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Summit Hotel Properties Opens New Build Hyatt House Hotel Across From Orlando Universal Resort™

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AUSTIN, Texas, June 28, 2018 -- Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. (NYSE: INN) (the "Company"), today announced the grand opening of the 168-guestroom Hyatt House Across From Orlando Universal Resort™.  The newly constructed upscale, extended stay hotel is located adjacent to the Company's existing Hyatt Place hotel and conveniently situated within walking distance of Universal Orlando Resort™ and a short shuttle ride from the new Volcano Bay™ water park.  Other nearby entertainment venues include Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, ICON Orlando 360™, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.  Major corporations in the area include Lockheed Martin, Siemens, and Deloitte, among others, and Hyatt House Across From Orlando Universal Resort™ provides easy access to the Orange County Convention Center, downtown Orlando, and Orlando International Airport.

"We are thrilled with the opening of the new Hyatt House Across From Orlando Universal Resort™ which will be a great addition to our portfolio of well located, high-quality hotels in one of the best performing markets in the country," said Dan Hansen, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Utilizing our in-house development expertise, we successfully executed on this project as an opportunistic way to create value on a vacant land parcel we acquired at the time we purchased the adjacent Hyatt Place hotel.  The two hotels will nicely complement one another and are expected to generate incremental revenue opportunities through a collaborative sales effort and benefit from efficiencies achieved through a shared cost structure," commented Mr. Hansen.

"Orlando continues to experience record-breaking tourism numbers among leisure travelers and convention attendees.  We are confident  Hyatt House Across From Orlando Universal Resort™ will bring a new and dynamic guest experience to the marketplace, and is a great example of our continued focus on growing premium hotels that will attract business and leisure travelers alike," said Susan Santiago, Senior Vice President of Operations, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. "I want to offer my congratulations and thanks to Dan and his team at Summit Hotel Properties who collaborated with us in order to bring this development to fruition."

The total construction cost for the Hyatt House hotel was $32.7 million, or approximately $194,500 per key, excluding land, and the Company expects the hotel to contribute $1.0 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for real estate ("EBITDAre") during the remainder of 2018.  The forecasted EBITDAre contribution was included in the Company's updated 2018 financial outlook provided on May 2, 2018. 


The National Conference Center Wins Two Prestigious Awards

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Distinguished Partner of the Year, Best of the Best Conference Center

Leesburg, Virginia, June 2018 … The National Conference Center, the award-winning property in Leesburg, Virginia, recently won the “Distinguished Partner of the Year Award” presented by Visit Loudoun, the destination marketing organization for Loudoun County, Virginia, and the “Best of the Best Reader’s Choice Award for Brilliant Places for Conference Centers”, also known as the Smart Stars award from Smart Meetings magazine.

Distinguished Partner of the Year Award
The National Conference Center received the Distinguished Partner of the Year award during the Visit Loudoun Tourism Awards Gala, which showcased the work, service, creativity, and contributions of individuals and organizations as they relate to advancing tourism. This year’s event was attended by a record crowd of 300 and netted commitments for more than $5,000 to support scholarships to nurture promising hospitality talent. The program also drew a record number of nominations for awards that recognize those who push innovation and growth of the tourism industry, as well as those who serve on the front lines and provide lasting first-impressions of Loudoun during interaction with visitors.

“My team and I are honored to receive this prestigious award and are proud to be in such good company with phenomenal hospitality entities that serve our community and industry,” said Geoff Lawson, Vice President and General Manager of The National Conference Center. “We are proud to be associated with the successful marketing arm of Visit Loudoun,” he continued.

The award-winning National Conference Center is a committed community leader, creating successful learning and development meetings, with a team of professionals from the Virginia and nearby communities. The National is the largest conference center in Virginia with 265,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space and is the largest hospitality employer in Loudoun County.

Best of the Best Reader’s Choice Award for Brilliant Places for Conference Centers

Ranked against hundreds of their exceptional peers, The National was hand selected by the Smart Meetings audience of meeting professionals. Since its inception, the Best of the Best Smart Stars Awards have gained prominence as an essential tool for today’s meeting planner community and a valuable resource for those who need recommendations of leading venues and destinations. These remarkable hospitality entities continue to reflect the highest standards of excellence in service, amenities and customer satisfaction.

“I’m truly honored to acknowledge and celebrate these spectacular brands that continue to serve our community with unwavering excellence and dedication to their crafts,” said Marin Bright, Smart Meetings founder and CEO.

For more information about The National Conference Center’s awards and resources, click here.


Photo details
Left to Right: Paul Cerula, Chair, Visit Loudoun Board of Directors; Chuck Ocheltree, Chief Marketing Officer, The National Conference Center; Beth Erickson, Executive Director, Visit Loudoun
Photo Credit: Stephanie Leigh Photography

4 Themes From HITEC Houston 2018

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By Linchi Kwok

Were you in Houston last week for HITEC 2018? The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is hosted and organized by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), and has become the world’s largest hospitality technology event.

I spent a day walking through the exposition, where I experienced the latest tech products available in the hospitality industry. Through my observations, I was able to identify four themes from this year’s trade show.

1. Tech products that enhance the guest experience

The phrases of "guest-centric," "guest experience," "guest satisfaction" are almost everywhere in the trade show. Using technologies to improve guest satisfaction is definitely one big theme I observed in HITEC Houston 2018.

Many exhibitors showcased how they can provide better customer service for hotels by integrating their tech products with the hotels’ existing property management system (PMS). For example, consumers can now interact with machines more often than a real human being during a hotel stay.

Machines can:

  • Accept and manage reservations
  • Answer most of the customer inquiries
  • Allow guests to check-in in a kiosk or with their mobile devices, select the available room for their stay, and issue a room key or activate the "keyless" option in their mobile app
  • Allow guests to control "smart" room devices with voice commands or on their mobile apps, including lightings, curtains, entertainments (TV, radio, and sounds), and the thermoset
  • Assist guests in navigating the hotel and the neighborhood through voice commands or with a mobile device
  • Make reservations for a spa treatment and other services
  • Order room service
  • Make special requests, such as setting up wake-up calls, getting additional items from the housekeeping, and etc.
  • Review all charges during their stays
  • Check out with a click on their mobile devices or on the TV set in the hotel room without making a stop at the front desk
     

It seems to me, however, many of these tech products function like a customized Alexa by Amazon or Google’s AI, even though I did not see Amazon or Google with a booth in this year’s exposition.

2. Tech products that improve service operations

There are also many tech products in the exposition that are designed to help hotels run smooth operations.

On one hand, technologies can assist human resources in attracting/recruiting the right talent and retaining those employees. Billing payments can also be handled by machines.

