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Accor releases white paper on the Business of wellness and hospitality

When stepping into a hotel these days, one cannot help but notice a growing wave of smoothie bowls, pilates poses, and mindfulness seminars. For many years, Accor has been at the forefront of the wellbeing movement, leading the way to integrate health and wellness into all aspects of the guest experience. In a new white paper, “It’s a Wellness World: The Global Shift Shaking up Our Business”, Accor explores the fundamental societal shift currently underway as the lifestyle goal of feeling healthier has moved out from beyond the walls of the spas and gyms and entered the mainstream. The informative report goes on to discuss the opportunities the wellness movement provides for hoteliers and some of the unique ways that Accor brands will deepen their commitments in this vital area throughout 2020 and beyond. “At Accor, our goal is to have guests experience a sense of wellbeing during their stay and that they leave feeling better than when they arrived; better rested, more nourished and in a happier state of mind,” said Emlyn Brown, Global Vice-President, Wellbeing, Luxury & Premium Brands, Accor. “A delighted guest is naturally more inspired to return. Therefore, by investing in holistic wellness experiences that help our guests feel good throughout the customer journey, we are establishing a model for strong revenue growth through return bookings, word-of-mouth referrals, and positive social media presence, contributing to a steady and sustainable business for years to come.” “It’s a Wellness World: The Global Shift Shaking up Our Business” reveals that 77% of consumers “take steps in their daily lives to stay healthy, make informed food choices, stay active and manage stress.”* Furthermore, some 56% of affluent travelers place a top priority on the statement, “I’m striving to become healthier in the coming year.”** The report also explores numerous economic and social factors that are driving the rise of wellness around the world. “As the wellness movement matures, and wellness offerings become a standard expectation within the hospitality industry, we are seeing a growing emphasis not only on healthy food options, relaxation, and movement but on such fundamental health necessities as clean water and air,” said Anne Dimon, CEO & President of the Wellness Tourism Association. “The mindset of wellness has evolved beyond spas and workout spaces, challenging the hospitality industry to consider how it integrates other health considerations such mindfulness and time spent in nature, along with environmental concerns – such as reducing indoor pollution and eliminating plastics – into its daily operations.” Accor’s well-being white paper will act as a catalyst to help energize the company’s wellness teams globally, while also informing and enhancing the five key pillars that guide Accor’s overall approach to well-being – Active Nutrition, Holistic Design, Bodies in Movement, Leveraging Spa, and Embracing Mindfulness – all of which are adapted and adopted by the company’s hotel brands based on a number of important factors including guest preference, demographics, brand positioning, culture and location. The report also delves deeper into this tailored approach and showcases several examples of how some of Accor’s leading hotel brands are uniquely evolving with the wellness movement. For example: Raffles Hotels & Resorts creates bespoke experiences to enhance guests’ emotional wellbeing, allowing them the opportunity to experience serenity, harmony, and pleasure. The brand is employing Feng Shui and Biophilia techniques to bring peace and balance to its interior spaces; menus designed to enhance sleep, counter jet lag and promote digestive health, and sleep rituals include aromatherapy and luxury sleep masks. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a gateway to hundreds of wellbeing experiences, from heart-racing workouts to heartfelt moments of peace and tranquility. The brand’s apparel and gear-lending program ensures guests are ready for fitness anytime; green spaces connect guests to nature; a sustainable drinking water program and high-quality organic and local food employ an environmentally respectful approach. SO/ Hotels & Resorts’ approach to wellness aims to bring balance to those who live fast and play hard. The brand’s Glow Bar offering provides the latest in skin and beauty treatments, while Deep Beats Yoga brings the power of sound to enrich the physical and mental experience of en masse yoga. MGallery Hotel Collection seeks to nourish the soul and empower guests with a balanced lifestyle among thoughtfully designed spaces. In-room amenities are curated for self-care, while signature treatments, healthful menus and positively affirming mantras inspire guests to feel their best, inside and out. Pullman Hotels & Resorts delivers Power Fitness to guests who want to achieve peak physical performance, in between working and having fun. The hotels feature energetic power fitness zones; video on-demand exercise classes; Power Up food and beverage menus for optimal nutrition; and a global ambassador fitness program to keep workouts fresh and inspired. Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its Vitality Room concept. These customized suites include circadian lighting technology; in-room yoga stations; wellness walls with fitness training modules; black-out blinds; air purification systems; shower lighting and scent customization; and high vitality snack and superfoods bars. “Wellness is a golden opportunity for the hospitality industry,” added Brown. “Feeling healthy is a universal, emotionally-charged, and frequent concern for all demographics of guests and cuts across all areas of life, from daily routines to exceptional, transformative travel experiences. Our diverse hotel brands look forward to embracing the challenge of continuously surprising and delighting our guests with new ways to achieve health and well-being during their travels, inspiring them to choose our hotels again and again.”

