Tue.Sep 10, 2024

article thumbnail

Southwest Chairman Gary Kelly to Step Down Amid Activist Pressure

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Gary Kelly has been a part of the Southwest family for almost four decades. Will his departure and that of six other board members be enough to keep Elliott happy?

article thumbnail

Reducing Energy Consumption 

Lodging

Powering hotels can be expensive. Energy accounts for 6 percent of all operating costs; on average, U.S. hotels spend $2,196 annually per available room on this line item, according to a report from the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program. For full-service hotels, reducing energy consumption by 10 percent is comparable to raising average daily rate by $1.35. But energy efficiency brings benefits beyond boosting the bottom line.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

The State of Travel in 2024: Top 3 Charts

Skift Blog

Skift Take: The travel industry is rapidly evolving, and the State of Travel 2024 report provides comprehensive insights into the key trends and shifts shaping its future.

article thumbnail

Auckland welcomes 4.5 star Hotel Grand Chancellor, the group’s first new-build property

Hotel Management

Hotel Grand Chancellor is celebrating the arrival of its first new-build hotel with the opening of a 4.5-star property in Auckland’s CBD on Wednesday September 11. Located at 80 Wellesley St West – directly across from the soon-to-open New Zealand International Convention Centre in downtown Auckland – the hotel features 191 guest rooms, two F&B venues, dedicated meeting space and fitness centre.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Announcing Ask Skift 2.0, the Travel Industry’s Answer Engine

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Meet Ask Skift 2.0 – your upgraded guide to smarter travel knowledge, powered by years of expertise and cutting-edge AI.

article thumbnail

NewcrestImage Acquires DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Columbus Downtown

Lodging

NewcrestImage acquired the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Columbus Downtown in Ohio. The deal was brokered by Hunter Hotel Advisors, with Senior Vice Presidents Tim Osborne and Spencer Davidson representing the institutional seller. “This acquisition underscores our continued appetite for transactions that offer strong growth potential in both market share and asset value,” said Mehul Patel, managing partner and CEO, NewcrestImage.

More Trending

article thumbnail

Loews Hotels & Co Selects WorldVue as In-Room Entertainment Provider

Lodging

HOUSTON, Texas—WorldVue announced that it will be the designated in-room entertainment provider for Loews Hotels & Co properties by 2027. Four additional properties will be implemented this year, with the rest to follow throughout 2025 and beyond. Loews Hotels will eventually deploy the WorldVue HUB within its guestrooms. This new offering represents an advancement in in-room entertainment for New York-based Loews Hotels.

article thumbnail

Ask Skift: Why Are Travel Brands Investing in Experiences?

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Travelers are increasingly eager to spend money on experiences than possessions, but that's far from the only reason why travel brands are eager to invest in the sector. They see an industry that's showing no signs of slowing down.

article thumbnail

Not Wasting Away: What Can Be Done to Reduce Refuse in Hotels

Lodging

Hotels got the memo a couple of years ago. The detritus of modern life—including those omnipresent plastic water bottles and miniature soaps and lotions found in guest bathrooms—were threatening our oceans and marine life and contributing to global warming. In response, many implemented waste-reduction measures such as replacing those plastic bottles with bulk dispensers and paper menus and brochures with QR codes to access information digitally.

article thumbnail

Demand Surges for Festive Season Travel – India Report

Skift Blog

Skift Take: The upcoming festive season is driving a surge in demand for travel across India. Airfares remain stable due to early bookings and special discounts, but there could be a spike as travel dates near.

article thumbnail

How to Coach Reps on Overcoming Sales Objections with Confidence

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

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.

article thumbnail

Exclusive: inside Conrad Tokyo, one of Japan’s best business hotels

Hotel Management

In the heart of Shiodome, Conrad Tokyo stands out as one of the best business hotels in Japan and that’s thanks to fantastic Hilton hospitality, spacious suites and fantastic bars and restaurants. James Wilkinson checks-in and catches up with Conrad Tokyo General Manager, Neil McInnes. Neil, Conrad Tokyo is popular on so many levels, from the location to the club lounge, spa, rooms, and food and beverage on offer.

article thumbnail

Airbnb: The Bears Were Wrong About Long-Term Stays

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Pundits predicted that people would return to cities once the pandemic subsided. They have but non-urban stays are still a strong Airbnb category.

article thumbnail

Best Practice: Getting The Word Out On Green Efforts

Lodging

For hotels looking to take sustainability to the next level, they can’t get there without contributions from both associates and guests alike. For that reason, hotel executives continue to emphasize the importance of properties communicating and detailing their efforts both internally and externally. Mike Shutts, VP, engineering, security and sustainability, CoralTree Hospitality, reinforced the point.

article thumbnail

Rome Tourism Chief Says There’s ‘Total Chaos’ at Trevi Fountain — Changes Are Coming

Skift Blog

Skift Take: For Rome's tourism chief, cracking down on short-term rentals and managing visitor traffic at Trevi Fountain are the top priorities when it comes to combatting overtourism.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Full Circle: New Products, Strategies Ramp Up Recycling Efforts  

Lodging

Recycling programs have long been part and parcel of any worthwhile sustainability effort, but with a variety of new product solutions and strategies now available to hoteliers, the potential benefits of recycling have never been greater. Cutting-edge eco-friendly solutions also continue to drive change throughout the sustainability landscape, shifting the overall climate for green efforts and adding a bottom-line component as well.

article thumbnail

New Report: How Hoteliers Can Navigate the Complex B2B Tech Ecosystem

Skift Blog

Skift Take: How can hoteliers choose the right tech partnerships amid a plethora of options? A new study from ZS and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) provides insights on how to select partnerships strategically and make informed tech investments that achieve results.

