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
IHG and NOVUM Hospitality Sign Agreement That Doubles Presence in Germany, Launches Holiday Inn – the niu Collaboration, and Debuts Garner and Candl
IHG | April 15, 2024
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and NOVUM Hospitality announce a long-term agreement that will double IHG’s presence in Germany to more than 200 hotels in almost 100 cities through an exciting Holiday Inn – the niu brand collaboration and European debuts for IHG’s Garner and Candlewood Suites brands. The agreement with NOVUM Hospitality, one of Germany’s largest private hotel operators, owned by David Etmenan, will make IHG one of the leading players in midscale and upper midscale, and includes the following key elements: Up to 108 NOVUM Hospitality open hotels (15,334 rooms) and 11 hotels under development (2,369 rooms)...
Aligned Hospitality Management Expands Portfolio With The M Solvang in California...
Aligned Hospitality Management | April 15, 2024
PHOENIX, AZ — April 15, 2024 — Aligned Hospitality Management, a leading third-party hotel management company, continues its impressive growth by adding The M Solvang to its esteemed portfolio. This marks the company's 25th property and its inaugural venture into the diverse California market. In recent years, Aligned Hospitality Management’s remarkable expansion has been marked by strategic acquisitions and diversification into new markets. The M Solvang joins a prestigious lineup of boutique properties in Aligned’s portfolio, including The Tuxon in Tucson, AZ, The Alice in Tucson, AZ, and The Sedona Collection in Sedona, AZ....
AHLA Rallies Industry in Support of Hotel Tax Relief...
AHLA | April 15, 2024
WASHINGTON (April 15, 2024) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today is leading an industry-wide Tax Day of Action in support of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, H.R. 7024. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act would extend critical tax relief for hotels that would incentivize new investments in properties and employee hiring and help keep hoteliers competitive at a time of economic uncertainty. The bill passed the House in January with a broad, bipartisan vote and is currently pending in the Senate. The Tax Day of Action membership mobilization push complements AHLA’s consi...
Cloudbeds Observes Shift Towards Longer Stays...
Cloudbeds | April 15, 2024
Hospitality management platform Cloudbeds has observed a moderate (1%) uptick in medium-term stays globally in 2023, accompanied by a slight decline of 2% in short stays. The findings come from Cloudbeds’ 2024 ‘State of Independent Lodging Report’, which suggests the surge in three to four-night stays may be an indication of the rising popularity of “bleisure” or blended travel, as more travellers take advantage of the flexibility of remote work to extend their stays. The technology provider says the return of international tourism could also play a role in the shift towards longer stays, as inbound tourists tend to stay longer ...
Hospitality Financial Leadership: The Top 10 Cash Controls...
David Lund | April 15, 2024
By David Lund Cash is King. That’s an old expression but it’s also one that still rings true today. Everyone likes cash even if we don’t carry so much with us personally anymore. It’s important to recognize that some people will help themselves to your cash if you let them. That might sound extremely clinical and you’re right it is, but it’s also a fact. The only way to minimize your risk is to have a set of controls in place to keep honest people honest and the less than trusty, on their back foot. That’s what this piece is all about – keeping more of what’s yours and making sure it’s properly controlled. Cash contr...
Grant Hart Promoted to Director of Sales at Fenway Hotel in Florida...
Fenway Hotel | April 15, 2024
DUNEDIN, Fla. (April 15, 2024) – Mainsail Lodging & Development is thrilled to announce the promotion of Grant Hart to Director of Sales at the company’s historic Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, Florida. As Fenway’s Director of Sales, Hart will handle training and supervision of the sales and event planning team to generate and execute meeting business in the corporate, government, sports, and social market segments. Hart’s promotion marks an exciting new chapter for Fenway and highlights Mainsail’s commitment to fostering talent and driving excellence within the industry. “We’re thrilled to see Grant continue her success ...
Tourism Tidbits: Travel Ethical Review...
Dr. Peter Tarlow | April 12, 2024
By Dr. Peter Tarlow It is not an exaggeration to state that the twenty-first century’s third decade has been one of challenges both for the tourism industry and for nations around the world. Security and safety issues, mixed with issues around energy, ecology, and sustainability have and will continue to play major roles in in the development of travel and tourism. These challenges do not pertain solely to the tourism and travel industry. The travel and tourism industries, however, are to a great extent dependent on disposable income. For example, when nations around the world face difficult economic hurdles these economic pro...
Redefining Business Mobility: Insights Into Travel and Office Trends for 2024...
Charles Oswald | April 12, 2024
By Charles Oswald During his recent conversation with Ryan Embree for the Hospitality Trailblazers series on the Suite Spot podcast, President and CEO Charles E. Oswald talked through his trends and predictions for 2024. Here, Charles expands on those thoughts. In the ever-evolving business travel landscape, we observe significant shifts in market trends. Currently, there’s a general softening in leisure travel trends coupled with an improvement in business travel. These changes are critical as we adapt and strategize for the future. Key indicators that are paramount in our analysis include Office Utilization trends and Air Traf...