Create: Dec 8, 2019 Edit: Dec 8, 2019

Hyatt to add 20 new luxury hotels and resorts by the End of 2020

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that more than 20 new luxury hotels and resorts are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2020, boosting Hyatt’s luxury portfolio. The additions include new properties under the Park Hyatt, Andaz, Alila, Grand Hyatt, Miraval and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brands. As part of this global expansion, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is seeing its strongest growth to date in Europe. The brand is known for an exceptional portfolio of true historic gems as well as contemporary properties with a fascinating past. Each hotel within the collection provides one-of-a-kind experiences attracting independently minded travelers looking for the extraordinary. Upcoming hotels include distinctive properties like Great Scotland Yard, the location of London’s former metropolitan police headquarters, expected to open December 9; and the majestic Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, the former imperial residence of Napoleon III, which is due to reopen in June 2020 after an extensive renovation. “With our growth acceleration in the luxury segment, we will have the opportunity to care for more travelers around the globe through a range of differentiated high-end experiences,” said Mark Vondrasek, chief commercial officer, Hyatt. “We’re excited to expand into new markets and enhance the global footprint of our brands, giving our guests and members additional ways to connect with our luxury offerings in places where they want to be.” Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2020, the Park Hyatt brand is also a key contributor to Hyatt’s luxury portfolio growth, with five Park Hyatt hotels expected to open by 2020 in Doha, Qatar; Jakarta, Indonesia; Niseko, Japan; Suzhou, China; and Auckland, New Zealand. With its world-renowned artwork, sophisticated design, and sought-after dining experiences – with several Michelin-starred restaurants, now totaling three in Europe – the brand caters to discerning travelers who appreciate understated luxury and an intimate, residential stay. Throughout the decades, Park Hyatt hotels have delivered immersive experiences, creating a refined home away from home for guests. “Across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, as well as Southwest Asia, luxury properties account for over a third (35 percent) of our portfolio,” said Peter Fulton, group president – EAME SWA, Hyatt. “Europe in particular, with its unique and historic architecture, represents a natural home for The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, and as we expand with our lifestyle and independent brands, we are confident our new offerings will cater to high-end travelers who are seeking an unprecedented stay.” Other announcements include the expansion of the Alila brand, which delivers world-class service and crafts rare and intimate experiences for its guests, with three luxury resorts expected to open in Switzerland, Malaysia and Oman. In addition, six Andaz branded luxury lifestyle properties are due to open in Dubai, UAE; Prague, Czech Republic; Bali, Indonesia; Shenzhen and Xiamen in China; and Palm Springs, California, offering distinctively local experiences and creative design within open, barrier-free spaces. The Grand Hyatt brand is also set to continue to steadily grow with new openings in Hefei and the Shenzhou Peninsula in China, Kuwait, Gurgaon in India, Jeju in South Korea, and Nashville, Tennessee, along with the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Known for its bold and vibrant architecture and welcoming service, Hyatt’s largest luxury brand, Grand Hyatt, celebrates the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Planned Alila openings Alila Dalit Bay in Malaysia (2020) Alila Hinu Bay in Oman (2020) Alila La Gruyère in Switzerland (2023) Planned/Recent Andaz openings Andaz Dubai The Palm (2019)–will mark the brand’s entry into Dubai Andaz Bali (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Indonesia Andaz Shenzhen in China (2020) Andaz Xiamen in China (2020) Andaz Palm Springs in the U.S. (2020) Andaz Prague (2022)–will mark first Hyatt hotel in the Czech Republic Andaz Seoul Gangnam in South Korea (opened 2019) Planned/Recent Grand Hyatt openings Grand Hyatt Hefei in China (2019) Grand Hyatt Al Khobar (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Grand Hyatt Kuwait (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Kuwait Grand Hyatt Gurgaon in India (2020) Grand Hyatt Jeju in South Korea (2020)–will mark largest Grand Hyatt hotel in Asia Pacific Grand Hyatt Nashville in the US (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Tennessee Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula in China (2020) Grand Hyatt at SFO–only on-airport hotel at SFO (opened 2019) Planned/Recent Park Hyatt openings Park Hyatt Doha (2019)–will mark the brand’s entry into Qatar Park Hyatt Auckland (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into New Zealand Park Hyatt Jakarta (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Indonesia Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono in Japan (2020) Park Hyatt Suzhou in China (2020) Park Hyatt Kyoto in Japan (opened 2019) Planned The Unbound Collection by Hyatt openings Great Scotland Yard (2019)–will mark the brand’s entry into the UK Hotel du Palais Biarritz in France (2020) Planned Miraval openings Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa in the US (2020)—will mark the brand’s entry into Massachusetts

