Wed.Jan 15, 2025

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HiJiffy Empowers Hoteliers to Create Automated WhatsApp Messages with New Campaigns Manager

Hotel Speak

[15 January 2025] HiJiffy, a leader in conversational AI for hospitality, has introduced its latest innovation, the Campaigns Manager , designed to further streamline and automate guest communication across the entire guest journey. By integrating real-time data from a hotels Property Management System (PMS), this tool significantly simplifies operations while delivering tailored and timely messaging to guests via WhatsApp , with SMS as a dependable fallback.

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HB Exclusive: Reeco raises $15M for procure-to-pay platform

Hotel Business

Purchasing is one of the most difficult challenges facing hoteliers. An AI-powered procure-to-pay platform designed for the hospitality industrydesigned with help from a former hotelierhas just received funding that it says will help it continue to make the process easier for hoteliers. Reeco has successfully raised $15 million in Series A funding, which already follows a $10-million seed round, bringing the total funding raised to $25 million.

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Poor hotel tech is affecting employee retention, Cloudbeds finds

Hotel Speak

San Diego, CA Cloudbeds, the premier hospitality management software platform , has revealed 38% of hotel employees say their experience with property management systems (PMS) influenced their decision to leave a job. Cloudbeds newly unveiled user experience research found that while hotel employees generally rate their PMS highly for usability and productivity, issues such as system complexity, slow learning curves, and poor integrations create daily frustrations that can directly impact staff

Hotels 99
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Driftwood secures $257M for Westin Cocoa Beach Resort

Hotel Business

Driftwood Capital has secured a total of $207 million in senior construction financing and Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing for its signature Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa on Floridas Space Coast. The company also secured a $50 million credit facility from Amerant Bank at the holding company/fund level. After breaking ground in September 2024, the $420-million, 502-key resort is part of Driftwoods decade-long investment to elevate the region’s hospitality

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Smart Tools & Strong Teams: A People-First Approach to AI in Sales

Speaker: Matt Sunshine, CEO at The Center for Sales Strategy

AI isn’t replacing salespeople—it’s empowering them. The most forward-thinking sales organizations are using AI to enhance human performance rather than eliminate it. From coaching and messaging to prospecting and pipeline accountability, artificial intelligence is giving managers and SDRs the new tools they need to work smarter, sell better, and close more.

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The hidden cost of rate disparity: OTAs undercutting hotels responsible for 50% rise in Cost Per Click (CPC)

Hotel Speak

Houston TX, January 15, 2025 Hotels that allow Online Travel Agents (OTAs) to undercut their rates pay nearly 50% more for PPC leads, new research has revealed. Analysis of 27million Cost per Click (CPC) impressions shows hotels are forced to pay an average of 47% more per click than if they offered the lowest nightly rate on their own website, a study by global hotel technology specialist SHR shows 1.

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Driftwood Secures Financing for Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa

Lodging

MIAMI, FloridaDriftwood Capital has secured a total of $207 million in senior construction financing and Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing for its Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa on Floridas Space Coast. After breaking ground in September 2024, the $420 million, 502-key resort is part of Driftwoods decade-long investment to grow the region’s hospitality profile and meet demand.

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Olympia Hospitality adds Kristie Rasheed

Hotel Business

Olympia Hospitality has appointed Kristie Rasheed VP, operations. With a career spanning more than two decades in the hospitality industry, she brings an understanding and expertise in hospitality operations, revenue optimization, strategic marketing and anchored by dynamic team leadership, according to the company. She oversees revenue growth, asset maintenance, compliance and performance across Olympias portfolio.

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G6 Hospitality Partners With HotelKey Across Canadian and U.S. Hotels

Lodging

DALLAS, TexasG6 Hospitality, operator of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands, announced a strategic partnership with HotelKey to enhance its technological capabilities across its network of properties in the United States and Canada. G6 Hospitality, now part of OYO’s global portfolio, will maintain HotelKey as its core property management system (PMS) across all Motel 6 and Studio 6 properties.

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Hot Off The Press – January 2025

Hotel Business

Christina Trauthwein, VP, content & partnerships, shares whats inside the January 2025 issue of Hotel Business. Theres a cover story on alternative lodging accommodations that speak to experiential travel, an article on mattresses for independent hotels and a Q+A with Ravi Patel, Hawkeye Hotels, among other features. View the January 2025 Issue The post Hot Off The Press January 2025 appeared first on hotelbusiness.com.

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How to Elevate Your Hospitality Brand: Proven Tips and Tricks

Are Morch

In the hospitality industry, branding is much more than a logo or tagline; it is about the entire experience that a guest has from the very first contact to the lasting impression. A strong brand differentiates you in a competitive market, engenders trust, and ensures customer loyalty.Investing in a robustbranding strategy is indispensable for businesses […] The post How to Elevate Your Hospitality Brand: Proven Tips and Tricks appeared first on Are Morch, Digital Transformation Coach.

