August 14, 2018 – New York, NY – TTI welcomes Paul Payette as a Development Consultant to further expand the company's Managed Business Center products and services. “Paul’s wealth of industry knowledge and experience will further enhance our growth and reputation”, said Steve Blidner, CEO TTI.

Paul Payette is an industry veteran with 20 plus years' experience leading sales and marketing of products and services, strategic planning, and achieving tangible bottom line revenues

His experience includes developing a scalable digital signage solution, and a distribution and re seller network, and sales processes for a technology company. Prior, Paul was SVP, Global Business Development & Strategic Partnerships at Uniguest, where he led global expansion of the International business from 25 to over 66 countries. Paul also managed key hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, Choice Hotels International and Wyndham. Prior to Uniguest, Paul was Senior Director at Choice Hotels International co-managing procurement services. Previous experience includes sales and marketing for Discovery Communications and a new start up, Blackboard, Inc.

Paul was decorated for Heroism in the United States Air Force He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Maryland and participated in executive training at Harvard University.

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PHOENIX (August 13, 2018)—Sara Otte Coleman of the North Dakota Tourism Division has been named national State Tourism Director of the Year for 2018.

Otte Coleman was announced as the honoree before more than 900 of her peers at the U.S. Travel Association's annual ESTO conference, held this year in Phoenix. The U.S. Travel Association's National Council of State Tourism Directors—a body representing the tourism offices of all states and U.S. territories—votes on the award annually ahead of the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) conference, the premier annual gathering for destination marketing professionals.

Otte Coleman's work with the North Dakota Tourism Division exemplifies the power of travel promotion. Otte Coleman initiated a tourism development program that is associated with 40 new tourism businesses and 124 hotels since 2010, and leveraged the state's unique and natural beauty through the implementation of tribal tourism and agritourism initiatives. Otte Coleman's efforts to grow the state's travel industry has been a proven success: travel-related employment in North Dakota increased by 35 percent under her direction, according to the state.

As a result of Otte Coleman's leadership and vision, the North Dakota Tourism Division forged an ambitious promotional partnership with actor and North Dakota native Josh Duhamel, in which the celebrity serves as an ambassador for the state's tourism industry—and it's yielded tremendous results. The campaign launch—which was featured in a segment on NBC's Today Show and in the Associated Press—garnered more than 1.6 billion impressions, and saw Duhamel tout North Dakota tourism as "one of the best-kept secrets in the country."

"Sara is a true believer in the beauty of North Dakota and the strength of its tourism industry," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "This award is both a recognition of her dedication to her state and roots, and an acknowledgment of the incredible influence her work and enthusiasm for travel has had on this industry. Sara's unwavering commitment to telling the story of North Dakota—to the country and the world—has benefitted the people of her state immeasurably."

Said North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum: "Sara is a great champion for North Dakota, and it's fantastic her peers have recognized her with this award. We're extremely grateful to Sara and our tourism staff and partners for working diligently to attract new and returning visitors to get that legendary North Dakota experience. Tourism is a key driver of our state's economic growth, helping to attract a 21st century workforce and generating revenue for hundreds of tourism-based businesses."

Prior to her current role, Otte Coleman served as the director of administration and marketing for the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she focused on marketing the state's capital city as a travel destination.

Candidates for State Tourism Director of the Year are nominated by a panel of state and territory tourism directors. A slate of three finalists is presented for selection by ballot.

Minneapolis - August 14, 2018 - Country Inn & Suites^® by Radisson, a leading upper midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Wichita East, KS located at 333 South Webb Road. The hotel recently completed a multimillion dollar renovation featuring the brand’s latest design, which includes modern interiors, stylish furnishings and spacious guest rooms and suites. The hotel’s central location off I-35 and U.S. 400/54 allows guests to easily reach nearby upscale shopping and dining, as well as Wichita State University and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). The hotel has a complimentary shuttle that runs to nearby dining, shopping and the airport.

“We aim to accelerate the transformation of our Country Inn & Suites by Radisson portfolio to our Generation 4 product as part of our 5-year strategic plan,” said Aly El-Bassuni, senior vice president, Franchise Operations, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. “The renovation of this hotel is a wonderful example of that plan in action and a strong partnership with our owner, who is committed to investing in the property and delivering exceptional hospitality to our guests.”

The hotel offers 99 guest rooms and suites. During their stay, guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and a complimentary hot breakfast served daily. Additionally, the hotel will host a happy hour reception from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with beverages and a rotating menu of small bites. An onsite business center, Read It & Return Lending Library, fitness center and newly designed outdoor pool and veranda with a fire pit are available to guests.

“We are proud to be able to welcome Wichita residents and visitors alike to our refreshed hotel under the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson brand,” said Matthew Ruffin, the hotel’s general manager. “Our hotel’s variety of complimentary amenities, like our nightly reception and hot breakfast, are the small touches that go a long way to provide a welcoming, home-like environment that will keep guests coming back time and time again.”

Waikiki, HI – ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach today announced the appointments of Executive Chef David Lukela, and the hire of Jed Inductivo to the new role of Director of Vibe.  Inductivo alongside Chef Lukela will guide the overall guest experience in atmosphere and food and beverage programming, driving forward the property’s fresh perspective on hospitality in Waikiki.  The two have established an ʻAlohilani “Think Tank” that will be creating bold and innovative initiatives and unique offerings for ʻAlohilani guests. Both positions report to General Manager Matthew Grauso.

“I am thrilled to have joined ʻAlohilani,” said Inductivo.  “The team here has already proven themselves to be among the most creative in town.  Together we will be developing a second-to-none guest experience that will elevate what visitors and locals alike expect from Waikiki hotels.”

“ʻAlohilani is such a remarkable property,” added Chef Lukela.  “I can only say to expect the unexpected as we create a completely new vision for the Honolulu dining scene.  As we further build our culinary program we promise to deliver only the best for our guests.”