On the other hand, big data and blockchain can help hotels gain better insights into what the customers want. Many companies in the exposition want to provide business solutions for hotels to connect the dots or various footprints that a consumer left in the hotel, allowing operators to see the “whole journey” of their customers.

I saw products that can predict consumer behaviors using big data analytics. The ultimate goal of this type of services is to encourage customers to spend more in the hotel (mainly through cross-selling and upselling), helping the business maximize the revenues.

Other tech products that got my attention include: "smart" linens that use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to help hotels automatically manage inventory as well as facility management systems that allow managers to keep track of the utilization, lighting, and air conditioning of the space available inside a building (hotel).


Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based SMARTLINEN’s display at HITEC.

3. Tech products that support sustainability

Many hospitality businesses have already adopted green practices and pay close attention to sustainability. Hence, it’s not surprising to find companies in HITEC Houston 2018 that provide solutions to hotels, helping them save consumptions on energy, water, and other resources (e.g., paperwork).


Energy-saving tech was a theme to note at HITEC.

4. Tech products that protect cybersecurity

Hotels are managing a tremendous amount of personal information about customers and often become the target of hackers or victims of cybercrimes.

As a result, cybersecurity remains to be a critical issue and should remain on top of a hospitality business’ top agenda. We must do our best to protect the customers who trust us and do business with us.

What I expected to see but did not find in HITEC Houston 2018

As more machines are replacing humans at work, and even the cities we live in are getting smarter than ever, I was expecting to see a few companies promoting new robots in the exposition. I understand robotic service is no longer a new concept, but I was hoping to see newer generations of robots that would "wow" me.

Meanwhile, I was also expecting to see more companies using facial recognition technology in analyzing consumers’ reactions towards the services they received.

In China, for example, facial recognition has been used in analyzing students’ reactions in the classroom (Note: I personally do not think that is right and would vote against using this type of technologies to monitor students’ behaviors).

I suggest hotels and restaurants use similar technologies to measure customer satisfaction because it is not difficult for machines to tell who looks happy, who looks boring or becomes impatient of waiting, and who looks unhappy with the experience. I assume one reason why such technology has not been used in the hospitality industry mainly is because it is still unclear where we can draw the line between protecting privacy and market research.

Did you attend HITEC Houston 2018? What did you see? Did anything surprise you?

Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel Reopens Following Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

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Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., together with The Buccini/Pollin Group, today announced the opening of Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel following a multi-million dollar renovation. This anticipated opening further reinforces the brand’s significant growth momentum around the world with upcoming openings planned in neighborhoods from Harlem to Hangzhou, and from Chelsea to Taipei.

“We are thrilled to introduce Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, offering guests a sense of clever theatricality and an invitation to experience this historic neighborhood in a modern and unexpected way,” said George Fleck, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing & Management, Renaissance Hotels.  “With this hotel opening – our third in the city – we continue the brand’s design momentum around the world, creating moments that are sure to inspire stories worth sharing.”

In the heart of Old City Philadelphia, the 152-room hotel sets the stage for the spontaneous with unexpected design elements around every corner.  The hotel pays homage to the cultural history of the city with a clever irreverence from playful portraits of Benjamin Franklin’s five mistresses, created with pixelated $100 bills tucked away in Chez Ben restaurant, to pop-art inspired images of famous Philadelphians adorning each of the guestrooms.

Upon arrival, guests are guided through The Alley inspired by the city’s famed Elfreth’s Alley, which was once home to the 18th-century artisans and trades-people – the backbone of colonial Philadelphia.  Employing a combination of grit and glittering finishes, the design of The Alley is anchored by a ceremonial staircase clad in blackened steel and backlit with luminous panels, which perfectly juxtaposes a 100-foot long graffiti wall by local artist Dan Murphy.

“With its artful design, vibrant and eclectic dining scene and engaging experiences, the hotel embraces the spirit of Old Town as a one-of-a-kind destination intended to be discovered in a new way,” said A.J. Williams, General Manager, Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel. “Look no further than the railings that line the hotel’s upper level, which mimic Franklin’s famous spectacles or the wallpaper that invites you to decipher the Declaration of Independence, to see how we surprise travelers and locals alike.”

Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel features all the brand’s unique experiences, including the hotel’s Navigator, who helps guests experience the neighborhood’s soul by highlighting handpicked local discoveries. The hotel also offers Evenings at Renaissance where guests can experience the locale through nightly programming, often featuring emerging artists and musicians and tastings from local spirits purveyors that are hidden gems not known to all.

Like the hotel’s design, the culinary experiences are poised to inspire stories worth retelling.

          – Chez Ben Restaurant celebrates the French brasserie in quintessential Philadelphia Old City language. The bistro features a stone clad bar, an industrial-style wine cave and a café counter boasting coffee specialties from Philadelphia’s own La Colombe, fresh juices and buttery pastries all day. A raw bar, tarte flambee and globally-inspired entrees such as blood orange duck breast with sunchokes and whole grilled daurade are a few highlights of the extensive menu.

          – Brown’s, a retro-contemporary cocktail bar, specializes in long-aged brown liquors sourced from around the globe, in conjunction with a classic and specialty cocktail menu. The bar’s drink and small plates menu (boasting such dishes as Scotch-cured salmon tartine and sliders made with merguez sausage) embodies the idea that “everything gets better with age.” A bold painting commissioned by Philadelphia-born artist Marc Lafia hangs above the fireplace. Mixologist and beverage director Rachel Kovenetsky created the lounge’s specialty cocktails.

Guests can find repose in the intimate and locally-inspired haven, featuring a 24-hour fitness facility equipped with state of the art equipment, weights and personal training services; an indoor pool and sauna; and four meeting rooms, amounting to 4,354 square feet of meeting and social space. The hotel is also pet-friendly, welcoming up to two pets per room.

With its proximity to local landmarks and icons including Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Franklin Square, Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel allows business and leisure guests to easily immerse themselves in the historic neighborhood with a wink-and-a-nod to its now modern downtown vibe.  For more information, please visit: www.renhotels.com.

IHG Signs With Hotel Marina Agra for Holiday Inn Agra MG Road in India

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of world’s leading hotel companies has signed a management agreement with Hotel Marina Agra for Holiday Inn Agra MG Road. The 150-room hotel is expected to be rebranded and operational in 2018. The signing marks the company’s debut in Agra and also completes IHG’s presence in the Delhi-Jaipur-Agra Golden Triangle tourist circuit.

