LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 61

2 min

RMS Announces Launch of RMS Pay in North America

💳 SAN DIEGO—RMS launched RMS Pay in the U.S. and Canada, already successful in Australia and Europe. Over 50% of users report fewer no-shows due to pre-authorization, and 98.3% experience less than one chargeback monthly. RMS Pay simplifies operations, saving customers over five hours weekly on payment tasks. Fully integrated into the RMS property management system, it supports varied hospitality businesses by automating financial processes. James MacRae joins as head of payments to drive expansion.

1 min

AHLA Statement on GSA Release of FY2026 Per Diem Rates

🏨 WASHINGTON, D.C.—In FY2026, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) decided to maintain flat government per diem rates, impacting the hospitality industry. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) highlighted the importance of aligning these rates with rising costs. Rosanna Maietta, AHLA President & CEO, emphasized the decision's strain on both the industry and government travelers. The AHLA plans to advocate for adjustments with the GSA and Congress to support a thriving hospitality sector.

1 min

Hunter Hotel Advisors Arranges Sale of Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University

📅 August 1, 2025, Knoxville, Tennessee: The 195-key Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University was sold by a private seller to the local hotel owner, The 9 Group. Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the transaction through their Chattanooga office. Located near Market Square and the University of Tennessee, the hotel offers over 15,000 square feet of meeting space, Mahogany’s restaurant, an indoor pool, fitness center, and business center.

2 min

AAA: Seattle Remains Among Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations

🛫 Seattle, Orlando, and New York top AAA’s Labor Day travel list in 2025. Domestic flights average $720, 6% cheaper than last year, with hotels down 11% and car rentals 3% lower. Gas prices remain stable, matching 2021 summer averages. International travel is pricier, with 8% higher airfare despite 2% cheaper hotels. Vancouver is the top international destination. INRIX advises early travel to avoid congestion, with Saturday expected to be particularly busy.

3 min

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Highlights Global Renovations

📄 Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced renovations at global properties. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald completed updates by 2024. Fairmont Le Montreux Palace finished renovations in April 2025 for 120 rooms. In June 2025, Fairmont Orchid completed a multimillion-dollar renovation for 540 rooms. Hamilton Princess in Bermuda unveiled its renovated wing in May 2025, marking 140 years. Fairmont Southampton will complete its $550 million revamp by summer 2026. The Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva's transformation will debut in 2026.

2 min

Olympia Hospitality Announces New Management Partnership

🏨 Sara Masterson, president of Olympia Hospitality, announced a management partnership with Mountain Shore Properties for Hotel Genevieve in Louisville, Kentucky. The 122-room hotel, in the East Market District (NuLu), joins the JdV by Hyatt collection, enhancing its visibility. The hotel features vintage and modern furnishings, and includes Byrdie’s restaurant, Bar Genevieve rooftop lounge, Mini Marché market, and Jimmy Can’t Dance jazz bar. This strategic move aims to unlock the hotel’s full potential and ensure long-term growth.

1 min

Phrasing Announces Development of AI Optimization System for Hospitality Industry

💻 Dallas, Texas—April 2025, Phrasing announced a new AI-driven system for hotels and resorts. This system utilizes "Content Pods" to optimize content for both traditional and AI-driven search, improving visibility and engagement across digital platforms. Tim Welsh, Phrasing's president, emphasizes the system's ability to enhance digital marketing strategies by aligning with AI search dynamics, empowering hospitality brands to compete effectively in the digital era.

1 min

CoStar: U.S. Hotel Industry Reports Negative Yearly Comparisons

📈 Arlington, Virginia—August 3-9, 2025, the U.S. hotel industry saw a decline: occupancy fell 1.0% to 68.0%, ADR decreased 0.6% to $159.61, and RevPAR dropped 1.6% to $108.47. San Francisco excelled with World Transplant Congress influence, boosting occupancy by 12.8% to 81.5%, ADR by 8.3% to $210.29, and RevPAR by 22.2% to $171.38. Houston faced the biggest losses with a 27.5% drop in occupancy to 55.3% and a 34.6% decrease in RevPAR to $61.38, due to post-Hurricane Beryl effects.

1 min

Breakwater and BR Investments Acquire Ramada Hotel in Augusta, GA

🏨 Breakwater and BR Investments are acquiring the Ramada Hotel in downtown Augusta, originally opened in 1974 and rebranded in 1999. The 175-room hotel, one of only two in the U.S. designed by I.M. Pei, will undergo renovations led by The Gettys Group and Rabun Architects. A Charleston-based restaurateur will enhance the food and beverage offerings. The project aims to revitalize Broad Street, creating a vibrant hub in Augusta.

1 min

Choice Hotels International Appoints Aly El-Bassuni as Senior Vice President of Managed Hotels Division

🏨 Aly El-Bassuni was appointed as senior vice president of the managed hotels division at Choice Hotels International in North Bethesda, Maryland. With over 30 years in hospitality, his prior roles include president at Aimbridge Hospitality and senior positions at Wyndham and Radisson. El-Bassuni will focus on strategy, operations, and growth for Choice Hotels’ managed properties. His leadership will drive performance and enhance guest experiences, building on the company's strong foundation.

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