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Most Americans Not Very Comfortable Returning to Restaurants, Retail Stores and Hotels for Next Three Months, Survey Shows

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Business News first on FIR:

KANSAS CITY, Mo.–()–SafetyCulture, the world’s leading platform for workplace safety and efficiency, today debuted findings from a timely new national survey with partner YouGov, of 1198 U.S. consumer respondents. The survey assessed consumer comfort levels interacting with businesses over the next three months, and asked which actions they feel businesses must take to earn both employee and consumer trust and confidence. The survey clearly shows many consumers are uncomfortable visiting retailers, restaurants and hotels, and also that there are specific actions businesses can take now to earn both worker and consumer trust and confidence.

As the U.S. gears up for Independence Day celebrations on July 4th, the country prepares for what many are calling “low key” celebrations. According to the new survey, however, many people may not be comfortable shopping for traditional hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks to celebrate the occasion, nor are they making plans to dine or stay out on the holiday, because many are still uncomfortable with visiting retail stores, restaurants and hotels.

Key findings from the survey include the following:

  • Nearly 3/4 of American consumers (71%) would not feel “very comfortable” shopping in a physical retail store over the next 3 months.
  • More than half of Americans (52%) would feel “very uncomfortable” (28%) or “Somewhat uncomfortable” (24%) dining in a restaurant/bar over the next 3 months.
  • More than half of Americans (54%) would feel “very uncomfortable” (25%) or “Somewhat uncomfortable” (29%) staying at a hotel over the next 3 months.
  • Nearly 2/3 of U.S. workers (63%) would not be “very comfortable” returning to the workplace over the next 3 months.
  • More than half of Americans (53%) said that a publicly displayed list of daily safety procedures being undertaken by a business for public areas, with completion status publicly shown, would increase trust and confidence in that business (i.e. rated either 4 or 5 on a scale of 1-5, with 5 as increasing trust and confidence the most).
  • More than half of consumers (57%) say that businesses making public a real-time list of cleaning and disinfecting activities completed hourly throughout the day would increase trust and confidence in that business, with the same scale as noted above.

“The nationwide survey results clearly show many consumers are not yet comfortable resuming even the most basic of public activities, yet there is a way forward,” commented Bob Butler, General Manager, North America, with SafetyCulture. “There is a clear opportunity here for businesses to take specific actions that will increase employee and consumer confidence and we’re here to support them as they do so. We’re pleased to be able to help companies get access to global expertise, and thousands of free checklists and COVID-19 guidelines.”

This research is being released as part of the SafetyCulture Safely Back to Business initiative. The program supports companies globally at a time when safety has become the world’s top business priority. The company has digitized guidance from governments and leading industry bodies into simple to use, and fully-customizable checklists. More than 100,000 checklist templates are currently available online here, free of charge, to support businesses in their efforts to keep customers and staff safe.

More than 75,000 individuals worldwide are using SafetyCulture’s iAuditor app to complete daily COVID-19 risk assessments and inspections. To download the app and access free COVID-19 checklists covering a wide range of industries, visit: https://safetyculture.com/covid-response/

For full survey results, please visit the following link: https://blog.safetyculture.com

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1198 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th – 25th June 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults (aged 18+).

About SafetyCulture

SafetyCulture is a global technology company which helps businesses around the world to achieve safer and higher quality workplaces with innovative audit technology. Its flagship product – iAuditor – is a mobile inspection platform that simplifies the auditing process, making it easy for anyone to monitor and manage safety and quality from a mobile device – 26,000 companies across the world complete over 600 million checks per year. For more information, please visit www.safetyculture.com.

OYO’s Long-Term Stays Emerge as Preferred Accommodation Choice; Provides Vital Support Amidst COVID-19  

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DALLAS–()–OYO Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel chains, has recorded an uptick in long-term stays in the US during the current COVID-19 pandemic as more and more travelers opt for OYO’s services for their accommodation needs. A stay is classified as long term when a guest spends over seven days at a hotel and OYO has witnessed an upwards of 21% increase in this category during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel chain has been constantly monitoring the situation and r

Provenance Hotels Announces Leadership Transitions

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PORTLAND, Ore.–()–Provenance Hotels today announced that President Bashar Wali has decided to depart from his position with the Company, effective May 29, 2020. Upon his departure, current Chairman & CEO, Katherine Durant, will assume the role of President, and Founder Gordon Sondland will assume the role of Chairman. Wali will remain involved with Provenance as a Senior Advisor to the Company and in his capacity as a shareholder. “Bashar has been a valued member of our team

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Announces 1 Hotel San Francisco Following Strategic Property Redevelopment Plan At Hotel Vitale

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BETHESDA, Md.–()–Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) (the “Company”) and SH Hotels and Resorts today announced the planned transformation of Hotel Vitale to the sustainability-focused, mission-driven and luxury experiential 1 Hotel San Francisco, which is expected to open in 2021 following a full renovation and conversion into a flourishing urban retreat.

