Robert Cheng has been appointed vice president of brand marketing and communications for Rosewood Hotel Group. Cheng will spearhead the group’s overall strategic branding and communications to further strengthen awareness and market positioning, drive revenue and enhance development of the individual brands.

“In the next few years, as Rosewood Hotel Group expands its global footprint, Robert’s international background and vast experience in luxury and hospitality will be an invaluable asset to our growing portfolio,” says Thuy Tranthi Rieder, group vice president of sales and marketing of Rosewood Hotel Group. 

Cheng brings two decades experience in strategy, marketing and business development across a variety of industries in the U.S., U.K., France, Hong Kong and mainland China. Prior to joining Rosewood, Cheng was group vice president of marketing for The Peninsula Hotels following a year as director of sales and marketing for The Peninsula Shanghai. Previously, he served as global marketing director for De Beers Diamond Jewellers, business development manager for the London-based developers, Candy & Candy, and director of international premium products for American Express managing Centurion and Platinum card portfolios. He started his career as a strategy consultant with the Monitor Group in New York City.

Cheng holds an MBA with honours from INSEAD in France, a bachelor’s degree (hons) in International Relations, Economics and French Literature from Brown University, U.S.A., and a diploma from Sciences Po in Paris. In addition to English, he speaks French, German, Cantonese and Mandarin.  

By Tucker Johnson

Many guests are unaware that at check-in a hotel is just authorizing their credit or debit card, not charging them for their stay.  The charge occurs at check-out and is typically done on the same card that was originally authorized and used to check-in.  In the case of a credit card, the authorization is easily released; the card is then charged, and the whole transaction is very smooth.  This is not the case with the use of a debit card, however.

When using a debit card, the initial authorization is also released when the card is charged.  The problem occurs with the way the releases are processed.  Debit card releases can take up to five business days to show as released in a guest’s bank account.  The authorization reduces the amount of cash in the bank account connected to the debit card, as does the charge.  This results in a guest losing access to their cash in the amount twice the size of their actual bill.  This often results in overdraft fees or very low cash balances for the guest.

Hotels know they have problems with debit cards.  It is such an issue that many properties put up signs at the front desk discouraging their use.  This is because the use of a debit card reduces the available cash of a guest and hotels know that the authorizations take a long time to be released. 

Front desk agents complain that guests don’t understand the difference between a hold and a charge.  There are complaints that the bank is the true culprit by not releasing funds back into the guest’s account.  Maybe instead of placing blame, or discouraging their use, hotels could put together a policy to fix the issue. There must be something that can be done.

I have a suggestion to address this problem: Don’t authorize debit cards.  Treat them like cash.  Charge the guest for their stay when they check-in.  They think you are charging them anyway.  Just authorize for incidentals.  This way you still protect the hotel, but lessen the chance of a double charge hitting their bank account, which results in overdraft fees, upset guests, or both.  It should not be the guest’s responsibility to understand your procedures and the quirks of debit card use.  By charging the guest upfront with a debit card, a hotel could shift the responsibility to itself when it comes to the debit card issue. 

Looking inward to solve problems is always the best solution.  It allows you to take control and improve.  I would always suggest trying to fix a problem instead of trying to explain it away with a sign at the front desk.

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 9, 2017 -- Marriot International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) (www.Marriott.com) today announced the opening of its second hotel in the “World’s Wildlife Capital”, Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport (www.FourPoints.com/NairobiAirport), further consolidating its presence in Kenya. Strategically situated within the main complex of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the hotel is within easy reach from major highways and overlooks the famous Nairobi National Park. It perfectly complements the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham, located in the city’s central business district which opened earlier this year.

“Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is a great addition to our East Africa portfolio and strengthens our rapidly growing presence in the region,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “As a gateway city into the continent, Nairobi is a natural travel hub. We are confident that with its blend of stylish comfort and genuine service at an honest value, the hotel will meet the rising demand for high-caliber lodging in this fast-growing market and soon emerge as a leading choice among business and leisure travelers.”

Designed for the modern traveler with an emphasis on approachable design, the all-new 172 room Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, features spacious and modern rooms including suites. It also offers exciting dining options including an all-day dining, a lobby café and a rooftop bar and grill, Tazama. With spectacular views of the Nairobi National Park on one side and the airport runway on the other, Tazama offers guests a sense of authentic locale through food, music and art. An imposing artwork by renowned Kenyan graffiti artist, Bankslave, reflecting the pulse of Nairobi takes centre stage. Guests can also experience the brand’s signature Best Brews™ program featuring a local craft pilsner created especially for the hotel in collaboration with the well-known Big Five Breweries, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a favorite sport and unwind with friends and colleagues.

Reflecting the brand’s promise to provide what matters most to today’s independent travelers, the hotel offers the brand’s defining touches, including the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed, complimentary bottled water in all rooms, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an energizing breakfast with fresh coffee that helps guests start the day right.

Other facilities include a rooftop pool, a state of the art fitness center and a modest spa. With 3500 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, the hotel is an ideal venue for meetings and events. Additionally, it also provides a complimentary shuttle into the airport terminal throughout the day.

“The hotel’s unique location together with its warm and genuine service and the defining elements of the Four Points brand is a winning combination that will set us apart,” said Vivek Mathur General Manager Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport. “We are committed to offering guests an uncomplicated travel experience and exactly what they need while on the road be it for business or for leisure.”

