International Visitors Spent Nearly $20.1 Billion Traveling Within the United States in March
National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) | May 23rd, 2024
CBRE Expects RevPAR Growth to Improve in H2 2024, Driven by Holiday and International Travel
CBRE Group, Inc. | May 16th, 2024
Sunview Companies and HES Group Open the Aloft Miami-Brickell in Florida
Aloft Hotels | August 2, 2013
STAMFORD, Conn. - August 2, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its rapidly expanding Aloft brand has debuted in the heart of downtown Miami with the opening of Aloft Miami-Brickell. Owned and managed by a joint venture between Sunview Companies and HES Group, Aloft Miami-Brickell caters to the next generation of travelers with 160 spacious, loft-like rooms, latest technology and a buzzing, social atmosphere. It is the second Aloft hotel to open in the Miami metropolitan area following the opening of Aloft Miami Doral in March. "With its leading-edge design and social vibe, the Aloft br...
Landmark Hotels Group Names New Executive Team at The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii
The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu | August 1, 2013
Appoints Carmine Iommazzo as General Manager and Ryan Fitzgerald as Hotel Manager HONOLULU, August 1, 2013 -- Shawn Sweeney, President of The Landmark Hotels Group, management company of The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu and Makena Beach & Golf Resort, Maui has announced the promotion of Carmine Iommazzo to General Manager and the appointment of Ryan Fitzgerald to Hotel Manager of the legendary resort. Mr. Iommazzo returned to The Kahala in March this year to manage the operations of the hotel, where he was previously Director of Food and Beverage before being assigned to Makena Beach & Golf Resort in 2011. At Makena, he w...
GSA Act Inadvertently Reduces Federal Efficiency and Productivity; U.S. Travel Association Statement
The U.S. Travel Association | August 1, 2013
July 31, 2013 - Washington, D.C. - Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representative's passage of the Government Spending Accountability (GSA) Act of 2013, H.R. 313: "The GSA Act is an unnecessary and counterproductive measure that inadvertently reduces federal efficiency and productivity and restricts important government functions. Federal agencies are already adhering to stringent guidelines put in place last year by Congress and the Administration to prevent unethical spending on government conferences. This is a bill in search of problem th...
Castle Resorts & Hotels Adds Paki Maui on the Ka’anapali Coast, Maui, Hawaii to its Resort Portfolio
Castle Resorts & Hotels | August 1, 2013
Honolulu, August 1, 2013 -- Castle Resorts & Hotels (www.castleresorts.com), a full-service, international hotel management company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, today announced the addition of Paki Maui to its resort portfolio, effective September 1, 2013. Castle Resorts & Hotels' growing management portfolio now consists of 22 hotels, condominium resorts and luxury villas on five Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand. "As Hawaii's leader in both resort condominium and hotel management, we are pleased to welcome Paki Maui to our selection of hotels and resorts," said Alan Mattson, President and Chief Operating Officer for Castle Resort...
Opportunity Knocks as Real Estate and Hospitality Execs Sense More Stable Foundation For Deal Making
EY | August 1, 2013
EY's global survey shows vast majority of senior real estate, hospitality and construction executives see global economy on the upswing, positioning industry for growth NEW YORK, 1 AUGUST 2013 - Real estate executives are far more confident about the global economy than they were just six months ago, according to EY's Global Capital Confidence Barometer for Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction. The report, which surveyed 117 senior executives from real estate, hospitality and construction (RHC) companies around the world, found there is increased optimism about the global economy. Eighty-five percent of those surveyed said the global ec...
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to Open Two Hotels in Mainland China in August 2013
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | August 1, 2013
HONG KONG, Aug. 1, 2013 -- Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is unveiling two Shangri-La hotels in mainland China this month, increasing its greater China portfolio to 43 hotels. Shangri-La Hotel, Qufu opens today in the historical hometown of Confucius, while Shangri-La Hotel, Shenyang will debut on 15 August 2013 in Shenyang, the largest city in Northeast China and an important industrial base. Shangri-La Hotel, Qufu, the city's first international luxury hotel, pays homage to Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher, in proximity as well as in design. Blending Confucian principles, Chinese traditions and contemporary style, the hotel's ...
