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
Bret Chittenden Promoted to President of Expotel Hospitality
March 27, 2024
Metairie, LA, March 27, 2024 – Expotel Hospitality, a prominent full-service third-party hotel management company, announced today that Bret Chittenden, formerly the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, has become its new President. Expotel Hospitality Chairman George Newton made the announcement. Mr. Chittenden has been part of the company since its inception in1999. He also previously worked for the founders of the company George Newton and the late David Burrus. “I want to thank Mr. Newton and late Mr. Burrus for a lifetime of building value in me through conversations and lessons geared both professionally and personally,...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Signs Management Agreement With Samty Corporation to Open voco Hiroshima in 2027
IHG | March 27, 2024
voco Hiroshima will be the second voco hotel in Japan after Osaka The project was approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as a "Private Sector Guided Facilities Development Project The new hotel will offer a premium hotel experience that is anything but ordinary Tokyo, March 27, 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announced that it has signed its first management contract with Samty K.K. to open voco Hiroshima in mid 2027. Part of the urban development next to Hiroshima Station, the 301-room new-build hotel will incorporate a design that will allow visitors to feel the history of the area...
Bob W Expands London Presence With Sixth Aparthotel Near St Paul’s Cathedral
Bob W | March 27, 2024
Helsinki, 27 March 2024 – Bob W, the tech-powered hospitality operator, has today announced the launch of its sixth London opening of a new aparthotel near St Paul’s Cathedral. The new Bob W location is now taking bookings with guests able to stay from early Spring. Spanning across a mid-20th century building on Watling Street and a Neo-Georgian building on Groveland Court, Bob W St Paul’s skillfully blends modern convenience with historic charm. The strategic expansion reinforces Bob W’s commitment to deliver high-quality hospitality, genuine local experiences and sustainable practices. Bob W St Paul’s adds to the company’...
Westgate Resorts Names Longtime Executive Jim Gissy as Chief Executive Officer
WESTGATE RESORTS | March 27, 2024
Company Founder David Siegel to Become Executive Chairman and Continue to Lead Companywide Strategic Direction ORLANDO, Fla. – March 27, 2024 – Westgate Resorts, one of the largest resort developers in the United States, has appointed longtime company executive Jim Gissy as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 5, 2024. Westgate Resorts Founder David Siegel will remain Executive Chairman of the Board & President and will continue to lead all major decision-making of the company. As Westgate’s Chief Executive Officer Gissy is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s operations, sales and marketing. “It’s an...
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Acquires Nomadix and GlobalReach
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions | March 27, 2024
Acquisition boosts access technology capabilities of ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions while providing customers with latest advances in cloud Wi-Fi, satellite, user authentication and digital engagement. Stockholm – March 27, 2024 – ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions has announced that it is acquiring Nomadix, Inc. and GlobalReach in the USA and UK. With both organizations joining ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions, the combination of technology, resources and expertise is set to provide a single trusted source for the latest in security access, user authentication, Wi-Fi software/hardware and analytics. This also includes satellite authentication and di...
Direct Booking Growth Tips for the Back Half of 2024
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | March 27, 2024
By Adam Mogelonsky, Larry Mogelonsky As we’re moving into Q2 2024, the peak summer leisure months will soon be upon us, which often has a tendency to impede new tech deployments. One consummate drive is the great push for a channel shift towards your own website and away from third parties, foremost among them being the OTAs. While we need drivel on about the benefits, we’re all familiar with the boost to net revenues from reduced customer acquisition costs (CAC) as well as the heightened loyalty, ability to segment or remarket and the general trend that the average direct-booking guest spends more onsite. Now, however, with the ris...
Knowland Partners With Thynk to Expand the Hospitality Ecosystem
KNOWLAND | March 27, 2024
Partnership enables hoteliers to gain market insights, expand distribution options, grow guest loyalty, and strengthen meeting and event management ARLINGTON, Va. — March 27, 2024— Knowland, the leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, and Thynk, provider of the next-generation hospitality commercial platform powered by Salesforce, announced today a strategic partnership to connect the hospitality technology ecosystem better. The partnership will integrate data from Thynk's hospitality CRM solution with Knowland’s world-class meetings and events database for Knowland and Thynk customer...
Cloudbeds Urges Independent Hoteliers to Consider New Ways to Hedge Inflation in 2024
Cloudbeds | March 27, 2024
Cloudbeds’ 2024 State of Independent Lodging Report reveals independent hoteliers can no longer rely on average daily rate (ADR) increases to counter high inflation in 2024. The technology provider advises lodging businesses to explore further avenues to boost their bottom line, particularly in food, parking, ancillary fees, and non-refundable rates. Cloudbeds’ findings are grounded in data from 10,000+ independent properties across more than 100 countries worldwide. San Diego, CA – Cloudbeds, the hospitality management platform powering more reservations and happier guests for independent lodging businesses around the gl...
