Soneva Fushi unveils world’s largest one- and two-bedroom overwater villas

Soneva Fushi’s new Water Retreats are soon to be ready to welcome guests, adding yet another facet to the original barefoot luxury resort.

Guests can expect innovative designs and some new changes to the iconic Water Retreat designs that can be found at Soneva Jani.

Soneva’s floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, is a luxury two-cabin yacht that sets sail from Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

There is a multi-purpose facility that encompasses the Maldives’ only hot glass studio, the glass gallery, and boutique where guests can learn the art of glassblowing.

Source

Avani+ Ho Tram Resort under construction in Vietnam

Avani Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of the first Avani+ upscale resort in Vietnam - Avani+ Ho Tram Resort. The property is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2023.

Currently, the brand has a total of three properties under construction in Ho Chi Minh City, Doc Let and Cam Ranh, as well as two hotels in operation in Hai Phong and Quy Nhon

Source

Sarovar Hotels set to achieve milestone of 100 hotels by 2021

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts which started its journey 25 years ago, is on the verge of completing 100 hotels by 2021. With about 30 properties under development, the group aimed to achieve the target by the end of 2020. However, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has pushed the milestone to 2021.

Sarovar Hotels operates in various segments, i’e, budget, mid-budget and luxury.Average Room Revenue  in every segment is equally hit where 20% to 40% of ARR is bleeding. Sarovar Hotels is also focusing on the international market. The hospitality major had strategically expanded into Africa.

For More Information Click Below :

hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hotels/sarovar-hotels-set-to-achieve-milestone-of-100-hotels-by-2021/76788910

Steigenberger Hotel Treudelberg Hamburg Appoints Eckart Pfannkuchen

Eckart Pfannkuchen has been appointed General Manager of the 131-room Steigenberger Hotel Treudelberg Hamburg. He will be responsible in the future for all operational and administrative business areas of the hotel.

 He most recently acted as Director of the Grand Spa Resort A-Rosa Sylt, and his career has also included stints at the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, the Rocco Forte Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, the Chedi Muscat and the Hotel Adlon Kempinski

For More Details Click Below:

ftnnews.com/news-home/appointments/world/39715-steigenberger-hotel-treudelberg-hamburg-appoints-eckart-pfannkuchen

The First-ever Adults-only Casino in Vegas Will Have America’s Largest Pool Amphitheater

Circa Resort & Casino plans to be the first-ever adult-only, 21+ casino-resort in Las Vegas history. As a special tribute, the resort will be home to Vegas Vickie, one of the most iconic neon signs from the Strip, in their own lobby. Circa Resort & Casino will house a truly unique pool amphitheater. 

Circa will also offer some unique dining experiences, such as Saginaw’s Delicatessen (a family-style deli), Victory Burger & Wings Co.

The resort was planned to open in December 2020, but the company has recently announced it will be opening its first five floors and parking garage to guests as soon as Oct. 28, 2020.

For More Information Click Below:

www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/adults-only-casino-circa-resort-las-vegas

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is opening five new Hotels in China

Key Take Away

The hotel franchising company said it will add five new hotels to its Ramada by Wyndham brand this quarter, with three of the hotels already open: the 142-room Ramada by Wyndham Luoyang Downtown, the 191-room Ramada by Wyndham Jianyang and the 140-room Ramada by Changsha Wuguang.

Joining them later this month will be the 101-room Ramada by Wyndham Wuhan Qingshan and 179-room Ramada by Wyndham Kunming Yiliang.

For More Information Click Below :

www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/06/21/wyndham-hotels-and-resorts-is-opening-five-new-hotels-in-china/

Vikram Aditya Singh joins The Leela Palace Udaipur as General Manager

Key Take Away

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Vikram Aditya Singh as the General Manager of The Leela Palace Udaipur. 

He comes with a rich experience of over two decades wherein he has been associated with some of the iconic domestic and international hotels.

Singh has spearheaded many successful projects and has risen to fame with his distinguished approach and proficiency.

For More Information Click Below:

www.hotelierindia.com/operations/11221-vikram-aditya-singh-joins-the-leela-palace-udaipur-as-general-manager

Sarovar Hotels appoints Sanjay Rai as Sr. VP Sales & Marketing

Key Take Away

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts announced the appointment of Sanjay Rai as Sr. Vice President- Sales & Marketing.

