Wed.Mar 27, 2024

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Google’s New Travel AI Tools Want to Plan Customer Trips

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Google is the among the tech giants investing in a reimagined, AI-powered future of travel planning and booking. How can the smaller companies compete?

Travel 352
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Revolutionizing The Hotel Guest Experiences of Tomorrow with Velma: The AI-Powered Assistant

Are Morch

In the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, the quest for higher revenue, enhanced productivity, and greater guest satisfaction is relentless. Leading the charge in this digital transformation is Velma, an AI-powered assistant designed specifically for hotels. Velma is not just any virtual assistant; it’s a game-changer, transforming online visitors into loyal guests through a […] The post Revolutionizing The Hotel Guest Experiences of Tomorrow with Velma: The AI-Powe

Revenue 331
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Google Unveils New AI-Powered Travel Tools

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Today's podcast looks at Google's new AI tools, the U.S. State Department's new approach to visa wait times, and Australia's new record number of Indian tourists.

Travel 327
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IHG Releases New Prototype Options for Its Three Suites Brands

Lodging

ATLANTA—IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the availability of new prototype options for its three suites brands—Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, and Atwell Suites. By expanding design choices, IHG provides flexibility for developers across site configurations and market types while maintaining the experiences guests expect in the suites space.

Branding 289
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How to Stay Competitive in the Evolving State of Martech

Marketing technology is essential for B2B marketers to stay competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape — and with 53% of marketers experiencing legacy technology issues and limitations, they’re researching innovations to expand and refine their technology stacks. To help practitioners keep up with the rapidly evolving martech landscape, this special report will discuss: How practitioners are integrating technologies and systems to encourage information-sharing between departments and pr

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India’s Massive Growth in Online Travel: Which Companies Will Lead?

Skift Blog

Skift Take: The online travel landscape is poised for dynamic growth as local players strive to maintain their dominance and western OTAs take steps to tap into the opportunity.

Travel 319
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JW Marriott Unveils a Mindful Haven with the Opening of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi

Hospitality Net

Captivating design, mindful moments, and vibrant dining destinations await at JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi within Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital cityJW Marriott Hotel Nairobi - PoolJW Marriott Hotel Nairobi - Standard King.

Dining 281

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Speakers revealed: global design leaders announced for Design Inn Symposium

Hotel Management

Global designers and key performers from across Australasia have been announced for leading hotel architecture and interior design conference, Design Inn Symposium , which returns to SkyCity Adelaide on Tuesday 30 April 2024. Damien Perrot, Accor This year, Accor’s Global Chief Design, Technical Services & Innovation for PME, Damien Perrot, will take to the stage to share his insights into the global hotel design landscape, covering key challenges and opportunities, in a one-on-one Q&A s

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Australia’s Arrivals from India Break New Record — Tourism Chief Talks Strategy

Skift Blog

Skift Take: The travel trends to Australia underscore the potential of India's middle class and its young demographic as a major force in shaping future travel trends.

Tourism 305
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Should hotel elevators connect to their PBX systems?

Hospitality Net

While PBX systems utilizing VoIP networks are ideal for general hotel communication, emergency communications paths within the elevator must meet unique code requirements and require special attention as it pertains to risk/liability reduction.

Hotels 246
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Intrepid Travel Highlights Importance of India For 2030 Strategy— India Report

Skift Blog

Skift Take: India is a land of numerous local cultures and experiences, which can substantially enhance Intrepid's offerings for tourists in the country.

Travel 293
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Diving into Diversity: Decoding the Foundations of Inclusion in Hospitality Talent Acquisition

Speaker: Lauren Fernandez - CEO & Founder, Full Course

Companies all over the world, including Marriot International and Hilton Worldwide, are aware of the value of including DEI in their talent acquisition strategy. However, despite these initiatives, there is still plenty that the hospitality sector can do to promote DEI. When comparing the hospitality industries in India, Iraq, the UK, and the US, you will see that there is a consistent underrepresentation of persons from different ethnic, gender, and disability origins across all levels of the i

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Breaking Barriers: Hotels Are Reclaiming Power in Website Management

Hospitality Net

A company’s website serves as a powerful conduit for customer engagement, brand representation, and revenue generation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the hospitality industry, where a hotel website frequently marks the first point of contact with potential guests. Amidst discussions on digital marketing and website management, a pivotal question emerges: where should the control over website content and functionality reside - with its creators or with the businesses they represent, such a

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What an Amex GBT-CWT Merger Means For Expedia and Booking.com

Skift Blog

Skift Take: As in the planned American Express Global Business Travel Group merger with CWT, many marriages have in-law issues.

