The Top 7 Pain Points in Hospitality Procurement and How to Overcome Them
Johannes Vocke | July 24th, 2024
Navigating the Complex World of Conversational AI – Part 2
Travel Outlook, the premier hotel call center™ | July 16th, 2024
The Statler Names Marcelus Cordeiro as Hotel’s Executive Chef
The Statler | July 17, 2024
(DALLAS, July 17, 2024) – Marcelus Cordeiro has been named Executive Chef at The Statler, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading global third-party hotel operator. In this role, Cordeiro will oversee the dine-and-drink establishments at The Statler, including Overeasy, Scout, Bourbon & Banter and Waterproof, as well as the hotel’s room-service and catering operations. Cordeiro comes to The Statler with more than a decade of experience leading large institutions’ kitchens, most recently as chef-manager at the University of North Texas in Denton. His hotel experience includes stints as execu...
The Publisher, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Opens in Historic Fredericksburg, VA
Greenwood Hospitality | July 17, 2024
Fredericksburg, VA, July 16, 2024 – Fredericksburg, a town deeply rooted in American history, is about to embrace a new chapter in its rich narrative with the impending opening of The Publisher, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. The Publisher Hotel will join Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio, a growing family of global hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design, sincere service, and vibrant social spaces, made for guests and locals alike. Built and owned by Fredericksburg-based Vakos Companies, The Publisher Hotel is set to become a beacon of modern storytelling and a future keepsake of downtown Fredericksburg. Slate...
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Completes Impressive $35M Renovation
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa | July 17, 2024
SOUTH WALTON, Florida – July 16, 2024 – Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, a premier destination along Northwest Florida’s emerald coast, proudly announces the completion of its extensive $35M property-wide renovation, coinciding with the resort’s 40th anniversary of welcoming guests. This multi-phased refurbishment, which began in fall 2022, encompasses a comprehensive upgrade of the resort’s accommodations, amenities, and dining experiences. “We are thrilled to reveal the final results of our property-wide refresh,” said Angelina Covington, general manager of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. “Our ...
The Perry Hotel Naples Slated for Fall Opening in Florida With 160 Guestrooms
The Perry Hotel Naples | July 17, 2024
NAPLES, FL (July 17, 2024) – The Perry Hotel Naples, a 160-room hotel located along the Cocohatchee River in North Naples, Florida, is slated to open this fall. It will be the second location for The Perry, a boutique hotel brand that launched in Key West in 2017. The $80-million project is a new-build, featuring seven floors, a modern industrial design, spacious guest rooms, most with balconies, a ground-floor pool and adjacent activity lawn, a poolside tapas eatery, a lobby coffee bar, a fitness center, and an open-air deck featuring a rooftop pool, a chic poolside bar highlighting craft cocktails, and rooftop Tigress Restaurant, a full-...
TAFER Hotels & Resorts Introduces Management Services and Expands Its Portfolio With Signing of Three Major Hotel Deals
TAFER Hotels & Resorts | July 17, 2024
PUERTO VALLARTA (July 17, 2024) — TAFER Hotels & Resorts, a forward-thinking leisure and hospitality company celebrated for its collection of award-winning hotels, luxury resorts, and boutique villas across Mexico and the Caribbean’s most coveted beach destinations, is proud to announce the launch of its hospitality management services. This significant milestone is marked by the signing and forthcoming assumption of management for three properties: Palmar Azul Beach in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, as well as Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Miches and Kairi Club Miches in the Dominican Republic. TAFER’s management services and new...
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Appoints Jennifer Blymier as Director of Sales and Marketing
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor | July 17, 2024
BALTIMORE – July 17, 2024 – Jennifer Blymier has been named as the new Director of Sales and Marketing at the 757-room Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. She brings more than 30 years of sales experience to her position and in her new role at Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Blymier will lead all strategic sales and marketing endeavors while supporting the hotel’s mission to provide outstanding service to guests. Before joining Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Blymier served as Director of Sales and Marketing at Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Pa. Throughout her career, she’s held various sales and marketing roles including Area Director of...
