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
It’s Time to Eliminate Generationalism in the Hotel Workplace: Myth of Generational Differences Has Been Busted by Research
Doug Kennedy | April 8, 2024
By Doug Kennedy As my frequent readers know, I have been bemoaning the myths that are thrown out as facts at conferences, podcasts, and in books and blogs that, at best, mislead hospitality leaders and at worst, lead to discrimination based on birth year. Generationism is harmful, just like racism and sexism. Worse yet, many of those spewing these falsehoods are making a handsome profit by doing so. Seems like just about every conference I speak at lately has another high-paid keynote speaker addressing some topic related to what “Gen Z” or “Millennials” want out of work, life, and what they are looking for in a hotel workplace....
Radisson Hotel Group’s Luxury Lifestyle Brand Radisson Collection Arrives in India With First Opening in Srinagar
Radisson Hotel Group | April 4, 2024
Brussels / New Delhi - 4 April 2024 - Radisson Hotel Group is delighted to announce the grand debut of its luxury lifestyle brand, Radisson Collection in India with the opening of Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar. Nested on the banks of River Jhelum, the hotel derives its design inspiration from Kashmir’s heritage, culture, and art. The hotel exudes the true spirit of Kashmir combining landmark architecture, elegant interiors, exceptional gastronomic and cultural experiences, personalized service, and luxurious amenities. With this opening, Radisson Hotel Group has further solidified its presence in Jammu and Kashm...
Hilton Signs With SunnyRaj Properties to Develop Conrad Jaipur
Hilton | April 4, 2024
This marks India’s third Conrad Hotels & Resorts property and Hilton’s second luxury offering in Jaipur after Waldorf Astoria NATIONAL, India - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced the signing of Conrad Jaipur, marking the debut of Conrad Hotels & Resorts in the iconic “pink city” of India. The new 246-key hotel will be developed in collaboration with SunnyRaj Properties Pvt Ltd, and is slated to open in 2027. This milestone solidifies Hilton's commitment to expand its luxury portfolio in the country, adding to Conrad properties in Pune and Bengaluru, and following the signing of India's first Waldorf Astoria in Jaipur last y...
SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge Debuts on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula
SCP Hotels | April 4, 2024
Corcovado, Costa Rica (April 3, 2024) – Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good and the environment, today announced the grand opening of SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge (CWL). CWL uniquely sits at the intersection of two thriving ecosystems: Corcovado National Park, which is known as the world’s most biologically intense terrestrial ecosystem, and the Isla del Caño Biologic Reserve, a vibrant marine ecosystem. The all-inclusive 189-acre private reserve is 100% off the grid, offering a blend of environmentally conscious accommodations, local and sustainably sour...
Travel & Tourism Set to Break All Records in 2024, Reveals WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council | April 4, 2024
Global GDP impact predicted to exceed $11 trillion in 2024 Unprecedented job numbers expected in the sector New York, U.S.: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is projecting a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in 2024, with the sector’s global economic contribution set to reach an all-time high of $11.1 trillion. According to the global tourism body’s 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR), Travel & Tourism will contribute an additional $770BN over its previous record, stamping its authority as a global economic powerhouse, generating one in every 10 dollars worldwide. As the global sector soars past its ...
U.S. hotel results for week ending 30 March
CoStar Group | April 4, 2024
WASHINGTON – 4 April 2024 – As expected ahead of the Easter holiday, U.S. hotel performance decreased from the previous week, according to CoStar’s latest data through 30 March. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 24-30 March 2024 (percentage change from comparable week in 2023): Occupancy: 62.3% (-5.6%) Average daily rate (ADR): US$157.14 (-0.7%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$97.83 (-6.3%) Among the Top 25 Markets, New York City reported the largest year-over-year increases in each of the three key performance metrics: occu...
Regent Santa Monica Beach Set for Summer Opening in California
Regent Hotels & Resorts | April 4, 2024
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (April 4, 2024) – Regent Santa Monica Beach, the premier destination resort located on the nation’s most celebrated beach, is set to debut this summer. Steps from the legendary Santa Monica Pier, this highly anticipated opening will also represent the first destination in the Americas for the reimagined Regent Hotels & Resorts brand, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Set along the sought-after California coastline, Regent Santa Monica Beach will deliver inspired stays through a blend of timeless elegance and thoughtful luxury, capturing the unique allure of Santa Monica. Imp...
“No” Is an Easy Answer
Shep Hyken | April 4, 2024
By Shep Hyken If a customer asks you to do something you haven’t done before, “No” is an easy answer. Why? Because… We don’t do that. We’ve never done that. We don’t carry that product. That’s not our policy. And more reasons – or excuses – like these. Recently, I was the keynote speaker at a conference, and the CEO, who spoke just before me, teed up my presentation perfectly when he talked about going the extra mile. His approach to this concept was realistic. He said, “No one will be able to go the extra mile every time.” He emphasized that unless the customer has some kind of emerg...
