World’s largest hospitality technology exposition and conference adds four recognized innovators to education program

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), producer of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), has added four keynote speakers to this year's education program: Dave Berkus, super angel, author and entrepreneur; Alex Tapscott, CEO at Northwest Passage Ventures; Kevin Rosen, Esq. CIPP/US, partner at Shutts & Bowen, LLP; and Robert Villanueva, executive vice president at Q6 Cyber.

Opening Keynote and Party. On Monday, June 26, 2017, Dave Berkus will take the HITEC Toronto stage from 4:30—5:30 p.m. to discuss technology and its impact on the job market. Berkus is one of the nation's most prolific angel investors with over 137 early stage technology investments. He is the creator of BERKONOMICS.COM – weekly insights for entrepreneurs and investors. Berkus is an author and in-demand speaker at national and international events sharing stories and wisdom related to entrepreneurs, building boards of directors, trends in technology and valuing young corporate enterprises. Berkus is also an inductee to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame.

Following the Opening Keynote, HFTP will host the "A Night in Toronto" Opening Party from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Muzik Event Center. Attendees will enjoy delicious snacks, drinks and music as they mingle and get ready for the busy week ahead. Additionally, the Opening Party will feature an emulator touch screen DJ, giant light bright, digital graffiti wall and surfboard simulator. Opening Party entry information is detailed on the HITEC Toronto website.

Tuesday Keynote. On Tuesday, June 27, 2017, Alex Tapscott will present from 8:30—10:00 a.m. to inform HITEC attendees about the blockchain revolution. Tapscott is a founding member at IMF's High Level Advisory Group on Fintech, as well as the co-author of the critically acclaimed best-seller "Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money Business and the World." Tapscott is focused on the impact of emerging technologies on business, society and government, and is a passionate advocate for innovation, entrepreneurship and civic engagement.

Closing Keynote. On Thursday, June 29, 2017, Kevin Rosen, Esq. CIPP/US and Robert Villanueva will present from 2:15—3:15 p.m. on cybercrime. Rosen is a member of the Financial Services Practice Group and the Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Taskforce at his current West Palm Beach office. He focuses his practice on cybersecurity, privacy, data security, securities regulation and financial regulation. Villanueva currently leads the Cyber Threat Intelligence Division of Q6 Cyber after spending 25-years working for the United States Secret Service, where he specialized in transnational cybercrimes, access device fraud, network intrusions and identity theft data breaches affecting the private sector.

This year's larger North American event HITEC Toronto will take place from June 26-29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. HITEC Dubai, the third and final HITEC of 2017, will take place from November 14-15 at the Conrad Dubai in Dubai, UAE in partnership with Naseba. In 2018, HFTP will bring back HITEC Amsterdam on April 11-14 in addition to HITEC Houston on June 26-29.

For more information about HITEC and HFTP's other global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec/. Stay updated with HFTP and HITEC on social media for conference updates: HFTP Connect; HITEC Bytes; HFTP Club Bytes; HFTP Finance Bytes; HFTP News; Facebook; LinkedIn; Twitter; Instagram; YouTube; Flickr.

NASHVILLE, TN (June 2, 2017) – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurantsannounces Kimpton Aertson Hotel, located at the corner of 21^st Avenue and Broadway in Nashville’s Midtown neighborhood, will officially open its doors on Wednesday, June 14. Its own unique gateway to the rhythm of Nashville, Kimpton Aertson Hotel marks the boutique hotel company’s first venture in Music City and the expansion of its footprint in the Southeast.

From the living room to the 17^th floor, Kimpton Aertson Hotel tells a story true to its name, one of grit and honesty with elevated style. Homage to its neighboring university’s namesake, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Aertson Hotel recalls the humble beginnings of the Vanderbilt family’s Dutch ancestor Jan Aertson, who established the family’s roots in America in the mid-17^th century. That pioneering spirit is one that drove the railroad tycoon to elevate the family name to legendary status, and one that to this day characterizes the creative and innovative spirit of Nashville and now Aertson too. 

Many of Kimpton Aertson Hotel’s 180 guest rooms, including 12 spacious suites, offer city and Vanderbilt campus views and all a welcome reprieve from the bustling streets of downtown. Upon entering the hotel, guests immediately feel a sense of genuine hospitality and community, thanks to Kimpton’s approachable luxury level of customer care. Aertson juxtaposes that authentic yet accommodating service against a compelling contemporary arts program throughout. The open-concept living room further extends its welcome with industrial-meets-organic details like herringbone tiled floors, a cascading curtain of river stones in front of a double-sided fireplace, and reclaimed wood ceilings. 