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How to Coach Reps on Overcoming Sales Objections with Confidence

Speaker: Brendan Sweeney, VP of Global Sales and David Phelan, Account Executive

In a world where buyers are more informed and objections are more nuanced, confidence isn't optional—it’s a competitive advantage. In high-stakes conversations, knowing how to handle pushback can make or break the deal. Join industry experts Brendan Sweeney and David Phelan for a behind-the-scenes look at how teams are transforming sales coaching with real-time feedback, objection-handling role plays, and pre-call preparation that actually sticks.

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G6 Hospitality partners with HotelKey for PMS

Hotel Business

G6 Hospitality , operator of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands, has forged a strategic partnership with HotelKey to enhance its technological capabilities across its network of properties in the U.S. and Canada. G6 Hospitality, now part of OYO ‘s global portfolio, will maintain HotelKey as its core property management system (PMS) across all Motel 6 and Studio 6 properties.

Motels 59
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Olympia Hospitality Names Kristie Rasheed Vice President of Operations

Lodging

PORTLAND, MaineSara Masterson, president of Olympia Hospitality, announced the appointment of Kristie Rasheed as vice president of operations, who was hired to provide strategic leadership and oversight across all facets of hotel operations for the organization, which includes more than 38 properties. With more than two decades in the hospitality industry, Rasheed brings an understanding of hospitality operations, revenue optimization, and marketing to the role.

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Rosen Hotels & Resorts promotes key leaders

Hotel Business

Rosen Hotels & Resorts has promoted key executives, including Josh Rosen , who was elevated to EVP, operations. In addition to overseeing hotel operations, his role expands to include sales and marketing, risk management and guest contact. He also serves as a VP on the companys board of directors. Jack Rosen and Shayna Rosen are now VPs on the Rosen Hotels & Resorts board of directors.

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Ryanair Wants a Two-Drink Cap at Airports: Here’s What Key Industry Players Think

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Ryanairs call for a two-drink limit at airports highlights deep industry divisions. Even if such measures are practical, would they effectively address root problems?

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New Research-Backed Strategies to Empower Managers as Culture & Engagement Leaders

Speaker: Beth Sunshine, SVP, Up Your Culture

When culture isn’t consistently lived out across the organization, engagement suffers—and it often starts with a disconnect at the top. In this session, Beth Sunshine, SVP of Up Your Culture at The Center for Sales Strategy, will reveal how HR and executive leaders can close the gap between vision and execution by equipping frontline and mid-level managers to become culture carriers.

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Key considerations for FF&E scheduling in hotel development

eHotelier

In hospitality projects, every detail impacts guest experience and operational efficiency, with FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) purchasing being a critical component.

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Emissions from Hotels: The Gap Between Plans and Actions

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Hotels have big plans to lower the amount of greenhouse gas emissions they generate. However, this report could show a gap between those plans and actual progress, especially when it comes to energy usage.

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Stop Hiding Behind Benchmarking: Why Hotel GMs Must Lead—Not Follow

Demand Calendar

Hotels often use benchmarking as a security blanket to justify sticking to the status quo by saying, "At least we're doing as well asor better thanour competitors." However, this comfort zone can quickly become a trap. You'll never set the pace if your only goal is to match the market. To truly lead, you need to learn from benchmarking insights without becoming just like everyone else.

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Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Growth Slows While Developers Gear Up for Casino Debut

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Ras Al Khaimah's visitor growth is well below the pace it needs to hit a 2030 target. But it's playing the long game.

Casinos 273
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Welcome to the Future of Hospitality: Smart Rooms Start Here

Speaker: Jady West, VP of Hospitality & Chris Bennett, Head of Sales & Engineering

The modern hotel room is no longer just a place to stay—it’s an experience to remember. Today’s guests expect seamless 5G connectivity, personalized comfort, and high-tech convenience. From AI-powered smart room controls to in-room entertainment and app-based services, technology is redefining hospitality from the inside out. In this new session featuring industry pros Jady West and Chris Bennett, we’ll explore how high-speed, high-bandwidth connectivity powers the innovations that are enabling

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How OTA Travel Trends Will Impact Short&Term Rentals In 2025

Hotel News Resource

Article - How OTA Travel Trends Will Impact Short-Term Rentals In 2025 - For travelers, lines continue to blur between choosing a short term rental or a hotel when considering their next stay.

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Amex GBT Labels DOJ Lawsuit to Block CWT Merger a ‘Blatant Politicized Effort’

Skift Blog

Skift Take: They've had some wins, for sure, but does Amex GBT overstate competition from the likes of Navan, Spotnana, and Kayak for Business?

