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
AAHOA Engages Arkansas Insurance Commissioner to Tackle Insurance Challenges Facing Hoteliers
AAHOA | May 6, 2024
Little Rock, Ar., May 6 – AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) recently hosted a Hospitality Insurance Forum with leaders in Arkansas to address the industry's significant insurance challenges plaguing hoteliers. The forum centered on developing creative strategies to alleviate the burden of insurance premiums, facilitating greater access to insurance resources, and fostering an environment of increased accessibility. To advocate for the interests of its diverse membership base, AAHOA assembled more than 30 hoteliers, all of whom were lifetime members of the association, to provide critical insights and challenges that small b...
Millennials and Their Top Five Expectations in Hotels
Estefania Lozada Pinedo | May 6, 2024
By Estefania Lozada Pinedo The rise of the millennial generation (of which I am one) has led to a significant shift in consumer behavior, especially in the travel and tourism industry. I have noticed that millennials prioritize experiences over material possessions, redefining the parameters of satisfaction and fulfillment. As millennials become the most frequent travelers of our time, the hospitality industry must adapt its offerings to align with their unique preferences. This article explores the top five trends millennials look for when staying in a hotel and what aspects can make a millennial consider your place. Instagrammable S...
Radisson Blu Aruba Announces Return of General Manager, Luigi Wix
Radisson Blu Aruba | May 2, 2024
Palm Beach, Aruba [May 2, 2024] – Radisson Blu Aruba is thrilled to announce the return of Luigi Wix as General Manager. Luigi previously served as the pre-opening and opening General Manager of Radisson Blu Aruba, guiding the resort through its early days of establishment. Under Luigi’s previous tenure, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, playing an integral role in the resort’s mid-pandemic opening, laying a solid foundation for its success. As the resort recently celebrated its third anniversary since opening on April 2, 2021, Luigi’s return signals a new chapter ...
Driftwood Capital Acquires 225-Key Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park
Driftwood Capital | May 2, 2024
DURHAM, NC (May 2, 2024) – Driftwood Capital (“Driftwood”), a vertically integrated commercial hospitality real estate firm, announces the acquisition of the Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park (“Hotel”), a 225-key full-service, upper-upscale hotel located in North Carolina’s prestigious Research Triangle area. Driftwood will carry out an extensive renovation project to enhance numerous features throughout the Hotel. Franklin BSP Realty Trust originated a multimillion, two-year loan with three one-year extension options at a competitive interest rate. "The acquisition of Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle P...
Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu Opens in Kentucky With 130 Guestrooms
Tempo by Hilton | May 2, 2024
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 2, 2024) - - - Designed for the rhythm of life, Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu opens its doors May 1, as the third property to open nationally from Hilton’s new stylish contemporary lifestyle brand. The 130-room hotel echoes the surrounding upbeat NuLu neighborhood with lively settings for social gatherings and events for locals and travelers alike, as well as stylish spaces to rest and recharge. Refuel at the hotel’s two dining options — Moonsong Bar + Café on the first floor and High Stakes Grill, a full-service rooftop restaurant and event space with stellar skyline views. Named one of the 50 best p...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Luxury & Lifestyle Footprint in Saudi Arabia With a New Hotel Indigo Signing
IHG | May 2, 2024
Enabled by the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), the partnership between IHG and Refad will bring a unique hospitality experience to Al Khobar Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 02, 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Refad Real estate investment & development company part of Abdulhadi AlQahtani, sons group Company to bring Hotel Indigo & Residences Al Khobar to Saudi Arabia by September 2027. In line with its commitment to fostering collaboration between its partners, TDF has facilitated the recent signing that will contribute to the...
Sean Olmstead Appointed General Manager for NYC’s Dream Downtown
Dream Downtown | May 2, 2024
NEW YORK, NY (May 2nd, 2024) – Dream Downtown, a lifestyle hotel with a talented staff that knows the ins and outs of New York City, announces the appointment of Sean Olmstead as the new General Manager. With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Olmstead brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles to Dream, focusing on upholding the hotel’s reputation as a premier lifestyle brand, maximizing revenue, and overseeing day-to-day operations. From a young age, Olmstead was passionate about service and hospitality, leading with positivity and looking forward to learning and collaborating with others. “I am th...