“We are ready to bring our innovative and authentic boutique hotel experience to one of America’s most exciting cities, Nashville,” says General Manager Mark Hayes. “Our guests will be treated like family from the moment they arrive, welcomed with a genuine smile and locally tailored amenities at their fingertips.”

Adjacent to the hotel, and also accessible through Aertson’s living room, is Henley, a modern American brasserie featuring James Beard Award-winning Chef RJ Cooper serving a culinary menu of shareable dishes and innovative communal courses highlighting regional flavors. Henley’s full bar, wine and cocktail program evolves seasonally with a strong emphasis on whiskey, bourbon and Southern spirits. 

On its 8^th floor, Aertson Hotel boasts more than 6,500-square-feet of flexible meeting and event spaces to accommodate groups and parties of all sizes and occasions. 

The star of the floor’s four spaces is its stunning 3,630-square-foot Patterson Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large wrap-around private outdoor terrace, providing unobstructed views of Music City. For those looking to take their meetings and events to even greater heights, Aertson Hotel’s 17^th floor indoor event space and private outdoor terrace treats up to 150 guests to 270-degree panoramic views of downtown Nashville. All of the events at Aertson Hotel enjoy chef-driven creative catering menus from Henley’s Executive Chef RJ Cooper, bringing award-winning restaurant experiences to private events and meetings.

To learn more about Kimpton Aertson Hotel, visit www.aertsonhotel.comor call 877.239.2269.

(SAN FRANCISCO; June 2, 2017) – As the first newly constructed hotel since 2008 in San Francisco, Hotel VIA (138 King St.) seized the opportunity and fully integrated the latest hospitality technologies into the design of the hotel. In harmony with human interaction, Hotel VIA adds approachable yet elevated services aimed to appeal to tech-savvy travelers and traditionalists alike. Located in the South Beach neighborhood across from AT&T Park, the 159-room hotel will open in June 2017. 

“We wanted to create a boutique hotel and personalized hospitality experience that seamlessly blends into this modern mold,” says Hotel VIA’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Jerry Leap. “Many of the technological amenities implemented make it easier to connect with guests and are designed to exceed the expectations of those who demand the best technology.”

From the moment guests book a reservation, they are sent a link to download a customized mobile concierge app by KEYPR, to determine their needs and plan their stay. The interface offers guests a curated city guide highlighting upcoming events to coincide with their trip, and the opportunity to explore the best of the South Beach neighborhood, order snacks, pillow preferences, and more while on or off property.

Upon arrival to Hotel VIA, guests will still have the option to check-in with a team member or choose to bypass the standard check-in desk with their mobile device that serves as a digital room key. Echoing the hotel’s design with a minimalistic, modernized appeal, each guest room is outfitted with ASSA ABLOY Hospitality’s sleek, new VingCard Essence door lock, a keyless lock system that is compatible with the ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Mobile Access solution and technology. 

Hotel VIA guest rooms will be equipped with a personal tablet (7”) set up with guest services, promotions, and access to entertainment and news sources, such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and more. Additional options allow guests to order or schedule room service, discover nearby attractions and happenings, and more. Guests control room temperature preferences though Honeywell’s INNCOM energy management system, which saves energy and guests’ room preferences to activate when they are in the room.”

To meet the growing technological demands of business and leisure travelers alike, Hotel VIA will offer one of the most robust wireless systems supported by Comcast Business and Fortinet Security Fabric solutions, including wireless access points and switches secured by FortiGate enterprise firewalls and unified access management using Fortinet Connect. Hotel VIA has also implemented FiberLAN from DASAN Zhone Solutions to support a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON). The high-speed POL-based Ethernet solution enables guests to connect to the Internet anytime, anywhere on the hotel property. With this secure and energy-efficient network solution, Hotel VIA guests will be able to connect an unlimited number of devices and have instant access to high-speed data, voice and video without compromising network speed.

“We had the unique opportunity to prioritize technology when we built Hotel VIA’s infrastructure from the ground up,” says Leap. “In a city where our technology devices are a part of everyday living, we wanted to tailor technology amenities to be state-of-the-art, relevant, and guest-friendly. Still, these technologies will not replace our fully trained staff ready to provide personalized service.” 

Additional information regarding each partnership is available upon request. 

For more information on Hotel VIA and reservations, visit www.hotelviasf.com or call 415-200-4977.

