International Tourism Reached 97% of Pre-Pandemic Levels in the First Quarter of 2024
UN Tourism | May 21st, 2024
Summer Travel Poll: 61% of Americans Likely To Travel for Leisure
AHLA | May 21st, 2024
RMS Cloud Appoints David Murray as New Chief Executive Officer
RMS Cloud | May 14, 2024
Melbourne, 14 May 2024 - RMS Cloud, a leading global provider of property management software, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Murray as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2024. Bringing a wealth of leadership experience and a track record of success in growing businesses, Murray has previously held key roles at renowned enterprises such as IBM and Amdocs. Joining RMS Cloud after a successful tenure as CEO of Buildxact, a global Software-as-a-Service company, Murray brings a growth mindset backed by proven results to the future of RMS Cloud, which seeks to take its global customer base of 7500+ properties to new heig...
Club Med, Royal Court Affairs and Omran Group to Develop Club Med Musandam on the Persian Gulf
Club Med | May 14, 2024
14th May, 2024, Singapore. The hospitality landscape in Sultanate of Oman is about to be reinforced with the official signature of Club Med Musandam project, the first Club Med Resort in the Gulf States, with an exclusive beach opening to the astounding Persian Gulf. The official signature event held on May 2nd 2024 in Muscat counted the distinguished presence of His Excellency Mr. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, His Excellency Mr. Nasr bin Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs, Her Excellency Mrs. Véronique Aulagnon, Ambassador of France in Oman, His Excellency Mr. Azzan ...
A Deep Dive Into Japan’s Hotel ADR Growth Trends
CoStar Group | May 14, 2024
Analysis by Kelsey Fenerty Japan’s growth in hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) has remained extremely impressive over the past 15 months – a function of a later opening post-pandemic, above-average inflation, and an influx of international demand. That’s largely reflected in average-daily-rate (ADR) growth, although through much of 2023, the first and third points helped drive double-digit occupancy increases as well. Occupancy growth has trailed off, however, with single-digit increases or declines year over year for the past five months. At the same time, rates have grown mor...
Travel Leaders Share Impact of IPW on International Inbound
U.S. Travel Association | May 14, 2024
Last week, U.S. Travel welcomed 5,700 attendees, including 2,000 international buyers and media from nearly 70 countries—an impressive 20% increase from last year––to IPW in Los Angeles. Each IPW not only cultivates valuable connections and knowledge-sharing but also serves as an economic catalyst, driving over $5.5 billion in future travel to the U.S. by spotlighting the very best of what our country has to offer. There is a decade of opportunity ahead as the United States prepares to welcome millions of new travelers to major events in destinations nationwide, such as Copa America this summer, the FIFA World Cup games and Americ...
Tripadvisor Predicts Busy Summer Travel Season for Americans; An Increasing Desire for Adventure
Tripadvisor, Inc. | May 14, 2024
NEEDHAM, Mass., May 14, 2024 -- Americans and travelers around the world continue to place a high priority on summer vacations, according to the annual Summer Travel Index released today by Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform. In fact, 95 percent of respondents are planning to travel as much (51%) or more (44%) than last summer, despite some concern about economic headwinds. Whatsmore, over a quarter (26%) of Americans are planning to spend $5,000 or more on their getaways. Tripadvisor's Summer Travel Index also highlights the top summer destinations for 2024, with Las Vegas claiming the top spot for US domestic ...
Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton, Opens in Coastal Town Close to Lisbon
Hilton | May 14, 2024
Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton, opens in vibrant coastal town a short distance from the Portuguese Capital CASCAIS, Portugal — Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the opening of its newest European property, Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton – marking the latest addition to its rapidly growing boutique collection brand. The intimate 59-room hotel perfectly blends modern distinct design with opulent glamour, a nod to the area’s famed past and regal heritage as a much-loved summer retreat of royalty and European nobility, dating back to 1890 with King Louis I. Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by H...
Bentley Legacy Holdings and Pendant Capital Acquire The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection
Bentley Legacy Holdings | May 14, 2024
Historic Kansas City landmark to undergo guest room refresh and public area enhancements KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 14, 2024)—Bentley Legacy Holdings (BLH), through its partnership with Pendant Capital, has expanded its portfolio of boutique hotel assets with the acquisition of The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection, a distinctive and historic Kansas City landmark blending classic elegance with contemporary sophistication. Bentley Legacy Group (the management arm of BLH) has immediately assumed management of the hotel, with a vision of ensuring its legacy remains during planned updates set to elevate the guest experience. Located just off th...
Patrick Miller Appointed as President and CEO of Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
the Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas | May 14, 2024
LAS VEGAS (May 14, 2023) - The Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is pleased to announce Patrick Miller has been appointed President and CEO. Miller has an impressive career spanning 28 years in the gaming and hospitality industry and a proven track record of success leading some of Las Vegas' most popular Strip resorts. Miller's journey to Rio Hotel & Casino has been marked by significant achievements. He held key positions within MGM Resorts International, including Senior Vice President overseeing the Hospitality divisions at MGM Grand, New York-New York, Excalibur, Signature, and the Shadow Creek golf course. His most notable rol...