HITEC Announces Compelling Charlotte Headliner Sessions Schedule...
HFTP | April 12, 2024
Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) is stepping into its next era with three transformative Headliner Sessions in the form of Dr. Bryan K. Williams, Glenn Haussman, Anthony Melchiorri and another exciting installment of E20X. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), HITEC Charlotte will take place from June 24-27 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina USA. “In a rapidly evolving industry like hospitality technology, the right keynote speakers aren't just voices on stage — they're the architects of our collective future,” says HFTP CEO Frank W...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending 6 April...
CoStar Group | April 12, 2024
WASHINGTON – 12 April 2024 – U.S. hotel performance showed mixed results from the previous week but positive comparisons year over year, according to CoStar’s latest data through 6 April. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 31 March through 6 April 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 64.1% (+4.7%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$156.96 (+2.1%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$100.59 (+6.9%) Among the Top 25 Markets, Philadelphia reported the largest year-over-year occupancy lift (+17.5% to 66.1%) and t...
Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada Debuts in the Caribbean...
IHG | April 12, 2024
LA SAGESSE, Grenada – April 12, 2024 – This week marks the much-anticipated opening of Six Senses La Sagesse, the brand’s debut resort in the Caribbean. With a pride of place beachfront setting, verdant rolling hills and spacious accommodation, the resort’s location offers effortless access to Grenada’s shimmering reefs and mystical rainforests. The island’s incredible natural beauty and soul-connecting cultural experiences provide the perfect backdrop for a journey of discovery, rejuvenation and celebration. Thomas Fehlbier, General Manager, says: “Grenada is divided into six parishes, and La Sagesse, which is in the South...
Why Time Is the New Currency...
Audrey Hall | April 12, 2024
By Audrey Hall “Time is money” is an often-repeated phrase attributed to Benjamin Franklin. When the aphorism was written, Franklin was pointing out that time spent not working was time not making money. Fast forward to today’s society and the value, or currency, no longer comes from the time spent working to achieve results, but on the time saved. When interacting with customers, the focus is no longer on spending more time working, but on being more efficient with time. In the context of the hospitality industry, by giving time back to guests, hotels not only extend value but increase loyalty with their customer base. The ...
Oetker Collection Appoints Jean-Marie Le Gall as General Manager of The Woodward, Geneva...
THE WOODWARD | April 12, 2024
With over 30 years of hospitality experience across Europe, Jean-Marie Le Gall takes the helm of The Wooward, Oetker Collection’s Masterpiece Hotel in Geneva Oetker Collection is pleased to announce that Jean-Marie Le Gall has been appointed General Manager of The Woodward in Geneva. He commenced his role on April 3rd 2024. A highly respected hotelier with exemplary leadership skills, in Le Gall’s most recent role as General Manager for Hotel Fouquet's Paris, he demonstrated an ability to deliver outstanding results inclusive of taking on the responsibility of Acting General Manager for the opening of the hotel brand’s New York...
Three Waters Resort & Marina, a Tribute Portfolio Resort Set for Fall 2024 Opening in the Florida Keys...
Pivot | April 12, 2024
Islamorada, Florida, April 12, 2024 – Three Waters Resort & Marina, a Tribute Portfolio Resort in the Florida Keys, will open its doors in Fall 2024. This new upscale resort will elevate the guest experience and become the crown jewel for the Islamorada Resort Collection, which also includes the beloved Amara Cay Resort and La Siesta Resort & Villas. Offering an energizing escape in the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” Three Waters Resort & Marina spans 15 acres of oceanfront property and will feature 214 chic, island-inspired guest rooms, nine distinct new dining concepts, and a wide variety of authentic and upscale ex...
Crestline Selected to Manage the Kimpton Alton Hotel Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco...
the Kimpton Alton Hotel Fisherman's Wharf | April 12, 2024
An Iconic Hotel with Waterfront Views, Vintage Charm, & the Award-Winning ABACÁ Restaurant & Bar FAIRFAX, VA – April 12, 2024 Crestline Hotels & Resorts, LLC (“Crestline”) announced it has been selected to manage the 248 guest room Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. The luxe hotel offers guests a new perspective on comfort with an unpretentious yet upscale atmosphere that complements the vibe of Fisherman’s Wharf. The welcoming Living Room features sophisticated furnishings rooted in the 1970s San Francisco counterculture movement. The Kimpton Alton Hotel is home to ABACÁ, recognized...
The MRS Group of Hotels Welcomes Sameer Mehra as Chief Commercial Officer...
April 12, 2024
National, 12 April, 2024: The MRS Group of Hotels that owns and operates a distinct collection of boutique hotels across Rajasthan & Uttarakhand, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Sameer Mehra as Chief Commercial Officer. This significant move underscores the group's dedication to accelerating its growth and solidifying its presence in the hospitality industry. With a distinguished career at leading hospitality brands such as The Oberoi Group, Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, and most recently, Standard International in Thailand, Mr. Mehra is set to lead the group's strategic growth and commercial operations. ...