June 2, 2017

BOWLING GREEN, Ky., and MCLEAN, Va. - Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Bowling Green.  Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 83 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Bowling Green will welcome new travelers and help fuel the tourism industry, which contributes $13.7 billion to Kentucky's economy*.

"Home2 Suites by Hilton Bowling Green offers a modern twist to extended stay traveling with our unique amenities and suites that offer guests the conveniences they need to stay productive and comfortable whether traveling for business or leisure," said Kacie Hood, general manager. "Our team is excited to welcome guests visiting the area who want more than just a typical four-walls-and-a-bed-type hotel experience."

Owned by and managed by Express Hospitality, LLC, Home2 Suites by Hilton Bowling Green offers all-suite accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and modular furniture, providing guests the flexibility to customize their suite to their style and preference. The hotel also features complimentary Internet, inviting communal spaces, and trademark Home2 Suites amenities such as Spin2 Cycle, a combined laundry and fitness area, Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, and the Inspired Table, a complimentary daily breakfast that includes more than 400 potential combinations. Guests can also enjoy an indoor pool, fire pit and barbecue grill area. Home2 Suites by Hilton Bowling Green is pet-friendly. 

Located at 520 Wall Street, Home2 Suites by Hilton Bowling Green offers guests convenient access to Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport, the National Corvette Museum and Lost River Cave.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Bowling Green participates in Hilton's award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where Honors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. For more information or to make a reservation, visit Home2 Suites by Hilton Bowling Green or call 270-904-2219.

Read more about Home2 Suites by Hilton at www.home2suites.com and news.home2suites.com.

*SOURCE: Kentucky Travel Industry Association

Frankfurt am Main, 1 June 2017

By opening the Steigenberger Hotel Stadt Lörrach on 1 June, Deutsche Hospitality and RIMC Hotels & Resorts are expanding their cooperation and strengthening their presence on the German market. RIMC will act as lessee of the hotel and Deutsche Hospitality as franchisor of the Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts brand. The town of Lörrach is located only five kilometres from the famous tri-point where the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland meet.

The Steigenberger Hotel Stadt Lörrach is a four-star establishment with 178 rooms and suites. It extends over 20 storeys of a new build. There is also a restaurant and bar to cater to the culinary well-being of guests, a 600 square metre conference area, a gym and a sauna with panoramic views.

“The new Steigenberger Hotel Stadt Lörrach is set at the very heart of the town,” says CEO Puneet Chhatwal. “The Swiss metropolis of Basel and the EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg are only a few kilometres away. Such an outstanding location will also enable Deutsche Hospitality to raise its profile in the countries immediately bordering Germany."

Marek N. Riegger, Managing Partner of RIMC Hotels & Resorts: “We are delighted to be continuing our successful cooperation with Deutsche Hospitality, which began with the Steigenberger Golf & Spa Resort in Camp de Mar on Mallorca in April 2015 and will now be developed further. Our philosophy tells us that the brand Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts will continue to enhance the attractiveness of Lörrach as a location.”

Current press information is available in our press portal.

June 2, 2017 (Bermuda) - For the first time in 45 years, there is a new hotel lining the stunning ocean-front of Bermuda. Introducing The Loren at Pink Beach, which features 45 suites, a full spa and exceptional service. The elegant retreat is setting a new standard for service and design in Bermuda. Introduced in February, The Loren opened officially on Saturday, April 29, just four weeks prior to the start of the 35^th America's Cup, which kicked off on the Great Sound of Bermuda on May 26.

Developed by former investment banker and hedge fund principal Stephen King, The Loren is located on eight acres of magnificent coastal landscape that was formerly occupied by the Pink Beach Club. Set on a quiet corner of Bermuda's southern coast, the natural setting, with sweeping views of the deep cerulean waters of the Atlantic, remains unchanged.

A departure from the traditional architecture that is so prevalent on Bermuda, The Loren unfolds as a marvel of clean lines and elegance. Arriving guests are greeted not with a front desk, but with dramatic views of the ocean and a flood of natural light pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the lobby and dining areas.

Built using local materials, the design is at once bold and inviting. The hotel interior's most dramatic feature is a glass spiral staircase off the lobby which invites guests to the dining spaces. Custom carpeting features abstract maps of Bermuda, off-setting the shades of blue and grey inside and out. King's own world-class art collection including contemporary paintings, sculptures and works of mixed-media by artists such as Vik Muniz and Los Carpinteros. The collection adorns public spaces as well as guest rooms, suites and villas.