Located on the Embarcadero waterfront overlooking the Bay Bridge, and steps from the historic Ferry Building, the property has a great location and is currently home to the iconic Hotel Vitale. Following an extensive $25.0 million renovation, the hotel will relaunch as 1 Hotel San Francisco and will offer nature-inspired designs and environmentally-focused aesthetics throughout guestrooms and suites, public areas and meeting and event venues. The hotel will feature unique food and beverage offerings inspired by northern California’s abundance of fresh, organic ingredients. 1 Hotel San Francisco will provide guests with a full-service spa and fitness center, connecting guests to a comprehensive wellness program in-line with 1 Hotels’ core values. SH Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Starwood Capital Group, will manage the property following the completion of the renovation and rebranding program.

“We are very excited to be the first to bring 1 Hotels to the city of San Francisco,” said Jon E. Bortz, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust. “The creative, distinctive and true to nature inspired 1 Hotel aesthetic will be a remarkable addition to our portfolio. The relaunch of Hotel Vitale to 1 Hotel San Francisco further demonstrates Pebblebrook’s dedication to pursue sustainable initiatives that not only reduce the environmental impact of our hotels, but also connect our guests and team members to the communities around us. We look forward to guests and locals enjoying world-class, mission-driven, luxury experiences at the 1 Hotel San Francisco.”

“1 Hotel San Francisco will be an exciting addition to the city’s luxury hotel experience, as it is rooted in our mission of inspiring conscious consumption,” said 1 Hotels Founder and CEO & Chairman of Starwood Capital Group Barry Sternlicht. “San Francisco, with its long-standing history as a leader for sustainable change and its focus on preserving nature, is a perfect fit for the 1 Hotels brand.”

The Company acquired Hotel Vitale in 2018 and will assist with the transition and full conversion of the hotel property.

About 1 Hotels

As a luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. 1 Hotels, which launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami’s South beach and Manhattan’s Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River, in February 2017, and 1 West Hollywood, on Sunset Boulevard, in June 2019, is inspired by a simple idea: those that travel the world should also care about it, it is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels upholds this vision by channeling nature through design and culinary partnerships, while connecting with the local community and taking sustainable steps to make a big difference. In the 2019 Conde Nast Traveler reader’s Choice Awards, 1 Hotel South Beach was awarded #1 in the top 10 Hotels in Miami. 1 Hotel Central Park and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge claimed the #5 and #8 spots respectively in the Top 50 Hotels in New York City. The brand is expanding with the recent opening of its Los Angeles property, which was ranked #4 Hotel in the United States by 2019 Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, and with properties under development in Nashville, Sunnyvale, Hanalei Bay, Cabo San Lucas, Paris, Haitang Bay, Melbourne and Toronto. Additional information can be found at www.1hotels.com.

About Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and the largest owner of urban and resort lifestyle hotels in the United States. The Company owns 56 hotels, totaling approximately 14,000 guest rooms across 16 urban and resort markets with a focus on the west coast gateway cities. For more information, visit www.pebblebrookhotels.com and follow us at @PebblebrookPEB.

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “approximately,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “forecast,” “continue,” “assume,” “plan,” references to “outlook” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and can include future expectations, future plans and strategies, financial and operating projections and forecasts and other forward-looking information and estimates. Examples of forward-looking statements include the following: the Company’s net debt and EBITDA; descriptions of the Company’s plans; forecasts of the Company’s future economic performance and its share of future markets; forecasts of hotel industry performance; and descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing expectations including assumptions regarding the timing of their occurrence. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the state of the U.S. economy and the supply of hotel properties, and other factors as are described in greater detail in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Unless legally required, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information about the Company’s business and financial results, please refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained at the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.pebblebrookhotels.com.

All information in this press release is as of February 19, 2020. The Company undertakes no duty to update the statements in this press release to conform the statements to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations.

For additional information or to receive press releases via email, please visit our website at www.pebblebrookhotels.com

Collection-Marken von Hilton setzen Impulse mit expansiven Entwicklungsplänen für 2020

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Business News first on FIR:

MCLEAN, Virginia–()–Ob versteckte malerische Inseln oder reizvolle Kleinstädte – die Marken Curio Collection by Hilton und Tapestry Collection by Hilton haben im vergangenen Jahr 40 einzigartige Hotels an begehrten Reisezielen eröffnet. 2020 sind die Entwicklungsziele der Marken von besonderen Meilensteinen geprägt, darunter der 100. Hoteleröffnung der Curio Collection und dem Debüt der Tapestry Collection in Europa.

„Curio Collection und Tapestry Collection bieten den Reisenden in mehr als 100 Hotels auf der ganzen Welt jetzt unverwechselbare Erlebnisse – so können sie im Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo im Rahmen des Dock-to-Dish-Programms lokal erzeugte Meeresfrüchte aus den umliegenden Ozeangewässern genießen oder die besondere Architektur der Schokoladenfabrik im Wilbur Lititz in der Nähe des historischen Hershey in Pennsylvania bewundern“, so Jenna Hackett, Global Head der Collection-Marken von Hilton. „Die Collection-Marken von Hilton versprechen unseren Gästen ein bereicherndes Reiseerlebnis. Durch die Aufnahme einzigartiger Hotels in unser wachsendes globales Portfolio können wir dieses Versprechen noch umfassender einlösen, da weitere Eröffnungen an Reisezielen wie Lissabon, Paris und Madrid geplant sind.“

