Hotel News Professional and Inclusive Hospitality Group

Search result...

New partnership: Manchester United & Marriott launch joint loyalty initiative

A multi-year marketing partnership will give members of the Marriott Bonvoy travel programme a chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime football experience with Manchester United F.C. Marriott International, the world’s largest hotel company, and Manchester United, one of the most popular football clubs in the world, have announced a new multi-year, global marketing partnership. The deal will see the two entities teaming up on a new programme that will give members of Marriott’s vaunted Marriott Bonvoy programme a chance to have what are being billed as once-in-a-lifetime football experiences with Manchester United. Those experiences include—but are not limited to—the chance to be the club’s stadium announcer or kit manager, if only for a day. The new partnership has now officially launched via a film featuring the faces of the team and management, and the involved stakeholders are excited to talk about it. Manchester United’s group managing director, Richard Arnold, had this to say, “Marriott International is the leader in its field and we’re excited to be partnering with them as Marriott launches its new travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy. Together we look forward to creating some unforgettable moments for Marriott Bonvoy members, inspired by the thrill and excitement that only Manchester United can create for fans around the world.” Marriott International global marketing officer Karin Timpone added, “We are thrilled to offer compelling benefits to Marriott Bonvoy members, now expanded to include unique Manchester United experiences. This marketing partnership enables our members to access special VIP game experiences by using the points they’ve accumulated during hotel stays for unprecedented, exclusive experiences.” UNIQUE EXPERIENCES UNLOCKED There are, of course, many more details of note about the new programme, as well as about Marriott Bonvoy. With the Marriott Bonvoy travel programme, members have access to its extraordinary portfolio of global brands and properties in 130 countries and territories, as well as unmatched member benefits and exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments’ experiences. Marriott Bonvoy Moments enables members to redeem points to purchase any of 8,000 lifestyle, entertainment, sport and culinary experiences globally. Exclusive Manchester United Moments members can bid points for include: ‘Stadium Announcer’ Experience – Marriott Bonvoy members will have the chance to go behind the scenes at the iconic ‘Theatre of Dreams,’ shadowing the stadium announcer during their pre-match preparations. Prior to the game, the member and a guest will soak up the atmosphere pitchside, before enjoying VIP hospitality, including match tickets and a meet and greet with a former player. Welcome the Team on arrival at Old Trafford – Members and their guest will head pitchside at Old Trafford on matchday to meet a Manchester United legend before making their way to the player’s tunnel to be in prime position to welcome the team as they step off the coach and head into the dressing room to prepare for the game. ‘Kit Manager’ Experience – Members will be able to add a final finesse to the home dressing room at Old Trafford pre-game as they shadow the first team Kit Manager. The member and a guest will help prepare the match kit ahead of the players’ arrival before heading pitchside to be met by a Manchester United legend.

Create: Apr 9, 2019 Edit: Apr 10, 2019 International News

InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) acquires Six Senses for $300 million