The Loren's 45 well-appointed suites are spacious and warm, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The design merges sleek, modern lines with a warm colors and original artwork, creating comfortable living spaces. Suites have thoughtful touches including plush pillow-top beds, five-piece marble bathrooms with rain showers and Malin + Goetz bath products. The hotel's outdoor space is no less dramatic, with two pools, four pool-side cabanas and an untouched stretch of signature Bermuda-pink sand beach for guests to use.

With two menus and a full in-room menu, The Loren's culinary offerings are one-of-a-kind on Bermuda. Executive Chef Tim Sullivan of Great Performances, the premiere New York City food service and catering group, leads a talented culinary team in sourcing only the best, seasonal ingredients from local farms and fishermen to create refined, ever-changing menus. At The Loren, the culinary team puts significant time and energy outside of the kitchen into fashioning the dining experience with untraditional training methods, including assigned reading on the art of hospitality.

The culinary philosophy of The Loren is a stark departure from most on-island hotels and restaurants, which have long relied primarily on less-expensive - and often lower-quality - imported ingredients. Through relationships cultivated by Chef Sullivan with local farms, including Wadson's and Tucker's, the team builds the menus around Bermuda's rich culinary resources. Chef Sullivan is involved in every aspect of sourcing food, and has identified the best local fisherman to provide fresh seafood. He is using these relationships to introduce guests to new ingredients and reinterpret classic traditional Bermudian dishes such as Fish Chowder.

The elegant Marée serves new American cuisine rooted in sourcing the highest quality ingredients that follow the growing and fishing seasons of Bermuda and New England.  The fine-dining restaurant, already developing a cadre of Bermudian regulars, occupies a clean, contemporary space offering seating indoors and al fresco.

Ocean level, The Pink Beach Club is a breezy, casual destination serving fresh fish, creative cocktails, and light bites. Pink Beach Club is proving to be a popular destination for evening cocktails and weekend brunches.  

With four treatment rooms, a hair salon and a full-range of custom treatments, The Spa at The Loren is a peaceful retreat for guests and locals. In addition to the Spa, the hotel will be rolling out a range of wellness offerings, including outdoor yoga and fresh-juices.

For more information or to make reservations at The Loren at Pink Beach, please call 844-384-3103; visit www.thelorenhotel.com; or email concierge@thelorenhotel.com

Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu, which marks Marriott International’s entry into Nepal and further expands the company’s footprint in South Asia.  Fairfield by Marriott is an established leader in the select service segment, with nearly 850 hotels around the world.

“We are very proud to debut in the kingdom of Nepal and introduce the Fairfield by Marriott brand as Marriott International’s first hotel in the country,” says Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand & Marketing Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “As with all Fairfield by Marriott hotels around the world, guests can expect the same high standards of service and seamless experience so they never have to skip a beat.”

Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu is located in Thamel, a district at the heart of the capital’s central commercial hub, which was previously known as a bohemian haven before it became a popular shopping destination. Close to all the destination’s popular attractions including the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Garden of Dreams and the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the hotel is also conveniently situated 5km away from the airport.

Neeraj Govil- Area Vice President, South Asia for Marriott International added: “We believe this is exactly the right product for this market as it fills a much-needed gap in the moderate tier segment with its fresh, contemporary design, service excellence and great value. We are confident this will resonate well with both leisure and business travelers to Kathmandu.”

The hotel offers 115 smart, straightforward and thoughtfully appointed rooms. Kava, the all-day dining restaurant, serves local, Indian and international cuisine. Meanwhile, Kava – The Bar and lobby lounge is a lively spot offering freshly brewed coffee and an array of cocktails in the evening. The Business Centre meeting rooms are equipped with the latest audio visual facilities and all public areas and guest rooms have high-speed Wi-Fi. The hotel also features The Market, a unique 24/7 convenience store within the hotel, where guests can purchase snacks and beverages at any time of the day.

Sharing his thoughts, Prakash Jayadevan, General Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu said, “There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement as we launch the Fairfield by Marriott brand in Nepal. We aim to set the standards of delivering a great hotel experience at an affordable price point, through consistent and reliable service that comes from being a part of Marriott International”.

Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu is the latest addition to the brand’s footprint in South Asia, with four hotels in India currently open including Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar, Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Fairfield by Marriott Lucknow and Fairfield by Marriott Belagavi.

