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
Hugo Corrales Named Director of Sales and Marketing at Thompson Playa del Carmen
Thompson Playa del Carmen | April 3, 2019
MIAMI, FL. (April 3, 2019) - Hugo Corrales brings more than two decades of luxury hospitality experience to Thompson Playa del Carmen and Thompson Beach House as Director of Sales and Marketing. Based out of Miami, FL, Corrales has a deep-rooted understanding of the marketplace, having held roles in both the local and national sales arenas. As Director of Sales and Marketing at Thompson Playa del Carmen, Corrales oversees the day-to-day strategic sales and marketing, including the international communications and branding efforts of the property, which opened in 2015. Beginning his career at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, where he quickly exc...
What the Hotel World Looks Like in 2020
Robert A. Rauch | April 3, 2019
Bob Rauch and Sarah Andersen Hotel Distribution is arguably the big topic of the near term. Expedia Group and Booking Holdings (previously Priceline) are the two big online travel agencies (OTAs), dominating well over 70% of OTA market share. Now this duopoly faces major disruption by Airbnb, Facebook, and Google. Airbnb just bought HotelTonight, an app-based company that sells last-minute, unused boutique and independent hotel inventory. Meanwhile, SiteMinder's "BookingButton" already integrate into Facebook business pages as a widget, eliminating the need to click away from the site to make a booking. Add in the possibility that Googl...
BirchStreet Systems Announces Jo Stanford Joins as Vice President Strategic Accounts EMEAI
BirchStreet Systems | April 3, 2019
April 3, 2019 (Newport Beach, California) — BirchStreet Systems today announced the addition of Jo Stanford to their growing team in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI) region. With over 15 years of hands-on executive-level positions in hospitality operations, IT and finance at De Vere Hotels, combined with five years of leading the EMEAI and the Asia Pacific hospitality technology operations at Newmarket International and Amadeus Hospitality, Stanford brings deep knowledge of understanding customer's needs and delivering enterprise-level software and services around the world. In her new role at BirchStreet, Stanford w...
Matt Bailey Named Managing Director of Carmel Valley Ranch on California’s Central Coast
Carmel Valley Ranch | April 2, 2019
Carmel Valley, Calif. (April 2, 2019) – Carmel Valley Ranch, the award-winning resort playground in the Carmel Valley on California's Central Coast, has appointed hospitality veteran Matt Bailey as managing director of the 500-acre property. Bailey, who brings a wealth of knowledge to his role with more than 35 years of hotel and resort experience across the country, will guide daily and long-term operations for Carmel Valley Ranch. "California is my childhood home. I'm overjoyed that as I return to California, I'm joining a destination so devoted to the child in all of us," said Bailey. "I'm delighted to be part of Carmel Valley ...
Hapi Continues Growth Momentum With Appointment of John Figliolini as Vice President of Business Development
Hapi | April 2, 2019
Seasoned hospitality technology executive to lead sales strategy for premier provider of cloud-based data streaming, integration and enrichment platform Orlando, Fla. – April 2, 2019 – Hapi, the transformative new data streaming, integration and enrichment platform designed to solve the hotel industry's rapidly expanding data management challenges, has appointed John Figliolini as Vice President of Business Development for Data Travel, LLC, the developer of the Hapi platform. A proven sales and strategic account management professional specializing in technology solutions for over 13 years, Figliolini has spent the past six ...
Puerto Vallarta Beach Club Appoints John Douponce as Director of Operations
Puerto Vallarta Beach Club | April 1, 2019
(Puerto Vallarta, MEXICO – April 2019) Puerto Vallarta Beach Club announces the appointment of John Douponce as Director of Operations of Puerto Vallarta Beach Club. Puerto Vallarta Beach Club on Los Muertos beach sits adjacent to its sibling property, Villa Verano on the former Macy estate, both overlooking the Bay of Banderas in Puerto Vallarta. The exclusive Puerto Vallarta Beach Club is a hideaway of villas on a private Estate, offering resort-like amenities and nestled among the last of Puerto Vallarta's beachfront jungles. Puerto Vallarta Beach Club has a high repeat guest factor and is known for its privacy, personalized se...
