deal that would have put $100 million in city coffers, risk-free, for two decades ... then had its take more than double into perpetuity. You know the regional economy is humming when city leaders can proudly walk away from a public-private partnership -- with a sense of pride, no less -- claiming they probably could've gotten a better deal. Meanwhile, these civic leaders seem annoyed that in a supposedly "win-win" deal their partner gets to make money, too. Look, I'm no fan of many government-incentivized real estate developments or similar enticemen...
Conde Nast Traveler Readers Chose Best U.S. Hotels for 2018. Here’s what it Costs to Stay in the Top 10
October 11, 2018
Oct. 12--Conde Nast Traveler readers picked the best hotels in the U.S., giving the top spot to the historic and recently reopened Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. The results of 429,000 traveler surveys were released Tuesday. One California hotel made the Readers' Choice Awards top 10 list: the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills How affordable are these favorite places to stay? It depends on your travel budget and when you visit. Some may be within reach; others will always be a splurge. Here's what the top 10 will set you back if you want to visit over Veterans Day, which falls on Nov. 11 and is observed on Nov. 12 this year. 1. Sagamore...
Travel and Hospitality Marketing Budgets for 2019: 4 Trends to Watch
Michael Del Gigante | October 11, 2018
By Michael Del Gigante As you dive into 2019 budgeting, what trends should you be thinking about? Which approaches, platforms, and tools should be top of mind for travel and hospitality marketers? The team at MDG Advertising recently analyzed a host of recent analyst reports and industry surveys to find out. What came from that deep dive are these four key trends trends that every travel and hospitality firm should be watching closely in the year ahead: 1. The Power of Search When it comes to travel and hospitality marketing, search has become the digital workhorse. Newer channels may get more buzz, but it's search that continues to mo...
Horizontal Hotel Technology vs. Best of Breed in Emerging Markets – What Is the Best Approach?
Binu Mathews | October 11, 2018
By Binu Mathews The hotel Industry is constantly evolving. This evolution is being driven by the never-ending changes in consumer demand. A hotelier needs to accommodate today's pace of change and create a memorable guest experience. Thus, it becomes essential to support hotel operations with the introduction of technology advancements and innovation so as to keep up with the guest's preferences and choices. Over the years, there have been technological advancements that have defined our industry. Changes regarding the operational aspects of a hotel, changes in the way hotel's market and sell their rooms and changes that now...
Now Available: NextGuest Magazine Issue #4
HEBS Digital | October 11, 2018
NextGuest Technologies' fourth magazine issue focuses on all things related to hotel digital marketing, how to reach guests throughout the travel planning journey, and insights into the future of luxury travel. Download now to learn about: The Evolution of Traveling: As global outbound travel booms, the luxury travel sector is embarking on a paramount transformation fueled by changing consumer preferences that will have far-reaching effects in the years to come. How Hotel Managers Can Generate Profits Above and Beyond Owners' Expectations: The economic collapse of nearly ten years ago brought not only havoc to the hospitality ind...
GCC Hotel Development Cost Trends
HVS | October 11, 2018
Analyzing historical trends, the key reason behind escalating costs per key continues to be low in efficiency and utilization of space. Price per sqm of total built up area remains largely the same and therefore it is crucial that any design optimizes the turnover per sqm of built areas. HVS provides an indicative reasonable range of BUA per asset type. Hotel Development Cost Source: HVS Research With the exception of Budget & Midscale Hotels which focus on efficient & flexible design, development cost per key for all other hotel classes have increased between 10%-20% since 2013, resulting in lower project returns. We consider ...
Kokua Hospitality Appoints Joey Oliva as New Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Kokua Hospitality, LLC | October 11, 2018
(SAN FRANCISCO; October 11, 2018) – Kokua Hospitality, LLC, an independent hotel management company based in San Francisco, announces the appointment of Joey Oliva as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. As Kokua's dedicated expansion throughout the West Coast and Hawaii continues, the company is proud to add more expert talent to its corporate team. Over the last 30 years, Oliva has developed experience with larger hotel groups – such as InterContinental Hotels Group, where she specialized in working with Kimpton Hotels, and Starwood – and boutique, independent hotel teams such as Larkspur Hotels and, most recently,...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Lynn Griffith as Vice President of Human Resources
Dream Hotel Group | October 11, 2018
NEW YORK, NY (October 11, 2018) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Lynn Griffith as Vice President of Human Resources. In this role, Griffith is responsible for developing, delivering and promoting best practices in human resource management for Dream Hotel Group and its portfolio of lifestyle brands: Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels. "Dream Hotel Group is rapidly expanding with new and existing locations worldwide. Bringing on board Lynn's tactical and strategic human resource skills will help us meet our company's growing demand to...
BENCHMARK® Appoints Jason W. Jonilonis Executive Chef for the Doug Pitcock ‘49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center
October 11, 2018
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, October 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Jason W. Jonilonis executive chef for the Doug Pitcock '49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in College Station, Texas. Greg Stafford, general manager, made the announcement. "I am very pleased to welcome Jason to our newly opened property," said Mr. Stafford. "He brings extensive culinary knowledge and gifts to his new position with us, in addition to strong leadership skills. He also brings to us a keen understanding of Benchmark's signature 'Be The Difference' service ...