IHG buys luxury hotel operator Six Senses Hotels Resorts & Spas from Pegasus Capital Advisors for $300 million. Revealing a move which increases IHG’s global presence and adds a hefty number of luxurious properties in some of the world’s most desirable and exotic destinations, the purchase of Six Senses by the hospitality goliath has been announced. Huge acquisitions are always a hot topic in the hospitality industry, and the latest news that industry giant InterContinental Hotel Group has bought luxury hotel group Six Senses from Pegasus Capital Advisors certainly falls into that category. For the cool price of $300m, IHG now takes control of all of Six Senses’ 16 hotels, 18 management contracts in the pipeline and more than 50 deals currently in negotiation. The move reflects IHG’s ambition to expand further into the luxury market, and Six Senses’ portfolio of idyllic properties in the Maldives, Thailand, Oman and Portugal, to name but a few, fully cements this intention. Six Senses will sit above IHG’s other luxury acquisitions of late, including Regent Hotels and Kimpton Hotels. Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer of IHG, said, “Six Senses is an outstanding brand in the top-tier of luxury and one we’ve admired for some time. You only have to look at its iconic hotels and resorts to see how this acquisition will further round out our luxury offer. With a focus on wellness and sustainability, Six Senses has been voted the world’s top hotel brand for the past two years, which is a testament to its impressive management team who bring deep experience to IHG’s luxury operations.” The acquisition was conducted for $300m in cash and involves the sale of the Six Senses brand and its management business. While Six Senses has been operating as an asset-light business, IHG intends to grow Six Senses substantially over the next 10 years to reach a total of approximately 60 properties. The purchase does not include any real estate assets, but focuses on incorporating Six Senses spas, which total 37 under the Six Senses and LivNordic brands. The process of acquisition is a complex one, further complicated by the spa element, so no doubt both IHG and Six Senses were grateful that consultancy firm Horwath HTL Health and Wellness were on hand to advise. The company’s experience in wellness undoubtedly proved invaluable, and Ingo Schweder, Managing Director of Horwath HTL Health and Wellness, spoke of the trajectory of the wellness industry, saying, “With IHG’s acquisition of Six Senses, we see yet another major hospitality group making a large, strategic investment in wellness, signalling that wellness is not a fad but, in fact, the new reality and a necessary component of the hospitality business. People are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and wellbeing and investing in themselves to ensure an optimal status of health whether at home or while traveling.”

Create: Apr 9, 2019 Edit: Apr 10, 2019 International News

Faarufushi Maldives will welcome guests from March 2019 with 80 spacious villas

Bringing barefoot luxury to the remote northern Raa Atoll, Faarufushi Maldives will welcome guests from March 2019 with 80 spacious villas that offer a striking realisation of contemporary design amidst a naturally stunning seascape. Hidden among palm trees are 10 Beach Bungalows and 27 Beach Retreats, whilst 39 sleek Ocean Retreats with Pool are positioned over the island’s sparkling azure lagoon. For the ultimate indulgence, the Island Residence comes complete with an individual expansive infinity pool overlooking at its very own stretch of the Indian Ocean. The hotel’s Nika Spa blends into the lush vegetation of the island with six treatment rooms and a garden compound with a hydro pool surrounded by outdoor lounges and relaxation pavilions. The Faarufushi house reef boasts magnificent coral overhangs and swim throughs, allowing guests to discover the abundant marine life that lies beneath the waves. This spectacular reef will be the ideal experience for divers and snorkelers alike. At the reef’s edge, the overwater bar with alfresco seating provides the perfect sunset view as well as a great location to enjoy floral and tea-inspired cocktails.

Create: Mar 6, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019 International News

Radisson news roundup

Hotel News - Have a look at some of Radisson’s new hotel openings around the world from Ecuador to Georgia RADISSON QUITO REOPENS AFTER $4.5M REFURBISHMENT Radisson’s Park Inn property in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito has reopened to the public after extensive renovations to almost the entirety of the hotel. An incredible $4.5m was pumped into the renovation, which involved not only upgrades to the rooms and common areas, but also gave the hotel a brand new look and feel. The hotel benefits from an amazing location close to the city’s trendy Zona Rosa area, which is also close to the business, financial and shopping districts. The hotel boasts 55 guest rooms and suites, with guests also being able to access the state of the art fitness and wellness centre. Business travelers will also be able to avail of on-site conference and meeting facilities, which have been designed in line with current informal work trends. Frances Gonzalez, vice president of Operations for Radisson Hotel Group in Latin America, says, “We are thrilled to re-introduce one of our excellent brands in the great city of Quito, while exemplifying our growth strategy for Latin America. This fantastic hotel embraces what the Park Inn by Radisson brand is all about with its vibrant colors, unique design and amenities, along with the dedicated staff that provides our ‘Happiness Guarantee.’” RADISSON COLLECTION OPENS IN GEORGIA’S WINE REGION Radisson has unveiled the newest addition to its premium lifestyle collection in the prestigious wine region of Georgia, Tsinandali. The hotel is a stunning 141-key property set within its very own vineyard, which boasts a historic winery, a rooftop spa and outdoor swimming pool. The design of the hotel has been executed with elegance and sophistication, and blends vernacular elements of Georgian style with contemporary flourishes to result in a truly unique offering, which fits with the Radisson Collection properties. Michel Stalport, Area Senior Vice President Russia and Eastern Europe, says, “Georgia is recognized as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, known to be the birthplace of wine, and a place where travelers are welcomed with hospitality like nowhere else. The estate combines magnificent architecture and historical authenticity with the finest new design details to provide guests with truly exceptional and memorable stays.” Wine lovers will rejoice in the experiences available at the hotel, which range from wine tasting and tours to learning about the bottles housed in Prince Alexander Chavchavadze’s personal wine cellar collection.