Omni Hotels & Resorts Appoints Michael Innocentin as Chief Marketing Officer
Omni Hotels & Resorts | May 14, 2024
DALLAS, TX (May 14, 2024) - Omni Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Innocentin as its Chief Marketing Officer. Innocentin will oversee the planning, development, and execution of all brand marketing initiatives, including advertising, public relations, social media, the website, and digital campaigns. Additionally, he will direct Omni’s customer engagement and Select Guest Loyalty programs. He will report directly to Jeff Doane, Omni’s Chief Commercial Officer. “I'm excited to join Omni because of its commitment to exceptional guest experiences and its diverse portfolio of hotels & resorts," s...
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco Appoints Nicholas McDermott as New General Manager
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco | May 14, 2024
Nicolas McDermott joins the award-winning hotel to propel the exceptional guest experience and maintain the property’s standard of excellence SAN FRANCISCO, CA [May 14, 2024] – The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is delighted to announce the appointment of Nicholas McDermott as its new General Manager, effective May 13, 2024. Nicholas joins The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco from The St. Regis Houston, where he served as General Manager for the past four years. His remarkable leadership during unprecedented times, notably steering the hotel through pandemic challenges, has earned him recognition throughout the hospitality industry. Under his ...
Tribute Portfolio Debuts in the UAE With The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Tribute Portfolio | May 14, 2024
Tribute Portfolio – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s growing collection of characterful, independent hotels - welcomes its first hotel in the Middle East with the launch of The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Dubai. Tribute Portfolio – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s growing collection of characterful, independent hotels - welcomes its first hotel in the Middle East with the launch of The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Dubai. Offering the ultimate urban escape within the emerging Jumeriah Village Circle (JVC) neighbourhood, the hotel marries the bustling energy...
Julio Campos Appointed Executive Chef at The Royal Sonesta San Juan
Royal Sonesta San Juan | May 14, 2024
Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. Raul Bustamante, general manager at The Royal Sonesta San Juan, is delighted to announce the appointment of Julio Campos as the hotel´s new Head Chef. With vast experience in the culinary and hotel industries, Chef Campos oversees the hotel´s culinary team with a mission to elevate the epicurean experience for both locals and tourists. “The Royal Sonesta San Juan family is extremely pleased to welcome Chef Campos,” said Bustamante. “Julio´s talent without a doubt will elevate the culinary diversity at our hotel to a level of excellence for the enjoyment of our guests.” Chef Campos joins The Royal...
New Jersey Franchise Bill Takes Dangerous Step Forward, Despite Significant Concerns Expressed by Majority of Committee
AHLA | May 14, 2024
WASHINGTON (May 13, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after a committee in the New Jersey Assembly approved A3495, a bill that would destroy the hotel industry in the state. The bill is still being considered in the state Assembly, and similar legislation (S2336) is pending in the state Senate. “If A3495 and S2336 become law, they will lower hotels’ quality, service, and safety standards and drive many brand-name hotels out of the state. On behalf of New Jersey’s more than 45,000 hotel employees, we urge lawmakers to rethink th...
Forty-Five Percent of Hotel Projects in Europe’s Total Pipeline Are Under Construction at the End of Q1 2024
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – Lodging Econometrics (LE) has released its Q1 2024 Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report for Europe. According to LE analysts, the region’s total pipeline stands at 1,705 projects/253,777 rooms at the close of the first quarter. As of the first quarter's close, 45% of the hotel projects in Europe’s total pipeline are in the under construction stage, standing at 762 projects and 117,815 rooms. Another 411 projects with 60,356 rooms are scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months, while 532 projects with 75,606 rooms are in the early planning stage, slightly below the record-high reported ...
What It Really Takes To Book More Groups, Meetings, and Events These Days
Doug Kennedy | May 14, 2024
By Doug Kennedy Today’s hotel and event salespeople work in completely different environments than most of their leaders experienced. Meeting and event booking sites have created a flood of leads, which can be overwhelming for those working in a sales role equipped and staffed for the era when leads came in by phone or website inquiry forms. When revenues drop, salespeople are required to meet prospecting quotas, based on a set number of calls, sent emails, DMs, or door knocks. Yet calls go to voicemail, emails go to spam, random DMs go unread, and the office doors being knocked on are either locked, or if open, there’s no one at th...
Meriton Suites Continues Portfolio Expansion With Properties Secured by Latest in Hotel Security Technology From Vingcard
Vingcard | May 14, 2024
Australia’s largest owner of apartment-style hotel accommodations deploys more than 6,000 Vingcard locks supported by the Visionline access management system to ensure maximum guest safety, satisfaction, and peace of mind. Stockholm – May 14, 2024 – Vingcard, an ASSA ABLOY company and leading provider of advanced technologies for the hospitality industry, is honored to today share details regarding its expanding relationship with Meriton Suites, Australia’s largest owner of apartment-style hotel accommodation. With the recent expansion of its portfolio to 23 locations to include Canberra and Melbourne, the Australian group can impo...
