Hilton Introduces Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions for Meetings and Events

As we emerge from a year of uncertainties, one business reality seems crystal clear: Hybrid meetings and events will be critical in the near-term. To address this dramatic shift in how people meet and celebrate, Hilton is introducing a set of Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions. The new suite of offerings, which will continue to evolve, directs event planners to Hilton’s hybrid-ready hotels while also providing them with planning resources – including an expanded Hilton EventReady Playbook and flexible customer offers.

With each meeting and event experience delivered by dedicated team members, as part of the Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions, participating hotels will have access to comprehensive team member training resources to build and strengthen their knowledge in hybrid events.

“Hilton has remained a leader in the meetings and events industry for more than 100 years by listening intently and innovating quickly to changing customer needs,” said Martin Rinck, executive vice president and chief brand officer, Hilton. “Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions were born out of our continued commitment to excellence – from accessing the capabilities of our global portfolio to rolling out a suite of extensive event planner resources and introducing team member training to ensure we can deliver the optimum overall event experience.” 

The Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions will begin rolling out globally this month. Additionally, the expanded Hybrid Events chapter of the Hilton EventReady Playbook – which will include detailed case studies, pro-tips, a glossary of hybrid event terms and more – will also be available in English this month and accessible to customers working with any hotel within the Hilton global portfolio.

The portfolio of hybrid-ready hotels will spotlight the baseline requirements that customers should expect when hosting a small hybrid event, which include:

• IT Readiness: Each hotel will have undergone an evaluation to assess the available IT bandwidth and infrastructure of the hotel to meet the requirements of small hybrid events. To be deemed “hybrid-ready”, hotels are required to have a minimum amount of incremental and available bandwidth that is above and beyond the hotel’s average circuit utilization level. This requirement allows for seamless communication and connectivity to optimize the hybrid experience within the hotel while providing easy access for virtual attendees.

• Multi-Site Offering and Express Agreements: These incentives enable customers to book the in-person portion of their event at multiple hybrid-ready Hilton locations as well as create a more seamless contract experience.

• Expanded Playbook: While the EventReady Playbook is available to customers globally, those looking for in-depth information on planning and executing small hybrid events can access the expanded Hybrid Events chapter, which will continue to evolve alongside customer needs.

Source

Hilton Honors Wins Big at 2020 The Points Guy Awards, Sweeping All Hotel Categories

Hilton Honors has been named the Best Hotel Loyalty Program and the Best Hotel Cobranded Credit Card for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in the third annual 2020 TPG Awards, the Readers’ Choice Awards for The Points Guy. This is the first time Hilton Honors has won for Best Hotel Loyalty Program. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card won Best Hotel Cobranded Credit Card in 2018 and was selected by TPG editors for Best Return on Hotel Spending at Hilton properties in 2019.

This year, The Points Guy Awards is celebrating “Travel’s Path Forward,” recognizing that the pent-up demand for travel, paired with the industry’s dedication to safety, cleanliness and the guest experience will create an incredible future.

With travelers looking forward to making vacation plans in the year ahead and beyond, the guest-centric loyalty program for Hilton’s 18-brand portfolio has made a number of industry-leading changes to provide maximum flexibility and value for its 110 million Hilton Honors members. Adjustments to the program include extending Points expiration and member status, and reducing status qualification requirements.

Hilton has also provided Hilton Honors American Express Card Members with additional flexibility, extending expiration dates on reward certificates, while making program adjustments that maximize value. Benefits of the award-winning Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card include complimentary Diamond status, up to two free weekend night rewards per year, a $250 airline fee credit and a $250 Hilton resort statement credit.

Source

Hilton closes 1,000 hotels, experiences 56% decline in revenue per room resulting from coronavirus

Hilton Hotels' preliminary systemwide first-quarter estimate of revenue per available room showed a 56% to 58% decline for March, according to the company's filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

For the company's hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, revenue per room is down 62% to 64% for March, which is slightly worse than Hilton properties in North and South America, which are down 54% to 56%.

These numbers are all better than the hotel's revenue per room in the Asia/Pacific region, which declined 74% to 76% in March.

As of April 14, 1,000 Hilton Hotels have suspended operations, which accounts for 16% of the chain's total global properties.

Marriott hotels also expect to report a decline of at least 23% in revenue per room for the first quarter. 

About 25% of Marriott's 7,300 hotels around the world are temporarily closed as a result of coronavirus travel fallout, according to a business update from the company

Hotel occupancy, average daily rate and revenue per available room were down significantly year-over-year for the week of April 5-11, according to a report from STR, a firm that analyzes hospitality industry data. 

More than 15,000 hotels signed up for a new American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) initiative called "Hospitality for Hope," which matches hotels with government agencies in need, offering temporary housing for emergency and health care workers amid the pandemic.

Hotels may be in a position to offer rooms near a hospital they have a relationship with. When relatives of sick patients come to an area, hotels reach out to hospital leadership to offer a discounted rate.

Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Obispado Opens in Mexico

Hilton announced the opening of its new Hilton Garden Inn in Mexico — Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Obispado. Owned by Real State Agency ALORA and developed by Promotora DEVI SA de CV, the 176-room hotel is located within Torre TOP, a new mixed-use project with LEED Gold Certification for sustainable buildings. Upon completion, Torre TOP will be recognized as Mexico’s tallest skyscraper.

Located two miles away from San Pedro Garza Garcia, Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Obispado boasts 176 guestrooms that offer panoramic views of the Monterrey mountain range. The rooms also feature the brand’s signature bedding, which includes fresh, white duvets and crisp linens; a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair; and an in-room “hospitality center” with a mini fridge as well as a coffee maker. 

Situated in front of the San Pedro corporate and financial area and surrounded by important medical establishments such as Christus Muguerza Hospital and Sierra Madre Hospital, the hotel boasts convenient access to downtown tourist attractions, such as Macroplaza, Santa Lucia walkway, Metropolitan Cathedral, Mirador del Obispado, Fundidora Park and Museo del Acero Horno 3. Guests can take advantage of a complimentary shuttle service to reach destinations within five miles of the property. 

Hilton currently has a portfolio of nearly 160 hotels and resorts across 25 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, including just about 70 properties in Mexico. The company is actively pursuing additional Caribbean and Latin American growth opportunities and currently has a robust pipeline of more than 100 hotels throughout the region, including 30 hotels in the pipeline in Mexico.