Im kommenden Jahr werden die Curio Collection und die Tapestry Collection um folgende Hotels ergänzt:

Eröffnungen der Curio Collection

  • The Emerald House Lisbon, Curio Collection by Hilton (3. Quartal 2020): Das Emerald House Lisbon wird derzeit für mehrere Millionen Dollar renoviert. Es liegt im Herzen Lissabons, nur wenige Schritte entfernt von zahlreichen Top-Attraktionen der Stadt und den historischen Vierteln Chiado und Baixa, die für ihre lebhafte Restaurantszene, Boutiquen und die lokale Kultur bekannt sind. Das Hotel wird 67 Gästezimmer, ein Fitnesscenter, ein Restaurant und eine Bar für Gäste und Anwohner bieten.
  • Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton (3. Quartal 2020): Als zweites Objekt der Curio Collection in Chicago und erstes Hotel am Navy Pier werden die bodentiefen Fenster der 222 Gästezimmer des Navy Pier Chicago einen atemberaubenden Blick auf die berühmte Skyline der Stadt, den Lake Michigan und den Pier bieten. Den Gästen werden zudem ein energiereiches Restaurant im ersten Stock, ein hochmodernes Fitnesscenter und ein unvergleichliches Dachrestaurant, eine Bar und Veranstaltungsräume auf einer Fläche von 2.800 Quadratmetern geboten.
  • The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton (3. Quartal 2020): Das Fellows House Cambridge bewahrt das Erbe von Cambridge als Sitz einer der renommiertesten Universitäten Großbritanniens. Angefangen bei den Innenräumen des Hotels bis hin zu seinem Namen, erinnert alles in geschmackvoller Weise an die großen Köpfe, die die Stadt im Laufe der Jahrhunderte geprägt haben. Mit Poesie, wissenschaftlichen Zeichnungen und berühmten Zitaten versehen, bietet das Hotel seinen Gästen, inspiriert von Stil und Kultur der Stadt, wahrlich einen Ort zum Verweilen, Essen und Trinken.

Eröffnungen der Tapestry Collection

  • Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (1. Quartal 2020): Als erstes Hotel der Tapestry Collection in Spanien wird das Atocha Hotel Madrid sowohl den Einheimischen als auch Besuchern das Erlebnis der Tapestry Collection bieten. Das Hotel mit seinen 46 Zimmern in der Calle Atocha ist nur wenige Meter vom Bahnhof Madrid Atocha, dem meistfrequentierten Spaniens, entfernt. Beliebte Touristenattraktionen wie das Goldene Dreieck der Kunstmuseen, der Platz Puerta del Sol mit der berühmten Uhr und die Plaza Mayor mit ihrer großartigen spanischen Architektur sind fußläufig erreichbar.
  • Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs Elysees, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (1. Quartal 2020): Als erstes Hotel der Tapestry Collection in Frankreich wird das Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs Elysees nach einer umfassenden Renovierung ein einzigartiges Ambiente erzeugen und das Erbe des Gebäudes widerspiegeln. Die Gäste genießen einen Lobby-/Barbereich und durchdachte Akzente im gesamten Gebäude. Dazu zählen Originalkunstwerke, die exklusiv für das Hotel kuratiert wurden und in allen Zimmern und öffentlichen Bereichen platziert sind, und bekannte französische Künstler zeigen.
  • Bermudiana Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (4. Quartal 2020): Auf einer Klippe mit Blick auf den unberührten rosafarbenen Sandstrand und das türkisfarbene Wasser gelegen, wird das Bermudiana Beach Resort die Gäste in 90 voll möblierten Hotelresidenzen begrüßen. Als erstes Objekt von Hilton auf den Bermudas wird das Resort eine Reihe von sprühenden Annehmlichkeiten bieten, darunter einen familienfreundlichen Swimmingpool und Infinity-Pool, ein Wohlfühl-Spa, einen unberührten und einsamen Strand sowie eine Terrasse mit einem Signature-Restaurant, einer Bar und Meeresblick.

Zusammengenommen verfügen die Pipelines der Curio Collection und Tapestry Collection über mehr als 120 Objekte. Von Städtezielen wie Washington, D.C. bis hin zu kulturellen Hotspots wie Taipeh werden beide Marken ihr Angebot weiterentwickeln und die einzigartige Identität und Geschichte der einzelnen Hotels präsentieren, die lokale Kultur integrieren und jedem Gast ein reichhaltiges, authentisches Erlebnis am Reiseziel bieten.

Die Gäste der Curio Collection und Tapestry Collection Hotels haben die Möglichkeit, das preisgekrönte Gästebonusprogramm Hilton Honors der 18 unverkennbaren Hotelmarken von Hilton in Anspruch zu nehmen. Mitglieder, die direkt buchen, genießen Sofortvorteile wie den flexiblen Zahlungsschieber, mit dem bei der Zimmerreservierung nahezu jede Kombination von Punkten und Geld offensteht, einen exklusiven Mitgliederrabatt, kostenloses Standard-WLAN und die mobile Hilton Honors App.