A great destination for leisure travelers, Holiday Inn Agra MG Road is a 15 minutes’ drive from popular UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Agra Fort and Taj Mahal, both key tourist attractions of the city. On opening, the hotel will offer stunning views of the iconic monument, Taj Mahal from the upper floors. Situated on MG Road, the hotel is in close proximity to the business district and key government offices, making it an ideal choice for corporate travelers, as well. 

With well-designed, sizeable banqueting space, Holiday Inn Agra MG Road will be well placed to meet the growing business from the MICE segment, especially spurred by the increasing demand from the connecting cities such as Delhi and Jaipur. The hotel will feature an all-day dining, a specialty cuisine restaurant and a bar, providing guests an array of F&B options to choose from. Additionally, Holiday Inn Agra MG Road will feature leisure facilities such as an outdoor pool and gymnasium for guests to enjoy their time at the hotel. 

Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, Vice President, Development, South West Asia, IHG said, ““We are delighted to partner with Hotel Agra Marina to introduce our first hotel in Agra, under the Holiday Inn banner. Agra has been an important destination on the tourism map of India, and we are excited to be setting foot in this growing market. With excellent location, facilities and best in class amenities, we are confident the hotel will be a great choice for varied guest profiles with diverse requirements. The Holiday Inn brand family is our growth driver in India, and this signing underscores our commitment to further strengthen our position in the midscale hotel segment.”

Shashank Bhagat, Managing Partner Hotel Marina, said :  “We are delighted to partner with a strong, global player such as IHG to bring the well-recognized Holiday Inn brand to the city of Agra. IHG has an excellent track record, globally and in India, and we are assured that the hotel will benefit from the company’s robust distribution systems, top revenue management tools and best in class loyalty program. We are confident that Holiday Inn Agra MG Road will be well-received by travellers when we open our doors in 2018.” 

Waterford Hotel Group Appoints Karolina Nemchek to General Manager and Karen Finkler to Director of Sales at Hilton Garden Inn Danbury

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WATERFORD, CT (June 28, 2018) - Waterford Hotel Group has announced the promotion of Karolina Nemchek as General Manager and the appointment of Karen Finkler as Director of Sales at the Hilton Garden Inn Danbury. Hilton Garden Inn Danbury is managed by Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel and convention center management firm.

As General Manager, Nemchek is responsible for all of the hotel’s operations, sales, and administration, as well as the associates employed at the property. She started her career with Waterford Hotel Group in 2016 as a Task Force General Manager, where she helped manage several properties within Waterford’s growing portfolio. Her prior positions include General Manager at the Even Hotel in Norwalk, CT, General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites in Stamford, CT; Executive Director of Housekeeping at the Hilton Garden Inn W35th in New York, NY; as well as several other prominent management positions at Hilton Hotels across Connecticut and New York. Nemcheck is a graduate of Albertus Magnus College and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Concentration in Accounting and Management.

In her new role as Director of Sales, Finkler is responsible for the total sales efforts for the hotel, as well as supervising sales related personnel, and implementing sales and marketing strategies to maximize profits while also maintaining guest satisfaction. Finkler began her hospitality career over 15 years ago as the Catering and Banquet Manager for the Arte En Chocolate in Orlando, FL. Other past roles include Guest Care Coordinator & Supervisor for the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, FL, Sales Coordinator at the Omni New Haven Hotel in New Haven, CT; and Director of Sales at the Hyatt House in Shelton, CT. Most recently Finkler served as the General Manager at the Hyatt House Shelton. Finkler is a 2005 graduate of the University of Central Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

“Karolina and Karen both bring extensive hotel management backgrounds to their respective roles,” commented Michael Heaton, President at Waterford Hotel Group. “We are excited to have Karolina and Karen on our Hilton Garden Inn Danbury team and know their skills and leadership will be a welcomed addition.”

Canyon Ranch Appoints David Varley as Vice President of Food & Beverage

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Fort Worth, TX – June 28, 2018 – Canyon Ranch, the integrative wellness industry leader of nearly 40 years, today announced the appointment of David Varley, Vice President of Food & Beverage. Varley will play an integral part in moving the brand and its culinary philosophies forward.

“Food and nutrition are among the key pillars at Canyon Ranch, supporting our mission of providing holistic wellness to the daily lives of our guests,” said Thomas Klein, President and Chief Operating Officer of Canyon Ranch. “We are proud to announce the addition of David Varley to our senior leadership team to further our commitment to delicious healthy and creative food.”

With almost two decades of experience in restaurants across the United States, David Varley joins the Canyon Ranch team as Vice President of Food & Beverage. With a culinary degree from New York’s Culinary Institute of America, Varley brings with him an extensive background in hospitality having worked in various top-tier restaurants including Lespinasse in NYC, Clio in Boston, MA, The Ryland Inn in White House, NJ, and Parcel 104 in Santa Clara, CA.

In 2004, Varley ventured to Las Vegas to work as chef de cuisine for Bradley Ogden within Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino. Under the tutelage of Ogden, Varley evolved as an accolade-winning chef garnering back-to-back Mobil Four-Star reviews, Five-Diamond awards and in 2007, Ogden’s first Michelin star. During his Las Vegas residency, Varley was also named “Chef to Watch, Up & Coming Rising Star,” by Vegas magazine.

Over the years, Varley has differentiated himself among his peers by using innovative techniques and a modern approach to make food fun, exciting and delicious. His initial partnership with award-winning chef Michael Mina began in 2008 when he was appointed as executive chef of Washington D.C.’s BOURBON STEAK and shortly after as the corporate chef of MINA Group responsible for culinary operations across all brands. In that role he was responsible for working with over 30 of Mina’s restaurants driving seasonality, identifying the best products and practices and mentoring the next generation of culinarians.

His ongoing collaboration and growth with Mina led him to St. Pete Florida to refresh Locale Gourmet Market & Farmtable Cucina and on to Honolulu to create The Street, A Michael Mina Food Hall as Vice President Culinary Operations where he oversaw the largest, most dynamic projects of the group and was a vital voice when crafting menus and program for Mina’s restaurants across the country.

It is in this enterprising spirit that Chef Varley will continue to propel the Canyon Ranch culinary approach forward.

The brand recently launched CR CREĀT, the first stand-alone, quick-and-casual concept for Canyon Ranch inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian® and The Palazzo® Las Vegas in an effort to continue to build upon its esteemed culinary offerings.

Islamorada’s Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina Appoints Eduardo Rodrigues as Executive Chef

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Islamorada, Fla. (June 28, 2018) Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen & Bar, the signature restaurant of Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, welcomes Eduardo Rodrigues as executive chef. With an extensive background leading upscale South Florida hotels and resorts, Rodrigues will command the day-to-day culinary operations of the recently re-opened Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen & Bar and soon-to-open Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina.

