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Negotiations between Erdogan and Putin to save Turkey's tourism industry begin

Turkish Foreign Ministry diplomats and tourism managers are lobbying and consulting with Russian officials. They hope Putin's government will persuade its citizens to travel abroad so that Turkish hotels are not empty. In recent years, with the expansion of Ankara-Moscow cooperation in the fields of defense, nuclear energy, trade, oil and gas, the number of Russian tourists entering Turkey has also increased significantly. An average of 7 million tourists from Russia travel to Turkey each year, contributing to the development of the tourism industry.

Create: Jun 5, 2020 Edit: Jun 8, 2020 International News

150 million dollars loss for the world's best airline

Singapore Airlines has suffered a 150 million $ loss due to a sharp drop in air travel caused by the Coronavirus. The airline, which is one of the most successful airlines in Asia and the world, has suffered significant losses for the first time in its 48-year life.

Create: May 16, 2020 Edit: May 17, 2020 International News

Delivering the Service Experience - Chapter 4 ; The Check-In Experience

The Check-In Experience Technique 45 Use Strong Verbal Greetings at Check-In; A front desk associate should never address a guest with the phrase ‘checking in?’ Such a greeting does not engender a spirit of hospitality. Would an initial greeting to a visiting friend at your home be ‘staying with me?’ Technique 46 Eliminate the View of Employee Trashcans; A trashcan does not engender a sense of hospitality. Trash- cans used behind the front desk should be positioned so that guests cannot see them. Technique 47 Offer Infused Water at Check-In; During prime check-in hours, keep a beverage dispenser of infused water in the lobby area. Guests can be instructed to help themselves to the water that can be infused with flavors such as strawberry or cucumber. Technique 48 Dispense Information on Tour Bus; If your hotel has tour buses staying at the hotel, have a representative get on the bus before the guests disembark. The hotel representative will have an opportunity to welcome the guests to the hotel, explain outlet hours, and any perti- nent information regarding their stay. If they have to wait in line to give a credit card, they can be instructed at this time. Once they enter the hotel you will lose the “togetherness” of the group. Technique 49 Designate a Children’s Check-In Spot; If a significant number of family check-ins are expected on a given day, designate a spot at the front desk with a sign reading ‘children’s check-in’ and place a step-stool at the spot so that children can see over the front desk. As a component of the children’s check-in, the child could be asked if s/he would like to provide a signature on a document. Such a signature request might be the first time the child has ever been asked for his/her signature. Technique 50 Use High Quality Pens at the Front Desk; Always have an ample supply of high-quality pens at the front desk for guests to use while checking-in. At least one person per group must physically touch the pen. The use of a high-quality pen is a subconscious signal of attention to detail. Technique 51 Incorporate a Guessing Game for Children; Keep a cardboard box with a hole in it behind the front desk. When a child is checking-in with parents, if the front desk is not too busy, ask the child if s/he would like to feel inside the hole and guess what the box contains. If the child guesses correctly, then s/he wins a prize. Unique objects such as a pine cone can be the touch-item in the box. Prizes can be small trinkets ordered from a vendor such as Oriental Trading Company. Or, a series of three boxes can be set-up and if the child guesses all three items correctly then s/he can be issued a certificate. Technique 52 Offer a Pet; When a child is checking-in with parents, ask the child if she brought a pet. When she says ‘no’ ask her if she would like a pet for the duration of her stay. When she says ‘yes’ then let her pick a fish from a fish tank and put it in a fish bowl in her guestroom. Technique 53 Have Word Search Puzzles and Coloring Sheets at the Front Desk; Welcome the children