Four Points has proven to be a global hit with its distinctive identity and ability to meet the increasing demands of the modern, everyday traveler. The brand is experiencing incredible growth momentum having recently crossed the 200th hotel milestone globally. In East Africa alone, the brand debuted in Kenya earlier this year with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi, Hurlingham followed by its recent foray into Tanzania with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel. It is now gearing up to open Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salam, New Africa Hotel in the next couple of months.

For more details, log on to www.FourPoints.com/NairobiAirport.

HOUSTON, TX. – Tilman Fertitta today announced Pilar Florez as the Director of Marketing, Communications and Leisure Sales at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. In this role, she will oversee and implement a strategic marketing, communications and public relations business plan for the International and Domestic Leisure and Business Travel segments.  Pilar will also develop a comprehensive social media and digital campaign aligned to The Post Oaks goals and strategies.

“Pilar Florez brings a wealth of knowledge to The Post Oak’s elite management team, said Tilman Fertitta, owner of The Post Oak. “Her understanding of the Houston market is unmatched and a valuable asset to the first-class property.”

Prior to her time at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, Florez served as the Director of Tourism at Visit Houston, where she successfully launched sales, marketing and awareness strategies across top international markets, which resulted in increased brand awareness, destination knowledge and visitor growth.

Florez honed her skills during her decade of service with Starwood/Marriott International. She began as the Business Travel Sales Manager for The Westin Galleria & Westin Oaks in Houston before moving to Bogota, Colombia where she served as the Director of Sales and Marketing for W Bogota.

Pilar earned a Bachelor in Economics from Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota, Colombia and holds a certificate in Marketing & Public Relations from Universidad de La Sabana in Bogota, Colombia.

(St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 9, 2017) Michael Heater, Regional Operations Leader and Brand Manager at Midas Hospitality, was recently named “Hotelier of the Year” by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) and its Greater Greenville chapter.  The award honors the best leaders in the area’s hospitality industry.

Heater has over 25 years of experience in hospitality and currently oversees nine hotels for Midas Hospitality, a premier hotel management group headquartered in St. Louis, MO.  Heater started his career with Midas when he opened the Candlewood Suites Hotel in Greenville, SC as General Manager.  Due to the success of the hotel under Heater’s leadership, Midas Hospitality is developing its second hotel in the area, The Legacy Suites, which will open in 2018.

Pictured from left to right is Sandra Solomon, Director of Sales at Candlewood Suites Greenville, SC; Kurt Furlong, Executive VP & Principal – Sales & Marketing at Midas Hospitality; son Griffin Heater; Michael Heater, award winner and Regional Operations Leader and Brand Manager at Midas Hospitality; wife Robin Heater; Stephanie Knauf, General Manager at Candlewood Suites Greenville, SC; Elaine Bennett, Director of Sales at Courtyard by Marriott Clemson, SC, and; Michelle Traynum, General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Clemson, SC.

“Michael is a hands-on leader who deserves this recognition based on his outstanding track record,” said Rob Willard, President and Principal at Midas Hospitality.  “We are extremely proud of his tireless work and his steadfast dedication in making our hotels an enjoyable experience.”

International association Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), in partnership with Naseba, are bringing the world's largest and oldest Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference(HITEC®) brand to Dubai, UAE for the first time. HITEC Dubai will take place from November 14-15, 2017 at the Conrad Dubai in Dubai, UAE – serving as the third HITEC of 2017.

HITEC Dubai is accessible to buyers from the lucrative Middle Eastern tourism and hospitality market, currently worth over $75 billion USD. Modeling the HITEC Amsterdam format, the show will offer an education program, exhibits as well as a summit with one-to-one business meetings between pre-qualified hoteliers and cutting-edge technology providers.

Marwan Al Ali, group chief information officer at Jumeirah Group – one of the largest hospitality groups in the Middle East – is serving as the Advisory Council Chairman for the inaugural HITEC Dubai. The HITEC Dubai Advisory Council features senior executives from leading local and global chains; together these experts have over 200 years of combined industry experience. Focusing on technology solutions and top trends, the advisory council is responsible for planning the conference's educational program. Some topics on the program include: bandwidth and HIS; data analytics and intelligence; intuitive technologies; sustainable technologies; future of management systems; robotics; AI; blockchain; and cyber-attacks.

"We are very excited to have HITEC based here in Dubai for the first time," said Al Ali. "HITEC, over the last few decades, has developed a very strong reputation when it comes to hotel technology. HITEC plays an important role in connecting people across the industry, and bring[s] the latest trends [in hotel technology] to the audience who [is] attending HITEC."

Attendees will have an additional resource to use while navigating the conference – the HITEC 2017 multi-event mobile app will serve as a comprehensive guide for information on education sessions and exhibits while also providing social feeds and in-app correspondence capabilities for exhibitors and attendees. Available for download from the iTunes Apple Store and Google Play, the app will feature all of the HITEC Dubai information attendees will need.

In 2018, HFTP will bring back HITEC Amsterdam on April 11-13 in addition to the larger HITEC Houston on June 18-21. For more information about HITEC and HFTP's other international activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec. For more information about HITEC Dubai, visit www.hitec-dubai.com.

Bangkok, November 2017: Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 157 hotels and resorts in 24 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce that it will open three new-build hotels in Qatar in spring 2018 under its Tivoli and Oaks brands. The three properties are owned by Katara Hospitality, a globally recognized hospitality owner, developer and operator.

