(MENLO PARK, CA; April, 2018)— Hotel Nia has announced its opening, joining Autograph Collection Hotels’ diverse and dynamic portfolio of more than 135 independent hotels that celebrate the founder’s passion, thoughtfulness of design, inherent craft and connection with the locale. The hotel offers a new approach to high-end hospitality with intuitive technological innovations, Mediterranean-inspired Californian cuisine, a coffee bar and café, a distinctive pool scene, and more.

An 11-story building of gleaming glass, Hotel Nia captures a modernist style accented by organic and natural materials, all custom-designed furniture, and thought-provoking artwork. With 250 guestrooms and nine suites, the hotel boasts a spacious ambiance featuring a lush courtyard with outdoor gardens, a lively outdoor pool scene, a state-of-the-art fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows, and numerous indoor or outdoor nooks and spaces, all wired—and wireless—for business.

“Hotel Nia offers what Silicon Valley is missing right now—a hotel with all of the conveniences required by local professionals, combined with elegant, intuitive design elements that appeal to business and leisure travelers visiting the area,” says General Manager, Simone Harms. “From our expansive lobby and lounge area, to our Mediterranean restaurant with a California influence, our property offers guests space to shine, room to think, and environments that promote the freedom to relax.”

Driven by the forward-thinking approach of the Silicon Valley, the hotel is outfitted with 12,000 square feet of naturally lit meeting space, much of it with an indoor-outdoor flow. Featuring more than 12 meeting and event venues—including a ballroom, terrace, courtyard, executive boardroom, and more—each space has sleek surroundings, purpose-built to provide guests with hospitality calibrated to innovation in business. Unique features include second-floor meeting rooms with a view and terrace, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to the hotel’s interior courtyard, and artfully designed light fixtures, wallcoverings, and furniture, complimented by elements supporting functionality and creativity.  

Bringing the idyllic nature of the Mediterranean to Northern California, the hotel’s restaurant Porta Blu, which opens this April, is helmed by a fourth-generation chef from France, Executive Chef Eric Cousin. Guests can also enjoy small bites and Verve coffee at “Café Exclusively by Verve,” the café and lounge adjacent to Porta Blu in the lobby of the property.

“We carefully designed our selection of hand-crafted, seasonal cocktails, craft beers, and wines to be in consonance with our Mediterranean-focused menu,” says Food & Beverage Director, Roque Medina. “Our wine program offers over 100 labels of regional and globally sourced wines with selections we know the local community will love.”

Located between San Jose and San Francisco International Airports and bordered by the San Francisco Bay, the Autograph Collection Hotel is developed by Ensemble Real Estate Investments and AECOM Capital and is operated by Sage Hospitality. To learn more about the Hotel Nia and Porta Blu, visit hotelnia.com, portablurestaurant.com, or follow Hotel Nia on Facebook, Instagram (@HotelNia), and Twitter (@HotelNia).

Orlando (April 4, 2018) - Radisson Hotel Group™, today announced at its Americas Business Conference in Orlando, FL the new visual identity, product design and guest experience pillars for the Radisson^® brand in the Americas. As part of the conference, the company revealed its new model room designs for Radisson. The comprehensive overhaul includes a new design aesthetic, tagline, updated logo, service icon, color palette and overall brand experience that will affect the more than 160 Radisson hotels currently in operation and under development in the Americas. This initiative anticipates the removal of 10 to 15 percent of non-compliant hotels in the current Radisson hotel brand portfolio to improve consistency and guest service. To help support the brand’s franchisees, a loan program will be available to help those qualifying to upgrade their hotel to the updated design        

The new Radisson hotel brand identity is part of the Radisson Hotel Group’s strategic five-year operating plan that includes investments in its portfolio and repositioning of more than 500 hotels globally, as well as expansion of the Radisson brand into Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company has already begun to see development traction in the U.S. with its announcement of a signing for a 320-room new-build Radisson hotel in Midtown of New York City with developer McSam Hotel Group.
           

“Great brands have very similar consistency and quality gaps between their best property and worst property and this strategic initiative will help us reshape the portfolio,” said Ken Greene, President, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. “We have terrific owners coupled with an amazing service culture that brings a lot of passion to this brand and we are committed to building our organization with a powerful value proposition that focuses on branding, revenue, cost, flexibility and simplifying the way we transact.”
           

At the heart of the new Radisson brand is natural balance and harmony of the Scandinavian way of life. The new design aesthetic focuses on streamlined yet comfortable natural designs that are accessible for all and encourage a balanced environment. Radisson hotels focus on creating experiences that center around social spaces, food and drink, guest rooms, meetings and wellness.
           

The new tagline for the brand, “Simply Delightful”, complements the design aesthetic and brings together two key aspects of the new brand proposition – tasteful simplicity with touches that create lasting, memorable experiences.
         

Currently the 11^th largest hotel group in the world, Radisson is part of the Radisson Hotel Group, made up of eight hotel brands with more than 1,400 hotels in operation and under development. The launch of the new identity is a significant milestone in a strategic five-year operating plan to transform its business, position itself as competitive for the future and become the preferred choice among guests, owners, investors and talent.
 

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FRANKLIN, Tenn. – April 4, 2018 – This summer, Black Fox Lodge in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. will join Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a portfolio of vibrant, upscale hotels that offer travelers independent lodging experiences combined with value and reliability.

The 178-room property will remain open to the public as minor renovations are completed and expects to officially open as a branded Tapestry property by August 2018. Anticipated as the tenth addition to the Tapestry Collection, the 3.5-acre Black Fox Lodge features 1,000 feet of riverfront property along the Little Pigeon River with a 5,000-square-foot full-service bar and restaurant on the property.

“Black Fox Lodge has everything we look for in a Tapestry Collection hotel – its amenities and ideal location make it a perfect match for this new and exciting brand,” said Matt Wehling, senior vice president, U.S. & Canada Development, Hilton.

Located less than a half-mile from the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, Black Fox Lodge is a popular choice for groups attending events at the convention center. The property also includes 4,500 feet of event space, a resort-style pool with slide and scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.

“We are honored to have been selected for this respected hotel collection,” said Will Schaedle, Director of Acquisitions and Development of Chartwell Hospitality, which developed Black Fox Lodge from inception to completion and manages the property. “The Hilton brand brings even more prestige to our property and allows us to offer guests upgraded amenities in the same picturesque atmosphere.”

