Bruce Wardinski, chairman/CEO, Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V., has received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA). The award ceremony took place at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. Jeff Higley, president, The BHN Group, coordinator of the conferences, praised Wardinski’s more than four decades of commitment to the hospitality space. “Bruce has carved a niche in the industry that few have achieved,” Higley said. “His passion, dedication, financial acumen and people-first approa ..read more

Choice Hotels International Inc. has published its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report. The report details Choice’s latest initiatives to drive sustainability across its portfolio of hotels. This includes new and expanded requirements to help reduce utility usage and identify savings through its revamped Room to be Green verification program. As part of this initiative, the report highlights the growing adoption of Choice’s automated utility tracking dashboard, with over 2,600 properties participating and counting. “At Choice, we’re committed to building a better tomorrow, today ..read more

First Hospitality, a national hotel operating, management and development company, has appointed Nadia Panasyuk to VP, revenue strategy. Panasyuk brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience in lifestyle, full-service and independent properties to the role. She leads the area revenue team, supporting all 70-plus properties in the First Hospitality portfolio. She develops and implements strategic revenue management initiatives to maximize overall room revenue, profit and market share for all properties. “Nadia is an innovative leader, known for her bold, data-driven approach to revenue ..read more

Coast Hotels Ltd., a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotel Canada Inc., has created a new subsidiary, Coast Hotels USA Inc., to expand its presence in North America. As part of this strategic move, as of May 16, Jin Sasaki, the current president of Coast Hotels Ltd., will be relocating to Seattle to assume the role of president/CEO of the new subsidiary. “I am excited to take on this new role and lead Coast Hotels expansion in the dynamic U.S. market,” said Sasaki. “With our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and simplifying hotel franchising with our consultative and flexib ..read more

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., for the first quarter ended March 31, reported that system-wide comparable RevPAR increased 2%, on a currency neutral basis, compared to the same period in 2023. Net income for the period was $268 million. “We are pleased to report a strong first quarter with bottom-line results meaningfully exceeding our expectations, further demonstrating the power of our resilient, fee-based business model and strong development story,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president/CEO, Hilton. “During the first quarter, system-wide RevPAR increased 2% as renovations, inclement we ..read more

stayAPT Suites has launched a significant expansion initiative in partnership with Powerhouse Hotels, a joint venture between JCap Realty Group and Cullinan Holdings. This collaboration involves signing a multi-unit development agreement, adding 30 new locations to stayAPT Suites’ portfolio and expanding the brand footprint to 25 states over the next five years, with six locations that will break ground this year. . “We are thrilled to join forces with Powerhouse Hotels to expand the reach of stayAPT Suites,” said Gary A. DeLapp, president/CEO, stayAPT Suites, which has 22 operational hotels ..read more

Red Roof has named Zack Gharib as its new president. Gharib brings more than two decades of senior management experience in franchising, operations and brand management with companies such as Marriott, Vacasa, LaQuinta by Wyndham and Highgate Homes. Fouad Malouf The company also promoted Fouad Malouf to the newly created position of COO. In his new role, Malouf supports Gharib by overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations. Having joined the company in 1982, Malouf brings more than four decades of continuous and increasing management responsibility to his new role. He most recently served ..read more

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has opened the Red Lion Inn & Suites Elk Grove, a 47-room, midscale property located in Elk Grove, CA. “The opening of the Red Lion Inn & Suites Elk Grove is a testament to the brand’s renewed growth nationwide,” said Keith Pierce, EVP/president, franchise & development, Sonesta. “This is the third Red Lion Inn & Suites location to open in 2024, underscoring how Sonesta continues to meet consumer demand for midscale properties with openings in secondary and tertiary markets.”   The post Sonesta opens Red Lion Inn & Suites Elk G ..read more

hihotels by Hospitality International has signed eight new properties in five states. “We’re excited to continue adding quality owners and properties in key locations throughout the country as our system expands,” said Chris Guimbellot, president/CEO, hihotels. The t new properties include: Master Hosts Inns – Airport Plaza Hotel, Jamaica, NY, 61 rooms, former OYO Scottish Inns – Eastex Freeway North, Houston, 29 rooms, new construction Scottish Inns, Decatur, TX, 45 rooms, former Best Western Scottish Inns, Middletown, PA, 25 rooms, former Rodeway Inn Scottish Inns & Suites, Shenandoah ..read more

Greg Moundas has rejoined Aimbridge Hospitality as chief legal officer, reassuming the role after a short stint away from the organization. Moundas reports directly to Aimbridge CEO Craig S. Smith, and is charged with overseeing legal, risk management, compliance, licensing and contracts. “As we further optimize our business and create a performance-led culture, I’m excited to welcome Greg Moundas back to Aimbridge and look forward to working side-by-side as we transform our approach and accelerate actions that put the property team at the center of our strategy,” said Smith. “Greg’s extensiv ..read more