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek Names Mallory Goldstein as Director of Food & Beverage Outlets
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | April 4, 2024
ORLANDO, Fla. (April 4, 2024) – Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek has named Mallory Goldstein as Director of Food & Beverage Outlets, overseeing the five distinct dining outlets at the AAA Four Diamond resort. “Mallory has demonstrated her ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver outstanding results,” said General Manager Cathy Zucker. “Her strategic mindset and hands-on approach are sure to further enhance and elevate the overall guest experience.” Having spent more than a decade in leadership roles within the hospitality industry, Goldstein has honed her expertise at Westgate Resorts, Hyatt Hotels & Reso...
Trinity Investments, Funds Managed by Oaktree Capital Management, and Funds Managed by UBS Asset Management Acquire Park Hyatt Zurich
Trinity Investments | April 4, 2024
The acquisition marks Trinity’s entry into Europe and extends relationships among the three firms LONDON--A joint partnership among Trinity Investments (“Trinity”), funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management (“Oaktree”), and funds managed by UBS Asset Management’s Real Estate & Private Markets Multi-Managers business (“UBS AM REPM MM”) has acquired Park Hyatt Zurich, a 138-key luxury hotel with ancillary office and parking elements. The joint partnership purchased the hotel from an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and the hotel will remain branded as Park Hyatt Zurich under a long-term management agreement with...
The Singer Oceanfront Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton Appoints Stuart Levy as General Manager
The Singer Oceanfront Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton | April 4, 2024
SINGER ISLAND, FLA. (April 4, 2024) - A reimagined beach escape, The Singer Oceanfront Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Levy as its new general manager ahead of the property’s forthcoming transformative, multimillion-dollar renovation. A seasoned hospitality leader with a passion for fostering meaningful relationships and driving growth within the hospitality sector, Levy brings decades of experience leading full-service properties to the role. “Since a young age, I have dedicated my career to providing exceptional guest experiences, and I am excited to bring my expertise in hotel mana...
The Future of Hotel Distribution Channels: Seizing Opportunity in Channel Disruption
Jochen de Peuter-Rutten | April 4, 2024
By Jochen de Peuter-Rutten, Youri Sawerschel The hotel distribution channel landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. Online travel agencies (OTAs) that once leveled the playing field for independent properties now dominate, their economic muscle squeezing hotel margins. Metasearch engines commoditize the search experience, making standalone properties indistinguishable. Meanwhile, the growth in alternative lodging threatens hotels' grip on the accommodations sector. Yet within this disruption lies opportunity for savvy hoteliers. Emergent technologies now enable hotels to tailor the guest experience as never before. Strategic partnershi...
2023 European Hotel Transactions
Matthias Hecht | April 4, 2024
By Matthias Hecht, Serena Yang, Gauthier Champlong Introduction High inflation and consequential rises in interest rates had major impacts on investment markets throughout 2023, including slowed hotel transaction activity in Europe. Reaching €10.7 billion overall[1] , total volume was 19% lower than in 2022, which represented the second lowest level of investment in the last decade. There were 6% fewer transactions than in 2022, indicating that the average price per room was also down in 2023. Source: HVS – London Office Total Transaction Volume Chart 1: Total Assets Average Price Per Room 2015-23 Source: HVS ...
Riding the CFO Roundabout: Securing Hospitality’s Financial Leadership Future
Bill Conn | April 4, 2024
By Bill Conn CFOs are on the move. Since 2022, the hospitality sector has witnessed a dramatic shift in its financial leadership environment. Data shows that during the first six months of 2023, 103 CFO (Chief Financial Officer) changes occurred in Fortune 1000 companies.[1] This number represents a 30% increase from the 79 changes in the same period in 2022. From a hospitality perspective, this CFO “carousel” and the high demand in 2023 for CFOs and other finance executives is unlike anything the industry has ever experienced. The demand for top talent has risen across all disciplines, but 2023 was definitely the year of the CFO. Sur...
HFTP’s New HITEC Technology Investment Conference Takes Shape, Co-Located With HITEC 2024
HFTP | April 4, 2024
Austin, Texas (April 4, 2024) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is inviting 200+ participants to its new HITEC Technology Investment Conference, an event designed to provide investors with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality technology landscape and the companies who contribute to it. Scheduled for June 27–28 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the conference will be co-located with the 2024 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) where 325+ companies, from start-ups to established global brands, will present the latest innovative technology solutions to the hospitality ...
U.S. Travel Welcomes Fred Dixon as CEO of Brand USA
U.S. Travel Association | April 4, 2024
WASHINGTON (April 3, 2024)—U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the announcement of Fred Dixon as incoming president and chief executive officer of Brand USA, America’s travel marketing organization: “Fred Dixon is a world-class destination marketing professional with a keen eye for talent and successful marketing strategies. His 20-plus year experience in New York City and focus on metrics, accountability and achieving ambitious goals are critical attributes as Brand USA writes its next chapter. “Fred’s deep relationships across the business community and throughout the tr...
