International Visitors Spent Nearly $20.1 Billion Traveling Within the United States in March
National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) | May 23, 2024
CBRE Expects RevPAR Growth to Improve in H2 2024, Driven by Holiday and International Travel
CBRE Group, Inc. | May 16, 2024
Market Reports
Aqua Hospitality Completes $10 Million Renovation of the 221-room Park Shore Waikiki on Oahu, Hawaii
Park Shore Waikiki | August 23, 2013
Honolulu, Hawaii- August 23, 2013 - Aqua Hospitality continues its revitalization of Waikiki with the official introduction of the newly renovated Park Shore Waikiki, a classic Oahu hotel with an enviable location fronting Waikiki Beach. This exciting property underwent a $10.7 million enhancement to emerge as the area's most stylish boutique hotel experience for both leisure and business travelers. "This historic property has been completely transformed into a chic getaway that caters to the needs of today's traveler," said Elizabeth Churchill, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The hotel is modern and relaxed, perfectly co...
Plantation on Crystal River on Florida’s Nature Coast Joins Ascend Hotel Collection
Ascend Collection | August 21, 2013
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. (August 21, 2013) - Located on Florida's Nature Coast, the Plantation on Crystal River announced today that it will join Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, as a member of the Ascend Hotel Collection - a worldwide network of one-of-a-kind hotels known for authentic, local experiences and a shared commitment to outstanding service and amenities. As part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, the Plantation will have access to Choice Hotels International's robust reservations and distribution system for more than 6,200 hotels worldwide, including the Ascend Hotel Collecti...
China Becomes World’s Biggest Travel Spender According to Hotels.com Report; 2012 Spending Up by 40%
August 21, 2013
DALLAS - August 21, 2013 - China has overtaken the U.S. and Germany as the world's biggest spenders on travel, with Chinese travelers spending $102 billion on international travel in 2012, an increase of over 40 percent from 2011*. The second annual Chinese International Travel Monitor (CITM) released today by Hotels.com, the world's leading hotel booking website, reveals significant insights into the changing behaviors of Chinese travelers and how the global hotel industry is adapting. Surveying more than 3,000 Chinese international travelers and more than 1,500 hoteliers around the world, the Hotels.com report found 75 percent of glob...
Tennessean Susan Whitaker Named State Tourism Director of the Year by the U.S. Travel Association
The U.S. Travel Association | August 19, 2013
RICHMOND, Va. (August 19, 2013) - Susan Whitaker, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, has been named the State Tourism Director of the Year. The award is voted upon annually by the U.S. Travel Association's National Council of State Tourism Directors. Whitaker was announced as the winner before about 600 of her peers Monday at the ESTO conference of tourism professionals in Richmond, Va. "Susan is a wonderful representative for Tennessee. I've had the pleasure of working with her on any number of critical travel issues and always appreciate her insight," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel A...
UK’s Regional Hotels Show Rise in Profitability
| August 19, 2013
Hotel Bulletin: Q2 2013 HVS, Zolfo Cooper and AM:PM August 19, 2013 Profitability growth returned to the regions in Q2 2013 for the first time on a last twelve months basis since the downturn. London also recorded positive results; however weak comparators, due to the Diamond Jubilee, masked what was otherwise a flat quarter. This issue's city focus is on Liverpool, a hotel market that has doubled in size in the last decade. Key highlights of period Performance continues to improve Both London and the regions recorded RevPAR increases in Q2 2013, albeit on the back of weak comparators in the previous quarter due to the Diamond Jubilee ...
The 55-room Pearl Opens in Rosemary Beach, Florida
The Pearl | August 16, 2013
ROSEMARY BEACH, FL-August 16, 2013) - After much anticipation, The Pearl opened its doors today, bringing a new level of luxury to Rosemary Beach, on Florida's Emerald Coast. Overlooking the picturesque Gulf of Mexico, The Pearl features beautifully appointed rooms, destination worthy regional cuisine, an intimate spa, and attractive facilities for meetings and events in the heart of Northwest Florida's most exclusive seaside community. Offering refined luxury just 20 minutes from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, The Pearl, a 55-room boutique property, creates a seamless guest experience. From a guestroom stocked with co...
Kempinski Hotels Opens the 363-room Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan in China’s Old Dragon City
Kempinski Hotels | August 15, 2013
Toronto - August 14, 2013 - Kempinski, Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, unveiled its 19th mainland hotel today in Taiyuan, China. As the first international five-star hotel in the city, Kempinski presents brand new luxurious concepts through modern facilities, superb European service and international gourmet offerings. An old saying goes, "Beijing represents the last 1,000 years of Chinese history and Shanxi represents the last 3,000 years." Located in the centre of the Dragon City, Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan is a contemporary hotel that blends European flair with Chinese tradition. The hotel is close to the city's main shopping centre...
