Everything you wanted to know about buying and selling hotels.
"Canada is just beginning its journey with hospitality robots," notes Greg Staley of E-Pro Bot Inc., representing KEENON Robotics. While countries like China and Japan lead in hotel robotics, Canada is catching up, integrating robots like Relay2 at venues such as Montreal’s Hotel Monville."
Hilton is set to expand its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America, aiming to surpass 300 hotels within the next three years. Following a record-breaking year, Hilton's President and CEO Chris Nassetta emphasized the company's commitment to the region during visits to several countries. With over 100 hotels in the pipeline and plans to enter new markets, Hilton is poised for significant growth. This expansion is expected to create thousands of new jobs and further solidify Hilton's position as...
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Anjuna, North Goa, marking its sixth Taj property in the region. This 170-key beachfront resort, developed in collaboration with Bharat Realty Venture Pvt Ltd, will feature extensive dining options, wellness facilities, and North Goa's largest banquet hall, enhancing the area's hospitality landscape.
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE: APLE) has purchased the 262-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Madison Downtown for $79.5 million. The newly constructed hotel is strategically located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, close to major attractions and business hubs. This acquisition enhances Apple Hospitality's portfolio, which now includes 224 hotels with over 30,000 guest rooms across 37 states and the District of Columbia.
As we approach 2024, the hospitality industry is set for significant changes. Key trends include a stronger focus on sustainability, the rise of plant-based menus, the integration of contactless technology, and the growing demand for personalized service. Embracing AI and health-centric offerings, prioritizing local sourcing, and adapting to hybrid work-leisure spaces will be crucial. The industry will also need to address ongoing labor shortages and maintain flexibility to stay competitive.
HITEC North America, the largest hospitality technology exposition, has launched the HITEC Technology Investment Conference (HITEC-IC) in 2024. This new event features an investment-focused education program and networking opportunities, connecting investors with tech companies. Key sessions include insights from industry leaders on evaluating technology investments, understanding economic impacts, and fostering innovation in hospitality. For more details and registration, visit the HITEC-IC event page.
Seamless financial system integration is crucial for hotel organizations to maintain a competitive edge. Integrating various property systems streamlines processes, boosts accuracy, and enhances productivity, especially within finance and accounting departments. By automating routine tasks, improving data accuracy, and providing real-time financial visibility, integration enables hoteliers to make informed decisions and drive business success. Embracing financial system integration is key to operational efficiency and competitiveness in 2024 and beyond.
In an era dominated by automation, technology providers that prioritize personal relationships and live-agent support become invaluable assets for hotels. While AI and automation enhance efficiency, the human touch remains essential in the hospitality industry for delivering personalized service and building meaningful customer connections. Balancing AI with human interaction ensures that hotels can offer both quick, efficient solutions and empathetic, knowledgeable support, ultimately enhancing guest and employee satisfaction.
Rate parity ensures consistent room rates across all booking channels, including the hotel’s own website. While it simplifies pricing and maintains brand trust, it limits direct booking discounts and requires constant monitoring. Strategies to boost direct bookings include adding value with perks, optimizing the booking experience, advertising on metasearch sites, creating loyalty programs, and investing in digital marketing. Utilizing technology like integrated booking engines, chatbots, CRM software, and rate shopping tools can help manage rate parity and increase direct bookings.
The advent of online reviews has transformed hotel pricing strategies, introducing reputation pricing. This method aligns room rates with the quality of experience guests expect, their perceived value, and their willingness to pay. By understanding and improving their online reputation, hotels can justify higher rates, enhance occupancy, and ultimately increase revenue. Implementing reputation pricing requires consistent effort in guest feedback management, competitive analysis, and leveraging technology to streamline processes and maintain high service standards.
Opt-in housekeeping allows guests to request cleaning services based on their preferences, enhancing their stay and aligning with their specific needs. This model, which gained popularity during the pandemic, offers numerous benefits including cost efficiency, sustainability, and personalized guest experiences. Implementing it successfully requires thoughtful planning and communication, ensuring guests are informed and services are tailored to their preferences.
Jordan hosted 257 Canadian travel professionals for the 10th annual Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) conference from June 3 to 10, marking the first time the event was held outside North America. Organized by the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA) in collaboration with TTAND and G Adventures, the conference aimed to strengthen tourism and economic stability, showcasing Jordan's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
Running an independent hotel involves juggling numerous tasks, with pricing being one of the most challenging. Setting the right price can feel like a constant struggle amidst fluctuating demand and competitive pressures. Lighthouse's Pricing Manager offers a solution by automating pricing recommendations based on superior data quality and transparent processes. This tool helps hoteliers optimize their pricing strategy, freeing them to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
The hospitality and tourism industry, a vital contributor to the global economy, faces significant challenges with sexual harassment. Despite its customer-centric focus, the sector is plagued by high rates of harassment, particularly among women. This integrative framework, developed from fieldwork at EHL Hospitality Business School, proposes a comprehensive approach based on building awareness, training, monitoring, and taking action to foster a culture of care and respect in hospitality workplaces.
With 93% of travelers reading online reviews before booking, the impact of online reputation on a hotel's success is undeniable. By actively encouraging reviews, responding to feedback, and leveraging guest insights, hotels can enhance their reputation, increase occupancy rates, and drive revenue growth. In today's digital age, mastering online reviews is essential for thriving in the competitive hospitality industry.
Many hoteliers fail due to poor financial management, inadequate market research, and subpar customer service. To succeed, they must focus on exceptional guest experiences, embrace technology, and adopt sustainable practices. Continuous adaptation to market trends and leveraging data analytics are also key strategies. By implementing these approaches, hoteliers can overcome common challenges and thrive in the dynamic hospitality industry.
The hotel industry is rapidly evolving, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.5% from 2023 to 2028. Investors are shifting focus towards mid-scale and boutique hotels, driven by their resilience and unique appeal. Technological advancements, sustainability, and the rise of "bleisure" travel are reshaping guest experiences and operational strategies. FALLZ HOTELS™ offers data-driven insights and exclusive opportunities to help investors thrive in this dynamic market.
Hotel concierges, the epitome of personalized service, can secure exclusive reservations, arrange sold-out event tickets, and cater to unique guest needs. Utilizing their expertise transforms trips into extraordinary experiences, from tailored dining arrangements to specialized services like genealogy tracing and equestrian adventures. Don't overlook this valuable resource to elevate your travel experience.
Hotels are adapting to the increasing demand for take-out food by partnering with delivery apps and redesigning rooms for convenience. This trend, driven by guest preferences, enhances the modern hotel experience with easy access to a variety of dining options.