AHLA Foundation Hosts Annual ForWard Conference to Advance Women in Hospitality
AHLA Foundation | May 2, 2024
2024 event boasted record attendance CHICAGO (May 2, 2024) – AHLA Foundation hosted nearly 1,000 attendees from across the hotel industry at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place for the annual ForWard conference this week. Over three days, industry leaders gathered to share knowledge and hear from dynamic speakers focused on celebrating, championing, and creating community for women in hospitality. This year’s conference theme, “Right the Narrative,” centered on the power of storytelling and the importance of amplifying the stories and voices of women in the hotel industry. Keynote speakers during the two-day conference...
voco Sarasota Opens Following Official Rebrand and Renovation
IHG Hotels & Resorts | May 2, 2024
2 May 2024 (Sarasota, Fla.): voco hotels – part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies – today announces the official opening of voco Sarasota following a recent rebrand and renovation. The 95-room hotel, managed by Aimbridge Hospitality LLC, marks voco’s second property in the sunshine state. The name, voco, originates from Latin, meaning ‘to invite’ and ‘call together’ – reflecting the brand’s thoughtful, unstuffy and charming nature. Located in the city’s Rosemary District and just steps from downtown, voco Sarasota combines familiar comforts of home with the indulgences of a hotel,...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 27 April
CoStar Group | May 2, 2024
WASHINGTON – 2 May 2024 – As expected with Passover, U.S. hotel performance came in lower than the previous week and comparable period last year, according to CoStar’s latest data through 27 April. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 21-27 April 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 65.7% (-1.2%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$154.44 (-1.3%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$101.42 (-2.5%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Seattle reported the only double-digit increase in occupancy (+15.6% to 74.6%). Detroit,...
Make the Complicated Simple
Shep Hyken | May 2, 2024
By Shep Hyken Earlier this year, I wrote an article about the hard work it takes to make something look easy. I quoted several people from sports, entertainment and business. The gist of the article was that we work hard to make doing business with us easy. Consider the quote I used from Steve Jobs of Apple, who said, “It takes a lot of hard work to make something look simple.” Notice that Jobs’ quote uses the word simple. Sometimes, people confuse simple with easy, and it’s important to recognize the difference between the two words. So, let’s take this concept to the next level. It’s not only about making some...
The Prince Kitano New York Appoints Peter Yeung as General Manager
Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide | May 2, 2024
NEW YORK (May 2, 2024) – The Prince Kitano New York today announces the appointment of Peter Yeung as general manager. Following a multi-year renovation, The Prince Kitano New York officially reopened in December 2023 within the Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts portfolio, marking the first property in the continental U.S. for Japanese hospitality company Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc. In his new role, Peter will oversee day-to-day operations, lead the onsite team to ensure the highest level of service and uphold the property’s decades-long reputation for delivering personalized experiences. Peter joins The Prince Kitano New York ...
Navigating the Future of Extended-Stay Hotels: Opportunities and Challenges
Ned Washburn | May 2, 2024
By Ned Washburn The extended-stay hotel sector has experienced a remarkable evolution over the past decade, emerging as a significant component of the hospitality industry. This growth is driven by a unique blend of benefits for both guests and investors, strategic design elements, and its adaptation to the changing dynamics of travel and work. However, like any burgeoning sector, it faces its own set of challenges and opportunities, particularly in the contexts of economic development, rising costs, and global industry impacts. Extended-stay hotels offer a distinct value proposition to guests, providing a home-like environment with ame...
Host Hotels & Resorts Acquires 1 Hotel Nashville and Embassy Suites By Hilton Nashville Downtown
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS | May 2, 2024
BETHESDA, Md., May 02, 2024 -- Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: HST) (the “Company”), the nation’s largest lodging real estate investment trust, today announced that it has acquired the fee simple interest in a two-hotel complex comprising the 215-room 1 Hotel Nashville and the 506-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown (together, the “Property”) for approximately $530 million in cash. The acquisition price represents a 12.6x EBITDA multiple or a cap rate of approximately 7.4% on the Property’s 2024 estimated results1. The Property is expected to be among Host’s top-25 assets based on estimated full year 2024 ...
Marriott International Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
Marriott International, Inc. | May 2, 2024
First quarter 2024 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR increased 4.2 percent worldwide, 1.5 percent in the U.S. & Canada, and 11.1 percent in international markets, compared to the 2023 first quarter; First quarter reported diluted EPS totaled $1.93, compared to reported diluted EPS of $2.43 in the year-ago quarter. First quarter adjusted diluted EPS totaled $2.13, compared to first quarter 2023 adjusted diluted EPS of $2.09; First quarter reported net income totaled $564 million, compared to reported net income of $757 million in the year-ago quarter. First quarter adjusted net income totaled $620 million, compared to...
NTTO Releases International Travel Statistics for Calendar Year 2023
National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) | May 2, 2024
International Visitor Arrivals of 66.5 million Increased 31% from 2022 Overseas Visitation to Four States/Territories Exceeded Visitation in 2019 Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in Calendar Year 2023: International Visitor Arrivals to the United States in 2023 Total international visitor arrivals1 of 66.5 million in 2023 increased 15.7 million (+31%) from 50.8 million in 2022 to a level 84% of the 79.4 million arrivals in 2019. Annual international arrivals from 2000 to 2023 covering all countries and world regions are available on NTTO's ADIS/I-94 Visitor Arrivals Program p...