B2B
article thumbnail

Stonebridge Promotes Chris Cheney to SVP of Commercial Services

Lodging

DENVER, Colorado—Stonebridge Companies, LLC announced the promotion of Chris Cheney to Senior Vice President of Commercial Services. Cheney joined the company in 2007 and served as a general manager at multiple assets from Alaska to Colorado before joining the corporate team in 2011 as director of revenue management. In his new role, Cheney will oversee all aspects of the company’s top-line operations, including revenue management, sales and marketing, and digital strategy. “We are i

article thumbnail

Japan Now on Track to Open Its First Casino in 2030

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Japan's casino dreams are ramping up as Osaka IR takes a leap of faith, ditching its exit clause. But with rising costs and public doubts, the stakes are sky-high. Will this gamble succeed, or is Japan risking a costly blunder in a competitive market?

article thumbnail

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

article thumbnail

Key appointments: Accor, The Eve Hotel

Hotel Management

The Eve Hotel Sydney names General Manager The Eve Hotel Sydney has welcomed Ben Mellor as General Manager, ahead of its opening this summer. Mellor brings more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality including senior management positions at top five-star hotels Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains and, most recently, as General Manager of InterContinental Sydney Double Bay.

article thumbnail

One Week Until the Premier Travel Industry Conference

Skift Blog

Skift Take: It’s not too late to reserve your seat today for the most anticipated thought leadership conference in the travel industry: Skift Global Forum on September 17-19 in New York City.

article thumbnail

Aerofoil Workspace opens at Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport

Hotel Management

Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport’s 24/7 co-working space, Aerofoil, has officially opened, elevating its offering for business travellers. Split across two levels on first floor of the hotel, Aerofoil Workspace features hot desks, dedicated coworking desks, private offices, executive boardrooms, meeting rooms and quiet spaces, with premium amenities on offer.

article thumbnail

6 Game-Changing Products for a Greener Future

Lodging

Sustainable Cleaning Solution Generator PathoSans, a leading provider of sustainable and socially responsible cleaning and disinfecting solutions, has launched its new space-saving Compact Concentrate (CTC) onsite generator. The generator can be wall-mounted and provides cleaners with a continuous supply of PathoClean and PathoCide from a typical janitorial closet or any location where water and a drain are present. pathosans.com Recycling Solutions Rubbermaid Commercial Products’ Configure cont

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Inside Club Wyndham Coffs Harbour’s $3.2 million refurb

Hotel Management

Club Wyndham Coffs Harbour has completed an extensive AU$3.2 million refurbishment of all 60 apartments in the resort. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments – in standard, deluxe, Grand and Presidential designations – have been refreshed with new carpets, wood-look vinyl flooring custom and redesigned kitchens, shower screens, furnishings and artwork.

article thumbnail

Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville Completes Renovation

Lodging

GAINESVILLE, Florida—Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville announced the recent completion of its all-encompassing renovation, providing a refresh of the property’s 104 guestrooms, lobby, fitness center, meeting spaces, and outdoor pool. “We’re beyond thrilled to share Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville’s new look and feel,” said Husani Parris, general manager. “We can’t wait to continue to serve our guests, new and returning, with the highest level of hospitality in our newly renovated space.

article thumbnail

VANITY GROUP to Distribute the Prestigious Hermès Hotel Collection

Hotel Management

VANITY GROUP, the leading provider of luxury hotel essentials, proudly announces the addition of the distinguished Hermès Hotel Collection range to its esteemed portfolio. This partnership epitomises the fusion of Hermès’ timeless elegance and VANITY GROUP’s commitment to exceptional quality and sophistication. The Hermès Hotel Collection stands as a beacon of luxury and refinement, showcasing the French house’s renowned craftsmanship and heritage.

article thumbnail

Graduate Brand Officially Joins Hilton Honors Program

Lodging

Hilton announced that Graduate Hotels has officially joined Hilton’s 24 brands. Guests of the 34 Graduate by Hilton hotels can now earn and redeem Hilton Honors points while staying at the brand in the United States and United Kingdom. In addition to earning points, Hilton Honors members can access experiences through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform.

article thumbnail

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!

article thumbnail

Progressive luxury as the next evolution of hotel lifestyle products

eHotelier

It’s truly a new frontier with luxury representing the hospitality vertical at the forefront of immense change, with hotels developing new products and services to serve an ageless, 21st-century guest mindset.

article thumbnail

Getting the Right Certification

Lodging

While taking steps to “go Green” can have many benefits for hoteliers on its own, getting recognized for such measures is also critical for these properties. For that reason, finding the right green certification is essential for properties and can help tip the scales in their favor when it comes to consumers making decisions. But there are a many different organizations and places to get this certification, and not all carry the same weight in […] The post Getting the Right Certification

article thumbnail

Haunting Hotel Experiences to Thrill Guests

Webrezpro

With Halloween approaching, the season for ghosts, ghouls, and goblins is right around the corner. It’s a great time to market to guests who like their stay with a few shivers, and these haunted hotels have their offerings down pat. Read on for inspiration!

article thumbnail

Proven Paths, New Horizons: 5 Must-See Sessions At The Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC)

Hotel Speak

Celebrating its 21st anniversary, the Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) is set to mark a new era upon its return later this month, acknowledging the UK hospitality industry’s proven resilience and promising growth potential. Renowned for its stellar lineup of speakers, the event consistently features British and international industry leaders, joined by a strong presence of investors, owners, operators, and developers.

article thumbnail

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!