Business 315
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Telecom Compliance in Hotels

Hospitality Net

A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is a vital requirement prior to opening your hotel after a new build/renovation (without it you’re subject to massive, compounding fines!). Because of the necessity of this certification, you’ll want to work it in to your construction plans from the very beginning to avoid any project delays.

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How Hilton Got So Big

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Today's podcast looks at Hilton's ascent, Maui's tourism pitch, and Breeze's new loyalty program.

Tourism 305
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ABM Evolution: How Top Marketers Are Using Account-Based Strategies

In times of economic uncertainty, account-based strategies are essential. According to several business analysts and practitioners, ABM is a necessity for creating more predictable revenue. Research shows that nearly three-quarters of marketers (74%) already have the resources needed to build successful ABM programs.

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Common Causes and Effects of Hotel Drownings

Hospitality Net

Your pool is likely one of your guests’ most loved amenities, but, as you know, with great fun comes great responsibility. It’s essential to take all measures to help ensure guests remain safe at your pool, including drowning prevention. Drowning is one of the most traumatic things that can happen in any scenario, but it is especially tragic when it happens at a hotel pool.

Hotels 239
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IHG is Reviving a Forgotten Dubai Skyscraper Launched in 2007

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina is opening 2028, 21 years after the tower was conceptualized.

Tourism 315
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Booking.com moves towards prioritizing third-party certifications in its commitment to make more sustainable travel choices easier for everyone

Hospitality Net

Reaffirming Booking.com’s commitment to showcase more sustainable travel options to all of its customers, and to help support accommodation partners on actions they can take to operate more sustainably, today the leading digital travel platform has announced some updates to how it will display more sustainable choices to travelers around the world, focusing on third-party certifications.

Travel 195
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A Perfect Fit

Lodging

What initially inspired you to get into the hospitality business? As an attorney in private practice, I represented hotel and restaurant owners in all aspects of their businesses. When I made the decision to pivot careers, I was drawn to the energy around the hospitality industry and how impactful the industry is on our communities and also the individual experiences for each guest.

Business 182
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A Buyer’s Guide to Future-Proofing Your Restaurant Tech Stack

The race to 100% digital is on. With the restaurant industry still in the early innings of its digital transformation, brands need an airtight strategy when it comes to building out their tech stack. Download the buyer’s guide to learn where to prioritize your efforts and get the most out of every investment.

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art’otel London Hoxton Announces Official Opening Date

Hospitality Net

London’s highly anticipated lifestyle hotel, designed and filled with artworks by Signature Artist D*Face, will open 24th April 2024.

Hotels 218
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CitizenM Explores Potential Sale as Hotel Chain Seeks Capital

Skift Blog

Skift Take: CitizenM is looking for new growth capital. Might it sell to one of the large hotel groups?

Sales 246
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Phuket’s Branded Residences Supply Tops USD2.3 Billion, Making Destination Largest Leisure Property Market in the World

Hospitality Net

Phuket has seen an unprecedented onslaught of overseas buyers transform the island into the largest leisure branded residences real estate market in the world. The current supply of branded properties has now eclipsed a staggering USD2.3 billion (THB80 billion) and is expected to grow further according to new data from hospitality consulting group C9 Hotelworks.

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Apple Hospitality REIT Acquires AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Convention Center

Lodging

RICHMOND, Virginia—Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. announced the acquisition of the 234-room AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Convention Center for approximately $116.8 million, or $499,000 per key. “We are pleased to expand our portfolio with the acquisition of the AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center and are thrilled to establish a presence in downtown Washington, D.C., a market we have tracked and wanted to have a presence in for some time,” said Nelson Knight, president, […] The pos

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ABM Success Recipe: Mastering the Crawl, Walk, Run Approach

Shifting to an account-based marketing (ABM) strategy can be both exciting and challenging. Well-implemented ABM motions build engagement with high-value accounts and drive impactful campaigns that resonate with your audience. But where do you begin, and how do you progress from crawling to running? Watch now as Demand Gen experts delve into the essentials of each stage of the ABM process.

