CBRE Expects RevPAR Growth to Improve in H2 2024, Driven by Holiday and International Travel
CBRE Group, Inc. | May 16, 2024
Market Reports
IHG Promotes Willemijn Geels to Vice President of Development, Europe
IHG | March 4, 2019
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has today announced the promotion of Willemijn Geels to Vice President of Development, Europe. In her new position, Willemijn will be responsible for driving the expansion of the group's brands across the European Business Unit, encompassing luxury, upscale and mainstream opportunities through managed and franchised deal structures. In addition to identifying new opportunities, Willemijn's team will continue to work closely with owners and investors in a support and advisory capacity to drive long-term revenue. Willemijn, who is fluent in five European...
Giacomo Battafarano Appointed General Manager of Verdura Resort
Verdura Resort | March 4, 2019
March 4, 2019 --Experienced international hotelier Giacomo Battafarano has returned to Sicily and been named as the new General Manager of Verdura Resort. Battafarano, born in 1974 and originally from Matera, brings a wealth of knowledge with him to the iconic Sicilian resort – a Rocco Forte Hotel – which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. After gaining a Master in Hospitality Management qualification at the LUISS School of Business and Management in Rome, Battafarano began his career in the luxury hotel industry with a five-year spell as Hotel Manager at Forte Village Resort. From Sardinia he moved to Portugal, ...
Hotel CEO Turnover 2018: A Study of the Top 50 Largest Hotel Management Companies
Chris Mumford | March 4, 2019
By Chris Mumford, Thomas Mielke, and Dominic Maurer Turnover of Chief Executives at the world's 50 largest hotel groups (as per HOTELS 325 2018 Listing) remained flat for 2018, with new faces appearing at the head of four companies, the same number as for the prior year. Changes in CEO positions were seen at G6 Hospitality, Extended Stay, Millennium & Copthorne and B&B Hotels. Of these, three were planned moves. Jennifer Fox's three-month stint at Millennium & Copthorne, though, can only be assumed to have been anything but planned. A sector turnover rate of 8% is well under the average for the general industry and speaks to...
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Promotes Eric Gavin to Chief Sales Officer
March 4, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, March 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Eric Gavin chief sales officer. This represents a promotion for Mr. Gavin, who previously held the position of senior vice president sales & marketing. Ted Davis, Benchmark's chief sales and marketing officer, made the announcement. "It is with great pleasure that I announce Eric's new role within our company," said Mr. Davis. "He has a gift for developing high achievement within his sales teams that has resulted in extraordinary success for our company's sales professionals and for Benchmark. His new position will enable him ...
Arthur Holman Joins Sunridge Hotel Group as Vice President of Operations
Sunridge Hotel Group | March 1, 2019
Mesa, AZ – March 1, 2019 – Sunridge Hotel Group, a leading owner and operator of classic upscale and upper midscale Marriott hotels, today announced the hiring of Arthur Holman as Vice President of Operations. Holman will be responsible for executing the company's operational objectives while driving strong, balanced results and will report directly to President, Brian Welker. "We are honored to bring Arthur in and have him be a part of the Sunridge family," said Brian Welker, President, Sunridge Hotel Group. "Arthur has an excellent track record for achieving operational success, and I have full confidence in his abilities,...
Adventure Tourism: Catering to the Thrill-Seeker Traveler
EHL's Hospitality Insights | March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019 - Through the ages, mankind has been pushing the limits of exploration: we have conquered lands, we have discovered the wonders of our planet and, pushed by our relentless thirst for knowledge, we have greatly expanded our awareness of the world we live in. Today's travelers are no different: driven by an increasing need to find meaning and purpose in their busy lives, they leave their comfort zone to venture into some of the most remote – and sometimes hostile - places in the world or venture into epic journeys. Dubbed "adventure tourism", this trend accounts for one of the fastest growing categories in the travel i...
European Pipeline Soars Despite Economic Slowdown Throughout the Region
Lodging Econometrics (LE) | March 1, 2019
In the 2018 year-end report by Lodging Econometrics (LE), Europe's total construction pipeline skyrocketed to 1,569 projects/243,947 rooms, a whopping 19% increase year-over-year (YOY), and the highest project and room counts ever recorded. The record counts come despite concerns of slower growth throughout the region, shrinking demand for the region's exports, Brexit uncertainties, and political tensions in many countries. There are 784 projects/124,674 rooms currently under construction, 434 projects/68,128 rooms planning to start construction in the next 12 months, and 351 projects/51,145 rooms in the early planning stage. The total ...
HVS Market Pulse: Gaylord Rockies – Impact on Denver Lodging Submarkets
Ryan mark | March 1, 2019
By Ryan Mark, Katy Black March 1, 2019 -- With the recent opening of the massive Gaylord Rockies, many are wondering what the ultimate impact of the 1,501-room resort will have on the Denver, Front Range, and greater Colorado lodging market. We believe the impact will be largely positive. Competition for the 200- to 800-room block group, which previously and primarily only looked to The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs) or Downtown Denver to book, now have an alternative, which should intensify price competition in the near term. Despite this pricing dynamic, Colorado is a hugely popular destination for groups, and the opening of a new, upsc...