He will be responsible for overseeing the planning and implementation of sales, marketing, and product development programs for each brand targeted towards existing and new markets. A seasoned professional with an experience of close to four decades

For More Information

hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hotels/sarovar-hotels-appoints-sanjay-rai-as-sr-vp-sales-marketing/75890039

MHRIL moves ahead with expansion plan amid Covid-19

Key Take Away

Mahindra Holidays Resorts India Ltd is moving ahead with its planned capacity expansion even after the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the hospitality industry. In contrast, MHRIL will start work on two new resorts in addition to an ongoing project in Goa.

Club Mahindra is working with various experts in healthcare, facility management, and technology to implement enhanced safety procedures and contactless services

For More Information

hospitality-economictimes-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/hotels/mhril-moves-ahead-with-expansion-plan-amid-covid-19/75845291

Absolute Hotel Services introduces Hotel Bond; assures 50% bonus on the purchase

Key Take Away

Absolute Hotel Services has introduced a new initiative “Hotel Bond ”, a product offering assured extra bonus of 50% more value of the bond face value.

It is available in India region for all the brands of AHS including U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, and Eastin Easy.

The offer is valid up to March 2021 and stays dates can be decided any time later and not at the time of buying

For More Information

www.hotelierindia.com/business/10968-absolute-hotel-services-introduces-hotel-bond-assures-50-bonus-on-the-purchase

ET Hospitality Leadership Forum: Leela Group’s Anuraag Bhatnagar on 'Work From Hotel' model

Key Take Away

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Indian luxury hotel chain have received enquiries for work from hotel availability.

The COO also mentioned that hotels can look at mini staycations, as people will tend to move out from their houses and stay in a hotel for a change. Safety and sanitisation are going to be a new luxury

The group has partnered with leading certification company Bureau Veritas to revamp the hygiene protocol of all its hotel

For More Information

https://hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hotels/et-hospitality-leadership-forum-leela-groups-anuraag-bhatnagar-on-work-from-hotel-model/75766444

Cocogiri Island Resort to open on 1st December 2020

Cocogiri Island Resort, a new luxury resort situated in Vaavu Atoll is scheduled to open on 1, December 2020.

Located just 12 minutes away by seaplane from Velana International Airport, Cocogiri is already being hailed having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, making it a dream come true for snorkelers and scuba divers.

Cocogiri is an exclusive, boutique resort featuring 20 water villas and 20 beach villas on a private island ensuring the utmost tranquility for guests.

Guests can also enjoy evenings watching the sunset while dining at Cocogiri’s beach restaurant with a range of international cuisine made by their highly experienced team of chefs, or cool off at the bar. For more adventurous guests, the resort offers the opportunity to scuba dive or snorkel with their on-island Dive School, or raise your adrenaline levels with their extensive water sports programme. Explore the surrounding islands and immerse yourself in the cultural beauty of the Maldives through Cocogiri’s daily excursions.

Regardless of the occasion, Cocogiri Island Resort assures to offer the perfect setting for rare moments of romance, adventure, excitement and memories to last a lifetime.

LUX* Resorts & Hotels Shows Appreciation to Healthcare Professionals in Maldives with Complimentary Stay

In appreciation of the Maldivian medical professionals’ selfless dedication in fighting on the frontline during this challenging time, LUX* Resorts & Hotels in the Maldives shows their gratitude to the local healthcare workers by giving a complimentary two-night stay on full board at either LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas or LUX* North Malé Atoll Resort & Villas, Maldives.

The public can pay tribute to a healthcare professional who had touched their life during this unprecedented crisis by sharing their stories of appreciation on their own Facebook profile, along with the hashtags #CollectivelyWeCare and #CollectivelyWeCareLSAA or #CollectivelyWeCareLNMA, including a picture of the medical worker and tagging the resort they wish to win a stay in for their nominee.

The post with the most likes will enable the nominated healthcare worker to redeem his or her stay for two adults on full board basis including domestic transfers, as soon as accessibility is re-established to the respective resorts. This campaign will end on 3 June 2020.

Additionally, LUX* Resorts & Hotels will honour these two Healthcare Heroes by planting a coconut tree on World Environment Day (5 June) in their names to serve as permanent reminders of their service rendered during this unprecedented time.

