BOUNTE Advances Hotels' Commitment to Cleanliness with a Low-Touch Lost and Found System Using AI to Identify and Return Items

BOUNTE Advances Hotels' Commitment to Cleanliness with a Low-Touch Lost and Found System Using AI to Identify and Return Items

BOUNTE Protect™ tracks lost property with a free smartphone app and stores items in a sealed BOUNTE bag for improved hygiene and security

BOUNTE, Inc., a leader in innovative lost and found technologies, today launched BOUNTE Protect™ for hotels. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the cloud-based platform transforms a venue’s inefficient lost and found into a high-tech solution that takes just seconds, minimizes touches and greatly enhances a guest’s experience when lost items are found and returned.

LunaJets sees a perfect storm for the private jet industry

The industry enters a perfect storm.

The private jet market is facing unprecedented challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated an already fragile industry. The private jet charter market is down 33.8% in volume year-to-date and even lower in revenue, with Europe doing worse than America. All charter market segments are impacted but the most affected are the long trans-continental and corporate charter flights. The current wave of new quarantine measures and travel restrictions will have an immediate and devastating effect on the market, predicts LunaJets.

The Perfect Storm

"Market summer figures are misleading! The industry benefited from commercial airlines dislocation, with a spike of 'leisure' clients and first-time private jet flyers, but September will be a back-to-reality moment," predicts Alain Leboursier, Managing Director at LunaJets.

"Corporate flight demand, representing 70% of our business from September to Christmas, is weak despite really low rates on same-day returns or trans-Atlantic flights," notes Leboursier. "It's a perfect storm situation considering the uncertainty caused by quarantines, lockdowns, weak corporate demand, structural overcapacity and the financial leverage of this industry. Some jet operators or competitors seem to live in Cloud-Cuckoo-Land, publishing over-optimistic figures. Private Aviation has a long track record of frauds, failures and bankruptcies, among manufacturers, operators and charter brokers. The wake-up call will be painful, the industry is much more fragile than during the past crisis."

Hyatt Announces Plans for Thompson Monterrey

 Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans for Thompson Monterrey, the first Thompson hotel in Mexico’s state of Nuevo León. The 150-room lifestyle hotel is expected to open in 2022 and will mark the fourth Thompson-branded property in Mexico.

“Thompson Monterrey comes at a time of significant growth for the Thompson Hotels brand and will represent the brand’s entry into a key new market,” said Alfredo Reynoso, director of  development, Mexico, Hyatt. “The Thompson brand aligns very well with Monterrey’s position as a business and entertainment destination, and we look forward to introducing a new lifestyle offering that will provide experiences that celebrate its destination in a sophisticated way for guests and locals alike.”  

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  Exterior of Thompson Monterrey; Credit: DUDA | PAINE Architects

Developed by Visa Desarrollos and Grow2, Thompson Monterrey will be located in the San Pedro Garza García, a contemporary financial and commercial area of Monterrey in the state of Nuevo León. Located near headquarters for many national and multinational companies and university campuses, the hotel will be part of Torre IKON, a new-build mixed-use complex with aproximately 215,000 square feet (20,000 square meters) of office space. Thompson Monterrey will occupy a portion of the 31-floor tower designed by Duda Paine Architects, which is set to be one of the most iconic high-rise buildings in the San Pedro Garza García.    

Hyatt Hāna-Maui Resort to reopen on 1st October

                                                               

                                                              Hyatt Hotels Corporation confirmed recently that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Mani Brothers Real Estate Group, a leading Southern California based full-service commercial property firm that owns and operates one-of-a-kind landmark properties, to rebrand the 75-room Travaasa Hāna into Hāna-Maui Resort, under the Destination Hotels brand. Offering a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America, Destination Hotels properties are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location.

“Hyatt is excited to welcome Hāna-Maui Resort to the Destination Hotels brand and Hyatt’s robust Hawaii portfolio,” said Katie Johnson, director of global independent brands for Hyatt. “With more than 40 years of operations in Hawaii, we are pleased to expand our footprint on the beautiful island of Maui. We appreciate all the Hāna destination has to offer and look forward to sharing its rich local culture with guests while providing immersive discoveries.”

The Hyatt Regency Sofia is now open.........