HVS Market Pulse: Minneapolis - After the Super Bowl
Tanya J. Pierson | February 28, 2019
By Tanya J. Pierson and Justin Westad Surrounded by the beauty of lakes and the Mississippi River, Minneapolis is home to many Fortune 500 companies and more than 11,000 hotel rooms. High quality of life, diversity of employers, and leisure attractions continue to entice demand and an ensuing level of hotel development to the area. While the Super Bowl confetti has settled and the cold weather has returned, Minneapolis remains a strong city, with a broad base of corporate, group, and leisure visitors. Unemployment remains in a downward spiral at 2%, compared to the national average of 3.5% as of November 2018, and the economy continues ...
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Names Christina Gregg Vice President Human Resources
February 28, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Christina Gregg vice president human resources. Karen Di Fulgo, Benchmark's chief people officer, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome Christina to the leadership team here at Benchmark," said Ms. Di Fulgo. "She not only takes over this position with a solid background in Human Resource management, she brings an important awareness and understanding of our company's Be The Difference service culture, which will prove invaluable to her new role with us." Christina Gregg brings nearly 25 years of senior human resou...
European Hotel Transaction Levels Down in 2018 Although Investor Interest Remains Strong, Says Hvs Report
HVS | February 28, 2019
28 February 2019, London: European hotel transaction volumes reached €18.6 billion in 2018, a decrease of 14% on the previous year, but still the fifth highest level recorded, according to the annual European Hotel Transactions report published this week by HVS and its brokerage and investment services division HVS Hodges Ward Elliott. A total of 655 properties, averaging 156 rooms, changed hands in 2018 with the average price per key growing by 8% in 2018, reflecting the quality of the hotels that were sold, as well as a growth in values. "The European hotel investment market continues to show rising popularity as an alternative a...
Edgar Carrera Appointed Executive Chef for The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
February 28, 2019
GREENSBORO, GA (February 2019) – Fresh flavors and authentic techniques can be expected at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee with the appointment of Edgar Carrera to Executive Chef, overseeing the entire culinary operation. With Chef Carrera at the helm, the culinary experiences on property will be infused by his heritage, while remaining true to the Southern cuisine that is synonymous with the resort. Chef Carrera's foundation is strongly rooted in a culture where the kitchen and cooking is the heart and soul of family life. Hailing from Mexico, the majority of his childhood was spent either at his grandfather's butcher shop...
Interviews With Leaders - Mr. Neil George, Strategic Advisor, Rosewood Hotel Group
HVS | February 27, 2019
1. How would you describe Rosewood Hotel Group's development and growth strategy in the Middle East and Africa? We have a measured and considered approach to our global growth strategy. We have four brands – Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in the ultra-luxury segment, New World in the upper-upscale space, Penta in the upper-midscale lifestyle space, our latest brand KHOS targeting the luxury business-lifestyle space. In this region, we are primarily focused on growing the Rosewood brand, but open to gradual development of New World and Penta, and will soon be launching KHOS too. For Rosewood, as an ultra-luxury brand with 24 propert...
Islamorada’s Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina Promotes Ryan Wisely to Executive Chef
| February 27, 2019
Islamorada, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2019) – Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, an iconic Florida Keys getaway located in the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada, announces the promotion of Ryan Wisely to executive chef. A proven leader in the food & beverage industry, Wisely previously served as the executive chef of Amara Cay Resort, the sister property of Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina. In his new role, Wisely will oversee the day-to-day operations of the culinary program at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina including the three onsite restaurants, Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen & Bar, Tiki Bar and the soo...
The Adolphus Welcomes Nicholas Katz as General Manager of Food & Beverage
The Adolphus | February 27, 2019
DALLAS (February 27, 2019) – The Adolphus, Dallas' premier luxury boutique property, proudly welcomes Nicholas Katz as its new General Manager of Food & Beverage. Katz will oversee operations for all hotel F&B outlets, including Otto's Coffee & Fine Foods, City Hall Bistro and City Hall Bar, The French Room and The French Room Bar, chef-driven menus at the pool deck and in-room dining. Katz will also oversee banquets and events for the properties 24,000 square feet of event space. Katz brings more than two decades of industry experience, working with notable concepts such as Fireside Pies, Victor Tangos, The Porch, Ame...
BENCHMARK® Names Anna Corrine Barrett Director of Food & Beverage for Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
February 27, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Anna Corrine Barrett director of food & beverage for Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Lake Arrowhead, California. Geoff Young, Benchmark's managing director for the resort, made the announcement. "I am very happy to welcome Anna back to Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa," said Mr. Young. "She knows our property and our market well and is the perfect person to lead this department to higher levels of culinary success." Anna Corrine Barrett was previously the general manager of f...
