The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, September 2016 … The newly merged Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, recognized global leaders in the management and marketing of resorts, hotels and conference centers, announce a far-reaching new partnership with Teneo Hospitality Group. Founded in 2013, Teneo is a professional group sales organization, representing over 300 luxury hotels, resorts and destination management companies worldwide. Teneo will generate increased group business for the entire Benchmark and Gemstone portfolio, which spans 58 hotels, resorts and conference centers in three distinctive brands: Benchmark Resorts and Hotels®, Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels® and Gemstone Hotels & Resorts.
In announcing the new alliance, Tom Faust, Benchmark’s vice president, sales, said, “All of the Benchmark and Gemstone properties can actively benefit from Teneo’s expertise and services, which include targeted meeting planner events to bring hotels and planners together. Teneo hosts approximately 20 networking events per year in the United States.
Teneo’s President Mike Schugt noted, "There is a growing appetite in the group meetings market for individual personal luxury or boutique hotels as well as for dedicated conference facilities. Teneo will provide business for all Benchmark properties, not just the more traditional meetings-related hotels and conference centers.”
Schugt points out that Teneo is a Greek word meaning to “know, understand and persevere”. This maxim informs the company’s mission and its successful track record of global expansion. In less than three years, Teneo has grown into a prominent industry player. The company has expanded its staff of hospitality sales professionals whose resumes span major hotel brands, independent properties and top travel destinations.
Teneo is a socially-conscious company that works with its clients to organize and promote charitable causes in their communities. Its noted client events benefit projects in the community where they are held. Recent events in the US provided hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies for students in need. In November, Teneo will host its annual summit, a three-day event in Mexico that will benefit a local orphanage. These innovative programs are an excellent fit with Benchmark’s and Gemstone’s community outreach programs, which include an alliance with Big Brothers and Sisters of America.
