LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 96

3 min

IHG Opens First Branded Net Zero Carbon Hotel

🌱 IHG Hotels & Resorts opened voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, the UK's first branded net zero carbon hotel, in partnership with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality. Designed to run on renewable and solar energy, this hotel at Exeter Science Park features 142 rooms, a mini gym, gardens, a meeting space, and 12 EV charging points. The Solarlab vertical photovoltaic panels are used for the first time in the UK as rainscreen cladding. Materials such as Ecocrete, which emits up to 85% less CO2 than traditional concrete, were used for sustainable construction. The hotel supports responsible dining with locally-sourced ingredients and follows the Passivhaus standard to drastically reduce energy usage.

2 min

Red Roof RIDE and SHE Ownership Programs Add 30 Representatives

🏠 Since 2023, Red Roof has added over 30 women and representatives from underserved markets to its franchise ownership community through RIDE (Road to Inclusivity and Diversity in Entrepreneurship) and SHE, initiatives supporting diversity and women in hospitality. RIDE connects potential owners with lenders and partners, while SHE provides resources and thought leadership. Dimple Patel progressed from a front desk worker to part owner and general manager of the Red Roof Inn in Walton, Kentucky, exemplifying the success of these programs.

2 min

Aiming Higher

🏨 Jenna Fishel started in hospitality as a front desk agent, drawn by fast-paced environments and operational efficiencies. Mentored by her father and inspired by the Castell Leadership program, she learned about women's career tendencies and aspired to higher leadership roles. Fishel is optimistic about diversity in hospitality, noting 55% of First Hospitality's general managers are diverse and over 50% of their Future Leaders program candidates are women. Progress for women in leadership is noted, with more moving into top roles at major hotel management companies.

2 min

Having a Positive Impact

🏨 Monica Salter, part of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group, expressed her commitment to ESG initiatives—aiming to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism for future generations. Mentored by Joan Bennet of Bennet Group PR, Salter learned the importance of preparation, confidence, and trust in one's abilities. Inspired by her mother, a successful photographer, she values hard work and perseverance. Salter is optimistic about increasing diversity in hospitality leadership, especially with more women and diverse individuals assuming key roles. She advocates for supporting working mothers with childcare to enhance women's leadership opportunities. With progress being made, Salter envisions a future of inclusive hospitality leadership mirroring the diversity of communities.

2 min

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Brand Increases Revenue Year-Over-Year

🏨 NORTH BETHESDA, Maryland—Choice Hotels International, Inc. improved Country Inn & Suites by Radisson's performance with a 19-point RevPAR Index increase, 20% rise in direct online contribution, and higher group and business traveler revenue year-over-year since its combination with Radisson Hotels Americas two years ago. 38 new Country Inn & Suites were added to the pipeline. In 2023, a guestroom redesign resulted in 84% of guests potentially returning. The company launched ChoiceConnect, a mobile-friendly owner’s portal, and partnered with the Bridge for financing solutions.

2 min

Homewood Suites by Hilton Eatontown Completes Renovation

🏨 In Eatontown, New Jersey, the 131-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton announced a $5 million renovation completed by Avion Hospitality and owned by Highline Hospitality Partners. The renovation updated guest suites, public spaces, and amenities, including new furnishings, flooring, kitchen amenities, and technology, along with a revitalized fitness center and outdoor spaces. The hotel offers all-suite accommodations, complete with fully equipped kitchens, near the Jersey Shore, corporate hubs, and Monmouth University.

2 min

AutoCamp Sequoia Becomes Brand’s Fourth Californian Hotel

🏕 AutoCamp announced the opening of AutoCamp Sequoia in THREE RIVERS, California, offering 85 accommodations close to Sequoia National Park (15 minutes away) and Kings Canyon National Park (90 minutes away). The site features Airstream Suites, Cabins, BaseCamp Suites, and Bunk Rooms, with the Bunk Rooms designed for families and groups, sleeping up to six guests. The 3,350-square-foot Clubhouse includes lounge areas, games, and a bar, complemented by amenities such as a heated outdoor pool and adventure activities. The Kitchen serves locally sourced cuisine, and the General Store offers snacks, beer, wine, and merchandise. AutoCamp Sequoia also caters to events with spaces like The Clubhouse, The Ponderosa Lawn, The Cedar Room, and The Pine Room available for various gatherings.

2 min

Getting Pulled In

📌 Tiffany Leadbetter Donato, a Cornell School of Hotel Administration alumna, initially aimed for finance or consulting but was drawn to hospitality real estate and development post-graduation. Observing diversity progress in the industry, she notes a shift in senior leadership demographics compared to 10-20 years ago, predicting diverse future leaders. She highlights the improvement in women's representation in lodging leadership, especially in operations and marketing, and sees an upward trend despite the investment sector's challenging work-family balance.

4 min

Marriott Details Openings and Signings Across CALA Region From 2024

🏦 Marriott International announced 67 room agreements for about 8,000 rooms in the CALA region in 2024. 30 new properties were added, expanding to 528 properties across 37 countries by year-end. The company celebrated its 500th CALA property with Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort opening. Marriott’s CALA pipeline includes 183 properties, representing 27,817 rooms. The luxury segment signed 11 deals and anticipates openings like Salterra, St. Regis Punta Cana, and W Punta Cana in 2025. Marriott entered the all-inclusive market in 2019, now with 36 properties across nine markets and 19 all-inclusive properties in the global pipeline (15 in CALA). Post-City Express acquisition in 2023, Marriott boasts 153 open and 53 pipeline properties globally. Costa Rica and Dominican Republic are key growth markets with numerous developments and openings planned for 2025.

1 min

CoStar: U.S. Weekly Hotel Performance Reports Positive Comparisons

🏨 U.S. hotel industry, March 1, 2025: occupancy rose 0.4% to 62.8%, ADR increased by 2.7% to $159.26, and RevPAR grew 3.1% to $100.06, compared to the same week in 2024. St. Louis topped occupancy growth with a 12.1% rise to 59.4%. New Orleans, boosted by Mardi Gras, saw ADR soar 36.8% to $233.77 and RevPAR up 30.6% to $148.54, despite a 4.6% occupancy drop to 63.5%. Oahu and Boston faced RevPAR declines of 13.1% ($206.45) and 11.0% ($102.66), respectively.

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