Diana Kamper Appointed as Director of National Accounts for Maui, Hawaii’s Grand Wailea Resort
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | July 31, 2013
WAILEA, HI., July 31, 2013 - Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui appoints Diana Kamper as the new director of national accounts in its group sales department. Kamper's primarily goal is to expand the franchise and franchise association business to the resort. She will be based in Arizona serving as an "in-market" sales director. "Kamper's new position is crucial to meeting and exceeding the resort's business objectives," said Pepper Dombroski, director of sales for Grand Wailea. "Franchise and franchise associations are unique market segments with tremendous growth potential. She will have no limits in her geographic territor...
Renovation Launched for Boca Raton, Florida’s Waterstone Resort &Marina – a DoubleTree by Hilton
AWH Partners, LLC | July 31, 2013
BOCA RATON, Fla. - July 31, 2013 - DoubleTree by Hilton, AWH Partners, LLC and The Lane Organization, LLC today announced the launch of a dramatic renovation of the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, a waterfront hotel in Boca Raton, Fla, scheduled for completion in late 2013. The hotel's transformation will be centered upon a bold redesign and new name that celebrates its distinctive waterside location - Waterstone Resort & Marina - a DoubleTree by Hilton. The property will continue to be managed by Spire Hospitality. "The Waterstone Resort & Marina - a DoubleTree by Hilton will offer the perfect convergence of forward design, intuitive hos...
Hard Rock to Debut in Europe with the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza Slated to Open May 2014
Hard Rock International | July 30, 2013
ORLANDO, Fla., July 30, 2013 -- Hard Rock International – owner of one of the world's most iconic and recognized brands – announces the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, anticipated to open in May 2014. Continuing Hard Rock's earned 'Best in Class' recognition in the Americas, Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza will represent the first Hard Rock Hotel to open in Europe. Palladium Hotel Group, pursuant to a license agreement from Hard Rock, will transform two former Fiesta Hotels, Club Don Toni and Hotel Don Toni, into the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, slated to feature the brand's legendary music-inspired style. The two buildings will be united by a remodeled lob...
The 353-room Grand Hyatt Shenyang Opens in Northeast China
Grand Hyatt Hotels | July 29, 2013
CHICAGO (July 29, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today the opening of Grand Hyatt Shenyang, the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Northeast China that will provide a new level of upscale sophistication to business and leisure travelers in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province. The hotel's style will mirror the city of Shenyang, the largest city in Northeast China, melding ancient culture with vibrant modernity. "The opening of Grand Hyatt Shenyang expands our brand presence in China and supports our development strategy of building in key gateway cities and markets where our guests are traveling," said Christopher...
Joshua Gray and Joshua Gahret Named by Aqua Hospitality to Lead Lotus Honolulu in Hawaii
Lotus Honolulu | July 29, 2013
July 29, 2013 - Honolulu, Hawaii - MONOGRAM HOTEL COLLECTION, a division of Aqua Hospitality, announced the appointments of Joshua Gray as general manager and Joshua Gahret as hotel manager for the stylish 51-room Lotus Honolulu. "Aqua Hospitality's reputation as a Hawaii hotel leader with a commitment to exceptional guest service is why we hire the best and promote the most qualified individuals to key management positions," said Ben Rafter, Aqua's President and CEO. "The 'Joshua team' has strong operational experience and results-oriented skills that are perfect for Lotus Honolulu's exciting new positioning in Waikiki." Joshua Gray, G...
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Promotes Two From Hotel Monaco Denver To Regional Positions
Hotel Monaco Denver | July 26, 2013
Denver, Colo. - July 26, 2013 - Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the U.S., announced today the promotion of two individuals from Hotel Monaco Denver to Mountain region positions. General Manager, Von de Luna, will now serve as the Director of Operations for the Mountain region overseeing operations for three Kimpton hotels including Hotel Monaco Denver, Sky Hotel in Aspen and Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City. In addition, the current Director of Sales & Marketing, Beth Harty, has been named the new Area Director of Sales & Marketing for the entire Mountain region. As Gen...