With over 18 years in the food and beverage industry Jed Inductivo will guide the overall programming, entertainment, ambiance, menus and service as ʻAlohilani’s Director of Vibe. Prior to joining ʻAlohilani Resort, Inductivo co-founded and was VP of Operations of fresh BOX, a whole-food based meal kit delivery service start-up.  Responsible for several aspects of the company’s success including, operations, human resources, and sales and marketing, Inductivo continually grew the business year over year. Inductivo also previously held the position of General Manager of RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki and Lounge Manager at NOBU Waikiki.

The wildly popular local chef David Lukela will work in tandem with Inductivo to establish special menus befitting of the many incredible spaces at the resort. The duo will create enticing fare for the seascape Swell Pool & Bar deck, the two-story Oceanarium destination at O Bar, abundant breakfast at Lychee and catering menus for the soon-to-be revealed expansive new ballroom and event spaces. From intriguing twists to time-honored Hawaiian ingredients to dishes incorporating seasonal local produce and flavors, Chef Lukela will put a new slant on what it means to enjoy resort food and beverage through his exceptional culinary approach.  Before joining ʻAlohilani Resort, Chef Lukela oversaw a staff of 10 at the Beachhouse Restaurant at Moana Surfrider as well as at the Vintage Cave restaurant.

“We are excited to bring Lukela and Inductivo’s nearly 30 years of collective experience in Waikiki hospitality to ʻAlohilani,” continued Matthew Grauso, General Manager. “As a team, they have an immense amount of local knowledge and I’m confident they will execute extraordinary moments for all who visit.”

BOSTON (August 14, 2018) – Change is coming to Boston. The Mount Vernon Company is teaming with Provenance Hotels to open The Revolution Hotel at 40 Berkeley Street. Inspired by the rebellious attitude and innovative spirit of Boston, this 164-room property is set to become a nexus of the city’s South End, offering a sanctuary for the community’s creative set.

An adaptive reuse of one of the first YWCA’s in America, The Revolution Hotel is being developed within a mid-century modern building at the intersection of Berkley and Appleton Streets. The hotel’s design and attitude are informed by the building’s original use as a place dedicated to empowerment through shelter and education. Hotel offerings, experiences, art, installations and activations will reflect Boston’s rich history of notable innovations, rebellious individuals and revolutionary events in areas ranging from human rights to science, business, culture and technology.

“We will be providing an experience for those visiting Boston that will tell a story that weaves together not only the city’s past, but also our present and future as a force pushing the nation and the world forward,” says Bruce A. Percelay, Chairman and Founder of the Mount Vernon Company.  

Morgan Pierson, Senior Vice President & Project Manager for the Mount Vernon Company adds, “The Revolution Hotel will immerse guests in the Boston experience with an approach unlike anything in this city. And, to operate it, we have partnered with a truly innovative independent operator in Provenance Hotels.” 

“Our passion is creating authentic, truly inspired hotels and our independent streak is one of our defining characteristics so, this project is a perfect fit for us,” said Bashar Wali, President of Provenance Hotels.” He went on to say, “There is no city in the world like Boston and no people so rightly proud of their community. We look forward to helping to bring The Revolution Hotel to life to celebrate that spirit.”

Catering to creative, adventurous, out-of-the-box travelers, The Revolution Hotel will feature several room types: Studio Suites for business travelers; Triple and Quad rooms with shared private bathrooms for groups of friends; and Premium King accommodations with en-suite bathrooms for couples, among others. A welcoming two-story lobby and garden level work space will serve as areas for guests and locals to gather and exchange ideas. An impressive 5,000 square foot food & beverage operation with expansive outdoor dining is destined to become a destination in and of itself.  

In keeping with its mission to upend the expected, The Revolution Hotel will offer a creative and compelling hospitality experience at one of the most accessible price-points in Boston.

For more information, please visit www.therevolutionhotel.com.

San Antonio, TX (August 14, 2018) – The Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio is now being managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Crescent Hotels & Resorts is an award winning, nationally recognized operator of major hotels, resorts and conference centers throughout the United States, Canada & Caribbean.

Steps from the River Walk in downtown, this historic landmark hotel boasts 322 updated rooms and over 19,000 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate more than 1,000 guests.

“Crescent has extensive experience in major destination cities like San Antonio and is the perfect fit for the Sheraton Gunter Hotel,” said Michael George, Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Hotels & Resorts. “As an award-winning Marriott hotel manager with numerous historic properties in our portfolio, team Crescent and our unique approach will maximize the potential of this stunning historic property.”

The pet-friendly hotel features 15 different event spaces, a pool, fitness center, Sheraton Club Lounge, the Market on Houston restaurant and Bar 414. A full-service concierge is also available to arrange for restaurant reservations, massages, flowers, limousine service, event tickets, river barge rides, theater tickets, and other guest needs. And the hotel’s old-fashioned barbershop is complete with barber chairs from the 1920s.

For more information, or to book your stay at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio, visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1291&SWAQ=958P or call (210) 227-3241.

August 14, 2018 (Shanghai, China) - InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is expected to open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2018. Developed by Shimao Group and managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, the luxury hotel, mostly below ground, is poised to welcome guests with an amazing landscape in a deep pit of a former quarry in southwestern Shanghai.

The 18-story hotel has two floors above ground, and 16 below ground, including two floors underwater. With a construction area of more than 61,000 square meters, the hotel features 336 rooms and suites that all boast balconies where guests can enjoy a spectacular view of waterfalls from the surrounding cliffs.

In contrast to the traditional architectural concept of building high-rises, InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland adopts an unconventional design of extending space beneath ground by truly reflecting the natural landscape of the quarry. 

Reaching down to 88 meters below ground, the hotel reshapes the relationship between city and nature, turning an abandoned quarry into a treasure of wonder and beauty. The opening of InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland will prove to create unique and tremendous value to the city, standing out as a must-visit destination itself to welcome its growing guests. 