2024 ISHC Young Leader Award Presented to Briana Swift at IHIF
ISHC | May 2, 2024
May 2024 - The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) presented the prestigious ISHC Young Leader Award to Briana Swift, Regional Vice President of Development - Northern Europe, Hyatt. Swift joined Hyatt in February 2017 and now acts as Regional Vice President of Development for Northern Europe. With 10 years’ experience in hospitality, Briana is responsible for the growth of Hyatt’s brands throughout DACH, the Nordics and Benelux; her responsibilities span deal sourcing, negotiations, development strategy and portfolio retention. Prior to her...
Rising Star Award Caribbean Presented to Brittany Brathwaite at CHRIS
ISHC | May 2, 2024
Miami, Florida – May 2, 2024 - The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) presented Brittany Brathwaite, Chief People and Development Strategist, Ocean Hotels Group Barbados & Chickmont Foods Ltd, with the prestigious Rising Star Award Caribbean. Brittany Brathwaite is a Regional Labour Policy Advisor; Strategic Human Resources Practitioner and serves as Chief People and Development Strategist with the Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados. She joined the Ocean Hotels group in 2019 and has remained committed to her foundational principles of adding v...
It’s Still a Seller’s Market, But Don’t Get Greedy
Lynn Zwibak | May 2, 2024
By Lynn Zwibak In response to the post-pandemic demand surge and faced with constricted inventory due to labor shortages, rising supply costs, and other challenges, hoteliers pushed their prices back to pre-pandemic levels in record time. It was understandable that hoteliers would push rates - a hotel's goal is to maximize revenue and profit, and they had a lot of missed opportunities to make up for. People were so happy to be traveling again that they paid. Sources predict that hotels' pricing power will remain strong. However, we don't need a pandemic recovery to fall into the trap of overpricing. Why do we do this? Misjudg...
Q1 2024 Major U.S. Hotel Sales Survey
Daniel Lesser | May 2, 2024
By Daniel H. Lesser While the U.S. economy continues to expand and is currently a major driver of global growth, inflation has recently ticked up after falling considerably from a peak of 9.1% nearly two years ago. Many now perceive that in the near term, the U.S. Federal Reserve will not reduce borrowing costs, and some anticipate a resumption of raising rates by early 2025. Unless a severe economic downturn occurs, interest rates are likely to remain relatively elevated for an extended period. A tight labor market and strong household net worth have led to remarkable resilience in U.S. consumer spending as Americans continue to enjoy...
The Top 5 Advantages of AI-First Platforms Over Legacy System Upgrades
Andrew Rubinacci | May 2, 2024
By Andrew Rubinacci, Chief Advisory Officer of FLYR for Hospitality If I had a dollar for every time I heard artificial intelligence or “AI” mentioned over the last year, well, you know the rest of that saying. And much like when you repeat a word so many times, it starts to lose its meaning – the discussions surrounding the blistering proliferation of artificial intelligence technology have begun to lose some of their impact. Working within the realm of hospitality technology, I understand – rather intimately – the transformative effect of digital tools that leverage the power of AI and machine learning (ML). But I am also ...
The Lux Collective Appoints Olivier Chavy as Its Next CEO
The Lux Collective | May 1, 2024
Singapore, May 1, 2024 – The Chairman of The Lux Collective (“TLC”) global luxury hospitality group, Arnaud Lagesse, has announced the appointment of Olivier Chavy as its next Chief Executive Officer. Hailing from France, Olivier Chavy will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and performance of The Lux Collective whilst pursuing its expansion in high potential markets. Olivier will work alongside the board of directors, key executives, general managers and staff of the resorts, to innovate and craft distinctive experiences that will further set the iconic hotel group apart. Chairman Arnaud Lagesse expressed honour i...
Prime Group Opens Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Residence Inn by Marriott | May 1, 2024
CHICAGO – May 1, 2024 – The 289-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile is now open for business. Located at 101 East Erie Street, the all-suite property is owned by The Prime Group, Inc. and managed by Marriott International, Inc. General Manager Tommie Van and Director of Sales Sam Barnett lead the management team at the property. Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile is nestled in the heart of the Mag Mile, offering numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as the vibrant Millennium Park. The picturesque hotel offers guests convenient access to the Art Institut...
Nightcap Management Opens Dual-Branded avid hotels and Candlewood Suites in North Platte, Nebraska
IHG Hotels & Resorts | May 1, 2024
ATLANTA (May 1, 2024) – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced the opening of its first dual-branded avid hotels and Candlewood Suites property in North Platte, Neb., following the prototype’s launch in 2021. Operating under the ownership of Nightcap Management, LLC, avid hotel and Candlewood Suites North Platte marks the first milestone in an exciting growth trajectory for the dual-brand pairing, with more than 40 additional hotels in the pipeline. Other upcoming dual-branded avid hotels and Candlewood Suites openings this year include Fort Payne, Ala., and West Memphis, ...