Egypt and the Big 5 Dominate Hotel Development in Africa
the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) | March 26, 2024
LAGOS, Nigeria, March 26, 2024/ -- When it comes to hotel development across Africa in 2024, just five words tell the story, “Egypt and the Big 5”. In this context, “the Big 5” does not refer to Africa’s major wildlife attractions, (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo) but to the global hotel chains – Accor, Hilton, IHG, Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group. This year’s African Hotel Chain Development Pipeline report, widely acknowledged as the industry’s most authoritative source, documenting and analysing the number of hotels being planned and built across the continent, reports a market share of 28% ...
What Technology Is Used in Smart Hotels?
Eva Lacalle | March 26, 2024
By Eva Lacalle Smart hotel technology has evolved to the point where integrating it into every stage of the guest journey is as standard as offering an online check-in. As guest expectations continue to evolve, your hotel must rise to the challenge of surpassing these expectations by seamlessly integrating technology into a comprehensive guest experience. We'll delve deeper into smart hotels, exploring their advantages and the currently available technologies. Staying competitive requires staying abreast of trends, consistently delighting guests, and fostering brand loyalty. What are smart hotels? The term "smart" is now used in ma...
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Appoints Sudhakar Veluru as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Technology Officer
Four Seasons | March 26, 2024
Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sudhakar Veluru as the company's new Executive Vice President and Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO), effective March 25, 2024. Sudhakar will join Four Seasons Executive Leadership Team reporting to Alejandro Reynal, President and CEO, Four Seasons. Sudhakar will be based at Four Seasons corporate office in Miami. "We are excited to welcome Sudhakar at this important time in Four Seasons information technology transformation," says Reynal. “Sudhakar’s extensive experience in technology and IT innovation will be instrume...
Hotel Investment in the Alps Heats Up
JLL | March 26, 2024
Climate change is driving record transaction levels in high-altitude, luxury hotels Long famed for its ski resorts, mountain towns in the French Alps have recently seen an uplift in investor interest. The Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions alone have seen hotel transaction volumes double over the past two years, breaking records with more than €800 million ($875 million) of hotel deals closed, JLL data shows. “Due to the warming climate, and limited new supply of ski resorts, more snow-sure locations at higher altitudes are commanding premium values,” says Matthieu Subit, JLL’s Vice President of Hotels and Hospitality for EMEA Cap...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Opens Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa in Todos Santos
IHG | March 26, 2024
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, announced today that it will welcome a new boutique luxury resort, Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa, located on Mexico’s Baja Sur peninsula. The resort will welcome guests with cultural richness, locally inspired culinary and bar concepts, wellness focused spa offerings and panoramic views of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and Pacific Ocean. It is set to open on April 1, 2024 in the charming coastal town of Todos Santos. Operated by Highgate, Kimpton Mas Olas is perched on the pristine coastline just north of Los Cabos. Named for t...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Introduces New Suites Brand Prototype Variations with Enhanced Flexibility
IHG | March 26, 2024
Supplemental design options maximize space and revenue potential for any market or site plan ATLANTA (March 26, 2024) – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,300 hotels across 19 global brands, today announces the availability of new prototype options for its three suites brands – Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Atwell Suites. By expanding design choice, IHG provides greater flexibility for developers across a range of site configurations and market types while also maintaining the experiences guests expect in the rapidly growing suites space. The new options empha...
Courtyard by Marriott Debuts in Perth With Opening in Murdoch
Courtyard by Marriott | March 26, 2024
The 150-room purpose-built hotel in Perth’s urban growth corridor will serve as the premium centrepiece of the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct Courtyard by Marriott®, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today celebrated the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch, marking the brand’s entry in Western Australia. Developed in partnership with leading Western Australian property developer Hesperia, the hotel is located in Murdoch, Perth’s fastest-growing urban catchment and features an all-day contemporary dining venue, Substance Restaurant & Bar, as well as flexible spaces for m...
Compass by Margaritaville, Brand’s Boutique Hotel Collection, Announces Expansion
Compass by Margaritaville | March 26, 2024
Orlando, FL (March 26, 2024) – Following the highly-anticipated opening in Naples, Margaritaville announces an expansion of the brand’s Compass by Margaritaville collection of boutique hotels. Offering the same lifestyle guests know and love in a smaller, more intimate footprint, openings include: Naples, FL (Opened March 2024) – The brand’s first conversion (formerly Staybridge Suites) and all-suite property with 119 suites in one of the Sunshine State’s most desirable locations, features an outdoor pool experience, live entertainment, cozy fire tables, multiple social gathering areas, a complimentary breakfast buffet,...