checking in as well as the adults. Surprise them with a word search puzzle or coloring page directly relating to your hotel. Such items occupy the child’s time as well as make them feel welcome. Technique 54 Offer a Sticker Treasure Hunt; At check-in, young children can be given sticker books. They can collect more stickers for the books by either visiting various locations around the hotel or by visiting local attrac- tions. This effort, in essence, serves as a treasure hunt by means of the sticker book. Technique 55 Host a Nutella Party; On a day with a large number of family check-ins, a sign can be placed at the front desk announcing an evening Nutella party for the children. Technique 56 Offer a Dog Training Class for Children; If someone on the management team has a well-trained dog, then s/he can periodically place a sign in the lobby read- ing ‘Dog Training Class at 4:00 PM.’ The manager can bring his/her dog and demonstrate some of the commands that the dog knows for the children. Technique 57 Allow Guests the Opportunity to Jog with Members of the Management Team; At check-in, guests can be invited to go on a group jog with a member of the hotel’s management team at a set time in the A.M. The group jog can occur every morning by rotating the responsibility between several members of the manage- ment team who enjoy jogging. Conversations during the jog will help solidify bonds between the hotel and guests. Technique 58 Roll Out the Red Carpet; Periodically roll out a red carpet near the entrance of the hotel (or inside the lobby leading to the front desk). Manage- ment can be creative with the signage which can read “Wel- come to Hotel X, where red carpet treatment is the norm” or “Red carpet treatment at a value.” Technique 59 Offer Treat Bags for Pets; How you treat a guest’s pet is very important. If a guest pays for a pet to stay at a hotel, then the pet is likely consid- ered a member of the family. Create a treat bag, distributed at check-in, which contains a treat, directions on where to take the pet to go out, a poop bag, and the “rules” for the pet room. Technique 60 Remember Pet Names; Front desk agents should be taught to record pet names in the guest history section of the property management sys- tem. Along with the pet’s name, the agent should also insert a short (3–4 words) physical description of the pet. When the pet revisits, s/he should be addressed by name. Technique 61 Offer Aromatherapy; If a guest mentions that s/he is stressed for any reason (e.g., travel or work frustrations), offer him/her a plug-in aro- matherapy treatment that can be used in the guestroom to relieve stress. Technique 62 Offer Free Upgrades on Occasion; If a guest mentions that s/he is stressed for any reason (e.g., travel or work frustrations), offer him/her a complimen- tary upgrade to a suite-style room (if available). Technique 63 ‘Google Image’ Guests with Unique Names; If a front desk agent has some downtime between tasks, then s/he should be taught to search the arrival list for guests who have visited in the past and who have unique names (e.g., Vincent Magnini). The agent can then “Google Image” those names so that the guest can be greeted by name upon arrival. Technique 64 Create a Strategic Alliance with a Car Wash; The hotel could establish a strategic alliance with a mobile waterless car wash provider. Each front desk associate can be empowered to select one incoming guest each day and ask them if s/he would like a complimentary exterior car detailing during their stay. Conversely, the 10th guest checking in every day could be made the complimentary offer to help ensure fairness. Technique 65 Record Guests’ Preferences; Repeat guests want to be recognized. Frontline staff should utilize the computer system to keep information on the guest’s desires such as room type, location, favorite drink, etc. Technique 66 Drive Bookings to the Proprietary Website; If a front desk agent sees that a regular guest is using a 3rd party OTA to book his/her room, the agent should inform the guest that equivalent rates can be found on the hotel’s propri- etary site. It should be explained that the savings in fees and commissions by the hotel would be used for additional guest services and amenities.