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Appoints Greg Sherman Director of Food & Beverage
the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin | July 17, 2024
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – July 17, 2024 – The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has appointed Greg Sherman director of food and beverage. He will oversee the complex’s multi-million-dollar food and beverage operation, comprised of 23 outlets. With a highly impressive professional background, Sherman brings over 25 years of food and beverage experience, with roles including executive chef, general manager, regional general manager and director of training and development. In 2014, he joined Rosa Mexicano as general manager. His exceptional leadership skills and deep understanding of the food and beverage industry ultimately propelled...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Launches Industry First ‘Low Carbon Pioneers’ Programme as CEO Calls for Broader Support From Governments to Accelerate
IHG | July 17, 2024
London (17thJuly 2024) IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in hospitality, today announces the launch of its Low Carbon Pioneers programme, which brings together energy efficient hotels that have no fossil fuels combusted on-site* and are backed by renewable energy. This group of low operational carbon hotels is the first community of its kind in the industry and will help IHG test, learn and share findings on sustainability measures. The ambition is to inspire other properties to join the programme and also help encourage wider adoption of carbon reduction practices across IHG’s estate. The first Low Carbon Pioneer hotels span di...
Ticketed Events Are All the Rave as They Become a Popular Incentive for Americans to Travel This Summer
Allianz Partners | July 17, 2024
Allianz Partners USA’s 16th Annual Vacation Confidence Index Reveals Almost Two-Thirds of Americans Plan to Attend a Ticketed Event in 2024 Richmond, Virginia, July 17, 2024 – Passport stamps are a likely complement to this year’s hottest tickets for Americans as they pack their bags to attend concerts, sports and live entertainment events around the globe this summer, according to Allianz Partners USA's 16th Annual Vacation Confidence Index*. Entertainment remains a driving force for travel as the travel insurance and assistance company’s latest survey found that 24% of Americans plan to travel to a destination to attend ...
The Serviced Apartment Sector in Europe 2024
Clemence Sennavoine | July 17, 2024
By Clemence Sennavoine, Alexandra Dumoulin A new and dynamic era has begun for the serviced apartment industry. Our latest Serviced Apartment survey reveals a landscape marked by robust performance, adept cost management, and a positive outlook. Profitability has not only bounced back to pre-pandemic levels but is also being driven by a surge in leisure demand and a booming interest in serviced apartments. This renewed enthusiasm is drawing significant investor attention, prompting both established brands and new players to expand and innovate, setting the stage for exciting growth and transformation in the industry. Operators' Sentiment ...
The Road to Hotel Profitability: Adopting Flow Through + Flex Metrics
HotStats | July 17, 2024
When measuring hotel profitability, two key metrics stand out: flow through and flex. Flow through measures the percentage of additional profit from each extra dollar of revenue, while flex gauges the ability to save profit during revenue shortfalls. These metrics provide crucial insights into financial performance, offering a comprehensive framework for operational analysis. "Understanding flow through and flex is essential for any hotel aiming to optimize profitability and navigate economic fluctuations effectively," says Lisa Martin, Regional Director for Hotel Finance, at Davidson Hospitality. Integrating these metrics into your ana...
Rethinking Menu Ingredients to Ramp Up Guest Nutrition
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | July 17, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky Food menus need to evolve in order to keep pace with the trends so that hotels can continue to attract diners and use their restaurants as a key draw for overnight guests. One of the trends is that menus are becoming healthier and healthier over time. Whether that’s adding vegan options, reducing the amount of deep-fried items or using better quality cooking oils – in particular, excluding harmful seed oils – the demand for healthier plates is there. Nowhere better emphasizes this than all the marketing hoi polloi around all the purported superfoods – acai, kale and all the fun, new adaptogenic mushr...