SPRINGFIELD, MO., (August 14, 2018) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts marked the arrival of its vibrant and stylish boutique hotel concept, Vīb, with a grand opening celebration at its first U.S. property in Springfield, Missouri. Local dignitaries, Best Western executives and members of Elliott Lodging joined community VIPs for an exciting and memorable evening celebrating the highly-anticipated debut of this innovative, traveler-centric brand in the U.S. market. A local musician performed at the event, exemplifying the vibrant atmosphere and localized experiences guests can expect from the Vīb brand.

“We are excited to mark the arrival of our first Vīb brand in the United States,” said David Kong, President and CEO for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “Vīb was conceived to signal that today’s Best Western is a contemporary and relevant brand, which offers a comprehensive portfolio of options that cater to today’s travelers. Delivering an exciting and one-of-a-kind experience, Vīb Springfield will enrich the community and today’s Best Western.”

The 92-room Vīb Springfield features a combination of contemporary design and affordable style, with social engagement at the center of the experience. With a focus on convenience and technology geared towards young professionals, the  hotel features zones for work and play stocked with amenities including ample USB and power ports - supported with free wireless internet in the lobby and guestrooms, a grab-n-go station, a 24/7 sundries shop, premium food and coffee from one of the town’s best-known fusion restaurants – Wheelhouse – eight gaming stations, a 24/7 fitness center, a 24/7 electronic tech shop, a cozy fireplace lounge and a social Mezzanine. The hotel lobby is also home to an upscale bar featuring fruit-infused signature cocktails created with Vīb guests in mind. All of these unique amenities were on display during the grand opening event.

“Best Western has evolved significantly in recent years, expanding our portfolio from one brand to 11, to deliver the hotel offerings and unique experiences today’s sophisticated travelers and developers expect,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “The introduction of Vīb was an integral part of Best Western’s evolution, offering a boutique concept designed for the upscale hotel segment and filling a niche in today’s competitive marketplace.”

“We are proud to have partnered with Gordon Elliott, a highly respected and long-standing member of the Best Western brand, to develop our first Vīb hotel in the U.S. We know his hotel will deliver the exceptional experience and service that makes the Vīb brand stand out among the rest,” continued Pohl.

Located in the heart of its hometown, Vīb Springfield is just minutes from popular attractions including

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Bass Pro Shop, Discovery Center of Springfield, Gillioz Theatre, Hammons Field, and Park Central Square. The Springfield-Branson National Airport is just eleven miles away, and the property is surrounded by the city’s best shops, dining venues, bars, lounges and entertainment venues. 

“We are thrilled to open the first Vīb in the United States and to invite travelers to experience this very unique product,” said Gordon Elliott of Elliott Lodging. “As a member of the Best Western brand for more than two decades, I am proud to have experienced the brand’s transformation firsthand, and to be the first to bring this vibrant brand to life in the heart of Springfield.”

“Springfield is on the move, with new restaurants and attractions opening weekly and has become a hotspot for business travelers,” continued Elliott. “With fresh, stylish accommodations and modern amenities that foster social engagement, Vīb Springfield is a perfect fit for this exciting market.”

Vīb’s thriving pipeline now includes numerous properties in exciting markets from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Miami to Los Angeles, San Diego, Staten Island, Pittsburgh and New Orleans.

Reservations for Vīb Springfield may be booked by calling the hotel directly at 800-528-1234 or by calling Best Western’s 24-hour, toll-free reservations number 800-WESTERN. Reservations are also available from Best Western’s website at BestWestern.com.

For more information on the Vīb brand, please visit BestWesternDevelopers.com.

Two hometown companies hit it out of the park to deliver guest experiences that are a home run across the street from Chicago’s iconic Wrigley Field

CHICAGO (August 15, 2018) — Cloud5 Communications Inc., the leading communications technology and services provider for hospitality, today announced the successful implementation of a converged communications network for guests and staff at the Hotel Zachary in Chicago, across the street from Wrigley Field. Humming since the hotel opened in May for the start of baseball season, the integrated voice and data solution has been serving thousands of leisure and business travelers in the heart of Chicago's most iconic destination.

Inspired by Zachary Taylor Davis, the legendary Chicagoan and the world-renowned 1914 architect behind Wrigley Field, Hotel Zachary is a 173-room boutique hotel, surrounded by everything baseball, plus unique shopping, dining, and live music destinations. It’s part of the Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio Hotels by Starwood, focused on bringing people together to share experiences that connect with the community.

As home team fans with hundreds of successful Marriott installations, the Cloud5 team was uniquely qualified for the project.

“Expectations were high from the day we broke ground. Style plus service, with a nod to the history of Wrigley Field, but with the most modern technology — that was our goal for guest experience at the Zachary,” explained Tom Stoffo, Director of Operations Technology for Davidson Hotels, the management company for the Zachary. “To say that having a home town network partner was an advantage is an understatement. Our decision to select Cloud5 was based on their engineering excellence plus the company’s commitment to be here every step of the way to deliver a flawless experience that allows our guests to seamlessly engage with the unique history and excitement of our venue.”

Cloud5 engineered, installed, and now supports a robust network covering guest and staff WiFi, back-of-the-house access for associates, as well as advanced back-office network management, a hotel-wide Mitel PBX system, and conference services.  The network is designed to meet Marriott’s stringent Global Property Network Standards (GPNS) for High Speed Internet Access (HSIA) services for which Cloud5 holds the highest level of certification (Marriott GPNS Full Certification).

“Cloud5 is proud to be the network partner of choice for Hotel Zachary, one of America’s Top Stadium Hotels,” said Mark Holzberg, Chief Executive Officer of Cloud5. “Driven by local pride and, of course—a love of baseball, it was a combination of Cloud5’s engineering and project management expertise for large, complex new builds together with attention to detail from day one that ensured the project was a major league success.”

