LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 13

1 min

IHG Appoints Mark Sergot as Chief Development Officer, Americas

📈 Mark Sergot has been appointed as Chief Development Officer for the Americas by IHG Hotels & Resorts. With over 25 years of industry experience, Sergot has been with IHG since 2020. He will lead growth strategies across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Previously at Fairmont Hotels for 16 years, Sergot also serves on the Board of the U.S. Travel Association.

1 min

Hotel Equities Adds 13 Hotels to Its Portfolio

🏨 Hotel Equities has been chosen to manage 13 hotels in Lubbock, Texas, owned by TAJ Hospitality, increasing HE's Texas portfolio to 29 hotels. Notable properties include Aloft Lubbock and Fairfield Inn Lubbock Downtown, set to open in February 2026. TAJ Hospitality, a family-run organization with over 40 years of experience, is led by Aviraj Patel. This partnership aims to enhance performance and guest experience, with a focus on local-first and tailored solutions.

3 min

Hilton Announces Apartment Collection by Hilton as Newest Brand

🏨 Hilton, in McLEAN, Virginia, announced Apartment Collection by Hilton, a new category offering furnished apartments, launching in the first half of 2026 across the U.S. in partnership with Placemakr. Hilton aims to expand its apartment inventory by 3,000 units, adding to its existing 10,000. The properties offer studio to four-bedroom apartments with kitchens and 24/7 support. Placemakr will manage these properties, leveraging its expertise in the furnished apartment sector.

3 min

Emerson Hospitality Announces Redevelopment of Black Creek Barns

🏖 Emerson Hospitality plans to redevelop Black Creek Barns in Esopus, New York, into a 70-room luxury resort with a $38 million financing structure. Located 90 miles north of NYC, the resort is set to open in late 2027, featuring a 7,000 sq ft event hall, dining venues, and wellness amenities. Financing includes a $19 million loan from The LCP Group and a $19 million C-PACE facility. The project focuses on sustainability and adaptive reuse.

1 min

The College of Charleston Launches Hospitality School

🏫 College of Charleston, January 2026, Charleston, SC – Michael and Amy Bennett School of Hospitality and Tourism Management launched, supported by Hotel Bennett founder Michael Bennett. Part of the College's School of Business, it aims to enhance hospitality leadership through executive engagement and experiential learning. Charleston, a major hospitality hub, offers students internships and industry connections. Bennett Hospitality, established in 1983, operates over 25 hotels in SC, GA, and MT.

2 min

Pacifica Hotels Announces Partnership With Heat Healer

🛌 Pacifica Hotels, January 2026, California—collaborates with Heat Healer to offer in-room wellness at Hotel Emblem San Francisco, Marina del Rey Hotel, and The Wayfarer San Diego. Guests gain access to Energy Mat and Body Belt using infrared heat, red LED light, and PEMF. Sessions of 20-40 minutes aid relaxation, recovery, and circulation. Products are bookable via the front desk and delivered for private sessions. This partnership brings spa-quality wellness directly to guest rooms.

8 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

🏠 Atlantis Paradise Island appointed Vaughn Roberts as COO in February 2024 to enhance operations. Peachtree Group welcomed Bill Deutsch as SVP of Equipment Finance, with 30+ years' experience. Mark Illingworth leads Hotel Indigo Turks & Caicos Grace Bay’s operations as executive GM. In January 2026, Bree Brostko becomes VP of marketing for HSMAI Americas. Matt Stephens, now a director at Partner Valuation Advisors, has executed over $5 billion in transactions in five years.

2 min

Duetto and HotStats Report Shows Gap Between Growth and Profit Conversion

📈 Duetto and HotStats revealed that global RevPAR increased by 19% since 2019, but Booking Costs PAR rose by 25%, impacting profitability. In 2025, the Americas' flow-through averaged 18%, while Europe reached 29%. Hoteliers need integrated tech strategies to manage revenues and costs effectively, with Duetto's RP-OS highlighted as a solution. Alex Zoghlin and Michael Grove emphasize the necessity of aligning revenue strategies with cost control to secure financial stability.

1 min

Crescent Hotels & Resorts Adds Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel to Its Portfolio

🏨 Columbus, Ohio—Crescent Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Whitestone Companies, expands its portfolio by adding the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel. Located downtown, the hotel offers 408 rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, and over 22,500 square feet for events. This collaboration enhances both companies' presence in Columbus, aiming to enrich the city’s hospitality through innovative design and guest experience.

1 min

AAHOA Issues Statement on Reintroduction of the Credit Card Competition Act in Congress

💳 ATLANTA, Georgia—January 2026, AAHOA praised the reintroduction of the Credit Card Competition Act in Congress. The bill, backed by Sens. Marshall (R-KS), Durbin (D-IL), Reps. Gooden (R-TX), Lofgren (D-CA), and endorsed by President Trump, aims to introduce competition against Visa and Mastercard to reduce swipe fees. AAHOA, representing nearly 20,000 hotel owners, emphasizes the act's importance to curbing costs for small businesses generating over $100 billion in annual tax revenue.

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