Scout Hotel & Resort Management Appoints James Wolfe as General Manager of Seven Hills in the Berkshires
Seven Hills | February 27, 2019
LENOX, Mass. – Feb. 27, 2019 – James Wolfe has been appointed general manager of Seven Hills, a historic, 57-room boutique hotel in the Berkshires' town of Lenox. Backed by 17 years of senior leadership experience in the hospitality industry, Wolfe joins the hotel in the midst of a repositioning and renovation that is slated for completion this spring. Wolfe comes to Seven Hills from another Berkshires hotel, the 77-room Comfort Inn & Suites Sturbridge, where he also served as general manager. Over the course of his career, he has held general manager positions at hotels throughout the Northeast and Midwest under the Cou...
Aimbridge Hospitality Appoints Ian McAuley as President, Canada
Aimbridge Hospitality | February 27, 2019
DALLAS, TEXAS (FEBRUARY 27, 2019) -- Aimbridge Hospitality, the largest and most recognized hotel investment and management firm in the United States, announces the appointment of Ian McAuley as President, Canada. McAuley joins Aimbridge with more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry in both Canada and the United States. Most recently, McAuley served as the President of American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP, Canada's largest publicly-traded hotel company with 112 hotels located throughout the United States. In his new position, McAuley will play a key role in fostering new international joint venture opportunities,...
Mandarin Oriental, Boston Appoints Jason Paluch as Director of Spa & Wellness
Mandarin Oriental, Boston | February 26, 2019
Boston, 26 February 2019 – The Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Boston is delighted to announce the appointment of Jason Paluch to the position of Director of Spa & Wellness. Paluch joins Mandarin Oriental, Boston from the former Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta, where he held the position of Director of Spa & Wellness since February 2016. As the only Forbes Five-Star awarded Spa in Massachusetts, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston offers the most exclusive pampering experience and an array of holistic treatments that combine modern techniques and traditional Eastern therapies for body, mind and spirit. A licensed Aesthetician wit...
Timbers Resorts Appoints Damon Kolb as Development Manager and Ryan Bell as Corporate Director of Asset Management
Timbers Resorts | February 26, 2019
WINTER PARK, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2019) -- Timbers Resorts, a luxury hospitality brand known for its exceptional boutique hotels, residence clubs and resort communities located around the world, announces the appointment of Damon Kolb as Development Manager and Ryan Bell as Corporate Director of Asset Management. The new additions are part of Timbers Resorts' exciting expansion plan, which kicked off in early December with the relocation of the company's headquarters to Winter Park, FL. Damon and Ryan will help spearhead efforts to grow the brand into the country's Eastern Seaboard as well as into the Caribbean and Europe. "Securing the very ...
Jessica Cook Joins The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection as Director of Sales And Marketing
Blue Sky Utah | February 26, 2019
WANSHIP, UTAH (Feb. 21, 2019) – The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, the new luxury resort opening May 2019 outside of Park City, Utah, announced the appointment of Jessica Cook as Director of Sales and Marketing. Cook brings more than 15 years of luxury hospitality experience and extensive knowledge of outdoor and adventure travel to her new role overseeing sales and marketing efforts for Auberge Resorts Collection's first Utah property. "We are delighted to welcome Jessica to the Auberge family," said Mike Minchin, Chief Marketing Officer, Auberge Resorts Collection. "Her passion for the outdoors paired with years ...
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection Appoints Joe Ogdie as General Manager
Blue Sky Utah | February 26, 2019
WANSHIP, UTAH (February 21, 2019) – The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, the new resort that will introduce a modern interpretation of the Western adventure when it opens near Park City in May 2019, today announced the appointment of Joe Ogdie as General Manager. In his new role, Ogdie will oversee the daily operations of the resort, which will encompass 46 rooms and suites, a spa, signature restaurant, High West Distillery and countless outdoor activities, such as heli-skiing, horseback riding and kids' programs, that will connect guests with the expansive 3,500-acre mountain paradise. "We are thrilled to have Joe l...
Indonesia’s Bawah Reserve Appoints Raymond Saja as General Manager
Bawah Reserve | February 26, 2019
New York, NY (February 25, 2019) - Bawah Reserve, a pristine paradise of 6 private islands in Indonesia's Anambas Archipelago, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Raymond Saja as the new General Manager. In his new role Raymond will look to position the resort as the "new" Maldives with a strong emphasis on wellness, sustainability, eco-awareness and a successful balance with luxury. Saja aims to ensure guests have an indulgent private island experience while simultaneously educating and raising awareness around the property's strong commitment to conservation stewardship and sustainability. Singapore Airlines has launched a dire...
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach Appoints Gerd Kotlorz as General Manager
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach | February 26, 2019
Phuket, Thailand, 26 February 2019 - Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach has announced the appointment of Gerd Kotlorz as its new General Manager, effective 25 February 2019. A German national and highly experienced hospitality professional, Gerd moves to Phuket from Bangkok, where currently holds the position of Area Director of Sales & Distribution for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. He will take over Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach from David Ippersiel, who as General Manager successfully led the resort through its extensive refurbishment and opening phase in 2016. Under David's tenure, Phuket M...