Thu.Sep 12, 2024

article thumbnail

You’ll Soon Be Able to Upload Your U.S. Passport to Google Wallet

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Google envisions a world where a physical wallet is obsolete. That means a digital ID and wallet for security checkpoints, boarding passes, age verification at bars, payments, car rentals, and more.

Travel 325
article thumbnail

Knowland: New York Ranks in Top Markets for First Time Since April

Lodging

ARLINGTON, Virginia—Knowland reported that New York ranked second among the top 25 markets, with over 30 percent year-over-year (YOY) meeting volume growth driven primarily by sports tourism for August. Las Vegas ranked first with 36 percent YOY growth. This data is sourced from Knowland’s sales intelligence platform designed to help hoteliers protect and grow their revenue base.

Marketing 264
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

article thumbnail

Are Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers in a ‘Perilous Time’?

Skift Blog

Skift Take: The head of an industry trade group sounded the alarm for ultra-low-cost carriers as airlines like Spirit and Frontier face declining profits. However, other carriers in the industry have seen some success despite industry headwinds.

306
306
article thumbnail

Qantas reveals new A321XLR interiors with 20 Business Class seats

Hotel Management

Qantas has finally revealed the interiors of the upcoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft that are set to join the fleet from 2025, with 20 business class seats up the front and 177 Economy seats down the back. The Airbus A321XLR will replace the carrier’s ageing Boeing 737 fleet and will offer an elevated flying experience, according to the airline. The Flying Kangaroo is promising a more comfortable Economy seat “that’s wider than the Boeing 737 seat with extra comfort seat cushioning”, while a “sense

Business 246
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

Turkish Airlines Targets Sydney for First Non-Stop Australia Service

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Turkish Airlines will land in Sydney for the first time in December, but this is just the warm-up act. Expect things to get really interesting once the company gets new planes capable of flying from Istanbul to Australia non-stop.

Services 299
article thumbnail

The Evolution of Social Media: Past, Present, and Future

Social Hospitality

Social media has transformed how we communicate, consume content, and conduct business. It’s hard to recall a time before social platforms were woven into our daily lives. It’s now crucial for businesses to understand how social media has evolved—and where it’s headed—to stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape. The Past: The Birth of Social Media Social media as we know it began in the early 2000s with platforms like MySpace, Friendster, and LinkedIn.

Consumer 246

More Trending

article thumbnail

InterContinental Wellington elevates wellness offering with revamped rooms and health club

Hotel Management

InterContinental Wellington has completed a major refurbishment spanning its guest rooms and health club, ‘bringing a new level of luxury wellness to the heart of Wellington’, according to General Manager, Adam Haywood. All 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, have been re-styled in collaboration with Auckland-based interior architecture and design studio Y-6.

article thumbnail

Blue Lagoon Is Rebounding Amid Iceland Tourism Slowdown

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Despite repeated closures caused by the volcano, Blue Lagoon has seen a recovery in its guest bookings, but safety remains a tourist concern.

Tourism 290
article thumbnail

First Mortgage Financing Originates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport

Lodging

NEW YORK—Smith Hill Capital and Bain Capital’s Special Situations team announced the firms’ joint venture originated a first mortgage financing for the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport. The first mortgage has a total available balance of $57 million. The 305-key property maintains proximity to Nashville International Airport, downtown Nashville, and One Century Place Conference Center.

Business 162
article thumbnail

Chinese Airlines Are Gaining Fast as Western Carriers Exit Market

Skift Blog

Skift Take: The increasing cost pressures to avoid Russian airspace for flights to China have put Western airlines in a difficult situation. This has forced them to consider halting flights to China, which in turn is benefitting Chinese airlines.

Marketing 290
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo’s new solar project

Hotel Management

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort , located in Baa Atoll, the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site in the Maldives, has completed a new solar energy project. This initiative will significantly reduce energy consumption and minimise the resort’s environmental impact. Blessed with a year-round tropical climate, the resort has harnessed this natural advantage through the installation of a new solar panel system.

Resorts 147
article thumbnail

Michelin Awards More U.S. Luxury Hotels New Key Ratings and Adds Canada and Mexico

Skift Blog

Skift Take: It's notable how many of Michelin's favorite hotels are independently owned and run. Hard to find any properties run by the largest hotel groups on its lists.

Hotels 264
article thumbnail

Hospitality America Becomes Manager of Element by Marriott Charleston Airport

Lodging

Contender Development has selected Hospitality America to manage the Element by Marriott Charleston Airport in North Charleston, South Carolina. Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2025, the 123-room extended-stay hotel will have a restaurant, a fitness center, a saline outdoor pool, and 500 square feet of meeting space. This is the eighth Marriott hotel in the Hospitality America portfolio and the second property managed by owner Contender Development; the TownePlace Suites by Marriott [

article thumbnail

New York City Hotels Protest Bill to Mandate Licensing, Deter Subcontracting

Skift Blog

Skift Take: The New York City Council bill has ignited a fierce debate between supporters who claim it will improve safety and working conditions and opponents who argue it could cripple the hotel industry.

Hotels 162
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

This Week’s Comings & Goings

Lodging

Atlantis Resorts welcomed Paul Baker as president, managing the operations for Atlantis, The Palm; Atlantis The Royal; and Atlantis Sanya. Baker has held multiple leadership roles during his career, including as president of Grand Lisboa Palace. The Maven announced Jennifer Cottgias as general manager. Cottgias joins The Maven from the Courtyard Portland City Center where she served as general manager.

article thumbnail

Delta Cuts Revenue Outlook Following CrowdStrike Outage

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Delta’s bottom line is taking a hit from the CrowdStrike outage as it seeks legal recourse for a meltdown that led to thousands of flight disruptions.