Create: Mar 2, 2019 Edit: Mar 5, 2019 International News

Red Planet Japan steps up Asian expansion with $59.5 million acquisition

Hotel News - Red Planet Japan announces the $59.5 million acquisition of the Thailand-based hotel arm of its parent company Red Planet Hotels Limited on the back of a series of expansion announcements in the Asia Pacific region. Red Planet Japan has announced that it is acquiring the Thailand-based hotel arm of its parent company Red Planet Hotels Limited. Industry experts say the acquisition is likely to be completed by the end of the first quarter of the financial year 2019. Red Planet Japan will acquire a half dozen hotel-owning companies in Thailand, all of them from its parent company. This will make for a total acquisition consideration of 6.5 billion Japanese yen or $59.5 million. The acquisition includes five operating hotels, located in Surawong (Bangkok), Patong (Phuket), Asoke (Bangkok), Pattaya, and Hat Yai. It also includes a sixth property that is currently under development in Sukhumvit Soi 8 (Bangkok). The operating hotels being acquired in Thailand have a recorded sales that totals 692 million Japanese yen ($6 million) in 2017 and 787 million Japanese yen ($7.1 million) in 2018. As a result of this acquisition, Red Planet Japan’s portfolio will increase to a total of 15 hotels in Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines, including five hotels under development. EXPANSION OF JAPANESE TOURISM Japan, like many markets with easy access to Southeast Asia, has undergone a tourism boom in recent years. Factors such as the expansion of low-cost carrier routes, the loosening of visa requirements, and a growing affinity for Japanese culture, has fueled a substantial increase in the number of tourists travelling from Southeast Asia to Japan in recent years, especially from Thailand.

Create: Feb 25, 2019 Edit: Feb 26, 2019 International News

Best Western completes acquisition of WorldHotels

Hotel News - Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced today it has acquired global hotel brand WorldHotels representing a collection of approximately 300 unique and special hotels and resorts in premier destinations around the world. “There is tremendous synergy between Best Western and WorldHotels. By joining forces in this new partnership, we will create competitive advantages for both companies,” said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “I have the utmost respect for WorldHotels and believe in its vast potential.” The acquisition of WorldHotels was completed last week. The WorldHotels brand will play a critical role in enhancing Best Western’s portfolio of offerings to include the upper-upscale and luxury segments. WorldHotels will maintain its distinctive personality and individuality while benefiting from Best Western’s robust and scalable e-commerce platform, strong partnerships, sales and marketing support and powerful revenue engines. WorldHotels _Collection“Best Western is one of the largest, most respected and trusted hotel brands,” said Geoff Andrew, CEO, WorldHotels. “As we join forces, the combined power of our brands sets the stage for a bright future for both Best Western and WorldHotels. Through its established senior leadership team and regional presence in each market, Best Western brings a new level of expertise that will undoubtedly help grow both Best Western and WorldHotels in key markets.” Best Western has been on a journey of transformation over the past several years. In the last year alone, Best Western was named one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, expanded its portfolio to 13 dynamic brands reaching new guests in new segments, and won a record number of industry awards and accolades. The acquisition is a testament to Best Western’s commitment to growth, modernization and continued progression, bolstering the company’s position as a trusted leader in the global hospitality industry. “In the coming months, our focus will be to unlock WorldHotels’ potential by improving revenue delivery to its hotels while protecting its independent identity. We truly believe our platform will build the WorldHotels brand and attract many more independence–minded, quality hotels to join. We are very pleased that Geoff Andrew will continue as CEO of WorldHotels for the foreseeable future.” concluded Kong.