Neuigkeiten zur Curio Collection by Hilton finden Sie unter newsroom.hilton.com/curio. Neuigkeiten zur Tapestry Collection by Hilton finden Sie unter newsroom.hilton.com/tapestry.

Über Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) ist ein führendes globales Gastgewerbeunternehmen mit einem Portfolio von 18 Weltmarken mit über 6.100 Häusern und über 971.000 Zimmern in 119 Ländern und Regionen. Bei der Erfüllung seiner Mission, das gastfreundlichste Unternehmen der Welt zu sein, hat Hilton in seiner 100-jährigen Geschichte mehr als 3 Milliarden Gäste begrüßt, im Jahr 2019 einen Spitzenplatz auf der Liste der besten Arbeitsplätze der Welt erobert und 2019 als weltweiter Branchenführer in den Dow Jones Sustainability Indices gepunktet. Über das preisgekrönte Gästebonusprogramm Hilton Honors können mehr als 103 Millionen Mitglieder, die direkt bei Hilton buchen, Punkte für Hotelaufenthalte und Erlebnisse sammeln, die man mit Geld nicht kaufen kann. Zudem genießen sie Sofortvorteile wie den digitalen Check-in mit freier Zimmerwahl, Digital Key und Connected Room. Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter newsroom.hilton.com. Folgen Sie Hilton auch auf Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram und YouTube.

Über Curio Collection by Hilton

Curio Collection by Hilton ist ein weltweites Portfolio von rund 80 einzigartigen Hotels und Resorts mit gehobenem Standard. Die Häuser der Curio Collection bieten Reisenden authentische, kuratierte Erlebnisse in Form von besonderen lokalen Angeboten und ungeahnten Annehmlichkeiten und gleichzeitig die Vorzüge des preisgekrönten Gästebonusprogramms Hilton Honors von Hilton. Lesen Sie die neuesten Marken- und Hotel-Storys unter newsroom.hilton.com/curio und folgen Sie der Curio Collection auf Facebook, Instagram und Twitter.

Über Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Tapestry Collection by Hilton wurde 2017 eingeführt. Das Portfolio gehobener, besonderer Hotels mit einzigartigem Stil und dynamischer Persönlichkeit regt die Gäste zur Erkundung des lokalen Reiseziels an. Eine weltweite Expansion ist in Planung. Jedes Objekt der Tapestry Collection zeichnet sich neben den Vorzügen des preisgekrönten Programms Hilton Honors durch die mit dem Namen Hilton verbundene Zuverlässigkeit aus. Mehr über die im gehobenen Segment positionierte Hilton-Marke Collection erfahren Sie unter newsroom.hilton.com/tapestry und folgen Sie der Tapestry Collection auf Facebook, Instagram und Twitter. 

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Experience Extraordinary Destinations this Season by Booking with Millennium Hotels and Resorts

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Millennium Hotels and Resorts, a global hotel group boasting over 135 hotels across some 80 locations worldwide, kicks off the holiday season with thoughtfully-curated offers, unique attractions and an exclusive winter promotion that will entice guests to travel during the most wonderful time of the year.  Known for its exceptionally designed hotels in iconic locations, such as Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, and New York, Millennium Hotels and Resorts is featuring an array of festive experiences to make the holiday season truly memorable.  Guests are invited to experience these destinations with extraordinary stays using the “Love the Escape – Love My Millennium” offer.

“Millennium Hotels and Resorts is thrilled to elevate guests’ holiday experience with festive offerings and incentives,” said Alex de Carvalho, Vice President of Sales | North America.  “We look forward to creating everlasting memories for our guests with tree lighting ceremonies, celebratory New Year’s Eve parties, delightful afternoon teas, and other holiday-inspired culinary initiatives.”

Love the Escape – Love My Millennium

For a limited time, discerning travelers can plan the perfect winter escape at any Millennium hotel or resort destination with the “Love the Escape – Love My Millennium” offer.  All travelers can book starting December 18, 2019 through January 16, 2020, receive 20 percent off and My Millennium members can receive an additional 10 percent off.  Stay dates are from December 18, 2019 through April 30, 2020.  Additionally, Millennium Hotels and Resorts launched an exclusive Black Friday campaign, “Love Friday. Love My Millennium.”  Love Friday offers all guests 25% off, as well as an additional 10% off for My Millennium members for hotels in North America, along with double point rewards for two-night stays and triple point rewards for three plus night stays through the Love My Millennium Program.  The window to book is November 29, 2019 through December 2, 2019 and the window to stay is November 29, 2019 through March 31, 2020.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ festive winter offerings include: 

Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles

Millennium Biltmore will host its annual Festive Tree Lighting celebration taking place on December 4.  Guests can take a break from holiday shopping to enjoy the hotel’s holiday afternoon tea offered every Saturday and Sunday in November and December from 2-5 p.m.  Lastly, a delectable holiday brunch at the Biltmore will take place on December 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at $78 per person, which includes free flowing champagne hosted in the crystal ballroom.  For more information, please visit: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/los-angeles/millennium-biltmore-hotel-los-angeles/