Launching in April, Tivoli Al Najada Doha Hotel is in the final stages of development in the center of the Qatari capital. Facilities in the five-story property will include 151 guest rooms and suites, a selection of dining options, a fitness center, a swimming pool and a business center, with guest rooms on the upper floors offering a panoramic view of the Doha skyline including West Bay. The hotel sits within a new development surrounding a large open piazza with cafes, restaurants and shops, with the hotel offering alfresco dining on the terrace. Tivoli Al Najada will also offer an impressive ballroom, designed to host elegant social occasions and corporate meetings and events, with a capacity of 250 guests.

Oaks Hotels & Resorts will make its debut in Qatar with Oaks Al Najada Doha, also set to open its doors in April 2018. The 100 serviced apartments have been tastefully designed to reinvent the conventional residential concepts of compound and high-rise accommodations, with elegant, minimalist interiors and an Arabian artistic touch. Oaks Al Najada will offer a range of premier onsite facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, alfresco dining, a pool bar and 24hr room service. This will be the third Oaks in the Middle East, joining properties in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE.

Oaks Hotels & Resorts services a combination of corporate and leisure guests for both short and long stays, blending contemporary accommodation with onsite leisure facilities, while a number of properties also feature food and beverage outlets and meeting and business services.

Tivoli Al Najada is located alongside Oaks Al Najada and both are part of the same new development in central Doha offering the ideal base to experience local culture, enjoy traditional cuisine and relish the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The hotels are within easy walking distance of the new Msheireb Downtown Doha development, Bank Street, the Museum of Islamic Arts on the Corniche and the renowned Souq Waqif. In addition, the location is just 15 minutes away from Hamad International Airport and very close to the central rail terminal, scheduled to open in 2020.

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli is a new five-star property blending artful Qatari tradition and top-end contemporary leisure in Souq Al Wakra, an up-and-coming seaside district just a 20-minute drive from central Doha. The hotel is destined to be a convenient and luxurious stay for business and leisure travelers alike, with close proximity to Hamad International Airport.

The 101-key property comprises of two buildings, both former heritage houses where original character has been splendidly preserved. Shaped by an open and expansive layout, guest rooms and suites feature classic thatched roofs as well as sea and sand motifs, inspired by Al Wakra’s history as a pearling diving and fishing village. Facilities at the new hotel will include two restaurants offering International and Middle Eastern cuisines, a shisha lounge overlooking the sea, majlis areas, meeting rooms, Tivoli Spa and fitness, plus a business center.

Celebrating its 85^th anniversary in 2018, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts differentiate through the range of unique experiences offered, allowing guests to enjoy the most authentic features of every destination, along with innovative and outstanding service.

The launch of these three new properties in Doha will enhance the development of the local hospitality sector and contribute towards the economic diversification, as envisioned in the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels, commented, “The Middle East is a key growth market for Minor Hotels and we are delighted to be opening two new Tivoli hotels and debuting the Oaks brand in Qatar. We are delivering on our promise when we acquired Tivoli last year to grow the brand within Minor Hotels’ footprint and for sure we will see the brand grow further. Qatar will be the second GCC country for Oaks and there is also opportunity to further grow this brand.”

Last month Minor Hotels debuted Tivoli Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East with the rebrand of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels in Doha to Tivoli. Minor Hotels also operates Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara in the Qatari capital. The addition of the three new hotels in Doha will bring the total number of properties operated by Minor Hotels in the GCC region to 16 across multiple brands. In addition the group has a strong pipeline in the MENA region including new properties under development in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Morocco, three new countries for the group.

Seaside, Calif. – November 9, 2017– Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay -- Seaside has completed a multi-million-dollar renovation evoking the coastal beauty of the California beachfront that lies just two blocks away. The stylish refresh encompasses the hotel’s restaurant and lounge, all guestrooms, meeting space, and the open-air atrium lobby.

A sea-inspired palette of sand, gray, blue and turquoise is carried throughout the hotel with accents of wood and stone enhancing the natural feel. Warm and inviting, the updated guest suites are stylishly furnished and feature local art work and textured finishings. The atrium is now one level, creating a more inviting and open area for gathering, and flows directly into the restaurant and lounge. 

With over 16,000 square feet of usable function space, the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay hotel is perfect for conventions, meetings and it is highly regarded for spectacular weddings. Two ballrooms break into 10 sections with ceilings up to 14 feet. The hotel also features three smaller spaces for board meetings, all of which have upgraded internet capabilities and select meeting rooms now have ceiling mounted projectors in addition to drop down screens. 

“We’re very pleased with the renovation results and the visual connection it creates to our hotel’s coastal setting,” said Teri Owens, general manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay – Seaside. “We’re confident that guests will share our enthusiasm for the new look and can’t wait for them to experience all of the new updates.”

Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay – Seaside accommodates guests in 225 stylish suites, each with WiFi access, two televisions and a wet bar. On-site amenities include an indoor pool and fully equipped fitness center. Keeping the spirit of the Embassy Suites brand, the Seaside location offers guests complimentary made-to-order breakfast and evening reception with cocktails and snacks. 

The hotel is situated within minutes of major tourism destinations including Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, Big Sur and Pebble Beach, as well as world-class sport fishing and 17 championship golf courses. More than 16,000 square feet of flexible, state-of-the-art function space is available for special events and conferences. For more information, visit Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay – Seaside and connect on Facebook.

Brooklyn, NEW YORK — Pod Brooklyn has opened its doors in the heart of the lively Williamsburg neighborhood, introducing the next generation of innovative properties from BD Hotels in partnership with CB Developers.  Following the successful models in Manhattan and Washington D.C. (Pod 51, Pod 39 & Pod DC), Pod Brooklyn takes the micro-hotel concept to the next level with modular guestrooms, built entirely in Poland and shipped here, making it the premier modular hotel in New York City.  The property stands on the busy corner of Metropolitan and Driggs Avenue.

