Benchmark, a global hospitality company, has named Tobby Rau director of operations for The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando. The 878 room all-suite hotel, which is a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property, opened its first phase on March 10, 2017, just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. Bill Lee, The Grove’s general manager, made the announcement. “It is a pleasure to have Tobby as a key part of The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando opening team,” said Mr. Lee. “He...
The Ajman Palace Hotel, managed by HMH – Hospitality Management Holding, was declared the GCC winner of the ‘Best Ramadan’ award at the glittering 2017 GCC Food and Travel Awards ceremony held at Palazzo Versace in Dubai last evening. Congratulating the team about this extraordinary achievement Ferghal Purcell, COO of HMH, said, “It is a very proud moment for us to receive this prestigious and exclusive industry recognition. It is an immense achievement based on our three years’ endeavor...
US lodging services revenues are forecast to reach $185 billion in 2021, according to Lodging Services: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Traditional hotels and motels are expected to outpace other segments of the industry amid increasing demand from business travelers, fueled by the geographic dispersal of business operations. While hotels face stiffening competition from providers of alternative lodging services, such as Airbnb and HomeAway.com (Expedia)...
Marriott International, Inc. today announced the expansion of its extended-stay brand, Residence Inn by Marriott, with the signing of two new properties in London. With additional openings in Amsterdam and Aberdeen this year, Residence Inn expects to more than double its European portfolio in 2017. The opening of Residence Inn London – London Bridge expected in Q2 2017 will mark the debut of the company’s industry-leading extended-stay brand in the capital, and the opening of Residence...
A staple frontrunner in sustainability within the UAE’s hospitality industry, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman has broadened its efforts with more ecological initiatives aimed at improving its waste management scheme, and saving water and energy. The 388-key property has been awarded the prestigious Green Globe certification for second year in a row, attaining an improved score via the audit conducted by Farnek Middle East, Green Globe’s Preferred Middle East Partner. Ramada Ajman boasts a...
MGM Resorts International today announced the appointment of Aaron Fischer as chief strategy officer. Fischer, who is presently based in Hong Kong and serving as senior vice president of corporate development for MGM Resorts, has been working closely on strategies for the global development of integrated resorts in Asia. He will relocate to the company’s corporate headquarters in Las Vegas. As chief strategy officer, Fischer will be responsible for leading MGM Resorts’ enterprise...
Green Globe, the world’s premier certification label for sustainable practices in the tourism industry, has announced that Red Frog Beach Island Resort in Bocas del Toro has been certified for complying with an extensive list of over 340 criteria that address the categories of: sustainable management; social and economic elements; cultural heritage; and environmental practices. The Red Frog Beach Island Resort is the first resort in Panama to be Green Globe certified for sustainable practices...
In Morschach, above Lake Lucerne, on a high plateau with a fantastic view of Lake Lucerne and the Urner Alps, sits the Swiss Holiday Park the largest holiday and leisure resort in Switzerland. First certified in 2016, the Park has once again been awarded certification by Green Globe for its successful management and sustainable operations. Walter Trösch, CEO of Swiss Holiday Park said: “Since 2007, for almost a decade, our Park has been focusing on improving our environment and seeking...
MGM Resorts International will recognize Earth Hour, the global effort to raise awareness of climate change, by dimming the exterior lights at 18 of its properties worldwide March 25. During the annual event, which is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, millions of people join communities, businesses and iconic landmarks around the world in switching their lights off for one hour. The goal is to demonstrate the importance of energy conservation and to support action on climate change...
They are sitting on packed suitcases. In less than two weeks Germany’s only luxury exhibition “loop – luxury on our planet” opens its doors for 100 international renowned hoteliers, hotel owners and providers of tourist luxury products. From March 26th to 29th, 2017, they will meet with 100 interested buyers from the DACH markets in Frankfurt am Main. The exhibition has established itself over the past three years as the most important B2B event in the German luxury tourism market. Among this...
Benchmark, a global hospitality company, has named Kristina Turner area director of marketing for the Forbes Four Star-rated Villas of Grand Cypress, a Gemstone Collection property, and The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property that opened its first phase on March 10, 2017. Both resorts are located near Walt Disney World® in Orlando, Florida. Ted Davis, chief sales & marketing office for Benchmark, made the announcement. “It is a pleasure to welcome...
Home-sharing giant Airbnb is adopting the name “Aibiying” (“爱彼迎” in Chinese characters) in China, one that translates as “welcome each other with love,” as it doubles investment in the country and triples its local workforce to serve the world’s largest population of travelers. The startup intends to ramp up its Chinese business after more than doubling listings in the country to about 80,000 in 2016, Chief Executive Officer Brian Chesky said. This year, it plans to offer customers in Shanghai...
Seattle’s iconic Art Deco gem, the Hotel Deca, is the newest member of the Gemstone Collection, a dynamically expanding portfolio that is part of Benchmark, a global hospitality company. The historic 158-guestroom property, featuring three Penthouse Suites, is situated in Seattle’s spirited University District, close to the campus of the University of Washington and just minutes from the attractions of downtown Seattle. Benchmark includes 70 domestic and international properties under two...
Viceroy Hotel Group (VHG) today announced the segmentation of its portfolio into three tiers: The Viceroy Icon Collection, The Viceroy Lifestyle Series and Urban Retreat Collection. This new structure is a natural evolution for the modern luxury hotel brand. As it continues to create unique and diverse experiences, the tier structure will help guests find what they are looking for more easily. “We celebrate the differences in our portfolio and know that our guests love diversity...
For the ninth consecutive year, NH Hotel Group will support the WWF global initiative Earth Hour, switching off the lights of its hotels’ façades all over the world. With this gesture, which will be made by the Company between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm on Saturday 25 March, NH Hotel Group is demonstrating its firm commitment to respecting and protecting the environment in which it runs its business. With its commitment to this WWF initiative, the Company aims not only to involve its hotels and...
