Sat.Jun 29, 2024 - Fri.Jul 05, 2024

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Marriott International’s Sean Hunt retires after 37 years

Hotel Management

Long-time Marriott International executive Sean Hunt has retired from his position as Area Vice President for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific (ANZP), effective Monday July 1. A spokesperson for Marriott confirmed Hunt’s retirement following a 37-year stint with the company announcing an interim leader while a replacement is sought. “Marriott International announced Sean Hunt’s’ retirement as Area Vice President for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific (ANZP), effective July 1,” the

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2024 Summer Olympics: Airbnb, Accor, and Air France Hope for Brand Marketing Windfall

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Many industry leaders doubt Paris will enjoy an immediate tourism windfall from the Games. But Accor, Airbnb, and Air France are counting on a boost in brand awareness, with 15 million visitors and a billion viewers watching on TV.

Branding 342
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Don’t Leave Home Without It: Pre-Call Planning

Anthony Cole Training

Remember the tagline and series of commercials by American Express, “Don't leave home without it?” In this case, we don't want salespeople to leave the office without pre-call planning and pre-call preparation. This is a specific discipline, a hallmark and habit of all great salespeople.

Sales 324
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AHLA Foundation Announces Third Annual No Room for Trafficking Summit

Lodging

WASHINGTON, D.C.—AHLA Foundation announced its third annual No Room for Trafficking Summit will take place on July 30, 2024, the same day as the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. At last year’s No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Summit, the inaugural grantees of the NRFT Survivor Fund were announced, including Safe House Project, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), Restore NYC, Inc., University of Maryland Support, Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment (SAFE) Cente

Business 278
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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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‘End of an era’: Hyatt Regency Perth to close next month as owner eyes new hospitality direction

Hotel Management

Landmark WA hotel Hyatt Regency Perth is set to close its doors next month after 36 years in operation with its Singapore-based owner Tuan Sing Holdings Limited seeking to embark on a new hospitality direction. Tuan Sing Holdings announced on Monday that the existing management agreement with Hyatt Hotels will be terminated on August 31, 2024, at which point the property will cease to operate as a hotel.

Closing 264
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Indians Splurge Twice as Much on Weddings as on 18 Years of Education

Skift Blog

Skift Take: In India, weddings get the grand stage while education waits in the wings.

Consumer 340

More Trending

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Off to a Slow Start: U.S. Hotel Transactions at Lowest First-Quarter Dollar Volume Since 2010

Lodging

The U.S. hotel industry saw 800 transactions in the first quarter of 2024, according to data from CoStar. Higher interest rates continue to take a toll on transactions, with the estimated undisclosed dollar volume at roughly $4 billion—the lowest for a first quarter since 2010. When looking at disclosed dollar volume, transactions were at $3.4 billion. made up 20 percent of the quarterly transaction activity.

Sales 264
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Qantas and Jetstar to launch Vanuatu flights

Hotel Management

Qantas and Jetstar have revealed they will commence operating up to nine return flights each week between Australia and Vanuatu, with the new seats going on sale across both carriers today. Starting on 10 September 2024, Qantas will fly three times a week between Brisbane and Port Vila, with the ability to increase to five per week based on demand, while Jetstar will offer up to four weekly flights between Sydney and Port Vila from 12 December 2024.

Travel 246
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Shorter Distance, Longer Stays: Climate Researchers Call for New Approach to Destination Marketing

Skift Blog

Skift Take: As climate policies raise the cost of air travel, particularly in Europe, some destination marketers may find it's riskier to bet on tourism growth from long-haul markets.