Create: Feb 19, 2019 Edit: Feb 19, 2019 International News

Intour Summit comes to Azerbaijan in June

Hotel News - Azerbaijan will host the Intour Summit on June 4 and 5 this year, which is the region’s foremost travel summit, drawing attendees from all corners of the hospitality industry. Over the course of two days, delegates will network with over 1,000 other industry professionals, and listen to over 70 speakers dive deep into the current market trends. We find out more. AZERBAIJAN MAKES ITS MARK Azerbaijan is one of the most important countries in Central Asia, and boasts the frontier of the meeting of East and West, making it a melting pot of different cultures. It is an ideal place, then, for the Intour Summit, the country’s and the region’s most prominent hospitality conference. Delegates and industry professionals will make their way from all corners of the globe to attend this two-day event, which promises to be full of inspiring and engaging talks, presentations and networking sessions. It will also gives attendees the chance to discover the amazing city of Baku, the country’s historic city and capital, which has be central to Azerbaijan’s strategy to make the country a player on the world commercial stage. RICH IN CONTENT The Intour Summit will guide participants through developments and opportunities in the region. Some of the confirmed speakers at the event include Adrian D`Amico, VP of Booking.com EMEA; Alexis Feuillat, Director of Development IHG for Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, CIS and Baltics; David Jenkins, Vice President Business Development for Russia, CIS, Georgia, Ukraine, Baltics, Balkans and Israel at Radisson Hotel Group; and Sergey Egorov, Director of Development for Russia and CIS at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Speakers will present information, research and data around current developments in the industry as well as future trends and projections. A diverse array of sectors will be in attendance, from tech startups, media groups, hotels, airlines, investors and tour operators, and networking will be encouraged in the B2B meeting zone, as well as through pre-arranged meetings, coffee breaks and drinks receptions. With the Central Asian market growing quickly, the Intour Summit promises to be a great opportunity to find out about the region’s pipeline and meet potential partners in the area. More information available here.

Create: Feb 16, 2019 Edit: Feb 19, 2019 International News

Hotel News - Special report on the first day of the International Exhibition of Tourism and Affiliated Industries of Tehran

The twelfth international exhibition of tourism and affiliated industries of Tehran began this morning (Tuesday, February 12rd) with the presence of vice president and head of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, his deputies, executives, provincial executives and a group of activists and tourists of the country's tourism industry. In the opening ceremony of the 12th International Exhibition of Tourism and Related Industries of Tehran, which was held at the Persian Gulf Hall in International Exhibition, a number of ambassadors, delegates and delegations from foreign countries, including the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Iraq, also attended. . While pointing to the presence of 660 domestic companies and 57 foreign companies during the exhibition, Deputy of Tourism Minister, Vali Teimori said: The 12th International Exhibition of Tourism and Affiliated Industries of Tehran with Domestic Tourism Trends and focus on provincial offices , will be held. In a short statement, Vice President and Head of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Ali Asghar Monsein said: "In today's world, the tourism industry has grown exponentially compared to other industries that are developing." The head of the country's tourism service said: "I am very hopeful for the future of the tourism industry in the country, and I received good signs about it, because in the first nine months of this year, the number of tourists entering the country crossed the border with 6 million people.

