Automatic - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 98

2 min

Hospitality Asset Managers Association (“HAMA”) Announces 2026 Board of Directors

📈 Dina Winder, appointed HAMA President for 2026, leads an 11-member board from diverse backgrounds, including Vice-President Sarah Gulla. HAMA manages 3,500 U.S. hotels, 775,000 rooms, and $40 billion in annual revenue. Winder, with over 20 years of hospitality experience and executive roles at Highgate, aims to enhance asset management impact. HAMA, with 245 international affiliates, focuses on asset management, investment, and operational policies, supporting 250,000 employees and $3 billion in capital expenditures.

2 min

Uga Jungle Beach, Trincomalee, Unveils a New Look

🏠 Uga Resorts, a boutique Sri Lankan hotel group, revealed the first phase of Uga Jungle Beach's renovation, including 49 refurbished rooms and a restaurant. Additional enhancements like the pool, beach bar, and spa are set for completion by March 2026. The 75-cover restaurant integrates with nature, reflecting a commitment to sustainability with local hiring, solar panels, and a ban on single-use plastics. Recent community projects include school facilities and water tank donations to local villages.

4 min

Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and the Essential Need for More Human Intelligence in Talent Acquisition Strategies

💻 AI impacts talent acquisition by exposing weaknesses in 20-year-old algorithm-based Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), missing top candidates. AI reshapes the labor market, transforming hospitality roles. Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) applies human intelligence to counter algorithm bias. Key metrics for talent audit include time-to-fill (30-45 days), offer acceptance rate (85%+), and cost-per-hire. Types of RPO include Full-Service, Project-Based, Selective, and Recruiter-on-Demand. Hospitality organizations should audit strategies to ensure effectiveness and avoid rejecting top talent.

2 min

IHCL Signs Framework Agreement for 7 New Ginger Hotels, Adding 1,000 Keys

🏨 Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) signs an agreement for 7 new Ginger hotels, expanding in north India. The project includes over 1,000 keys and covers cities like Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Hisar, and Karnal. The partnership begins with the 59-key Ginger Gurugram in Haryana. The Rajdarbar Group aims at tier-2 cities, leveraging India's economic growth. IHCL, with a global portfolio of 360 hotels, is India's largest hospitality company.

2 min

Marriott International Announces Retirement of David Flueck, Global Officer, Loyalty, Cards & New Businesses

🏨 David Flueck, a 22-year veteran of Marriott International, will retire at the end of March to pursue outdoor passions. He played a pivotal role in transforming Marriott Bonvoy into a top-rated travel loyalty program. Marriott, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, operates nearly 9,100 properties across 142 countries. They will soon identify a new leader for their Loyalty organization, ensuring sustained growth. Marriott Bonvoy boasts 31 brands, offering members global experiences and point-earning opportunities.

6 min

Marriott International Signs Multi-Property Agreement with Masterise Group, Accelerating Expansion in Vietnam

📍 Marriott International and Masterise Group, 2025, Vietnam: Marriott plans to open four hotels and one branded residence with nearly 1,900 keys across Vietnam, focusing on luxury and eco-friendly tourism. Key locations include Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio, and Hanoi. The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, and Four Points by Sheraton brands will be introduced. JW Marriott Hotel Saigon Can Gio will feature 780 keys and cater to 9 million annual visitors. Marriott expands its 29-property Vietnam portfolio with over 30 projects in progress.

2 min

Avani Hotels & Resorts Brings Coastal-Cool Energy to Wollongong

🏨 Minor Hotels will open its first Avani new-build in New South Wales, Australia, in Wollongong by 2027. The hotel, located at 22 Kenny Street, received development approval in July 2024. Initially planned with 107 rooms, a proposal is underway to expand to 140. This project, led by Blaq Property Group, aligns with the city's growth strategy and tourism goals. The hotel will feature a restaurant, bar, and flexible event space.

2 min

The Difference Between a Proactive and Reactive Customer Service and CX Strategy

💬 Scott McKain, author of "Beyond Distinction," emphasizes proactive over reactive customer service. Proactive service involves anticipating customer needs before they articulate them, enhancing trust and confidence. He critiques reactive strategies as being a step behind, as they're based on responding to existing issues or competitor actions. Instead, designing a strategy to preemptively address and fulfill customer expectations is crucial for building a strong customer experience.

2 min

Arizona House of Representatives recognizes hotel industry for efforts to prevent human trafficking

🚨 Today, in Phoenix, AZ, the Arizona House of Representatives issued a proclamation recognizing the hotel industry's prevention efforts against human trafficking. The American Hotel & Lodging Association's "No Room for Trafficking" initiative, launched in 2020, has provided free training in over 34 languages, completed over 2.6 million times. Arizona State Representative Justin Wilmeth introduced the proclamation, emphasizing the industry's commitment to safety and dignity through strategic partnerships and employee education programs.

2 min

IHG Hotels & Resorts to Debut Its Luxury Lifestyle Brand, Kimpton in Qatar

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to open Kimpton Al Rowda Doha, a 283-key luxury lifestyle hotel, in mid-2026. Situated in downtown Doha, Qatar, it will feature five dining venues, including a rooftop bar. This pet-friendly hotel aims to serve both travelers and locals with immersive experiences. This expansion is part of IHG's growth in the Middle East, complementing existing properties in Riyadh and upcoming launches in Dubai and Jeddah. IHG operates eight hotels in Qatar across five brands.

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