Marketing 334
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AI Revolution in Hospitality: A Comprehensive Guide for Hotels to Enhance Guest Experience and Streamline Operations

Are Morch

This article is part of the Hotel Digital Transformer newsletter on LinkedIn. Subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter where I’ll share tips, ideas, and strategies to help your hotel open its digital gateway. __ In the dynamic landscape of the hospitality industry, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a transformative force, offering unparalleled opportunities for enhancing […] The post AI Revolution in Hospitality: A Comprehensive Guide for Hotels to Enhance Guest Exp

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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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Delivering the California Dream: Kirkwood Collection CEO Leverages His Film Industry Experience

Lodging

When LODGING spoke to Alex Kirkwood, founder & CEO of the eponymous Kirkwood Collection, he was “in chaos mode in escrow closing on two deals” for his fast-growing luxury boutique hotel investment, development, and management firm. At only 38 years of age now, Kirkwood described an impressive career path where he moved from a successful Hollywood film advertising career to building a boutique hospitality real estate enterprise known for its one-of-a-kind properties—all of which pretty [̷

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Ovolo Hotels Founder Girish Jhunjhnuwala to resume CEO role as Dave Baswal departs

Hotel Management

Ovolo Hotels Chief Executive, Dave Baswal, has announced that he will depart the boutique hotel business at the end of September, with Founder and Executive Chairman Girish Jhunjhnuwala to resume the CEO role thereafter. Since joining the company in 2016, initially as Director of Finance and Operations AU, Baswal quickly progressed to key senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director, before his promotion to the CEO position in 2022.

Hotels 246
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This Is How Wealthy Chinese Female Travelers Think of Travel

Skift Blog

Skift Take: For Chinese women travelers, travel is now a powerful way to express their individuality. Sure, you might spot them shopping at Prada, but there's so much more to their adventures.

Travel 334
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Hospitality Financial Leadership – The Top 10 Accounts Receivable Controls

Hotel Financial Coach Blog

Click on image to learn more 🔊 Listen to Post “AR” as we commonly refer to the sub department of the accounting function is a mainstay in any larger group-based hotel. In these juggernauts the importance of efficiently collecting your money is mission critical. Not only do we take the chance that the group will come and stay after we hold all those rooms, but we also roll the dice and give them credit.

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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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Hyatt Acquires me and all hotels Brand

Lodging

CHICAGO, Illinois—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that a Hyatt affiliate has acquired the me and all hotels brand from Lindner Hotels AG (Lindner) to grow in new European markets and build on Hyatt’s momentum in the region. This move builds on the collaboration that Hyatt and Lindner entered into in 2022, which increased Hyatt’s brand footprint in Germany and Europe, with the subsequent integration of most Lindner Hotels & Resorts and me and all hotels into […] The post Hyatt Acquir

Branding 264
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International executives jet in for the very first AHICE Fiji Islands Summit

Hotel Management

The inaugural AHICE Fiji Islands Investment in Tourism Summit kicks off today, Wednesday July 3, with over 250 hotel industry executives expected in attendance. Presented by Fiji Airways and hosted by HM Magazine, the event kicks off with networking events at the new Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa and Sheraton Fiji Resort and Spa on Wednesday before a full day of conference sessions at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Thursday.

Events 147
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American Airlines Bets on Hydrogen-Electric Engines Despite Limits

Skift Blog

Skift Take: Airlines have been making larger investments in hydrogen-electric startups as they look for ways to become more sustainable. But it’s unclear if such engines can be used on a wide scale.

Scale 334
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Navigating Cyber Threats in Hospitality: Key Takeaways from HITEC 2024

Hospitality Tech

During HITEC 2024, industry leaders discussed the vulnerabilities hotels face from social engineering, complacency in cybersecurity investment, and the dual-edged nature of AI, urging CTOs to adopt a proactive stance.

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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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Springboard Hospitality Names John Mootz Corporate Director of Food and Beverage

Lodging

LOS ANGELES, California—Springboard Hospitality announced that John Mootz will join the company as the company’s first-ever corporate director of food and beverage. In his newly created role, Mootz will work with individual property general managers, executive chefs, and food and beverage teams across the portfolio to concept new venues, expand culinary offerings, and enhance overall dining experiences.