Create: Dec 8, 2019 Edit: Dec 8, 2019

KT’s AI Robot Debuts in Seoul Hotel

South Korean operator KT has launched its AI-enabled hotel service robot in Seoul. The AI hotel robot, dubbed ‘N bot’, started its official service at Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences, to serve guests in 100 rooms, Yonhap news agency reports, citing a company statement. KT used 3D location mapping, autonomous driving and AI camera capabilities to develop the robot. Guests can request items through voice command or touch screen of KT's GiGa Genie device in a room, and N bot will identify the location to deliver the items, SK said. With help of its autonomous driving technology, the robot can take an elevator to move from one floor to another and stop or pass by oncoming people to avoid collisions. Back in February, KT opened a robot cafe in the main venue of MWC Barcelona to serve free coffee to visitors. The barista robot served 47 kinds of drinks at the GSMA Innovation City exhibition hall. In October this year, KT announced it will start selling its hotel service offering artificial intelligence-based features to hotels in the Philippines. The service will be gradually expanded to hotels in Singapore, Dubai and Guam. KT recently announced plans to invest KRW 300 billion (approximately USD 256.9 million) in the next four years to develop advanced AI-based services. KT will develop AI technology in the areas of language, image, analysis and problem solving, in an attempt to increase the number of AI-enabled devices to 100 million by 2025.

Create: Dec 7, 2019 Edit: Dec 8, 2019

The Empire State Building Observatory redevelopment completed

The Empire State Building Observatory (ESBO) atop The World's Most Famous Building today announces the completion of the redevelopment of its 80th floor. The final component of the four-year, $165 million project to reimagine the ESBO adds engaging and informative exhibits to orient visitors on their visit to New York City and showcases the building's unique place at the center of it all. New on the 80th floor is an exclusive, interactive partnership with NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership bureau for New York City, with five interactive video blades which allow visitors to utilize NYC & Company's expertise to design itineraries for their visit using a massive inventory of destinations in all five boroughs. The itineraries automatically download to a visitor's phone with the use of a QR Code reader or can be sent via e-mail. Designed in response to research that showed ESBO is many visitors' first destination, this service is a boon to all tourists and New York City residents. Interactive, augmented reality scenes from New York City, housed inside classic binoculars, bring visitors directly to the sights and sounds of popular destinations. Other exhibits include videos of ESB's famous light shows with interviews with Marc Brickman, the lighting artist who brings them to life, user-generated content, and famous British memory artist Steven Wiltshire's monumental skyline of New York City. To celebrate the unveiling, the Empire State Building is also excited to announce the premiere of a new video starring Tony, Grammy, Emmy, and Pulitzer-Prize winning composer, lyricist, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda. Set to his love-letter to New York, Cheering for Me Now - an original track from his Hamildrop series with music by legendary composer John Kander (Cabaret, Chicago) and lyrics by Miranda, the video will feature a new music-to-light show designed by world-renowned lighting artist Marc Brickman and footage of Miranda exploring the all-new Observatory Experience. A portion of the video will premiere on November 27, on CBS This Morning's live broadcast and will be posted exclusively on the Empire State Building's YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