For more on the hotel and for reservations, please visit www.fairfieldkathmandu.com

​​In this video Robert Mandelbaum​, Director of Research Information Services for CBRE Hotels’ Americas Research, discusses the highlights of the firms’ 2017 Trends ® in the Hotel Industry report. In 2016, U.S. hotel operators were able to extract a 3.7 percent gain in gross operating profits from a 2.4 percent increase in total operating revenue. This was accomplished by controlling the rise in operating expenses to just 1.6 percent.​

MIAMI (June 5, 2017) - Respected Caribbean hotelier Simón Suárez was named the 2017 Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

Suárez, Vice President of Institutional Relations and Projects of Grupo Puntacana in the Dominican Republic, received the coveted honor at the opening of the third annual Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), hosted by CHTA, in Miami on Friday night.

Accepting the region's premier hospitality award, Suárez, a former CHTA president, recognized his colleagues, friends and family, while reminding delegates in attendance to "embrace unity, diversity and ingenuity" in the Caribbean.

"Simón Suárez is a pioneer in Caribbean hospitality. He has played and continues to play a major role in the development and growth of Caribbean tourism, and we are indebted to him for all that he has done for his native Dominican Republic and the Caribbean," said Frank Comito, Director General and CEO of CHTA.

Suárez began his professional career in the Dominican Republic tourism industry at the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic in 1974. Since these early beginnings, he has served as the President of Occidental Hotels' local operating company, Occidental Hoteles Dominicana, S. A.; Executive Vice President of Coral Hotels & Resorts; President of the Dominican Republic's Tourism Promotion Council; Chief Development Representative - Central America and Caribbean for Hilton Hotels Corporation; and President of the Dominican Republic's Hotel and Tourism Association (ASONAHORES).

Also in winners' row on Friday was Obrian Forde of Jus' Sail in St. Lucia who was named Caribbean Employee of the Year, while Marcia Rhoden-Morris of The Jamaica Pegasus was recognized as Caribbean Supervisor of the Year.

Lisa Hamilton of the United States Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association captured the Caribbean Association Executive of the Year Award, while Edward "Eddie" Weitz was named Allied Member of the Year.

CHIEF also presented awards in the areas of Operations, Sales and Marketing, Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability.

In Operations, the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association was the winner with second place going to Elegant Hotels in Barbados.

For the best practice in Sales and Marketing, the winner was the Aruba Tourism Authority with The Crane and Elegant Hotels in Barbados placing second and third respectively.

The recipient of the CHIEF Award for Social Responsibility was Hyatt Regency Trinidad. Second place went to the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, while the third place winner was Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba.

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba captured the CHIEF Award for Environmental Sustainability. Runners-up honors were jointly shared by Ocean Terrace Inn in St. Kitts and Elegant Hotels in Barbados. Third place went to CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa in Anguilla.

PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 5, 2017 -- Strengthening its position as the true champion for hoteliers in every segment, Wyndham Hotel Group - hospitality giant with an unparalleled portfolio of more than 8,000 hotels globally - today launched a new independent concept for upper-midscale-and-above hoteliers: The Trademark Hotel Collection.

Trademark is designed for independent entrepreneurs who have built an iconic hotel and are looking to boost its distinctive legacy with unmatched support. The brand invites hoteliers who operate landmark, 3 - 4 star hotels to maintain their individual spirit while taking advantage of Wyndham's scale, distribution, services and loyalty program.

"A trademark is a symbol of character, an emblem of individuality. Trademark isn't just another brand: it's a rally cry for independent entrepreneurs who aren't afraid to make their own mark," said Lisa Checchio, Wyndham Hotel Group's vice president of brand marketing and insights. "The Trademark Hotel Collection is the next step in our mission to flip the script on existing expectations and champion all hoteliers by offering them an independent choice outside of the current luxury and upscale options available."

At launch, the brand's pipeline includes more than 50 hotels and interested owners of both existing hotels and new construction opportunities in top urban markets around the world. The collection becomes Wyndham Hotel Group's 19^th hotel brand, positioned among the company's smart and stylish brands alongside TRYP by Wyndham and the company's newly acquired Dazzler and Esplendor brands which embody boutique and lifestyle travel experiences.

A New Side of Soft Brands

"The explosion of soft brands in the last several years has been focused on luxury and upscale hoteliers – with demand still growing at a rate of nearly 20% – leaving a market void for independent hoteliers in the upper-midscale segment, the largest segment accounting for 18% of rooms in the U.S.," said Chip Ohlsson, Wyndham Hotel Group's chief development officer. "Wyndham is the only hotel company positioned to champion upper-midscale-and-above independent hoteliers so they can compete in an ever-changing distribution environment with brand-backed support and guest recognition and loyalty."  

