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Accor Plans Q4 2021 Opening of Raffles the Palm Dubai

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group with more than 600 hotels and resorts across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, is opening its first Raffles Resort in the Middle East, on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Set to open in the last quarter of 2021, Raffles the Palm Dubai will be the first ultra-luxury addition to Accor’s existing diverse portfolio in Dubai. The group is partnering with Emerald Palace group (EPG), which has been successfully developing and constructing residential projects in Ukraine, UAE and Russia since 1996. At present, EGP has 8 new developments under construction, with a further 10 at project stage. “We are pleased to partner with Accor to establish the first Raffles resort in the Middle East. Our international expertise in developing and constructing hotel and residential projects combined with Accor’s knowledge, presence and prestigious brand portfolio set the grounds to open the best hotel in town!” mentioned Dr. Nver Mkhitaryan, Owner of EGP Group. Raffles the Palm Dubai will be situated within 100,000sqm landscape on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island and archipelago. Its privileged location boasts panoramic sea views and vistas of the Dubai’s iconic skyline while offering a tranquil and private escape, just a short drive away from the city’s vibrant attractions. Once open, the resort will offer 389 luxurious rooms – starting from 65 sqm- , suites and villas, each of them featuring a balcony and terrace showcasing unparalleled sea views. Not only will this new property offer unrivalled hospitality, it will also go beyond expectations by providing the legendary Raffles butler service and offering eight new unique lifestyle food and beverage experiences. Guests looking to relax during their stay will be able to indulge in Cing Mondes Spa, an award winning 3,000sqm Parisian brand with an iconic design, never before seen in Dubai, featuring 23 treatments rooms and two private spa suites, as well as the city’s largest indoor swimming pool. Rising above the cobalt blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the property is flanked by a 500 meter private white sand beach offering the perfect scene for an ultra-luxurious beach experience! Guests and residents will be introduced to a brand new concept beach club offering which will showcase Mediterranean cuisine, entertainment offerings and much more coming to the shores of the Raffles the Palm Dubai. When staying at the Raffles the Palm Dubai, one can expect discreet service, refined dining and artfully curated experiences, setting a new precedent in a city synonymous with pioneering hospitality. “This is a very exciting opportunity for us” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. “There are very few beach resort plots left in Dubai and none on the Palm Jumeirah. The size of the property and its location perfectly lend itself to provide a prestigious address for the Raffles brand” With properties all around the world, each Raffles reflects the mood of its location while featuring a personality that is both intimate and luxurious and Raffles the Palm Dubai will be no exception. Guests will find themselves immersed in a luxurious urban sanctuary with sumptuous facilities, including a collection of eight dining offerings fit for royalty. Raffles frequent and novice guests will be introduced to some key elements of the Raffles brand, including the Raffles Patisserie, Writers Lounge and Library. Set to become the new “must-see” destination in Dubai, the property will undoubtedly meet the expectation of travelers from around the world. Guests looking for a private stay will be introduced to the private villas on the beach, while those travelling with family will enjoy world class amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a cinema, a dedicated children’s swimming pool and kids’ and teens’ club. Adventurous travelers can partake in a wealth of water sports and recreational activities such as paddle boarding, or take introductory courses in diving. “We are confident that the new Raffles will compete with world-class luxury hotels across the globe. While being located in Dubai, one of the most sought after cities in the world, Raffles will open its door to provide an unprecedented and exclusive level of luxury. From the private villas on the beach and array of dining offerings, to the expansive outdoor areas ideals for weddings and events, Raffles the Palm Dubai is all set to become a destination in itself!” adds Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. Accor currently operates 410 properties (89,116 rooms) in India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey with 222 more (50,690 rooms) in the development pipeline.

Create: Jun 28, 2021 Edit: Jun 28, 2021 International News

Thon Hotel Brussels Airport to Complete Renovation by End of 2021

Thon Hotel Brussels Airport announces the end of a full renovation of the property by the end of 2021. Located 5 minutes from Brussels National Airport and the NATO headquarters and only 15 minutes from the city centre of Brussels, Thon Hotel Brussels Airport is ideally located for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel is part of the Norwegian hotel chain, Thon Hotels, which recently aligned their brand with the motto “Add colour to your day”. The Thon Hotel Brussels Airport is one of the latest properties that has undergone a change in comfort and style to ensure the best possible stay for the guests. By the end of 2021 the hotel will have completed a full refurbishment. Renovations include a new design for all 100 guest rooms, a marble breakfast buffet with new matching restaurant furniture and a stylish lobby set. All items have been carefully curated by Sissel Berdal Haga Thon, head of design at the Olav Thon Group, and the Norwegian interior architect, Trond Ramsoeskar, who have worked to transform the hotel from an airport hotel to a Thon Hotel full of colour and light. In the trendy bar area, guests can enjoy a new level of entertainment as a pool table and foosball table were put in place. The hotel set up a Grab & Go self-service market replacing the full restaurant service, offering a variety of snacks, meals and drinks at all times. Both guests and external visitors can buy a takeaway meal for their flight, lunch break or take it up to the room. Other facilities that are worth mentioning are the arrival of an air-conditioned exercise gym with Technogym equipment and the complete renovation of the meeting room with all the technical equipment. Next to a change in style and services, the hotel has invested in and improved the security and safety of the building by replacing the fire central and detection units, extinguishers and fire doors and by adding security cameras in and around the building. With these refurbishments, the Thon Hotel Brussels Airport is the perfect place to stay for any trip in the airport business district.