Create: Dec 7, 2019 Edit: Dec 7, 2019

Hotelbeds partners with tourism boards to drive incremental visitors

Since launching in 2018 campaigns have delivered increases of an average of up to 30% for over 50 tourism boards globally, each strategic campaign enables Tourism Boards to navigate the highly fragmented landscape of the global travel industry, targeting specific demographics in desired source markets. Hotelbeds has confirmed the successful launch of an industry-first B2B service for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) globally to drive incremental tourism arrivals. Leveraging the company’s technology, booking platform, and relationships with hoteliers and B2B travel buyers globally, Hotelbeds has to date already worked with over 50 tourism boards from around the world. The result has been to increase room nights for target destinations by up to 30% on average – plus improving revenue performance – by attracting additional low- and shoulder-season visitors from international and domestic source markets globally. Partner destinations receive access to the over 60,000 B2B travel trade buyers – such as retail travel agents, tour operators, airlines, and points redemption clients – who together make over 1.5 billion accommodation searches per day via Hotelbeds. Due to the international reach of Hotelbeds – present in over 140 source markets globally, with the fast-growing Chinese market already the fourth biggest globally for the company – destination partners also benefit from receiving more international and long-haul arrivals. Bookings from international and long-haul source markets in turn deliver high-value customers who spend more in destination, stay longer, cancel less, return more often and book farther out than typical direct to consumer customer profiles (which tend to be highly domestic). Gareth Matthews, Director of Marketing & Communications at Hotelbeds, stated: “Our whole purpose as a travel distributor is to drive incremental high-value bookings for hotels from non-competing, hard to reach B2B travel trade sources such as retail travel agents and tour operators. So we thought why not also do the same for destinations? No one else is offering destination marketing boards such a comprehensive set of opportunities that allows them to easily access the distribution power of the world’s travel trade. We launched the service at a global level last year and I´m pleased to confirm that our knowledge, experience and infrastructure is already delivering, on average, increases in incoming visitor paxes of 30% for our destination partners.” Joseph Sheller, Head of Destination Marketing, commented, “I am proud to say that our Hotelbeds Destination Marketing service is in high demand on a global level. We pride ourselves on delivering highly tangible ROI for our partners and measure our success by the incremental year-over-year increase in room nights/PAX produced by the campaigns, as well as the total overall economic impact. What destination doesn´t want incremental visitors that also stay longer and spend more, especially during the low- and shoulder-seasons? As the first B2B travel distributor to launch this service, we are truly revolutionizing the landscape of destination marketing!”

Create: Dec 7, 2019 Edit: Dec 7, 2019

HSMAI to Honor GCommerce With 5 Silver Adrian Awards for Outstanding Travel Marketing

NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 3, 2019) – The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will honor GCommerce with 5 Silver Adrian Awards for digital marketing excellence for its winning entry in the 63rd annual Adrian Awards, the largest and most prestigious global travel marketing competition. Catering to a wide variety of clients in the hospitality and tourism industry, GCommerce provides a customized, strategic, and client-focused approach to digital marketing. GCommerce provides digital marketing services to some of the country’s most iconic 4 and 5 star and diamond hotels and resorts. GCommerce received the following Silver Adrian Awards: Paid Search Marketing for Nautical Beachfront Resort Paid Search Marketing for Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort Facebook Advertising for Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort Paid Search Marketing for Red Lion Inn Facebook Instant Experience for Temecula Creek Inn “The Adrian Awards honor innovative travel marketing campaigns that lead the future of hospitality marketing, setting the standard for creativity and flawless execution,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “HSMAI is proud to recognize these award winners and celebrate their remarkable campaigns and the people behind them at the Adrian Awards Gala.” GCommerce will be honored during the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala on January 21, 2020 at the New York Marriott Marquis. Attended by nearly 1,000 hospitality, travel, and tourism marketing executives, this elegant affair is a must-attend industry event. The Adrian Awards Dinner Reception & Gala, recognized as a Top 100 Event in New York City by BizBash, will celebrate award-winning work and the people behind it, lifetime achievement, and the HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization. Winning entries will be viewable in the winners’ gallery on the Adrian Awards website. Visit www.AdrianAwards.com for more information on the event and competition and to view the Adrian Awards Winners’ Gallery.

Create: Dec 7, 2019 Edit: Dec 7, 2019

The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center Appoints Leadership Team Ahead of December Opening

The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center has announced the appointments of Daniel Rhodes as General Manager and Marc Becker as Director of Sales & Marketing. With a unique, 1940s-inspired theme and WWII artifacts incorporated throughout the property, The National WWII Museum’s Hotel will officially open its doors this December in New Orleans’ flourishing Arts and Warehouse District. “Daniel and Marc bring extensive industry experience to The Higgins Hotel,” said James Williams, The National WWII Museum’s Vice President of Sales. “With their passion for hospitality, we could not be more excited to have them lead the launch of this highly-anticipated property, which will help support the Museum’s educational mission.” As General Manager, Daniel Rhodes will oversee and lead all operations and management of the Hotel. With more than 10 years of hospitality experience, Rhodes previously served as the Vice President of operations for Commercial Properties Realty Trust, overseeing the company’s $350 million in real estate assets. Prior to that, he was General Manager of Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center and was awarded “General Manager of the Year” by Prism Hotels and Resorts. His versatility has allowed him to build successful teams that focus on providing exceptional service, maximizing hotel profitability and engaging employees. As Director of Sales & Marketing, Marc Becker will supervise overall sales efforts for the Hotel. After earning a Master of Professional Studies in International Hotel Administration, Becker worked with Novotel and Club Med in Italy and France, and then with Gleneagles Resort in Scotland. An offer with Hilton at the Drake Hotel in Chicago brought him back to the United States. Becker later moved to New Orleans after accepting a position as Associate Director of Sales at the Omni Royal Orleans, where he earned recognition as “Sales Manager of the Year” from Omni Hotels & Resorts. He is an active member and past President of Meeting Professionals International, a past Board Member for Hospitality Sales Marketing Association, and currently serves on the Marketing and Industry Affairs committees of the Louisiana Travel Association.

Create: Dec 7, 2019 Edit: Dec 7, 2019

Paramount Hotel Group Adds Towneplace Suites by Marriott in Clinton, New Jersey to Management Portfolio

Paramount Hotel Group, a full-service third party hotel management company, announced today that it has been awarded the management contract for the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Clinton, New Jersey. David Hale, Vice President of Business Development at Paramount Hotel Group, made the announcement. The new 100-suite hotel offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, as well as separate living/working and sleeping areas. Guests can work and relax on their own terms in modern suites that feature full kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, adjustable work spaces with built-in shelves and lighting, a large flat screen television, as well as luxurious new bedding. Most rooms also feature the Home Office™ Suite, designed to provide guests with plenty of storage and flexible space to spread out and make it their own. Property guests can create their own complimentary hot breakfast every morning in the lobby area and can fire up their stay by grilling up dinner on the outdoor Weber grills. The 24-hour In a Pinch® market and On Us® coffee service offers guests the chance to get their snack and caffeine whenever they feel the need. Other hotel amenities include a heated indoor swimming pool, an outdoor patio, a fitness center open 24 hours per day, a meeting room, laundry facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and on-site business services, including copying, faxing and printing.

