U.S. Hotels Will Need More Than What’s in the $2 Trillion Relief Package: Industry Trade Group CEO

The $2 trillion U.S. economic relief package passed Friday to offset a coronavirus economic downturn is more of a lifeline than stimulus to the hotel industry, according to the CEO of one of the industry’s largest trade groups.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security — or CARES — Act into law.Many hotel operators qualify for some of the $500 billion in loans and loan guarantees the $2 trillion emergency spending package includes to businesses hit hard by the coronavirus economic downturn.

The CARES Act loan limit is capped at 250% of a business’s average monthly payroll, which the AHLA estimates is enough to enable hoteliers to meet payroll and debt service obligations for four to eight weeks. But the trade group wanted to see the limit at a higher 400% cap.

Companies like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt have furloughed tens of thousands of employees while occupancy at some properties plunge to single-digit levels. The April 1 rent and mortgage payment deadline this week will be an initial financial hurdle for the industry in the ongoing coronavirus-led economic downturn. For the most part, Rogers said he is hearing of lenders and landlords offering short-term leniency on upcoming payments.

The CARES Act offers SBA loan forgiveness to businesses that re-hire furloughed employees by June 30, but the AHLA doesn’t anticipate the hotel industry will be fully recovered by then. Instead, the organization wants the deadline pushed out.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of the Radisson Resort Dubai Palm Jumeira

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of the Radisson Resort Dubai Palm Jumeirah, its first beach resort in Dubai and third Radisson hotel in the United Arab Emirates, bringing its UAE portfolio to 23 hotels in operation and under development.

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said:“Radisson is a very compelling brand to all stakeholders, blending real estate efficiencies with guest relevance. We are excited to enter this new partnership and look forward to a successful journey with our partners based on trust and responsibility.”

Home to some of Dubai's top resorts, the Palm Jumeirah is built from reclaimed land in a series of artificial archipelagos and shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above

Inside the hotel’s 389 upscale rooms and suites, guests will discover the renowned hospitality and modern amenities

.The hotel will also be home to three meeting rooms; the ideal space to host any leisure or business function.

Radisson Hotel Group Continues Its Strong Expansion In Turkey With Three New Hotels

Radisson Hotel Group’s investment in Turkey continues to grow as the group prepares to open three hotels during 2020. Radisson Hotel President Beyazıt Istanbul and Radisson Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet will open in the second quarter of 2020 in two of Istanbul’s major touristic locations Beyazıt and Sultanahmet, respectively, with investor Pantur Turizm ve Ticaret A.Ş, while Radisson Hotel İzmir Aliağa will open in Turkey’s third largest city Izmir, with investor Elif İntro Otelcilik.

Radisson Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet will feature four restaurants. While, Radisson Hotel President Beyazıt Istanbul will offer a spa as well as a ballroom and various restaurants. Both Radisson Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet and Radisson Hotel President Beyazıt Istanbul have prime locations in proximity to the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) Expands Its Presence in Dubai

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) adds a new neighbourhood to its boutique and lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo, the brand’s first ever hotel in the Middle East. The flagship property in the region will open its doors along the banks of the Dubai Creek, minutes away from Burj Khalifa.

Slated to open in summer 2020, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is a stone’s throw from a number of iconic landmarks and attractions, including one of the world’s largest retail hubs, The Dubai Mall.

“We are excited to be opening the first Hotel Indigo® in the Middle East,” said Laura Eggleton, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. “As our first opening in the region, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown combines the city’s heritage with the new, fresh buzz of the ever-evolving landscape through local collaborations

Radisson Hotel Group Debuts In Khulna, Bangladesh’s Third Largest City

Radisson Hotel Group continues to expand in South Asia’s exciting destinations with the signing of its first hotel in Khulna, the third largest city in Bangladesh and a major hub for trade and tourism.

Scheduled to open in Q3, 2023, Radisson Hotel Khulna is a brand new upscale hotel nestled in a prime location 2.5km from the center of this dynamic second tier port city, close to the main business areas. Khulna is also the gateway to the Sundarbans Forest Reserve, the world’s largest mangrove forest and the home of the Bengal tiger.