SH Hotels & Resorts Appoints Leadership Across 1 Hotels & Treehouse Hotels...
SH Hotels & Resorts | April 12, 2024
MIAMI, FL (April 12, 2024) – SH Hotels & Resorts, the hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels, and Treehouse Hotels, is pleased to announce the appointment of several leaders to key roles across the company. These seasoned hospitality veterans are set to spearhead operations at established 1 Hotel properties spanning North America and Treehouse Silicon Valley opening this year, as well as European locations including Treehouse Manchester, also opening this year, and 1 Hotel Copenhagen. “We are thrilled to bring in and elevate these extraordinary professionals as we continue to rapidly expand across ...
Investing in Wellness Tourism: A Good Strategic Move for Hotels...
Angelina Chang | April 12, 2024
By Angelina Chang In recent years, the hospitality industry has witnessed a significant shift towards prioritizing wellness tourism. This movement reflects a global trend towards slower living and self-care, highlighting the importance of holistic health for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Wellness is defined by the “Global Wellness Institute” (GWI) as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that leads to a state of holistic health.” As hotels navigate this evolving landscape, investing in wellness tourism emerges not only as a lucrative business strategy but also as a commitment to community well-being ...
Minor Hotels and The Cavaleros Group Sign Hotel Agreement to Debut South Africa’s First NH Collection...
Minor Hotels | April 11, 2024
Dubai, April 9, 2024: Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator and investor with more than 540 hotels in 56 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas, is pleased to announce the signing of a strategic partnership with The Cavaleros Group to manage a hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. The signing represents the upcoming debut of Minor Hotels’ NH Collection brand on the African continent. From July 1st 2024, the group will manage the hotel in Sandton, the financial district of South Africa’s largest city. The 329-key property will first operate as NH Sandton and sub...
Erik Davenport Joins Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh as Director of Sales and Marketing...
Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh | April 11, 2024
Dallas, TX – (April 11, 2024) – Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh welcomes Erik Davenport as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. Davenport joins The Stoneleigh after leading sales and marketing teams at top hotels and resorts across Dallas-Fort Worth and the region. “Trust in associates,” Davenport said when asked to describe the best approach for hospitality teams. “Trusting people to get their work done even though it may be a different way than I do it is key,” he added. A military brat who has lived many places, Davenport was excited to finally call DFW home. While pursuing his degree in Hospitality Managemen...
First Hospitality Appoints Matt Schuster as Chief Financial Officer...
First Hospitality | April 11, 2024
CHICAGO, IL (April 11, 2024) First Hospitality, a national hotel operating, management, and development company, announces the appointment of Matt Schuster as chief financial officer. Schuster brings a wealth of expertise in hospitality finance and investment to this position. Schuster will report to David Duncan, president & CEO, and will lead the company’s financial services functions including all financial reporting, treasury operations, corporate financial planning, and analysis. Schuster will play a critical role in further developing long-term strategy and execution. “Matt’s knowledge and background in hotel real esta...
Raines Adds Cambria Charleston Riverview to Management Portfolio...
Raines | April 11, 2024
FLORENCE, SC — April 11, 2024 — Raines, a leading hospitality management, development, and investment organization, has added the Cambria Charleston Riverview to its management portfolio. This 126-room property strengthens Raines' foothold in the Charleston market as the company’s seventh hotel in the local area and kicks off its partnership with the hotel’s owner, RREAF Holdings. “For a variety of reasons, we’ve decided to partner with Raines on this property,” said Kip Sowden, chairman and CEO of RREAF Holdings. “The Raines team sets itself apart with its deep understanding of the Charleston market, the personalized...
Sunstone Hotel Investors To Acquire Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk for $230 Million...
Sunstone Hotel Investors | April 11, 2024
ALISO VIEJO, Calif., April 11, 2024 -- Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the "Company" or "Sunstone") (NYSE: SHO) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation to acquire the fee-simple interest in the 630-room Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk (the "Hotel"). The exceptionally well-located Hotel is situated directly between San Antonio's famous Riverwalk and the Alamo, the two most visited tourist sites in Texas. The acquisition includes nearly two acres of riverfront land and a 516-space parking garage, located adjacent to the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum which is currently ...
This Customer Could Ruin Your Business...
Shep Hyken | April 11, 2024
By Shep Hyken What if I told you that a satisfied customer could ruin your business? Most people think satisfied customers are happy and will come back. At least, it appears that way. Many years ago, I used to begin my customer service keynote speeches with a question: By a show of hands, how many of you believe it’s important to satisfy your customers? As you might imagine, just about everyone raised their hand. Then, I shared the findings from a study by Vanderbilt University professors Anthony J. Zohorik and Roland T. Rust. They found that up to 40% of satisfied customers don’t come back – even though they a...