Create: Jun 28, 2021 Edit: Jun 28, 2021 International News

China Releases Plans for Permanent Mars Base

China’s state-owned Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) has announced some ambitious plans to establish a permanent crewed base on the surface of Mars. In a speech at the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2021), CALT head Wang Xiaojun elaborated on the country’s three-step approach for future missions to the Red Planet, state-owned newspaper Global Times reports. The announcement sends a strong signal that China is just as interested in developing a human presence on the Red Planet within the next 20 or so years as NASA and SpaceX — or, at least, that it sees propaganda value in planning out such missions. Three Steps to Mars China is hoping to start with a Mars sample return mission in the early- to mid-2030s, as well as a mission to find the best spot for a future base. Next is a crewed mission, which will involve laying the foundations for the Mars base. In the early 2040s, the country is hoping to establish a “large scale Earth-Mars cargo fleet” for “large scale development of the Red Planet,” according to Global Times. Sky Ladder China is hoping to use nuclear power to allow the first crews to travel to Mars, according to Wang. The scientist even mentioned a “Sky Ladder,” essentially a type of space elevator, that could carry cargo and crews to the Moon using just four percent of the cost. This would involve a capsule traveling along a carbon nanotube to a space station before relaunching towards the Moon. These ideas may sound mostly like science fiction at this point. But if China’s recent track record is anything to go by — the country has managed to send rovers to both the Moon and Mars as well as establishing a space station in orbit over the course of just several years — it may just have a shot at realizing its Mars exploration goals as well.

Create: Jun 28, 2021 Edit: Jun 28, 2021 International News

Hyatt Opens Alila Hinu Bay in Oman

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Alila Hinu Bay in Oman which joins Alila Jabal Akhdar as the brand’s second hotel in Oman along with 15 other Alila properties worldwide. Distinguished a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, the award-winning brand features luxury hotels and resorts in some of the most spectacular natural locations. The 112-key hotel includes 16 villas and is nestled on a secluded beachfront in Oman’s southwest region of Dhofar. The untouched area is best known for its lush landscapes, cool summers, and it is within easy driving distance from Salalah International Airport. Between Samhan mountain and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, Alila Hinu Bay caters to well-traveled guests seeking reflection and impactful connections. Along with the breath-taking scenery, the area is known for its rich Bedouin traditions and the renowned warmth of Omani hospitality. Combined with a personalized experience that is crafted for each guest, travelers can expect to be immersed in authentic yet bespoke journeys tailored to their preferences and interests. “We are very excited to add Alila Hinu Bay to the Hyatt portfolio and welcome guests to this region of Oman, a true nature lover’s paradise full of stunning landscapes, waterfalls and greenery,” said Martin Persson, general manager, Alila Hinu Bay. “Dedicated to being responsible and sustainable, guests can enjoy the farm to table concept at one of our three dining options or treat themselves to a customized spa experience that uses natural products.” Accommodations with a View Alila Hinu Bay boasts 112 guestrooms and villas with interiors incorporating local materials which blend natural elements of the outdoors with clean, modern finishes . Guestrooms offer lagoon or sea views, each with its own terrace with fixed seating and the option of booking connecting rooms for families. Pool villas offer the utmost in luxury with private plunge pools and outdoor bathtubs, enabling guests to feel in tune with the natural surroundings. Further, all of the pool villas boast direct access to the beach and plenty of space to relax and recharge. Sustainable Dining Experiences Each of Alila Hinu Bay’s dining venues is committed to sourcing the majority of their produce from local vendors. Seasalt offers views over the ocean and welcomes guests to indulge in a coastal dining experience. The Orchard delivers sustainable, all-day dining, which is brought to life using natural and locally-sourced ingredients. The Lobby Lounge serves light refreshments and takes its cue from traditional Majilis-style seating. Wellbeing Experiences Situated between the mountains and the sea, guests have plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the beauty of the destination. Diving fans can enjoy the chance to experience some of the world’s most stunning and intact coral reefs, while those interested in fishing can try their hand at reeling in the catch of the day. Those seeking to unwind can relax with a treatment at Spa Alila, which uses only natural products, and which also offers a range of yoga and meditation classes. Stepping outside of the resort, guests can continue their immersion into nature in the greenery of the Wadi Darbat valleys or by visiting natural caves, waterfalls and Khor Rori, the largest nature reserve in the area. Historical and cultural discoveries can be made at Mirbat Castle, the old merchant houses or the Sumhuram Archeological Park. Alila Hinu Bay, Oman, adds to Hyatt’s existing Alila brand portfolio of 15 properties, joining hotels and resorts in Indonesia, India, China, Camboda, Malaysia and the United States. The new property also expands Hyatt’s brand footprint across the Middle East, becoming the 27th Hyatt-branded hotel in the region.