Wave Hospitality Appoints Julian Payne as General Manager of Soon-to-Open Wave Resort at Pier Village in Long Branch, NJ
Wave Resort | April 1, 2019
LONG BRANCH, NJ (April 1, 2019) – Wave Hospitality, LLC is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Julian Payne to the position of General Manager of the soon-to-open Wave Resort at Pier Village. Payne brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience at various top-tier properties with him, including Pier Village's own Bungalow Hotel where he currently serves as the General Manager. In this larger role, Julian will oversee the day-to-day operations, guest and employee satisfaction, human resources, and overall financial performance for both Bungalow Hotel and the new modern beachfront property, Wave Resort. "We are elated...
The Saxon, Villas and Spa Welcomes Anton Gillis as Executive Director
Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa | April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019 -- Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is excited to announce the appointment of Anton Gillis as an Executive Director, effective April 1, 2019. Anton will work hand in hand with Managing Director, George Cohen on the hotel's business strategy and to further develop business from new and existing markets. The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is a leading luxury hotel in South Africa and Johannesburg. Cape Town-born Anton brings with him a wealth of experience in both the hospitality and the private healthcare sector. His passion for hospitality started at a very young age; being born into a family of hoteliers, his passion was ignited ...
Former COO Peter Arceo Promoted to General Manager of San Manuel Casino
March 28, 2019
March 29-- Mar. 29--San Manuel Casino has a new general manager in former Chief Operating Officer Peter Arceo, officials announced Friday, March 29. Arceo will be in charge of all activity within the Highland casino as well as enhancing the experience for its team members and guests, according to a casino news release. His official promotion follows an announcement last week that the casino's former general manager, Loren Gill, was promoted to CEO for both the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians' tribal government operations and business operations. Arceo was named interim general manager before being brought into the position of...
HSMAI Las Vegas Chapter Advisory Board for 2019 Announced
HSMAI | March 28, 2019
(McLean, VA, March 28, 2019) The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is pleased to announce its Las Vegas Chapter's Advisory Board. The board is composed of a diverse range of travel and hospitality executives from a representative mix of HSMAI members. The HSMAI Las Vegas Advisory Board will be led by Chair Chris Flatt, executive vice president of hotel sales and marketing, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore. Flatt's 30+ year career began with sales for Hilton and continued with leading key sales, marketing, and planning initiatives at Mirage Resorts—including Treasure Island and Bellagio. She has been counte...
sbe Appoints Geoffrey Allan Mills as Vice President and General Manager of Hudson Hotel, sbe’s iconic property in New York
sbe | March 28, 2019
NEW YORK, March 28, 2019 -- sbe, a leading international hospitality group that develops, manages and operates award-winning global hospitality brands, announces the appointment of industry veteran Geoffrey Allan Mills as Vice President and General Manager of sbe's Hudson hotel. Mills will oversee the growth of sbe's iconic property. This exciting leadership change comes on the heels of sbe's House of Originals announcement. Sam Nazarian, Founder & CEO of sbe states: "Hudson is one of our most iconic properties and we are proud to welcome Geoffrey Allan Mills to the team. He is a notable veteran in the industry and ...
Sereno Hotels Appoints Riccardo Ravaglia as F&B Director of Le Sereno St. Barths
Sereno Hotels | March 28, 2019
NEW YORK, NY (March 28, 2019) – Sereno Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Riccardo Ravaglia to F&B Director of Le Sereno St. Barths. In this role, Ravaglia will oversee the food and beverage operations of Le Sereno's culinary outlets including Restaurant Le Sereno. Ravaglia comes to St. Barths from New York City, where he held management postions in some of the city's most beloved restaurants including Harry Cipriani's, Sant Ambroeus and the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. Ravaglia joins an all-star culinary team at Le Sereno which includes the reputable Chef Alex Simone, as they refresh the resort's culinary offerin...