Revenue 147
article thumbnail

IHG to host futuristic travel activation in major SXSW Sydney partnership

Hotel Management

IHG Hotels and Resorts has formed a major partnership with SXSW Sydney which will see the operator deliver a number of interactive experiences throughout the music, tech and culture festival. An Official Partner of the event, which returns for its second Sydney edition from October 14-20, IHG has also been named the Official Partner of the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival 2024.

Travel 130
article thumbnail

The Brit List Awards 2024: shortlist announced

Hotel Designs

Hotel Designs The Brit List Awards 2024: shortlist announced The Brit List Awards 2024: shortlist announced Regarded as the industry’s most widespread campaign to identify the leading interior designers, architects, hoteliers and brands, The Brit List Awards 2024 has unveiled this year’s shortlist, which includes more than 150 individuals and projects selected across 13 categories… Sponsored exclusively by Crosswater , The Brit List Awards 2024 Shortlist Unveiling Party has become the first poi

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

Stars of housekeeping: meet Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas Executive Housekeeper, Irina Rynne

Hotel Management

To mark Housekeeping Appreciation Week (September 8-14, 2024), HM spoke to some of the top performers in this critical hotel department to find out a bit more about their role. Name: Irina Rynne Hotel: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas Role: Executive Housekeeper Tenure: 16 years Tell us a bit about your career journey. My journey began 16 years ago, when I first joined as a cleaner in the villas.

Resorts 130
article thumbnail

Hotel development surge: Thousands of new projects poised to break ground

Hotel Business

Lodging Econometrics’ (LE) Q2 2024 U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report paints a picture of robust growth and strategic focus. With a significant concentration of projects scheduled to start in the next 12 months and early planning stages, particularly in the upscale and upper-midscale segments, the industry appears poised for substantial new supply growth.

article thumbnail

AHICE Aotearoa continues to drive growth and investment in hotels

Hotel Management

The Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE), the largest and most influential hotel investment and operations summit, is set to return to Christchurch on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September. The event aims to further stimulate investment and advance growth in New Zealand’s hotel sector. Conference co-host, Hotel Council Aotearoa (HCA) in collaboration with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) will announce the initial findings of how hotels use energy ac

Events 130
article thumbnail

Creative F&B Opportunities for Independent Hotels

Webrezpro

Guests are no longer satisfied with mediocre dining options at hotels. Today’s travelers crave unique and memorable culinary experiences. A robust F&B program can positively impact revenue in a significant way, driving repeat stays and attracting local guests. Distinctive dining options can set your hotel apart, making it a destination in itself.

Dining 109
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

AHICE Aloha gears up for stellar return

Hotel Management

Hosted by HM Magazine, the popular Hawaiian event will take place on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 November in Honolulu at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra. Delegates will include some of the United States and Hawai’i’s leading hotel owners, operators, consultants and suppliers, alongside global attendees. Hot topics in hotel investment and operations will be up for discussion with top industry figures from across the Hawai’ian Islands, the United States and gl

Events 130
article thumbnail

HVMG adds Minneapolis-area Embassy Suites to portfolio

Hotel Business

Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) has assumed management of the 232-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Bloomington/Minneapolis in Bloomington, MN. The company also will oversee a $9-million renovation project to upgrade guestrooms, public space, restaurant and back-of-house items. “Between our long standing history and familiarity operating this and other Hilton-branded projects and our expertise overseeing major hotel refurbishments, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Bloomington/Minneapolis i

article thumbnail

Mara Toto Tree Camp – the new Réserve-Collection treetop safari camp

Hotel Designs

Hotel Designs Mara Toto Tree Camp – the new Réserve-Collection treetop safari camp Mara Toto Tree Camp – the new Réserve-Collection treetop safari camp Great Plains, the iconic eco-tourism company founded by National Geographic explorer-filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, has announced the launch of Mara Toto Tree Camp. Set in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the newest offering from Great Plains forms part of its exclusive Réserve-Collection safari camps… One of Great Plains’ most asto

Dining 105
article thumbnail

Hospitality America to manage Element hotel in Charleston

Hotel Business

Hospitality America has been selected by Contender Development to manage the Element by Marriott Charleston Airport in North Charleston, SC. Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2025, the 123-room, upscale extended-stay hotel will feature a restaurant, 24/7 motion fitness center, all-natural saline outdoor pool and 500 sq. ft. of meeting space.

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

Product watch: Sanctuary from Sekers

Hotel Designs

Hotel Designs Product watch: Sanctuary from Sekers Product watch: Sanctuary from Sekers Sekers has expanded its Riviera Collection with the addition of Sanctuary, the latest offering in its wallcovering collection… Sekers has welcomed Sanctuary, a sophisticated selection of wallcoverings designed to bring elegance and tranquillity to any space.

article thumbnail

How to Use AI for SMS Marketing

Textedly

One of the most exciting developments in the world of marketing is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into SMS campaigns. When used wisely, AI in SMS marketing can revolutionize how businesses connect with their audience.

Marketing 100
article thumbnail

Domestic tourism is on the rise – here’s how hoteliers can capitalise

eHotelier

Domestic tourists now want trips that are sustainable, relaxed, socially responsible, and immersive in the local area. As the sector grows anew, hoteliers should adapt their services and facilities in order to benefit fully.

Tourism 98
article thumbnail

Why Hotel General Managers Are Reluctant to Embrace Change

Demand Calendar

In today's fast-changing world, technology and data are essential. They give insights to boost what a general manager (GM) knows from experience. These new tools are not just helpful; they are the key to unlocking unprecedented growth and success. But oddly enough, even with the clear benefits, many hotel general managers still resist changing their ways.

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!