The Bostonian Boston

Visitors can enjoy all the culinary delights The Bostonian has to offer during this holiday season with three special menu packages.  The special menu packages include the build your own holiday creation, the home for the holidays buffet and the merry and bright buffet.  Each offering features a carving station, decadent desserts and appetizers or hors d’oeuvres.  Tis the season for celebrating, so guests can forget about driving home and stay at the hotel to receive a complimentary cocktail.  For more information, please visit: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/boston/the-bostonian-boston/

Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Chicago with family and friends at Millennium Knickerbocker with a traditional family-style dinner.  Guests can savor classic dishes such as green beans, sweet potatoes, roast turkey, pumpkin pie and more.  The historic hotel will host a seating every hour starting at noon on Thursday, November 28, with adult tickets that cost $80 for adults and children under 12 for $40.  For reservations, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/79986564969

In December, Millennium Knickerbocker will be offering afternoon tea with Santa.  Served daily in the Library Tea Room from 1-4:30 p.m., families can choose between traditional or Asian afternoon tea with the special holiday guest.  For reservations, please visit: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/chicago/millennium-knickerbocker-hotel-chicago/

Millennium Times Square New York

At Millennium Times Square, guests will be welcomed with festive décor in the lobby, as well as thrilling New Year’s Eve celebrations. Guests are invited to ring in the new decade in one of the best cities in the U.S., New York City. Millennium Times Square is the perfect place to watch the ball drop from the 52nd floor.  Millennium Times Square’s New Year’s Eve party is a black tie-optional party featuring a live DJ, dancing, canapes, a seafood bar, other snacks, and dessert.  Various tiers of tickets are available to purchase, one of which even offers a private room with a direct view of the ball drop.  For more information, please visit https://www.balldrop.com/millennium-broadway-ny-times-square

ABOUT MILLENNIUM & COPTHORNE HOTELS

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (M&C) is a London-based global hotel company, which owns, manages and operates over 135 hotels across some 80 locations worldwide. Its properties are in key gateway cities such as London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Dubai, Doha, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong. M&C is the hotel arm of Singapore-listed global real estate company City Developments Limited (CDL). M&C’s global brand – Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has four distinct hotel collections — Leng’s Collection, M Collection, Millennium Collection and Copthorne Collection — throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand and United States. Occupying the best locations around the world, MHR has the perfect address for business and leisure travellers. Listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996, M&C was delisted on 11 October 2019 following a successful privatisation exercise launched by CDL. Visit www.millenniumhotels.com for more information.

Media Contact:

Glodow Nead Communications

millenniumhotelspr@glodownead.com

415-394-6500

Centara strengthens management team with key Commercial and Development appointments

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hospitality company, has further strengthened its executive management team with the recent appointments of two highly experienced hotel industry professionals.

Tabatha Ramsay, an Australian national with more than 30 years of experience in sales and marketing, has joined the company as Vice President Commercial, overseeing sales, revenue and distribution, while Raymond K. Tong, a native of Hong Kong with more than 25 years’ experience in hotel development and operations, has been appointed Chief Development Representative China and North Asia. Ms. Ramsay will report to Centara Deputy CEO Markland Blaiklock, while Mr. Tong will report to Centara Senior Vice President Business Development Andrew Langston.

“We’re delighted to welcome two executives with the breadth of experience Tabatha and Raymond bring to their respective new roles,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer, Centara Hotels & Resorts.  “Tabatha is well-equipped to help lead Centara to the next level of commercial success, while Raymond’s appointment bolsters the company’s ambitious development plans for Greater China and North Asia.”

Prior to joining Centara, Ms. Ramsay held a number of management positions with leading hotel groups, including: Area Director, Sales & Marketing at Intercontinental Hotels Group; VP Sales at Minor Group’s Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas; VP Sales, Marketing & Revenue at Oakwood Worldwide; and, more recently, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Vinpearl Hospitality Ltd.

Before becoming CEO of Ambassy Hotel Advisors, Mr. Tong held a number of senior-level roles during a 20-year career with AccorHotels, during which he helped develop more than 180 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments throughout China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan as well as other Asia markets.

Centara is in the middle of an exciting phase of development and growth which is guided by the company’s vision to be the leading global hospitality group of Thai origin. The plan includes doubling company revenues through substantially increasing its portfolio of properties and global presence, and by leveraging technology and people to optimise profitability. These two executive appointments are a key part of that journey and help to ensure that Centara is well positioned to meet its ambitious objectives.

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 76 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands -Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Centara is strategically expanding its portfolio with additional properties in Thailand and new international markets, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com  

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__________________________________________________________________________

For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:pornchanokth@chr.co.th              Tel. +66 (0) 2769 1234 Ext. 6733


Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:puntirach@chr.co.th                 Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6922

North America and Caribbean exhibitors bring their best to WTM London

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From Canada to Tobago, and New York to California, exhibitors at WTM London – the global event where ideas arrive – will be highlighting new hotels, fresh campaigns and state-of-the-art tourism developments across North America, Mexico and the Caribbean. As well as established destinations and global brands, delegates at the event in ExCeL will be able to meet representatives of innovative attractions, boutique properties and exciting eco-tourism initiatives.