NEW YORK (August 15, 2018) – Loews Hotels & Co has announced the promotion of Olivier Gaupin to Corporate Chef. An eight-year veteran of Loews Hotels, Gaupin’s new role finds him elevating the company’s sustainability and sourcing of products, while also focusing on culinary leadership, developing new standards for recruiting, and creating the culinary direction for new and existing hotels. Gaupin will also oversee menu development and execute new food and beverage directives and initiatives.

Gaupin joined Loews Hotels in 2010 as opening Executive Chef of Loews Atlanta Hotel. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his years with the company, including recognition in the pages of Food Arts, Culinary Trend, St. Louis Magazine and Atlanta Magazine. 

“We are very excited to bring Olivier’s culinary expertise to the brand level,” said Mark Weiss, Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage of Loews Hotels & Co. “Olivier’s leadership in the last eight years at Loews Atlanta Hotel and his passion for his role proves to be an asset to the company as we continue to develop the culinary direction brand wide.”

Born and raised in Orleans, France, Gaupin graduated from the CFA Charles Peguy School in his hometown. He developed a passion – and a palate – for fine food and wine at an early age and followed in his uncle’s footsteps to pursue a career in the culinary field. He visited the United States on what was intended to be a three-week vacation, but has now been sharing his culinary talents in the U.S., France and Switzerland for more than 20 years.

In 2013, Gaupin was inducted into the Maitres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chef of France). He is one of only four chefs in Georgia and the only chef in the Loews Hotels & Co portfolio to have received the honor.

Highlights of Gaupin’s career include serving as chef de partie of the Michelin-rated Hotel Negresco in Nice, France; head chef for the French Minister of Defense in Paris; and chef de partie of the famed Hotel Stuva Colani in St. Mortiz, Switzerland. In the U.S., Gaupin has led the kitchen in some of the country’s most distinguished restaurants and hotels including Provence Restaurant in Washington, DC; Pfister Hotel Milwaukee; The Ritz-Carlton, Altanta; and The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis; as well as WaterSound Beach and Resort, WaterColor Inn and Resort, and Alys Beach Resort, all in Florida. 

Beyond his new role as Corporate Chef, Gaupin will continue to oversee culinary operations of Loews Atlanta Hotel, as well as of Saltwood, the property’s small plate-style restaurant featuring a charcuterie-driven menu and craft cocktails.

August 15, 2018 - Puerto Vallarta, MEXICO - Hotel Amapa, the first hotel of its kind opening in early 2019 in the historic old town of Puerto Vallarta, is pleased to announce that Alessandro Stifani has assumed the role of General Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, Stifani brings to the hotel a wealth of exceptional experience in the hospitality industry.

“I am excited to lead the wonderful Hotel Amapa team and proud to be a key part of developing its unique presence in Puerto Vallarta,” said Stifani. “I look forward to building Hotel Amapa’s place in a league of excellence within the lodging industry.” 

Stifani’s career began in Europe where he worked for nine years across various fields within the hotel industry including communications, entertainment and public relations. During this time, his passion for the hospitality industry was solidified and he has since focused his career on guest satisfaction.

With a wealth of experience, Stifani further paved his career in the hotel industry by joining Wyndham Hotel Group where he worked in four different locations, over 10 years, assuming a diverse range of managerial roles at each.

“Alessandro brings dedication, passion, and unparalleled hospitality expertise to the Hotel Amapa team,” said David Harries, Developer of Hotel Amapa. “We couldn’t be more excited to unveil the hotel, which is centrally located to the best of what Puerto Vallarta has to offer, serving as a cultural hub away from the all-inclusive resorts, under the expert guidance of Alessandro.”

Most recently, Stifani was at Buenaventura Hotels serving as General Manager of Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway. His appreciation for and interest in the people and culture that embody Mexico facilitate a supreme grasp on the Hotel Amapa vision of impeccably executed minimalism and modernism. An expert on the Puerto Vallarta area, Stifani will serve as a tremendous asset to the Hotel Amapa team, setting the bar high for boutique hotels and impeccable service

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (August 15, 2018)—Officials of Everwood Hospitality Partners (EHP), a leading hotel owner/operator with a growing portfolio of full- and select-service hotels nationwide, today announced the company has acquired the former Stockyards Bank Building in downtown Indianapolis.  Additionally, EHP released plans to convert the historic building to the 128-room Aloft Indianapolis Downtown.  Located at 136 E Market Street, the 12-story structure, built in 1898, has served as law offices, a law library and a bank.  Its most recent anchor tenant was Stockyards Bank & Trust.

“The Aloft Indianapolis Downtown will benefit from its irreplaceable address in the heart of the Indianapolis CBD,” said Amit Patel, principal.  “The building is situated a few blocks from Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, homes to the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts.  The future Aloft Indianapolis Downtown will be blocks away from the Indianapolis Convention Center, Circle Centre Mall, the Capitol Building and the recently opened Cummins Indianapolis Distribution Headquarters, as well as numerous dining and shopping outlets.  We’re excited to have a hotel that sits squarely in the midst of an exciting, bustling urban setting.  The hotel has been designed to meet the needs of the variety of business and leisure travelers to the Indianapolis region.”

EHP plans to begin construction of the Aloft Indianapolis Downtown during the fourth quarter of 2018, with a targeted completion date of third quarter 2019.   The hotel will feature “Live at Aloft Hotels” programming on its in-house music stage for local bands.  Due to the configuration of the existing building, the Aloft Indianapolis Downtown will feature a unique layout and design for the brand, with a mezzanine level overlooking the hotel bar and music stage.   The hotel will feature SPG Keyless—which enables guests to use their smartphone or Apple watch as a room key—and fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Additional amenities include a Re:charge^SM fitness center and Re:fuel^SM by Aloft – a one-stop gourmet grab & go food and beverage area.  Guests can catch live acoustic performances, mix and mingle and sip on crafted signature cocktails at the W XYZ ® bar.

