Experience the ultimate day out at Grand Lakes Orlando with a thrilling helicopter tour to the iconic Kennedy Space Center. Guests will fly in a state-of-the-art EC-130 helicopter, explore NASA's historic launch sites, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of space exploration landmarks.
Join Four Seasons and its employees for the 44th Annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Wilket Creek Park. Participants will run, walk, and cycle to raise funds for cancer research and continue Terry Fox’s legacy of hope and perseverance.
Owning a hotel can be challenging with high costs and fluctuating revenue. This guide outlines key metrics like Gross Operating Profit (GOP) and offers 8 practical strategies for improving profitability, from revenue management to cost control and technology investments.
In 2024, a few major conglomerates like Marriott, Hilton, and Accor dominate the hotel industry through extensive brand portfolios and asset-light strategies. While these megabrands expand rapidly, independent hotels must find ways to stand out with unique, personalized offerings in a crowded market.
LVMH is expanding its Cheval Blanc luxury hotel brand by acquiring Hotel Pitrizza in Sardinia. The property will be rebranded as Cheval Blanc Pitrizza in 2026, following extensive renovations. This marks LVMH's first Mediterranean island location, furthering its global portfolio of high-end hotels.
Greek real estate investment company Premia Properties has announced an agreement to acquire two prominent four-star hotels from Nordic Leisure Travel Group (NLTG), a subsidiary of a Swedish tour operator. The properties involved are the Sunwing Kallithea Beach hotel, located in Rhodes with 534 rooms, and the Sunwing Mak
Offering **Starlink Mini** at your hotel can boost both guest satisfaction and revenue. By providing premium, high-speed internet as an upgrade, you cater to modern travelers' needs while creating a new income stream. Especially in remote locations, this tech-savvy solution sets your property apart, ensuring guests enjoy seamless connectivity and an elevated experience.
Transforming the hotel keycard into a marketing tool is a clever and effective strategy. Instead of being just a functional item, a branded keycard with a QR code can direct guests to a digital guide showcasing local attractions, dining options, and exclusive offers. Hotels can use this platform to upsell services like spa treatments or dining experiences, while partnering with local businesses for mutual promotion. By enhancing convenience and personalization, this simple approach can boost guest engagement and increase on-site...
Can hotels learn from airlines? After a recent experience with Emirates, the answer is a resounding yes. Emirates’ first-class service, including exceptional staff, premium amenities, and unique touches like onboard pajamas, offers valuable lessons for luxury hotels. To enhance guest experiences, consider investing in outstanding service, premium amenities, and unique, memorable touches that make a lasting impression.
Otto, a startup developing an AI-powered travel assistant, has raised $6 million in seed funding led by Madrona Ventures and supported by Direct Travel and notable angel investors. The platform aims to personalize business travel by learning travelers' preferences and integrating with existing travel services. Otto’s technology is expected to revolutionize the travel experience, offering smarter and more efficient planning and booking solutions.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA), intended to level the playing field for hotels in Europe, is having unintended consequences. Instead of benefiting hoteliers, Google's response to the DMA has led to a sharp decline in organic traffic and unpaid bookings for hotels, while paid traffic has surged. Changes to hotel search result pages—such as pushing organic listings further down and increasing space for OTAs—have caused direct distribution costs to rise and hotels to become more dependent on paid ads. Despite...
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in South Korea with the opening of La Vie D’or Hotel and Resort, part of its Trademark Collection. Located in Hwaseong-si, the resort offers leisure and business travelers a peaceful retreat, featuring a golf course, fine dining, and conference facilities, while also providing easy access to major business hubs like Samsung and Hyundai. This debut strengthens Wyndham's footprint in South Korea, now with over 30 hotels, amid growing tourism demand.
In the hospitality industry, data and organizational silos between departments can hinder operations and guest satisfaction. Hotels must break down these barriers by fostering collaboration and sharing data across teams like sales, marketing, and revenue management. Integrating technology and building cross-functional commercial teams can optimize business performance, enhance guest experiences, and ensure long-term success in a competitive market.
The business travel industry is set to achieve unprecedented growth, with spending projected to reach $1.48 trillion in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest GBTA Business Travel Index Report, this momentum is driven by economic stability, pent-up demand, and recovery. By 2028, global business travel spending is expected to exceed $2 trillion. The sector's resilience post-pandemic is evident, but challenges such as inflation, geopolitical tensions, and sustainability concerns could impact future growth. Top markets like the U.S. and...
Hyatt Hotels has sold the 1,641-room Hyatt Regency Orlando for over $1 billion, surpassing its $2 billion asset-disposition goal. The deal includes plans for a new 2,500-room Grand Hyatt on adjacent land, further expanding Hyatt's footprint in Orlando’s booming hospitality market.
The boutique hotel market is expected to reach $18 billion by 2033, driven by growing demand for personalized, tech-enhanced travel experiences. AI-powered services, sustainability efforts, and unique accommodations are reshaping the industry, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Marriott's Moxy Hotels debuts in Chongqing, blending playful design with the city's vibrant culture. Located near iconic landmarks, the hotel offers stylish, space-efficient rooms and a lively social hub, Moxy Bar, providing guests with a fun, immersive experience.
Global hotel investment hit $5.7 billion in the first half of the year, up 19%, driven by a tourism resurgence in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan, Thailand, and China are leading markets, with Japan attracting cross-border investors due to favorable market conditions. Investment volumes are expected to reach $11.6 billion by year-end.
Marriott International has signed a long-term licensing agreement with Sonder Holdings, expected to add over 10,500 apartment-style rooms to its portfolio under the new "Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy" brand. This expansion boosts Marriott's offerings in key urban markets, with full integration into its Bonvoy loyalty program by 2025.
Supporting LGBTQ+ employees on international business trips is essential for their safety and comfort. Companies should provide inclusive travel resources, research destination-specific laws, plan accommodations with care, respect individual privacy, and offer cultural training to ensure a supportive and secure experience abroad.