To learn more about Chartwell, visit www.chartwellhospitality.com.

Orlando (April 4, 2018) - Radisson Hotel Group™ today announced at its Americas Business Conference in Orlando, Fla., signings for two new-build hotels to its portfolio in the Americas, located in Anaheim, Calif. (Radisson Blu^®) and New York City (Radisson^®). As part of its strategic 5-year operating plan for the Americas, the company sees significant room for growth across all brands and has identified 21 key target markets where it plans to be aggressive with expanding its footprint, particularly in the U.S. with its Radisson Blu brand. 

“Less than a month ago we shared our new go-to-market name with the launch of Radisson Hotel Group, which is backed by our 5-year plan and supported by significant investments in rebranding or repositioning our hotels in the Americas,” said Ken Greene, President, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. “The addition of these hotels illustrates that we’re already executing on our plan for expansion in our key gateway markets, along with further establishing our Radisson Blu brand in the U.S.”
           

Radisson Hotel Group’s plan includes clear brand segmentation and investing in brands and hotels that meet the needs of the changing travel sector. The company announced the following signings:



RADISSON BLU ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
           

Radisson Blu Anaheim will be located at 1601 S. Anaheim Blvd, only a half-mile from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, two of the happiest places on earth. A new-build hotel by developer, Walter Bowen of BPM Real Estate Group of Portland, Oregon, is expected to be open by Summer 2020 with 326 guestrooms and will be the tallest hotel in Anaheim at 12 stories. A plethora of amenities including a ground-level family activity space, rooftop pool and bar, fitness center, 6,700 square foot restaurant and 353 parking spaces, will make it the perfect family-friendly upper upscale hotel. The hotel is situated in a prime location to capture visitors to Disneyland, the Anaheim Convention Center and the numerous nearby sporting venues including Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. The hotel will also benefit from growth in the Platinum Triangle district of Anaheim, which is currently undergoing a transformation. 
 


RADISSON HOTEL NEW YORK CITY– MANHATTAN / TIMES SQUARE
           

The Radisson Hotel in New York City will be located at 525 8^th Ave., walking distance to Times Square, the Garment District, Madison Square Garden and an abundance of shopping and restaurants. A new-build hotel by developer and franchisee Sam Chang of McSam Hotel Group, it’s estimated to open Spring 2019 with 320 guestrooms, a restaurant and a fitness center. Located in the heart of bustling New York City, the hotel will cater to both leisure and business travelers. 
           

These new hotel signings drive Radisson Hotel Group toward the company’s goal of adding 13,000 across EMEA and 56,000 more rooms across the Americas and Asia Pacific by 2022.
 


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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS (April 4, 2018) - Grace Bay Resorts is pleased to announce the promotion of Scott Khile to Vice President of Sales & Marketing, effective immediately. With over 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Scott joined the Grace Bay Resorts team eight years ago and has played a critical role in the continued growth and expansion of the Grace Bay Resorts brand, helping to achieve positive growth in sales year over year since 2010.

As Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Scott is responsible for the overall Sales & Marketing initiatives of Grace Bay Resorts and its branded properties, overseeing day-to-day operations to support growth and increase revenue, while managing the brands’ marketing standards.

"The business of marketing resorts has changed dramatically over the past decade and Grace Bay Resorts has maintained its market leadership because of Scott’s guidance and creative thinking,” said Nikheel Advani, COO and Principal at Grace Bay Resorts. “We continue to be impressed by his passion and dedication in navigating this dynamic and ever-changing environment."

Scott joined the team in February 2010 as the Director of Sales & Marketing and was later promoted to Group Director of Sales & Marketing in 2014 as the brand matured. During his time with Grace Bay Resorts, Scott has helped shepherd the growth of the brand from the inaugural property to two iconic resort properties as well as the highly-acclaimed Private Villa Collection and soon to open Rock House Resort.

Prior to Grace Bay Resorts, Scott served as the Director of Key Account Management at Melia Hotels International and oversaw key account relationships with Leading Hotels of The World, Virtuoso, Signature and American Express. Before joining Melia, Scott held esteemed positions at Gogo Worldwide Vacations and The Travel Corporation. Previously Scott spent five years traveling, working and living abroad in Africa, the South of France, Germany, India and London. He brings his love of travel to every meeting he has and every marketing program he develops.

By Georges Panayotis

Without a doubt the machine is jammed. The French hotel supply has been stable for nearly 15 years. Meanwhile, all other major and competing destinations have largely developed their supplies in the face of globalization and the liberalization of trade and travel. This is true in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom... It is time to check out and service the engine driving France’s supply before it breaks down for good. For the moment there is a fuel shortage, but care must be taken because the malfunction is getting worse.

While depending on the method – including listed hotels or not, those closed for works, in liquidation, permanently closed or even seasonally closed - figures for the hotel supply may differ... one thing is certain: the long-term trend is indisputable. In the best of cases there is stagnation, in the worst case a decrease, but in all cases, there has been a sharp drop in the hotel supply in suburbs and in small towns due to lack of demand and because of the heavy expenses these hotels must support. France, the world's leading tourist destination, with many treasures and many opportunities, is clearly under duress. Not only is the hotel supply not growing, but the destination is attracting fewer and fewer investors. The rise in property prices, the shrinking of hotels’ operating accounts, the difficulty finding credit and the CDEC law back in its day, largely explain investors' disenchantment with this profession. Rather, we have witnessed its financialization with short-term operations that do not allow for the maintenance, development and healthy growth of the French hotel portfolio.

Destinations such as the Côte d'Azur and Ile-de-France are becoming less attractive to tourists who are heading towards more "in" destinations such as the Catalan coast or cities such as London or Berlin. Because the rest of the world will not go on hold and continues to progress, to innovate, radiating with a dynamism that attracts increasing numbers of visitors.

This year, the suburban budget hotel sector has fallen sharply. Old, out of breath, lacking brand image, this sector is no longer profitable and is sold for social housing. Neighborhoods with a bad reputation (whether usurped or based on reality), difficult access, or services unsuited to the current needs of customers, have gradually got the better of these properties. As for supplies in rural areas, it continues to shrink, visibly threatening the vitality of our countryside because these are sometimes the only economic activities that persist in areas often deserted. Victims of the suppression of signs leading to them, and sometimes badly managed, these truly French pearls are dying a slow death.