“The Aloft Indianapolis Downtown will be a perfect complement to our growing portfolio of well-branded, investment grade hotels in submarkets that recreate urbanized environments or central business district assets in vibrant, walkable cities, like Indianapolis,” said Amit Govin, principal.  “Everwood remains one of the few independent Marriott owners in the market, and we believe the hotel will benefit from our unique, hands-on approach to improving both the bottom line and the guest experience.  The Aloft will be at the forefront of the city’s lodging options, and we are confident the hotel will quickly take its place as a segment and market leader.”

(LOS ANGELES, CA; August 15, 2018)—The SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills announces the completion of a comprehensive redesign of the rooms and guest experience ahead of its decade milestone in November 2018. The newly reimagined look, which includes all 234 guestrooms and 63 suites, continues to embrace the property’s original identity of elegance and whimsy. Locally inspired guest programming, revamped Garden Terrace events space, and innovated culinary and cocktail experiences round out SLS Beverly Hills’ ten-year evolution.   

“With a fresh energy, vibrant culture and glamourous social scene, Los Angeles is a key destination for Global Explorers and SLS Beverly Hills is in the center of one its most iconic neighborhoods,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “We are thrilled to debut the modern redesign of SLS Beverly Hills as we continue to create authentic experiences for our discerning travelers in this buzzing city.”

“The next chapter of SLS Beverly Hills reflects the hotel’s unique location at the crossroads of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills: the epicenter of modern luxury, the entertainment industry and Southern California’s relaxed-yet-effervescent personality,” said General Manager Christophe Thomas. “Coupled with our immersive guest programming and destination-worthy fine dining, we’re excited to provide visitors with the quintessential L.A. experience and accommodations that foster comfort and relaxation, while inspiring adventure and creativity.”

In the Kitchen: Somni

In addition to its avant-garde design, the SLS Beverly Hills remains the home of award-winning culinary offerings that challenge and redefine tradition. Culinary Director Chef José Andrés—recipient of the 2018 James Beard “Humanitarian of the Year” award—and Creative Director Chef Aitor Zabala recently debuted the much anticipated Somni: a critically lauded 10-seat chef’s counter featuring an evolving, 20-plus course tasting menu blending experimental style with traditional and modern techniques.

For more information, visit www.slsbeverlyhillshotel.com , call 310-247-0400 or follow on social media: @slsbeverlyhills.

Enhanced software helps hotel managers monitor one or more properties more efficiently using new cloud-based tools to track call data, metrics, and hotel staff

(Broomfield, Colorado) – August 15, 2018 – Phonesuite, a leading provider of communications solutions for the hotel industry for more than 25 years, announces the release of upgraded Voiceware 3.0 software, the next iteration in its leading IP-PBX hotel management platform. This major release represents Phonesuite’s commitment toward developing innovative tools that help hotels function more efficiently and profitably through cloud-based technology delivery.

A significant feature of Phonesuite’s Voiceware 3.0 software platform is cloud-based call reporting. This tool provides hotel managers using Voiceware with up-to-the-minute call data, such as usage and staff metrics. Hotel ownership groups also gain the ability to view data across multiple properties they manage from a single, secure location.  Other enhancements include upgrades to improve efficiency and security, as well as new features to aid in setup and installation of the Voiceware platform.

“With Voiceware 3.0, Phonesuite continues to shift toward cloud-based delivery of important hotel technologies that are feature-rich, easy to install, and affordable,” said Phonesuite CEO Frank Melville.  “In addition to new feature sets, Voiceware 3.0 wraps our browser-based reporting system that allows system usage and staff metrics tracking at one property or any group of properties – all from a single pane of glass”.

By Pawinee Chaisiriroj and Paola Orneli Bock

Bangkok, located in the central region of Thailand, is the county’s political and commercial centre and has been the official capital city since 1782. Bangkok is also the main gateway city to Thailand and serves as an aviation hub for the region. The city attracts international and regional markets through a combination of cultural charm and modern shopping centres, appealing to a wide range of travellers. The following article gives a brief overview of Bangkok, its different sub-markets, its tourism industry, and the recent dynamics of the local lodging market.

Bangkok comprises an area of 1,569 square kilometres and has a registered population of approximately 5.7 million. The Bangkok Metropolitan Area, which includes Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon, occupies a total area of 7,762 square kilometres or 1.5% of the total land area of Thailand. It has a registered population of approximately 10.7 million. Bangkok Metropolitan Area accounts for a significant portion of the national GDP.

Figure 1: Historical and Forecast Economical Indicators - Thailand

Source: Economist Intelligence Unit, April 2018

Bangkok can be divided into four main districts: Sukhumvit, Silom/Sathorn, Riverside, and Historic Bangkok. The Sukhumvit area, with its plethora of malls, office complexes, attractions and food and beverage venues, is a prime area for hotels. The area along Sathorn and Silom Road is considered to be the traditional central business district of Bangkok, while the Riverside area, along the Chao Phraya river is popular amongst European tourists for its proximity to cultural attractions and the Historical District of Bangkok. Outside of the city centre, various upcoming business districts are found, including Northern Bangkok and Bang Na.

Bangkok's Infrastructure

Figure 2: Masterplan of the Expansion of Bangkok Mass Transit Systems

Source: Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan

Bangkok is the hub of transportation connections in Thailand. The city enjoys a good transportation infrastructure including the country’s central train station, two international airports, the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT), port and road networks. The BTS currently has 35 stations on two lines: the Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line; the MRT has 34 stations on two lines: the Blue Line and the Purple Line. There are plans to further expand both the MRT and the BTS as well as to add new lines to ameliorate connectivity within the wider city and ease the heavy traffic congestion.

