Deputy tax auditor: the situation in Free Zones Areas

Full Service Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites Deploys Maestro Cloud Property Management System Platform; Edging Out Five Other Vendors

 Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites is an independently owned 262-room historic property with 12,500 square feet of meeting space in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2018 it completed a full renovation of its guestrooms, meeting space and common areas. The property benefited from a large increase in area tourism with new market segments and international guests. These factors made it clear to management that Lord Nelson’s legacy property management system (PMS) did not provide the functionality the hotel required and triggered its search for new hotel software. Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites is a locally owned historic independent that wanted to keep its historic heritage but move property operations into the 21st Century. “We took time to make the right decision,” said Kathryn Buttle, Lord Nelson’s Assistant General Manager- Revenue. “We wanted a cloud-based PMS that supported the specific hotel software modules we needed on one platform. Maestro’s suite of fully-integrated modules on a single-image database was ideal for the unique way we do business.” Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites installed Maestro’s Front Desk, Sales and Catering, ResWave Online Direct Booking engine, Mobile Housekeeping, SMS Messaging for guest and staff communications, Digital Registration for remote check-in, Travel Agency accounting, and Yield Management to optimize rates and occupancy all on the Maestro Web cloud-based system. They also recently added the integrated Online Payment Portal and are considering expanding to Maestro’s Loyalty Module and Business Analytics. “We recently discovered an unexpected benefit with Maestro,” Buttle said. “The property was hit with a power failure during a storm. When the power went out, the Maestro Web cloud-based system enabled us to continue operation using our tablets and mobiles. We ran our hotel on iPads. Maestro’s Mobile Housekeeping module even kept our housekeepers doing their job with tablets.” System selection guidelines for independent operators “I recommend that independent operators take time to list all the factors they need to make the right decision. They should bring their teams together to understand how each department does business,” Buttle said. “We began by listing the modules we wanted and reviewed each department’s processes. Our evaluation list included six PMS companies. We had numerous calls with each company and arranged multiple demonstrations over a six-month period. I worked with our IT manager to balance our property’s needs with what each system offered.” The property told vendors the issues it had with its current system, and explained what functionality was non-negotiable. “We created a firm baseline for functionality we had to have. We asked each company specific questions about processes and interfaces. We described our tasks and asked how their system handled them. We focused on the most important modules to our operation. For example, we are a 40-percent group property, so an integrated, full-function Sales and Catering system was essential.” Maestro PMS was the best system for Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites “Since we are an independent property, professional training and support were principal factors in our decision process,” Buttle said. “In addition, we wanted a cloud-based system to simplify our infrastructure requirements. Based on our functionality requirements and system evaluation we selected the Maestro PMS suite of modules on the Maestro Web cloud platform. It has been a good decision for our operation.” Maestro’s Sales and Catering System also proved itself to Lord Nelson’s operation. “We use an outside caterer,” Buttle said. “Maestro’s Sales and Catering system is flexible enough to let our third-party vendors update their event covers, menus, and billing details to keep our operation running smoothly. Our system installation and training went very well and Maestro’s support is excellent. Maestro online Live Chat Support lets our staff get answers to system use questions in real-time to be more productive. Plus, if we request an enhancement, Maestro evaluates our request and tells us when they can deploy it at our property.” The Maestro Property Management System is the preferred hotel software for independent hotels, resorts, conference centers and multi-property groups. It delivers flexible and scalable deployment options with an identical full-featured web browser or windows solution available in the cloud or on premise. Click here for more information on how to engage and socialize with Maestro PMS.