Florida’s 517-room W Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Cesar Wurm as Director of Sales and Marketing
W Fort Lauderdale | August 14, 2013
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - August 14, 2013 - W Fort Lauderdale is proud to announce the appointment of Cesar Wurm as the new director of sales and marketing. A Starwood veteran, Wurm will be responsible for continuing to drive occupancy and overseeing all marketing and public relations efforts at the oceanfront resort. "Cesar is an accomplished sales and marketing professional and we are so thrilled that he has chosen W Fort Lauderdale to further showcase his talents," said Tara Whitmire, director of human resources at the hotel, "We're eager to apply his expertise to our incredible team that strives to offer the best guest experience possib...
Lodging Econometrics Releases its 2015 Forecast for New Hotel Openings Predicting 739 U.S. Projects
August 13, 2013
August 13, 2013 - Lodging Econometrics' (LE's) forecast predicts New Hotel Openings of 739 Projects/ 82,587 Rooms for 2015, representing a growth rate for new supply of 1.6%. This is a slow, moderate but steady uptrend improvement over 2011's cyclical bottom of 346 Projects/ 37,193 Rooms. Despite these increases, the industry is still far away from the peak for New Openings of 1,341 Projects/ 154,258 Rooms set in 2008, a feat that will not likely be repeated until late this decade, if at all. The 2015 forecast is contingent upon two factors; that the hotels already in the Pipeline continue to migrate forward at the quickened pace establ...
Hilton Worldwide and Lanzhou Friendship Hotel to Open 389-Room Hilton Lanzhou in China in Q1 2017
Hilton Hotels & Resorts | August 12, 2013
August 12, 2013 - LANZHOU, China - Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a management agreement with Lanzhou Friendship Hotel to build a hotel consisting of approximately 389 guest rooms in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2017, the 389-room Hilton Lanzhou will reside in the city's central commercial district and provides Hilton Worldwide with greater access to China's rapidly developing northwest China. Francis Lee Wee-Hau, senior vice president of development, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide said, "The introduction of our flagship Hilton property to Gansu provin...
Allan Farwell Appointed as General Manager for Hawaii’s Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa | August 7, 2013
Lahaina, Hawaii (August 7, 2013) - Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa recently announced the appointment of Allan Farwell as General Manager. Farwell, most recently the General Manager at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, joins the Hyatt Regency Maui team as General Manager with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. A seasoned Hyatt veteran, Farwell has served as General Manager for various Hyatt hotels for 23 years, overseeing luxury and flagship properties across the United States. "After six years in beautiful Indian Wells, I am thrilled to bring my experience to the outstanding team at Hyatt Regency Maui," remarked Farwe...
Colorado’s 230-room Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center to Open Late in 2013
the Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center | August 7, 2013
DENVER, COLO. - August 7, 2013 - One of Denver's most iconic structures, the historic Colorado National Bank building, will welcome travelers as the new Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center in late 2013. The hotel will feature 230 guestrooms, 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and Range, an original concept restaurant and bar, serving locally-purveyed cuisine inspired by the Rocky Mountain West. Imbued with a series of 16 original murals from the iconic western muralist Allen Tupper True, the property showcases historic elements from the building's initial construction in the early 20th century, juxtaposed with the accommodations, amenit...
Property Improvement Plan (PIP) & Capital Expenditure Decisions for Canadian Hoteliers
Graham Coe, of HVS | August 6, 2013
By Graham Coe This article discusses recent trends in the Canadian lodging industry and their impact on capital expenditure and property improvement plan (PIP) requirements. Elements of an effective PIP and different PIP scenarios are also examined. Property Improvement Plan (PIP) & Capital Expenditure Decisions for Canadian Hoteliers The physical condition of a hotel property is one of the most important determinants of operating performance and, ultimately, market value. When faced with capital expenditure, property improvement plan (PIP), or re-branding decisions, hotel owners must make the right decisions in order to maximize op...
Aston Hotels & Resorts to Manage Tuscana Resort Orlando in Davenport, Florida
Tuscana Resort Orlando by Aston | August 5, 2013
HONOLULU - August 5, 2013 - Aston Hotels & Resorts, an operating business of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced the addition of Tuscana Resort Orlando in Davenport, Florida, expanding its portfolio to 28 hotels and condominium resorts. "Tuscana Resort offers guests deluxe accommodations close to Orlando's best attractions," said Kelvin Bloom, president of Aston Hotels & Resorts. "With its beautiful architecture and exceptional amenities and services, Tuscana Resort is an excellent addition to our Aston Condominium Collection." Guests experience the magic of this special Mediterranean-style resort from the mom...
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...