The first Hyatt-branded hotel in Bulgaria, the Hyatt Regency Sofia has now officially opened, creating a buzz of excitement in the local business community.  The 183-room hotel is ideally located in the heart of the capital on Vasil Levski Square and within walking distance of Sofia’s major tourist attractions and government institutions. The opening of the hotel marks an important milestone for Hyatt, thoughtfully growing its brand presence in Southeast Europe.

The Hyatt Regency brand is designed for productivity and stress-free stays by offering seamless and personalized, high-touch experiences. The full range of services and amenities include memorable culinary experiences, flexible spaces to work, collaborate or relax and expansive technology-enabled facilities for meetings and events, along with expert planners who anticipate every detail.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of the very first Hyatt hotel in the beautiful city of Sofia,” said Laurent Schauder, general manager of Hyatt Regency Sofia. “The hotel’s central location is perfect for business and leisure travelers alike to enjoy this vibrant city, its vivid culture and rich history.”

Conrad Punta de Mita Officially Opens.................The stylish new property marks Hilton’s first Conrad brand resort in Mexico

Mexico’s coveted Riviera Nayarit welcomes a bright new era in hospitality with today’s official opening of Conrad Punta de Mita – Hilton’s first-ever Conrad brand resort in Mexico, and the second Conrad brand property in the country. Situated beside the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific on a two-mile-long beach, the highly anticipated opening of the 324-room property invites travellers to discover contemporary luxury.

“The opening of Conrad Punta de Mita marks an important milestone for Hilton, as we bring Conrad-level style, service and experiences to the shores of Riviera Nayarit,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Hilton’s senior vice president and head of operations, Caribbean & Latin America. “As one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations, Punta de Mita is the perfect location for the newest addition to our luxury portfolio in the region – and we can’t wait for our guests to discover the inspiring experiences that await at Conrad Punta de Mita.” 

Marriott International and Quintessentially Unveil a Collection of Exclusive Luxury Road Trips

Marriott International, through its portfolio of luxury brands including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, EDITION and W Hotels, is delighted to unveil a collection of one-of-a-kind adventures curated in partnership with Quintessentially, the world’s leading luxury concierge company. Available to book now, global travelers will have access to several distinct itineraries and immersive experiences available across Marriott International’s robust portfolio of luxury brand properties in the United States and Europe.

“During this time we know that many of our guests are choosing to travel in different ways. They might be staying closer to home, or seeking the personal space that driving between destinations affords,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Brand and Marketing Officer and Luxury Portfolio Leader, Marriott International. “With this series of exclusive road trips, and with the expertise of Quintessentially, we are thrilled to be able to offer our guests access to unparalleled, luxury focused experiences that meet the moment.”

Whether you are traveling to Lake Tahoe, Bal Harbour or Venice, the bespoke itineraries promise an unforgettable escape marked by luxurious accommodations, flawless service, captivating landscapes and scenery, exceptional culinary offerings and outdoor adventures. Curated by Quintessentially, and available starting at $15,000 USD for two guests, each trip will include an unrivaled selection of diversified, high-end experiences that are unique to the destination. Guests can enjoy a champagne toast in a private seaplane overlooking the San Francisco sunset, mountain biking with a local professional biker in Santa Barbara, surfing lessons with a world surfing competitor in Half Moon Bay, a private tour of the exclusive Palazzo Corsini or Sistine Chapel in Rome, and more. Travelers will also enjoy the option to drive in style with access to vintage cars, such as a 1960s Ford Mustang Convertible.

Hospitality and Leisure bosses look to ’Winter of Content’ after uncertain summer

• Just 6% of hospitality and leisure sector leaders are confident about growth this Summer, according to new research from Barclays Corporate Banking
• Businesses are predicting 41% year-on-year decline in sales, with two fifths (39%) saying they’ve been ‘kept afloat’ by VAT cut to 5%
• Confidence rockets to 83% in Winter 2020/21
• Industry leaders are innovating to open up new revenue streams and prepare for the long-term      

As hospitality and leisure businesses prepare for the August Bank Holiday, research from Barclays Corporate Banking reveals just 6% of businesses in the sector are confident of growth across the Summer.

The significant challenges currently facing the industry are underscored in a new Barclays study¹ of over 300 senior hospitality and leisure executives. On average, businesses predict their earnings will fall by 41% year-on-year when comparing 2020 to 2019, and nearly two fifths (39%) say they’ve been ‘kept afloat’ by the VAT cut to 5% - a figure that peaks at 55% for cafés. In addition, 40% of hospitality and leisure leaders say the VAT reduction has been a ‘lifeline’ for the sector.

