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Luxury Group Flies onto the Scene with Blade Collaboration, Elevating and Redefining Summer Travel in New York City

Luxury Group by Marriott International, the unrivaled portfolio of eight hotel brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels, today announces a curated slate of exclusive experiences in collaboration with urban air mobility platform Blade Urban Air Mobility, Inc. (“Blade”). Through this immersive collaboration, the Luxury Group will engage guests with the opportunity to fly directly to and from the airport to their hotel destinations using Blade’s helicopter service, elevating their summer travel plans with unparalleled ease and convenience.

Manuel Magana has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, part of Marriott's luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has announced the appointment of Manuel Magana as General Manager. A highly accomplished and results-driven hotel executive with 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Magana brings a rich skill set to the property which opened in May 2023.

Wayne Morris has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans has announced the appointment of industry veteran, Wayne Morris, to General Manager. Morris' luxury hospitality roots are within The Ritz-Carlton, as he first began his career in 2000 on Canal Street at the beloved French Quarter hotel, and later spent over 8 years with the brand. More than two decades later, Morris will lead The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans into its next era as the hotel anticipates a milestone 25th anniversary in 2025.

Alyssa Schertz has been appointed as Director of Sales at Hilton Madison Monona Terrace

With over two decades in hospitality throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, Alyssa brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. She comes to Hilton Madison Monona Terrace from DoubleTree by Hilton Neenah where she served as the director of sales and business development. Prior to that role, she was the director of sales and marketing at DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton and served as general manager of AmericInn Lodge & Suites. Alyssa began her career in hospitality as manager and group sales director at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Derrick Williams has been appointed as Director of Human Resources at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Derrick Williams has dedicated nearly 21 years to the human resources department within Marriott Hotels. Most recently, he was the Market Director of Human Resources for the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center and Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Detroit. Prior to that, Williams held the Director of Human Resources position at The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit where he successfully led the team through the many activities involved in the integration with the Marriott brand. Williams began his career journey at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel as an intern where he worked his way up to Human Resources Manager and eventually Assistant Director of Human Resources. Williams is a graduate of Western Illinois University where he holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Shameka, and sons Jay, Will and Jacob where they love spending time outdoors and in the water.

Chad Bevan has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Chad Bevan is a 24-year veteran of Marriott Hotels where he's held positions throughout the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. In his most recent role, he was the Director of Food and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Prior to that, Bevan was the Director of Event Management at The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel, the Director of Meetings and Special Events at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, as well as the Director of Event Management at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. He's held various positions with the Marriott brand all over the world including St. Thomas, Salt Lake City and Aruba. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Hawaii with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management and a minor in Business Management. In his spare time, Bevan loves spending time with his family, going to the movies, enjoying the beach and watching the sunset.

Christopher Akoury has been appointed as General Manager at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

As the new General Manager of Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Chris Akoury also brings 20 years of senior experience to this pivotal role, leading the hotel team across day-to-day operations and strategic efforts to drive bookings to the property. He joins the Orlando team from AAA 4 Diamond Hilton Short Hills, New Jersey, where he held the role of General Manager for six years, demonstrating expertise in strategic planning, revenue management, and marketing campaigns. Prior to joining Hilton Bonnet Creek Complex, Akoury held progressively senior positions, including Vice President of Operations/Asset Management at Friendwell Group of Companies, General Manager of Embassy Suites Parsippany & Embassy Suites Piscataway at Hilton, and Director of Food & Beverage at Interstate Hotels & Resorts.

Alice Sherman has been promoted to Executive Vice President & Managing Director at HVS Executive Search

HVS Executive Search announces the promotion of Alice Sherman to Executive Vice President & Managing Director. Alice's 13+ years of experience in hospitality spans operations, recruitment, training, and public relations, with the past 8 years specializing in executive search. She serves as a strategic partner to her clients, advising on human capital solutions to achieve their business goals. In her new role, Alice will leverage her expertise in business development, client relations, team development, and training while maintaining her leadership in C-level searches across the hotel, restaurant, hotel real estate, and travel/leisure industries. She is dedicated to ensuring high standards through continuously enhancing systems and processes. Additionally, Alice serves as President of the Board for the Jewish National Fund's young professionals chapter and is a graduate of the University of Miami.

Tonya Sweetser has been appointed as General Manager at Craddock Terry Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Craddock Terry Hotel, an award-winning boutique hotel located in the heart of Lynchburg, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tonya Sweetser as the new General Manager. With her exceptional leadership skills and extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Tonya is set to take the Craddock Terry Hotel to new heights.

Hampton Inn Louisville Airport in Kentucky Completes $6.2 Million Renovation

Commonwealth Hotels, a Covington, Kentucky-based hotel management company, is thrilled to announce the completion of a comprehensive $6.2 million renovation project, enhancing both the interior and exterior of the Hampton Inn Louisville Airport. This extensive transformation underscores the commitment to providing exceptional comfort and modern amenities to our guests.

HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference Welcomes Record Attendance For Two Days of Collaboration

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, proudly concluded its highly anticipated first Commercial Strategy Conference which took place from June 25-26, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The sold-out event, an evolution of HSMAI’s Marketing Strategy Conference and HSMAI ROC, brought together a record-breaking 860 industry professionals from 152 unique hotel brands and management companies, and more than 40 partner companies, from across the hospitality sector to explore the latest trends, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of commercial success in the industry.