St. Louis Leads in Growth for Meetings Madness in March, According to Knowland Data
KNOWLAND | April 4, 2024
An early Easter and the accompanying spring breaks bring a decrease of 8.1 percent in March meetings ARLINGTON, Va. — April 4, 2024 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, reported that the St. Louis, Mo.-Ill. market led the top 25 markets in March for meetings and events growth with 24.3 percent year-over-year growth. Las Vegas came in second with 20.9 percent growth. National Association and Education groups led in four of the five top markets. This data is sourced from Knowland’s sales intelligence platform and designed to help hoteliers protect and grow th...
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa Appoints Ben Ly as New General Manager
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa | April 3, 2024
DANA POINT, CALIF. (April 3, 2024) – Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, a picturesque resort on the California coastline and Dana Point Harbor, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Ly as the new General Manager of the AAA Four Star property, set high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A 20-year veteran with Hilton Hotels, Ly brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Laguna Cliffs, managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the world’s leading global hospitality management company. Through his two decades in the industry, Ly has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a profound understanding of luxury hospital...
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa Appoints Andre Blasczak as Executive Chef
Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa | April 3, 2024
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – (April 3, 2024) – The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa proudly announces the appointment of Andre Blasczak as the new Executive Chef. Blasczak brings over two decades of culinary expertise to the acclaimed resort, promising an innovative and elevated dining experience for all guests. With an illustrious career spanning prestigious establishments globally, Blasczak is renowned for his culinary creativity and commitment to excellence. Blasczak’s passion for hospitality and fine dining began as a child when his family owned and operated a hotel in his native country of Brazil. His love...
Accor Signs With EBU Estate Developers for New Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle in India
Accor | April 3, 2024
Jaipur, India – April 3rd, 2024 - Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, is proud to announce the signing of a partnership agreement with EBU Estate Developers Private Limited for the development of a Sofitel hotel in India, the Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle. This new-build luxury hotel is scheduled to open its doors in 2028 and promises to redefine hospitality in the vibrant city of Jaipur. Strategically located at Jaipur’s Jawahar Circle, the hotel will feature 275 exquisitely designed and spacious rooms, each offering the utmost comfort for guests. Joining Sofitel, the only French luxury hotel brand with a truly international foo...
ONYX Hospitality Group Expands Shama Portfolio With Signing of Shama Rayong
ONYX Hospitality Group | April 3, 2024
London - 3 April 2024 - ONYX Hospitality Group, the leading hospitality management company, is delighted to announce the expansion of its renowned Shama brand with the launch of Shama Rayong, capitalising on the demand for serviced apartments. The signing ceremony took place on 1st April 2024 at Amari Bangkok, with the new property expected to welcome its first guests from Q1 2026. Shama Rayong marks a significant milestone for the brand and expanding its footprint in Thailand. The company recognises the increasing demand for serviced apartments, particularly in the post-pandemic era, and is confident that this new addition will be a w...
World of Hyatt Expands in Oklahoma City With Fordson Hotel, Now Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | April 3, 2024
The history infused Fordson Hotel marks The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand’s first foray into the Sooner State CHICAGO (April 3, 2024) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today that Fordson Hotel, an industrial revolution-inspired property nestled in Oklahoma City’s emerging West Village District, has officially joined World of Hyatt and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. Owned by Hall Capital and managed by Avion Hospitality, Fordson Hotel is housed in the former Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, which dates back more than a century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property brings ...
Hilton Acquires Majority Controlling Interest in Sydell Group to Expand NoMad Hotels Brand Worldwide
Hilton | April 3, 2024
Brand marks Hilton’s debut in fast-growing luxury lifestyle category MCLEAN, Va. and MIAMI – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced it has acquired a majority controlling interest in Sydell Group (“Sydell”) to expand the NoMad Hotels brand from its existing London flagship location to high-end markets around the world. The addition of NoMad to Hilton’s brand portfolio marks the global hospitality leader’s entry into the fast-growing luxury lifestyle hotel market with a meticulously designed brand defined by exceptional food and beverage, interior design and service. Over the last decade, Sydell, led by founder Andrew Zobler, h...
IHG To Open voco Seoul Myeongdong in South Korea Following Rebranding
IHG | April 3, 2024
voco Seoul Myeongdong to welcome guests by the middle of this year Seoul, South Korea – 3 April 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to announce the signing of voco Seoul Myeongdong in partnership with Gravity Asset Management’s Seoul South Gate Hotel Operations Company and Hotel HDC Co., Ltd. The 576-room property will be rebranded as voco – IHG’s fastest growing premium brand – ahead of welcoming guests by the middle of this year. It will be IHG’s second voco property in South Korea, following the successful brand debut of voco Seoul Gangnam in 2022. Offering though...