Create: Mar 14, 2020 Edit: Aug 13, 2020 Hotel Management

495 Room Tower at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Celebrates Topping Out

CIM Group announced yesterday that it has reached a construction milestone at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino with the topping out of a new eight-story tower, marking a significant expansion of the centrally located property in downtown Las Vegas. The 250,000-square-foot tower will add 495 modern hotel guestrooms to the hotel’s existing 629 premier guestrooms located in two towers. Upon completion of the new tower anticipated in late summer, Downtown Grand will offer guests a total of 1,124 rooms in a variety of room configurations. CIM established Downtown Grand as a popular destination for locals and visitors with its variety of dining establishments, entertainment programming, and a gaming venue. The additional 495 rooms in the hotel expansion allows the Downtown Grand to meet its increased customer.

Create: Feb 28, 2020 Edit: Feb 28, 2020 International News

Japan, Austria downgrade Iran travel warning

TEHRAN – Japan and Austria have significantly downgraded their travel warnings on Iran, a caution they, amongst some other countries, issued following the deadly crash of a Ukrainian plane near Tehran last month. The jetliner, with 176 people onboard, was mistakenly downed on January 8 by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) air defense system, a few hours after Iran fired dozens of missiles at a U.S. airbase inside Iraq in retaliation to the assassination of Iranian Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has eliminated its travel warning on Iran [asking its citizens to avoid ‘non-essential’ travel to the country] and it has also terminated depicting Iran’s security map with a warning sign,” ISNA reported on Tuesday. An advisory, which warned about traveling to Iran, is now deleted from the website of the ministry, the report added. Austrian ambassador to Tehran Stefan Scholz on Monday wrote on his Instagram account that his country has lowered its travel warning for Iran. “Austria has downgraded its travel warning for Iran, repealing its general advice against non-essential travels following a thorough reassessment of the security situation.” “We believe that the risk to Austrian nationals except for some specific border areas has changed. This decision will also further contribute to civil society contacts and commerce,” the envoy added. Late in January, the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved that European airlines can return to parts of Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Germany’s Lufthansa was among airlines that canceled flights over the affected airspace. Inbound tours started to severely drop following the crash, triggering a major setback to Iran’s budding tourism industry. The blow, however, is being hoped to be amended as soon as possible by a comprehensive action plan Iran’s tourism ministry has put into practice since January 25. In the same time, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali-Asghar Mounesan issued a statement, inviting all travelers and holidaymakers to visit the ancient land, saying that the country-size guesthouse is wholeheartedly ready to receive tourists from around the world. The official emphasized that the Iranian government is trying its best to host incoming tourists by improving tourism infrastructure, offering attractive and pocket-friendly packages, as well as incentives such as visa waivers or 90-day visas on arrival. The 2019 Travel Risk Map, which shows the risk level around the world, put Iran among countries with “insignificant risk”, a category where the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, and Finland are placed in.

Create: Feb 19, 2020 Edit: Feb 19, 2020 Regional News

Four Seasons to debut new hotels, resorts, private residences and more in 2020

Anticipated openings embody the company’s commitment to setting the highest standards for guest experiences in its growing global portfolio. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, continues to expand its global portfolio with strategic openings of new hotels, resorts and branded private residences in the world’s most desirable locations. “An unwavering commitment to service and quality, a strong operating model and alignment with hotel owners who share our vision places Four Seasons in an enviable market position as we continue to grow our portfolio and strengthen our global development pipeline,” says John Davison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “As we begin a new decade, we continue to elevate the experience for our guests and enhance our product offering, affirming our passionate dedication to excellence and the industry-leading innovation that has defined our brand for nearly 60 years.” Working in concert with its partners, each new development authentically reflects the character of the destination, envisioning new ways for travellers as well as local residents to experience the world of Four Seasons. Recent innovations have included the company’s first standalone Private Residences, fully serviced by Four Seasons, in London at Twenty Grosvenor Square; a technology-led development with Comcast in Philadelphia; the Athenian riviera conversion of the iconic Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens; and the company’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat in Hawaii. Soon, having just opened its collection of traditional chalets at the foot of the Mont d’Arbois slopes with Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, the company that also introduced the first private jet experience will debut its first resort with an onsite winery in Napa Valley. Planned Openings in 2020 Six new openings are anticipated for 2020, including the return of Four Seasons to Bangkok with the glorious new Jean-Michel Gathy-designed landmark along the Chao Phraya River, debuting with nearly 300 stunning guest rooms and more than 350 beautifully appointed Private Residences. Also opening in the Asia-Pacific region early in the year is a third address in Japan, in the Otemachi area of Tokyo facing the Imperial Palace Gardens. In Europe, Four Seasons will debut in Spain for the first time with a new hotel in central Madrid, an assembly of several historic buildings now fully restored and reimagined, and highlighted by a rooftop restaurant by three Michelin-starred Spanish celebrity chef Dani García. Long established as the premier luxury hospitality brand in California with seven existing locations, Four Seasons continues to expand its presence in the northern part of the state with the spring opening of its second hotel in San Francisco, a soaring building in the Embarcadero district. Also scheduled for 2020 is the highly anticipated opening of a Four Seasons resort in Napa Valley, including a unique collection of Private Residences as well as Four Seasons first on-property winery in partnership with acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. Also in the United States, a recently announced hotel in New Orleans is expected to open in late 2020 in the city’s historic World Trade Center. 2019 Highlights Planned openings for 2020 follow an exciting year as Four Seasons celebrated a significant number of new openings around the world in 2019, including its first entry into Greece with the rebirth of the legendary Astir Palace Hotel in Athens; and the company’s return to Montreal with a stunning and sleek new hotel in the heart of the city’s Golden Mile, featuring the opening of the restaurant MARCUS with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. Additional openings included a new hotel in the Garden City of Bengaluru, its second in India; the return of the brand to Philadelphia (located within the Comcast Center, the city’s tallest building) as well as a second hotel in Boston at One Dalton Street; a third address in Mexico, this time on the pristine beaches of the East Cape of Los Cabos; the company’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat in the fully refurbished Lodge at Koele on the Hawaiian Island of Lanai; and the completion of its full suite of historic chalet offerings in the French Alpine community of Megève. Looking Further Ahead In addition to announcing new properties in San Francisco and New Orleans, Four Seasons also unveiled plans for new hotels in Okinawa, Japan; Nashville and Minneapolis, USA; Cartagena, Colombia; and a second resort in Cabo del Sol, Mexico. The company also previously announced new Four Seasons projects in Dalian, China; Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Caye Chapel, Belize. Also in 2019, Four Seasons announced plans for a new, fully customised Four Seasons Private Jet that will continue to take luxury travel to new heights as it continues the journey first introduced in 2015. A Growing Residential Portfolio Building upon Four Seasons 35-year history in branded residential following the opening of its first Private Residence in 1985, the company continues to strategically enhance its portfolio of exclusive Private Residences in markets around the world.