The shortage of supply has greatly favored Airbnb in certain destinations. The arrival of the sharing supply and the development of hostels that make commercial accommodations in city centers more affordable are unforgiving. Why travel miles to sometimes underserved neighborhoods to sleep in unattractive establishments when you can stay in the latest fashionable establishment or right in the middle of a trendy neighborhood and have a different experience?

There are no bad tools but bad craftsmen. It is time for everyone to roll up their sleeves and participate in the collective effort get busy. If we do not invest in our destinations, they will not survive. If we do not revitalize our hotel supply with attractive concepts adapted to the needs of our customers, tourists will no longer stay with us. It's obvious, why do basic when you can do simple, accessible, economical and innovative?

It’s quite clear: why stick to basics when it is possible to do simple, accessible, economical and innovative?

Who will take matters into their own hands? Who will seek and find solutions to the French sickness? Is the government ready to mobilize all actors that stand a chance of boosting supply? Everyone must assume their responsibilities, state agencies must support hotel and tourism entrepreneurs instead of abandoning them, as the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignation was able to do by withdrawing from the capital of AccorHotels Group, Belambra, and Club Med for the benefit of Chinese investors. Let’s bet that the French know-how which I hope will serve the development of hotel infrastructures in China will continue to prosper in its country of origin. As for the Qataris, who have invested well in French palaces, which we can only be satisfied with, why not offer facilitate things for French entrepreneurs as well? Why the double standards?

Hoteliers need help playing their role, which is to constantly create and invent to attract customers. One thing is certain, if nothing begets nothing, with no new offer and no new investments, there will be no new market shares in sight and a great risk of losing those we have!

PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 4, 2018--Raising the sought-after Trademark Hotel Collection flag at nine new U.S. destinations, hospitality giant Wyndham Hotel Group is ushering in more of its soft brand's unique hospitality flair coast to coast. The latest additions in New York City, California, Ohio, Utah, Louisiana, Nebraska and Vermont more than double the brand's U.S. portfolio to 15 hotels and more than 2,000 rooms. 

Launched last year, Trademark is a collection of upper-midscale-and-above hotels with fiercely independent spirit and individuality. It's the first soft brand geared to independent hoteliers with landmark three- and four-star hotels designed for everyday travelers seeking unique accommodations. Globally, nearly 70 hotels currently don the Trademark banner.

"Trademark offers entrepreneurial hoteliers a unique opportunity to tap into a hospitality mega-network without sacrificing their hotels' distinct character and authenticity, which draws travelers through their doors," said Chip Ohlsson, executive vice president and Chief Development Officer, North America. "The surge of owners joining the Trademark family is testament to their desire to be part of something greater, as well as to Wyndham's steadfast commitment and track record of delivering for its owners."

Demand for soft-branded hotels continues gaining momentum in 2018. According to Smith Travel Research, last year's soft branded occupancies topped 66 to 70 percent – the highest in occupancies – compared to 62 to 67 percent for hard brands and 63 percent for independent properties. 

The newest Trademark additions offer everything from downtown city escapes to mountain adventures, while delivering authentic experiences at affordable price points.  

• Ravel Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Long Island City, N.Y.: 
  Guests discover the chic side of New York City's Queens borough at this 113-room hotel featuring a variety of al fresco experiences. Ravel's Penthouse 808, an eclectic indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant and lounge, features Hawaiian- and Asian-inspired fare from executive Chef Seth Levine and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Additionally, guests can sip on 15 draught beers and imaginative cocktails at the hotel's elevated beer garden sprawled across a welcoming green lawn, as well as take a dip in its Profundo pool club, opening in May 2018. 
   
• Lions Gate Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Sacramento, Cali.: 
  Adorned with aero-inspired décor reflective of nearby McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Lions Gate Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, sits in the heart of McClellan Park. History meets luxury at this 112-room hotel with easy access to Old Sacramento, a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District, featuring museums, railroad excursions and Sacramento River boat tours. 
   
• Mulberry Life Inn & Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Moreno Valley, Cali.: 
  Soon to be "Xola, A Trademark Collection Hotel," this 140-room boutique hotel in California'sMoreno Valley integrates wellness into every guest touchpoint – like soothing eucalyptus bed linens and allergen-free plush pillows. 
   
• Aksarben Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Omaha, Neb.: 
  Boasting Omaha's most beautiful sunlit-atrium, the 186 all-suite boutique hotel flexes to host special events or business meetings up to 150 people. Visitors can explore the unique shops, galleries and restaurants of Omaha's Old Market district and sports fans can catch a University of Omaha team playing at TD Ameritrade Park of Baxter Arena. 
   
• Quail Hollow Resort, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Painesville, Ohio: 
  Guests at this Ohio gem enjoy easy access to two championship golf courses, Ohio's growing wine region and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland. The resort's 21 versatile meeting rooms can host up to 80 conference guests or 350 banquet guests. 
   
• The Bertram Inn & Conference Center, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Aurora, Ohio: 
  Accommodating up to 1,500 guests for special events, this long-standing Ohio destination is Aurora's go-to hotel for guests hosting big occasions or simply enjoying the state's charming countryside.   
      
• Zermatt Utah, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Midway, Utah: 
  Guests breathe in pure-mountain air at this inviting village resort near Park City, Utah, featuring traditional, Swiss-style architecture and décor, 308 rooms and a multitude of recreational activities. This mountain oasis is near the area's top attractions including Utah Olympic Park, Park City ski slopes and blue-ribbon fly fishing. 
   
• Richmond Inn & Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana:
  Close to downtown Baton Rouge and just an hour from New Orleans, Richmond Inn & Suites, this all-suite hotel is a prime location for business travelers seeking quick commutes. Designed for extended stay travelers, its 145-spacious suites feature separate living areas, fully-equipped kitchens and complimentary WiFi. 
   
• A Trademark Collection Hotel in Burlington, Vermont:
  Formerly the Italian Bove Restaurant on Pearl Street in Burlington, Vermont, the 70-year, family run business will be transformed into a 76-room Trademark hotel. Owned by Rick Bove Jr., the hotel is planning to open in 2019. 
   