Plans are currently underway for a number of high-speed rail lines (HSR) in collaboration with China and Japan in an effort to promote sustainable development in infrastructure as well as focussing on energy-efficient rail transportation. The first phase of the North-eastern HSR will link Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasima province over a 252-kilometre long track, which is expected to be operational in 2021. The Northern HSR is expected to cover a total distance of 670 km connecting Bangkok and Chiang Mai over two phases. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Board has also approved a high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports. Spanning a distance of 220 kilometres, the project is estimated to cost 200 billion baht and will allow commuters to travel the total distance in just 60 minutes.

Furthermore, Bang Sue Grand Central station in Bangkok is currently under construction and is set to replace the current central station at Hua Lamphong upon its completion, and become the largest railway station in South East Asia with a total of 26 platforms. Bang Sue will connect to the MRT transit line and a number of mass transit routes including SRT Dark Red Line, SRT Light Red Line, Airport Rail Link, and the four major train lines.

Bangkok Airports

Bangkok is served by two international airports, namely Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). BKK serves as the main international airport of Bangkok, while DMK is the hub for domestic and regional low cost carriers. BKK featured an initial capacity of 45 million passenger movements per annum, which is anticipated to reach 60 million passenger movements in 2019 and 90 million passenger movements by 2021. DMK currently has a capacity of approximately 37 million passengers per annum and the capacity to handle 650-680 flights per day. Airports of Thailand has recently approved the budget for the third phase expansion of DMK, which will see its capacity increase to 40 million passengers per annum by 2025. Total passenger movements at both airports in the year-to-date June 2018 were higher than the same period of the previous year, registering a growth of 7.1%. Furthermore, as part of the plans for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the Thai government plans to transform the U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP), located approximately 140 km southeast of Bangkok, into Bangkok’s third airport.

Figure 3: Passenger Movements at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport

Source: Airports of Thailand

Guest Arrivals at Accommodations

Despite several crises, the number of guest arrivals in Bangkok grew by 10% per annum from approximately 11 million to 30.6 million arrivals between 2008 and 2016. Over this period, 2009 was the only year when the number of guest arrivals to Bangkok declined. This was mostly the result of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. The number of guest arrivals stagnated in 2014 as a result of the political demonstrations that took place in Bangkok at that time. However, growth resumed in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, the number of guest arrivals surpassed the 30 million marks for the first time, closing at 31.5 million guest arrivals, which reflected an increase of 3.0% year-on-year. 2017 was another record year for tourism, with a further 6% growth being observed. The following figure shows the relationship between guest arrivals at accommodations in Bangkok and a timeline of political events between 2008 and 2017. The chart illustrates the resilience of Bangkok’s tourism industry as international tourist arrivals continue to grow in spite of the multiple crises that occurred over the last decade, ranging from political protests and terrorist attacks to flooding and military coups.

Figure 4: Guest Arrivals at Accommodations in Bangkok and Political Timeline

Source: Department of Tourism and HVS Research

Source Markets

Figure 5 illustrates the nationality of visitor arrivals at accommodation establishments in Bangkok in 2016. The largest international feeder markets were China, Japan, Korea and India, which together made up approximately 30% of total guest arrivals. China alone contributes to 21% of visitor arrivals and is one of the fastest growing sub-segments within the East Asia market, experiencing a growth of 29% per annum as a result of increased air access by charters and low-cost carriers from secondary and tertiary cities in China. The crack-down on the ‘zero-dollar’ tours only had a temporary impact in late 2016. Data by country for 2017 was not released at the time of this article. 

Figure 5: Source Market, Bangkok, 2016

Source: Department of Tourism

Seasonality

Although Thailand as a whole remains a seasonal destination due to its strong dependency on leisure tourism, Bangkok observes minimal fluctuations in arrivals due to the city’s reliance on other market segments such as corporate as well as domestic demand. As a result, seasonality is relatively flat, with only minor dips that result from internal events such as political issues and natural events such as flooding. Between 2011 and 2016, the average length of stay for Thai visitors to Bangkok remained stable at an average of 3.3 days, while the average length of stay for foreign visitors were recorded at an average of 4.8 days. Short haul visitors tend to stay for a shorter period of time than long haul visitors, hence contributing to the shortening the overall average length of stay.

Luxury Hotel Market Performance

The aggregate performance of a representative sample of approximately 1,800 rooms is shown in Figure 6. Between 2015 and 2017, average rate achieved a CAGR of 5%. This market experienced limited supply growth until the opening of Park Hyatt Bangkok in 2017. Thus, the sample experienced a decline in its occupancy level of four percentage points compared to the previous year, while successfully improving its average rate, which increased by 12% in 2017, resulting in a positive growth in RevPAR of 6%.

Figure 6: Luxury Hotel Performance, Bangkok, 2015 - 2017

Source: HVS Research

Upscale Hotel Market Performance

The upscale hotel market consists of branded hotels in Sukhumvit area of Bangkok. The aggregate performance of a representative sample of approximately 5,000 rooms is shown in Figure 7. Upscale hotels registered healthy occupancy levels, which hovered around the high 70% mark and reached 80% for the first time in 2016. A minor growth in occupancy was seen in 2017 as hoteliers shifted their strategies to increase average rates. Between 2015 and 2017, average rate grew by 2% per annum, which was the strongest growth experienced since 2012. This could be attributed to a period of increased demand and political stability in the market. As a result, the market experienced positive growth in RevPAR of 8% per annum.

Figure 7: Upscale Hotel Performance, Bangkok, 2015 - 2017

Source: HVS Research

Midscale Hotel Market Performance

The aggregate performance of a representative sample of approximately 2,000 rooms is shown in Figure 8. Majority of the midscale hotels in this sample are located in Sukhumvit area with good accessibility to the mass transit systems of Bangkok. In 2017, a decline in occupied room nights was attributed to the new supply entering the market. This increase resulted in a decline in occupancy among midscale hotels as the market absorbed the new supply. On another hand, average rates grew annually by 5% over the period. Given the dynamics of occupancy and average rate outlined, RevPAR posted a healthy CAGR of 4%.

