Press Releases

Nominations Open for HSMAI 2025 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization, and Distribution

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is now accepting nominations for the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in hospitality sales, marketing, revenue optimization, and distribution. The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 30, 2025. Honorees will be celebrated during the HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration on February 18, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis, highlighting their accomplishments among the industry’s most exceptional campaigns, leaders, and achievements.

Tenth Edition of Bulgaria’s Largest Hospitality Conference, Hotel & Tourism Investment Forum – HTIF 2025, to See Impressive Turnout of over 600 Hotels Owners, Managers and Investors

The tenth anniversary edition of Bulgaria’s largest hospitality conference, the Hotel & Tourism Investment Forum – HTIF 2025, is expected to see an impressive turnout of over 600 hotel owners and executives from all over the country on October 14-15 at the National Palace of Culture (NDK) in Sofia. The event will also be attended by tour operators, representatives of hotel brands, educational institutions, the state and municipal administration, industry vendors and official guests.

Doug Kennedy’s Next Staff Training Webcast: Creating Ordinarily Extraordinary Hospitality Encounters, DAILY!

Register your team and participate live, or view the recording, of Doug Kennedy’s next 40-minute training webcast scheduled for Friday, September 19, at Noon EDT. This webcast will be thought-provoking for leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of how their teams can deliver hospitality experiences, create loyalty, and impact marketing in this new era where generative AI sources online guest reviews. Frontline colleagues will learn tangible, actionable ideas that go beyond vague, ill-defined ideas like being empowered to provide “wow” service.

Accor Evolves Paid Subscription Loyalty Programme with Launch of Unified Global Brand: ALL Accor+

Accor, a global leader in hospitality, is pleased to announce a significant evolution in its subscription programme with the introduction of ALL Accor+, a refreshed and cohesive global platform unifying each of Accor’s established subscription offerings under one umbrella. ALL Accor+ will now reunite regional successes under a single framework while reinforcing ALL Accor’s commitment to deliver bespoke offerings and a seamless customer journey.

HSMAI Celebrates Former President and CEO Bob Gilbert’s Induction into Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to announce that former president and CEO, Robert A. “Bob” Gilbert, has been selected as a 2025 inductee into the Events Industry Council (EIC) Hall of Leaders. This prestigious honor recognizes Gilbert’s transformative impact on the global meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and travel industry. He will be celebrated posthumously at the EIC Global Awards Celebration on October 6, 2025, in Las Vegas.

Banyan Group Marks Upcoming 100th Property Milestone with 100 Days of Global Celebrations

Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" – SGX: B58), an independent global hospitality company, today unveiled 100 Journeys – a hundred days of global celebrations across its portfolio in the lead-up to the grand opening of its 100th property. This milestone reflects three decades of growth and purpose-driven hospitality, from the Group's first resort in Phuket to 100 resorts and hotels under 12 brands across 20 destinations, including its latest landmark, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore.

IHCL Enters into Sales, Marketing & Distribution Agreement for the Storied 'Clarks' Brand

India’s largest hospitality company has entered into a strategic marketing and distribution partnership with Clarks Group of Hotels. Under the alliance, four Clarks hotels in Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho and Lucknow will be marketed under SeleQtions, a platform of curated hotels known for their unique identity and legacy offering travelers distinct experiences. This collaboration will also entail expansion of the Clarks brand.

Choice Hotels International Survey Reveals Waffles Are the Heart of Vacations and the Nation's Biggest Breakfast Debate

In celebration of National Waffle Day, Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest and most successful lodging franchisors, and its flagship hotel brand, Comfort Hotels, is spotlighting America's love for waffles and the breakfast moments that make vacations unforgettable. A new nationwide survey commissioned by Choice Hotels* reveals that waffles are far more than a morning meal – they're a cherished symbol of travel, connection, joy and the Comfort brand.