Radisson Hotel Khulna will feature 150 contemporary rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and coffee lounge, a swimming pool, fitness center and a spa. The hotel’s extensive function space will include a large and divisible ballroom, a pre-function area, meeting rooms and a boardroom, providing options for important local corporate and social events – including weddings – and every stay will be enhanced by Radisson’s unique “Yes I Can!” service philosophy.

South Asia is a key focus market for Radisson Hotel Group who currently operates two hotels in Bangladesh: Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden and Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View.

Patrick Fernandes Named Executive Managing Director for Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort announced the appointment of Patrick Fernandes as Executive Managing Director and member of the Board of Managers, effective immediately. In this newly created role ,He will work closely with the leadership at the resort to further enhance the world-class wellness and luxury destination.

He has more than 20 years of hospitality experience across a number of leading brands and brings a proven track record of creativity and innovation in delivering five-star service. Most recently, He served as Hotel Manager of Faena Hotel Miami Beach and was instrumental in helping it become the first independent hotel to achieve a Forbes Five Star rating in its inaugural year, as well as being named a Leading Hotel of the World and #1 Hotel in the USA by Condé Nast. Earlier in his career, He held various roles across the hospitality industry, serving as Director of Training and Quality at The Setai, a luxury hotel in South Beach; Senior Consultant at F&G Hospitality Consulting, a premiere hospitality consulting firm; and General Manager at InterContinental Hotels Group, a British multinational hospitality company

Hotels may see 20-40% fall in occupancy rates in Mar-May due to COVID-19

Hotels in India are staring at a steep 20 to 40 per cent fall in occupancy rates during the three months ending May as lockdowns due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

While the plunge in occupancy could be 30-40 per cent for mid-scale and two-star hotels, the same for four-star hotels and above categories could be 20-25 per cent for the next three months beginning March -- which is peak season due to summer holidays and weddings,citing the increasing number of cities going under full or partial lockdowns.

On revenue side, hotels under the four-star or above categories could see 65-70 per cent fall in revenue per available room, while for two-star hotels it could be 50-60 per cent.

During the global financial crisis, the average absolute occupancy rates fell by over 9 per cent, with the highest fall being 10.40 per cent for four-star and above hotels, followed by three-stars at 8.5 per cent.

Markets like Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong, where the outbreak began in January, have seen sharp decline in occupancy rates -- much higher than seen during the SARS outbreak in 2003 when it fell to sub-20 per cent from around 70 per cent in China.

Tribute Portfolio Continues to Grow Its Global Family of Hotels. First Outpost in Frankfurt, Germany

Tribute Portfolio, Marriott International’s newest collection of characterful independent hotels, continues to expand its European footprint with the opening of Gekko House, the brand’s second hotel in Germany and first in Frankfurt. The 128-room urban-designed hotel is situated in the heart of Frankfurt’s up-and-coming Gallus district known for its converted warehouses and factories, which is now home to eclectic music venues and theatres. Frankfurt-based Morgen Interiors led the design, creating a captivating urban aesthetic reflective of Frankfurt’s open-minded culture whilst inviting spontaneity and fun, inspired by the hotel’s motto, ‘life is crazy.’

It is set to be a hot spot for both guests and locals alike with its characterful and cosmopolitan design, sincere service, and lively ambiance at their Chicago Williams restaurant and bar

COVID-19: Hospitality Industry Seeks PM's Help

The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), the nodal agency and policy federation of all the national associations representing the tourism, travel and hospitality industry has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating the tourism industry is in dire straits because of the COVID-19 pandemic

With declining revenues almost all tourism businesses are running out of working capital

In the letter, FAITH has requested for a complete GST tax holiday for the tourism, travel and hospitality industry for twelve months.

"With almost nil revenues there is hardly going to be any GST collection,"

FAITH said as a result of this pandemic, the Indian tourism industry is looking at pan India bankruptcies, closure of businesses and mass unemployment. "It is believed that around 70% out of a total estimated workforce of 5.5 crore (direct and indirect) could get unemployed (3.8 crore).This effect of job losses and layoffs has already begun throughout the country," the letter stated.
The federation has also requested for a twelve months' moratorium on EMIs of principle and interest payments on loans and working capital from financial institutions besides a doubling of working capital limits on interest free and collateral free terms."This will prevent all our tourism businesses from going bankrupt,"

FAITH has also sought a support fund for 12 months on the lines of MNREGA to support basic salaries with direct transfers to affected tourism employees.