And despite the ‘staycation summer’ providing a noticeable boost in earnings for over three quarters (76%) of the businesses surveyed, it’s not until the end of the year that confidence reaches substantial levels. Only three in ten businesses (30%) anticipate growth in the Autumn, but over four fifths (83%) think they’ll grow in Winter 2020/21.

First Radisson Blu serviced apartments in Islamabad, Pakistan

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of the Radisson Blu Serviced Apartments, Islamabad in Pakistan, the first internationally branded serviced apartments in the country. This marks the group’s second hotel in Pakistan, accelerating its ambition to have 10 hotels and 2,000 rooms in operation and under development across the country by 2025. Scheduled to open by Q2 2023, this addition brings the group’s South Asia portfolio to over 160 hotels in operation and under development.

Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is located on Potohar Plateau in the northwest of the country and is Pakistan’s most diverse metropolis, renowned for embracing modern ideas while remaining true to its rich cultural heritage. The city is rich in historical sights, expansive green spaces, fascinating museum and impressive monuments such as the Faisal Mosque, Islamabad’s most iconic and instantly recognisable landmark.

#SCHOOLFROMANYWHERE with Club Wyndham’s ‘Back to School, Back to Your Bucket List’ Vacation Package

Nation’s largest vacation ownership club encourages travellers to make the most of remote schooling by exploring new destinations near and far with special travel deals and in-suite virtual learning essentials

While many adults have been able to #WorkFromAnywhere in the pandemic era, this fall – for the first time – many kids can “school from anywhere” with the rise of virtual learning in many communities across the U.S. Club Wyndham, the nation’s largest vacation ownership club, urges members to “Live Their Bucket List”, inviting families to take this once in a lifetime opportunity to check off their bucket lists while distance learning from new destinations with its “Back to School, Back to Your Bucket List” vacation package.

From August 24 to October 31, 2020, families that book stays between September 14 and December 18, 2020, can save up to 30% to stay at all-suite Club Wyndham resorts located in drive-to, family-friendly destinations throughout the U.S. that offer outdoor adventure or historical sights when the school day’s over, including:

Club Wyndham Bentley Brook (Hancock, MA)

Club Wyndham Kingsgate (Williamsburg, VA)

Club Wyndham Park City (Park City, UT)

Club Wyndham Branson at The Meadows (Branson, MO)

Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort (Orlando, FL)

IHG continues to expand Holiday Inn portfolio with a signing in India

IHG continues to expand Holiday Inn portfolio with a signing in India

InterContinental Hotels Group® (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Riteway and Medha Projects to bring a Holiday Inn Resort to the state of Karnataka. Offering 126 well-appointed rooms, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats is expected to open its doors to guests in Q1 2023.

Underscoring industry confidence despite challenging times, this is the second signing announced by IHG in India in last three months.

Located on the Western Ghats mountain range, in the state of Karnataka, Sakleshpur is in close proximity to Bengaluru, and is a great destination for leisure travellers looking to spend quality time amidst nature or explore various historic monuments and sites the city has to offer.

Located 6 kilometres from the main Bengaluru and Mangalore highway, on opening, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats will offer varied dining options to guests with four F&B outlets, including an All-Day Dining, a bar, a speciality restaurant and a lobby lounge. The hotel will also feature 518 sqm of meetings space across three venues, including a 359 sqm ballroom well suited for various MICE events. The resort will feature a pool, a fitness centre and a spa for guests to relax and rejuvenate. For travellers driving down from the nearby cities, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats will feature ample parking space. Additionally, positioned as a complete destination on its own, the resort will house a retail outlet, an indoor recreation centre and an outdoor recreation facility making it a perfect destination for vacationers or guests on corporate retreats.

Radisson Rewards extends pause on points expiry dates.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 situation and the many challenges it has caused regular travellers,  Radisson Rewards has decided to extend the benefits extension regarding points, the group has confirmed this week.

Point expiration suspension:
Radisson has extended the pause on the expiration of Radisson Rewards points. Any points that were set to expire between March 1, 2020, and March 30, 2021, will now expire on March 31, 2021, if the account remains inactive.

Elite status extension:
Radisson has extended members 2020 status – whether it’s Silver, Gold or Platinum - through February 2022, for those whose status would have expired in February 2021. This means you will continue to enjoy all the great Silver, Gold or Platinum member benefits you have access to today.