Trademark hotels participate in Wyndham Rewards^®, the simple-to-use, revolutionary loyalty program from Wyndham Hotel Group. Named a best hotel rewards program for the past three consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report, Wyndham Rewards offers members a generous points earning structure along with a flat, free night redemption rate—the first of its kind for a major rewards program. Learn more at www.wyndhamrewards.com.

By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com)

One of the hallmarks of the early 21^st century that we are currently will be the gradual shift away from a traditional, corporate-based model of capitalism to a crowd-based one. We’re seeing this with the rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and we’re seeing this in the travel industry with global, billion-dollar entities like Airbnb. While legislation will help to level the playing field so hotels have a fighting chance, it will be impossible to reverse this overarching trend.

And so, as the question in the title of this article implies, you cannot wait for policymakers in your territory to solve this problem for you. Instead, you must embrace opportunities in this era of disruption by integrating the exceptional qualities of these alternate lodging providers into your core operations. In other words, if you can’t beat them, join them.

Indeed, we are already seeing this transpire with, for instance, Accor’s purchase of onefinestay.com in May 2016. Having only recently experienced this luxury short-term rental website for an upcoming family vacation in Tuscany, I can say that there is much hoteliers can learn. Moreover, it prompted me to ask, “What triggers trial of alternate lodging providers?” which also happens to be a great place to start when trying to figure out what you can improve.

Your first step is to know how the sharing economy works in your specific geographic area – as they all have their idiosyncrasies – and to understand how consumer behavior has been affected. A good term to keep in mind at this point is ‘induced demand’ which describes those travelers who would not have otherwise made the trip if not for the cheaper prices, the inherent trust of these two-way review platforms, the intriguing experiences offered or the more flexibly arranged residences available through the various alternate lodging e-commerce portals. This is important to remember because for every reason an individual chooses them over a traditional hotel, you must be armed with a viable solution.

Of those four benefits raised stem good questions to brainstorm with the rest of your senior team. How can you modify your marketing materials so that your prices are perceived as competitive or, phrased differently, that you are offering more value on the dollar? Using all the modern means at your disposal including social media, public relations or even video testimonials, how can you instill more trust in the general consumer-ship so that they know your product and services are exceptional? As for intriguing experiences, this depends purely on what programs you have or will set up in-house along with any local partnerships you’ve put in place. What are they? What can you do to make your property more locally authentic? Lastly, while there may not be much you can do to increase the diversity of products that you offer without a significant CAPEX, you can differentiate the room-to-room aesthetics. So, what are you going to do to make each guestroom feel unique and how are you going to promote this venture?

All that is just a start, and for every other why someone would opt for the sharing economy over an established commercial entity there will an additional question to ask.

But thinking about the title one level higher, what’s stopping you from posting some of your more exceptional inventory on one of the alternate lodging providers’ websites?

Just as OTAs are accepted nowadays as part of a healthy channel mix, so too might these websites in the coming years. Looking at Airbnb specifically, you can see the machinations of this already at play. They’ve already started introducing their own quality-inspected rental program to offer an additional layer or veracity to some of their higher-end products – a program that has a striking resemblance to the work that hoteliers do every day to ensure that our products accurately uphold our brand promises. And then more recently, this company’s instant booking feature bestows them with many similar characteristics as an OTA.

Regardless of whether you choose the more conservative path of improving your product to meet this today’s ever-competitive marketplace or if you opt for something a bit more daring by allocating product to these new channels, the bottom line is you must do something to keep your edge. It is time that we disrupt the disrupters, and the only way to do that give your customers what they want!

This article may not be reproduced without the expressed permission of the author.

Editor’s note: To discuss business challenges or speaking engagements please contact Larry directly.

New York (April 5, 2018) – Leading Spanish hotel group, Meliá Hotels International, has announced its latest addition in Mexico with the launch of Paradisus Playa Mujeres in Q1 2019. The luxury hotel will be Mexico’s fifth Paradisus branded property.

Nestled just off the coast of Cancun, Playa Mujeres is the new popular destination for travelers and locals alike. Located 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown, Paradisus Playa Mujeres is situated on the seafront, offering a tranquil and relaxing setting. It is within close proximity of Isla Mujeres, with thriving bars, restaurants and shops, as well as a golf course, designed by Australian professional golfer, Greg Norman. For guests looking to discover the area further, Paradisus Playa Mujeres will provide access to a private marina, where they can sail the Caribbean Sea and take in the breath-taking views.

Inspired by Mexican design and architecture, the luxury all-inclusive resort will boast 498 rooms, each providing stunning views of the tropical gardens and beautiful beaches that highlight the natural beauty of the destination. All guest rooms will be contemporary and unique. Amenities will include Royal Service (adults-only) with private butlers and Family Concierge that offers a tailored family vacation experience. In addition, Paradisus Playa Mujeres will showcase four swimming pools, six bars and seven restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines.

Paradisus by Meliá’s new offering ‘Nature Included’ transports guests into a paradise that reflects the natural beauty of the destination, as well as being environmentally conscious and encouraging guests to immerse themselves in local experiences. Paradisus Playa Mujeres will provide guests with an impressive culinary program, which takes dining to the next level. Restaurant options will include Italian Grill, Asiatic Fusion, Mexican Gourmet and Gastro Bar by the renowned Michelin-star chef, Martin Berasategui. At Gastro Bar, guests will be able to indulge in either an à la carte menu or a tasting menu carefully curated by the chef. For guests looking to dine alfresco they can enjoy El Pescador (adults), Barefoot Grill (for young adults) and Footprints (for children). Championing local culture, the resort will work with local farmers, artisans and chefs to provide an outstanding F&B offering, using local produce in each restaurant and herbs and spices for cocktails.

Whether guests are looking to relax or party, Paradisus Playa Mujeres will be suited to all tastes, offering a lobby bar, beach club (adults only), sunset bar, pool bar (adults only), Red Lounge, Sports Bar & Café, showcasing spectacular views of the gardens, marina and the glittering Caribbean Sea.

The resort will feature a spectacular motor lobby, arcade room, covered theater, outdoor plaza for shows, coffee bar, juice bar, kids club and luxurious changing room facilities. 