Create: Dec 7, 2019 Edit: Dec 7, 2019

Hotel Equities Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Towneplace Suites by Marriott in Tehachapi, California

Hotel Equities (HE) announced construction is underway on the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Tehachapi, CA. Hotel Equities will manage the hotel, developed and owned by California-based H2H Asset Group. The hotel site, located on Magellan Drive in Tehachapi, is part of a planned business park situated just one block from Adventist Healthcare in Tehachapi. The hotel site has easy access from Exit 149 on Highway 58. “We are proud to progress into the next phase of development for the TownePlace Suites Tehachapi,” said Greg Presley, vice president of business development for HE. “We initially entered the California market a number of years ago and have delivered tremendous results. Those high-performance results for great owners, like our partners at H2H Group, have resulted in our continued growth out west. We’re proud to work alongside Ajay Anand, managing partner of H2H Asset Group, to open this hotel to guests in Summer of 2021.” Upon opening, the hotel will feature the well-known Marriott brand’s latest design. TownePlace Suites by Marriott provides guests with a comfortable place to relax during their long-term visits. The brand offers studio and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, as well as separate living/working and sleeping areas. The suites include adjustable workspaces with built-in shelves and lighting, large flat screen televisions and flexible storage and closets. On-site food options include outdoor Weber grills, a 24-hour In a Pinch market and coffee service. Other amenities at the new TownePlace Suites include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, meeting space, laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi and copying, faxing and printing services. “We were intentional in selecting Hotel Equities as the operator and manager of our hotel assets as they are known for their ability and skillset to add value from project inception, development and operations,” said Managing Partner of H2H Group, Ajay Anand. “Our goal is to provide our guests with best-in-class accommodations with quality service, offer career opportunities and add value to the Tehachapi community.” “We’re always excited to work with partners like H2H Group and Hotel Equities, who bring a significant level of commitment and expertise to all of their projects. While this is our first new construction project together to break ground, the pipeline of 6 more in California is particularly remarkable,” said Adrienne Jubb, Vice President, MSB Development, Marriot International. “This project will be a welcome new addition to the Tehachapi market, and we expect an even bigger celebration upon opening.” Tehachapi’s location mid-way between Bakersfield (36 miles away) and Lancaster (45 miles away) attracts travelers visiting both major cities. The Tehachapi economy is largely based on wind and solar farms in the area and also benefits from expansions at nearby Edwards AFB. TownePlace Suites by Marriott® is designed for extended stay travelers who want to feel at home and stay productive. To appeal to these guests seeking authenticity, personality and a seamless experience, the concept infuses local flavor into a quiet neighborhood setting, complete with the added comfort, service and quality of an all- suite hotel. For more information about TownePlace Suites by Marriott, visit towneplacesuites.marriott.com .

