Hospitality Industry News
An interest in building direct bookings is growing quickly among hotels in Asia, as increasing competition within the distribution chain is eating away at profits. “Achieving a healthy balance among the various channels has become a critical component of a hotel’s distribution playbook. In this highly competitive landscape, it
Hospitality Industry News
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts unveiled its second hotel in Hangzhou, Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou. Since establishing its first China property in Hangzhou more than three decades ago, the Hong Kong-based group has returned to the heart of one of the eight ancient Chinese capital cities to open a
Hospitality Industry News
Andrew Turner has been appointed managing director of Rosewood Phuket, which will open the first quarter of 2017 as the first Asia resort for ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® and mark the brand’s entry into Thailand. An Australian native, Mr. Turner has 22 years’ experience managing city hotels
Hospitality Industry News
Marriott International launches its European Convention Network (ECN), a collection of 14 convention hotels with one dedicated contact person. The ECN aims to provide a streamlined, cost-effective and comprehensive service for all meeting planners organising regular annual or bi-annual meetings and events in Europe. The 14 venues are
Hospitality Industry News
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will open two luxury resorts in the Sultanate of Oman in mid-2016 – Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in the north east of Oman and Al Baleed Resort Salalah – by Anantara in the southern province of Dhofar. Robert Kunkler, chief operating officer, Minor Hotel
Hospitality Industry News
Hilton Worldwide and IBM announce a collaboration to pilot “Connie” – the first Watson-enabled robot concierge in the hospitality industry. Connie draws on domain knowledge from Watson and WayBlazer to inform guests on local tourist attractions, dining recommendations and hotel features and amenities. Connie, named for Hilton’s founder Conrad
Hospitality Industry News
China’s Anbang Insurance Group has agreed to acquire Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc for around US$6.5 billion, as the owner of New York’s iconic Waldorf Astoria expands its US hotel portfolio, Reuters reported. The deal, which illustrates corporate China’s unquenched thirst for US real estate,
Hospitality Industry News
The newly launched Honourable Order of International Hotel General Managers (HOIHGm) appoints John Cameron as chief executive officer. An experienced hospitality executive, Cameron has a strong international background in operations and HR gathered across Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Claimed to be the world’s first initiative
Hospitality Industry News
Hard Rock Cafe will open three locations in China throughout 2016: Shanghai, with a three-level venue just off Nanjing Road; Hangzhou, as an anchor tenant in the new Kerry Center minutes from the famous West Lake and Leifeng Pagoda; and Shenzhen, in partnership with Mission Hills. The brand plans
Hospitality Industry News
Philip Schaetz Marco Polo Hotels names Philip Schaetz as vice president, sales & marketing, succeeding Jennifer Cronin who was promoted to president of the company last month. Schaetz was most recently senior VP, sales & marketing, at Dorsett Hospitality International. He spent 16 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation and held
Hospitality Industry News
Meliá Hotels International has entered the Iranian hospitality industry with the five-star, branded Gran Meliá Ghoo Hotel. To be located in Salman Shah by the Caspian Sea, the hotel is part of the Ghoo, Middle East Diamond project being developed by Iranian investor and Azimzadeh Carpet CEO Ahad Azim
Hospitality Industry News
Best Western Hotels & Resorts is growing its portfolio from one to 14 total properties in South Africa over the next 12 months. A multi-phase signing agreement with Orion Hotels is integral to the brand’s expansion plans in Africa. Phase one will see the addition of Velmoré Hotel