“We are thrilled to have Chef Eduardo lead our culinary initiatives,” said Eddie Sipple, regional general manager of Islamorada Resort Company. “Under his guidance, I have no doubt that both Ciao Hound and Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina’s special events, menus and consistency in quality and taste will grow.”

Rodrigues presents more than 18 years of experience, most recently at Amara Cay Resort, Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina’s sister property. Before joining Amara Cay Resort, he managed four different properties and over 100 employees as executive chef of Miccosukee Resort & Gaming in Miami, Fla. During a prior executive chef position, Rodrigues orchestrated catering, budget control and personnel for the three restaurants of historic National Hotel in Miami Beach. He previously established himself in the private club sector as executive chef of the elite Williams Island Property Owners Association in Aventura, Fla. and Grand Bay Club in Key Biscayne. In these roles, Rodrigues directed the clubs’ event catering and restaurants while overseeing an expansive personnel team and inventory.

“I am honored to join the team at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina,” said Eduardo Rodrigues, executive chef of Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina. “Islamorada inspires me and I look forward to providing memorable experiences for our guests through fresh, island flavors.”

Re-opened following Hurricane Irma’s impact, Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen & Bar features classic Italian comfort food that pairs the iconic flavors of Tuscany with local ingredients, patio seating, Edison-style bistro lights and dynamic dishes including Grilled Mahi Mahi PuttanescaLinguini Vongole and Garlic-Rosemary Basted Tuscan Sirloin Steak. Catering to a wide array of palettes, Ciao Hound offers an outdoor-carpeted retreat for four-legged family members.  Pups may enjoy personal play toys, water bowls, a ‘Ruff Life’ leash rack and plush dog beds. A specific menu caters to canine cuisine with items such as Hot Diggity Dog, Hen House Chicken Strips, Happy Puppy and The Half Hounder.

Due to damage caused by Hurricane Irma, Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina is closed for repairs and scheduled to re-open in the near future. Presenting 145 guestrooms, suites and cottages, the 15-acre, oceanfront resort is recognized as a ‘Top Resort in the Florida Keys’ by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina will offer ‘boathouse chic’ accommodations, three resort dining options, including the beloved and historic Tiki Bar, made famous for its creation of the original Rum Runner cocktail in 1972. Presenting a myriad of water activities including inshore and offshore fishing, non-motorized water sports, boat slips, beachside games, and pool diversions, guests of Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina enjoy endless, playful distractions. 

For more information about Chef Rodrigues or to follow Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina’s progress, please visit www.holidayisle.com or call 305.664.2321.


The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami to Undergo Guestroom Renovation Led by General Manager Sase Gjorsovski

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MIAMI, FL – June 28, 2018 – Further defining this beachfront hotel as a premiere, luxury property, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami announces plans to elevate the guest experience through new, curated guestroom and suite designs. Evoking the essence of the sea with a lighter, brighter feel, the transformation will begin in mid-August and will culminate in November of this year.

“With guests craving an authentic sense of place when traveling now more than ever, we’re thrilled to see this reimagination take place as our hotel continues to evolve and stay relevant,” said Sase Gjorsovski, General Manager. “The new room design will elicit a certain sophistication, synonymous with our hotel, while still allowing our guests to reminisce on their day spent on the beach as they settle into their room at night.”

Mindfully curated artwork will join the property’s impressive multi-million-dollar art collection. Understated, organic details in décor achieve a sense of balance that will seamlessly incorporate the necessary technological elements to meet today’s modern traveler’s needs. The technology in-room will be integrated within the design, allowing it to be deceivingly unnoticeable, yet highly convenient.

Maintaining one of the hotel’s most prized assets, the new design will embrace the impressive floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the rooms, framing the expansive views, many being panoramas of the Atlantic.

The elevated guestrooms and suites come on the heels of a new guest experience at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Artisan Beach House created by Chef de Cuisine Luis Quant. Also inspired by the ocean, the waterfront restaurant pays homage to a local folklore about a man named Baker and the long-standing tradition of deep sea fishing just outside of the restaurant at the iconic Baker’s Haulover.

Incorporating the essence of the ocean throughout, the new room and suite designs will further enhance the sense of place of this coastal sanctuary. For additional information please call (305) 455-5400 or visit ritzcarlton.com/balharbour.

Tourism Numbers up Statewide in Hawaii for May, but Big Isle Tourism Drop-Off Raises Concerns

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June 29--Tourism numbers were up statewide in May, but the Hawaii island market is finally showing the softening that the visitor industry has been dreading since the Kilauea eruption began May 3.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority already has spent $500,000 on U.S. and Japan emergency marketing plans, but it approved another $450,000 for Hawaii Tourism Japan on Thursday. The Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau also put HTA on notice that it plans to ask for another $1.2 million to market to U.S. customers once volcano viewing sites open.

Total visitor arrivals statewide increased 7 percent to 804,135 visitors in May from the year-earlier period while spending rose 11 percent to $1.42 billion last month, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by HTA. The spending figure was not adjusted for inflation.

 

While air service was up 8 percent to 796,178 visitors, cruise ships were down to 7,957 passengers, a nearly 43 percent dip from May 2017. In response to the Kilauea volcano eruption, Norwegian Cruise Line canceled Pride of America's port calls to Hilo and Kona during three voyages in May.

Although NCL has since returned to Hawaii island, its earlier cancellations prevented 6,600 visitors from stopping on Hawaii island in May. That contributed to a nearly 2 percent dip in overall visitors to Hawaii island, the first real downturn of the year.

Now the key question is how much of a disruption the Hawaii island dip is going to create for the state's overall visitor industry, which during the first five months of this year, appeared headed toward breaking a benchmark of 10 million visitor arrivals in 2018.

"The first five months of this year were amazing, then it went off the cliff," said Keith Vieira, principal of KV &Associates Hospitality Consulting. "Most Big Island hotels are reporting transient pace is down by 40 to 50 percent. The big hotels will weather this, but it's a major blow to the smaller hotels and the smaller businesses."

So far, U.S. wholesalers are reporting that forward bookings in May were down up to 50 percent, said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, an HTA contractor that markets Hawaii to the United States. Group hotel bookings also have softened, Monahan said.

Hawaii Tourism Japan is reporting that as of June 20 its private tourism partners have spent $5 million to regain businesses, but total package cancellations to Hawaii island total 7,109 people. Eric Takahata, HTJ managing director, said Japan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have seen cancellations from 3,200 people. More worrisome is that the wholesalers are reporting the booking pace is down 50 to 77 percent, depending on the month, through December, Takahata said.

