Hotel Industry News In Brief

Sep 13, 12 | 12:09 am

Some current conversation starters…

Best Western wins SoHo for best Facebook promotion, brand

Best Western International, Phoenix, Arizona, won the 2012 Social Hotel Award for best Facebook promotion, brand. To see all the Social Hotel Award winners, click here to go to the winners index or click here to read about them in the September digital edition of HOTELS Magazine. Through interacting with fans and following travel-related conversations happening on our Facebook page and Twitter feed with its 4-personnel corporate-level social media team, Best Western noticed a trend of frustration among business travelers with having to be on the road for extended periods of time away from family and friends. Further research provided more insight and showed that over 60% of frequent business travelers felt some sense of guilt for being on the road. Many times these travelers justify their time away by earning free nights and points that they can use for future travel The "Be a Travel Hero" promotion gave Best Western Rewards members the chance to win a free family vacation.

It's no secret that the web is the go-to place for business travelers when researching and booking hotels.

The ability to reach corporate travelers through online channels including corporate booking channels and self-booking tools and engage them with a visually-driven story is a key component to increasing corporate bookings for hotels. This webinar will explore how hotels can successfully market to and attract more corporate travelers. Register now to learn:

• What experiences and information corporate travelers are looking for when shopping for accommodations online
• How to differentiate your hotel on the channels business travelers are using to book hotels
• What other hoteliers are doing to target corporate travelers

Can't make the live event? Register now and after the event you will receive an email with the complimentary presentation content.

Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver has received the coveted AAA Five Diamonds Award designation for 2012.

This is the first time the hotel has received the distinction, and it marks Vancouver's only Five Diamonds hotel. "The Five-Diamond recognition is one we accept with humility and pride," said Vito Romeo, general manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver. "It is tremendous recognition of our hotel facilities and amenities, but more importantly of our staff, who are dedicated and passionate ambassadors for the Shangri-La brand, the city of Vancouver and our hospitality profession." Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver joins a select group representing the upper echelon of the hospitality industry. Hotels that achieve the coveted Five AAA Diamonds are recognized for their delivery of exceptional guest service, luxurious accommodation, superior facilities and personalized amenities.

Key Appointments in the Industry

Congratulations to these new appointments…

Benchmark Hospitality International Names Craig Waterman General Manager for Snow King Resort. Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Craig Waterman general manager for Snow King Resort, located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Greg Champion, Benchmark’s chief operating officer, made the announcement. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Craig to Benchmark’s Snow King Resort,” said Mr. Champion.  “He brings strong leadership skills in running award-winning hotels and resorts to his new position, which he will put to important use at this remarkable property.” Craig Waterman was previously general manager for Sé San Diego, the luxury hotel and condominium development in the city’s downtown financial district.  He has also served as general manager for the Water Color Inn & Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, which was named to Travel+Leisure’s “World’s Best Hotels” list under his leadership. Mr. Waterman has held senior-level positions for landmark and award-winning luxury properties in Florida, Arizona, Colorado and California, including hotels and resorts affiliated with leading luxury brands.  He is a graduate of the University of California at Irvine, where he earned his Bachelors degree in Political Science.  Mr. Waterman is relocating to Jackson Hole with this family.

Jakri Rujirat has been appointed as Hotel Manager of the Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa. Jakri has a wealth of experience, with more than 20 years in the hospitality industry. He previously worked at The Regent Resort Chiang Mai (now Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai), Mercure Pattaya Beach Resort, Novotel Phuket City, The Chedi, Phuket, Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, Anantara Resort & Spa Hua Hin and Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin where he was the co-founder of the property. Opened in December 2004, Kirimaya is a high-end nature retreat around two hours from Bangkok and one of the first boutique luxury resorts in Khao Yai (Big Mountains).

The Latest in Hotel Openings

InterContinental to Open Hotel in Dubai Marina Next Year. InterContinental Hotels Group Plc (IHG), the world’s largest provider of hotel rooms, plans to open its third InterContinental property in Dubai and will offers rooms and residential suites. The hotelier has signed an agreement with Dubai-based Select Group to open the hotel in the Dubai Marina by the end of 2013. It will include 132 rooms and 196 residential suites as well as spa, club, restaurants and bars, IHG said in an e-mailed statement.

Dusit International celebrated the grand opening of its flagship resort, the Dusit Thani Maldives, in a ceremony that saw His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, the President of the Republic of Maldives, and First Lady, Madam Illham Hussain, as the guests of honour. Also in attendance was the honourable Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Dusit International CEO, Chanin Donavanik, and Chatri Sophonpanich, Chairman of Dusit Thani Public Company Limited along with the board of directors of DMS Property Investment Private Limited, were also on hand to mark the event. His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, in his opening remarks, commented on the deep commitment that Dusit International has made to his country, “The Republic of the Maldives will not only benefit from economic gains and job creation as a result of Dusit International’s investment, but equally, if not more important, is the legacy afforded by the education opportunities that Dusit International will introduce to this country ... The group has created a blue print to develop their well established and highly successful hospitality college in the Maldives.” Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International said, “It has always been the dream of Dusit International to establish a hotel property on this beautiful island destination. To realize this dream is a source of tremendous pride and achievement for the entire Dusit group.”