Marriott International Completes Acquisition of Elegant Hotels Group

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced that it has completed its acquisition of Elegant Hotels Group plc. The announcement from Elegant and International Hotel Licensing Company S.à r.l. was issued over London’s Regulatory News Service earlier today. Full text can be found below: On 18 October 2019, the boards of Elegant Hotels Group plc (“Elegant”) and International Hotel Licensing Company S.à r.l. (“IHLC”), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (“Marriott“), announced that they had reached agreement on the terms of a recommended all cash offer to be made by IHLC for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Elegant (the “Acquisition“). On 6 December 2019, Elegant and Marriott announced that the Court had sanctioned the Scheme. Elegant and Marriott are pleased to announce that the Court Order has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies today and accordingly the Scheme has now become effective, in accordance with its terms. Elegant is now a wholly owned subsidiary of IHLC. Scheme Shareholders on the register of members of the Company at the Scheme Record Time, being 8.00 p.m. on 6 December 2019, will receive 110 pence in cash for each Scheme Share. Settlement of the cash consideration due to Scheme Shareholders will occur within 14 days. Dealings in Elegant Shares on AIM were suspended with effect from 7.30 a.m. today. The cancellation of trading of Elegant Shares on AIM is expected to take place at 7.00 a.m. on 10 December 2019. As a result of the Scheme having become Effective, share certificates in respect of the Elegant Shares have ceased to be valid documents of title and entitlements to Elegant Shares held in uncertificated form in CREST are being cancelled. Capitalised terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the Scheme Document.

Drury Hotels Is Developing Its First Property in the DISNEY SPRINGS® Resort Area of Orlando, Florida

 Drury Hotels Company is bringing a bit of magic to its guests. The company is developing its largest property to date, the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista, and will begin to welcome guests by spring 2021. The new property, located in the DISNEY SPRINGS® Resort Area in Orlando, Florida, is the company’s first Official Walt Disney World® Hotel and the fourth Drury Hotel in the state. The entire project – which includes 604 rooms and more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space – will be complete by the end of 2021, with the first 264 rooms available by spring 2021. The new hotel will feature a host of amenities and is in close proximity to the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. The new property is located just steps away from DISNEY SPRINGS®: a walkable, 120-acre outdoor complex outside of the theme parks featuring an eclectic mix of unique boutiques, one-of-a-kind eateries and entertainment. The hotel will be able to be booked as part of a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation package. Drury also will offer transportation to and from the theme parks, as well as to other surrounding attractions. “This property has been a long time in the making, and we are delighted to see it take shape,” said Chuck Drury, president and CEO of Drury Hotels. “We’ll be able to give our guests an unforgettable experience as they visit the Walt Disney World® Resort and everything the colorful community has to offer. Being named an official Walt Disney World® Hotel means we have been entrusted to adhere to exceptional service standards. Given our track record of providing award-winning guest service, I know our top-notch team will make our new property a magical experience for our guests and visitors.” Mike Weihs, a 19-year veteran in the hotel and hospitality industry, has been named the property’s general manager. Drury team member Melissa Linkugel will serve as the hotel director of sales. Once open, the hotel will employ 150 full- and part-time team members. The hotel will feature a resort-style pool, splash pad and poolside cantina bar and grill; an extensive marketplace for grab-and-go food items and sundries; and a kitchen and bar concept, in addition to a wide range of complimentary amenities, including: Wi-Fi throughout the hotel Hot breakfast, including pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs, yogurt and more 5:30 Kickback® reception including appetizers and beverages 24-hour business and fitness centers Outside of the hotel, guests will be able to enjoy exciting new additions to the Walt Disney World® Resort including Star Wars®: Galaxy’s Edge – where guests can live out their own Star Wars story – and Toy Story Land – where kids and grown-ups alike can experience all-new adventures – only found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Experience storybook wonder as favorite Disney classics come to life at Magic Kingdom® Park. For some big-time enchantment, take a ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine” aboard Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Discover big fun and cultures from around the globe at Epcot®. And while there, take a sail through Arendelle on Frozen Ever After. Explore the realm of creatures that inhabit the world…and the imagination…and create a unique adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Celebrate the magic of nature by soaring on banshees through the exhilarating Avatar Flight of Passage. From fantasy and discovery, to spotlights and adventure, the magic of Walt Disney World® Theme Parks comes alive around all who visit. Drury Hotels has been family-owned and operated since 1973. For a complete listing of all Drury hotels or for reservations, visit www.druryhotels.com or call 1-800-DRURYINN. For information about career opportunities at Drury Hotels, please apply online at www.drurycareers.com .

