LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 9

4 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📅 Remington Hospitality appointed Travis Burns as EVP of business development. White Lodging promoted David Cirincione to RDO. Montage Big Sky appointed Christian Maeder as GM. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa named Richard Taylor director of sales and marketing. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort appointed Brittany Matthews director of sales and marketing. CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa appointed Eden Cambell director of brand marketing. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel appointed Ciaran Elliott executive chef. Montage Los Cabos appointed Alejandro Euroza chef de cuisine. HSMAI announced Andrew Rubinacci transitioning to past chair, Michael Innocentin as chair starting January 2026. Electrolux Professional Group appointed Chris Rudin director of sales, national chain accounts. Virginia Guesthouse Hotel appointed Gregg Hilker as GM, Rich Keurajian as director of sales and marketing. R Collection Hotels announced Riccardo Bortolotti and Ivan Parodi in leadership roles. Club Med made several leadership appointments, including Michelle Catin and Frank Corzo as VPs, and Amy Zocchi and new business development managers.

2 min

Canary Announces Rollout of AI Voice Technology at Wyndham Properties

📱 SAN FRANCISCO, December 2025: Canary Technologies and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts globally roll out AI Voice technology. Thousands of franchisees will leverage this to enhance guest interactions. The rollout follows a pilot at over 700 hotels. AI Voice enables instant, 24/7 personalized responses, aiming to address the issue of hotels missing 30% of inbound calls, a third of which are booking inquiries. This technology ensures all calls are answered, optimizing guest engagement and increasing revenue.

1 min

AAA: 122.4 Million Travelers Expected to Go 50 Miles or More Over Year-End Holiday Period

🎁 AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home between December 20 and January 1, 2025, a 2.2% increase from 2024. Popular domestic destinations include Florida, Southern California, and Hawaii, while international favorites are Mexico, the Caribbean, and Australia. This travel surge reflects diverse holiday celebrations, from family road trips to tropical getaways.

2 min

Viceroy Hotels & Resorts Appoints Arash Azarbarzin as Chief Executive Officer

🏠 Arash Azarbarzin is appointed CEO of Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, bringing over 40 years of experience in luxury hospitality. As of 2025, Viceroy is expanding with African Bush Camps in Botswana and Zambia, opening Viceroy at Ombria Algarve in Portugal, and planning a Sun Valley, Idaho resort for Summer 2026. U.S. expansions include Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Waikiki Beach, Puerto Rico, New York City, and Hudson Valley. Viceroy’s leadership team includes new executives like Patrick Pahlke and Shel Buhler.

1 min

Ledgestone Hospitality Adds Six Sonesta Hotels to Its Portfolio

🏨 Ledgestone Hospitality, in December 2025, expanded its management with six Sonesta hotels in Arizona and Nevada, adding 791 rooms to its portfolio. The properties are located in Scottsdale, Chandler, Flagstaff, and two in Tempe, Arizona. This expands Ledgestone's presence in high-demand areas and increases its managed hotels to 52 across the U.S. The management transition is underway to enhance guest experience and optimize performance.

2 min

The Boca Raton Announces Launch of Charitable Foundation

💸 The Boca Raton, Florida, 2025—The Boca Raton launches the Boca Raton Foundation for Charitable Giving, led by CEO Daniel Hostettler. Associates nominate local charities for grants in food security, education, and women/children support. Contributions start in 2025, with grants awarded in Spring 2026. A cross-departmental committee reviews submissions in early 2026. This initiative enhances existing philanthropic efforts, funded by a portion of room nights.

2 min

Frontline Performance Group Launches CheckMax

📈 Orlando, Florida—Frontline Performance Group (FPG) launched CheckMax, an AI-driven software to boost check averages by 5%-15%, potentially doubling revenue. Developed with global hotel partners, CheckMax provides sales training and analytics to enhance service. Geoffrey Toffetti, FPG CEO, highlighted the software's ability to fill the training gap in restaurants. With declining room rates and inflation, maximizing existing guest revenue is crucial. The software integrates with platforms like Oracle Micros Simphony and Toast for seamless operation.

2 min

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, Announces Partnership With BARK Air

🏖 Kona Village, Hawai‘i, in partnership with BARK Air, offers a unique canine-and-human retreat from March 15-19 and May 13-17, 2026. This experience features four-night luxury stays, dog-friendly activities, and expert support. Flights between Los Angeles and Kona accommodate ten humans and their dogs with custom services. Guests enjoy Hawaiian hospitality, special cocktails, and dog-forward culinary experiences. This collaboration enhances hospitality by creating inclusive travel experiences for dogs and their families.

2 min

Marriott Bonvoy Survey: 91 Percent of Americans Plan to Travel in 2026

🛸 Americans plan to travel in 2026, with 91% intending to take trips, and 49% aiming to travel more than in 2025. Two-thirds (67%) prioritize travel over material purchases. Key motivations include deeper connections and well-being, with 55% wanting to spend more time with loved ones. Domestic road trips and local getaways appeal to 44%. Hotel loyalty programs matter, with 52% enrolled, 49% valuing them for savings, and 80% for perks. Millennials prioritize travel over dining out.

1 min

Remington Hospitality Appoints Travis Burns as Executive Vice President of Business Development

📈 Travis Burns, with 20+ years in hospitality, appointed executive VP of business development at Remington Hospitality in Dallas, Texas. Burns transitions from Aimbridge Hospitality, where he managed 70+ properties. He will focus on expanding Remington's portfolio and strengthening relationships. Burns holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Oklahoma State University and a Hotel Real Estate Investments Certificate from Cornell. Keith Oltchick, Remington's chief development officer, praises Burns's capacity for delivering results.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.