HVS Market Pulse: Chicago Ascending
Dana W. Floberg | March 28, 2019
Dana W. Floberg, Stacey E. Nadolny Chicago continues to attract major corporations and hotel development, supported by its proximity to global transportation infrastructure and a well-educated workforce. In 2018, 57.6 million visitors came to Chicago, setting a record for city tourism. In addition to the plethora of tourist attractions in Downtown Chicago, McCormick Place continues to be a major demand generator for the ever-growing supply of hotels in the market. In the last two years, the 1,200-room Marriott Marquis, the 466-room tri-brand Hilton hotel, and the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena all opened within one block of the convention c...
IHG® Appoints Jamie Cole as Senior Vice President of Global Channels
March 28, 2019
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group®), one of the world's leading hotel companies, welcomes hospitality veteran Jamie Cole as Senior Vice President of Global Channels. Cole is charged with maximising IHG's revenue delivery across all customer touch-points and creating a more seamless experience. Reporting to George Turner, Chief Commercial and Technology Officer, Cole leads a team responsible for all digital and voice channels and the company's third-party distribution strategy. With an impressive range of experience, Cole brings a deep global commercial and operational knowledge spanning digital innovation, product management, distr...
Grand Hyatt at SFO Appoints General Manager Henning Nopper and Director of Sales & Marketing David Lambert
Grand Hyatt at SFO | March 28, 2019
SAN FRANCISCO (March 27, 2019) – Grand Hyatt at SFO proudly announces the appointment of two seasoned hospitality leaders to its executive leadership team: General Manager Henning Nopper and Director of Sales & Marketing David Lambert. The 351-room Grand Hyatt at SFO is expected to open in summer 2019, and will be the only hotel on airport grounds. Nopper brings more than 25 years of diverse hospitality experience and most recently served as general manager of Andaz West Hollywood, where he oversaw a $4 million renovation and continually improved guest satisfaction scores while increasing hotel occupancy and RevPAR index to th...
Emaar Hospitality Group Appoints Nicolas Chammaa as General Manager of Vida Downtown
Emaar Hospitality Group | March 28, 2019
Dubai, UAE; March 28, 2019: Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties PJSC, has appointed seasoned strategic and result-driven leader, Nicolas Chammaa, as the General Manager of Vida Downtown. Overseeing all aspects of the hotel, Nicolas will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and in driving the hotel's strategic growth. He has almost two decades of experience in the hotel business, including at well-known properties in Bahrain, Oman, UAE, and the Philippines. Nicolas graduated from Notre Dame University with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism. Olivier Harnisch, CE...
White Lodging Appoints Dana Orlando as General Manager for Hotel Distil Set for Fall Opening in Downtown Louisville
Autograph Collection Hotels | March 27, 2019
LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 27, 2019 -- White Lodging is excited to announce Dana Orlando as Hotel Distil's general manager. Scheduled to open in fall of 2019, Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection, will present unique and inspired spaces in the heart of Downtown Louisville's most historic neighborhood, Whiskey Row. Dana Orlando has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and driving performance for premier brands, including The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts. She spent the past year as the opening general manager for the Elliott Park Hotel, Autograph Collection, in Minneapolis, MN...
Fujita Kanko Appoints Yoshihiro Ise as Its New President
Fujita Kanko | March 27, 2019
TOKYO, March 27, 2019 -- Fujita Kanko Inc. announced the appointment of Yoshihiro Ise as its new president, effective today. Ise becomes the 13th president of Fujita Kanko in its 64-year history, succeeding Akira Segawa. The appointment was officially approved at today's shareholder meeting and board of directors meeting. Ise previously served as Senior Managing Executive Officer, Fujita Kanko's number two position. During his 36-year tenure with Fujita Kanko, Ise has held a broad range of positions at both corporate offices and hotels, which have progressively grown to encompass greater responsibilities. He has managed several ...