Sojern Expands Its Guest Experience Solutions to Europe
Sojern | May 14, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO – 14 May 2024 – Sojern, the leading digital marketing platform built for travel, today announces its suite of Guest Experience Solutions are now available in Europe. The launch will kick off in Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Ireland, with France and Portugal to follow. In 2023, Sojern acquired VenueLytics, hospitality’s most integrated guest experience platform, and incorporated VenueLytics’ capabilities as an extension of the Sojern Travel Marketing Platform, known as Guest Experience Solutions (GES). In North America, Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) spoke highly of the increased guest satisfact...
Junk Fees Are Banned in California as of July 1, 2024! What Does the California Junk Fee Law (SB 478) Mean?
Mark Adams | May 13, 2024
By Mark Adams California businesses brace for Senate Bill 478‘s impact. SB 478 was signed by Governor Newsom in October 2023 and became effective July 1, 2024. It cracks down on hidden fees, often referred to as “junk fees” and “drip pricing” (because the full cost is only disclosed drip by drip). It will likely change how businesses approach pricing strategies. Many say it is part of a nationwide response to President Joe Biden’s call to eliminate Junk Fees. What’s in a name? SB 478 or California Junk Fee Law? The confusion starts with how to reference the new law. Many refer to it by the Senate Bill number assigned w...
Nearly 44 Million Travelers Leaving Town for Unofficial Start of Summer
AAA | May 13, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers. “We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summe...
Unlocking Success: Why Your Hotel Needs a Lightning-Fast Website
Cendyn | May 13, 2024
In the digital era where speed is the norm, it’s critical to the success of your establishment to provide users with a fast-loading website. In a connected world and thanks to globalization, travelers from all over the world are likely to visit your website to learn more about your hotel and make a direct booking. That’s why it’s important to have a fast-loading website, across all media (mobile and desktop) and around the world. According to a Google study, 75% of users consider that the most important element of a website is its speed. More surprisingly, it is considered much more important than the attractiveness of the website. M...
Comstock Celebrates Topping Out of Virginia’s First JW Marriott Hotel and Residences
Comstock | May 13, 2024
Distinguished Guests Gather at Reston Station to Celebrate Major Milestone RESTON, Va.--Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHCI) (“Comstock”), a leading asset manager, developer, and operator of mixed-use and transit-oriented properties in the Washington, D.C. region announced the celebration of the topping out of Virginia’s first-ever JW Marriott Hotel and Residences on Wednesday, May 8th. The event, held on-site at 1800 Reston Row Plaza, commemorated the significant progress that has been made on the development of The Row at Reston Station. The JW Marriott Hotel and Residences will offer upscale accommodations and resid...
Putting People First: Business Success With a Human-Centric Approach
EHL Graduate School | May 13, 2024
It's no secret that many employees feel unappreciated and undervalued in today’s workforce. Competition for good jobs is fierce, AI will replace some jobs in the coming years, and the size and complexity of some businesses makes some employees feel insignificant. Embracing a "people-first culture" has become vital as modern talent won't hesitate to seek better benefits and flexibility elsewhere. What is a people-first culture? Organizations must adopt a human-centric approach to workforce management to counteract today’s uncomfortable, and sometimes even toxic, employment landscape. Many studies show that humanizing the workplace improv...
Everhome Suites Debuts First Hotel Reflecting Brand Standard Prototype in Nampa, Idaho
Everhome Suites®: Closer to Home | May 13, 2024
Everhome Suites Continues to Grow with its Third Opening and Over 60 Hotels in the Pipeline NORTH BETHESDA, Md., May 13, 2024 -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) announced the opening of Everhome Suites in Nampa, Idaho, marking the midscale extended stay brand's third opening, with more than 10 open hotels forecasted within the next year. The Nampa hotel exemplifies the brand's Closer to Home design package, incorporating local community touches into signature spaces. The property is anticipated to meet hotel demand resulting from the booming commercial development and population growth in the Boise area. "With over 60 Eve...
Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles Opens in Iconic 109-Year-Old Property Following Extensive Renovation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | May 13, 2024
Following extensive renovation, the five-star hotel opens in Zimbabwe in an iconic 109-year-old property located in the charming city center of Harare CHICAGO (May 13, 2024) - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today the first Hyatt hotel in Zimbabwe has opened with the opening of Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles, marking a significant milestone in the hospitality landscape of the country. The five-star property aims to offer an unmatched guest experience, combining elements of Zimbabwean hospitality with the Hyatt Regency brand’s signature excellence. Guests can expect contemporary rooms, diverse dining options, and an expansiv...