"It's a 9/11 kind of scenario," said HTA board member Gerald De Mello, who is a retired community liaison for the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

De Mello said he's concerned that Hawaiian Airlines has canceled flights into Hilo and that some Hawaii island businesses are struggling.

Even businesses as far away as Kona and the Kohala Coast are struggling, said Elizabeth Churchill, owner of The Churchill Group LLC. In May, hotels in the Kohala Coast reported that their occupancy dipped more than 6 percentage points to nearly 64 percent.

The good news, said Monahan, is that "we can still turn it around."

"Establishing safe viewing sights is going to be key," Monahan said.

Until alternate viewing sites are made available, Takahata said, HTJ is working to show visitors from Japan that there are plenty of other activities and sights that they would enjoy.

"The volcano is great, but there are so many things to do on the island of Hawaii," he said.

Still, Vieira said real improvement won't come without aggressive measures. It's concerning that there's no end in sight for the eruption, which has resulted in the closure of the popular Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and a dearth of volcanic viewing sites that are open to the public, he said.

"We have to find a way to promote the eruption now. Because even if it stops, it could take three to four months or more for the market to turn around," Vieira said. "If this continues, I expect we'll see softening on Hawaii island all the way into next year."

Azerbaijan Expects Growth of Tourist Inflow in 2018 Summer Season

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June 29--The influx of tourists to Azerbaijan in the summer season of 2018 will increase compared to the same period last year, Nahid Bagirov, chairman of the Azerbaijan Tourism Association told Trend June 28.

He noted that, the main flow of tourists to the country is expected from Arab countries.

"As of today, a large number of hotel rooms have already been booked in the country, especially in the regions. Hotels in such resort regions, as Gabala, Sheki and Guba, are completely filled. As in last year, the tourists mostly arrive from Arab countries. In general, it is expected that the number of tourists from Arab countries will exceed the number of visitors from other destinations. But it is worth noting that Azerbaijan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for tourists from Europe, Asia and America every year, and their number is also growing. This year we expect a significant growth of tourists from Saudi Arabia. The reason for this is the opening of several direct flights between our countries," Bagirov said.

Touching upon the main directions of the Azerbaijani tourists' departure this season, Bagirov noted that, they will be Turkey, Georgia and Montenegro.

"Turkey, in particular Istanbul, Bodrum, Izmir and Antalya will be the main destinations for Azerbaijani tourists travelling by plane. They are followed by European countries, in particular Montenegro, which also has direct flights with us. As for the tourists travelling by land, the main flow of tourists, in my opinion, will go to Georgia this summer. This is primarily connected with the fact that hotels and recreation centers in Azerbaijan are almost full. And Georgia is the nearest country where it is possible to get by land transport," Bagirov said.

In the five months of this year, up to 1.06 million tourists arrived in Azerbaijan, which is 10.1 percent higher than in the same period last year.

Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center Plans Summer Opening Led by General Manager Kirk Taylor

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June 29--The Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center is expected to open later this summer.

The new hotel, with 2,180 square feet and 187 guest rooms, is the company's first property in Huntsville and its fifth in the state.

The hotel is located at Interstate 565 Madison Pike with access to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the Huntsville Botanical Garden. It will have wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour business and fitness centers, an indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpool.

Kirk Taylor, most recently the general manager of Drury Inn & Suites in Montgomery, has been named the property's general manager. President and CEO Chuck Drury said Taylor has "deep experience in the hotel and hospitality industry."

"As we plan to open our fifth hotel in the state, we know we have the right leadership and team in place to provide the kind of friendly service, clean rooms and honest value our guests have come to expect," Drury said.

Three Hotels Under Construction Bringing Nearly 250 Rooms to Yakima, Washington

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June 29--YAKIMA, Wash. -- Three hotels now under construction will bring a total of nearly 250 new rooms to the Yakima area.

Developers of the hotels are planning lodging for a variety of customers, ranging from families here for soccer tournaments at the Sozo Sports complex to workers on short-term employment stints in the Yakima Valley.

Among the hotels opening in the next few months is the Holiday Inn Express in Union Gap. Richland-based Allpro purchased property just east of the corner of Longfibre and Ahtanum roads for the new hotel last year.

The 76-room hotel is now in the final stages of construction, which is expected to be completed next month, said Allpro managing partner Dave Stapleton.

Delays, however, are still a possibility at this stage and that would affect an opening date.

Stapleton said he expects the hotel to open no later than Aug. 21, but possibly as early as Aug. 8.

Another hotel that could open in August is My Place, a 64-room, three-story extended stay hotel near Sarg Hubbard Park.

There's not yet a specific opening date for the facility at 21 S. 18th St., said Parminder Thind, who co-owns the hotel with wife Maninder Kaur. The hotel has been under construction for more than a year.

Once open, My Place will have three locations in Washington state.

The opening of the My Place hotel will be the last for an extended-stay hotel for some time. The Yakima City Council voted last week to place a six-month moratorium for such developments so the city can better define hotels and motels in its code.

The moratorium also prevents hotels from being converted to "congregate living facilities," such as dorms, housing for older residents and facilities for guest farm workers. Recently, Valicoff Fruit converted the former FairBridge Inn and Suites at 1507 N. First St. into housing for seasonal farm workers.

Rounding out the new hotels is Home2 Suites Yakima Airport, a Hilton-brand hotel under construction at 2420 W. Nob Hill Blvd.

The hotel is still expected to open sometime next spring, according to an emailed statement Tuesday from Hogback Hotel Group NW, a subsidiary of Hogback Development, a Yakima firm.

Hogback Development officials had considered several possible uses for the property, which once housed a Montgomery Ward department store. Ultimately, Hogback saw a need for additional lodging options, especially ones close to the Yakima Air Terminal and the Sozo Sports complex.

The hotel will have 107 studios and one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes. The hotel is designed to accommodate both leisure travelers and business travelers needing a longer stay.

Along with the new hotels under construction, there will be changes coming to two Yakima hotels:

--Allpro will change its Holiday Inn Express in Yakima this fall. The hotel at 1001 E. Staff Sgt. Pendleton Way will become a Red Roof Inn, Stapleton said. The switch will occur shortly after the new Holiday Inn Express opens in Union Gap.

--Renovation for the Holiday Inn, 802 E. Yakima Ave., is expected to start in early fall or late winter this year, said Richard Song, who purchased the hotel from Allpro earlier this year. Song aims to complete the first renovation phase, which will focus on guest rooms, by next spring. He then will start renovation work to the hotel's public areas in the fall of 2019. That timeline, however, depends on the availability of construction workers, he said.