Create: Jun 23, 2021 Edit: Jun 23, 2021 International News

IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint in Southern France

IHG Hotels & Resorts is growing its Premium & Essentials Collections in France with the recent openings of Crowne Plaza Nice – Grand Arenas and Holiday Inn Express Nice – Grand Arenas in partnership with HPVA HOTELS. Located on the stunning French Riviera, both hotels are less than a five-minute tram ride from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and just ten minutes from Nice city centre. Nice, on the south-east coast of France, is famed for its sunny seaside location and has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. Over the last few years, the city has been building its reputation as Côte d’Azur’s business hub and is home to a vibrant tech and start-up scene. As one of the world’s largest Premium hotel brands, Crowne Plaza deeply understands ‘Work/Life Blend’ and that business travel isn’t just about business – it’s about balancing work and life to feel both successful and fulfilled. The 129 guest rooms at Crowne Plaza Nice – Grand Arenas have a distinct contemporary design that perfectly integrates work and personal spaces – helping the modern business traveller integrate work and personal through the purposeful design. The earthy tones throughout the rooms are brought to life with earthenware pottery in midnight blue tones and gilded brass touches offer guests a warm and relaxed feel with a touch of elegance. Located on the top floor of the hotel is the exclusive Club Lounge, offering a place of solitude for those wishing to host one-on-one meetings, or to relax with a drink in hand while enjoying incredible views of the city. On the same floor is the Fitness Centre which has free access for hotel guests and offers a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment and a Swedish hot stone sauna. For some downtime after a long day, the hotel’s BALM Restaurant & Bar offers responsibly sourced, simple, and tasty bistro-chic dishes, using fresh and local products. Signature dishes include roasted swordfish, tagliatelle with Iberian pork and white chocolate pana cotta. With a total of 450m² of event space complete with large windows, a central glass canopy and eight flexible rooms to accommodate up to 150 people – it’s perfect for those planning future business events or meetings. With IHG’s Meet With Confidence programme, guests have the flexibility to book future meetings and events with zero cancellation fees at participating hotels. Whatever the business need, a dedicated Crowne Plaza Meeting Director will ensure every event is a success. Adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Nice- Grand Arenas is the Holiday Inn Express Nice – Grand Arenas, designed for savvy travellers who are on the move and who value a simple and smart travel experience. Holiday Inn Express Nice – Grand Arenas has 131 modern rooms, designed with a mix of soft and warm tones, and equipped with the latest technology including a Smart TV and free Wi-Fi. Guests will have everything they need including a power shower, flexible workspace, and the promise of a great night’s sleep with both firm and soft pillows on every bed, a plush duvet and plenty of bedside power outlets. In the hotel’s lobby, guests will find tables with integrated power – all part of the brand’s Next Generation design solutions aimed at enhancing guest experience and equipping travellers with everything they need for a great stay. A mix of seating styles provide a welcoming space for guests to work or relax. The Express Café & Bar is an integrated lobby and food and drink space, providing a “pit-stop” for guests with a wide range of choices. The brand’s Express Start breakfast is included in the room rate for all guests. Eric Talou, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Nice – Grands Arenas and Holiday Inn Express Nice- Grand Arenas, commented: “We have so been looking forward to finally opening the doors to these two hotels as they are a great addition to IHG’s portfolio in France. Nice’s Éco-Vallée business district has so much to offer current and future companies wishing to set up in Nice and we are looking forward to being able to host those coming for a business trip or a holiday on the coast. We are confident that guests will be able to find the accommodation that best suits them, whether that be at the Crowne Plaza or the Holiday Inn Express.” While visiting an IHG hotel, guests can be reassured that cleanliness is top of mind throughout each step of their stay. The company’s longstanding commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures has been enhanced with the IHG Way of Clean programme developed with Ecolab and Diversey, both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies. As part of the IHG family of brands, both hotels offer guests additional peace of mind with the IHG Clean Promise. IHG Hotels & Resorts has more than 60* hotels in France across its Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium and Essentials Collections, and a further 20* in its development pipeline due to open in the next 3-5 years.