Oliver Schäfer Appointed General Manager at Steigenberger Hotel Munich
Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts | March 27, 2019
Frankfurt am Main, 27. March 2019 Oliver W. Schäfer has many years of experience as Hotel General Manager with a strong background in the corporate and luxury hotel sector. Schäfer, most recently General Manager of Sheraton Munich Westpark & Four Points by Sheraton Munich Central, has been named General Manager of the Year by his former employer Marriott in 2016 and 2017. Oliver Schäfer will manage the Steigenberger Hotel Munich as General Manager from 1st April, 2019. Thomas Willms, CEO, Deutsche Hospitality, is happy about the new appointment: "Since its opening two years ago, the Steigenberger Hotel in Munich has a...
Rocco Forte Hotels Appoints Franco Girasoli as General Manager of Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia
Rocco Forte Hotels | March 27, 2019
Rocco Forte Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Franco Girasoli as General Manager of Masseria Torre Maizza set to open May 1 in Puglia. An Italian native, Girasoli brings 30 years of hospitality experience to the new Apulian resort and has excelled at building strong relationships with an international clientele from key markets such as the United States, the UK, Russia, Japan, France and Germany. Prior to taking the helms of the new Rocco Forte property, Girasoli spent a large part of his career with Belmond Group, where he started in the F&B department of Villa San Michele and eventually moved his way up to General M...
HVS Market Pulse: Boulder, CO
Brett E. Russell | March 26, 2019
By Brett E. Russell Since 2015, four new hotels (681 rooms) have opened within Boulder's city limits, increasing the total number of hotel rooms to almost 2,500. This represents a sizable increase of around 32%; however, in the years leading up to this increase in supply, Boulder experienced a decline in room supply, as several older hotels were closed and redeveloped. As such, the net change in room count is closer to 15%. Furthermore, there are a couple of proposed hotels in very preliminary planning phases of development, including a project on University Hill, as well as a possible University of Colorado – Boulder campus hotel...
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa Welcomes Glen Roberts As Executive Chef
Westin Hotels & Resorts | March 26, 2019
Langkawi, Malaysia, 11 March 2019 -- Guests dining at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa's signature Eat Well menu, as well as its array of local and international cuisine, are in for a healthier, heightened culinary experience with the appointment of Glen Roberts as the 5-star resort's Executive Chef. Glen's primary emphasis will be on overseeing and enhancing the Eat Well program at The Westin Langkawi, which provides guests with nutritious dishes sourced responsibly and created thoughtfully. The program, offered at Westin Hotels & Resorts worldwide, focuses on accommodating individual dietary preferences and needs without compr...
One Ocean Resort and Spa Names Darren Keener as Director of Sales and Marketing
March 26, 2019
ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. (March 26, 2019) – Named the No. 4 resort in Florida by Condé Nast Traveler readers, One Ocean Resort & Spa proudly welcomes Darren Keener to lead the sales and marketing efforts at the resort. Bringing diverse training and nearly 13 years of experience with a background in the luxury resort realm, Keener is charged with growing the resort's business. "Darren's extensive market knowledge has enabled him to make a positive impact from day one and we are excited to have him lead our sales and catering teams," said David Mariotti, general manager of One Ocean Resort & Spa. "His innovative approach ...
The Alpine Spa at the Bürgenstock Hotel Welcomes Hanneke Stoop as Spa Director
March 26, 2019
LAKE LUCERNE, Switzerland, March 26, 2019 – The Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne, has named Hanneke Stoop, Director of its Alpine Spa, part of Switzerland's largest alpine wellness hotel spa. Ms. Stoop brings extensive experience in spa management for some of the world's leading luxury hotels and resorts including La Clinique La Prairie, Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat and the Hotel Martinez. Enormous and light-filled, the Bürgenstock Hotel's Alpine Spa ranges over 107,000 square feet on three levels. Facilities include 13 treatment rooms, three private spa suites, wet areas with hammam, sauna, whirlpools and h...