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Brand Debuts in the United Kingdom With Opening of Great Scotland Yard

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of the 152-room Great Scotland Yard hotel as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. On the site of the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, the luxury hotel and adjacent five-story townhouse is the first by The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in the UK and the sixth to open in Europe. The opening follows a major restoration and full-scale renovation that breathed new life into one of London’s famous landmarks as it opens to the public for the first time in nearly two hundred years. As part of a collection of unique hotels each with their own distinct story, Great Scotland Yard is an iconic property steeped in history that asks guests to expect the unexpected. Once the historical home of law and order in the City of Westminster, the hotel has also served as inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has been a dwelling for Kings of Scotland, and is the site where Lord Kitchener famously told World War I recruits ‘Your Country Needs You.’ Every aspect of the hotel pays homage to this extraordinary past. Located steps away from Parliament and Covent Garden, guests are only a stone’s throw away from the cultural hotspots of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. “Great Scotland Yard’s rich history and fascinating architecture make it the perfect place to launch The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in the United Kingdom,” said Sholto Smith, general manager of Great Scotland Yard. “Along with critically acclaimed chef Robin Gill, we have created a modern British food and drink destination and an experience like no other in London. We look forward to welcoming independent minded travelers looking for a story-worthy experience.” Dining and drinking Paying tribute to the building’s rich past, Chef and Restaurateur Robin Gill has curated four one-of-a-kind food and drink spaces, bound together by a neighborhood restaurant atmosphere and charismatic service. “I’ve been involved in this project for a while now, which is a huge privilege and I am excited about my whole team being involved in the opening,” said Chef and Restaurateur, Robin Gill. “We want Great Scotland Yard to be a place that feels like coming home; a space of old-school charm with a sense of fun, but with a new-school form of service and great hospitality.” The main signature restaurant, The Yard, offers modern British cuisine with an open kitchen showcasing culinary craftsmanship. Produce from local, micro-farmers helps reduce the restaurant’s carbon footprint and allows guests to experience a slice of the countryside in the city. Cocktail bar The 40 Elephants celebrates off-beat London and pays homage to the Forty Elephants, a notorious all female crime syndicate, led by Alice Diamond operating in the 19th and 20th centuries. A modern tearoom, The Parlour, is inspired by The Imperial New Delhi hotel for its opulence and sense of tradition while embracing the quirkier side of the establishment. The Parlour offers a daytime space for morning coffees, light lunches, gin and tonics and afternoon teas. A second bar Sibín, inspired by the illicit bars that originated in Ireland, is a speakeasy hidden behind a secret door offering varieties of whiskey and dedicated food pairings. Guestrooms The 1820’s Grade II listed building has 152 guest rooms, including 15 suites. A neutral colour palette sets a perfect base for the unexpected play of patterns that are inspired by building’s rich past. There are wardrobes concealed behind a bookcase-like façade and robe hooks shaped as keys. Where no two rooms are the same, guests are welcome to ‘unlock the secret’ of Great Scotland Yard. No1 Great Scotland Yard Townhouse is a unique standalone two-bedroom property adjacent to the main building. Situated over five stories, it provides an exclusive and intimate experience for guests. Grace and Favour Situated in the hotel’s lower levels, a modern take on the historical ‘grace and favour’ residences, represents an exclusive members’ space that will allow guests to work in a creative environment, socialize with like-minded patrons and entertain special guests in  a sophisticated atmosphere. The space can also be exclusively booked for small and intimate events, meetings and celebrations. Wellness The 24-hour fitness center is equipped with the latest technology, from cardio equipment to strength training machines, providing guests with everything they need to enjoy a full workout. The Great Scotland Yard is the sixth property to open in Europe as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. It joins Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, Nish Palas in Istanbul, Hotel SOFIA Barcelona,  Hôtel du Louvre in Paris and Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest.