Figure 8: Midscale Hotel Performance, Bangkok, 2015 - 2017

Source: HVS Research

Hotel Supply and Pipeline

According to HVS Asia-Pacific Hotel Operator Guide 2018, the hotel pipeline landscape in Bangkok is extensive with approximately 10,000 branded hotel rooms entering the market over the next few years. Bangkok’s total room inventory is expected to increase by approximately 30% between 2018 and 2022. Notable hotel developments are highlighted below.

Figure 9: Hotel Pipeline - Bangkok

Source: HVS Research

2018 Outlook

Bangkok is one of South East Asia’s main tourist destinations, offering a variety of attractions, good infrastructure and a secure environment. Despite the political demonstration and bombings, the city’s tourism industry has been a growth driver of the national economy. With continued marketing efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, we consider that Bangkok is likely to remain a favoured destination in Asia. Furthermore, the relatively prolonged period of stability should give confidence to international MICE organisers to start reconsidering Bangkok as a MICE destination and lead to the continued growth of leisure visitors.

The further expansion of the two main international airports in Bangkok will ensure that the city maintains its status as a gateway city, not only for visitors to Thailand, but also for visitors to the Mekong region. However, it should be noted that typically regional visitors have a shorter length of stay than long-haul visitors. The growing popularity of destinations in Thailand should help boost the number of visitors who will spend a few nights transiting in Bangkok. Accessibility within the city should be further ameliorated when the expansion of the mass transit systems is completed.

The overall stability in the market has contributed to the strong performance of hotels during the first two quarters of 2018. The outlook for the remaining months of 2018 is optimistic, driven by expected strong demand levels in international visitor arrivals, coupled with the political stability in the market with elections being postponed to 2019. It is important to also note there is a considerable amount of new branded supply entering the market in the foreseeable future. The right balance between demand and supply of hotel rooms in Bangkok over the short to medium terms will be vital to the success of the lodging industry. We further expect traditional non-core areas to the be the focus of new development, especially those along the new mass transit system routes. Continuous efforts to promote the destination, improve its infrastructure and overall tourism experience should be key priorities going forward.

Shorten the sales cycle with proposals that win more groups & events

Congratulations, your hotel is on the short list for that big group or event. But even sales pros who "always be closing" know a door can easily slam shut or stall, leaving your team on the hook for group business stuck in the pipeline.

How you finesse the proposal is everything. See are our top 10 tips to help you shorten the sales cycle and win more hotel business with proposals and closing techniques that help you seal the deal quickly.

August 15, 2018 - The FY2019 per diem rates are now available. To view FY2019 rates click here and follow the instructions. The FY2019 rates are NOT the default rates until October 1, 2019. FY2018 is the fiscal year through September 30, 2018. 

Rates are set by fiscal year, effective October 1 each year. Find current rates in the continental United States ("CONUS Rates") by searching below with city and state (or ZIP code), or by clicking on the map, or use the new Per Diem tool to calculate trip allowances.

FY 2019 Per Diem Highlights

GSA establishes the per diem rates for the lower 48 Continental United States (CONUS), which are the maximum allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel.

The CONUS per diem rate for an area is actually three allowances: the lodging allowance, the meals allowance and the incidental expense allowance. Most of the CONUS (approximately 2600 counties) are covered by the standard CONUS per diem rate of $149 ($94 lodging, $55 meals and incidental expenses). In fiscal year (FY) 2019, there are 325 Non-Standard Areas (NSAs) that have per diem rates higher than the standard CONUS rate.

Since FY 2005, NSA rates have been based on Average Daily Rate (ADR) data from the lodging industry, which GSA obtains through a contract with a leading provider of lodging industry data. For more about how per diem rates are determined, visit Factors Influencing Lodging Rates. The ADR is a widely accepted lodging-industry measure based upon a property's room rental revenue divided by the number of rooms rented as reported by the hotel property to the contractor. This calculation provides GSA with the average rate in a given area.

As in previous years, GSA still uses:

• Only "fire safe" properties; GSA is required by law to use only properties that are certified as being in compliance with the Hotel & Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990.
   
• Properties that fall within the mid-price range.
   
• Data from the prior 12-month period. For FY 2019, this is from April 2017 through March 2018;
   
• Business travel week data (Monday through Thursday).
   

Agencies are reminded that the Federal Travel Regulation allows for actual expense reimbursement when per diem rates are insufficient to meet necessary expenses. Please see FTR §301-11.300 through 306 for more information.

FY 2019 Results:

Marietta, GA (Cobb County) is a new NSA location this year.

In FY 2019, the following locations that were NSAs (or in an established NSA in the case of individual counties) in FY 2018 will move into the standard CONUS rate category:

By Gary Hogan

Taking over an underperforming property can seem like a daunting task. After the excitement of being awarded a management contract, the transition period that follows can be filled with roadblocks — from distrustful employees, to outgoing management diverting their bookings to other hotels, to owners placing unrealistic expectations on performance.

While it takes time to rebuild a property to its full potential, leveraging the right opportunities can help you establish quick wins that may ease the transition and create a solid foundation for success.

Communicate with your employees
Be prepared to encounter rumors, gossip and low morale among staff once the takeover is announced. Employees may be wondering about their job security, or they may resist the adoption of new policies and procedures. Establish a culture of open communication in order to foster positive internal relationships.

Your staff is one of your most valuable assets, so be sure to communicate with them often. During the transition, make it a point to let your employees know how much you value their knowledge of the property and assure them that their jobs are safe (if you do intend to keep everyone on board). Be clear about expectations and changes you’d like to implement in the near future, so your staff will know what to expect.