Business 261
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Travelport Forecasts Major Travel Retailing Trends for 2025

Hotel News Resource

Article - Travelport Forecasts Major Travel Retailing Trends for 2025 - Travelport has released its 2025 State of Modern Retailing Report, outlining key trends set to reshape the travel industry.

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Entries Now Open: Skift IDEA Awards 2025

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Entries are now open for the 2025 edition of the Skift IDEA Awards, the travel industrys most coveted achievement. Apply early to secure the best entry rate.

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State of AI in Sales & Marketing 2025

AI adoption is reshaping sales and marketing. But is it delivering real results? We surveyed 1,000+ GTM professionals to find out. The data is clear: AI users report 47% higher productivity and an average of 12 hours saved per week. But leaders say mainstream AI tools still fall short on accuracy and business impact. Download the full report today to see how AI is being used — and where go-to-market professionals think there are gaps and opportunities.

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Hotel DUO Boavista – S+A creates a seamless connection between two distinct architectural spaces

Hotel Designs

Hotel Designs Hotel DUO Boavista S+A creates a seamless connection between two distinct architectural spaces Hotel DUO Boavista S+A creates a seamless connection between two distinct architectural spaces With its design by S+A (Saraiva + Associados), the Hotel DUO Boavista creates a narrative that intertwines the past and present in the heart of Lisbon… The concept of Hotel DUO Boavista , a new member of the Curio Collection by Hilton , centres on the seamless connection between two dist

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How This Festival Is Reshaping India’s Religious Travel Sector — India Report

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Mahakumbh 2025 is not just a spiritual gathering; it's a massive driver of India's religious tourism economy. It highlights how faith-based events can transform local infrastructure and spark partnerships among travel players.

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Sneak peek: art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio

Hotel Designs

Hotel Designs Sneak peek: art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio Sneak peek: art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio Reimagined through the eyes of Roman contemporary artist Pietro Ruffo and interior designer Eyal Shoan of Digital Space, art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio will be bringing a contemporary and artistic twist to the Eternal City… As Rome enters its Jubilee year, and the city begins to come together in a celebration that only happens a handful of times during a lifetime, art’

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Booking Platform Mondee Files for Bankruptcy

Skift Blog

Mondee, the booking platform for travel agents, on Tuesday filed bankruptcy with plans to restructure the company and sell its assets.

Travel 246
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Don't Let AI Pass You By: The New Era of Personalized Sales Coaching & Development

Speaker: Brendan Sweeney, VP of Sales & Devyn Blume, Sr. Account Executive

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is reshaping sales coaching, learning, and development? Join Brendan Sweeney and Devyn Blume of Allego for an engaging new webinar exploring AI's transformative role in sales coaching and performance improvement! Brendan and Devyn will share actionable insights and strategies for integrating AI into coaching and development - ensuring personalized, effective, and scalable training!

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Franklite unveils its newest products

Hotel Designs

Hotel Designs Franklite unveils its newest products Franklite unveils its newest products Franklite steps into 2025 with an unveiling of new products at Mason&Objet, followed by the launch of its 27th catalogue… The new collections and catalogue from Franklite showcase its curated selection of decorative lighting, featuring both beloved classics that have stood the test of time and new innovative lighting pieces.

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Tripadvisor’s New AI Deal, Southwest’s Hiring Freeze and Banyan Group’s Growth

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Today's podcast looks at Tripadvisor's artificial intelligence deal, Southwest's hiring changes, and Banyan's brand expansion outside of Asia.

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Choice Hotels Introduces Re-imagined Visual Identities for Radisson Brands

Hotelier Magazine

NORTH BETHESDA, Md. Choice Hotels International, Inc. begins its next chapter of its re-imagination of the Radisson Hotels Americas brands, which it acquired in 2022, with the introduction of new visual identities, including new logos for Radisson, Radisson Blu and Radisson Individuals. The new logos shepherd in a new phase of advancements for these brands under Choice, and are among one of several experiential elements the company will begin to implement at hotels in the Americas this year fol

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U.S. Sues Southwest Airlines for ‘Chronic Flight Delays’

Skift Blog

Skift Take: The Department of Transportation found that Southwest was responsible for 90% of the disruptions on two flights.

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The GTM Intelligence Era: ZoomInfo 2025 Customer Impact Report

ZoomInfo customers aren’t just selling — they’re winning. Revenue teams using our Go-To-Market Intelligence platform grew pipeline by 32%, increased deal sizes by 40%, and booked 55% more meetings. Download this report to see what 11,000+ customers say about our Go-To-Market Intelligence platform and how it impacts their bottom line. The data speaks for itself!