Create: Feb 9, 2020 Edit: Feb 9, 2020 International News

IHG debuts voco brand in Africa

nterContinental Hotels Group has signed voco™ The Bank, Rosebank in South Africa in partnership with Valor Hospitality Partners Africa. Last year, IHG announced the signing of a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with Valor Hospitality Partners Africa to roll out multiple franchise hotels over the next 10 years, across IHG’s portfolio of brands in midscale, upscale and luxury segments. This is the first signing under the MDA and adds to IHG’s growing pipeline in the Middle East and Africa whilst strengthens the growth of company’s new upscale brand, voco in the region. voco, combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. The brand allows guests to enjoy an upscale experience with the freshness of a unique, independent hotel under a name they can trust. Since being launched globally just over a year ago, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings across the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA), and signing of voco The Bank, Rosebank marks the brand’s debut in the African continent. A new built property, voco The Bank, Rosebank, will open its doors to guests in 2020 and feature 131, well-designed rooms. Reflecting brand’s unstuffy service style, the hotel will welcome guests with little personal touches and offer a memorable stay experience. Located in Rosebank, a cosmopolitan commercial and residential suburb close to central Johannesburg, the hotel will provide easy access to all key business districts and directly links into the Rosebank Mall and pedestrian precinct, and is located at a convenient distance of 19kms from the city airport, (Gautrain Metro station is directly under the Hotel). The hotel will feature an expansive dining facility which will include a two-level restaurant, a lounge and bar. Catering to the needs of the corporate guests, the hotel will feature 3 meeting rooms, accommodating approximately 80 people. Speaking on the announcement, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG said: “We are pleased to announce the first hotel under our agreement with Valor Hospitality Partners Africa and debut our newest upscale brand voco, in the African continent. Receiving immense interest from owners and partners, voco has gained tremendous momentum in the EMEAA region, and we are excited to be expanding the brand footprint further in the region. True to the brand promise, the new hotel will offer a unique hospitality experience to guests, and will cater to the increasing number of domestic and international travellers looking for quality branded accommodation in South Africa. He added: we look forward to signing more hotels under our agreement with our valued, long-term partner, Valor Hospitality Partners Africa and expand our offering across key markets in the continent.” Euan McGlashan, Global CEO and Founder of Valor Hospitality Partners added: “We are excited to announce our first hotel with IHG on the African continent. voco, IHG’s latest upscale brand is a unique offering and we have received significant interest from the owner community in Africa. In partnership with IHG, we look forward to developing this distinct hotel with an individual character, to welcome leisure and business guests visiting South Africa and offering them a dependable upscale experience. We are also confident that the hotel will benefit from the strength and scale of IHG’s global systems, best in class technology and capabilities and the world’s largest loyalty programme – IHG Rewards Club.”