Create: Jun 20, 2021 Edit: Jun 20, 2021 International News

Universal Hotels Opens Hotel Florida Magaluf in Majorca Following Complete Renovation

Universal Hotels has opened the Hotel Florida Magaluf in Majorca, a new concept of flagship hotel which, following a complete renovation, will be one aspect of the company’s new brand structure. The hotel was designed to be a place where guests can have a 360º holiday experience on the seafront, with music, organic and sustainable elements and gastronomy as fundamental pillars. With nearly 75 years of history, the Universal group offers a space aimed at young people, who use social media and are keen to socialise, have fun and enjoy new experiences in harmony with the environment, with reusable elements and no single use products. The result is this completely renovated adults-only 4* hotel, inspired by the coolest hostels located in the main cities of the world, adapted to its Mediterranean setting. Situated in the heart of Magaluf, one of the most important and recognised touristic places in the world in a decisive repositioning, Universal Hotels has chosen this area as the ideal place for a holiday experience which is social, modern, fun and sustainable. As Yannik Erhart, CEO of Universal Hotels points out, “the new type of guest coming to Magaluf is looking for emotions, relaxation, entertainment, socialising, disconnection, yet at the same time they want to be connected with the world. All of this is precisely what we are offering in this renovated product, with high standards of quality”. Integrating the context of the coolest hostels in the world with the essence of the Mediterranean was Universal Hotels’ main goal, as the company’s CEO confirms: “We wanted to bring the essence and atmosphere of avant-garde hostels that we have visited in different big cities in the world to our hotel, but with a distinct adaptation to the privileged setting where the hotel is located. The result is a daring, disruptive concept in this area, yet we are sure that it is encompassed in a trend which is requested by our guests”. While reconverting and improving the offer, the group developed the “Cozy Beach Experience” concept in the Hotel Florida, as a direct connection with the Mediterranean sea and great relaxation areas. The “Music for every moment” is another unifying element and leading connecting thread, specifically implemented in accordance with each moment. In this project, special attention was given to gastronomy, which uses local, fresh, healthy and organic products, inspired by a varied street food offer. The spaces in Hotel Florida have been created based on the concept of “Social Living”, designed to promote socialising, and creating unforgettable island holiday memories. In this regard, it is worth pointing out the photocall concept that the company has implemented, which aims to be a complete social network revolution: a wooden shower acting as a frame in front of the sea. This is about identifying unique and iconic places for their location and views inside the hotel with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop, to take selfies that guests will want to share again and again. The “Cozy Beach Experience” concept has also dominated the reconversion project both inside and outside the rooms and shared areas. A property which projects the character of the guests that it’s aimed at, via its modern, fresh image and decoration and urban inspiration, adapted to the Mediterranean and based on natural and organic elements. On the 9th floor, guests can enjoy the roof top bar with spectacular views and four suites, each boasting personality and different decoration. At the Hotel Florida Magaluf, guests will have unforgettable experiences thanks to the professionalism of the best friendly and welcoming team, who will put all their efforts into listening to guests, making them feel at home and making each detail a memory, and every memory, a smile.

Create: Jun 13, 2021 Edit: Jun 13, 2021 International News

The Monsaraz San Diego, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Now Open

Today Point Loma welcomed its first new hotel in over a decade with the grand opening of The Monsaraz San Diego, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Developed by Lamming Co. in partnership with Alliance Development, KNA Design, R&R Construction and JWDA architects, The Monsaraz celebrates Point Loma, often referred to as the place “where California began,” through its design, amenities and guest experience, offering a sea-centric haven—and an escape from day-to-day life—in the heart of one of San Diego’s iconic coastal towns. “We developed The Monsaraz with one goal in mind: ‘Create a place that enables our guests, their visitors, friend and the community to awaken their senses, be inspired to live in the moment and take time for a luxurious pause—an immersive experience that allows them to try something new, to relax, enjoy and celebrate one another.’” said Cameron Lamming, founder of Lamming Co. “We hope The Monsaraz leaves a welcoming legacy for Pt. Loma and San Diego, a legacy that brings together travelers from around the world and all walks of life in shared experience,” he said. The boutique hotel, designed to create an immersive and welcoming ecosystem with an evocative and effortless use of hand-hewn materials, custom handcrafted tiles, mid-century modern furniture and inspiring art features, features 92 guest rooms, including three suites, with distinct views of the rolling hills of Point Loma, the Bay and the Downtown skyline. The hotel’s design story stems from a story about young lovers meeting in Portugal for a magical weekend, and departing to go their separate ways, with a memory of the adventure and a new outlook on life to take back to their own homes. With that story in mind, hallways lead guests on an art-lined journey to the elegant and approachable comfort of each guest room, which feature bedrooms accented with blues that range from soft -to vibrant, grays and pops of wood. Reflecting the ever-changing nature of work-meets-play, mobile desks in all guest rooms make for a customized work and leisure experience; bathrooms feature blue ceramic patterned tile, inspired by classic Portuguese styles, with oversized walk-in showers and standout vanities. Guests and locals are invited to gather and connect in common spaces, including the hotel’s centerpiece: a 4,000 square-foot open-air courtyard accented by an enchanting live tree, locally painted and designed mural and living plant wall—the ideal destination for cocktails by the fire, weekend workouts, live music, art installations, pop-up cooking classes that enable local chefs showcase their talents, and Sunday “Fun-days” of all kinds. The courtyard is purpose-built—with a goal to create an inclusive atmosphere that fosters the curation of ideas, inspires new friendships and connections—and even helps make the world a better place. Guests may also find their way to The Monsaraz’s third floor “Hideaway”—the perfect place to take in the San Diego sunset with a cocktail in-hand. The Monsaraz is also home to Westerly Public House, a 60-seat Cali-Aussie concept that will showcase coastal cuisine inspired by both Aussie and SoCal beach culture. Westerly Public House’s menu embodies the coastal lifestyle with a strong focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, with signature dishes including Mushroom Toasties, fish and chips, and peri peri chicken, plus a selection of classic, quintessentially “California” favorites and a dynamic wine and cocktail list. As part of the Tapestry Collection, The Monsaraz has implemented Hilton’s globally recognized CleanStay program. Hilton, in collaboration with RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, and in consultation with Mayo Clinic, has launched an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection called Hilton CleanStay. In a first for the hospitality business, Hilton CleanStay is a rigorous system that incorporates RB’s trusted know-how and scientific approach to cleaning practices and product offerings. Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team are enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols. Hilton CleanStay builds upon the already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene at Hilton’s more than 6,300 properties worldwide, where hospital-grade cleaning products and upgraded protocols are currently in use. The goal is to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind. The initiative creates a focus on cleanliness that is visible to guests throughout their entire stay – in their guest rooms, restaurants, fitness rooms and in other public spaces. Specific policies and procedures for The Monsaraz can be viewed online at TheMonsaraz.com. Reservations can also be booked online at a limited time opening best available rate starting at $180 per night.