Create: Feb 12, 2019 Edit: Feb 13, 2019 Regional News

Myrtle Garden Hotel by Graft Lab & Penda

Hotel News - The hotel is located in the outskirts of Xiangyang / Hubei and sits on a small hill within the largest Myrtle Flower Garden throughout Asia. The design of the hotel was primarily focused on providing a soothing harmony between architecture and its natural environment. Designed to blend into its surrounding typography, the hotel is partially inserted into the slope of the hill and offers a varying appearance depending on ones point of view. Where else the hotel is read from the north as low to the ground and has a continuity to its surrounding landscape, the complex opens up towards the South introducing the business area to a nearby already existing restaurant by the lake. A dropoff lane wind itself through and underneath the circular volumnes and offers a certain level of urbanity to the hotel’s natural surrounding. Being situated within Myrtle Tree Park, the layer of balkonies serves as a connecting element between the Interior of the Hotel and the vegetation of the park. Smaller Trees growing on and within the facade layer underline the relation between the articial balcony structure and its natural environment. Every room throughout the hotel is surrounded by the Myrtle Garden on one side and a courtyard on the other, which provides natural air ventilation when needed. Rainwater gets collected on the hotels roof and passed on to the 3 courtyards, where it is stored in tanks and can be used for flushing and irrigating plants.

Create: Feb 3, 2019 Edit: Feb 13, 2019 International News

Worldwide Hotels Group Wins Club Street Hotel Site Bid with SGD562 Million in Singapore

Hotel News - Singapore-based hotel owner and operator, Worldwide Hotels Group (“Worldwide Hotels”), has acquired a 99-year leasehold hotel site along Club Street in Singapore’s Central Business District. The bid of SGD562.2 million (SGD2,148.50 per square foot per plot ratio) was made through Worldwide Hotels’ subsidiary, Midtown Development, and is a record price for a 99-year leasehold land at a state tender. The bid was also 22% higher than the hotel site sale at the Singtel site on Hill Street in February 2018. With an expected investment of more than SGD700 million, Worldwide Hotels envisages a four-star property that will become the group’s landmark hotel. Worldwide Hotels currently owns and manages six hotel brands in Singapore.

Create: Jan 30, 2019 Edit: Feb 13, 2019 International News

FITUR, THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM TRADE FAIR, HOLDS ITS 39TH STAGING FROM JANUARY 23 TO JANUARY 27, 2019.

Hotel News - FITUR is a global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound Ibero American markets. In 2018 FITUR has beaten the participation record with 10,190 exhibiting companies from 165 countries/regions, 140,120 trade participants and 110,860 people from the general public. Morever the volume of agendas organised by FITUR within the different B2B has reached 6,800 business appointments. The attendance of 7,856 journalists is a turnout that shows the importance of FITUR on the international circuit of tourism industry events.

Create: Jan 22, 2019 Edit: Jun 16, 2019 Events and Exhibitions

Support of the hoteliers of Iran for implementing the Cheap Travel Plan in the country

Hotel News – the president of the hoteliers association of Iran, explained about the implementation of the "Cheap Travel" project by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, in collaboration with the banks and tourism institutions: "If this project is even implemented for a period of 6 months to one year, Can help developing travel in our country.” The president of the hoteliers association of Iran, pointing out that this plan is not intended to be like previous, long-term and permanent project. “all tourism sectors, such as transportation, hotels, travel agencies, catering, etc., should help the project effectively and in a better way.” He continued. The "Cheap Travel Plan" will help, because all these activities will benefit the tourism industry and the people. The president of the hoteliers association of Iran, reaffirming the support of the project, said: "If the necessary support is provided, the "Cheap Travel Plan” will succeed in a certain period of time, in a better way than the previous plans proposed by the others.” "Jamshid Hamzezadeh" said hoteliers are ready to provide tourism agencies with a view to expanding domestic travel to provide discounts and spare capacity for them. He said: "Successful implementation of the "Cheap Travel Plan" in the country, while helping to reduce travel services, can improve the economic situation and investment in tourism facilities, increase the hotel occupancy rate, business prosperity of agencies and travel and tourism offices, and Keep the trip in the Iranian family basket. He further noted that “the decline in the average occupancy rate of hotels in the country and added: Unlike the statistics provided by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism organization, the hotel occupancy rate has decreased by 10% compared to the same period last year. In fact, the hotel's passengers decreased, which is due to the economic conditions of the people and the expansion of informal centers in the country.”

Create: Jan 20, 2019 Edit: Jan 26, 2019 Regional News