Create: Feb 8, 2020 Edit: Feb 8, 2020 International News

‘Country-size guesthouse of Iran wholeheartedly ready to receive tourists’

Iran’s tourism minister on Saturday issued a statement, inviting all travelers and holidaymakers to visit the ancient land, saying that the country-size guesthouse is wholeheartedly ready to receive tourists from around the world. Ali-Asghar Mounesan emphasized that the Iranian government is trying its best to host incoming tourists by improving tourism infrastructure, offering attractive and pocket-friendly packages, as well as incentives such as visa waivers or 90-day visas on arrival. Mounesan’s statement comes weeks after the country’s tourism suffered losses in the wake of recent tensions in the region by mistakenly downing of a Ukrainian airliner, with 176 people aboard, by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) air defense system in Tehran airspace. “Nowadays, the world is even more involved in fast and surprising upheavals and ups and downs as a result of unprecedented progress in technology and industry. As such, the modern human is also influenced by the urban, mechanical life and his soul needs some refinement and relief,” the statement reads. “In such a situation, only travel and tourism can give us relief, joy, and sympathy and provide us with unforgettable experiences and memorable coexistence. In fact, tourism can be thought of as a familial or friendly gathering, the pivotal contents of which are kindness, cooperation, and synergy. In this chaotic era, tourists are like a delightful breeze endearing our souls and uniting all the people from around the world, regardless of their race, country, language, and beliefs.” Referring to the advantages of visiting the country, the minister explained, “With a deep and practical faith in this attitude, the Iranian government is trying its best to pave the way for incoming tourists and this is why there is a significant growth in tourism infrastructure in our country. In this regard, some incentives such as visa waiver, 90-day visa on arrival, standard residence services, attractive tourism routes and packages, and cheapest and most secure tours to Iran along with the last international tourism standards have enabled us to experience a 53% growth in our inbound tourism, winning the first place in the world in this regard. In addition, when it comes to the prices, Iran has the most competitive prices for tourism in the world and has emerged as a new phenomenon in the world of tourism, attracting the attention of many countries.” “Even if we disregard all that has been said, the unique tourist attractions of Iran are a good reason to have a journey to the land of history, civilization, and nature. With 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 34,000 nationally registered heritage sites and 600 active museums, Iran has a huge capacity to receive international tourists. In addition, high security, cheap tours, premium travel facilities, hospitable people, numerous historic and natural treasures, unique ecotourism facilities, diverse tourism packages (historic-cultural tourism, sport tourism, marine tourism, food tourism, medical tourism, etc.), interesting rituals, and diverse handicrafts and traditional arts provide enough reasons to visit Iran.” Pointing to unique and unparalleled beauties of Iran, Mounesan said, “The rich history and civilization of this land, the numerous and spectacular tourist attractions, four-season weather, and high cultural and ethnic diversity have made an invaluable treasure of Iran and put this country in the top 10 tourist destinations in terms of tourism, cultural and natural attractions. Astonishing mountains, breathtaking glaciers, beautiful volcanos, pristine forests, green foothills, delightful lakes, springs and waterfalls, picturesque beaches and wonderful islands, historical sites and distinct architecture, globally registered cities and villages, diverse and colorful handicrafts, delicious traditional cuisine and organic, healing drinks, etc. are only a small part of the beauties you can visit while staying in Iran.” “With such advantages, each day the beautiful and safe cities of Iran are hosting thousands of tourists from different countries, having enjoyed the unique experience, most of whom decide to return and bring new fellow travelers with them.” “Hereby I invite all the tourists from around the world to visit Iran during these last months of the Persian year, as well as the spring, and experience a distinct journey to the land of history and civilization,” the minister concluded. Mounesan said earlier this month that the country’s tourism sector has suffered a major setback but it will certainly return to “normal”. On Thursday, he unveiled an action plan, aiming to increase and improve [international] interactions for introducing Iran and clarifying its safety conditions to the target countries. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, the country aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