No gesture is enough to repay their selfless acts of service, however, we wish to do our bit to provide them with a well-deserved holiday so they can recuperate and rest,” said John Rogers, General Manager of LUX* North Malé Atoll Resort & Villas.

Solay Mobile App Provides Social Distancing Technology For Resort Pools & Beaches

Resort Technologies, LLC, proudly announces the iOS initial release of its mobile technology solution, Solay, available now for download in the App Store. The Solay Mobile App provides Resorts & Hotels with a free inventory management system to set up overnight guests with reserved seats placed 6 feet apart at pools and beaches. Offering a contactless solution to maintain social distancing, Resorts & Hotels utilizing Solay contribute to a safer return to travel and experience greater ease in adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.

The Solay Mobile App is a seating reservation tool used by overnight guests that generates real time information to Hotels & Resorts. Solay utilizes customized property information and seating maps, organizing the logistics of social distancing among Hotel & Resort registered guests when they enjoy pools and beaches. Solay has a no contact reservation and check-in process on each user’s individual iPhone and does not require any other integrations or property technology solutions. As an effective way to manage vacation experiences through the challenges of COVID-19, the Solay service will promote reassurance and increase confidence of guests vacationing at Hotels & Resorts.

Resort & Hotel Management staff can re-open with peace of mind knowing Solay provides a cost-free system to support property and guest needs alike at pools and beaches without the uncertainty of a first come, first served model.

Solay is also proud to announce all user fees are currently waived to help support hospitality and encourage vacationers to enjoy leisure time again. The Solay Mobile App was established to allow the pure essence of the word “vacation” to be embodied in the guest experience. Solay, a better experience for all.

Solay is now available for free download in the iOS App Store. Android is planned for release in Q1 of 2021 along with development of additional features.

More information can be found online at http://www.solayapp.com

Shanghai Disneyland tickets sell out as park prepares to re-open after coronavirus crisis

Tickets for the earliest days of Shanghai Disneyland's re-opening in China sold out rapidly according to the park's website, as it prepares to next week end a three-month shutdown because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Tickets for Monday, May 11, the first day the park will welcome guests again, through May 14 were no longer available on the park's online booking service. They also sold out for the weekend dates of May 16 and 17. Chinese third-party ticket vendor Fliggy and MeiTuan also confirmed that their allotted tickets for re-opening day had sold out. According to Fliggy, the platform's tickets for May 11 and May 16 sold out within three minutes.

Follow live developments on the coronavirus pandemic here

Shanghai Disneyland first shut down on Jan 25, as public venues across China closed to comply with social distancing regulations. Disney later closed its other resorts worldwide as the coronnavirus spread. In an earnings call, executives said that shuttered parks would cost the company roughly $1 billion in profits.

In March, Disney re-opened some dining and shopping attractions at its Shanghai site, though its main theme park has remained closed. The Chinese government has asked Disney to cap attendance of the re-opened park at 30% of capacity, or roughly 24,000 people, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said .

Disney will restart operations with "far below" that number for a few weeks while it adjusts to new safeguards including social distancing, masks and temperature screenings for visitors and employees, he said.

Luxury Hotel Group Caves to Pressure, Returns $59 Million in Relief Funds

Three publicly traded Texas-based hospitality firms that collectively received nearly $59 million in coronavirus relief funding and are tied to hotelier Monty Bennett announced that they would return the funds after Bennett earlier said he would not turn back the money.

Ashford Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels & Resorts released a statement saying the return of Paycheck Protection Program loans under the $2 trillion coronavirus economic relief package stemmed from “the agency’s recently changed rules and inconsistent federal guidance that put the companies at compliance risk.” 

The trio of luxury hotel real estate firms garnered scrutiny for receiving funds, one of the largest amounts delivered by the program, at a time when tens of thousands of small businesses are still locked out from receiving government assistance. Large companies like Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steak House received, and later agreed to return, PPP funding

The Ashford Group of Companies still maintained they would keep the funds, part of a $660 billion program meant for small businesses to maintain payrolls through the ongoing economic crisis.