249 modular rooms, each about 100 square feet, include queen and bunk bed configurations with features like built-in storage and high-tech amenities, which allow guests to stream their own media content from iPhones or other devices. Guestrooms boast oversized windows looking onto an abundance of green gardens and public spaces creating a social campus feel, but also include blackout and noise blocking shades for when travelers wish to unplug.

The clever design by Garrison Architects in collaboration with Pod Hotel design director, Vanessa Guilford, weaves Pod rooms with numerous courtyards, rooftops, and private event spaces with connecting glass hallways, for guests seeking a wallet-friendly, interactive experience that encourages discovery. The communal vibe starts at check-in with a sky-lit, glass ceilinged lobby. A staircase will lead to a second-floor mezzanine, which provides a flexible work and lounge space offering small bites and coffee during the day.

Additionally, the property will provide private meeting and event spaces available for corporate events, private dinners and more. Connecting rooftops and courtyards will offer striking new venues unavailable at present in the neighborhood. 16,000 square feet of retail space will line the ground floor of the property.

“We are excited to introduce this new category of hotels to the Williamsburg neighborhood," says Richard Born of BD hotels. "We expect Pod Brooklyn to attract both locals and visitors alike who are seeking affordable accommodations and an interactive experience. We look forward to the continued brand expansion and introducing the modular concept into other emerging markets.”

Later this year and into spring 2018, Pod Brooklyn will roll out a dynamic food and beverage program throughout the hotel’s more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor public space.

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

Visit Hotel Technologies in Booth #2837 and Check Out the New Website!

Rahway, N.J. (November 10, 2017) — Hotel Technologies Inc., a trusted leader in hotel bedside solutions, continues to make a difference to travelers with its Timex alarm clock radios. This week at HX: The Hotel Experience, to be held November 12 and 13 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, Hotel Technologies will reveal its first Timex hotel unit with “Dual USB” ports for fast convenient charging, enabling guests to simultaneously charge multiple mobile devices at their bedside. The new Timex T260 will be on display in Booth #2837.

"Travelers around the world have come to rely on Hotel Technologies solutions," said Ely Ashkenazi, President, Hotel Technologies. "Our Timex alarm clock radios continue to give travelers the personalized service they demand, including a dependable alarm clock that can be easily set and instantly cleared once it is switched off; an easy-to-navigate radio that easily tunes in to their preferred music genre; and an in-room entertainment device with quality sound that accommodates any mobile device to make the experience complete. They get all this at an affordable price that owners appreciate.

“With travelers bringing more mobile devices, we knew we needed to add more charging ports,” he said. “The T260 now gives guests two 2.1 amp USB ports to power their smartphones, tablets, cameras or wearables. We've also added a 0.9 inch white LCD display with dimmer to control brightness, and like our other Timex solutions, the T260B is equipped with a DST switch for manual or automatic daylight saving time/standard time adjustment.”

With a sleek, contemporary design, the Timex T260 contains Hotel Technologies' popular easy-to-set alarm with printed instructions on cabinet. The Single day alarm feature prevents unwanted alarms from sounding, while the Sure Alarm battery backup maintains the clock setting and ensures alarm wake time in case of a power failure. The T260B also sports Hotel Technologies’ Gentle Wake feature that peacefully awakens guest with gently ascending alarm volume. Guests can wake to a buzzer and enjoy the convenience of a snooze button.

NEW Website!
Hotel Technologies products are in virtually every major global hotel chain, including Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotel Group, Marriott, Disney, Fairmont, Wynn, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Omni Hotels, MGM Grand, and many others. Check out the newly redesigned website for new products and information prior to HX by visiting www.hoteltechnologies.com. To pre-schedule an appointment with Hotel Technologies in Booth #2837 at HX: The Hotel Experience, call Chris Brunt at 609-752-2263 prior to the show.

LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. (Nov. 10, 2017) – Longboat Key’s new beachfront, modern, boutique resort, Zota Beach Resort, announces its executive leadership team. Zota Beach Resort welcomes General Manager, Roy Padgett and Director of Marketing & Communications, Sandra Rios.

At the helm of Zota Beach Resort, Roy Padgett is a beloved and familiar face in the communities of Sarasota and Bradenton. With over two decades of management experience, Padgett led operations of the prevailing Hilton property that Zota Beach Resort was built upon as general manager. Dedicated to honing his craft, Padgett earned Certified Food & Beverage Executive and Certified Hotel Administrator recognitions from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association.

The 2016 winner of the Good as Gold award presented by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce for civic engagement and 2015’s SRQ Magazine Women in Business Leadership Circle, Director of Marketing & Communications Sandra Rios directs Zota Beach Resort’s marketing efforts, pulling from her 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. During her previous position as public relations manager at Foxwoods Resort Casino and the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Conn., Rios executed publicity plans for numerous retail and restaurant openings and multi-million dollar facility expansions including the opening of Lake of Isles, a Rees Jones golf course and Hard Rock Cafe Foxwoods.

Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the contemporary, cool Zota Beach Resort features modern architectural touches along with stylish accommodations and distinctive dining experiences. Derived from Sarasota’s indigenous name, Zara Zota, Zota Beach Resort was recently recognized as a ‘Top New or Renovated’ property by ConventionSouth and boasts 187 luxury guest rooms and suites, 2,700 square feet of meeting space and easy access to upscale shopping, entertainment and restaurants at St. Armands Circle.

