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
HVS Market Pulse: San Francisco, CA
John Berean | February 22, 2019
By John Berean San Francisco continues to rank among the top domestic lodging markets, attributed to the strength of the tech industry, strong year-round tourism, and limited supply growth. With the Moscone Convention Center also recently debuting a $550-million renovation and expansion, the San Francisco hotel market is expected to achieve record RevPAR levels in 2019. We have outlined several key trends that are anticipated to influence San Francisco's lodging market in the near term. San Francisco's Key Economic Indicators Source: HVS Construction on the renovation and expansion of San Francisco's Moscone Center began in Novembe...
U.S. Travel Assn. Welcomes Destination DC President and CEO Elliott L. Ferguson II as National Chair
U.S. Travel Association | February 22, 2019
WASHINGTON (February 22, 2019)— The U.S. Travel Association on Thursday announced the election of Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC, as its new national chair. Ferguson, who served on the board for seven years, succeeds Wyndham Hotels and Resorts' president and CEO Geoff Ballotti. "Elliott is a leader with vision and skill, as evidenced by his organization's successful positioning of the District as a foremost destination for domestic and international travelers alike," said U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Roger Dow. "Elliott's track record as a guardian of the travel ...
Unit-Level Hotel Marketing: P&L Reveals Changes In Department Functions
CBRE | February 22, 2019
By Robert Mandelbaum and Viet Vo Technology, online intermediaries, social media, revenue management software, shared-services, and the proliferation of market intelligence reports have reshaped the way hotel Sales and Marketing Departments conduct business. The traditional organizational structure of assigning personnel by demand segments (commercial, group, leisure) has given way to assignment by function (revenue management, social media, channel distribution, customer relationship management). According to one industry executive, most of the "selling" of hotel rooms has moved from the property level to corporate and regional offices...
HVS Market Pulse: Atlanta, Georgia
Benjamin A. Levin | February 21, 2019
Benjamin A. Levin and Janet L. Snyder While several high-profile projects have been completed in Atlanta over the past several years, including the completion of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and SunTrust Park, the conversion of Turner Field into the new Georgia State football Stadium, and the opening of NCR's new global headquarters in Midtown, the construction boom in Atlanta is showing no signs of slowing down. Several high-profile projects are currently underway in Atlanta, with the some of the biggest projects in the city's history expected to break ground in the coming months. Aerotropolis Development Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Internatio...
Convention Center Headquarters Hotel Openings – Nine Cases in Point
Erich Baum | February 20, 2019
Erich Baum Openings of hotels with 700+ rooms are rare events in even the most first-tier urban locations. Such openings are usually associated with the operations of a major convention center. These properties are typically referred to as headquarters hotels due to their unique capacity to function as the primary lodging option for large citywide conventions. This article looks back at nine headquarters hotel openings over the past 16 years as a means of illuminating the rate at which such hotels are absorbed and examining the impact such properties have had on their competitive sets. (The competitive sets were defined by HVS in the co...
BENCHMARK® Names Joseph Cavet Director of Food & Beverage for The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
February 20, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2019… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Joseph Cavet director of food and Beverage for The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark. The Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property, located in Monticello, New York, within the Catskill Mountains, will open next month on 1,600 wooded acres, the site of the Resorts World Catskills entertainment complex. David Kohlasch, general manager, made the announcement. "I am very happy to welcome Joe to The Kartrite," said Mr. Kohlasch. "He comes to us with a distinguished background in food and beverage, and a keen awareness of the trav...
The Newly Debuted Thompson Zihuatanejo Appoints Key Leaders to Executive Team
Thompson Zihuatanejo | February 20, 2019
(ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; February 20, 2019)—Thompson Zihuatanejo—the third property in Mexico from luxury lifestyle brand Thompson Hotels—announces its executive team: General Manager Carlos Carreon, Director of Sales and Marketing Jerri Lyn Walker, and Executive Chef Miguel Baltazar. The 56-room boutique resort debuted this month, following a major redesign of all guestrooms, public spaces, and grounds, bringing with it the modern, locally inspired design; sophisticated lifestyle programming; and chef-driven culinary program synonymous with the brand. With more than four decades of combined experience at award-winning pr...
AHC+Hospitality Announces Appointment of Lindsay Jarvis to General Manager of Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown
AHC+Hospitality | February 20, 2019
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – February 20, 2019 – AHC+Hospitality announces today the appointment of Lindsay Jarvis as general manager of the Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown, opening summer 2019. In her new role, Jarvis will oversee daily operations of the modern 160-room hotel. "Lindsay's decade of experience at the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, one of Grand Rapids' most esteemed hotels, coupled with longstanding roots in the community and formal education in hospitality business make her the ideal candidate to successfully open and establish the Hyatt Place brand in downtown Grand Rapids," said Rick Winn, president...