Create: Dec 7, 2019 Edit: Dec 7, 2019

China’s Hotel Construction Pipeline Has Grown to Record High

PORTSMOUTH, NH – Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that at the end of the third quarter of 2019, China’s total construction pipeline has grown to 3,380 projects/628,972 rooms. Currently, the country has 2,548 projects with 438,797 rooms under construction with projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months at 404 projects with 85,026 rooms. Projects in the early planning stage have 428 projects/105,149 rooms. Hotel development continues to thrive despite the continued economic struggles in the region and the on-going trade and tariff disputes with the United States. In the third quarter, China announced 661 new projects with 80,692 rooms into the pipeline. Through the third quarter of 2019, China opened 658 new hotels/92,932 rooms with another 363 new hotels/45,799 rooms forecast to open by year-end. In 2020, 1,084 new hotels with a lofty 157,893 rooms are forecast to open. Should all of these hotels come online in 2020, then China will open the largest number of new hotel rooms since the cyclical peak in 2014. In 2021, following a year of all-time high new hotel openings, LE forecasts that the number of new hotel openings will decelerate to 773 hotels with 135,294 rooms. Chengdu, at a record high 124 projects having 25,560 rooms, leads China’s pipeline. Guangzhou follows standing at 122 projects with 26,105 rooms, then Shanghai at 119 projects/22,581 rooms. Next is Wuhan and Suzhou with 111 projects/15,457 rooms and 88 projects/14,855 rooms, respectively. Also, notable, with strong room counts, are Hangzhou with 73 projects/15,647 rooms and Xi’an with 80 projects/15,054 rooms. Four of the seven cities listed above have pipeline increases in excess of 20% of their existing open and operating supply with Chengdu having a pipeline in excess of 30%. Franchise companies topping China’s construction pipeline are led by Hilton Worldwide with 454 projects/93,644 rooms. Next is InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 375 projects/82,358 rooms and Marriott International with 315 projects/86,151 rooms. All three of these companies are setting record pipeline highs by projects and rooms and account for 34% of China’s total pipeline. Other notable franchise company pipelines are AccorHotels with 218 projects/35,556 rooms and JinJiang Holdings standing at 214 projects/22,548 rooms. Brands in the pipeline are led by Hampton by Hilton with a record 273 projects/42,645 rooms. Hilton’s second largest brand, by project count, is DoubleTree with 59 projects/16,489 rooms. IHG’s primary brands in China are Holiday Inn Express, at a record count, with 179 projects/31,430 rooms and Holiday Inn with a record 61 projects having 15,435 rooms. Marriott International’s top brands are the full-service Marriott Hotel & Resort, hitting record highs, with 73 projects/22,068 rooms and then Courtyard with 39 projects/10,250 rooms. Leading brands for JinJiang Holdings are 7 Days Inn with 113 projects/8,931 rooms, and Vienna Hotel with 26 projects/3,300 rooms. AccorHotels’ leading brand, Ibis, is also hitting all-time highs with 102 projects/10,888 rooms, while Mercure Hotel also has a record number of projects with 58 and totaling 9,346 rooms.

Create: Dec 7, 2019 Edit: Dec 7, 2019

Hotel and Travel Tech Game Changers 2020 Report: Now Accepting Submissions

Technology brands interested in being featured are invited to submit their latest innovations for the upcoming report presented by Puzzle Partner Puzzle Partner, the most trusted B2B travel and hospitality technology marketing agency, today announced that submissions are now being accepted for the upcoming Hotel and Travel Tech Game Changers 2020 Report. “We want to recognize the trailblazers and creators who help shape the future and who inspire the next generation,” explains Alan Young, Founder & CEO of Puzzle Partner. “Our industry is undergoing a sea of change on so many fronts, and this report is our opportunity to highlight those technology brands that are bringing cutting-edge solutions to complex business challenges and are helping lead transformation.” The mission of this report is to showcase the developments in the art and science of hospitality and travel technology and select those companies that stand out. Acceptance in the report is based on an impartial judging process to evaluate each submission on its uniqueness, innovation, and significance to the industry. Entries will be accepted until the end of January, and those selected will be contacted in writing. The final report will be available in February 2020. Technology brands interested in sharing their groundbreaking products and services can apply here: http://unbouncepages.com/game-changers2020

Create: Dec 7, 2019 Edit: Dec 7, 2019

‘Robot Hotel’ Launching to the International Space Station

Robots need a place to stay in space, too. NASA is attaching a “robot hotel” to the outside of the International Space Station with the upcoming launch of the Robotic Tool Stowage (RiTS), a protective storage unit for critical robotic tools. On Dec. 4, RiTS is slated to launch aboard the 19th SpaceX commercial resupply mission. Its first residents will be two Robotic External Leak Locators (RELL). Outfitted with mass spectrometers capable of sniffing out the presence of gases such as ammonia, these robotic tools are used to detect leaks from the station. Two RELL units are on board the station right now: the first RELL launched in 2015, and it proved to be such a success that a second RELL was launched as a backup earlier this year. In this image, RiTS spacewalk installation procedures were being tested in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Create: Dec 4, 2019 Edit: Dec 4, 2019