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) Arranges the Sale of the Doubletree Jersey City
Paramount Lodging Advisors | July 17, 2024
Paramount Lodging Advisors (PLA) is pleased to announce the sale of the Doubletree Jersey City. PLA transacted the 198-room asset through a receiver sale. The buyer purchased the property with an assumption of the existing CMBS debt. Sales efforts were led by PLA Principals Bennett Webster and Brent Clemens, and PLA director Sean Banilivy. “Our team remains bullish on the market and we look forward to continued strong positive RevPAR trajectory for New York City and surrounding areas. We were pleased to be able to trade with the debt assumption amidst continued uncertainty in capital markets,” noted Webster. PLA is now also...
Revolutionizing Point-of-Sale for the Lodging Industry With rezStream POS
rezStream | July 17, 2024
Denver, CO – rezStream, a leader in property management solutions, proudly announces the launch of rezStream Point-of-Sale, rezPOS, a revolutionary, cost-effective point-of-sale system integrated within their Property Management System, rezStream Cloud. This cost-effective innovation is set to transform operations for independent hotels, B&Bs, and resorts by providing a seamless, all-in-one solution for managing onsite sales and guest services. A Seamless Solution for Simplified Operations In an industry where efficiency and customer service are paramount, the newly launched rezPOS by rezStream offers a comprehensive solution that...
Aptech Teams With BirchStreet Systems To Bring Procure-to-Pay Processing to Twenty Four Seven Hotels
Aptech | July 17, 2024
Aptech provides hotels with invoice-level, vendor and general ledger spend while BirchStreet Systems manages the remainder of the P2P workflow process PITTSBURGH, July 17, 2024 — Aptech has teamed with Birchstreet Systems to deliver efficiency and automation where it is most needed – the procure-to-pay (P2P) process. Based on customer demand, this collaboration brings together the best in cloud-based enterprise accounting and P2P software to deliver better control over purchase orders, invoicing, budgeting, order delivery, flexible payment options, invoice imaging, and financial review efficiency with drill down from P&L to invo...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Sydney Premium Estate With Two Crowne Plaza Rebrands
IHG | July 16, 2024
- Courtyard by Marriott, Sydney-North Ryde and Holiday Inn Sydney Airport to transition to Crowne Plaza brand - The portfolio agreement builds on the existing partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Star Millennium Pty Ltd - Trilogy Hotels will operate both hotels, marking their first white-label hotels in the Australasian IHG estate 16 July 2024, Sydney, Australia: IHG Hotels & Resorts will expand its Sydney premium estate with the addition of two Crowne Plaza hotels, following a strategic portfolio agreement with Frank and Wade Huang of Star Millennium Pty Ltd that will see the rebranding of two well-loved hotels at Sy...
The St. Regis Chicago Appoints Erik Grazetti as Director of Sales & Marketing
The St. Regis Chicago | July 16, 2024
(July 16, 2024 – Chicago, Illinois) The St. Regis Chicago, the Windy City’s newest luxury hotel, announces the appointment of Erik Grazetti as Director of Sales & Marketing. In this new role, Grazetti is responsible for leading and directing all sales and marketing efforts for The St. Regis Chicago, including heading a team of diverse sales, catering, and marketing professionals in establishing the hotel as the pinnacle of luxury within the region. The hotel stands at Chicago’s best address, spanning 11 floors of the 101-story architectural marvel designed by award-winning architect Jeanne Gang while boasting 159 luxuriously appo...
DUA Miami, Autograph Collection, Located in the Heart of Miami’s Brickell District, Is Now Open
Evolution Hospitality | July 16, 2024
MIAMI, FL – July 16, 2024 – Located against the backdrop of the dynamic Brickell district, the DUA Miami, Autograph Collection offers elevated accommodations and amenities that seamlessly blend personal fulfillment with social connection. "DUA" translates to Love and Desire in Albanian, reflecting the hotel's ethos of personal indulgence and meaningful connections. DUA Miami features 124 stylish rooms and suites, each with a private balcony offering breathtaking panoramic views. Guests can unwind at the on-site DUA Spa or indulge in culinary delights at AHU | MAR, the wood-fired seafood restaurant specializing in innovative dishes ...