Are Loyalty Programs the Most Effective Way to Drive Bookings in 2018?
Vertical Booking | October 11, 2018
By Mark Lewis-Brown, CEO & President at Vertical Booking USA Do you remember, back in the day, when customers booked with certain hotels because they were loyal to the brand or because they just wanted to earn points? (I'm showing my age here!) Most hotels do too, which is why loyalty programs have been such a priority for hotel marketers - who have been relying on these programs to increase customer loyalty, boost direct bookings and create long-standing relationships with guests - in the past decade (give or take a few years). Unfortunately, those days are LONG gone. An article by Google offered a great deal of insight into the w...
The Blackburn Inn, Staunton, Virginia’s Newest Boutique Hotel, Appoints Lacy Peterson as New General Manager
The Blackburn Inn | October 11, 2018
STAUNTON, VA (October 11, 2018) – The Blackburn Inn, a boutique hotel in the historic Downtown Staunton neighborhood, recently announced a new addition to its property team. The Blackburn Inn welcomes Lacy Peterson as its new General Manager; she will lead the day-to-day operations of the 49-room luxury boutique hotel to ensure a unique travel experience for each guest. Peterson is a Wyoming native who brings more than 15 years of experience as a hospitality professional to The Blackburn Inn. Peterson has contributed to the success of properties spanning Wyoming and Virginia. Peterson earned a Business Management degree from the U...
La Quinta Resort & Club Appoints Christina Cabrera as Director of Spa & Fitness
La Quinta Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort | October 11, 2018
LA QUINTA, California (October 11, 2018) – La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort announces the appointment of Christina Cabrera as Director of Spa and Fitness. The original desert hideaway and longtime favorite escape of the Hollywood elite, La Quinta Resort & Club offers a holistic wellness experience beginning at the 23,000 square-foot Spa La Quinta and state-of-the-art fitness center. Cabrera will oversee operations and programming at Spa La Quinta, including spa menu development, product selection and the creation of seasonal promotions. Cabrera will also manage the resort's extensive fitness program that i...
Union Investment Acquires 304-Room Dual-Branded Hyatt House and Hyatt Place in Charleston, South Carolina
Union Investment | October 11, 2018
Union Investment has acquired a further hotel property in the US. Opened in 2015, the property is located on King Street in the historical city centre of Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States. The property comprises a modern Hyatt House apartment-style hotel, designed for extended-stay guests, and a Hyatt Place hotel, a brand in the premium segment. The two brands offer 304 rooms in total. The vendor of the property is Regent/BN Charleston Holdings LLC. The hotels are leased for 30 years to the operator, the Pyramid Hotel Group. The purchase price is not disclosed. Union Investment ...
Radisson Hotel Group Partners With Bayaweaver for New Radisson RED in Noida, India
Radisson Hotel Group | October 11, 2018
Radisson Hotel Group has recently signed on management rights for a new Radisson RED hotel at a marquee location in Noida. With 350 keys, positioned strategically adjoining Noida expressway, the hotel is poised to be a leading Radisson RED hotel for the group globally and furthers the company's strategy of developing large scale hotels in India. Crowning a major upcoming mixed-use development project by Bayaweaver called 'Oh My God' (OMG), Radisson RED Noida Expressway is strategically located in Sector 129, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Led by world class consultants, the OMG project will be at the cutting edge of design and will consti...
Driftwood Acquisitions & Development to Introduce Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake of the Ozarks
Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake of the Ozarks | October 11, 2018
Osage Beach, Mo. – October 11, 2018 – New details were revealed today surrounding the introduction of a Margaritaville Resort to the shores of Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Mo. This new lakeside retreat, the first of its kind for Margaritaville, will feature renovated guestrooms, an exterior refresh and several new dining concepts. Upon completion of a phased renovation program in spring 2019, the property will be named Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake of the Ozarks. "Margaritaville's relaxing, laid-back vibe fits in perfectly here at Lake of the Ozarks and complements the unique charm of Osage Beach," said Fred Dehner,...
BBMK Contracting Hires Construction Management Team From CVC Hospitality Inc.
BBMK Contracting and Blue Team Restoration | October 11, 2018
BOCA RATON, Fla., October 11, 2018 - BBMK Contracting, a national general contractor - and Blue Team Restoration, the commercial property restoration arm of BBMK, has hired on the construction management team from CVC Hospitality Inc., a Florida-based hotel renovation company. Bryan Meklir, president and CEO of BBMK Contracting made the announcement. Effective September 24th, team members from CVC Hospitality joined the BBMK team, bringing the total number of construction management employees to over 100. The former CVC employees will move into the BBMK offices. "We are pleased to announce our recent joining of forces with the CVC team ...
Avison Young Hospitality Group Discusses Recent Contracts
Avison Young | October 11, 2018
ATLANTA – October 11, 2018 – Avison Young Hospitality Group announced today that it has contracted on 12 separate hotel sales over the past several weeks. The properties include three full-service Marriott hotels. The sales also include seven select service hotels that include, three Marriott-branded assets, three Hilton-branded assets, and one Hyatt-branded asset. In addition, the firm has contracted for a historic hotel on the New England coast and a resort hotel and golf course in the north central US. In addition to the recently contracted hotels, the firm is running a call for offer process on 15 other assets within the...