Executives from Destination Canada (NA400) will talk about the tourism agency’s uplifting new tagline, For Glowing Hearts, inspired by the words of the national anthem and imagery of the Canadian flag.

Ben Cowan-Dewar, chairperson of Destination Canada’s board, said: “The brand evolution is driven by the belief that travel should change you and Canada will leave a lasting mark on your heart.”

Also on NA400, the Canadian province of Ontario will be promoting its wealth of new upmarket hotels – such as Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay – and new air services, such as WestJet’s daily Dreamliner service from London Gatwick-Toronto, and Norwegian Air’s daily link between Hamilton and Dublin.

Just south of the border between Canada and the US lies New England, which will be in the international spotlight during 2020, as it marks the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower.

The Plymouth 400 Anniversary will highlight cultural contributions and traditions that began with the interaction of the Wampanoag people and English settlers in 1620.

Next year also marks the bicentennial of the state of Maine, which will see celebrations and commemorations. The regional tourism authority, Discover New England (NA165), represents five states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

South of New England is the Big Apple and this year WTM London welcomes four new exhibitors from New York, sharing the NYC & Company stand (NA300) along with more than 30 other attractions.

Other exciting exhibitors on stand, will be: New York Cruise Lines, which operates the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises; New York Philharmonic; Seaport District NYC, a shopping, dining and events neighbourhood; and Running Subway, which is creating a new attraction due to open in Times Square next spring, described as “part museum and part ride” and includes a flight simulation ride over the city’s landmarks.

Travelling further south brings visitors to historic Philadelphia, in the state of Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (NA340) will highlight a host of new hotels – including the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, which occupies the top 12 floors of the 60-storey Comcast Innovation and Technology Center building – and the revamped Philadelphia Museum of Art, which will re-open in autumn 2020 following a $196 million transformation.

Even further south is the ‘sunshine state’ of Florida, where tourism is the mainstay of the economy, especially in the home of world-class theme parks, Orlando.

Planes, trains and self-driving buses are on the agenda for Visit Orlando (NA250), as it promotes quicker and easier ways for tourists to get around. A new terminal will open at Orlando International Airport in 2021; Virgin Trains will begin a service connecting Miami and Orlando from 2022; and driverless shuttle buses started running in some neighbourhoods, with plans to expand.

These developments, along with news focus on sustainability initiatives, will be discussed at WTM London by Visit Orlando’s Chief Executive George Aguel and the new mayor of Orlando & Orange County, Jerry Demings.

Meanwhile, Experience Kissimmee (NA330) in Florida will be showing delegates why the destination is known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World. It will also promote its ecotourism attractions such as wildlife reserves and birdwatching trails, plus activity centres for fishing, ziplining, hot air ballooning, horse riding, kayaking and airboat rides.

Visit Tampa Bay (NA240) will unveil its new cocktail book, Tampa with a Twist, at WTM London, showcasing cocktails created by local mixologists. Known for its hip hospitality, the Florida destination features a host of cocktail bars as well as craft breweries. The tourist board will also highlight new theme park rides such as Iron Gwazi – the fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster in the world – which opens in spring 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Overall, there are four new exhibitors from Florida, which include Isla Bella Beach Resort (NA200) set along the coastline of the Florida Keys; Orlando International Airport (NA250); Florida’s Northeast Coast (NA240), which represents five tourist boards along the Atlantic coastline; and CHM-Florida Resorts (NA240), which runs Sundial Beach Resort & Spa and the World Equestrian Center Hotel & Spa.

Nearby, is the island destination of Puerto Rico, which is on Stand NA100, part of the Brand USA Pavilion. It will be displaying a recent video collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the famous playwright and Hamilton composer, entitled ‘Discover Puerto Rico with Lin-Manuel’. The video series follows the Puerto Rican actor around his favourite locations to encourage visitors to discover the wonders of the destination.

Heading out west brings tourists to the Texan cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. Their tourist boards will be on stand NA350 to celebrate the forthcoming opening of several hotels – such as Virgin Hotels Dallas and Hotel Drover at Fort Worth’s Stockyards – as well as cultural developments, including major exhibitions at the African American Museum, and the recent opening of the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

Joining these exciting exhibitors at the Brand USA Pavilion are the attractions and entertainment specialist Legends Attractions (NA285); Noble House Hotels & Resorts, which features boutique properties in destinations across North America (NA200); Sahara Las Vegas, a hotel and casino with three distinctive towers (NA150).

Brand USA will also be using WTM London 2019 as an opportunity to promote their third big screen release – Into America’s Wild, scheduled to premiere in February. It will feature American trailblazers such as John Herrington, the first Native American Astronaut, and the Alaskan Pilot Ariel Tweto, who will take part in a cross-country journey of the United States and its iconic landscapes.

South of the US, there is a host of tourist attractions and hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean, which are sending delegations to WTM London.

The Mexican destination of Los Cabos will see its first ever, direct service from Europe launch on November 7, 2019. Holiday giant TUI will start the flights from London Gatwick airport, at the beginning of the winter season. Ten travel and tourism operators from Los Cabos (LA130) will share a stand at WTM London to highlight the region’s increased connectivity from the UK and Europe, as well as its upmarket attractions along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Elsewhere, visitors to the Hard Rock Hotels stand (TA170) can enter a prize draw at WTM London to win a three-night stay in the new Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos. The all-inclusive resort will also be the place to see the debut of a new show, Bazzar, by Cirque de Soleil in January 2020.