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa Welcomes Pascale Selwan as New General Manager
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa | March 26, 2024
Dominica, March 26, 2024 – The executive team at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, proudly announces the appointment of Pascale Selwan as the new General Manager of the 131-room luxury resort. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, Selwan brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence to her new role. Selwan’s journey in the hospitality sector has been marked by continuous growth and accomplishments across diverse continents and cultures. Prior to joining InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, she held senior operational and commercial positions i...
Noble House Hotels & Resorts Appoints Ali Monge as Executive Chef for Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Noble House Hotels & Resorts | March 26, 2024
SEATTLE, WASH. – Mar. 26, 2024 – Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, part of the prestigious Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ali Monge as its new executive chef. Monge, an esteemed chef boasting over 16 years of culinary expertise and multiple award recognitions, assumes the role of overseeing and managing all culinary operations at the resort’s renowned signature restaurant, The Dining Room. Thomas Haas, vice president of food and beverage for Noble House Hotels & Resorts, conveyed his enthusiasm regarding Monge’s appointment, stating, “We are honored to welcome Chef ...
Does the Fate of Tourism Hinge on Land Use?
PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management | March 26, 2024
Changes in land use rights to encourage tourism can have unexpected negative consequences for tourist businesses, according to Dr Michael Lin of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-authors. Noting that the impact of land use regulation on tourism has historically been understudied, the researchers performed an impact assessment of a unique form of tourist business in Namibia. They found that although regulatory changes had expanded access to land use rights, the economic outcomes for these ventures were not entirely positive, due to legal complexities and conflicts between stakehold...
Event To Honor Jim Risoleo, Ted Balestreri With Hospitality Industry Awards
the Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society | March 26, 2024
Sponsors announced for the 2024 Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society Industry Awards and Reception UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 2024 Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society (PSHRS) Industry Awards and Reception will be held on Tuesday, April 2, at the Penn State School of Hospitality Management on the University Park campus. The event, a tradition of the PSHRS and School of Hospitality Management since 1960, will honor Jim Risoleo, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., with the Hospitality Executive of the Year Award and Ted Balestreri, chairman and CEO of Cannery Row Company and Sard...
Galgorm Is First in UK to Benefit From Maestro All-In-One PMS, Right Revenue Integration
Maestro PMS | March 26, 2024
Joint technology to drive rate recommendations, perfect pricing strategies, and improve reporting accuracy for forward-thinking, innovative hotel company Markham, Ontario, March 26, 2024 — Maestro PMS has recently partnered with Right Revenue to streamline and enhance revenue-management capabilities for its joint independent hotel customers. Right Revenue takes robust guest history data that resides in Maestro PMS, runs rate recommendations for each room type through complex machine learning and AI, then pushes a new pricing strategy back into Maestro PMS at the touch of a button. By analyzing booking patterns and making recommendations ...
Hospitality Organizations and Resources for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Stephanie Smith | March 25, 2024
By Stephanie Smith Previously, we published the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Defined article by Gissell Moronta, which gave you an understanding of the terminology and why DEI is important. The next step in learning more about DEI is to get involved. It doesn’t matter where you start, but you need to begin. We have compiled a comprehensive list of hospitality resources for you to get involved. Hospitality DEI Organizations These organizations outwardly support and create awareness for underrepresented communities in hospitality that allow anyone to participate. It is not applicable to organizations with internal departments or...
Rivalry Brewing: UAE Vs. Saudi Arabia
Tareq Bagaeen | March 25, 2024
By Tareq Bagaeen It is no secret that The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is changing. Over just the past five years the change has been staggering, both socially, and politically as well as a dramatic shift in its economic vision. Oil & Gas has been the foundation of its strength, and it continues to be but the shift to diversify is massive. Great festivals bolster their main cities and act as significant drivers of local tourism; Formula E has been lighting up Riyadh since 2018; Formula 1 since 2021 in Jeddah, along with a host of significant political and business conferences. Of course, Hajj & Umrah are another major stream of inbou...
More Global Hotel Markets Growing RevPAR
STR | March 25, 2024
Analysis by Eddie Yeung Note: All financial figures presented in US$. STR's global "bubble chart" update as of 9 March 2024 shows that 77% of markets increased revenue per available room (RevPAR) from the comparable period in 2023, which was 4% more than the last update. Occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) were also steadily higher than last year. Among countries with 50,000 rooms and adequate hotel reporting levels, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, France, Switzerland, and New Zealand led in RevPAR on an actual basis. Singapore recorded the highest ADR at $284, which was 17% higher year over year as the market hosted Tayl...