Create: Jun 13, 2021 Edit: Jun 13, 2021 International News

How a Guest-Centric PMS Can Help Hotels Win in the Face of a Labor Crunch

HNI, [۲۶.۰۵.۲۱ ۱۱:۴۱]Hotel technology exists to amplify, not burden, a hotel’s guest experience. Truly guest-centric technology should empower hoteliers to deliver their unique and ideal version of the guest experience. But great hotel technology should not only be guest-focused, it must also be management-focused, by helping hotels scale their business, and staff focused by facilitating operations, streamlining communications, and promoting employee productivity. In the face of a post-pandemic labor crunch, hotels need a mobile and guest-centric PMS to support a lean staff as they look to meet an uptick in travel demand. 2021 Will See the Hospitality Industry Roaring Back… But Hiring Still Lags BehindThe COVID-19 pandemic was devastating for hospitality, setting the industry back over 10 years in terms of occupancy and job losses. According to the ALHA, the pandemic cost the U.S. hospitality industry over 50% occupancy, and over 3.1 million jobs. The good news, however, is that the industry is on the verge of a major recovery. Rising vaccination rates, coupled with rapidly falling case numbers have led to an increase in confidence with the traveling public. According to Destination Analysts,confidence in travel safety is increasing, with over 61.8% of American respondents confident that the pandemic situation will continue to improve, and over 72% of the respondents making travel plans in the previous week. This rising optimism is being seen in job reports indicating that the hospitality sector gained over 331,000 jobs in April 2021 一 the sixth largest gain in the past 50 years. Unfortunately, these gains may not be enough. U.S. hotels are still 600,000 workers short of pre-pandemic levels, but workers don’t seem to be filling the vacancies. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including widespread health concerns, difficulty obtaining childcare, and the recent rise in federal unemployment benefits. The question for hotels is how can they leverage technology to support a lean staff, get new staff up to speed quickly, and help their current employees better engage with and serve their guests, without the burden of physical or technological constraints. PMS Technology Should be Intuitive, Mobile, and Unburden StaffHoteliers joined the hospitality industry because they delight in serving their guests 一 not because they wanted to fight with outdated technology. If hotels want to retain high-performing employees, they should invest in technology that actively empowers them to deliver an exceptional guest experience. What does it mean to have a staff-focused PMS? On the most basic level, PMS platforms should be intuitive and easy to use, and never burden employees when serving their guests. When technology is delivered through an intuitive user interface, hoteliers can spend less time buried in their screens, and more time actively engaging with their guests. Additionally, mobile & guest-centric PMS technology should promote maximum ease of access. Hoteliers should be able to manage their property from any location and device, giving them the freedom to move about the hotel and meet guests wherever they are. This allows staff to have more natural and personalized interactions with their guests, while also freeing any staff member, no matter their specific job title, to help any guest in any section of the hotel. Easy-to-Train On Systems Enable Hotels to Expand their Talent PoolPMS platforms should be easy to train on and easy to master. When technology is easier to understand, hotels can hire staff based on how they actually interact with guests 一 not how well they “get” outdated technology. When a new staff member is hired, it should be easier to train and onboard them to the new technology, thereby increasing adoption throughout your team. HNI, [۲۶.۰۵.۲۱ ۱۱:۴۱]When investing in new PMS technology, hoteliers should also explore what resources the vendor offers in terms of staff training and support. The right PMS technology vendor will view its relationship with its clients as a long-term strategic partnership, and will make sure its clients’ staff have the resources they need to get the most out of their product. Look for a dedicated implementation team, with the option for either in-person or remote implementation, as well as a dedicated client success manager (CSM), who can act as the customer’s voice within the organization. The right PMS vendor will provide robust self-training resources, including a comprehensive product knowledge base, on-demand e-learning courses, and best practice materials which demonstrate how to use the product to enhance the guest journey and operational efficiencies. Mobile Communication Can Streamline Operations and Improve Staff MoraleBreakdowns in team communication can easily lead to breakdowns in team morale. When hoteliers communicate with walkie-talkies and landline telephones, critical information can get lost in the shuffle, resulting in dissatisfied guests and frayed team dynamics. A mobile, guest-centric PMS can streamline staff and guest communications in a number of ways: Instant room updates automatically notify front desk staff when a room is ready or out of order, while analytic dashboards can keep your entire staff updated on key performance metrics. For more sophisticated forms of communication, native-cloud PMS systems can integrate with third-party guest messenger platforms. Guest messaging delivers seamless communication throughout the guest journey using common messaging platforms such as SMS, Facebook Messenger or WeChat. This allows guests to communicate instantly with staff through their mobile device, while also allowing staff members to serve multiple guests through multiple chat windows. Use Advanced Automation to Get the Most Out of a Limited Staf The hospitality industry is facing increased travel demand and heightened expectations for cleanliness and service, as it moves into the peak 2021 summer travel season. Unfortunately, they are still hampered by limitations in resources and staff size. By incorporating robust automation, a mobile PMS can help hotels get the most out of limited staff, while also freeing hoteliers from many of the mundane, repetitive tasks that take them away from their guests. A native-cloud PMS can automate simple but repetitive tasks such as room assignment, bulk check-in, and housekeeping task management. But it can also automate more advanced processes 一 like the entire check-in experience. Guests can have the option of checking in through their mobile device or a guest-facing smart kiosk. Mobile self check-in can not only streamline and personalize the check-in experience for guests, it can free hotel staff from engaging in repetitive and scripted dialogues during the check-in process. This self check-in option can also include automated targeted offers for amenities and room upgrades, giving the hotel an additional stream of ancillary revenue. Instead, they can focus on more natural and personalized interactions, like answering questions about dining options, or greeting guests with tea or champagne in the lobby. Great Technology Should Empower Great HoteliersIn order to succeed in the post-pandemic hospitality market, hotels have to deliver exceptional and personalized service on a limited staff. Therefore, it’s crucial that they invest in technology which is not only guest-centric but staff-centric as well. A mobile, guest-centric PMS delivers on both of these goals, by leveraging a system that is easy to use and easy to learn, while facilitating both staff communication and streamlined operations. Great technology should empower both hoteliers and their employees to deliver the best guest experience possible. And a guest-centric PMS can help them do just that.