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Corporate calm meets urban edge at the newly opened Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport

Hotel Management

Melbourne Airport has welcomed the arrival of its first internationally branded new-build hotel in over two decades with the opening of the dual-branded Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport on Monday. Over 120 key industry and media stakeholders were in attendance for the official ribbon cutting and launch event led by Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus, Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Williams and Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClement, with guests invited to explore the hotel’s

Branding 147
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Justice Department Plans to Ask Boeing to Plead Guilty Over 737 Max Linked to Fatal Crashes

Skift Blog

Skift Take: If Boeing is convicted of committing a felony, it could become harder for the plane maker to win contract work with the federal government.

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A 3-Step Guide to Improving Conversion Rates with A/B Testing

Refine

Want to turn more website visitors into hotel guests? A/B testing is your secret weapon! By comparing two versions of a page or message, you can find out what really clicks with your audience. For hotel websites, this means better user experience and more direct bookings. In this blog, we'll cover everything from identifying the The post A 3-Step Guide to Improving Conversion Rates with A/B Testing appeared first on Revfine.com.

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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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DoubleTree by Hilton Surpasses 100 Properties in Asia Pacific

Lodging

SINGAPORE—DoubleTree by Hilton surpassed 100 properties in the Asia Pacific region. This milestone is being driven by recent and upcoming hotel openings across the region, including: The company’s recent franchise model expansion with the DoubleTree by Hilton brand is set to impact growth, offering owners in Greater China opportunities to leverage the brand’s market presence and Hilton’s commercial engine and network effect.

Branding 147
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Video: Fiji Airways named best airline in Australia and Pacific for second time

Hotel Management

Fiji Airways has been recognised as the Best Airline in Australia and Pacific at the Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards for the second consecutive year. Continuing its commitment to people and customer experience, Fiji Airways was also awarded Best Airline Staff in Australia and Pacific for the fourth year in a row. Travellers from across the world voted in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to determine the award winners, with more than 21 million entries, and 350 airlines feature

Travel 130
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New Visit Anaheim CEO Pledges Fresh Start After Controversy. Plus: Disney’s Expansion

Skift Blog

Skift Take: After a scathing state audit report, Visit Anaheim has a new CEO. Expect full transparency from now on, he says.

Tourism 334
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Roundtable: Mood Enhancing Design: Enlighten Me

Hotel Designs

Hotel Designs Roundtable: Mood Enhancing Design: Enlighten Me Roundtable: Mood Enhancing Design: Enlighten Me In collaboration with award-winning lighting manufacturer Franklite Ltd , Hotel Designs Editor Sophie Harper hosted a lively discussion alongside Mark Lissauer, Export Director at Franklite Ltd on the impact of design on mood and perception with a group of esteemed interior designers… Taking place during Clerkenwell Design Week , there was much to be inspired by as the group gathered tog

Dining 111
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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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The Westin San Diego Bayview Completes Renovation

Lodging

SAN DIEGO, California—The Westin San Diego Bayview has completed a comprehensive $20 million renovation, marking a transformation of its 436 guestrooms and meeting spaces. “In concert with our exceptional team and amenities, this renovation exemplifies our commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience for groups, events, meetings, and leisure travelers,” said Peter Engard, general manager of the Westin San Diego Bayview.

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Exclusive: effective asset management ‘crucial’ amid complex operating environment, says JLL

Hotel Management

In HM ’ s 2024-2025 Hotel Development Outlook, JLL Hotels and Hospitality Executive Vice President Strategic Advisory, Ross Beardsell, discusses a changing landscape with a slowdown in new projects and further acquisitions on the cards. Australia and New Zealand’s largest-ever hotel expansion is beginning to slow, leaving the region with an enviable stock of world-class hotels and resorts.

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Business Travel Rebounds Even as Companies Cut Costs

Skift Blog

Skift Take: The rebound in business travel is real, but companies still say they're worried about higher prices.

Business 333
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Human-centric hospitality: the key to thriving in the industry

eHotelier

Let's explore the key challenges hospitality businesses face and the strategies they can implement to align corporate culture and human values and also highlight some of the benefits you can realize by successfully navigating the transformation to become a human-centric hospitality business.

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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