Setting up of a national tourism task force under PM's leadership to fast track all tourism investment proposals and to withhold the tax collected at source (TCS) on travel provision proposed in Finance Bill 2020 which is to be introduced from April 1.FAITH believes TCS on travel will displace business from India to overseas markets

A deferment of twelve months for all statutory dues

Release of SEIS and EPCG schemes on an urgent basis based on last year's submissions of foreign exchange earnings of companies at an enhanced rate of 10%, GST refunds on MICE cancelled events, a six to nine months' moratorium on all working capital principle, interest payments on loans and overdrafts bringing in liquidity

IHG Announces Senior Leadership Appointments in the Americas

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announces that it has named two versatile IHG leaders into new senior leadership positions – Jay Caiafa, Chief Operating Officer, Americas, and Brian Hicks, Senior Vice President, Commercial and Revenue Management, Americas

Caiafa has been with IHG since 2013 and has held multiple leadership roles with the company.  In his previous role as SVP, Hotel Lifecycle and Growth, he led multiple teams across all aspects of the hotel lifecycle, including architecture, design, construction, hotel openings, hotel ramp up, renovations and quality assurance, and also oversaw teams responsible for the delivery of the Americas growth strategy.

With his promotion to COO, Americas, he will lead the Americas Operations Leadership Team, with oversight of more than 4,000 IHG hotels across the U.S. and Canada, and will further strengthen and cultivate relationships with owners. In addition, he will continue his role as IHG’s representative on the Metro Atlanta Chamber Board of Directors, driving engagement with the broader business community in the home of the company’s Americas headquarters.

Prior to his time with IHG, Caiafa led teams at companies across multiple industries, including legal, commercial real estate finance, strategic consulting and biotechnology.

Hicks has more than 30 years of international hospitality experience – the majority of which has been with IHG, including more than ten years working in the Americas region. He was promoted from his previous role as VP, Global Revenue Management Strategy. In his new role, Hicks will lead the Revenue Management function and the Commercial team in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, and will be responsible for overseeing and integrating all revenue-generating strategies, initiatives, programs and plans to drive competitive commercial performance across the region. In addition, he will lead the Americas Revenue Strategy Committee, working with Global and Regional Revenue leaders.

Radisson Hotel Group Announces New Area Senior Vice President Appointments For Eastern Europe , Russia & Turkey AND UK, Ireland & Western Europe

 One of the most dynamic hotel groups in the world, is pleased to announce the new geographical responsibilities of Area Senior Vice President for Central & Southern Europe (CESE), Yilmaz Yildirimlar, and Area Senior Vice President for Northern Europe, Tom Flanagan Karttunen.

Further to their current roles, Yilmaz and Tom have now been appointed as Area Senior Vice Presidents for Eastern Europe, Russia & Turkey (EERUT) and UK, Ireland & Western Europe (UKIWE) respectively

Yilmaz started his career with the Group in Vienna in 1995 and has held several leadership positions at Radisson Blu Hotels in Amsterdam, Manchester and Bucharest. He has served as District Director for South Eastern Europe and Regional Director in Eastern Europe, based in Moscow, until his appointment in 2017 as Area Senior Vice President, Central & Southern Europe.

Originally from Turkey, Yilmaz Yildirimlar studied hotel management and holds an MBA in Finance. He has also achieved several degrees in the fields of leadership, real estate and asset management.

Tom joined Radisson Hotel Group more than 20 years ago and has grown within the company, holding different leadership positions in numerous business areas at Radisson Blu Hotels in Copenhagen, Beijing, Manama, Hamburg and Galway. He has served as District Director Turkey, Azerbaijan & China, based in Istanbul, before being appointed as Area Vice President Eastern Europe & Russia, based in Moscow in 2009, and then Area Senior Vice President, Northern Europe.He has a track record of success in leading Northern Europe, one of Radisson Hotel Group’s most mature markets, and is sure to have equal success in UKIWE

Born in Ireland, Tom holds a Diploma and B.A. Degree in Hotel Management.has played an integral role in ensuring the progression of business growth.