Today, March 22, is World Water Day, with the theme of waste water, something close to the heart of each luxury property belonging to Corinthia Hotels. Corinthia’s environmental sustainability is championed through its Premier Partnership with international water-aid charity Just A Drop. Over the last three years Corinthia has brought life-changing clean water to a total of 43,325 children and families across five Just A Drop projects, the most recent in Zambia and Tanzania. As a collection of...
Marriott International today announced it expects to debut its booming Four Points brand in New Zealand with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Auckland in late 2017. Owned by Russell Property Group and Lockwood Auckland Properties, the 255-room hotel will be located in the heart of the city at 396 Queen Street, Auckland’s main retail and dining strip. Today’s signing marks Marriott’s continued expansion in New Zealand following the signing of The Ritz-Carlton, Auckland...
Hotel Nikko San Francisco, located steps from Union Square in the heart of the city, unveils a sweeping $60 million renovation commemorating its 30th anniversary this year. Following a three-month renovation, spearheaded by Hirsch Bedner Associates, the contemporary and sophisticated interior design elevates the entire guest experience, complemented by the genuine and intuitive service Hotel Nikko San Francisco has long been known for. The new design, which takes inspiration from the...
Commonwealth Hotels has added four Alabama hotels to their portfolio, effective March 10, 2017. This brings the hotel management company’s nationwide portfolio to 44 properties with over 5,400 rooms. “We are excited to bring these award-winning hotels into the Commonwealth Hotels family,” said Brian Fry, President of Commonwealth Hotels. “The associates deliver world class service with casual charm and we are delighted they have joined our team.” The four Hilton...
With the signing of a new partnership, Airbnb will work together with Anguilla’s government to increase visitors to the island and create new jobs. Data reported in 2010 by the Anguilla Tourist Board stated that the tourism industry represented over two-fifths (41%) of total employment, and is a major asset to the island’s economy. The Government of Anguilla (GoA) and Airbnb have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that seeks to promote the island as a premier Caribbean...
To support its robust global expansion, Rosewood Hotel Group has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Michael Dojlidko as senior vice president – general counsel and group head of legal. Mr. Dojlidko has nearly 20 years’ experience in corporate law, specialising in mergers and acquisitions for public and private companies, hotel agreements and real estate dispositions as well as supervising finance and legal departments, and acting as senior advisor to company leadership...
Building on its success in January hosting students for an international residency from Tufts University in Boston, Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Malta is now targeting the educational travel community in the US to help fill its five-star meeting space. To help drive this new business, the Corinthia Palace recently became an affiliate member of ETC (Educational Travel Consortium), a body representing travel planners for US universities, museums and professional organizations. Professor...
Choice Hotels International, Inc. today announced significant growth and development plans for Cambria hotels & suites in 2017. With 28 Cambria hotels & suites open across the United States, the brand is planning a major increase in 2017 with 14 planned hotel openings, 18 groundbreakings, and multiple executed franchise agreements. Cambria hotels & suites already celebrated two grand openings in Texas this year in Southlake and McAllen. Throughout 2017, openings will continue...
More than ever before, travelers are seeking out memorable personalized experiences. Today, Marriott International, Inc. announced it has invested in PlacePass, a pioneering provider of travel technology solutions offering travelers a leading online meta-search platform for in-destination experiences. Global travelers will soon be able to choose from an additional 100,000 plus authentic local experiences in 800 destinations worldwide when they book direct on Marriott.com or SPG.com or their...
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) today will unveil the company’s three-year growth plan, which includes opening approximately one hotel every 14 hours around the world, at its meeting with security analysts and institutional investors at the New York Marriott Marquis. In its presentation, Marriott will outline plans to accelerate its growth, adding 285,000 to 300,000 rooms worldwide by 2019, which could yield a record $675 million in annual stabilized fees from these rooms. The...
Today Oracle announced the successful implementation of Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud property management software at over 30 Mӧvenpick hotels in 10 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud was selected to enable the brand to optimize synergies in distribution, marketing, guest recognition and operations. An initial implementation test was successfully completed in five properties in Jordan and Switzerland, and now nearly a third of the...
Pendry Hotels announced today the grand opening of Sagamore Pendry Baltimore in the city’s historic Fell’s Point neighborhood. A new luxury hospitality brand from Montage International, Pendry is a collection of new luxury hotels that combines inspired design and authentic service tailored to today’s world traveler. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore was developed in collaboration between Montage International and Sagamore Development Company, owned by Kevin Plank, founder, chairman...
Choice Hotels International, Inc. has appointed Keith Biumi to the position of regional vice president, membership development of the Ascend Hotel Collection. The Ascend Hotel Collection is the world’s first and largest portfolio of distinctive upscale independent hotels and resorts, backed by the global resources of Choice Hotels. Biumi has more than 25 years of experience in the hotel industry in domestic and international markets, with broad expertise in development, franchising, brand...
RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, added more than 170 new affiliated resorts to its exchange network in 2016. The additions, which include some resorts currently under construction, span across every populated continent. “We’re proud of the quantity and quality of properties we added to the RCI® exchange network this year,” said Gordon Gurnik, president, RCI. “By working with superior brands in the hospitality...
Following on from the success of their properties in Ibiza and Tenerife, the Malta Tourism Authority are delighted with the announcement that Hard Rock Café will be opening a hotel in Malta in 2020. Nestled in the trendy hot spot of St Julian’s, the hotel is projected to feature 370 rooms, including 110 suites with balcony views over the idyllic island paradise of St George’s Bay. A gastronomic destination in itself, the hotel is to feature a host of premier food and beverage outlets, including...