Committed to health and well-being, local culture and environmentally conscious, Paradisus Playa Mujeres will offer a range of authentic, personalized, Life Enriching Experiences as well as a comprehensive menu of luxurious treatments and prestigious products using natural oils to nourish and rejuvenate the body at the renowned YHI Spa. Guests will also be able to enjoy the relaxation areas, plus two fitness centers for personal training and wellness activities.

Paradisus Playa Mujeres will provide four business center stations, a convention center (ballroom) with a capacity for up to 1,500 people. It will offer video mapping technology and a state-of-the-art audiovisual system.

Paradisus Playa Mujeres will join other key properties in Mexico, including Paradisus Los Cabos, Paradisus Cancun, Paradisus La Esmeralda, and Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla (adults only). For more information, please visit: www.paradisus.com.

By Terri Miller, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Concilio Labs

When was the last time you used an app? Today? An hour ago? A few minutes ago? For most of us, apps have become an integrated part of our daily life — we might not even realize the extent to which we rely on them.

Our smartphone behavior is typically centered around the convenience and connection that apps readily provide. Despite this prevalence, there has long existed a trend of some businesses hesitating to break into the realm of mobile apps; a hesitation which may also extend to hotels. The push for technological innovation only continues to grow and, with it, comes the relevance of investing in a native app experience for your guests.

With global mobile app downloads set to reach 284 billion by 2020,  can your hotel really afford to miss out? 

The ‘Why’ Behind the Push for Mobile Apps

As of 2016, the total number of mobile hotel bookings reached 148.3 million. Guests’ desire for mobile engagement extends far beyond the reservation process, including pre-arrival messages, check-in, check-out, mobile room keys, concierge, room management and upgrades, special offers, and more. In fact, guests’ orders increase by 18-20% when a mobile app is available. An impressive 83% of guests also wish to receive hotel service promotions on their devices.

Ideally, guests should be able to pull out their smartphone at the airport, open their hotel’s mobile app and request airport transfers, early check-in, and confirm booking information. Upon arrival to the hotel, guests may even elect to bypass the front desk line and head directly to their room, unlocking it with the hotel app’s mobile integration with its door management technology. Throughout their stay, guests should also be able to receive specially curated mobile offers through the app, book on-property restaurant or spa reservations, arrange for wake-up calls, car service, order room service, engage with hotel staff and much more. While some of these functions, such as booking information, can easily be accessed via a hotel’s mobile responsive website, other functions, like smart door integrations, require a dedicated app.

Apps also allow valuable insights regarding guest behavior, which can then be utilized and leveraged to create a personalized guest experience. As guests interact freely with the app, your hotel can create a guest profile that outlines their specific preferences, on-property behavior, spending habits, social media engagement, and more. Additionally, apps help to cater to the tech-savvy generation of millennial travelers who expect convenient, immediate access to information, prefer the low-touch service model, and assume timely staff response to requests or complaints on a 24/7 basis.

The Mobile Movement: Web vs. App

Mobile responsive websites will always be imperative to a hotel’s success in today’s tech-savvy landscape where the guest is looking for information about the hotels amenities, location, and making bookings. However, many properties may benefit from apps for specific behaviors that enhance guest experience and engagement, particularly while on property. Thanks to push notifications and alerts, apps become a far more interactive experience for guests. A well-done mobile app can open up opportunities for greater revenue before, during, and after their stay.

The data gleaned from in-app usage is also helpful. Apps typically gain access to smartphone features such as location tracking and camera, potentially allowing properties to create visually interactive experiences that enhance marketing efforts. When synced with social media feeds (via a social login) hoteliers may leverage the ability to create user-generated content or gain access to public profiles and friends lists.

Last, but certainly not least, while websites (accessed from a mobile device) generally require an active data connection or Wi-Fi, apps work both online and offline. If properly managed, your app can act as an uninhibited connection to your guest, encouraging them to interact with your hotel based on customized preferences while constantly storing or caching data for future use.

Perfect Your App’s Offering(s)

Your hotel is faced with a myriad of options when it comes to what type of app you might want developed that will amplify your brand and increase guest engagement. Do you want your app to primarily offer a fast, frictionless booking system? Mobile, keyless entry to guests’ hotel rooms? Alternatively, you might prefer to build it out to include loyalty programs, special offers and guest use while on-property as well, such as:

- Chat with hotel staff

- Receive push notifications for real-time promotions

- Obtain recommendations for nearby activities

- Order room service or make restaurant reservations

- In-room controls and connectivity

Constant connectivity and convenience, increased revenue opportunities, improved marketing initiatives, and additional guest engagements are key reasons why to have an app. However, the most critical factor in guest adoption and subsequent satisfaction lies in the app’s ease of use. Whether guests are relying on the app to book their upcoming stay, or to interact with the hotel throughout their entire visit, their mobile experience should be seamless and user-friendly. This requires the creation of a thought through user journey and thoroughly tested app before it is rolled out to guests in any official capacity. Whatever your app’s promise to your guest is, ensure it delivers every time.

Frankfurt am Main, 5 April 2018      

Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts has signalled its intention to expand the company portfolio by signing an agreement for a hotel in Luxor, Egypt. The Steigenberger Resort Achti is to be located on the East Bank of the Nile, and the plan is that it will open for business in the third quarter of 2018. As well as 281 rooms, suites and bungalows, the hotel will also boast six restaurants and bars serving up a range of culinary offerings. Further highlights will include an outdoor pool with views of the Nile, a separate pool in the bungalow area complete with jacuzzi, a Business centre, a meetings room and a permanent multi-purpose tent for the staging of conferences and banquets.

The agreement has been concluded with the Arab Company for Hotel & Tourism Investments. Chairman Samir Hasan comments: “The mother company of our Group owns several five stars hotels all over in Egypt. We made a bidding to get one of the best hotel chains to manage our hotel. We are investing in extensive renovation works until the end of September 2018. The hotel will then be operated under the brand ‘Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts’, which we believe will be an added value to the property.”

Luxor is taking on a highly significant role in the Egyptian tourism sector thanks to its international airport, its status as port of call for many Nile cruises and a multitude of ancient excavation sites, temples and burial grounds.