Create: Jan 26, 2020 Edit: Jan 27, 2020 Regional News

7 Hotel Technology Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2020

INTRODUCTION With new technology trends such as the internet of things (IoT), many businesses have been able to improve their operations as well as make them more up to date. In the hotel and hospitality industry, technology has helped make many hotels and resorts more efficient as ones that are capable of providing better service for their guests. Technology in the hospitality industry has been able to capitalize on the internet of things (IoT) by providing a better user experience for guests. Today, guests can make reservations through an application and schedule their stay with their smartphones. Along with the internet of things, technology in the hospitality industry has also included new and more advanced software. The new hospitality technology has greatly advanced the operations of hotels in terms of allowing guests to get rooms and gain access to all of the available services offered. Today, the new hospitality technology can help hotels schedule events more efficiently, process room reservations and monitor revenues and financial transactions more easily. The development of hotel and hospitality software has enabled hotels to be even more organized than they have been in the past. As a result, they are even more likely to provide more satisfaction for their guests consistently. SMART GUEST EXPERIENCES Today many hotels have followed some key trends that have allowed them to better meet the unique needs of their guests. Along with using cloud-based software, hotels nowadays have become more personalized as they are even more focused on helping their guests have the best experience possible when staying at their establishment. In recent years, there has been a tech explosion in the hotel and hospitality industry. The use of cloud-based software has allowed hotels to more efficiently manage their transactions and daily tasks. It has also allowed guests to rely on apps and mobile websites to make requests and get the services that they need for their stay. This technology has helped make a modern hotel into a smart hotel as they have become more user-friendly. Another trend that has contributed to the development of the modern smart hotel has been seamless technology. This includes features such as mobile check-in and digital concierge services. Today, hotels provide high tech cards that detect the presence of a guest and open the door before they even get to it. This has provided guests with more convenience as they can just walk into their room instead of sliding a card into it. Mobile check-ins have enabled guests to process their arrival digitally and avoid relying on a front desk clerk to complete this task for them. As a result, both the guests and the hotel workers can save a lot of time. 7 TECH TRENDS YOU CAN’T IGNORE IN 2020 In the past hotels were just places for people to sleep and unwind during trips when they were away from home. However, there has been a lot of change in the industry during the past several years. Today, hotels have become places where several activities take place. These include seminars, business meetings, and conferences. There have been many additional hotel technology trends that have drastically changed the industry. 1. MOBILE DEVICES AS DOOR KEYS One of the most recent hotel technology trends has been the development of mobile devices as door keys. Hotels today provide cards that are items that put data onto a guest’s mobile device. With this card, guests can more easily access their rooms and other areas of the hotel such as the gym and spa. These cards can also be visually scanned to process entry into these areas of the hotel. 2. SERVICE AUTOMATION In recent years hotels have allowed guests to serve themselves. Most guests prefer to use technology rather than interact with humans. As a result, the development of remote check and check out has allowed guests to use apps to complete these menial tasks. Since the new technology has created more automation, both guests and hotel workers can spend more of their time focusing their efforts on other activities. 3. FIXED MOBILE CONVERGENCE Over the past few years, room phones in hotels have had a reduced role in use among guests. However, the room phones of the present and future will often provide a larger role in terms of connectivity. Today, a guest can use their mobile phone to control things such as the television, the sound system and the blinds of their room. They can also use the mobile phone to request wake up calls, get informed about a visitor’s arrival and requesting a cab or driving service to transport them around town. 4. GUEST APPS The new technology in the hotel industry has resulted in new guest apps. These are options that allow guests to receive information on new hotel deals, notifications about hotel services and also loyalty programs. The guest app can also provide an itinerary to an event as well. 5. BANDWIDTH With the development of technological devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, the demand for bandwidth is very high. As a result, hotels have significantly increased the amount of available bandwidth to accommodate guests who frequently access the internet for the devices. 6. LOCATION-BASED SERVICES New location-based services have also emerged as a key to the advancement of technology in the hospitality industry. With location-based services, guests can locate hotel workers and staff more easily. As a result, they can more efficiently get the assistance they need whenever necessary. 7. TECH LOUNGES Another new trend in the hotel and hospitality industry has been tech lounges. With tech lounges, hotels can provide guests with a public space to use technological devices and complete tasks using technology. The new tech lounges have become a preference among many guests in recent years. CONCLUSION Like all other industries, the hotel and hospitality industry has undergone many significant changes over the past few years. Hotels have made these changes with the help of the latest hospitality and travel software. With this new hospitality and travel software, hotels have been able to help themselves operate more easily as well as satisfy the needs of their guests. During the last few years, hotels have introduced several technology options that include automated check-ins, staff location services, mobile door keys, and tech lounges to provide a more fulfilling experience for guests.

