PALMA, Spain—Hotelbeds announced the renewal of its strategic agreement with Choice Hotels for the next three years, adding Radisson Americas properties to the TravelTech company’s portfolio. The alliance emphasizes Hotelbeds’ participation in the business-to-business hotel segment, representing 80 percent of Choice Hotels’ B2B offering. Abhijit Patel, vice president, marketing, distribution strategy, and revenue management at Choice Hotels said, “We are very excited to expand our long-standing relationship with Hotelbeds through this strategic agreement. It not […] The post Hotelbeds Renews P ..read more

WASHINGTON—U.S. hotels added 1,200 jobs to their payrolls in April, according to the latest government data that shows employment in the industry is still far from pre-pandemic levels, reported the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Total hotel employment stands at about 1.92 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s 193,600 fewer workers in the industry than in February 2020, just before the pandemic hit. “Hotels are doing all they can to attract and […] The post AHLA: U.S. Hotels Added 1,200 Jobs in April appeared first on LODGING Magazine ..read more

U.S. hotel performance has continued to inch toward normalized levels over the past three-plus quarters. The trend of normalization is evident across most data segments, but in recent months, particular attention has been drawn to group business. Even with slightly higher supply in the market, group occupancy grew year over year in each month of 2023 except for December. The gains were primarily driven by the corporate sector, as the level of rooms occupied by […] The post Meetings Momentum: Corporate Group Business Continues to Outgrow Other Segments appeared first on LODGING Magazine ..read more

InterContinental Hotels Group reported its first-quarter trading results, highlighted by global RevPAR gains and significant system-wide growth. Specific highlights include the following: ●  Q1 global RevPAR +2.6 percent YOY, with Americas -0.3 percent, EMEAA +8.9 percent and Greater China +2.5 percent ●  Average daily rate +2.3 percent, occupancy +0.2 percent pts ●  Gross system size growth +5.0 percent YOY, +0.7 percent YTD; opened 6.3k rooms (46 hotels) in Q1, +11.1 percent more YOY adjusting for […] The post InterContinental Hotels Group Reports Q1 Trading Results appeared f ..read more

Portland, Oregon-based Source announced its acquisition of 20-year-old Jupiter, Florida-based Berman Purchasing, Inc. The move creates a bicoastal women-led procurement firm with decades of FF&E procurement experience in all types of projects. Nicole Schmidt, Source’s founder and CEO, explains the strategic move: “We were looking for a firm that aligned with our values and operating ethos: full transparency and commitment to client relationships, with a footprint on the eastern seaboard. Stacey’s seasoned team and the […] The post Source Acquires Berman Purchasing, Inc., Expanding the FF&a ..read more

AHLA Foundation hosted nearly 1,000 attendees from across the hotel industry at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place for the annual ForWard conference this week. Over three days, industry leaders gathered to share knowledge and hear from dynamic speakers focused on celebrating, championing, and creating community for women in hospitality.   This year’s conference theme, “Right the Narrative,” centered on the power of storytelling and the importance of amplifying the stories and voices of women in the hotel […] The post AHLA Foundation Hosts Annual ForWard Conference to Advance Women in ..read more

Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, an iconic landmark in the heart of downtown Atlanta, has announced a comprehensive renovation and rebranding. Inspired by Atlanta’s role as a hub for global travel, media, and transformative meetings and conventions on a global scale, this transformation marks an area leaving behind the old and rising into a new era of regeneration. The centerpiece of this renovation is the complete refurbishment of 600 rooms housed within the North Tower […] The post Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park Unveils Renovation and Rebrand appeared first on LODGING Magaz ..read more

Over 6,600 attendees gathered for Choice Hotels International’s 68th Annual Convention at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s agenda was themed “Next Level” after its marketing strategy and offered a comprehensive array of educational sessions, brand programs, and networking opportunities. Within the past five years, Choice Hotels has experienced a surge in revenue and membership expansion, driven by the integration of Radisson Hotels Americas onto its digital platforms. During that same time, the […] The post Recharged Strategies: Insights and Updates From Choice Hotels’ Annual Con ..read more

Guests staying at Home2 Suites by Hilton now have access to seamless mobile ordering and delivery via Grubhub Onsite, available at nearly 600 properties nationwide. With access to Grubhub’s Marketplace of more than 355,000 merchants, guests who affiliate with their hotel will receive one free month of Grubhub+, Grubhub’s loyalty program that provides customers unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. More than 30 percent of travelers struggle with not knowing where to order food and 25 percent worry […] The post Home2 Suites by Hilton Guests Enjoy Seamless Food Delive ..read more

Dream Downtown in New York City announced the appointment of Sean Olmstead as the new general manager. With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Olmstead will be overseeing day-to-day operations. The JW Marriott Saint Maarten Beach Resort and Spa has appointed Wendell Laurence as its head executive chef. With over 15 years of experience and native to the island of St. Maarten, Laurence officially started his role two months ago. Peachtree Group […] The post Comings & Goings appeared first on LODGING Magazine ..read more