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Enhancing Customer Experience with AI

Hospitality Net

AI is ubiquitous these days, but a lot of the attention has been focused on content. I am interested in how different companies are using AI to enhance customer experience and use AI to boost their performance and quality. For example, Amazon is constantly improving their delivery routes by utilizing AI based traffic pattern analysis. How can we use AI to build an intelligent experience engine and ultimately enhance the guest experience?

Market 180
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Hospitality America Appoints Ben Campbell as President and CEO

Lodging

GREENVILLE, South Carolina—Ben Campbell has transitioned from chief operating officer to president and CEO. Hospitality America Founder and CEO Chris Cargen has retired and will assume the newly created position of chairman of the Board. Just weeks into his term, Campbell is leading the company, which includes growing from 17 hotels to 40 hotels in less than 10 years; expanding its portfolio to include more lifestyle and full-service brands; investing in tools and technologies for […] The

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MGallery Collection signs new property in Chengdu and will double its portfolio in Greater China in 2024 with five key hotel openings

Hospitality Net

Accor is pleased to announce the signing of a radiant new MGallery Hotel Collection address in Chengdu. Chengdu Financial City – MGallery Collection will open in 2026, in the vibrant central business district of the city, with dazzling views overlooking the banks of the Jinjiang River. Chengdu Financial City – MGallery Collection will be the third hotel in the Chengdu area for the MGallery brand, joining Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu – MGallery and the soon-to-open Chengdu Expo Waterfall Hotel – M

Resorts 147
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HB Exclusive: Bret Chittenden promoted to Expotel president

Hotel Business

Expotel Hospitality , a full-service, third-party hotel management company, has promoted Bret Chittenden , formerly the firm’s COO, to president. He has been part of the company since its inception in 1999 and previously worked for the founders of the company, George Newton (the current chairman) and the late David Burrus. “I want to thank Mr. Newton and late Mr.

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Beyond The Meeting Room: Luxury Magazine Resource

Escape into a world of luxury and dive into the future of tech, fun takes on the American pastime, and many inspirational individuals. With engaging reports on fashion, food, travel, finance, sports, and more, download now and enjoy the read!

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IHG Hotels & Resorts Signs Management Agreement with Samty Corporation to open voco Hiroshima in 2027

Hospitality Net

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announced that it has signed its first management contract with Samty K.K. to open voco Hiroshima in mid 2027.

Resorts 147
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Avion Hospitality adds The Windsor Court to portfolio

Hotel Business

Avion Hospitality , a national third-party hotel operator, will manage the 314-room The Windsor Court hotel in New Orleans. “Regularly rated as the finest hotel in New Orleans by several publications, The Windsor Court hotel is a prize addition to any hotel management portfolio,” said Robert Burg, president/CEO, Avion. “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with The Windsor Court and work with this world class team.” The hotel features a collection of paintings, sculptur

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Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Turning Casino Resorts into Go-To Venues for Profitable Groups and Events

Hospitality Net

Historically, Las Vegas was a gaming-centric market, with 61% of revenues coming from the casino category in 1990. Although gaming continues to serve as an economic engine in Las Vegas, according to CDC Gaming, food, beverage, and other departments accounted for a record 73.4% of total revenue, up from a combined 69.6% year over year. This trend is not limited to Las Vegas; it is being observed in casino markets worldwide.

Casinos 130
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ASURE Accommodation Group teams up with SiteMinder to increase the revenue, profitability of its member base

SiteMinder

Sydney, Australia – New Zealand’s ASURE Accommodation Group has teamed up with SiteMinder , the name behind the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of accommodation providers, as the premium motel chain looks to boost the revenue-generating capabilities of its property network. Properties across the ASURE motel network in New Zealand are now in the process of adopting SiteMinder’s revenue platform as part of ASURE’s digital transformation journey.

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How Intent Data Helps Marketers Convert A-List Accounts

One of the biggest challenges for any B2B marketer is understanding your prospects’ next move — who is most likely to buy and when. Without these insights, marketing campaigns can feel more like guesswork, with high investment and little return. We’re here to tell you there’s a better way. By tracking buyers’ digital footprints and online activity, such as website visits, product reviews, and spikes in content consumption, you can engage prospects with a message that really resonates.