Trademark makes it easier for the everyday traveler to find truly unique hotel experiences outside of the luxury options currently available to them. Just as no two travelers are alike – Trademark hotels are equally distinctive. Built on the principle that travel is deeply personal, the collection of landmark, independent hotels will enable guests to experience the destination on their terms.

Declare Your Independence

With Trademark, hoteliers have flexible options and benefit from the power of scale that comes with being part of the world's largest hotel company. Owners may access to an experienced team, as well as an in-depth array of services including strategic sourcing, global sales, revenue management, marketing and distribution, operations support, best-in-class training and affiliation with the best hotel loyalty program in the industry.

Trademark Collection hotels participate in Wyndham Rewards®, the simple-to-use, revolutionary loyalty program from Wyndham Hotel Group with a growing member base of more than 50 million travelers. Named the number one hotel rewards program by U.S. News & World Report and the most generous hotel rewards program by IdeaWorks, it offers members a generous points earning structure along with a flat, free-night redemption rate– the first of its kind for a major hotel rewards program.

Wyndham Hotel Group is no stranger to the independent spirit of entrepreneurship, supporting nearly 5,000 franchise owners across its portfolio of brands. The company recently added several innovative brands to its portfolio, including Latin American trailblazer Fen Hotels with its design-led Dazzler and Esplendor lifestyle brands, and Dolce Hotels and Resorts, the unequivocal leader in groups and meetings, acquired in 2015. 

ALPINE, Calif.--June 5, 2017--Today Viejas Casino & Resort, a Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond rated property, welcomed tribal council and members, hotel executives and San Diego community leaders to commemorate a milestone in the construction of the property’s most recent expansion. 

The afternoon event, which included a range of speakers and a ceremonial signing of a steel construction beam, toasted to the next era for the long-standing establishment and unveiled the latest phase of additions. Set to open in early 2018, the newest tower, which is yet to be named, will add a wide range of new amenities that will elevate and enhance the already robust offerings available at the resort.

Guests attending the ceremony were given the first glimpse into what’s to come for Viejas Resort & Casino, which includes an adult-only all-suite tower that will feature an additional 159 suites, a lush new saltwater pool, two new restaurant concepts with global cuisine, a luxurious hotel spa, salon, and fitness center and more. 

“We at Viejas Casino & Resort constantly strive to create unforgettable experiences for our guests,” said Tom McCartney, President and General Manager of Viejas Casino & Resort. “With the addition of this new tower and world-class amenities, we look forward to providing even more reasons for people to escape their daily lives and come stay with us.”

Several speakers at the ceremony also pointed to the economic impact and importance Viejas Casino & Resort has had on the community throughout its history.

“We feel very fortunate that the property has been able to grow and flourish over the past 25 years,” said Viejas Tribal Council Chairman Robert J. Welch, Jr. “With this new investment, we envision continued growth and economic stability for the San Diego county community.”

Viejas Casino & Resort is at the heart of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians’ entrepreneurial achievements and is recognized as one of the most respected and successful Indian gaming resorts in California. Since its beginnings as the Viejas Bingo Room in 1977, the property has undergone several expansions, constantly striving to provide guests more amenities, better services and more reasons to visit. 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 5, 2017 - Sofitel has announced the largest Sofitel property in the Middle East with development partner MKM Commercial Holdings LLC. Expected to open in late 2019, Sofitel Dubai Wafi will join the luxury brand's growing portfolio of 14 hotels and 4,400 rooms in operation and under development in the Middle East.

Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Luxury Brands, AccorHotels Middle East, commented: "We are delighted to work with MKM Commercial Holdings, one of our long standing partners, to develop this impressive project that will undoubtedly become a future flagship for Sofitel in the region. The development of this property is aligned with our strategy to operate one of our leading luxury brands across strategic locations in the Middle East." He further added, "Within the United Arab Emirates, we've established a strong presence with four operational hotels across landmark locations including Abu Dhabi Corniche, Downtown Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Residences, and now Wafi - a major shopping destination set to undergo a comprehensive retail and leisure expansion."

Sofitel Dubai Wafi will feature 501 luxury guestrooms, inclusive of 86 suites, ranging in size from 55 square meters (180 square feet) to 625 square meters (2050 square feet), in addition to 97 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced residences to be operated on an extended-stay basis. The property will offer a number of dining concepts including an Asian specialty restaurant, gastro pub, a unique destination restaurant, bar and lounge on 43rd and 44th floors, a French lobby café, an all-day restaurant and a pool bar. Guests will have the option to relax and unwind at the SoSpa or use a comprehensive gymnasium, outdoor pools, private cabanas and a kids club. Business travelers will have access to 10 meeting rooms in addition to a 1,115 square meter (3,658 square foot) ballroom.