For more information on Zota Beach Resort or to make reservations, visit www.zotabeachresort.com or call (855) 335-1102. Connect socially with Zota Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram.

San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico (November 10, 2017): Hotel El Ganzo, San Jose del Cabo's boutique artist haven, is revamping its food and beverage concept with the appointment of new Food & Beverage Director Rene Enrique Perez Lima, and of Omar Lopez Flores as Executive Chef.

"Hotel El Ganzo is pleased to welcome Rene and Omar to our team. Their experience, enthusiasm, and creativity is breathing new life into our food and beverage concept," said Ella Messerli, general manager at Hotel El Ganzo.  "With their talent and leadership, a new identity for all of our in-house food options is being rolled out."

Lima brings over eight years of top-tier restaurant and tourism experience to his post at El Ganzo. Previously, he held the title of Food & Beverage Manager for Hotel Me by Melia in Cancun and senior management positions at The Ritz Carlton Cancun, Hotel Paradisus in Riviera Maya and Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa. In Mexico City, he was the General Manager of The Palm Polanco and Director of Food and Beverage for Hotel NH Collection.

Executive Chef Omar Lopez Flores, who was classically trained in Spanish and French cooking, masterfully mixes those flavors with Mexican cuisine to create dishes that are as eye-catching as they are flavorful.  Lopez is a veteran of the Food & Beverage industry with over 21 years of experience, including roles at Hotel Presidente Los Cabos, Cabos' Hotel Royal Solaris, Marquis Los Cabos and Plaza Lancaster in Mexico City, and more.

Visits can be booked via www.elganzo.com or by calling the toll-free number at 1-855-835-4269.

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, November 2017… BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Caleb Lara executive chef for  The Essex - Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa, a Gemstone Collection property located minutes from downtown Burlington in the foothills of the legendary Green Mountains.  Nic Barger, general manager, made the announcement.

"I am thrilled to welcome Caleb to our resort,” said Mr. Barger.  “Highly credentialed and with experience gained at top restaurants in the United States, he is the perfect choice for this important leadership position at Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa.”

Caleb Lara brings over a decade of culinary experience to his new position at The Essex.  He was previously chef de cuisine for the Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts.  Prior to this he served as executive chef for the Kemble Inn of Lenox, Massachusetts. 

Earlier in his career chef Lara worked under the leadership of Certified Master Chef Derin Moore at the Ritz Carlton Resorts of Naples, Florida.  He gained experience staging in New York City at the Michelin Star-rated restaurants Le Bernardin and The Modern.  Caleb also completed professional chef certification under the mentorship of Certified Master Chef Dan Dumont.

Mr. Lara is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York.  He developed his love of the culinary arts while growing up in San Diego, California.  He has relocated to Essex, Vermont.

Tannersville, Pa. (Nov. 10, 2017) – Ken Ellis & Arthur Berry III, co-owners of Camelback Resort, located in the Pocono Mountains, officially announce the promotion of Brian Czarnecki to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Czarnecki’s previous role was that of vice president of sales & marketing for the popular, four-season destination, which is has become a leading ski and four-season destination in the Northeast. 

“In his new role, Brian will direct the operations, technology, brand and marketing of Camelback Resort’s many business units, allowing us to direct our focus to additional projects, opportunities, and interests,” Ellis and Berry wrote in an announcement to the staff on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017.

Czarnecki will oversee Camelback Mountain, Camelbeach Waterpark, Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, and Camelback Adventures, while also leading the marketing, advertising and brand direction for the new H2OBX Waterpark, Outer Banks, North Carolina, which opened summer, 2017, and The Kartrite Hotel & Indoor Waterpark, Monticello, NY, which will debut December, 2018. Czarnecki is currently searching for his predecessor in the VP of Sales & Marketing role who will report directly to him as COO.  

“The past six years at Camelback Resort has been wildly exciting and fulfilling – believing in the vision of Art & Ken, moving the guest numbers to near 1.6 million annual visits, and having the opportunity to work with one of the best teams in the snow business. I just couldn’t ask for more,” stated Czarnecki.  “With the opening of The Kartrite Hotel & Indoor Waterpark in just 14 months, and entering the second summer of H2OBX Waterpark, the Outer Banks only waterpark attraction, we just keep extending our brand’s reach and equity.”

A native of Scranton, PA, Czarnecki's career in the hospitality industry spans 25 years, first being drawn to the tourism industry with an opportunity in Wrightsville Beach, NC. After back to back hurricanes took most of his belongings out to sea, Czarnecki decided to purchase a sailboat and make his way to the Bahamas where he was appointed the role of general manager, developing a boutique resort, marina and airstrip. He then switched gears for colder climates and the ski industry. Czarnecki landed at Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY for a five year post, before meeting Ellis and Berry who enticed him to Camelback Resort, where his love of water, snow, hospitality and development could be utilized in one location.

Camelback Resort has been expanding and evolving since first opening as a ski resort in 1963. Seasonal attractions include: Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark; Camelback Mountain Adventures; Camelback Mountain skiing and snowboarding; and the largest snowtubing park in the U.S. In 2015, Camelback Resort opened the doors to Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, and was swiftly voted the #1 indoor waterpark in the U.S. by USA Today’s “10Best Readers Choice” poll.  Today, Camelback Resort offers more year-round adventure at one mountain resort destination than anywhere in the country. Outide of the Pocono Mountains, Camelback Resort opened H20BX Waterpark in the Outer Banks in 2017, and will debut The Kartrite Hotel & Indoor Waterpark in Monticell, NY in Dec. 2018.

TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 10, 2017 -- The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is expanding hospitality amenities in Tucson at its casino enterprises, Casino Del Sol and Casino of the Sun.

In October, the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council approved up to 150 additional hotel rooms, 90 RV sites, and a 9,600-square foot expansion of the current convention space at Casino Del Sol. In addition, a new 11,000-square foot Event Center next to Casino of the Sun will be built.

"The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is honored to have the opportunity to build new accommodations and meeting spaces for guests who visit our properties," said Robert Valencia, Chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. "These additions will create more jobs and will positively impact our Tribe, its members, and Southern Arizona."

The new hotel will be located adjacent to the current Casino Del Sol facility and is estimated to have 150 rooms with its own pool area. This will allow visitors to have an additional hotel choice nearby everything Casino Del Sol has to offer. 

A proposed 90-space RV park near the casino will also provide part-time and full-time RVers the opportunity to hook up and enjoy all of Casino Del Sol's amenities before they head out on the road.

The current conference center at Casino Del Sol will undergo a 9,600-square foot expansion and will include additional break out meeting rooms to complement the existing convention space.

Casino of the Sun, Casino Del Sol's sister property and original Pascua Yaqui Tribal casino, is also getting a new addition. Construction of a new 11,000-square foot Event Center adjacent to the Casino will allow for meetings, events, and entertainment.

"The overwhelming support we have received since the opening of Casino Del Sol has resulted in our current hotel being at near-full capacity most nights," said CEO of Casino Del Sol, Kimberly Van Amburg. "This project will allow us to meet the increased demand of our customers as well as better serve our meeting and convention clientele."

The architect for the project is the Cuningham Group in Las Vegas.

The project cost has not been disclosed.

For more information visit www.casinodelsol.com or call 1-855-SOL-STAY (765-7829).

NEW YORK, NY – November 10, 2017 – Anbang Insurance Group New York Office (“Anbang”) and AECOM Tishman, the premier global construction firm, announced today that the first phase of construction work to renovate and restore the historic Waldorf Astoria New York will begin in December.

Since the Waldorf Astoria New York achieved the designation as New York City’s largest private interior landmark, Anbang has made significant progress towards renovating the property. The development team has advanced design plans, secured permits and carefully moved, preserved and stored prized historic items, including the Cole Porter piano, the World’s Fair Clock Tower, the Kennedy Rocking Chair, and the MacArthur Desk. The company has now appointed AECOM Tishman to spearhead the first phase of construction.

“After months of meticulous planning and careful preparation, we are ready to begin the next phase of the renovation and have assembled an exceptional team to advance the project. We look forward to working closely with AECOM Tishman to carry out one of the most extensive restoration and renovation projects in New York City,” said Brandon Dong, Managing Director of the Waldorf Astoria New York Project of Anbang. “The Waldorf Astoria New York is truly a global icon and quintessential New York City landmark, and our combined team shares a commitment to preserving this historic property’s legacy and restoring its original beauty while elevating it to set a new standard of luxury and hospitality.”

"The Waldorf Astoria New York is where our brand’s history of timeless luxury and inspirational environments began,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts. “We have been working closely and collaboratively with Anbang on the renovation of the Waldorf Astoria New York and we are confident that the restoration will ensure that the hotel retains its rightful place as a focal point for New York City and a premier destination for the world.”

The Waldorf Astoria New York will feature restored public and event spaces, approximately 350 new guest rooms and suites, and approximately 350 residences.  Anbang released plans for the building’s landmarked interior and exterior elements in March 2017 that a renowned design team, including architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and interior designer Pierre Yves Rochon (PYR), prepared.

“It is an honor for us to join a world-class project team assembled for the renovation of the Waldorf Astoria New York,” said Jay Badame, President of AECOM Building Construction and AECOM Tishman. “We fully understand the significance of this massive undertaking and the importance this landmark holds for so many people in New York and around the world, and we look forward to working with the full team to bring this vision to life.”

Waldorf Astoria New York timeline:

• 1893: Hotel opened on the present site of the Empire State Building
   
• 1931: Opened at its current Park Avenue location
   
• 1993: Designated an official New York City exterior landmark
   
• 2014: Anbang Insurance Group acquired the property from Hilton Worldwide. Hilton agrees to continue to manage the property under a 100-year management agreement.
   
• 2017: Numerous interior spaces within the hotel are designated as New York City landmarks, including the hotel’s historic Grand Ballroom and iconic Park Avenue Lobby.

Analysis Shows Hotels, Employees, Travelers All Benefit From Tax Reform​

WASHINGTON (November 10, 2017) –  As tax reform legislation moves through Congress, a new economic impact study found that tax cuts could generate $131.7 billion in economic activity for hotels and related industries over the next 10 years.

On behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Oxford Economics analyzed the impact of tax policy changes that would result in a tax cut of $1.5 trillion over 10 years, which they believe will cause real GDP growth to accelerate to 3.0% in 2018.

The results show that tax cuts will stimulate the economy and are expected to generate a boost to hotel industry operations, cause additional guest spending at restaurants and stores in the travel destination, and increase hotel capital investment—all benefitting the broader national economy.

“With tax reform moving through Congress and becoming closer to a reality, we are pleased to see the potential for significant financial benefits to the industry, and the U.S. economy,” said Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of AHLA. “From hotel operations, to our industry’s employees, to consumers enjoying their favorite travel destinations, tax reform enables further opportunity for financial growth and prosperity.”