Hostmark Hospitality Group Names Ronald L. Vlasic Chief Operating Officer
Hostmark Hospitality Group | February 20, 2019
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Feb. 20, 2019—Officials of Hostmark Hospitality Group, an award-winning hotel management company specializing in unique lifestyle hotels and resorts as well as branded properties, today announced it has named Ronald L. Vlasic as chief operating officer. In his new role, Vlasic will oversee and grow the company's third-party management portfolio of branded and independent hotels across the U.S., helping the company expand into new markets and segments. "With more than 25 years of hospitality experience, Ron has an unmatched track record utilizing his unique skillset and relationships to grow regional hotel compani...
OTO Development Appoints Denise Beers-Kiepper as Vice President of Human Resources
OTO Development | February 20, 2019
SPARTANBURG SC (FEBRUARY 20, 2019) – OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, has appointed Denise Beers-Kiepper as Vice President of Human Resources. She is tasked with leading and developing the Spartanburg-based hotelier's human resources team, which supports ~2,400 employees across the country. OTO recruited Beers-Kiepper through a nationwide search for not only human resources expertise but also entrepreneurial spirit. This HR veteran certainly fits the bill, with a diverse background in business, human capital strategy and organizational development at companies ranging from tech start-up to Fortune 500. "We are delighted...
Gustavo Rios Appointed Executive Chef at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection in Napa Valley
Auberge Resorts Collection | February 20, 2019
CALISTOGA, CALIF. (February 20, 2019) – Framed by the soft ridges of the nearby mountains and sprawling Napa Valley vineyards, Solbar at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection is thrilled to announce the appointment of Gustavo Rios as executive chef. Rios has over 20 years of experience working at luxury properties and some of the best restaurants in the U.S., including a previous stint of seven years at Solbar where he mastered his culinary skills. During his previous tenure at Solbar, he played an integral role in achieving the Michelin star award with the team that successfully launched the restaurant and inspired top selling dishe...
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Names Robert M. Allen Hotel Manager
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort | February 20, 2019
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Feb. 20, 2019 – The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has named Robert M. Allen hotel manager. He will oversee operations of the 2,270-room property. Allen brings over 40 years of hospitality experience to the position, in a variety of management positions with Marriott International. He most recently was the general manager of the largest hotel in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel. Previously, Allen has held the positions of area general manager and general manager of the Greenbelt Marriott; general manager of the UMUC Marriott Hotel and Conference Center and hotel manag...
Lisbon Hotel Market – Europe’s Miracle Baby Maturing
Dayk Balyozyan | February 19, 2019
By Dayk Balyozyan, Sophie Perret Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe in a region with approximately 3 million inhabitants. The city offers a variety of cultural, architectural and business-related attractions. The Estoril coast (west of Lisbon) – which includes Estoril, Cascais and the historic town of Sintra – is home to numerous leisure attractions. Lisbon hosted Expo 98 and the 2004 European Football Championship, which gave the country new international exposure. Portugal held the EU presidency in 2007, putting Lisbon on the map as a business and conference destination. With its pleas...
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa Appoints David Larson as Director of Food & Beverage
Brown Palace Hotel and Spa | February 19, 2019
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, proudly announces the appointment of David Larson as Complex Director of Food & Beverage — a pronounced addition to the property's distinguished F&B team. In this role David will oversee all food and beverage operations for the 241-room iconic landmark and the adjacent 231-room Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown, part of The Brown Palace hotel complex — boasting six diverse and seasonally-inspired restaurants and lounges, catering, conference services and banquets. Larson brings more than 28+ years of industry involvement, since beginning his career in 1991, David gained more than a...
Martin Schrödl Appointed General Manager of the MAXX by Steigenberger Hotel Vienna
MAXX | February 19, 2019
Frankfurt am Main, 19 February 2019 -- Styrian-born Martin Schrödl has been appointed as General Manager of the first MAXX by Steigenberger Hotel in Vienna. He will bring a young and dynamic management style to the new hotel, which has formed part of the Deutsche Hospitality portfolio since February 2019. 39-year old Mr. Schrödl originally completed vocational education and training in the occupation of restaurant specialist before studying for a business economist qualification. He then held various positions with international hotel chains over a period of six years. After spending a successful spell with the Deutsche Hospit...
Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown Appoints Wayne Childs as New Director of Sales
February 18, 2019
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2019) – The Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown (101 SE 1st Avenue, Gainesville, Florida) proudly announces the appointment of industry veteran and former resident Wayne Childs as Director of Sales of the 124-room hotel. Childs will be responsible for overseeing and managing the small meetings market and group travel to the property. Managed by LBA Hospitality and owned by Key International, the Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown offers nearly 1,875 square feet of meeting space and beautifully appointed guest rooms and studio suites recently renovated in 2017. "Wayne's extensive kno...