Steigenberger guests have also been enjoying the delights of a fabulous beach location in the Gulf of Hammamet in Tunisia since the Steigenberger Marhaba Thalasso opened on 1 April. The resort offers 371 rooms and suites as well as six restaurants and bars. Facilities further include six indoor and outdoor pools, a Thalassotherapy Centre with a wide choice of beauty and massage treatments, a hairdressing salon, a haman and a sauna. There are also six conference rooms.

Set on the fertile peninsula of Cap Bon, the Gulf of Hammamet is a beach resort surrounded by green hills and lemon groves. Such a picturesque backdrop has earned the area a reputation of being the “St. Tropez of Tunisia”, and tourists from all over the world flock its beautiful sandy beaches. The hotel’s owner and Deutsche Hospitality’s contractual partner is ITT Hotel Corporation of Tunisia. CEO Hichem Driss: “After undergoing an intense renovation of the hotel we have achieved highest international standards that fits the Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts brand. I am proud to announce the opening of Steigenberger Marhaba Thalasso in Hammamet with a firm belief that tourism in Tunisia, and particularly in Hammamet, is returning stronger than ever before.”

After previously entering the Tunisian market by launching two hotels (Steigenberger and Jaz) in Sousse further to the South, Deutsche Hospitality now has a threefold representation in the country. The group’s portfolio in Egypt currently includes 14 hotels.

“The signing of the agreement in Luxor and the opening of our Hammamet hotel have added two attractive locations. Both are popular holiday destinations which have enabled us to expand our resort provision. We are looking forward to firing the enthusiasm of our guests here in future by offering ‘made in Germany’ service quality.”

Current press information is available in our press portal.

Eden Prairie (Minneapolis), MN, April 5, 2018 … Continuing the expansion of its domestic and global sales force, Teneo Hospitality Group,the premier global group representation firm, has appointed David Berzofsky as Director of Sales, Midwest. Mr. Berzofsky is a leading specialist in luxury hotel sales and brings an in-depth knowledge of the luxury market together with a strong presence in the Midwest to his new position with Teneo. 

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome David to the Teneo Sales force,” says President Mike Schugt. “He comes to us with over 25 years of hospitality sales experience, most recently as Global Account Executive for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company/Marriott International. As Teneo continues to expand, we are committed to hiring elite sales professionals that are an extension of our member hotels and DMCs. David has extensive experience selling luxury hotels and an exceptional industry reputation to add to our growing sales team in the Midwest.”

In David Berzofsky’s prior position in Global Sales he worked to broaden Ritz-Carlton’s overall customer base and generate new business. Upon Marriott’s merger with Starwood, Mr. Berzofsky was promoted to Marriott’s new Luxury Division, representing eight brands and over 350 hotels worldwide. In this capacity, he cultivated and managed a customer base of over 500 accounts throughout the Midwest, doubling yearly revenues over an eight-year period.

Mr. Berzofsky’s earlier sales experience spans several prominent luxury resorts in Florida, including the Eden Roc Resort & Spa in Miami Beach, the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo and Ritz-Carlton’s three Miami properties.  

David Berzofsky holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Isenberg School of Management at Amherst. His exceptional career sales performance has been recognized with several distinguished awards, including ten Chairman’s Circle awards with Ritz-Carlton.

HONG KONG – April 5, 2018 – Building on a growing desire for luxury resort experiences in stunning global locations, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. announced plans to bring its legendary style and service to Nikko, Japan. Surrounded by mountainous landscapes, sacred forests and rich traditions, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, owned by Tobu Railway Co., Ltd., is expected to open in 2020 and will be the brand’s first resort in Japan to be set amidst a UNESCO World Heritage site.

“Today’s luxury traveler is increasingly seeking out unique experiences and the opportunity to become immersed in a destination’s culture. We are delighted to meet this need by opening exceptional properties in exciting new locations such as Nikko,” said Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “We will be working to curate a Nikko experience that truly showcases what is special about this destination while bringing to life and honoring its UNESCO heritage.”

Located in the Northern Kanto region of Japan, Nikko lies approximately two hours North of Tokyo and is an outdoor and cultural tourism destination that features many natural jewels including the Kegon Falls and an array of famous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Nikko, and the surrounding area, has long been known as a holy place and was named a UNESCO World heritage site due to the cultural, religious, and architectural significance of its richly decorated temples. Set amidst the mountains and forests that make up this special site, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is slated to be located along the East end of Lake Chuzenji and South of Mount Nantai and will  provide guests with easy access to prominent scenic attractions including Nikko’s National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage designated area.

“We are pleased to welcome the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand to Nikko, which can be easily accessed from our railway lines,” said Yoshizumi Nezu, President, Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. “The land surrounding the hotel has many stories to tell and is rich in history and abundant in nature. Through The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko we hope to introduce the various Nikko attractions to both Japanese and international visitors, eventually contributing to the strength of the Japanese tourism industry.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is set to feature 94 spacious guestrooms and suites, each designed to provide guests with an extravagant view of either Lake Chuzenji or Mount Nantai. Dining options are expected to include an all-day dining restaurant, a Lobby Lounge and Bar, as well as a Western restaurant. The fitness facilities and signature Ritz-Carlton Spa will offer an opportunity for complete rejuvenation through unique treatment rooms and a private Onsen – Japanese hot springs.

“Nikko has a long and rich history, making it an attractive destination for domestic travelers and a growing destination for overseas travelers looking to more deeply experience Japan and its culture,” said Paul Foskey, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “We are truly excited to be collaborating with Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. to bring yet another unique resort to Japan.”

by Emily Perryman

As tourists return once more to soak up the sights and tastes of France, its hotel sector is rebounding rapidly from its 2016 low point.

Just under 89 million tourists visited France in 2017, according to French government figures, a five to six percent year-on-year rise that puts the country back on track to reach its ambitious 100 million target by 2020. It’s a welcome turnaround from the previous year, when tourist numbers in the worst-hit region of Greater Paris fell by 1.5 million in the wake of a spate of terrorist attacks. By September 2016, hotel RevPAR (revenue per available room) was down almost 16 percent on the previous year.

Gwenola Donet, JLL’s Head of France for the Hotels & Hospitality Group, says the recovery is expected to accelerate in 2018 thanks to a wide range of positive factors.

“There are signs that the world has learned to live with terrorist attacks. We’ve seen this in Barcelona, where only a couple of weeks after the August 2017 attack tourism returned to normal levels,” she explains.