Under this tax cut scenario, consumer and business travel are both expected to increase. Direct hotel guest spending, both onsite and through ancillary spending such as local restaurants, stores, and attractions, would be $57 billion higher over the next five years.

To meet this increased demand, businesses would hire new employees and add more shifts for existing ones, and increase their capital investment. This would generate $22.3 billion in additional wages and salaries for U.S. workers—equivalent to the annual compensation of 94,700 employees for five years. It would also increase state and local tax revenues by $3.9 billion. The total economic impact of this tax scenario is projected to be $131.7 billion.

Lugar praised Congress for its commitment to reforming U.S. tax policy and creating a pro-growth tax environment that will benefit the hotel and lodging industry, its employees, and American consumers.

“It’s particularly critical as three out of every five hotels in industry are made up of small businesses, many independently or family owned. Tax reform will go a long way in benefiting these individuals, as well as their employees and guests,” said Lugar.

“We are pleased Congress has taken the next step toward enacting smart and effective tax reform that will allow businesses, families, and individuals to succeed. AHLA advocates for policies that enable hotels to operate on a level playing field and that empower business growth, competitiveness and entrepreneurism. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration before the proposal becomes law to ensure that the final details support continued growth for our industry and the broader economy.”

Click here for the full study.

BELLEVUE, Wash.--New generational data released today by Expedia® Media Solutions, the advertising arm of Expedia, Inc., shows that Australian, Chinese and Japanese travelers are all looking for the best deals and the most value for their money, but preferences and priorities vary by generation and country. The findings, from a survey conducted by Northstar Research Partners, illustrate broad Asia-Pacific travel trends and distinct shopping habits, influences and motivations of travelers across four generations, including Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X and Baby Boomers.

Racking up more than 35 travel days per year, Australian Gen Z and Chinese Millennials travel the most, while comparatively the younger generations in Japan may be suffering from vacation deprivation; they travel only 12 days per year. Younger Australians are more likely to take international trips than their older counterparts, which is a sharp contrast to China and Japan, where the younger generations primarily travel within their own country.

“The study revealed unique nuances among Asia-Pacific countries and generations, but we found that regardless of the country, Millennial travel attitudes, preferences and priorities challenge the status quo,” said Lisa Lindberg, Vice President of Product Management, Expedia Media Solutions. “Millennials across Australia, China and Japan are looking for unique experiences and activities, delicious food, shopping and a bit of luxury on their vacations, and overall, they are the most receptive to advertising influence, which is great news for travel marketers.”

Trip Types & Travel Logistics

• More than two-thirds of Chinese travelers like to relax and see the sights, 86 percent travel by plane or train, and hotels are the leading accommodation option.
   
• Staycations and sightseeing are the top trip types for Japanese travelers, and more than 85 percent stay in a hotel. Japanese travelers are the most diversified in their transportation options with 37 percent traveling by plane, 31 percent traveling by car and 25 percent traveling by train.
   
• At least half of Australians take trips to visit family and relax. More than two-thirds travel by plane, and they stay in hotels or with friends and family.
   

Planning Priorities

• Chinese Gen Z and Millennials prioritize feeling pampered during their vacation, while trip activities top the list for Gen X and Baby Boomers.
   
• For Japanese Gen Z travelers, getting the lowest price is priority number one, but other generations focus on the food experience ahead of price.
   
• Australians across all generations prioritize trip activities above all else, but deals and lowest price are close behind.
   

Budget Basics

• More than half of all travelers across the three countries said budget was a primary factor when planning a trip, but Japanese Millennials and Australian Baby Boomers are the least budget conscious; more than 40 percent said budget was not a primary factor.
   
• For most generations in China and Japan, the largest portion of their travel budget is allocated to hotels. In Australia, flights top the list with 25 percent of the budget, on average.
   
• Chinese Millennials are the biggest shoppers, allocating the largest percentage of their travel budget to shopping (18 percent) – more than any other Asia-Pacific generation.
   

Destination Decisions & Booking Resources

• Baby Boomers are the most destination decisive generation across all three countries.
   
• Japanese travelers are the most open to destination inspiration; more than 60 percent don’t have a destination in mind or are deciding between two or more locales when they decide to take a trip.
   
• Online travel agencies (OTAs) and search engines are the leading planning and booking resources for most Asia-Pacific travelers.
   

Advertising Influences

• More than two-thirds of all Chinese travelers said ads can be influential in their decision-making process. Nearly 70 percent of Gen Z and Millennials and over half of older generations said ads with appealing imagery and ads with informative content can be influential.
   
• Forty-five percent of Japanese travelers said they can be influenced by ads with appealing deals.
   
• Over half of Australian travelers said they can be influenced by advertising with informative content or appealing deals.
   

More Multi-Generational Marketing Insights

For more findings and insights that marketers can leverage to better reach, engage and convert Asia-Pacific travelers, and to view the full study, please visit: http://bit.ly/apac-generational-trends. For country-specific generational findings, check out our blog posts on Chinese Travelers, Japanese Travelers and Australian Travelers.

November 10, 2017 – PORTSMOUTH, NH – Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that the Upper Midscale category stands at 2,066 Projects/205,330 Rooms, and has the largest project count of all chain scales in the Total U.S. Construction Pipeline. The second largest is the Upscale category which has 1,274 Projects/164,628 Rooms. Together, the Upper Midscale and Upscale Pipelines comprise 67% of all projects in the Total Pipeline.