Create: May 26, 2021 Edit: May 26, 2021 Hotel Management

Hotels Are Slowly Recouping Business, But When Will the Corporate Guest Return

Predicting the return of corporate travel would be a cinch if foretelling the future was foolproof. No one, however, has that extraordinary prescience and even if they did, the future is, at best, murky. The continuing popularity of work-from-home arrangements, the COVID-19 induced reluctance of both individuals and companies to get back out on the road, and issues throughout the travel supply chain are all converging to create a less-than-hospitable environment for individual business travelers. “Before you get corporate travel back, you have to get people back to the office,” said Daniel Lesser, President and CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors. “It’s going to be a bit of a slog, at least until Labor Day.” Among the short-term problems, he continued, is airline flight capacity. “A lot of it will have to do with air lift. Carriers are being careful about yield management,” he said. However, Lesser added, “The summer is going to be phenomenal [for leisure travel] but the rubber will hit the road after in terms of group and corporate business.” Shifting BusinessLWHA’s COO and Principal Evan Weiss sees an even more dramatic delay on the horizon. “At the beginning, I thought the recovery would come first with leisure business, then leisure group, corporate transient and then corporate group,” he said. “But there’s been a paradigm shift. Companies now can cut back their travel by, for example, having two in-person board meetings and two on Zoom.” He continued, “After leisure, which is certainly back, we’re thinking corporate groups will be next to come back, and then corporate transient business.” That creates problems for hoteliers. In the U.S., the corporate average room rate in February 2020—the last full month before the coronavirus squeezed the life out of most of the global hotel industry—was $175.15. A year later, it stood at $111.03, down 35.6% year-over-year, according to HotStats data. In Europe, in February 2021, the corporate rate was €77.30, down 35.2% YOY. Meanwhile, in China, corporate travel didn’t have the dramatic swoon seen in other parts of the world. Its lowest point was in April 2020, when the corporate rate hit $65.65, a 24.8% YOY decline. As of April 2021, the $73.03 corporate rate was up 11.2% on the year prior, but still 16% lower than April 2019. The absence of corporate travel is equally disadvantageous since road warriors are typically higher-spending guests than their leisure counterparts. “Corporate folk pay at the last minute, then they book the Ritz-Carlton, and they’re often the ones who drink the most. If you lose that, it’s problematic,” Weiss said. But Chris Green, CEO of third-party management company Chesapeake Hospitality, has a rosier outlook on the return of corporate, framing it in the context of the domino effect. “Once a big player like Bank of America or Deloitte says ‘As long as you’re vaccinated and feel comfortable, you can travel,’ then it’s off to the races,” he said. “I believe companies will say ‘If you’re in a client-facing role, you have to get out there.’” Still, some timid travelers could remain skittish if they don’t feel safe and comfortable back at a hotel, Green noted, meaning properties must get the word out on the extraordinary efforts being taken to keep COVID-19 at bay. To do so, Chesapeake is “asking key questions about traveler confidence and experience and then using responses in sales and marketing presentations,” said Green. The company also is encouraging guests to share their experiences on travel-review sites. “We’re cleaner, safer and more sanitized than we’ve ever been,” Green said. “That needs to be the front-facing message because companies must feel certain that the hotels where they’re putting travelers are good citizens.”