The group of companies asserted the nature of the hotel industry, where smaller ownership groups typically operate under the flag of a global brand like Marriott or Hilton, qualified them for PPP funds. Since mid-March, the companies have furloughed or laid off 90 percent of their workforce due to coronavirus hindering business. The Small Business Administration has not publicly released a list of PPP loan recipients, but Ashford claimed the hotel industry received less than 3 percent of the initial $350 billion round of PPP loans.

The promise to return the PPP funding comes after travel industry groups like the U.S. Travel Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association called for the government to discourage unaffected businesses from applying for PPP loans. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that the government will perform a full audit on any company taking out more than $2 million in the small business loan program.

The Ashford companies stated they would return all PPP funds by May 7.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Launches New “Count on Us” Initiative

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,300 hotels across 90 countries, today launched "Count on UsSM," a new long-term, multi-faceted initiative to build confidence among guests and to support franchisees as it begins making preparations to welcome travelers back to its more than 6,000 U.S. hotels.

Launch of the new initiative follows dialogue and collaboration with Wyndham franchisees, members of its Franchise Advisory Councils, leading industry partners, and key trade organizations like the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

The immediate focus is to further elevate health and safety protocols at Wyndham hotels in the wake of COVID-19, shore up critical supply chains and introduce new standards, training and guidelines grounded in guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Key early components of the new initiative—designed to be cost neutral when combined with other recent operational changes—are slated to begin rolling out in the coming weeks and include:

 Wyndham will require consistent use of Ecolab's EPA-approved disinfectants in all U.S. hotel guestrooms and public spaces.

Providing hotel owners and their team members with access to Ecolab's best-in-class training and resources, including a field team of more than 2,000 on-the-ground experts ready to assist hotels.

Easy Access to COVID-19 Health Essentials

In response to the growing challenges that many small businesses and individuals face as they try to secure essential health supplies that meet CDC guidelines

Leveraging volume discounts pre-negotiated by Wyndham, these items will be made available at cost to hotel owners with the Company financing all initial shipments and deferring payments from hotels until September 1, 2020

Delivering on the Promise of a "Safe Stay"

As a member of The AHLA Safe Stay Advisory Council, Wyndham has joined with other industry leaders as well as public health experts, scientists and medical leaders to develop a series of industry best practices and guidelines that focus on enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols to meet the new health and safety challenges presented by COVID-19

A Visible Commitment to Guests

Count on Us is an extension of Wyndham's signature Count on Me® service culture and is the latest in a growing list of efforts by the Company to help hotels, team members and guests affected by the global impact of COVID-19.

Wyndham has taken unprecedented steps to provide substantial financial assistance to its thousands of hotel owners; united with leading companies to offer alternative employment opportunities to displaced Wyndham team members; updated its policies to provide travelers and Wyndham Rewards members with increased travel flexibility; and launched #EverydayHeroes, a new initiative honoring essential workers on the frontlines of COVID-19.

In the months to come, the Company will look for new ways to bring Count on Us to life, including exploring opportunities to expand the initiative to its hotels around the world.

Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Introduces Industry-Leading Cleaning Program: We Care Clean

Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWHR) was the first hotel brand to set a high level of cleanliness with the roll out the I Care Clean program in 2012. The program was developed through a partnership with innovation and design firm, IDEO, and required its hotels to focus on guest high touch items and areas with standards

The We Care Clean program expands upon the I Care Clean standards and the enhanced cleaning protocol already in place, and includes the implementation of measures to improve safety - such as the installation of social distancing floor decals and front desk partitions - as well as the enforcement of heightened and comprehensive cleanliness standards on an ongoing basis across five key areas:

Front Desk and Lobby:

 New protocols will minimize guest contact with personnel through a streamlined check-in and check-out process such as the use of Best Western's Mobile Concierge platform.

Enhanced sanitization procedures will be in place at the front desk, in the lobby and across guest touch points throughout the hotel with disinfecting taking place regularly.

Guest Room and Housekeeping:

Unnecessary items will be removed from guest rooms, such as decorative pillows, bed scarves, paper notepads and pens.

Enhanced and thorough cleaning protocols will be implemented in guest rooms. Guest rooms will not be entered for 24 to 72 hours after check-out, at which time the room, linens and all touch points, for example, faucets, door handles, light switches, thermostats, clocks and hangers will be cleaned with chemicals aimed at killing COVID-19

Temporary Breakfast Offerings: While recognizing the importance of a quality breakfast, offerings have been adapted to prioritize the health and safety of guests, including:

 Breakfast offerings that comply with local regulations, with breakfast rooms closed where required to avoid unnecessary guest congregation.