Renovations Are Complete at the New Aqua Skyline at Island Colony in Honolulu, Hawaii
July 26, 2013
Honolulu, Hawaii - July 26, 2013 - Renovations are officially complete as Aqua Hotels and Resorts' unveils the new Aqua Skyline at Island Colony. Featuring 110 rooms within the 740-room building, the property underwent a $6 million renovation to emerge as a modern hotel experience with restyled guest rooms, a fashionable new lobby area with coffee bar, upgraded pool and outdoor areas, meeting space and a new fitness center. "Aqua Skyline is fresh and contemporary, with an ideal location just steps from all Waikiki has to offer," said Elizabeth Churchill, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The upgraded hotel amenities along w...
Jin Jiang International to Open Liangdu Jin Jiang Hotspring International Hotel in China in Q2 2014
Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company Ltd. | July 26, 2013
SHANGHAI, July 26, 2013 -- Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company officially announces the securing of the management contract of Liangdu Jin Jiang Hotspring International Hotel with Liangdu Hotel Management Co. Ltd. The hotel is scheduled to open at the end of May, 2014. Liangdu Jin Jiang Hotspring International Hotel is located in the prefecture level municipality, Liupanshui City in Western Guizhou Province, Southwest China. It is connected to the West with Yunnan Province and to the East with Anshun City. Also known as 'Cool City,' Liupanshui is a rapidly developing industrial city and one of the most important resource de...
Felix Llibre Named as Director of National Accounts for Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Florida
Fontainebleau Miami Beach | July 23, 2013
Miami Beach, Fla. (July 23, 2013) - Fontainebleau Miami Beach announces the appointment of Felix Llibre to the position of Director of National Accounts. In this position, Llibre is responsible for maximizing revenue profitability of the iconic 1,504 room oceanfront hotel by leading the sales process, managing an existing base of prospects and growing market share for both single and multi-site new business opportunities. "Felix has an impressive track record of consistently exceeded sales goals," said Scott Flexman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Fontainebleau Miami Beach. "We're excited to have Felix join the Fontainebleau tea...
Euro Building Hotel Group Debuts in the U.S. with the Opening of 133-room EB Hotel Miami in Florida
EB Hotel Miami | July 22, 2013
Miami, FL - (July 21, 2013) - A uniquely appointed luxury hotel geared specifically for the frequent business traveler, the 133-room EB Hotel Miami opened its doors this summer, welcoming business travelers who fly through Miami every day. Just a few steps from Miami International Airport, the new EB Hotel Miami aims to bring a modern luxury hotel experience to the business traveler. Featuring cutting-edge design, personalized service, world class dining, modern conveniences and contemporary amenities, the EB Hotel Miami is the first property to open in the US market. Part of the Eurobuilding Hotel Group, which owns and operates several...
Thoughts from the Golf Industry Show: Part Three of Three, By Darius Hatami
Darius Hatami | July 16, 2013
July 2013 - The following is the last in a three-part series that examines the state of the Golf Industry today. The first article explores the history, brings readers an understanding of issues challenging the industry, and provides some context for readers. The second article explores the impacts to Golf Facility Financials and Value, while the third article looks to the future of the industry, and the issues that will shape its financial health moving forward. Credit must be given to the large number of industry professionals at the show who were speakers, and whose thoughts, ideas and concerns I am liberally using. These insights ar...
Fred Khoury Appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Viceroy Miami in Florida
Viceroy Miami | July 15, 2013
MIAMI, Fla. - (July 15, 2013) - Viceroy Miami recently appointed Fred Khoury as Director of Sales and Marketing. In this position, he will oversee sales, reservations, events, marketing and public relations teams for the hotel. Specializing in hotel openings and repositioning, Khoury joins the Viceroy staff after a career in Chicago as opening Director of Sales and Marketing for the first Radisson Blu Hotel in the U.S. Prior to his position at Radisson Blu Hotel, Khoury served as Director of Sales at Hard Rock Chicago, where he oversaw individual and group sales, as well as catering. He also spent seven years with Hyatt Hotels, most not...
