LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 161

2 min

AHLA Continues to Oppose NYC Hotel Licensing Bill

📌 The NYC hotel licensing bill, despite revisions, is opposed by the hotel industry, including the AHLA and AAHOA, who warn it could economically harm small, family-owned hotels and immigrant and minority-owned businesses. Key figures like AHLA's interim CEO Kevin Carey and AAHOA's chairman Miraj Patel, along with NYC Minority Hotel Association founding member Mukesh Patel, express concerns over the bill's impacts on jobs and operations. The industry urges continued dialogue for a balanced solution.

2 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📈 Errol David, VP of Operations for Venus Group Inc., will retire at the end of 2024 after a 40-year tenure; succeeded by Cecilia Henson. Steven Okuley joins the American Hotel & Lodging Association as Senior VP. JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group adds Carolina Bernal and Mackenzie Melikian in NYC. Rod Lapasin appointed as MD and GM of Hotel Westland by Aparium Hotel Group. Alila Ventana Big Sur names Matt Skaletsky as GM. Raymond Weissert becomes GM of The Grove Resorts & Water Park. Javier Arrebola joins The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay as Executive Chef. Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina hires James McIver as Executive Chef. Nicole Johnson welcomed as Marketing Manager by The Newman. Steve Smotrys to serve as MD and SVP of Commercial at HX. Highgate Hawaii appoints Ramona Silo and Jessica Mullenfeld to its marketing task force.

2 min

Aimbridge Intelligence Becomes Company’s Proprietary Data Reporting Platform

📊 Aimbridge Hospitality in Plano, Texas introduced Aimbridge Intelligence, a data reporting platform offering transparency and collaborative tools for owners. The technology, part of OwnView portal, allows near real-time access to STR performance, RevPAR Index, profitability, guest service, and turnover data. CEO Craig S. Smith emphasized their commitment to being a trusted hotel operator, with CIO Keryn McNamara highlighting the platform’s groundbreaking data product and its future AI and machine learning integrations for demand forecasting.

3 min

Red Roof Shares Plans for Company Elevation at Brand Conference

🏡 In Columbus, Ohio, Red Roof President Zack Gharib addressed over 1,000 franchisees, team members, and partners about growth plans, including a new hotel prototype prioritizing economical development and franchisee efficiencies. The 80-room prototype features a modern design, interior corridors, and scalable options. New partnerships, like the one with Sojern, aim to enhance guest experiences using data and AI, alongside the integration of the HotelKey system for improved operations. Leadership additions include CFO Tara Henderson and General Counsel Gerrod Bede, highlighting a deeper focus on company culture and brand consistency.

2 min

Cendyn Acquires Knowland, Aims to Yield More MICE Bookings

📈 Cendyn, a hospitality software company, acquired Knowland, a provider of market intelligence data, enhancing MICE space sales prospecting capabilities. Knowland's intelligence covers over 7,500 hotels in the US and international markets. Cendyn recently included Austin-based Haveli Investments in its investors, alongside Accel-KKR. This acquisition aligns with Cendyn's strategy to "Find, Book, and Grow" group business, integrating Knowland's data with Cendyn's Sales CRM, Proposals, and Grouprev platforms. U.S. Travel Association forecasts business travel to reach 95% of its 2019 peak by 2024, offering Cendyn growth potential.

2 min

BWH Hotels Appoints Bill Ryan as SVP and Chief Technology Officer

💻 Bill Ryan appointed as senior vice president and chief technology officer at BWH Hotels, overseeing technology and digital strategy, reported by Larry Cuculic, president and CEO. Ryan's career includes 15 years in retail, driving growth at PetSmart, Urban Outfitters, and Backcountry, where he was VP of digital commerce. Holds a business degree from George Washington University and an MBA from Villanova University.

3 min

Hilton’s Annual Trends Report Finds Travelers Will Want High-Impact Experiences in 2025

🏠 In 2024, dubbed the "Year of the Great Recharge," Hilton's Trends Report, after surveying 13,000 travelers across 13 countries and gathering insights from 4,100 team members, reveals a desire for vacations that combine relaxation with adventure. 70% of travelers enjoy being active, with 20% planning outdoor adventures for 2025. 58% revisit childhood destinations with their kids, and 63% want digital room keys. 24% practice digital detox, and solo travelers, 64% of whom value a good book, are surging. Foodie exploration is growing, with 50% booking restaurant reservations before flights, and one in four reduces alcohol intake, reflecting the Tempo Drinking trend. Finally, Hilton's sport sales revenue tripled from 2019 to 2024, 80% from youth or amateur sports.

1 min

Sonesta Essential Rapid City Opens

🏨 Sonesta International Hotels Corporation opened Sonesta Essential Rapid City in Newton, Massachusetts, a 200-room, upper-midscale hotel. Nearby attractions include Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park. The brand, launched in January 2023, offers amenities like elevated bedding, WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Keith Pierce highlighted the rapid growth of Sonesta Essential since its debut.

2 min

Sage Hospitality Group Plans Catbird Hotel, Colorado Springs

🏨 Sage Hospitality Group and Norwood Development Group to build new Catbird Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs, set to break ground in Spring 2025 and complete in Fall 2027. The full-service, independent, extended-stay hotel will feature 180 rooms, dining, meeting spaces, and join the Catbird brand alongside the Denver location opened in 2021. Sage will manage the hotel, with design by DLR Group, OMFGCo, and JNS Architecture + Interior Design. The hotel will offer amenities including a spacious lobby, kitchen, fitness room, rooftop space, and a lending program for items like mopeds and snowboards.

2 min

Peachtree Group Names Brent LeBlanc EVP, Business Development

💰 Brent LeBlanc, with 30 years of hospitality real estate experience, was appointed as the executive vice president of business development at Peachtree Group, aiming to enhance Peachtree's competitive edge. Under his prior role, he helped grow Peachtree's Western U.S. presence and partook in over $4.0 billion in transactions. Peachtree recently exceeded $10 billion in transaction investment value and is focusing on innovation and strategic partnerships for continued expansion and success.

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