Enhanced 'Grab & Go' offerings will be implemented in most hotels providing guests with pre-packaged food and beverage options.

Public Amenities:

 When allowed to open, public amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools and meeting rooms will be cleaned on closely monitored schedules with disinfecting chemicals.

Hotel Employees and Staff Requirements:

Hotel employees will follow strict guidelines, including utilizing Personal Protective Equipment, frequent and stringent hand-washing protocols, and housekeepers/laundry staff will wear both gloves and a mask.

 Employees will be empowered to stay home if unwell, communicate their potential exposure to COVID-19 with management, and will be fully educated on how to maintain a safe and clean home

This announcement is the latest example of BWHR's commitment to supporting its hoteliers, guests and communities during the COVID-19 health crisis. BWHR was the first hotel company to offer a relief package to its hoteliers to help ease the financial burden during this challenging time. BWHR was also the first in the industry to extend loyalty status to its BWR members whose travel plans have been greatly impacted by travel restrictions and cancellations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Centara Hotels & Resorts launches ‘Help the Heroes’ campaign with donations to support healthcare workers and communities in need

Bangkok, Thailand - Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand's leading hotel operator, has launched 'Help the Heroes', a campaign aimed at supporting those in need during COVID-19, with donations going to the Chaipattana COVID-19 Aid Fund (and other pandemics) and Thai Red Cross Society.

'Help the Heroes' is an initiative designed to directly benefit health workers and vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19. When a consumer buys a Centara cash voucher for a future escape, Centara will add a further 50% value to the purchase. Half will go to the buyer, with the value of the voucher being increased by 25% to help them get more out of their next adventure, when it is safe to travel again. And the other half will be made as a donation to those in need, with the customer able to choose which of the two charities Centara donates to.

Both selected charities support the fight against COVID-19. The Chaipattana COVID-19 Aid Fund (and other pandemics) provides support for under-resourced hospitals with items such as personal protective equipment and other essential medical supplies. The Red Cross Society provides medical supplies to hospitals and masks to the most vulnerable people.

To help Thailand's heroes, people can visit the company's website and buy Centara cash vouchers. Valid from now until 31 October 2021 and with a value starting at THB1,000, the vouchers can be redeemed for hotel stays or spending in the hotel whilst staying at any Centara Hotels & Resorts' properties in Thailand and overseas.

The company is also providing complimentary hotel accommodation and meals to healthcare workers while flagship property

Has hosted doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff from the Police Hospital since 1st April 2020. The company is also poised to launch a social media campaign to thank the healthcare heroes from Thailand and around the world.

Centara Hotels & Resorts supports social distancing and the Thai government and global initiatives to stay at home. The company also recently introduced a high-quality delivery service to take food to people's homes during the crisis.

In addition, thermal scanners check the temperature of guests and visitors; those with high fever or other symptoms may undergo additional screening. When checking in, all hotel guests are also asked to fill out a questionnaire enquiring about their prior trips.

Panic pricing won’t work for big hotels

We urge the stakeholders of the hospitality industry not to reduce their prices less than 5% of their original rates,” said Nirav Gandhi, Director of Express Group of Hotels and Executive Committee of FHRAI.

He was moderating a webinar organised by the industry body, The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India, on ‘Survival to revival, restart and resume operations’.

Delna Jasoomoney, Associate VP-Travel industry Sales & Luxury Partnerships for Taj Hotels and Resorts, who was also present in the panel, said that the industry should not go for panic pricing crashing the rates. “Dropping the prices down won’t make a difference. Apart from offering our customers less price we should try to offer best value. We also need to be flexible with policies and cancellations,” she said.

Jasoomoney mentioned that IHCL has ensured that they keep the engagement with their customers very strong even during the crisis. According to her, there will be a pent up demand once things normalise. She also mentioned that most of the outbound travellers will now hesitate to fly abroad, thus opening up a big avenue for hoteliers to channelise those travellers into inbound travel.

Dropping the price down is not a viable option that big giants are looking for, but for individual or small chain hotels, it might be the only option left to cope with the dire situation.