509-759-7851

maihoang@yakimaherald.com

AccorHotels Agrees to Acquire 50% in sbe for $125 Million With Promise of $194 Million in Additional Investment for Future Development

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AccorHotels and sbe Entertainment Group ("sbe") have signed a Letter of Intent and entered into exclusive negotiations for AccorHotels to acquire a 50% stake in sbe, further illustrating AccorHotels’s strategy to expand its offering in the luxury lifestyle hospitality segment. 

This partnership will combine the expertise and savoir-faire of the two groups; AccorHotels will acquire the 50% of sbe's common equity held in part by Cain International for $125 million. Sam Nazarian will continue to own the remaining 50% of sbe. In addition, AccorHotels will invest $194 million in a new preferred debt instrument that will be used to redeem all existing preferred units, also held in part by Cain International. AccorHotels’ total investment in sbe will be $319 million. 

This long-term investment will allow sbe to leverage AccorHotels’ leading global hospitality platform while remaining an independent luxury lifestyle operator. Sbe will continue to be led by its Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian as well as its expert management team while retaining its global headquarters in New York. 

Sam Nazarian, Founder and CEO of sbe: “This partnership with AccorHotels marks a new milestone in sbe’s history. This long-term investment by AccorHotels provides sbe, its customers and hotel owners with greater depth and breadth around the world and supports our collective ambition to be the best lifestyle hospitality company in the market. Building on our acquisition of Morgans Hotel Group in 2016, this investment will further accelerate our growth both domestically in the United States and in new markets internationally, particularly in Europe. Myself and the over 7,000 associates at sbe are thrilled and honored to partner with AccorHotels and be part of the amazing, innovative and pioneering culture that my dear friend, Chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin and his team have implemented. Moving forward, sbe and AccorHotels together are committed to bringing our unique lifestyle experiential offering to more destinations and serving our discerning guests with unforgettable memories.” 

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO, AccorHotels: “I am delighted to announce this strategic partnership with one of the most innovative Groups in the luxury lifestyle space worldwide. It marks a new step in expanding AccorHotels’ footprint in this fast growing segment in key US cities such as Miami, Los Angeles or Las Vegas, and in other international destinations. “The new luxury” is all about exclusive experiences and incredible lifestyle concepts and sbe brands have the perfect know-how that will complete perfectly the AccorHotels portfolio. We remain committed to providing all our guests with unparalleled service and always renewed experiences around the world”. 

Jonathan Goldstein, Chief Executive of Cain International, commented: “Cain International became partners to sbe in 2016 providing the investment required at that time to enable the group to expand its footprint of some of the leading luxury lifestyle hospitality assets in the world. We are confident that sbe will continue to go from strength to strength with its new partners, AccorHotels; we wish them every success in the future and are proud of the role we have played in their exciting growth story.” 

Founded in 2002 by Sam Nazarian, sbe is a leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning global properties and brands. It is renowned for its unique 360-degree approach to lifestyle hospitality that includes branded luxury residences and serviced apartments, wellness and spa platforms and dining & entertainment experiences. 

sbe’s leading hospitality and residential brands include SLS, Delano, Mondrian, Hyde, The Originals (Sanderson, St. Martin Lane, Hudson, 10 Karakoy, Shore Club) and the Redbury Hotels. Through its Disruptive Restaurant Group platform, sbe has created global award- winning culinary brands Katsuya, Umami Burger, Cleo, Leynia, Diez & Siez and Filia and innovative entertainment brands including Hyde nightclub and dayclub, Nightingale, Privilege dayclub Black Orchid, S Bar, Skybar and the Doheny Room. Landmark destinations in its portfolio include, Delano South Beach in Miami, SLS Baha Mar in the Bahamas, Mondrian Doha in Qatar, Hyde Bellagio in Las Vegas, Mondrian Park Avenue in New York City and the newly-opened 57 story SLS LUX Brickell in Miami. Upcoming opening includes Delano Rio de Janeiro, Delano Dubai at the Palm and Hyde Midtown in Miami. 

Through this investment, sbe will accelerate its international growth with expansion into new markets outside of the US, including priority growth markets in the Middle East and Latin America. sbe’s pipeline includes projects in some of the most important global gateway cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, Cancun, Tokyo and Los Cabos. 

By the end of 2018 sbe will operate 25 hotels, comprising 7,498 keys with a majority in North America, 170 award winning restaurants and entertainment venues in global destinations as well as new properties in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. It currently has a further 20 hotels and residences around the world in its pipeline, as well as 59 standalone restaurants and nightlife venues. In addition, sbe has sold 1,500 branded residential units valued at $2 billion with over 2,500 units valued at $2.5 billion in its pipeline. 

Through this partnership, AccorHotels will expand its current geographic footprint in gateway North American cities such Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas and New York with iconic hotels. Additionally, sbe’s core millennial customer base will gain access to the AccorHotels platform. 

With its global hotel development platform and presence in 100 countries, AccorHotels will play a key role in developing sbe’s luxury lifestyle hotel, restaurant and entertainment brands globally. sbe hotels will also be distributed on the AccorHotels distribution platform, be featured on Accorhotels.com and will be part of the AccorHotels loyalty programme. 

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. It should be completed by July 31, 2018 

Vista Collina Resort Appoints Executive Chef Vincent Lesage and Food & Beverage Manager Brian Campagna

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NAPA VALLEY, Calif. (July 2, 2018) – Set to debut in July, Vista Collina Resort, a Meritage Collection property, is adding vibrancy to Napa Valley with the debut of its new culinary team: Executive Chef Vincent Lesage and Food & Beverage Manager Brian Campagna. With notable years of experience in the culinary industry, Lesage and Campagna will serve up innovative cuisine at Napa’s newest culinary hot spot featuring The Village with nine tasting rooms from local wineries and breweries, a locally-sourced Fivetown Grocery, Food & Wine Center and partnership with Hestan Cue Smart Cooking which will deliver guests a personal culinary experience within the comfort of their own suite.

As Executive Chef of Vista Collina Resort, the talented Vincent Lesage will build and oversee the hotel’s culinary program, including its Fivetown Grocery, in-room dining with its Hestan Cue partnership; special events and private celebrations; as well as lead hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations at the on-property Food & Wine Center. Born and raised in Paris at the epicenter of the food universe, Lesage was surrounded by the rich flavors and techniques that define French gastronomy. After graduating from the Institut Paul Bocuse in Écully, France, Lesage trained at some of the world’s most celebrated establishments, including The Ritz Paris, the Michelin three-star restaurant, L’Astrance, and Michelin three-star restaurant, Bras. Most recently, Lesage served as executive chef at Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara where he oversaw the resort’s renowned culinary program, including the opening of the award-winning restaurant, Angel Oak. Prior to that, he served as executive chef at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach and executive sous chef at St. Regis Monarch Beach, as well as participated in some of the industry’s most acclaimed culinary events, including Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Los Angeles Food & Wine and All Star Chef Classics.