Benchmark Hospitality Appoints Ragini Stearns Director of Sales for Naples Bay Resort in Florida
Naples Bay Resort | July 15, 2013
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, July 15, 2013 ... Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has appointed Ragini Stearns director of sales for Naples Bay Resort. Phillip Starling, general manager of the property, Benchmark's Personal Luxury Resort® located in Naples, Florida, made the announcement. "I am delighted to welcome Ragini to our resort," said Mr. Starling. "She is a seasoned sales professional who brings significant luxury experience and business contacts to our property." Ragini Stearns was previously senior sales manager for the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the Hilton Orlando...
Sundy House in Delray Beach, Florida Appoints Marco Schlenz as General Manager
Sundy House | July 12, 2013
Delray Beach, FL, July 12, 2013 - Sundy House, an award-winning restaurant and boutique hotel located in Delray Beach, Florida, has named Marco Schlenz as the new General Manager. Schlenz most recently served as Director of Club Operations at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Schlenz has served as the General Manager for both the President Country Club in West Palm Beach and the Dye Preserve Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida. For many years, Schlenz was Corporate Chef/Partner in Gastronomy, Inc., a six-restaurant concept that became the largest independent chain i...
Value Place Seeks Land, Plans to Develop Nine New Denver, Colorado Area Extended Stay Hotels
Value Place | July 12, 2013
WICHITA, Kan., July 12, 2013 -- Continuing a trend of rapid expansion across the U.S., Value Place plans to develop nine new extended stay corporate properties in the Denver area, with construction to start in early 2014. The company is working with Denver-based broker Steve Markey of David, Hicks & Lampert to explore possible sites and talk with landowners, brokers and commercial real estate firms (steve.markey@dhlb.com or 303.694.6082). Value Place plans to invest more than $63 million to build nine hotels, including about $13 million for land acquisition. The company can close immediately once a building permit is issued. Local f...
sbe Unveils Expansion Plans for Multiple SLS Hotels in China
sbe | July 12, 2013
SLS Hotels Brand to Debut Properties in Shanghai, Beijing, Wuxi, and Kunming by 2015 SHANGHAI - July 12, 2013 - sbe, an industry-leading hospitality, lifestyle and real estate development company, today announced the launch of its award-winning SLS Hotels brand into China at an exclusive event in Shanghai hosted by sbe President, Sam Bakhshandehpour. The announcement was made in collaboration with sbe's partner in its Chinese expansion, Palace Hospitality. SLS Hotels in China will feature an aesthetic composed by acclaimed hotelier and sbe Founder, Chairman and CEO Sam Nazarian and the SLS Hotels design team tailored for the Chinese ma...
Are Your Sustainability Initiatives Missing a Critical Component? A Perspective on Risk
Kevin A. Goldstein & HVS Sustainability Services | July 9, 2013
by Kevin A. Goldstein This article provides a perspective on key areas of risk relating to investment into utility efficiency projects and sustainability initiatives, and how owners / operators can minimize exposure during all phases of investment into their properties. Since re-launching our Sustainability practice in late 2011, HVS has contended that sustainability initiatives should focus on utility efficiency and be driven by the bottom line. We believe that a valid business case exists for numerous types of investments in building equipment and enhanced operating practices, and across the hospitality sector there are literally thou...
Owned by the Dalian Wanda Group, the 253-room DoubleTree by Hilton Chongqing-Wanzhou Opens in China
DoubleTree By Hilton | July 9, 2013
CHONGQING, Wanzhou, China, July 9, 2013 - DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Chongqing-Wanzhou in China. The opening of the 22-story, 253-room hotel marks the first international full-service hotel brand to serve Wanzhou, known as the economic and transportation heart of Chongqing East. The hotel is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by the Dalian Wanda Group. "The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Chongqing-Wanzhou is a pivotal moment in the tremendous growth and development of Wanzhou City, which is a vital hub of the Chongqing Municipality," said Bruce McKenzie, senior vice...
