The Latest

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  Sonesta pushes into luxury segment with new development team

  The team will help the hotel company grow Sonesta’s upper-upscale brands, which include The James and The Royal Sonesta.  

  Brands

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  Wyndham’s Echo Suites development pipeline grows to 200 in one year

  Tailwinds from the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Act and 2022 CHIPS and Science Act are expected to help franchisees realize $3.3 billion in additional room revenue.     

  Brands

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  Hotel startups, investors evaluate standing following SVB collapse

  The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank may not have a huge impact on the hotel industry, but existing investor activity could pose a challenge for startups in the sector.   

  Corporate/Finance

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  New WTTC sustainability program nudges hospitality industry toward shared metrics

  Hotel companies and properties that have faced challenges establishing sustainability benchmarks and net-zero goals owing to constrained resources now have a new tool that could offer a starting place and an achievable path forward.   

  ESG

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  Hotels prioritize commercial strategy, benefit from cross-disciplinary approach

  After the pandemic caused various hotel organizations to rethink their company structures, many are starting to integrate their revenue, sales and marketing teams to boost collaboration – and revenues.

  Operations

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  Operto raises $25M, adds HotelTonight founder to board

  The smart-room technology provider is poised for expansion with fresh funding and the addition of HotelTonight Founder Sam Shank to its board.  

  Technology

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  Aimbridge Hospitality assumes management of Terrapin Hospitality portfolio

  The company adds 71 hotels to an existing list of more than 1,500 properties it manages.

  Brands

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  OYO eyes expansion in U.S. with 100 new hotels

  After a pandemic downturn that included closures, the India-based hospitality company is redoubling its efforts in the U.S. market in 2023.   

  Brands

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  Blackstone acquires hospitality tech provider Cvent for $4.6B

  The acquisition of the Virginia-based meetings, events and hospitality technology provider puts Cvent back in the hands of private equity.  

  Brands

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  Red Roof to open 50 new U.S. hotels in 2023

  The hotel brand will expand its existing offerings and launch a new dual-branded prototype.   

  Brands

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  Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa gets $55M makeover

  MGM Resorts International is updating a major part of its 2,000-room hospitality property. 

  Brands

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  Raines plots expansion with acquisition of HP Hotels

  The deal, announced in March, not only expands Raines’ geographic footprint but also boosts the hospitality company’s property management capabilities.  

  Brands

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  Bank failures cause uncertainty for contractors

  The collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank could weaken this year’s outlook for commercial real estate and construction, an economist said.

  Operations

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  NYC office, hotel sectors show signs of life

  “New York is back,” but in a way that differs from its pre-pandemic level, a presenter at this week’s New York Build conference said.

  Operations

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  Workers say they’d return to employers that laid them off respectfully

  Employers that treat workers with empathy during the process may have an easier time finding talent again once pressure subsides.

  Operations

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  Marriott names head of IT with background in sales, revenue

  The hospitality giant promoted Drew Pinto to EVP and chief revenue and technology officer, as part of a broader leadership reorganization.

  Technology

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  Battle over expected Durbin bill ensues

  A credit union trade group railed against expected credit card processing legislation aimed at Visa and Mastercard before a bill has even been introduced in Congress this year.

  Regulations

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  Kraft Heinz goes luxe with immersive hotel integrations

  To promote its premium Heinz 57 brand, the ketchup maker has partnered with upscale hospitality firm Ennismore for in-person and digital experiences. 

  Marketing

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  IRS proposes point-of-sale tip reporting

  Service industry employers that participate in a proposed voluntary IRS tip reporting program could receive protection from liability under rules that define tips as part of an employee’s pay, according to an IRS announcement.

  Operations

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  Priceline hides travel deals in digital ads running around Super Bowl LVII

  Pre-game spots are complemented by interactive videos that access over $5 million in offers as the travel marketer ramps up a new brand platform.

  Marketing

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  Balfour Beatty wins Miami Beach Convention Center hotel project

  Construction is expected to be completed on the 800-room hotel in 2025.

  Development

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  Apple launches Business Connect, names partners as advertising ambitions intensify

  The new feature allows businesses to customize and more quickly update information across Apple platforms including Maps, Messages, Wallet and Siri. 

  Technology

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  Las Vegas Sands plans $4B casino development in Long Island, NY

  The sprawling hospitality and entertainment project, which still needs approval, would include a variety of amenities.

  Brands