Hyatt Hotels Signs With Reitir to Develop First Hyatt Branded Hotel in Iceland

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with H176 Reykjavík ehf, a fully owned subsidiary of Icelandic real estate company Reitir fasteignafelag hf, to open the first Hyatt branded hotel in Iceland. Expected to debut in 2022, the 169-room Hyatt Centric Reykjavík will bolster Hyatt’s lifestyle portfolio and the Hyatt Centric brand’s presence in Europe. Hyatt Centric Reykjavík will offer modern accommodations, three food and beverage outlets, including a pop-up rooftop bar overlooking Iceland’s dynamic capital city, and approximately 2100 square feet (200 square meters) of meeting facilities. With a high proportion of adventurous travelers exploring the Icelandic countryside, Hyatt Centric Reykjavík will boast its own car park for guests to use. Staying true to the Hyatt Centric brand experience, guests will have access to a passionate hotel team, ready to provide local expertise and insider knowledge, ensuring they never miss a moment of adventure. The hotel will be situated on Laugavegur, the main street of Reykjavík, located east of the city center in an area seeing rapid growth. The building will be a redevelopment of what locals know as the former headquarters of the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. A 40-minute drive from Iceland’s main international airport and a 10-minute walk to the city center, Hyatt Centric Reykjavík will serve as the perfect launch pad for guests wanting to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of “The Land of Fire and Ice.” “Over the past year we have spent a great deal of time understanding the Nordic market and getting to know the hotel developers and owners in Iceland. Hyatt Centric Reykjavík will mark the first Hyatt hotel in Iceland, an important milestone for us,” said Peter Norman, senior vice president of development, Hyatt. “Hyatt Centric Reykjavík not only demonstrates our unprecedented growth in the upscale lifestyle segment in Europe, but also our commitment to expand Hyatt’s brand footprint in a market currently dominated by independent, regional players.” “We are thrilled to be working alongside Hyatt to bring the first Hyatt hotel to Iceland and the Nordics as a whole. Our experience in the Icelandic market and Hyatt’s unique, personalized approach to development is the perfect combination to develop a distinct offering in the city,” said Guðjón Auðunsson, CEO of Reitir fasteignafélag hf. “With travelers staying in Iceland for an average of five to eight nights all year round, Hyatt Centric Reykjavík will be the ideal base for guests wanting to enjoy a lifestyle hotel whilst taking in the stunning scenery, whether on a hike in summer or while viewing the Northern Lights in winter.” Hyatt Centric Reykjavík will join the growing Hyatt Centric portfolio in Europe with Hyatt Centric La Rosière, Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale, Hyatt Centric Murano Venice,  Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid, Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul and the newly opened Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin. For more information on the Hyatt Centric brand and its range of properties worldwide, visit hyattcentric.com .

Arthur De Haast Named to InterContinental Hotels Group Board

InterContinental Hotels Group [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] today announces that Arthur de Haast is to be appointed as an independent Non-Executive Director of IHG. He will join the IHG Board with effect from 1 January 2020. Arthur de Haast is a Senior Director of JLL, the NYSE-listed professional services firm specialising in real estate and investment management. He will step down from JLL's Global Capital Markets Board on 31 December 2019, assuming an advisory role as Chairman of JLL's Capital Markets Advisory Council, in early 2020. Arthur was previously Chairman and Global CEO of JLL's Hotels and Hospitality Group, with responsibility for 300 professionals who provided advisory and transactional services to hotel owners and operators across 20 countries. In addition, Arthur is a member of JLL's Global Sustainability Board, member of the Advisory Board of the Scottish Business School, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and past Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality. Patrick Cescau, Non-Executive Chair, IHG, commented: "Arthur brings more than 30 years of relevant capital markets, hotels and hospitality experience, along with significant Board-level knowledge around sustainability, all of which are important areas of focus for IHG. He also has a truly global perspective and significant insight into the Asian market which is a key focus for IHG. I look forward to welcoming Arthur to the IHG Board." Arthur will serve on the Remuneration and Corporate Responsibility Committees of the IHG Board. Pursuant to LR 9.6.13R, Arthur is an independent non-executive director of Chalet Hotels Limited, a public company, quoted on the Bombay Stock Exchange, (BSE). 

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.”

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

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.

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.

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!”