Guests of Sofitel Dubai Wafi will enjoy close proximity to Wafi Shopping Mall, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and the Dubai International Airport. Corporate clientele will have convenient access to primary business and exhibition centers including the Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City and the Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Centre. Located adjacent to the iconic Raffles Dubai, both properties will form a luxury cluster within Wafi offering guests a range of shared amenities and services.

H.H. Sheikh Manna Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Chairman of MKM Commercial Holdings said: 

"We are excited to sign this agreement with AccorHotels, our trusted partner for the Sofitel Dubai Wafi. We are confident that the Sofitel, through its distinct brand positioning and expertise in the luxury segment, will be able to complement our existing Raffles Dubai while cementing the strength of hospitality offerings present within the expanded and revitalized Wafi."

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts offers luxury hotels with a difference, that combine French origin - a unique combination of elegance, savoir-faire and the art of hospitality - with the best of local culture in each destination. Sofitel Dubai Wafi will infuse the brand's essence with Arabic culture and design elements reflective of Wafi. Over the coming years, Sofitel will introduce stunning new hotels with the openings of Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara in Malaysia, Sofitel Singapore City Centre in Singapore, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour in Australia and Sofitel Mexico City Reforma in Mexico.

"Sofitel Dubai Wafi signifies our ongoing commitment to expanding AccorHotels' presence in the luxury segment through our landmark design and quality driven concepts. Sofitel operates luxury hotels and resorts across key destinations in the Middle East including the Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel, Sofitel Jeddah Corniche, Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah and the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Through the development of the region's largest Sofitel, we look to strengthen AccorHotels' luxury offerings and cement our position as a leading luxury hotel operator." concluded Nasser.

AccorHotels has 39 existing properties in the UAE, in addition to 23 others under development. In the Middle East and Egypt, AccorHotels currently operates 95 hotels encompassing 28,800 rooms across the luxury to economy segments. The Group's regional network is expected to double in number, bringing over 25,000 additional rooms and nearly 2,400 branded residences to the Middle East.

MCLEAN, Va.-- Hilton (NYSE:HLT) has named David C. Marr as senior vice president and global head of full service brands. He most recently served as senior vice president and a global brand leader at Starwood where he oversaw both the Tribute Portfolio and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. Marr will report to Jim Holthouser, executive vice president of global brands, marketing and loyalty, and oversee Hilton’s full service brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

"We are extremely excited to have David join our team,” said Holthouser. “He has extensive industry experience and a proven track record of success in developing, launching and growing brands. We believe David is just the right leader for our Full Service Brands category and are confident that he will be a valuable asset to Hilton.”

At Starwood, Marr was responsible for leading the revitalization efforts for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Starwood's largest and most global brand with 440 hotels. Additionally, Tribute Portfolio – a brand of independent upscale hotels – was launched in April 2015 under Marr’s leadership.

Marr previously served as Starwood’s senior vice president of brand management for North America and held a number of other marketing and sales leadership roles in his 16 years with the company. Prior to his time at Starwood, Marr spent more than 12 years with Marriott International in various sales, marketing and business strategy roles.

“This is one of the most exciting times in the hospitality industry,” said Marr. “I truly believe Hilton has the best performing portfolio and is delivering exceptional experiences - every hotel, every guest, every time. I am honored to join the team and am excited for what the future holds at Hilton,” Marr continued.

Marr is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany, June 5, 2017 --

pentahotels, the neighbourhood lifestyle hotel group, has announced the promotion of Andrew Munt to Vice President Operations. Effective from 1 June 2017, Andrew will be responsible for hotel operations in his new role, leading a dynamic operations team.

Having studied Hotel and Catering Management in Manchester, Andrew Munt joined pentahotels in 2010 and played an integral role in the brand's entry into the UK market as General Manager of pentahotel Reading. Riding on this success, his career moved swiftly on and he was promoted to Regional Director UK three years later, before becoming Head of pentahotels UK in 2016. During this period, he played an active role in the conversion of six new UK properties.

On the announcement of his appointment, Andrew Munt said: "Having been a part of the pentahotels group for eight years, I am delighted to have the opportunity to further engage in the strategic management of our global businesses. Customer expectations in the industry are evolving fast, and I am proud to take on the operations mantle for a brand that consistently stands out for its forward-thinking mindset and its ability to cater to these evolving consumer needs."