Nobu Hotels (NA330) will be showcasing Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, which opened in April 2019, and Nobu Hotel Chicago which opens in early 2020. Meanwhile, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is adult-only hotel UNICO 20˚87˚ (CA300). It has a new bar, Gin Time, and is launching more food and drink experiences, as well as wellness options and romance packages for 2020.

Heading eastwards from Mexico brings tourists to the Caribbean destination of the Dominican Republic. Bosses from the tourism ministry will be on stand CA300 to update delegates on the progress of the island’s first theme park, due to open in late 2020. Called Katmandu, Punta Cana, it will also include a 36-hole golf course.

Further east, where the Caribbean and Atlantic meet, is Antigua and Barbuda. Executives from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (CA245) will be promoting the islands’ sailing, water-sports, romance and wellness themes. Highlights include the region’s biggest regatta, Antigua Sailing Week (April 25-May 1, 2020) and increased Virgin Atlantic services from London Gatwick to Antigua from 8 June, 2020.

To the south is the ‘Nature Island’ of Dominica. The Discover Dominica Authority (CA260) will be at WTM London to highlight its remarkable renaissance as the island continues its recovery from Hurricane Maria in 2017. Overall visitor arrivals for the first half of 2019 are up by 321% year-on-year, and overnight stays reached 43,774 – a 67% increase year-on-year. New luxury hotels include Jungle Bay Resort and Spa, Kempinski Cabrits Resort and Spa and Anichi Resort and Spa.

Meanwhile, in the southern Caribbean is Tobago, from where the Tobago Tourism Agency (CA250) will be bringing an eco-friendly message to WTM London. It will be promoting the island’s green initiatives and tagline: ‘Tobago Beyond: unspoilt, untouched, undiscovered’.

Next year will see sustainability projects come together under the Greening Initiative, as the destination works towards internationally recognised environmental standards. Furthermore, Styrofoam cups will be phased out and a new award will be given to the most environmentally sustainable resorts.

WTM London Senior Exhibition Director Simon Press said: “From the dramatic landscapes and buzzing cities of Canada and the US to the vibrant and varied destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean, we have an unrivalled selection of exhibitors with fresh tourism ideas and innovative concepts to share with our visitors.”

For more news about WTM London, please click here.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio Press & PR Lead

E: julia.newbound@reedexpo.co.uk

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7056 / M: +44 (0)7775 036 858

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR & Events Consultant

E: nicole.smart@reedexpo.co.uk

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7032/ M: +44 (0)79 1955 5510

Centara Hotels & Resorts enters 2020 on a high with impressive expansion plans, new openings and brand updates

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has provided the travel industry with an update on its expansion and development plans ahead of this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London.

The last 12 months have been an exciting period for Centara, which is currently midway through a strategic five-year development plan that will see its global portfolio grow to over 130 hotels in more than 15 countries by the end of 2022.

The company is also implementing several important projects to improve all areas of its business, from technological upgrades to new brands.

EXTENDING A LEADING POSITION IN THAILAND

Centara is currently undertaking a significant expansion of its domestic portfolio. The group recently celebrated the opening of the 145-key Centara Sonrisa Residences & Suites Sriracha, on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. It has also added three hotels in the attractive Mai Khao Beach area of Phuket; the 22-pool villa Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa has joined the Centara Boutique Collection, the 142-key Maikhao Hotel is now managed by Centara, and the brand new, 280-key Centra by Centara Maikhao Resort Phuket is scheduled to open in 2024. Most recently, Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi, which is the only branded resort on Ao Nang Beach, opened its doors in October. Following this, COSI Pattaya Naklua Beach will start welcoming guests this November. These new agreements extend the group’s Thai portfolio to 38 hotels and resorts in operation, with many more under development.

EXPANDING IN NEW GLOBAL MARKETS

Centara continues to grow its footprint in many of the world’s most attractive destinations. The group recently signed a joint venture agreement for its inaugural property in Japan: the 515-key Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, which is scheduled to open in mid-2023. At the start of the year, Centara made its debut in Qatar with the launch of the 292-key Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha. Following an agreement with the same owner, Centara will add two more properties in Doha: The B Premiere Hotel, an 85-room property under the Centara Boutique Collection which will open early next year, and the 167-key Centara Al Bustan Hotel Doha, which is under construction and due to open in 2021.

Southeast Asia is also a key area of expansion. Centara recently signed an MoU to manage six properties in Myanmar, including the 95-key Centara KMA Resort Inle Lake, which was the first to be signed and will start welcoming guests in early 2020. In Laos, the company has sealed management agreements for three new properties with a combined total of 216 keys, including Centara Grand and Centra by Centara hotels in Luang Prabang and COSI Vientiane Nam Phu. These are in addition to Centara Plumeria Resort Pakse, which is scheduled to open in 2020. Finally, Centara has revealed plans for a significant expansion of its portfolio in Vietnam, with the goal of opening at least 20 new hotels nationwide in the next five years.