Brian Campagna holds over 13 years of food and beverage experience within the hospitality industry. He will not only oversee sales, marketing and the structure of the culinary sector, but will also take the lead on curating Vista Collina Resort’s expansive wine and mixology programs. Most recently, Campagna served as the hospitality and culinary manager at Jackson Family Wines in Santa Rosa, Calif., where he led the hospitality and culinary staff through countless events and trade visits covering multiple brands across Northern California. Campagna also led other leadership roles as restaurant general manager at Tiburon Tavern in Tiburon, Calif., assistant general manager at Bottega Napa Valley in Yountville, Calif. and director of outlets for Cavallo Point.


Tourism Tidbits: Creating a Balanced Tourism Industry

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By Dr. Peter Tarlow

At its very essence tourism is a business and to be a successful business there needs to be a balance between the needs provider’s (merchant’s) needs and those of the receiver (the customer).  If the product is too expensive then people will find alternatives, and if it is too inexpensive than it loses prestige or there is no profit to be made. 

-Find ways to spend the least but give the most value.  For example, many governments see tourism as an easy industry to tax.  High taxes eventually drive tourists away. Visitors are not ignorant and they may pay a high tax rate the first time but they may not be back a second time. If there is no way that taxes can be kept in line, advertise “we refund your taxes” by either lowering the basic cost or by providing special tax absorption discounts.  The key is to make the customer feel that s/he is being given good value for cost.  Here are a number of other ways to show that your tourism product is a good value while still making a profit. 

-Adjust hotel check in and check out schedules or create flexible hotel schedules.  Currently most hotels have a one-schedule-fits-all policy. Most hotels have a check-in time in the late afternoon and a check-out time at noon or before. Not only does that mean that a day’s stay is less than 24 hours, but often the times are simply inconvenient for guests. Provide check in and check out options an charge for the convenience of a guest choosing the times that match his or her schedule.

-Show both guests and community members that you really a true community player. By being generous and altruistic tourism industries prove that they are not solely for the rich, but that they are an integral part of the community. Being part of the community creates numerous benefits that you may never have noticed before.  One area where the tourism industry has become a clear partner is in environmental protection. Tourism cannot exist in a location filled with garbage, offering contaminated water and polluted air.    This means that travel and tourism must not only be responsible for its own businesses but also for the locales in which it operates. Visitors do more than merely breath the air provided for by the hotel!

-Be a good employer.  In many parts of the world the tourism industry is known for low wages and long hours.  This “employee abuse” tends to build resentments and hurts the quality of customer service that we offer.  Poor customer service than hurts return visitation and a locale’s reputation.  Because tourism is international, its employees cannot be purely unskilled laborers.  They need to speak various languages and know how to navigate through the market place of cultures. The better one treats one’s employees the more balanced is the local tourism industry or product.

-Do not allow technology to homogenize your tourism product.   There are many advantages to technology and in many ways technology can be both a cost saver and at the same time can produce increased efficiency.  The problem is that tourism is all about memory creation and building interpersonal relationships. It is essential to find the right balance between efficiency and the personal.  Machines do not smile and the more homogenized the tourism experience the less unique and memorable it becomes.  Technology also impacts the way we charge. Today’s tourist rarely uses the house phone, probably almost 100% of travelers have a cell phone, demands free internet, and resents add-on charges such as a mandatory “resort fee”.  Ad-ons and the additional charges imposed by many legacy airlines has caused frequent and savvy travelers to find new alternatives and has resulted in greater airline revenues but much lower customer satisfaction.

-The cruise industry has done a good job of balancing cost, pleasure and memory creation. It behooves other parts of the tourism industry to study where cruising has been successful.  Riverboat cruises have created cost contained unique experiences without some of the physical challenges that come with ocean voyages.  This may be the reason why in some countries canal boating experiences have become as popular as amusement parks or other one-day expensive land experiences.

-Nothing is balanced if it is not safe.  Crime and terrorism can destroy a highly successful tourism industry.  No matter how good your customer service is and how well you market, if your locale is not perceived as safe, in the end you will lose customers and investment opportunities. Simply putting police on the street who are not trained in TOPPs or tourism security can be counter-productive.  Around the world we not only have to worry about issues of drugs and terrorism, but also forms of organized violence such as gang warfare. It is always best to remember that when it comes to crime and terrorism, the best form of crisis management is to avoid the crisis. We cannot always manage this, but the better the balance between crime and terrorism the more successful your tourism industry will be.

-Balance regional promotion with local promotion. Most communities do not have enough attractions to fill up a three-day stay.  For this reason a regional approach allows a number of communities to create a joint marketing plan.  However, although joint marketing is important no attraction of community wants to lose its own identity and if the entire region is the same, then in the end you defeat the purpose of regionalization. Create a balance, be part of a region but do not lose your own community’s or attraction’s uniqueness.

Wharf Hotels Appoints Sandy Russell as Vice President of Sales & Marketing

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2 July 2018 (Hong Kong) – Wharf Hotels has announced the appointment of Ms Sandy Russell as Vice President, Sales & Marketing to lead the group’s corporate sales and marketing.  Overseeing the hospitality management company’s robust division, Sandy will spearhead revenue optimisation and distribution initiatives alongside global sales and marketing to strategically build the group’s sales and marketing efforts internationally.

Holding over two-decades of industry knowledge, prior to joining Wharf Hotels, Sandy held the position of Vice President Commercial Operations Asia Pacific at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, based in Singapore, driving commercial strategies across the region for 116 hotels under 6 brands. Throughout her career, Sandy has achieved a plethora of awards, including the President’s Most Valuable Player of the Year, Innovation and Top National Sales Achievement awards, presented by Carlson Rezidor.

“We welcome Sandy as the newest addition to our Executive Committee at Wharf Hotels, a professional hotel marketer who is passionate in defining and achieving ambitious business goals.  With a quest to drive innovation, we are confident that Sandy will lead our Sales and Marketing team to establish even stronger profitable benchmarks for Niccolo and Marco Polo Hotels. Sandy is a perfect fit for our group’s Red Ring Leadership philosophy, which focuses on leading people, driving exceptional results and building strong relationships – an important combination in today’s fast-moving competitive environment. We are delighted to have Sandy lead our team and look forward to the next phase in our growth and development with her global marketing expertise,” said Dr Jennifer Cronin, President, Wharf Hotels.