“What’s more, people are viewing France in a more positive light following Emmanuel Macron’s win in the presidential election, along with other positive news such as Paris being chosen to host the 2024 Olympics. This not only helps with tourism, but also creates hope that Macron’s reforms will make France easier to do business in from a tax and labour law perspective.”

U.S. tourists prove good for business 

The more favourable climate has resulted in U.S. tourists returning to France. Romain Semmel, Senior Vice President, European Transactions at JLL Hotels and Hospitality, explains that a rise in visitors from the U.S. tends to push prices up, which should help hotel rates recover. This, in turn, is helping to revive investor interest in the country.

“There is a more positive sentiment among investors and, although it is too early to make a firm assessment, it is likely that with the UK being blocked because of Brexit and Germany’s difficult economic situation, France’s more stabilized economy will make it even more appealing,” Semmel adds.

Paris is attracting the lion’s share of investor interest but the regions, which have stayed fairly resilient over the past few years, could also see some notable deals.

High net worth individuals are seeking trophy assets in the French Riviera, while the Alps has opened up to external investors after being largely confined to deals between families. Club Med, meanwhile, has announced plans to open one new resort each year in the Alps.

Limited supply fuels an innovation boom

In Paris, the recovery is being helped by the fact that French cities, including the capital, are relatively small and so do not have the same capacity to increase hotel supply like other cities like London and New York.

This is not only helping to lift rates, but is also encouraging hotel operators to be innovative in how they attract tourists.

Donet says operators are looking at new forms of accommodation that offer “affordable luxury” and that provide a place to sleep and have fun in. The flexibility of hotel management models is also increasing – a sign, Donet says, of a mature market.

“In Germany you will find lots of leased hotels, whereas in the UK hotels are mainly managed or franchised. In France, investors can find a range of models to suit their profile, whether it’s managed, franchised, non-branded or business-only,” she explains. “Hotel operators are very flexible and will adapt their model to suit investors’ requirements; we’ve especially seen this in Paris, where operators have designed very specific, bespoke hotel management agreements.”

Meeting the needs of the modern traveler

One of the biggest challenges for France’s hotel market will be ensuring it stays up-to-speed with the tastes of modern travelers who are increasingly keen for unique features and memorable experiences.

Donet says that France still has some hotels that are aging and in need of renovation. A major catalyst could be Accor’s Booster project, which aims to free up funds to improve its properties in the country. “Accor is a massive player in France so this initiative is likely to accelerate the trend of innovation,” she says.

And the brightening picture for the hotels market could well reward hotels that refurbish in line with the times or come up with creative new accommodation concepts. Donet expects Paris to be back to its pre-2016 RevPAR growth levels by the end of the year and to continue strongly in 2019.

“This is the right moment for investors to enter the market because they can still benefit from the capital’s recovery,” she says. “It is the first time in a long time that all the KPIs (key performance indicators) are looking positive.”

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., April 5, 2018 -- Hard Rock International announces the promotion of Todd Hricko to senior vice president & head of global hotel development, where he will oversee the development of hotels for the entire brand, working directly under Hard Rock International's Chief Operating Officer Jon Lucas. Supported by Hricko's more than 20 years of property development experience, the new position will showcase Hricko's strong hospitality network, paving the way for collaborations with some of the largest industry-leading owners and operators of commercial real estate in the United States. 

Hricko joined the Hard Rock brand in 2014 serving as vice president of business development for Hard Rock Hotels, where he spearheaded the development of the Hard Rock Hotels portfolio throughout the United States and Canada. During this time, he played an essential role in identifying strategic markets and sites to develop, managing contract negotiations for the brand and leading negotiations for management agreements in key markets, such as New York City, New Orleans, Atlanta and Daytona Beach. He also participated in the development of Hard Rock's new upscale select-service brand – Reverb by Hard Rock. 

"Todd's extensive experience in the acquisition, disposition, financing and development of hotels and vacation ownership resorts makes him an asset to the Hard Rock International brand," states Jon Lucas, chief operating officer for Hard Rock International. "We greatly value his hard work and dedication to the brand and we look forward to him bringing Hard Rock International to new global heights."

Before joining Hard Rock International, Hricko was vice president of development of Wyndham Hotel Group. This experience not only expanded his professional portfolio, but also afforded him long-term relationships with national owners and development partners in the industry. 

The promotion of Todd Hricko comes as the Hard Rock Hotels portfolio actively expands in key cities and destinations across the globe, ranging from the Maldives and New Orleans to London and China. For more information on Hard Rock International, please visit www.hardrock.com.

LAS VEGAS, April 5, 2018 -- Alex Meruelo acquired ownership of SLS Las Vegas® Hotel & Casino, naming Paul Hobson as the property's new senior vice president and general manager.

"Paul Hobson brings extensive experience in gaming and hospitality and valued insight into the ever-evolving North Las Vegas Strip to SLS Las Vegas," said Alex Meruelo, Principal of The Meruelo Group. "We are thrilled to have him lead the team in ushering in this exciting new era for the historic property." 

Mr. Meruelo adds SLS Las Vegas, a 1,616-room, three-tower resort-casino, including the W Las Vegas, to a gaming and hospitality portfolio that includes Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev. The acquisition of the SLS Las Vegas marks the first ever privately held affiliation of large resort properties  in both Reno and Las Vegas. 

Hobson was most recently general manager of Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower. He joined Stratosphere in early 2011 from sister property, Aquarius Casino Resort, where he also held the title of general manager. Previously, Hobson has held senior management positions with MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Affinity Gaming.

Phoenix (April 5, 2018) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts today announced that just one and a half years since the launch of its unique franchise model – SureStay Hotel Group – the brand has amassed 52 properties worldwide and boasts a robust pipeline of 45 more. Since making its official debut in fall 2016, SureStay® has served as a welcome alternative for upper-economy/lower-midscale travelers, offering consistent and quality levels of value, comfort and cleanliness. The brand has also garnered significant interest among developers with its competitive fee structure and access to Best Western’s powerhouse brand.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts embarked upon a brand refresh in 2015, spearheading the creation of eight new global brands (totaling eleven brands now, within the portfolio). In that time, the company has continued to experience tremendous growth in both size and scale, as well as penetration in diverse markets globally. This is in part due to Best Western’s creation of innovative, market-leading brands for the hospitality industry, including SureStay Hotel Group, which have delivered impressive results to owners. In a short period of time, SureStay hotels have already seen impressive results. Best Western Rewards® (BWR®) revenue contribution for North America SureStay/SureStay Plus^® Hotels is at 36.1% currently, and Best Western’s reservations system, LYNX, has delivered 40.2% of bookings, and total brand contribution is 62.3% YTD (through February 2018).