Create: Jan 26, 2020 Edit: Jan 26, 2020 International News

Wyndham Garden and Ramada Encore by Wyndham brands to debut in Oman

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to ramp up its expansion across the Middle East with the opening of two new hotels in Muscat, Oman. Marking the introduction of the Wyndham Garden and Ramada Encore by Wyndham brands to Oman, the openings underscore Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to strengthening its portfolio in the market and further support Oman’s ambitious Vision 2040 programme, which includes a focus on developing the country’s mid-market hotel sector and creating more job opportunities, in a bid to welcome 11 million visitors to the Sultanate by 2040. Over the past year, the Sultanate has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers, witnessing an increase of more than 25% in inbound visitors in the first six months of 2019 alone. The surge in visitor numbers follows the Ministry of Tourism’s sustained efforts to promote Oman as a key travel destination and attract investment to the sector. Panos Loupasis, Vice President Development, Middle East, Eurasia & Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: “The anticipated openings of our two new hotels in Muscat mark a significant milestone as we seek to expand our presence in this important market. We want to bring diverse accommodation choices to travellers across the Sultanate, and support Oman in its ambitious 2040 tourism plans, particularly on developing its mid-market hotel sector. With their unrivalled locations in the heart of Muscat’s business and leisure district, our newest additions to the Wyndham Garden and Ramada Encore by Wyndham family are the perfect properties to complement our growing portfolio in the region, and guests can look forward to the same exceptional service they have come to expect from our brands around the world.” Set across eight floors and bringing 143 new rooms and suites to the city, Wyndham Garden Muscat Al Khuwair is expected to open later this month. Located on Sultan Qaboos Street, just 20 minutes from Muscat International Airport, the new hotel boasts state-of-the art leisure facilities with two swimming pools, steam rooms and saunas, as well as three food and beverage outlets. Part of a mixed-use development including a shopping mall and an office tower, the hotel will also feature five well-appointed corporate meeting rooms, making it an ideal destination for business events. Ramada Encore by Wyndham Muscat Al Ghubra will open in March 2020 and will be located in the heart of Muscat, next to the Al Ghubra roundabout on Sultan Qaboos Street, just minutes away from three of the city’s major shopping malls. With easy access to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House and Muscat’s international airport, the hotel will also boast 163 rooms, a rooftop pool with sundeck and a fully equipped fitness centre and spa. Additional facilities for the meeting, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions (MICE) industry will include a multi-function boardroom which can be used as a meeting space, or as a theatre. The new hotels will complement Wyndham’s existing presence in the city, Ramada by Wyndham Qurum Beach Muscat located near Muscat’s popular Qurum beach, bringing travellers even more options to experience Muscat. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ openings in Oman are part of Company’s wider growth plans for the Middle East and Africa region, which include the addition of 23 new properties by 2023 and are focused on expanding the economy and mid-scale offering across the region. The two new hotels in Oman will be managed by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’, adding to a portfolio of over 400 managed hotels operated globally and expanding its managed capabilities into new and established markets.

Create: Jan 26, 2020 Edit: Jan 26, 2020 International News

Milestone Wins Big at Adrian Awards With Two Golds and Three Silvers

Santa Clara, CA (January 16, 2020) – Milestone announced today it won a total of 8 prestigious Adrian awards including two highly coveted gold awards, three silvers, and three bronzes. The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) honored Milestone Inc. for innovation in digital marketing and for its digital marketing platforms that drove significant ROI for its customers. The awards were granted for the projects done for several hospitality customers including Marriott Digital Services, Omni Hotels and Resorts, The Evelyn Hotel, a Triumph Hotels property located in New York City, and a Mexico luxury hotel group. The Adrian awards announcement follows Milestone’s significant win at the US Search Awards last year. In addition to winning the top award in finance category, Milestone was also shortlisted in travel, automotive, and restaurant categories. “2019 was an outstanding year for Milestone. Being recognized for our achievements in digital marketing services and our software platforms is testament to the outstanding results our solutions drive for our clients and partners” stated Anil Aggarwal, CEO of Milestone. ” “The Adrian Awards celebrate travel marketing innovators whose awesome creativity and hard work are integral not only to the success of their companies, but to the continued growth of the hospitality industry as a whole,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. Milestone will be honored during the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala on January 21, 2020 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Create: Jan 18, 2020 Edit: Jan 18, 2020 International News