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown Area Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
HHM | July 16, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC — JULY, 2024 - With a commitment to elevating guest experience, Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown Area has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, updating all 238 guest rooms throughout the property alongside a further 3,165 square feet of redesigned meeting space, express check-in, a 24-hour fitness center, and a refreshed outdoor patio. “Our central West End location makes this renovation ideal for business and leisure travelers alike,” said General Manager Tom Smith. “We've combined modern functionality with relaxing elements to meet the needs of today's traveler and we’re confident guests will find ...
ONYX Hospitality Group Completes Key Handover Ceremony for Its New Sri Lanka Property: Amari Colombo
ONYX Hospitality Group | July 16, 2024
London, 16th July 2024: ONYX Hospitality Group, recognised as a leading medium-sized hospitality management company in Southeast Asia, is proud to announce the successful completion of the key handover ceremony for its new property in Sri Lanka, Amari Colombo. This milestone marks the official transition of the property to ONYX Hospitality Group, ushering in a new era of excellence and hospitality in Colombo. Scheduled to open in Q4 2024, Amari Colombo is strategically situated in Colombo's vibrant cityscape, offering a harmonious blend of contemporary comfort and traditional Sri Lankan charm. Luxurious accommodation across 167 rooms is t...
First Hospitality’s Roger Baker Named Chief Investment Officer and Advisor
First Hospitality | July 16, 2024
CHICAGO, IL (July 16, 2024) - First Hospitality, a national hotel operating, management, and development company, proudly announces the transition of Roger Baker from CFO to his new role as CIO and Advisor. With 40 years of experience in the real estate industry, including 16 years as a leader on First Hospitality's executive team, in this new role, Baker will advise on selected capital formation transactions as well as certain management and investor relations initiatives. "Roger’s leadership has been instrumental in the growth and success of First Hospitality during his tenure and we’re pleased that he will continue to be part of ...
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Welcomes New Executive Chef Chandra Swamy
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel | July 16, 2024
New Orleans, LA (July 16, 2024) — Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of Chandra Swamy as the property’s new Executive Chef. With an impressive culinary career spanning over 28 years, Swamy brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and a passion for food that promises to elevate the dining experience for hotel guests. “We are extremely fortunate to have Chef Swamy join our Sheraton New Orleans team,” said Jim Cook, General Manager for the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. “His genuine passion for food and presentation promises to bring fresh and exciting flavors to the Sheraton’s menus, incorporat...
U.S. Department of Commerce Seeks Applications for Brand USA Board of Directors
International Trade Administration | July 16, 2024
The Department of Commerce is currently seeking applications from travel and tourism leaders from specific industries for membership on the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Travel Promotion (dba Brand USA). The purpose of the Board is to guide the Corporation for Travel Promotion on matters relating to the promotion of the United States as a travel destination. The Travel Promotion Act (TPA), which was signed into law by President Obama on March 4, 2010, established the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a non-profit corporation charged with the development and execution of marketing strategies for U.S. travel and tourism and to ...
Tale of Two Travel Markets: High-End Hotel Segments See Steady Guest Satisfaction Improvement, While More Affordable Hotel Segments Post Declines, J.D
J.D. Power | July 16, 2024
Higher Room Rates, Longer Stays and Fewer Trips Put Focus on Quality of Guest Rooms and Hotel Maintenance TROY, Mich.: 16 July 2024 — With an average daily rate (ADR) for a U.S. hotel room of $158.45 in May 2024—the second-highest month ever behind $159.01 in October 20231—virtually every traveler in every hotel price bracket is paying more for a hotel room. According to the J.D. Power 2024 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study,SM released today, travelers’ perceived value for those higher prices is very much dependent on how well the hotel delivers on their expectations. This year, the luxury and upper upsca...