Crowne Plaza - New General Manager to take on hotel duo

M&L, a Singapore-based hotel real estate investor, has appointed Gordon Fraser as Cluster General Manager at the Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport and Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen Airport. Managed by Tower Hotel Management, part of the Peel Group, the newly built hotels are located within a short walk of Aberdeen Airport terminal and were recently acquired by the new owners.

Bringing over 20 years of management experience, including eight years with Hilton Worldwide at the Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel, Gordon has immersed himself in multi-site management, mid-market and up-market properties, new builds, distressed properties, change programmes and capital project management throughout his career.

Tower Hotel Management currently operates award-winning hotels under various international brands including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton by Hilton and Ramada Encore by Wyndham. The latest venture, Courtyard by Marriott at Keele University will open in late Autumn 2020.

Peter de la Perrelle, Managing Director at Tower Hotel Management, said: “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Gordon on board. He brings a wealth of hotel operating experience and we look forward to seeing his presence make a difference at the two hotels

Radisson Hotel Group To Open The First Radisson-Branded Hotel, Radisson Hotel Gorizont Rostov-On-Don In Russia

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce a new 173-room hotel, the Radisson Hotel Gorizont Rostov-on-Don, set to open in 2020.

Radisson is an upscale hotel brand that delivers Scandinavian-inspired hospitality and enables guests to focus on a work/life balance and find more harmony in their travel experience. Based on building meaningful relationships with guests, it features the famous Yes I Can! service attitude designed to deliver satisfaction to every guest.

Rostov-on-Don is the 10th largest city in Russia with 1.2 million inhabitants. This will be the second hotel opening for Radisson Hotel Group in the city, in addition to the prestigious Radisson Blu that opened in 2017 on the river front.

The hotel, located in the north-west area of the city, will be part of a significant mixed-use development complex, including Gorizont Mall – the largest shopping mall in Rostov-On-Don that showcases more than 350 shops and a multiplex cinema center that can be accessed directly from the hotel.

Hyatt, Terra Group and Turnberry Announce Plans for the First Grand Hyatt Hotel in Miami Beach

Grand Hyatt Miami Beach set to open in 2023 and enhance Miami Beach’s Convention Center District with new public spaces, improved connectivity, and privately funded infrastructure and resiliency upgrades

The 17-story hotel will be situated at the intersection of 17th Street and Convention Center Drive, within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean beachfront, Lincoln Road Mall, New World Symphony, The Bass Museum and The Fillmore Miami Beach. The hotel development is being led by David Martin of Terra and Jackie Soffer of Turnberry and will be a joint venture between the two development companies.

The new hotel will become only the second Grand Hyatt property in Florida, joining Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. Grand Hyatt hotels are designed to connect guests with iconic experiences, landmarks and cultural touchstones in captivating destinations around the world. Hallmarks of the brand include bold and vibrant design and architecture, elevated amenities and welcoming service that creates moments of more.

Hotel features are expected to include 12 floors of guest rooms offering expansive views of Miami Beach, two floors of meeting spaces and ballrooms that will complement the Convention Center, a resort-style pool deck with panoramic views, and limited retail space that will activate the district at street level. An elevated skybridge will enable event attendees to move freely between the hotel and Convention Center in a climate-controlled, art-filled corridor.

Two new appointments at Palladium Hotel Group

Gabriel Rodriguez takes on the position of Director of Sales in Canada and Hugh Goodwin is appointed Director of Sales - Strategic Accounts for the Spanish hotel chain.

In his new position, Gabriel Rodriguez will strengthen the group's relations with Canadian travel agencies. He is a sales and marketing professional with more than nineteen years of experience in the travel industry, particularly in North American markets

Hugh Goodwin will be responsible for relationships and overall account management for strategic clients. He is also an established professional in the travel, airline and hospitality industries.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Announces First Project in Fort Worth

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants will open a boutique hotel in downtown Fort Worth, an adaptive reuse of the historic XTO Energy Headquarters building and it is set to open in the spring of 2021 and will mark the third property for the boutique hotel company in Texas, joining Kimpton hotels in Austin and a Dallas project slated to open this summer.

Fort Worth’s Bennet Benner Partners Architects and Los Angeles based Forcheilli Glynn interior designers will oversee the project, alongside Kimpton’s Global Senior Vice President of Design Ave Bradley. 