Declaring Their Independence, Big Box Hotels Combine Capacity, Personalized Service, High Tech & Flexibility

Eden Prairie (Minneapolis) MN, January 2020 … Bigger, bolder and now independent – Big Box Hotels are increasingly breaking off from major brands and deploying their expansive meeting spaces, extensive room inventory and outstanding technical services to become independent operators. It’s a growing trend that offers planners the advantages of a large hotel accommodating groups of up to 3,000 attendees while providing a level of flexibility and creativity once reserved for boutique properties and smaller brands. Teneo Hospitality Group, the leading group representation firm, is responding to this development by introducing its newest collection of member hotels – the Big Box Collection, which now includes 52 independent and smaller-branded member hotels across the United States, Europe and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Eleven of these are offering special hot dates and incentives, available throughout 2020 and accommodating meetings in several prominent destinations including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, Orlando, Reno, San Diego and the Temecula Valley Wine Country in California. “This move from Big Box brands to independent status is a significant trend,” says Teneo President Mike Schugt. He notes that for the last 20-30 years, many boutique hotels have transitioned to independent or soft branded properties. This paved the way for many larger, branded properties to declare their independence and reap the benefits of autonomy. Big Box brands are able to provide far more options to planners and guests, unfettered by frequently inflexible policies of a large corporate brand. Often operating without a brand name, these newly independent hotels have embraced a creative, personalized culture based on the offering’s boutique hotels initiated 20 years ago. “We now see highly-customized, catering-to-all-your-senses experiences available to larger groups in the Big Box hotels we represent,” says Mike Schugt. Hoteliers are capitalizing on the new opportunities to bring in the best, most personalized aspects of the boutique concept – customized service that focus on issues important to guest satisfaction. These include sustainability, curated experiences, imaginative décor, music, scent, lighting, original art and architecture, raising the bar in food and beverage services – all without the cookie-cutter limitations that can be imposed by major brands. Planners should welcome this growing trend, according to Schaan Baker of Phillips Ultrasound. “The Big Box concept gives planners new options, sophisticated technical services, greater value and return on investment, a chance to explore new destinations, and the creative energy and resourcefulness of an independent or smaller brand property,” she notes. This creative, flexible approach lets hotels showcase the best of their destination. For example, the Boston Park Plaza, a Boston icon for nearly a century, has added a loft-like contemporary event space, Avenue 34, to its three magnificent ballrooms. In Hawaii, the new Alohini Resort, Waikiki Beach, offers a spectacular lobby Oceanarium and the Thrillist, an adventurous program of helicopter tours and horseback rides to plant legacy trees in Hawaii’s forests. At the Omni Dallas, planners can see their brand’s name in lights on the Dallas skyline, thanks to the mile of LED lights placed around the building. “By declaring their independence, many larger hotels are able to create their own, singular brands, free from rigid corporate policies and operating restrictions,” says Mike Schugt. He also notes that the trend toward autonomy dovetails perfectly with planners’ demand for more diverse meeting space, greater options in accommodations and the most sophisticated technology. At the same time, planners are calling for a less rigid, more open approach to the planning process. “Independent hotels are better able to provide a creative, workable and unique environment,” says Mike Schugt. He also sees this trend expanding and continuing for the foreseeable future. “Over 50 Big Box hotels have recently become independent,” Mike Schugt says. “We are proud that a significant number of them have become Teneo members, recognizing our commitment to promoting independent hotels and smaller brands.” Hotels in Teneo’s Big Box Collection, offering Hot Dates and Special Promotions throughout 2020, span historic landmarks, beachfront resorts, sophisticated urban hotels and major conference center hotels accommodating up to 3,000 attendees. -Alohini Resort, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii -Boston Park Plaza, Boston, Massachusetts -Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida -Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, California -The Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park – Chicago, Illinois -The Fontainbleau, Miami, Florida -The Loews Meeting Complex at Universal Orlando, Orlando, Florida -The Omni Dallas, Dallas, Texas -The Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, California -The Peppermill Resort Spa & Casino, Reno, Nevada -Rosen Hotels, Orlando, Florida

Create: Jan 11, 2020 Edit: Jan 11, 2020 International News