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Automatic

2359 posts

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin to Launch $275 Million Transformation and Expansion Project

🏖️ In Lake Buena Vista, Florida, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin announced a $275 million renovation and expansion project on December 27, 2024. The enhancement includes 120,000 square feet of additional event space, upgrades to existing meeting spaces and Swan guest rooms. This will increase total meeting space to 469,000 square feet, with the largest contiguous space being 175,000 square feet. A new annex will add 41,000 square feet of multipurpose space and a 41,000 square foot ballroom. Renovations of existing spaces and guest room remodels will be completed by summer 2025 and 2024, respectively. Groundbreaking for the expansion is set for November, with completion expected in late summer 2026.
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  • 2 min

HT Talks Tech with Kura Sushi

🤖 Kura Sushi utilizes a robotic arm to ensure compliance and reduce human error, maintaining disposal rates at 3%. Their growth exceeds 20% annually due to automation, which also reduces staffing needs to 60-70 employees per location, compared to typical restaurants with 80-100. Revenue averages $4 million. The Bikkura Pon Prize System gamifies dining by rewarding guests with a prize after depositing 15 plates. Collaborations with gaming brands for promotions have included Nintendo. Drink robots introduced in 2019 enhance service and the brand's fun, tech-forward image.
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  • 4 min

HT’s 10 Most Read Hotel Tech Articles of 2024

🏨 Turtle Bay Resort utilizes Salesforce’s Einstein 1 Platform for AI-driven guest personalization, experiencing a 40% revenue increase, 50% rise in activity bookings, and enhanced engagement rates. Hotels are adopting technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and OpenWiFi to meet challenges in connectivity, relying on IoT and cloud-based systems. Attribute-based selling (ABS) shows potential for revenue boost and guest satisfaction. Advanced tech like AI, IoT, and blockchain is integral for future hotels to ensure guest loyalty and data security. Spencer Mott, former Global CSO at Booking.com, warns against rising ATO cyber threats in hospitality. Amadeus's Francisco Pérez-Lozao stresses cloud-native solutions and consistent data architecture for competitive hospitality. Hilton enters the metaverse, partnering with Roblox for loyalty points and customer engagement. The 2024 Lodging Technology Study released in December 2023 offers data on IT implementation and trends influencing guest loyalty.
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Mastercard SpendingPulse: Total U.S. Restaurant Sales Surge 6.3%

🏨 Holoconnects, Mews, and CIC Hospitality introduced an AI holographic front desk avatar at Aiden by Best Western Lolland, Denmark on November 21. Developed with RAVATAR, the AI avatar facilitates hotel check-ins/outs, room key generation, and bookings. The Holobox provides a life-size 3D holographic experience in 4K resolution. The partners aim to improve hospitality through technology, leveraging Mews' automation for enhanced guest services. Feedback will inform improvements and integration of human-centric automated experiences.
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Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr Opens in the Heart of Morocco’s Capital

🏡 Canada, Toronto, Ontario - December 26, 2024. Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr opens in Rabat's Quartier l'Océan, alongside the Atlantic. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, the hotel features 200 rooms with options like the Turquoise Ocean View Suite and Moulay Slimane Presidential Suite. The two-storey Sultan's Riad offers 950 square meters of luxury. Dining includes Brasserie Marie, Flamme, Noora Lobby Lounge, and Bar Atlantique. Resort sprawls over five hectares with two outdoor pools, a spa, wellness center, and a 24/7 fitness center. Additional venues Verdello and Laila Lounge are set to open later in the year.
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General Manager Chris Suarez Tapped to Lead Nobu Hotel Palo Alto

🏡 In Palo Alto, California, Chris Suarez was appointed as the new general manager of the 73-room Nobu Hotel Palo Alto on December 26, 2024. Bringing nearly 25 years of industry experience, Suarez, former Director of Sales & Marketing at the same hotel, will manage hotel operations and guest experiences while maintaining Nobu's high standards. His hospitality career includes prestigious properties across California and Arizona. Suarez aims to enhance the hotel's status as a top luxury destination for various traveler types.
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AC Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott Reston to Make January 2025 Debut in Virginia

🏡 In Reston, Virginia, the AC Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott is scheduled to open in January 2025. Managed by Donohoe Hospitality Services, the dual-branded hotel features 267 rooms across 16 floors, with the Residence Inn offering 120 suites with kitchens and the AC Hotel providing 147 modern rooms. Amenities include 11,300 sq ft of event space, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. The property is near over 50 retailers, 30 restaurants, and direct access to Reston Town Center Metro Station. Executive Chef Alexis Hernandez heads SEVEN Restaurant & Bar, complemented by SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge on the 16th floor.
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Worldhotels to Develop First Hard-Branded Hotel in the Country of Georgia in Partnership With Geuz International

🏖️ In Phoenix, Arizona, on December 25, 2024, WorldHotels, part of BWH Hotels, announced a new hotel opening in Kobuleti, Georgia, in 2028. The WorldHotels Kobuleti will feature two 47-story twin towers with an 1100-key resort, offering amenities such as restaurants and bars, a conference hall, meeting rooms, fitness center, spa, and a private beach. The luxury project aims to promote tourism and will include a 200-seat cinema and infinity pools, capitalizing on Georgia's growing tourist influx.
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Marriott Opens Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive

🏨 Marriott International, Inc. opened its 500th property in the Caribbean and Latin America on December 25, 2024, in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. The Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Adult All-Inclusive, marks the first luxury all-inclusive resort by Marriott in Mexico and the 62nd luxury property in the region. The resort features 109 suites, seven dining venues, and is part of Marriott Bonvoy®. In three years, Marriott's CALA portfolio grew from 300 to 500 properties, with the luxury segment constituting approximately 10% of Marriott's global luxury portfolio. Future openings include Paraiso de la Bonita in Q1 2025 and W Punta Cana in Q2 2025.
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Abe Liao Tapped as Managing Director of the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC

📍 Abe Liao appointed Managing Director at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. on December 25, 2024. Previously Vice President at Aimbridge Hospitality, oversaw 20 hotels across the U.S., and served as Regional General Manager at Lore Group. Under his management, Riggs DC won Travel + Leisure's and Condé Nast Traveler's awards; Lyle DC ranked #1 on TripAdvisor in 2022. Liao is on the Board of Directors for the Hotel Association of Washington DC, resides in Arlington, Virginia.
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