Today, pentahotels has a total of 27 operating hotels across seven countries over two continents, with more hotels under development across Asia and Europe. As the new Vice President Operations, Andrew will continue drawing on his expertise in hospitality and his intimate understanding of pentahotels' values to bring the brand vision and soul to life on a global level.

pentahotels represents a new generation of hotels, offering modern-minded individual and business travellers comfort and style in a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its unique interior design and "neighbourhood" feel, the lifestyle brand stands for true innovation in the industry's four-star segment. The hallmark of the hotel chain is the pentalounge - a combination of lounge, bar, café and reception - that stands out with its "living room" look and feel. For further information and bookings, please visit http://www.pentahotels.com. Follow us on facebook.com/pentahotels  for our latest news.

MEXICO CITY, June 5, 2017-- Hoteles City Express, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Hoteles City Express" or "the Company") (BMV: HCITY), announced the appointment of Paul Smith Márquez as Chief Financial Officer.

With his extensive experience, Mr. Smith will contribute to the profitable growth of Hoteles City Express through the analysis and implementation of strategic alternatives for the Company, the financing of new properties, the enforcement of investment policies to maximize financial returns, the optimization of accounting systems and expense controls, and the investor relations program management. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor degree in Accounting from the Universidad Panamericana in Mexico and an MBA from Harvard University in the United States. 

Santiago Parra (Corporate Finance Director), Juan Carlos Pioquinto (Accounting Director) and Santiago Mayoral(Corporate Finance and Investor Relations Vice President) will continue with their existing responsibilities within the Finance Division.

June 7, 2017 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – The most recent Asia Pacific Construction Pipeline Trend Report, excluding China, states that the Total Pipeline has 1,561 Projects/314,716 Rooms, up 1% by projects Year-Over-Year (YOY) according to analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE).

There are 834 Projects/172,518 Rooms Under Construction, down 2% by projects YOY. Projects Scheduled to Start Construction in the Next 12 Months are at 308 Projects/66,676 Rooms, up 11%, while projects in Early Planning at 419 Projects/75,522 Rooms up by 2 projects.

The top hotel companies in the Asia Pacific Construction Pipeline, excluding China, are: Marriott International with 230 Projects/51,852 Rooms, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 125 Projects/29,135 Rooms, and Hilton Worldwide with 69 Projects/14,669 Rooms. The largest brand in the Pipeline for each of the these companies are: Marriott’s Sheraton Hotels with 30 Projects/7,436 Rooms, IHG’s Holiday Inn with 45 Projects/11,676 Rooms and Hilton Hotel & Resorts with 21 Projects/5,411 Rooms.

The top three countries in the Asia Pacific Construction Pipeline, excluding China, are: Indonesia with 397 Projects/65,242 Rooms, India with 227 Projects/35,633 Rooms and South Korea with 174 Projects/36,410 Rooms.

Cities with the largest pipelines are: Seoul with 148 Projects/27,084 Rooms, Jakarta with 112 Projects/20,300 Rooms, Tokyo with 47 Projects/11,908 Rooms and Kuala Lumpur with 45 Projects/10,924 Rooms.

JERUSALEM – The Inbal Jerusalem Hotel, the award-winning, deluxe hotel situated in the heart of the city, has appointed Sharon Dayan as its new vice president of sales and marketing. Dayan, a native Israeli, most recently was head of national sales for several Marriott brands in Mexico.

“Sharon has terrific experience working on growing market share for some of the world’s leading hotel brands. The Inbal, while a single property, is very unique in terms of the international nature of our loyal guests, so his ability to service global clientele is very important for us,” said Inbal Jerusalem Hotel General Manager Rony Timsit.

Since graduating from the Leeuwarden International Hotel School in the Netherlands, Dayan has spent most of his career in senior level hospitality roles in Latin American travel and tourism. Most recently he served as Marriott’s national director of sales and marketing in Mexico, where he oversaw the marketing programs in 10 properties representing three of the company’s brands. Prior to that role, Dayan served as director of sales and marketing at Marriott’s properties in Cancun.

“The Inbal is really an iconic Jerusalem hotel, uniquely positioned to serve all segments of the luxury market. The international flavor of the hotel and our guests makes this a very exciting professional opportunity for me,” said Dayan.

Dayan resides in Ganei Tikva, Israel with his wife and child.