CANVAS Hotel Dallas Appoints Jared Williams as General Manager and Marisol Lopez as Director of Sales and Marketing
CANVAS Hotel Dallas | February 18, 2019
(DALLAS, TX – February 18, 2019) Dedicated to providing unparalleled service at the newest boutique hotel in Dallas, CANVAS Hotel Dallas today announced its senior management team comprising of Jared Williams as general manager and Marisol Lopez as director of sales and marketing. Each possess extensive understanding of the Dallas market and decades of experience in the hospitality industry. With more than 13 years of experience across various properties throughout Texas, Jared Williams has earned a well-rounded career, and a proven deep understanding of all facets of hotel management. Previously, Mr. Williams served as general ma...
The Breakers Palm Beach Promotes Tricia Taylor to Executive Vice President & General Manager
The Breakers Palm Beach | February 18, 2019
PALM BEACH, FL – The Breakers Palm Beach has promoted Tricia Taylor to hold a pivotal leadership role, as announced by Paul N. Leone, CEO of the independent, luxury hotel enterprise and Flagler System, Inc. Tricia Taylor, senior vice president & general manager, and a 23-year veteran of The Breakers, has been promoted to Executive Vice President & General Manager. Taylor's wide-ranging responsibilities for this complex, multi-faceted resort, consist of leading 1,800 associates throughout the property's four operating divisions: rooms, food & beverage, event services and recreation (spa, pool & beach, activities, go...
Compensation for US CEOs in Lodging: Fair Pay Is a Real Issue
Keith Kefgen | February 18, 2019
(February 18, 2019) - AETHOS New York Managing Director Keith Kefgen, in his annual review of CEO compensation for a variety of hospitality disciplines, shares candid insights as a result of his latest look at CEOs of U.S. lodging companies: "What we have found over the twenty years of studying CEO pay, is that the many public boards did a poor job at linking CEO pay to company performance," observes Kefgen. "In fact, that was the goal of creating our pay-for-performance model." The AETHOS Pay-for-Performance Model analyzes key financial metrics such as market capitalization, stock appreciation, EBITDA growth, and to...
Maria Florencia Arenaza Appointed General Manager of Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Costa Rica
Marriott International | February 15, 2019
With 27 years of experience in the hotel industry, María Florencia Arenaza is the new General Manager of Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. She began her career in his native Argentina in the hotel Caesar Park Buenos Aires where she played different roles. Later she continued her professional development as Sales Director of the Mexican group Posadas where she made several hotel openings, returned to Argentina in 2005 where she led the sales team of the Sheraton Salta hotel and three years later she participated in the opening of the Sheraton Mendoza, a leisure destination of the South American country. In 2010, ...
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Names David Kingston General Manager for Snow King Resort Hotel & Condos
Snow King Resort Hotel & Condos | February 15, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed David Kingston general manager for Snow King Resort Hotel & Condos, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Jackson, Wyoming. Greg Champion, Benchmark's president and COO, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome David to Benchmark and Snow King Resort," said Mr. Champion. "He comes to us with significant experience leading signature properties and also with an important understanding of and experience within the Jackson Hole market. He is a welcome addition to our team." David Kingston brin...
Belmond El Encanto Appoints Colleen Huther as General Manager and Rob Roche as Director of Sales and Marketing
Belmond Ltd. | February 14, 2019
Belmond Ltd. is thrilled to announce that Rob Roche and Colleen Huther have joined the team as Director of Sales and Marketing and General Manager, respectively, to oversee the historic Santa Barbara Resort, Belmond El Encanto. Rob joins the team with more than 20 years of experience across luxury hotel brands that include St. Regis, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels. Most recently while working with The Peninsula Beverly Hills, he was responsible for implementing strategic goals for the principle teams across its Reservations, Sales, Advertising, E-Commerce, Social Media and Public Relations departments. Colleen joins...
Carter Hospitality Group Names Karl Kruger Managing Director for Temecula’s South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Carter Hospitality Group | February 13, 2019
TEMECULA, Calif. – Karl D. Kruger – a seasoned hotel executive with more than 30 years of hospitality industry experience – has been named managing director of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort, two award-winning winery resorts owned and operated by Orange County-based Carter Hospitality Group. In his new position, he will supervise more than 300 employees and oversee day-to-day operations for both properties, as well as direct all sales and catering activities. "We are thrilled to have Karl join our team," said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality. "He is the consummate ho...
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center Names Keith Butz Area Managing Director
Omni Hotels & Resorts | February 13, 2019
ATLANTA (February 11, 2019) – Omni Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Butz as area managing director at Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center. With 25 years of luxury hospitality experience, Butz will help deliver the highest quality service among guests and associates from an operational standpoint. "We're confident Keith's strong background in leading multiple, complex properties will ensure the continued success of Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center," said Matthew Adams, executive vice president of operations at Omni Hotels & Resorts. "His strategic thinking has spearheaded decisions that have led...