Centara’s international portfolio and pipeline now extends to 13 countries: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Japan, Turkey, the UAE and Vietnam.

REFRESHING AN ICON AND REVEALING NEW BRANDS

Centara is also focused on revitalising its brands and properties to create the finest experiences for all guests. Fresh brand identities have been revealed for the group’s upscale Centara and upper upscale Centara Grand brands. This serves to breathe new life and energy into their visual appeal and better distinguish the brand experiences, whilst ensuring a sense of warmth and progressive Thainess, which are the omnipresent hallmarks of the company. This will be complemented by a new luxury brand which will be officially launched following the complete upgrade and repositioning of the popular Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, which closed temporarily earlier this year. Its reopening in late 2020 will coincide with the unveiling of the brand, whose name, together with exciting details of its inaugural hotel will be announced in January 2020. Centara has also signed an MOU with a leading medical company to create a new medical wellness brand.

In October, Centara began the rollout of its new global advertising campaign, titled “The Place to Be”, which is derived from the company’s unique and inimitable brand DNA of Thai Family Values and the associated values of Caring, Sharing and Belonging.

DELIVERING CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Centara is fully committed to delivering the latest technology across all areas of its business. Guests will be able to benefit from a new best-in-class website, which will offer a more intuitive, user-friendly booking flow across all devices, including advanced mobile compatibility; and dynamic personalized content. The new digital experience will launch in April 2020  Enhanced and integrated Property Management Systems (PMS), Central Reservations Systems (CRS) and Revenue Management Systems (RMS) will enable hotels to perform to the best of their ability, driving maximum returns back to their owners and the company is midway through the rollout of this new technology architecture which comprises a combination of the optimal solutions  for Centara’s business model, including Opera, IDeaS and Vertical Booking by harnessing big data, Centara will also be able to personalise every stay.

REIMAGINING THE MICE SECTOR

At the start of 2019, Centara officially launched Meetings Redesigned, an innovative new MICE concept designed to provide a one-stop service for corporate events. This new programme is built around three main elements: a Meeting Guru will offer a single point of contact for end-to-end event management; a partnership with Asia Ability will help promote new team-building techniques, and creative catering will deliver memorable group dining occasions.

Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld continues to raise standards in in the MICE sector, after it was named “Best Meetings and Conventions Hotel in Asia” for the fifth consecutive year at the 2019 TTG Travel Awards. Centara now operates three world-class convention hotels in Bangkok, and the company is aiming to host at least 100,000 MICE delegates in the city this year, helping to position the Thai capital as a key gateway for international events. Centara is also investing THB 650 million in a full refurbishment programme of all 505 rooms at the flagship, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld which will further consolidate its status among Bangkok’s leading business and leisure destinations.

REFRESHING GUEST EXPERIENCES

Finally, Centara has crafted its new Staying Well concept, which promotes a healthier way to travel. This programme has also been built around three core pillars, Live Well, Eat Well and Sleep Well, and comprises the provision of in-room fitness accessories, exercise routines and free group classes, healthy restaurant menus, pillow menus, soothing music, wellness kits and more.

For more news about Centara, please click here.

Centara Hotels & Resorts enters 2020 on a high with impressive expansion plans, new openings and brand updates
Cosi Pattaya
Centara Hotels & Resorts enters 2020 on a high with impressive expansion plans, new openings and brand updates

MEDIA CONTACT: Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao), Corporate Public Relations Manager – International, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6733, Email: pr.centara@chr.co.th

Bartlett congratulates S Hotel and Kanopi House on new Condé Nast Traveler best hotels rankings

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Luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, has ranked S Hotel in Montego Bay and the Kanopi House in Portland as #1 and #6 best hotels in the Caribbean and Central America, respectively, in its 32nd annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.

The 120-room S Hotel, owned and operated by the Crissa Group, was also ranked the 36th Best Hotel in the World.

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett extended congratulations to the hoteliers, whose accolades will further promote Jamaica as the destination of choice for the region.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate the management and staff of the S Hotel and the Kanopi House for being listed in the 2019 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards list.  These accolades will go a far way in helping us to promote brand Jamaica to new audiences,” said the Minister.

He further noted that, “I am particularly proud of the S Hotel which has ranked #1, after being operational for less than a year. The S Hotel is Jamaican owned and Jamaican managed and we are exceptionally proud of Christopher Issa’s undivided commitment and dedication to the tourism sector and to his country. We look forward to hearing more about the many other accolades to come.”

The Best Hotels in the World list ranked the 50 best hotels in the world according to 600,000 registered voters from the Condé Nast Traveler’s site.

The magazine described the S Hotel property as having “a bit of South Beach glitz” with ocean view rooms that “are big enough to pass for apartments in some big cities.” It also lauded the property for “artfully combining discreet urban sophistication and a laidback resort lifestyle offering guests an authentic Jamaican cultural experience.”

The Kanopi House is a collection of eco-chic treehouses nestled high amongst 100-foot Banyans and rooted deep in Jamaican culture.  The treehouses were designed and built by owners Brian and Jennifer Hew on six-acres in Portland, Jamaica.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944