Look for low-hanging fruit
Take advantage of the fresh perspective you bring to a new property and see what can be improved upon immediately. When Hogan Hospitality Group took over Kauai Shores Hotel, we saw that business had primarily been driven by the past management company’s website and OTAs, with limited wholesale contracts. Bringing on a number of new wholesale partnerships right off the bat created an immediate and significant increase in revenue.

The same approach can be applied to any area of operations. Conduct a thorough inspection of the property and fix any issues that may cause a negative guest experience, such as moldy bathrooms or shabby linens. Invest in guest services training for front-of-house employees. Even minor improvements can make a difference in guest experience, which will help restore the overall perception of your property.

Don’t impose a cookie-cutter approach
If you manage multiple properties, it can be easy to fall into the old way of doing things. However, what’s worked for one hotel may not perform as well in other markets. Gain a thorough understanding of your competitors and the guests you’d like to attract, and tailor your business strategy to fit.

Additionally, the property you’ve taken over may have unique characteristics or a great location. Don’t fall victim to a standardized approach — market the strengths and differentiators of your hotel to your target audience. Create events that highlight your property’s prime beachfront location or world-class tennis ranch.

Coming into a new property is challenging, but with the right approach, you can move the needle and achieve growth in a relatively short period.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 15, 2018 -- Convenient, cost-effective and comfortable: the basic essentials of extended stay accommodations, a hospitality sector that has grown immensely in the past few years with extended stay builds currently making up more than a quarter of all hotel development projects in the U.S. pipeline according to Lodging Econometrics. This growth was one of the many reasons that Red Roof, the leader in the economy lodging industry, is entering this market with their newest sub-brand, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof. The brand will undergo a phased launch of over 30 properties across more than 20 markets with nearly 4,000 rooms. The brand also has a pipeline of more than a dozen properties scheduled to open over the next 12 months. The addition of HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof and HomeTowne Studios and Suites by Red Roof to the expanding Red Roof portfolio continues Red Roof's tradition of offering consumers clean, comfortable and safe places to stay with an unmatched value proposition that puts their guests first.

"The extended stay category continues to grow as consumer preferences continue to evolve," says Andrew Alexander, President, Red Roof. "The launch of HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof is a natural progression, and key milestone, as we extend our portfolio for a range of guests, leveraging our solid industry reputation for knowing what guests want and fulfilling those needs with a full fleet of offerings, now including extended stay."

Red Roof expects rapid growth based on guest demand for its new sub-brand through strong franchisee partnerships. Phil Hugh, Chief Development Officer, Red Roof, says, "HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof offers franchisees opportunities to invest in one of the most rapidly growing segments of the hospitality industry. This new sub-brand will create additional brand awareness, giving our franchisees access to a new customer base while still benefitting from the strong brand equity, attributes, benefits and proven support system of Red Roof."

Following over $50 million in renovations, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof will provide warm and inviting accommodations, free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat screen HD TVs featuring premium cable with HBO, on-site laundry and free U.S. phone service. As local residents comprise 60 percent of extended stay occupancy, extended stay is an all-inclusive alternative to hefty upfront rental and security deposits, expensive monthly rents, gas bills, water bills, cable bills, electric bills and often, parking fees. Extended stays are also attractive to those in project-based job industries—such as construction and healthcare—and those who are part of the gig economy, which sees more Americans than ever moving frequently from job to job. Businessmen and women who are frequently on the road, families with patients in nearby hospitals and professionals who are relocating are also frequent guests in this sector.

HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof offers guests a range of amenities and services that is top-of-line for the sector, making long-term living a joy and bringing peace-of-mind. Live-in studios and suites feature all the conveniences of home, including a kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, microwave, sink, kitchen table and chairs. Outside of the kitchenette, guests can expect brand new bedding, high-definition televisions, laundry rooms open 24 hours per day, seven days per week and complimentary coffee in the lobby areas each morning. Properties are located near work, local restaurants and shops.

"At Red Roof, we fully understand what travelers in the extended stay sector want," notes Marina MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer, Red Roof. "With HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, we're providing all the well-known and well-regarded components that Red Roof always has: value, comfort and friendly service. Now, they're available with the basic essentials of an extended stay, at one of the best-value price points in the hotel industry. All of this is what truly differentiates HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof from the other extended stay choices in the market."

HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof will offer a kitchen kit for a low additional charge that includes a full dish and silverware set that guests can keep after their stay. Additionally, all guests will be eligible to participate in RediCard®, Red Roof's popular loyalty program. RediCard membership is one of the most generous in the industry: free nights are just 6,000 points at HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof locations and 7,000 points at Red Roof Inn® and Red Roof PLUS+® properties. Guests can also use points to shop for gift cards from Amazon, Target and other retailers from Red Roof's online catalog. For more information, please visit redroof.com or call 800.RED.ROOF.

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2018… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Geraldine Moment area director of revenue for Benchmark’s Hotel Contessa, located in San Antonio, and the company’s new Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, scheduled to open this month in College Station, Texas.  Ted Davis, chief sales and marketing officer, made the announcement.

“It is such a pleasure to congratulate Geraldine on her promotion,” said Mr. Davis “She has been and continues to be a tremendous contributor to Benchmark’s revenue management team, and intimately understands our company’s Be The Difference service philosophy, which is at the core of how we approach guests and fellow employees.”

An expert in the revenue management function, Geraldine Moment was previously Benchmark’s director of revenue for the Ames Boston Hotel, a member of the Curio Collection by Hilton™ in the historic center of Boston, Massachusetts. She has served in the same role for Hotel Contessa, and prior to joining Benchmark, for Lakeway Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas.

Ms. Moment earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. She received her Certificate in Front Office Operations for the Singapore Hotel Training and Education Center located in Singapore. Ms. Moment will operate out of Benchmark’s offices in San Antonio.