Create: May 25, 2021 Edit: May 25, 2021 Hotel Management

Colebrook Financial Announces Receivable Loan to Latitude Vacation Club

Latitude Vacation Club has entered into an agreement with Colebrook Financial Company, a leading lender to the timeshare and travel club industries to provide a receivable loan. Latitude Vacation Club’s home resort, Ancora Cap Cana Marina Resort & Villas is inside Cap Cana, a gated community of 33,000 acres—twice the size of Manhattan– located 10 minutes from Punta Cana’s International Airport. This is a first-time development for Cecil Latta, well known for his sales and marketing successes at Westgate Resorts, Tempus Resorts, and El Cid Vacations Club in Mexico. As CEO and Founder of Latitude Vacation Club, headquartered in Celebration, FL, Latta is focused on offering 20 year memberships in Latitude Vacation Club+ featuring Ancora Cap Cana Marina Resort and Villas. In addition to some the best Bill Fishing in the world, Latitude Vacation Club+ members may enjoy one of the Dominican Republic’s most famous attractions, Scape Park, as well as Punta Espada a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course rated number 1 in Mexico and the Caribbean since 2011, an equestrian center called Los Establos with FIFA certified soccer (football) fields. Bill Ryczek, Principal of Colebrook Financial said: “We’ve worked with Cecil Latta on other projects and are delighted to finance his new offering in the Dominican Republic. He’s been known for years as one of the top sales and marketers in the timeshare industry, and we’re glad to see him developing his own project for the first time. We think there’s some real opportunity for growth, and thus far sales have been terrific, despite current travel conditions. Once travel opens up, we expect excellent results.” Latitude and Cecil Latta have had a working relationship with Colebrook Financial Company’s Bill Ryczek and Tom Petrisko for years. Latta says, “Getting to know them, their personal and professional integrity made working with them a simple choice. What about Colebrook is outstanding? Even during the most challenging of times Colebrook has stuck to their lending plans when many others decided not to.” Colebrook is a pioneer in many forms of financing and began working with club products before most lenders. Few competitors can match their longevity in the industry. They enjoy a reputation for adapting to new situations more quickly than larger institutions.

Create: May 22, 2021 Edit: May 22, 2021 International News

Village Hotels Installs Google Nest Hub Solution Powered by Volara Across All 32 U.K. Hotels

Village Hotels has selected Volara to voice enable all guestrooms and guest services in its portfolio of hotels across the United Kingdom with Google’s hotel solution. Volara’s conversation-management software and secure integrations hub will enable guests staying at any of the innovative hotel brand’s 32 properties to use simple voice commands to interact with the hotel and personalise their experiences, from making service requests and setting alarms to asking for local recommendations and or hotel information. Together, this technology will enable Village Hotels’ guests to get what they want, when they want it, without lifting a finger. Further, frequent guests of Village Hotels can easily make their next reservation at any Village Hotels location — from Portsmouth to Bristol to London — by simply saying, “Hey Google, call reservations.” Volara’s platform-agnostic software turns popular voice assistants into a hotel business tool that drives more efficient guest service, influences guests’ behaviour by promoting hotel amenities and guest activities, measurably improves net promoter scores by 20 percent, and helps hoteliers understand their guests better. Volara’s secure integrations hub connects hotels to more than 50 powerful technologies, including property-management systems, IPTV systems, work order-management systems, room controls, guest-engagement platforms, valet software, staff alert technologies and more. Volara is the only hotel-focused solution with an Alexa for Business Solution Designation. Volara is a launch partner for Google’s Hotel Solution, Google Assistant Interpreter Mode, and Alexa for Hospitality. Today the company provides conversation management software and secure integrations for 98 percent of the hotels using voice assistants across the globe. “Village Hotels are designed to give travelers a truly immersive guest experience,” said Jon Davis, Village Hotels CTO. “That means giving guests a contactless way to talk to us. We want to answer their questions and fulfill requests quickly and accurately without a lot of staff interaction. To do this ― as well as to get to know our customers better and anticipate their needs on future stays at any hotel in our system — Village has become the first hotel brand to commit to voice enabling its entire portfolio with Google’s hotel solution customised, implemented, and supported by Volara. “From a Google Nest Hub smart display set up in each room, we can specifically and immediately address guest requests on voice command,” he said. “Guests can make their stay more seamless by saying things like ‘Hey Google, set an alarm for tomorrow morning at 8AM,’ or learn more about Village Hotels’ exclusive offers and popular loyalty program by saying things like ‘Hey Google, how do I join the Booking Revolution?’ or ‘Hey Google, tell me about VWorks.’ With the best of Google and Volara, we know we are getting the most secure and flexible platform in hospitality. Both companies share in our commitment to maintain guest privacy and deliver truly brand consistent experiences.” Village Hotel’s voice technology rollout began in 2019 at the Village Hotel Portsmouth, Village Hotel Bristol, and Village Hotel Basingstoke. Properties in London Watford, Farnborough, and Southampton Eastleigh have already been enabled with the solution in every guestroom. Over the coming months, the hotel brand will be bringing the solution to every guestroom at Aberdeen, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Chester, Coventry, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Maidstone, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Solihull, Swansea, Swindon, Warrington, and Wirral. “Village Hotels is the first hotel brand to commit to voice enabling its entire portfolio,” said David Berger, Volara CEO. “As Village Hotels continue to grow, our solution will grow with it. This leading hotel brand is raising the bar on guest engagement — driving satisfaction and loyalty one guest voice command at a time. Together we are delivering contextually relevant, totally awesome, conversational experiences at scale.”