Elite earning roll over:
All eligible nights and stays earned in 2020 will roll over to 2021 and be applied toward maintaining or increasing your Elite status in 2022.



Radisson Hotels Homepage UK

Hotel JAL City Fukuoka Tenjin to open in 2021

Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co. will open Hotel JAL City Fukuoka Tenjin in 2021, the firm has announced this week.  The property will be located in the central Tenjin district of Fukuoka – one of Japan’s largest and busiest cities, located strategically close to the Asian mainland and is set to be complete it by January 2021.

Based on Hotel JAL City's brand concept “smart simplicity”, the new hotel will offer a smart and simple stay experience, providing check-in and check-out and room key functionality by means of guests’ smartphones. It will also address customer needs with a wide range of tailored services. The property will offer 280 guest rooms ranging from 25 square meters in size as well as all-day dining facilities.

Toshihiro Ogita, President, Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., commented, “We are very pleased to be opening the third property of Okura Nikko Hotels in Fukuoka, a vibrant city that has become a gateway between Japan and Asia. We are confident that with our three hotel groups—Okura Hotels & Resorts, Nikko Hotels International and Hotel JAL City—we will be able to match all guests’ requirements in Fukuoka.”

JW Marriott, part of Marriott International will open JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort tomorrow

JW Marriott, part of Marriott International will open JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort on Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, just steps from Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Centre, the Anaheim hotel is designed to provide travellers with a luxury, curated experience that exudes warmth and peace.

Whether you visit to work, learn, or play, be among the first guests to take part in a luxurious stay in one of the property’s 466 lavish guest rooms, including 19 suites with quiet floors. Boasting barn door entrances to closets and bathrooms and large walk-in showers with stand-alone bathtubs and vanities, each space emanates luxury and ease.

Infused with modern art and augmented reality technology, while inspired in its design by Orange County’s diverse agricultural history, JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort invites travellers to discover a kingdom all their own with enlightening moments found at every corner. Stunning architectural designs that bring an equestrian farming concept to life radiate throughout the property’s entirety, beginning at its entrance with a thin steel art installation—featuring a harvester planting a seed—that disappears depending on the angle of the onlooker. Guests will delight in eye-catching, modern décor featuring handpicked marble flooring, a glass-blown chandelier, and nature-inspired honeycomb concepts throughout, highlighting natural materials, rustic tones, and a warm colour palette.

Russia's S7 to launch dedicated cargo operation in November

Image GECAS

The Russia airline S7 is all set to launch its new cargo operation this November with a pair of Boeing 737-800 converted cargo aircraft on lease from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).

S7’s air freight program currently utilizes belly capacity on passenger planes and these narrowbody freighters will mark the inauguration of dedicated air freighters for the Russian-based operator.

GECAS, has been Boeing’s launch customer for the 737-800BCF - BCF stands for Boeing Converted Freighter and while extending the useful life of the passenger 737-800NG, the 737-800BCF carries more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs) – and has longer range – 2,000 nmi (3,750 km) than other standard-body freighters. The 737-800BCF freighter also offers operators newer technology, lower fuel consumption and better reliability than some other standard-body freighters. GRCAS expects the freighters to be delivered in November 2020 and January 2021 and the aircraft will fly medium and short-haul routes for S7.

New promotion from Marriott Bonvoy

For Marriott Bonvoy members planning a staycation or a getaway trip, the travel program and its participating hotel brands welcome you back with the launch of an exciting promotion. Beginning today through October 18, 2020, members who register for the promotion will receive 2,500 bonus points for their first and second upcoming paid stays, plus a one-time bonus of 5,000 additional points after their third paid stay. There is no limit to the number of bonus points members may earn with this promotion. This means members will continue to receive 2,500 bonus points for every paid stay thereafter throughout the promotional period.

Here are some additional helpful details:

It is important to register now (or as early as possible) because bonus points can only be earned on stays following registration
For a list of current participating hotels, visit www.marriott.com/loyalty/earn/hotels.mi
Only one room per hotel is counted toward a member’s nights or stay
There is no length of stay requirement
It is best to book directly on Marriott.com because rates available through most third-party online retailers and select travel agency rates do not qualify for this promotion
A “stay” is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/checkout activity on any points-eligible rate (“Qualifying Rate”).
Homes & Villas by Marriott International, ExecuStay®, Marriott Executive Apartments® and Marriott Vacation Club® owner-occupied weeks are not eligible for bonus points, and nights spent while redeeming an award are not eligible for bonus points.