At leisure, Sandy is an active philanthropist including serving on the board of The Canadian National Institute for the Blind.  She is also a founding member of “Be The Change” foundation, which provides funding to rescue and rehabilitate children sold into slavery in Cambodia.

Lodgis Acquires Two Historic Raffles Hotels in Cambodia—Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap

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SINGAPORE, July 2, 2018 -- Lodgis Hospitality Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("Lodgis"), a leading fully integrated hospitality platform sponsored by Warburg Pincus and VinaCapital (the "Shareholders"), announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of two historic landmark hotels in Cambodia, the flagship Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh ("Raffles Le Royal") and the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor Siem Reap ("Raffles Grand d'Angkor") (collectively the "Raffles Hotels").  With the acquisition of the Raffles Hotels, Lodgis now owns the largest collection of luxury historic hotels in the Indochina region as well as a growing resort and hotel management business under the Fusion brand.

The acquisition of the Raffles Hotels marks the company's maiden acquisition outside of Vietnam and adds to Lodgis' leading Indochina hotel platform. To date, Lodgis has acquired and developed several leading city hotels and beachfront resorts in Vietnam, including the 365-key Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi, the top performing hotel in Vietnam and consistently ranked as one of the leading hotels in Asia.

Located in Cambodia, the Raffles Hotels are both historic 1930s buildings, which were fully restored and re-opened under the iconic 'Raffles' brand in 1997. The 175-key Raffles Le Royal is centrally located in the capital city of Phnom Penh, adjacent to the U.S. Embassy and in proximity to several key government offices, the Royal Palace as well as the Central Market. The 119-key Raffles Grand d'Angkor is in the heart of the old French Quarter of the resort destination of Siem Reap, and is only 6km from the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

To maintain their unique Khmer-French colonial charm, the two properties will undergo select renovations which include upgrading and refreshing the guest rooms and food and beverage outlets as well as updating the meeting facilities and other areas to enhance the guest experience at the hotels.

Peter T. Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of Lodgis, said, "We are very excited with the acquisition of the two historic Raffles hotels in Cambodia. Together with the Metropole in Hanoi, Lodgis now owns an irreplaceable Indochina heritage hotel portfolio that allows us to achieve significant synergies on both marketing and operations to better serve the rapidly-developing tourism market across Indochina. We see tremendous upside potential for both assets with a highly targeted capital expenditure program to transform the hotels back to their grand stature. Given our close working relationship with Accor as well as our strong in-house expertise, we are confident the hotels will create long-term value for Lodgis and be very well positioned for the overall Indochina market."  

In 2017, Cambodia recorded 5.6 million international visitor arrivals, representing a year-on-year growth of 11.8% on the back of a strong 10-year CAGR of over 10%. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap attracted the largest share of international visitors in the country with 49% and 38% share, respectively. Notably, over 1 million Chinese tourists visited Cambodia in 2017, representing an outsized 45% year-on-year growth and making Cambodia one of the fastest growing frontier markets for Chinese outbound tourists in Southeast Asia alongside Vietnam. With increasing direct flights and the government's strong push towards tourism, the industry is expected to continue its strong upswing in 2018 with at least 6 million international visitors on top of the projected 15 million domestic tourists, reaching an anticipated US$4 billion in revenue. In addition to tourism, foreign direct investment in the country reached US$6.3 billion in 2017, translating to a 75% year-on-year increase. 

The Loren at Pink Beach Bermuda Appoints Sebastien Maingourd as General Manager

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July 2, 2018 (Bermuda)The Loren at Pink Beach, an elegant, 45-suite, design-forward hideaway in Bermuda, has announced the appointment of Sebastien Maingourd as General Manager. Drawing on close to two decades of management-level experience at luxury hotel and resort properties, Maingourd is responsible for all day-to-day operations at The Loren including oversight of departmental management, staff recruitment, sales and marketing efforts and ensuring a remarkable guest experience by the cerulean waters of the Atlantic.

Maingourd arrived at The Loren from The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where as opening General Manager his responsibilities included branding, public relations strategy, sales & marketing, revenue management, finance and operations. He also built a contract with Noho Hospitality Group and celebrity Chef Andrew Carmellini for the hotel’s food & beverage program, which included three onsite outlets.

Previously, Maingourd held the top management spot for two-and-a-half years at Hotel Christopher Villas & Spa, a five-star address on St. Barthelemy in the French West Indies, and for three years at Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, a five-star Hilton Worldwide resort. Other assignments included Assistant General Manager of Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa; Food & Beverage Manager of The Como Melbourne in Australia; Food & Beverage Manager of The Loft KL in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Outlets Manager at Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles. Maingourd got his start as Assistant Restaurant Manager of Hotel Sofitel Minneapolis, where he opened the restaurant La Fougasse back in 2000.

Born and raised in Northern France, Maingourd received a diploma in hospitality management from École Hôtelière de Paris and an MBA in international hospitality management from Cornell-ESSEC Business School, also in Paris. He is fluent in French, his native language, as well as in English, and is versed in Spanish. Maingourd enjoys spending time with family and friends in his downtime.

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

Grace Bay Resorts Appoints Stephanie Navatto to Director of Sales

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS (July 2, 2018) – Grace Bay Resorts is pleased to announce Stephanie Navatto as Director of Sales for the complete collection of boutique luxury resorts, effective July 2, 2018. Ms. Navatto brings over 15 years of experience to this role and a comprehensive understanding of the luxury hospitality market. As Director of Sales, her focus is on transient and group segments for Grace Bay Resorts.

“I am honored to join Grace Bay Resorts during this exciting time, and represent a collection so committed to its guests,” stated Ms. Navatto. “I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this world-class organization.”

Ms. Navatto is responsible for overseeing group and transient sales functions for the complete collection of properties including Grace Bay Club, West Bay Club, Point Grace, The Private Villa Collection and soon-to-open Rock House Resort.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Ms. Navatto bring her expertise in luxury hospitality and unique perspective to Grace Bay Resorts, says Scott Khile, Vice President of Sales Marketing at Grace Bay Resorts. “She is an asset to our sales team and we look forward to working with her.”

Prior to Grace Bay Resorts, Ms. Navatto served as Director of Sales for The Set Hotels, successfully growing US-based business and brand awareness for the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam as well as the Hotel Café Royal in London. She also served as Associate Director of Sales for The Lanesborough, A St. Regis Hotel. Ms. Navatto began her hospitality career at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company managing sales initiatives for both The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.

Ms. Navatto is based in New York City and received her Bachelor of Arts in Science from Queens College. In her leisure time, she has a passion for photography and indulging in creative activities. 

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