“On the heels of Best Western’s transformative brand refresh, our brand  remains committed to identifying opportunities for growth and evolution that foster the needs of today’s travelers and developers,” said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “SureStay Hotel Group was introduced to provide reliable guest experiences and quality hotel products in the upper- economy/lower-midscale market, and the tremendous results SureStay has realized demonstrates that we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do.”

The majority of SureStay Hotel Group applicants are seeking to reposition and strengthen their existing hotel assets, often as a result of new ownership or renovations. Best Western conversions also comprise a large portion of SureStay Hotel Group properties. Comprised of three distinctive brands – SureStay Hotel by Best Western (classic economy), SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western (premium economy) and SureStay Collection® by Best Western (lower-midscale soft brand) – SureStay Hotel Group’s rapid success can be credited to its unique, competitive fee structure and Best Western’s staunch reputation for enhancing the guest travel experience by providing real, consistent value and an industry-leading, return-guest loyalty program. The brand provides an easy path to hoteliers who are committed to providing a superior guest experience but wish to avoid the high investment costs mandated by most brand standards.

“We spent a lot of time listening to the needs of developers as we designed SureStay Hotel Group and what we heard was they wanted fair franchise terms, a decent fee model, and best in class support,” said Ron Pohl, Chief Operations Officer and Senior Vice President of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “The result is the creation of a brand that has far surpassed our expectations in growth, quality, and scale.”

Properties must maintain a minimum 3.5 TripAdvisor® rating, agree to a satisfaction guarantee and unannounced inspections. The brand’s focus is to: create consumer relevance and confidence through unprecedented quality and care; and produce developer value by offering fair franchise terms, a competitive fee model, best-in-class support and a connection to Best Western’s expansive scale - which is critically important in advancing hotels’ negotiating power and creating advantageous OTA terms.

For more information on Best Western Hotels & Resorts, please visit BestWestern.com.  

For a limited time, Kennedy Training Network (KTN) is offering a complimentary round of reservations mystery shopping reports for all new prospective clients.  KTN’s team will produce 4 complimentary reports, scored according to its baseline reservations sales call criteria and targeting different agents.

Each mystery shopping report will be sent via email, including a link to a scored checklist, plus commentary and sales coaching tips from a KTN Reservations Coach.  Best of all, reports include a link to the audio recording of the actual conversation, so you can listen to what callers are hearing your agents say.

Shop calls will begin shortly after requested; all scored call reports will be completed and ready for review within 10 days for those who respond first.

Doug Kennedy says, “If you’re looking to coach agents on maximizing direct bookings, it’s important for leaders to hear what they’re currently saying.  Many KTN clients have found it was way past time to update their scripting for callers who have already shopped online on their smartphone. Our criteria points to what it takes to close sales from channel-surfing prospects.”

To take advantage of this offer just shoot over an email to KTN President Doug Kennedy.  doug@kennedytrainingnetwork.com   For more information on KTN’s telephone mystery shopping services, or to learn about training workshops and private, live webinars visit www.kennedytrainingnetwork.com

AccorHotels has today announced a strategic partnership with the South Africa-based Mantis Group, a collection of award winning, privately owned, managed and branded five star properties and lodges located around the world, across all seven continents. From boutique hotels, eco lodges, game reserves and luxury houseboats to adventure tourism as well as a bespoke tour operating division, the agreement reinforces AccorHotels as a leader in curated one-of-a-kind experiences and resonates with the Group’s conservation platform with Planet 21.    

This strategic partnership is accompanied by the launch of Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA), a non-profit organization (NGO) which aims to amplify both Groups’ commitment towards preventing the accelerating decline of Africa’s wildlife and bringing together three internationally renowned conservation organizations - Wilderness Foundation, Tusk Trust and African Parks.  

Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, AccorHotels said: “Mantis is a pioneer in customized one-of-a-kind travel services in some of the most imaginative hotels across the world. With this strategic partnership, we are reinforcing the Group’s footprint in Africa and we have access to a brand with strong roots and heritage, recognised for its commitment to preserve the environment and its prestigious credentials in the hospitality space.”

Founder and Chairman of the Mantis Group, Adrian Gardiner, commented: “AccorHotels is one of the fastest growing hotel and travel operators worldwide. This agreement presents an attractive proposition for the Mantis Group to utilize AccorHotels’ robust distribution channels and world-wide reach to further develop the hospitality concepts and sustainability projects we have worked so tirelessly to grow. We are excited to embark upon this new chapter alongside AccorHotels where we will act as ambassadors for the development of both our Groups’ portfolios and offerings.” 

The Mantis network features 28 managed properties, plus a global network of branded hotels and residences, including boutique villas and flagship properties such as Founders Lodge – a South African game reserve located in the Eastern Cape, Mantis St Helena – a boutique hotel on the remote island in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Draycott Hotel in London, synonymous with Old World elegance and quintessential British luxury.

Celebrated for its far flung experiences for the adventure curious, the Mantis Group also owns and operates a number of unique luxury houseboats and a lodge under the Zambezi Queen Collection brand.

This strategic partnership will strengthen AccorHotels’ leadership position in Africa and will combine the vision of embodying conservation and education into its operations. Highlights of Mantis’ success in conservation include the support and sponsorship of initiatives for the Wilderness Foundation Africa, Tusk Trust and various other conservation NGOs. Mantis strives to conserve the biodiversity of the landscapes that host its properties and share the ecotourism benefits with local communities via job creation. Education, also a core value of the Mantis Group, is exemplified in “Worldwide Experience”, which offers international students the opportunity to take up conservation placements throughout Southern Africa. The Group has a partnership with Stenden University, a hotel management institution in South Africa that educates students in hospitality and disaster management and also offers practical experience via internships at Mantis properties and is the only institution in the world that offers a course in Conservation and Lodge Management at a private game reserve.

The partnership agreement is subject to regulatory approvals.