Create: May 19, 2021 Edit: May 19, 2021 International News

Amara Resort and Spa Embarks on Property-Wide, Multimillion-Dollar Renovation

Amara Resort and Spa, a beloved resort in Sedona, Ariz., announced today that it has embarked on a multimillion-dollar renovation that will bring a new and sophisticated “tree lodge” aesthetic to all 100 guestrooms and public spaces on property. Nestled along the banks of Oak Creek, the renovation will be completed in phases in an effort not to affect the guest experience. Amara’s signature restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, and the award-winning Amara Spa will also be enhanced, with the full project slated to be completed in fall 2021 ahead of Labor Day weekend. “When the new design is unveiled later this year, Amara will not only have the newest guestrooms in the market but it will be a destination where locals and world travelers alike will come to be immersed in the local culture through well-appointed design elements and Sedona-centric programming,” said Nick Solomon, general manager of Amara. “With the resort’s panoramic red rock views, its creekside location and its walkability to the dining, shopping and entertainment in Uptown Sedona, there’s really no other property like it in Northern Arizona.” Taking inspiration from the surrounding red rocks, metaphysical energy and fabled vortexes for which the small resort town has become famous, the renovations at Amara will bring the outdoors in by encompassing all five of the natural elements surrounding the resort. Every room will feel like a sanctuary as neutral tones blend harmoniously with organic textures, while a deep blue feature wall will serve as an anchor to promote a sense of connection to the sights and sounds of the nearby babbling creek. Rich wooden elements like headboards handcrafted from local fallen trees, bedside lamps and new furnishings will allow guests to feel one with nature. New artwork, carpet and linens reflect the craftsmanship and traditions of the Hopi and Navajo tribes that are indigenous to Northern Arizona as bold patterns, geometric shapes and handwoven details create a more masculine identity. The bathrooms will also be elevated to introduce a more modern and functional approach with walk-in showers with rain shower heads and large porcelain tile that reflects the look of the sandstone layers. The redesigned experience will begin upon arrival as guests enter a social, comfortable and inviting lobby space that allows travelers to gather and recharge. With a strong connection to place, the dramatic, vaulted ceilings will be adorned with two eye-catching chandeliers inspired by star constellations, while wood accents and bold textures create a variety of subtle statement pieces through furniture, art and accessories. A focal point of the lobby will be an elongated bar that extends from the adjoining SaltRock Southwest Kitchen into the communal area in order to encourage guests to grab a cocktail, mix and mingle. Additionally, alterations to the Amara Spa will reconfigure the entry vestibule for dual access to the spa’s lobby and a brand-new fitness center, allowing the previous center to be converted into a private dining or multipurpose room adjacent to SaltRock. Just outside, guests can enjoy the cool mountain air while gazing out past the resort’s heated infinity-edge pool, playing games on the courtyard lawn or by grabbing a bite on SaltRock’s expansive patio that boasts some of the best views in Sedona. “The tree-lodge concept spoke to us the most for this renovation project as we felt that the high-vaulted ceiling and community environment in the lobby reminded us of an elevated Après-Ski ambience, while the rooms nestled amongst the trees gave us the nostalgia of a backyard treehouse,” said Anissa Mendil, of Mendil + Meyer Design Studio. “Our team is inspired by both the spiritual and adventurous personality of Sedona and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Amara and breathe new life into this celebrated resort.”

Create: May 19, 2021 Edit: May 19, 2021 International News