Mike DeFrino, Chief Executive Officer, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, said: “Texas is a natural place to expand our brand. Adding Fort Worth to our portfolio, alongside Austin and Dallas is vital to our growth in the Southwest. Development Services Group is the ideal partner to help bring Kimpton to this part of the state and to the historically rich, energetic and exciting community of Fort Worth.”

IHG opens second Indigo Hotel in Madrid

The brand's third address in Spain and second in Madrid is located in Calle Princesa, one of the capital's most dynamic shopping districts.

After Barcelona and then Madrid in 2014, IHG's lifestyle brand is moving to the Spanish capital with the Hotel Indigo Madrid Princesa. The hotel has 101 rooms that stand out for their design based on the nature and vegetation of the Parque del Oeste. The design of the rooms is inspired by the seasons: gold and red for autumn, green and blue for spring. The property also has a fitness area and a meeting room for up to 80 people. The Best Kitchen and Bar focuses on traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. The hotel's location is ideal for exploring the area and the famous Parque del Oeste.

Radisson Hotel Group Expands Further In Riyadh

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of Radisson Riyadh Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As one of the fastest growing companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the newest addition brings the group’s portfolio to over 45 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in operation and under development, accelerating Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion across the country.

Riyadh is the largest city and capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Khalid International Aiport is about 35 kilometers to the north of Riyadh city and home to Radisson’s newest hotel. As the economic and commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, the total number of passengers departing and arriving at King Khalid International Airport exceeded 26 million passengers in 2019. Located within close proximity, the hotel will be conveniently accessible from the airport and the city center can be reached via Riyadh’s new metro system, making it an ideal location for both business and leisure travellers

. The hotel will consist of 471 keys across various room types including serviced apartments and villas to be able to cater to guests that require larger units or long stay units. The property will feature an all-day dining restaurant and two specialty restaurants

Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji Opens in Japan

On March 16th, 2020, Royal Park Hotels and Resorts Company, Ltd.  opened The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji, its second hotel in Osaka. Over the next 5 years, RPHS plans to open six more hotels in Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, and Tokyo.

The new hotel forms part of the ICONIC brand, the flagship line of RPHS’ “THE” series for premium limited service hotels. It is located in the brand-new OBIC Midosuji building in the city’s business district alongside the busy Midosuji street, one of Osaka’s main streets.

It is a city full of life and in 2019 Rough Guides named it one of the eight best places to visit. It is also known as the gourmet city of Japan, often sparking new trends.

It is one of Japan’s most vibrant cities with a unique mix of business and tourism and in 2025 will host the World Expo for the second time. It is the fastest-growing inbound tourism destination in Japan with more than 11 million foreign visitors in 2017, a five-fold increase from 2012

Radisson Hotel Group Announces Global Plan For A Future With Reduced Single-Use Plastics

Radisson Hotel Group will implement bulk amenity dispensers across all brands by the beginning of 2022, replacing small bottles for common bathroom products. This action will remove 57 million miniature amenities from circulation, avoiding the use of almost 500 tons of plastic annually and has a global commitment to #refusethestraw, ensuring plastic straws and plastic stirrers are no longer used in its hotels by 2021 and eco-friendly alternatives will be offered to guests upon request.

Radisson Hotel Group’s initiatives demonstrate the commitment and solidify its participation in the International Tourism Plastic Pledge

The Group is also running a series of innovative pilot projects in various locations, with the aim of finding new ways to drive plastic reduction globally. These include:

• In all the Group’s properties in India, a roll out of Commercial Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration systems to provide in-house bottled water and avoid the use of PET water bottles.  

• In Bangladesh, Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View is piloting a similar installation and is replacing PET water bottles by in-house filtered and bottled quality water.

• To cut down on the use of 39,000 plastic water bottles in the average hotel each year the Group offers unlimited filtered water to guests. This is already in place in selected hotels such at the Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester Airport, UK, and the Radisson RED hotel Brussels and Belgium, additionally, guests are offered reusable Radisson Rewards water bottles

• In addition to making Radisson Meetings 100% carbon neutral, the Group is constantly striving to phase out single-use plastics in meetings and events across its portfolio and has already achieved this in over 200 of its hotels, with the aim to roll-out this initiative to other properties.