It is with profound sadness that the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation and HSMAI Global, announce that President and CEO, Bob Gilbert passed away on September 19, 2024). In July 2024, the organization announced that Gilbert had accelerated his retirement plan as a result of a serious health issue following 30 years of executive leadership for HSMAI.
The Hospitality Show (The Show), the industry’s leading technology and operations event produced by Questex and The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), has revealed new highlights that have been confirmed for the 2024 program.
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) 2024 Sales Leader Forum, will take place on Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington, DC. Organized by HSMAI’s Sales Advisory Board, this year’s event focuses on advancing the hotel sales discipline by providing off-property sales leaders with essential knowledge on top trends, strategic insights, and best practices in today’s evolving landscape.
Americans are notorious for leaving vacation days on the table. Despite the numerous benefits of taking time off from work, over half (53%) of Americans don’t plan to use all their paid time off this year. It’s a troubling vacation travel trend, especially compared to other countries where taking extended breaks is more the norm.
Aloft Hotels is celebrating what could paws-ibly be the best day of the year for dogs with a new one-week only deal: buy one human drink, get one dog brew free. Dogs seem to always have a job to do, and whether it’s providing emotional support to those who need it or simply eating as many shoes as possible, Aloft Hotels is rewarding those working dogs with an extra treat this International Dog Day (August 26).
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is thrilled to announce the chartering of two new chapters – Tennessee Valley and Greater Denver. These new chapters highlight HSMAI’s strategic priority to broaden the association's reach, focus on developing new markets, and enhance member value proposition through localized engagement.
Resolute Road Hospitality and Choice Hotels International recently organized an Executive Investment Forum in Dallas titled "Exploring Extended Stay in Texas." The event drew approximately 100 hospitality executives who delved into best management practices, emerging market trends, and Choice's latest extended-stay brand, Everhome Suites.
An A-Town adventure awaits! Digital travel leader Booking.com has teamed up with legendary Grammy Award-winning rapper, actor and philanthropist Ludacris for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime, family-friendly experience at his iconic Atlanta mansion. For just $4.04, a nod to the renowned Atlanta area code, four lucky guests will have the opportunity to stay at Ludacris’ luxurious compound for a two-night stay starting on September 3, 2024, exclusively on Booking.com. This unique getaway offers an immersive experience into Ludacris’ world, featuring his personal touch and favorite family-friendly activities, with the added thrill of meeting Ludacris himself during the stay.
Guests are increasingly discovering amazing stays closer to home. Over the past five years, nights stayed by Airbnb guests within 300 miles of their home (which is about a tank of gas away) have nearly doubled.1 Although international travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, the trend of traveling locally shows no signs of slowing. In fact, local travel is growing twice as fast as long-distance travel on Airbnb.2
The Washington, D.C., chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International today invited hospitality professionals from throughout the metropolitan area to attend its annual State of the Industry program Aug. 22 at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf.
For 35 years, Polly PocketTM has always been, well, pocket-sized—that is, until now. This summer, Polly’s iconic home straight out of a ‘90s dream is now open for an adventure of life-sized proportions, only on Airbnb.
The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference (“HUNTER”), founded by Hunter Hotel Advisors and Georgia State University, today announced the dates and messaging for its highly anticipated 36th conference. The event is scheduled to take place from March 18-20, 2025, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Registration for the conference will open on Monday, August 19, 2024.
World of Hyatt is inviting guests and members to immerse themselves in memorable outdoor experiences and stays at Under Canvas’ 13 outdoor resorts, including Under Canvas’ new luxury outdoor resort, ULUM Moab. The new alliance provides members with unprecedented access to iconic, upscale experiences across many U.S. national parks and other notable outdoor destinations. World of Hyatt members can now book their stays at Under Canvas camps and ULUM Moab through Hyatt to start earning and redeeming points.
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.
Owners looking to boost revenue, elevate their service to guests and make their day-to-day operations run more seamlessly can now take advantage of Wyndham Connect℠ in North America. First announced at its 2023 Global Conference, Wyndham's new guest engagement platform powered by Canary Technologies comes at no additional cost to owners.
The 4th of July sparks vibrant domestic travel across the U.S. Families and friends celebrate with fireworks, parades, beach outings, and barbecues. This holiday encapsulates the diverse beauty and rich culture of America, making it a prime time for exploring national parks, historical landmarks, and new cities. As Americans plan their vacation, here’s how the travel trends are shaping.
The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration held its annual Icon & Innovators Award Reception on June 4th at The Gotham in New York City. Cornell alumnus Keith Barr ’92, IHG’s former chief executive officer, was the recipient of the 2024 Cornell Hospitality Icon of the Industry Award. Chef José Andrés and Rob Wilder, co-founders of World Central Kitchen and José Andrés Group, were the recipients of the 2024 Hospitality Innovators of the Industry Award.
Inside Out fans ready to tap into their emotions can join Joy and a few new faces (did someone say Anxiety?) for a fun-filled stay at the crew’s Headquarters, hosted by none other than Joy herself.
PRG Hospitality Group, the independent hotel brand behind award-winning destinations including Sparrows Lodge, Sands Hotel & Spa, White Water Cambria and more, today introduces its newly reimagined parent brand, Common Thread Hotels, which will replace the PRG moniker across all facets of sales, marketing, branding and corporate relations. Common Thread, the company’s new identity, has been brought to life with a new portfolio website, branding and messaging, designed to cohesively represent their vision of contemporary, design-centric boutique hospitality.
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced the debut of its unified loyalty program, Sonesta Travel Pass, and combined website, ushering in a new era for its six million members around the world. Following Sonesta’s acquisition of Red Lion Hotels Corporation, the updated Sonesta.com brings Sonesta’s brands, including Royal Sonesta, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts and Sonesta ES Suites, together with the Red Lion brands, including the eponymous Red Lion Hotel, Americas Best Value Inn and Signature Inn under one umbrella and into a centralized booking site.