The brands with the largest number of projects in Upper Midscale are; IHG’s Holiday Inn Express with 442 Projects/41,053 Rooms; Hilton’s Home2 Suites 348 Projects/36,439 Rooms and Hampton Inn & Suites with 324 Projects/33,627 Rooms, and Marriott’s Fairfield Inn with 284 Projects/27,411 Rooms.

In Upscale, the top brands are; Marriott’s Residence Inn with 189 Projects/23,605 Rooms, and SpringHill Suites with 157 Projects/17,795 Rooms followed by Hilton Garden Inn with 136 Projects/18,237 Rooms and Courtyard by Marriott with 133 Projects/17,308 Rooms.

Currently, in the Census of Open & Operating hotels there are 9,894 Hotels/972,115 Rooms in Upper Midscale and 4,850 Hotels/732,131 Rooms in Upscale. As would be expected, these two chain scales are forecasted to have the highest guest room growth rates through 2018. The Upper Midscale chain scale is forecasted to grow its guest room Census by 4.7% and Upscale by 5.0% in 2017, and by 5.2% and 5.4% in 2018, respectively. 

Extended-Stay Hotels
According to recent reports from Lodging Econometrics (LE), there are 1,295 extended-stay Projects/136,945 Rooms in the U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline. 438 Projects/48,903 Rooms are Under Construction, accounting for 28% of all projects Under Construction in the Total Pipeline. 609 Projects/64,359 Rooms are Scheduled to Start Construction in the Next 12 Months while an additional 248 Projects/23,683 Rooms are in Early Planning.

Home2 Suites by Hilton currently has the largest extended-stay Pipeline with 348 Projects/36,439 Rooms. The second largest brand is Marriott’s Residence Inn with 189 Projects/23,605 Rooms, followed by its Towneplace Suites with 183 Projects/18,590 Rooms.

In 2016, 224 extended-stay Hotels/24,196 Rooms opened. At the end of 2017, 241 Projects/26,640 Rooms are expected to open. In 2018, 322 Projects/34,696 Rooms and in 2019, 340 Projects/37,043 Rooms are forecast to open.

Business travel, loyalty programs, food and beverage consumption, and travel marketing content are already feeling the impact

By Bronwyn White

Millennials are becoming responsible parents and business travellers with their own unique set of service expectations from hotels, restaurants, destinations, airlines and loyalty programs

Millennials – also known as Gen Y or the Me Generation – are moving into a new life stage. The 18 to 35 year olds are becoming responsible parents and assertive business travellers.

The travel industry needs to be aware of such changes because millennials are entering into ‘peak influence’ as business travel consumers.

Millennials have already been prodigious as a social and economic force. They have arguably been the most influential generation in marketing that we have seen. Their consumption preferences will continue to define much of the travel industry’s services and products for at least the next 15 years or so.

Their impact shows in many small ways. For example, food remains a strong driver when they travel. They want healthy nutritional choices such as carrot sticks and humus. No more fried chips and ‘Franken meats’ for their kids.

Because millennials spent longer than other generations in the family home, they are more attracted to multi-generational trips with their parents. Cruise lines and savvy hotels are taking advantage of this.

There will be big impacts on business travel too. Millennials account for a third of spending on business flights now. This will grow to around 50% by 2020. Expect the same to be true for the hotel sector.

Loyalty programs and hotel spaces
Research shows that 60% of millennial business travellers are happy to pay for premium services that improve the seamlessness of their trip -- especially if it supports their appetite for technology. Because millennials have grown up valuing cooperative environments, they like work spaces where they can collaborate and share. They choose hotels that can offer opportunities such as co-working meeting spaces with free WiFi and barista coffee.

In loyalty programs, millennials want unique benefits, accessed fast using modern technology such as the latest apps linked to social media. Saying that millennials are not brand loyal is a misconception. They like brands that align with their values, needs and preferences.

However, be aware that they don’t like a hard sell. They prefer subtle and genuine marketing messages that educate them. Millennials tend to trust sources such as family, friends or their favourite social influencer. They can see marketing fraud and corporate speak a mile away. Accordingly, they like to receive ‘authentic’ messages and don’t mind if your corporate video is not highly produced – as long as it’s ‘genuine’.

The ‘live and let live’ attitude of hippies and baby boomers is not much in evidence among millennials. Indeed, psychologist Jean Twenge described millennials as epitomizing ‘Generation Me’ – “more confident, assertive, entitled – and miserable than ever before.”

Regardless, millennials are now bread and butter for the travel and hospitality industry. So we have to adapt to their needs.

Those needs are in marketing too. A generation that is defined by instant gratification needs actionable information and it needs it now. If your destination or business cannot provide the information or content that millennials want, they will abandon you and Google another business that can service them in the ‘micro-moment’.

Make your brand easy to book. Millennials are impatient and will quickly abandon you if the online process is not straight forward.

Evidence shows, email remains the number one way in which millennials like to keep up with brand news. However, your travel brand still needs to be ‘seen’ on social media.

When it comes to authenticity in travel marketing, millennials don’t want ‘brochure’ experiences. They want to ‘check out the local scene’ – to go where the locals hang out.

We reap what we sow. The rise of mobile technology and the new socio, economic and political realities following the global financial crash have helped mold a millennial mindset very different from the freewheeling and self-reliant baby boomers of yesteryear.

In any generational grouping, including millennials, there are, of course, exceptions to the generalisations. However, by understanding the new expectations, pressures and preferences on our aging millennials, the travel industry will be better placed to meet their needs – and meet those needs profitably.

Peak millennial is still on the way.