The St. Joe Company and BRW MidGrove, LLC Announced a Joint Venture to Bring the Lodge 30A, a Boutique Hotel, to Seagrove Beach, Florida

The St. Joe Company and BRW MidGrove today announced the formation of a joint venture to construct The Lodge 30A, a planned boutique hotel in Seagrove Beach, Florida. Plans call for The Lodge 30A to be located on Scenic County Highway 30A adjacent to Greenway Station, a planned mixed-use development.

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Current plans for The Lodge 30A call for a picturesque three-story hotel with amenities such as a fitness center and outdoor pool. Architecture plans and interior design concepts employ the use of natural materials in a modern way, taking inspiration from the surrounding area. The planned Greenway Station development abuts the 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest, providing a convenient trailhead to access the state forest’s expansive network of hiking and biking trails.

“This Seagrove Beach location will offer guests an opportunity to stay in the heart of the popular Scenic Highway 30A corridor, just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and its white-sand beaches,” said Patrick Murphy, Senior Vice President of Hospitality for St. Joe. “Last year, more than four million travelers vacationed in the area, a number that has been on the rise for several years. This planned hotel provides another option for future travelers as they discover this incredible destination and explore the area’s natural beauty.”

Once complete, The Lodge 30A will be managed by St. Joe Resort Operations, LLC (“St. Joe Hospitality), a subsidiary of St. Joe. Currently, St. Joe Hospitality operates WaterColor Inn and WaterSound Inn and manages The Pearl Hotel℠ in Rosemary Beach®. The company has four additional hotels under construction in Northwest Florida that are expected to open in 2021 and 2022.

Adjacent to The Lodge 30A, Greenway Station has plans for multiple restaurants and shops. “We are very excited to announce this partnership with St. Joe and to see work begin soon on The Lodge 30A,” said Ricky Rookis, MidGrove Centre, LLC manager. “With leasing interest for a significant portion of the restaurant and retail space, we believe that Greenway Station will become a destination for gathering, shopping and dining in Seagrove Beach and that The Lodge 30A will appeal to visitors looking to experience the unique lifestyle that can only be found along Scenic Highway 30A.”

Site development on The Lodge 30A and Greenway Station is expected to begin immediately, and the parties anticipate the hotel being ready for guests in early 2022.

Wyndham Looks to Drive Corporate Travel with Newly Expanded Wyndham Direct Program

Wyndham’s booking, billing and business solution simplifies travel management and payment to help drive corporate business to its hotels                          

                                            With a focus on finding impactful ways to drive more corporate business for its hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,000 hotels across 90 countries – today announced the expansion of Wyndham Direct, a unique booking, billing and business solution. The service, formerly unique to its La Quinta® by Wyndham brand, is now immediately available at Super 8® by Wyndham and Days Inn® by Wyndham hotels in the U.S., with plans to expand further across Wyndham’s portfolio of brands later this year.

Wyndham Direct is designed to help drive corporate bookings to hotels and simplify travel management for companies and their travelers. Using integrated virtual credit card technology from Corporate Spending Innovations (CSI), Wyndham Direct offers easier booking, faster billing and smarter business, supporting hotels as they work to attract small and medium-sized corporate business, grow market share and drive lower-cost reservations.  By expanding across the Wyndham’s three largest brands, the program now offers clients access to nearly 3,900 hotels across the economy through upper-midscale segments.

Hilton appoints Chris Carr to board of directors

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. today announced the appointment of Chris Carr, Chief Operations Officer of sweetgreen, to its board of directors, effective immediately. Mr. Carr will serve on the Nominating and ESG committee of the board.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris to Hilton," said Jon Gray, chairman of Hilton's board of directors. “When we began our board search process last year, we were looking to add world class executive leadership in global and consumer-facing organizations. Chris brings these highly relevant skills, as well as unmatched focus on customer experience and procurement. We look forward to his insights as we navigate Hilton's continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic."

Marshall Hotels & Resorts Assumes Management of Five Hotels

Marshall Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel management and services company that operates properties nationwide, today announced that it has taken over management of five hotels. The hotels include the 100-room Holiday Inn NW Houston Beltway 8 in Texas, the 96-suite SpringHill Suites Winchester in Va., the 74-room Hampton Inn Adel in Ga., the 114-room Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead and the 131-suite Residence Inn Long Island East End, both in N.Y.