Category: Hotel Motel Lodging Hospitality News (Page 1 of 8)

Superstar Dirk Nowitzki launches partnership with Lufthansa

August 6, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Image from Lufthansa

Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, August 6, 2024 – NBA basketball legend, Dirk Nowitzki, is the face of the new Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) Allegris advertising campaign. Born in Germany, Nowitzki played his entire NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks in the United States.

In the campaign film, the 2.13 metre tall Dirk Nowitzki can be seen sleeping in the 2.20 metre long bed of the new Allegris Business Class. Lufthansa Allegris offers a completely new travelling experience on long-haul flights that is unrivalled on the market due to the variety of seats. All travel classes, from Economy to Premium Economy, Business and First Class, will have new cabin interiors and new seats. For example, in Business Class, passengers can choose between five different seat options, including a suite with doors, a personal wardrobe and a small minibar. A special highlight: all seats in First and Business Class have heating and cooling systems so that travellers can flexibly adjust the temperature to their own comfort level.

The Lufthansa Allegris campaign with Dirk Nowitzki starts today in the USA and will be shown internationally in the coming months, including in Germany.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Las Vegas Sands CEO sells over $5.2 million in company stock

March 19, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Image from Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) CEO and Chairman, Robert G. Goldstein, has sold 100,000 shares of the company’s common stock, according to a recent SEC filing. The transaction, which took place on March 15, 2024, amounted to over $5.2 million, with shares sold at a weighted average price of $52.06.

The sales were executed in multiple transactions with prices ranging between $52 and $52.26. Post-transaction, Goldstein still holds 172,801 shares indirectly through The Robert and Sheryl Goldstein Trust, signifying a continued stake in the company’s future.

Click the link below to read the full story!

Las Vegas Sands CEO sells company stock

Forward-Looking Statements

American Airlines & World Series champion Texas Rangers partner

February 14, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Fort Worth, Texas, January 14, 2024 – American Airlines Group (Nasdaq: AAL) is teaming up with the reigning World Champions, the Texas Rangers. The multiyear deal taps American as the Official and Exclusive Airline and Airline Rewards Program of the Texas Rangers and includes additional marketing and sponsorship benefits that will engage fans in the community and beyond.

The collaboration will extend beyond the diamond, offering fans unique opportunities to travel to the games and enjoy exclusive perks. From throwing out the first pitch at a game and suite seats to once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greets with popular players, American is set to enhance the fan experience and bring them closer to the action.

The only way to unlock access to these experiences is by becoming an AAdvantage® member. Fans who are U.S. residents, ages 18 and over, can sign up once daily at aa.com/RangersPerks for a chance to win that specific prize. Not an AAdvantage® member? Sign up.

Click the link below to read the full story!

American Airlines partners with Texas Rangers

Forward-Looking Statements

Signia by Hilton debuts flagship downtown Atlanta hotel

January 15, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Atlanta, Georgia – Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) announced the highly anticipated opening of the 976-room Signia by Hilton Atlanta, marking the first new build and Georgia hotel for the Signia by Hilton brand, and Atlanta’s largest ground-up hotel development project in 40 years. Inclusive of the property’s debut, Atlanta represents Hilton’s largest market globally by number of hotels with a portfolio of 136 hotels across 13 brands welcoming travelers to the destination. In Atlanta, Hilton also has a pipeline of more than 40 hotels in various stages of design and construction.

Poised to become a signature landmark and economic catalyst on the city’s west side, Signia by Hilton Atlanta is owned by Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) and forms part of the Authority’s Championship Campus, North America’s largest combined convention, sports, and entertainment destination, which also includes Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park. Built on the repurposed foundation of the Georgia Dome, the hotel features eight food and beverage experiences; a spa, beauty bar, rooftop pool and fitness center; more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia; a grand outdoor event deck and lawn; and Club Signia.

Signia by Hilton Atlanta was developed by Boston-based Drew Company, with Gensler as the architect and interior designer, and a joint venture between Skanska and SG Contracting as the general contractor. As the tallest building on the west side of Atlanta, the 42-story, 1.25 million square foot property is enveloped in wall-to-wall glass, offering panoramic views of downtown Atlanta, an inspiring and curated art collection, and inviting spaces.

All guest rooms at Signia by Hilton Atlanta offer spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views and reflect the warmth and refinement of Southern luxury, featuring a combination of earth toned-fabrics, rich wood and rattan textures, and brass finishes. The colors and materials are inspired by the building’s unique location in the city, paying homage to some of the most historically important and culturally significant neighborhoods in Atlanta. Shades of amber, deep brown, soft beige, and slate blue evoke a subtle sophistication, while black and metallic details bring an understated modern twist. Together, these design elements invite guests to celebrate the distinguished style of Southern hospitality through a timeless look that is both stylish and functional.

Forward-Looking Statements

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection opens reservations for third superyacht Luminara

January 14, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unveiled its summer 2025 itineraries across its fleet, Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, marking an exciting moment as the company opens bookings for the inaugural season of its third superyacht. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection debuted in October 2022 with the launch of Evrima, the first time a luxury hospitality brand expanded into the cruising category. With all three superyachts now open for reservations, the brand extension continues to build on its success signifying continued growth and offering more opportunities for luxury travelers to enjoy unforgettable getaways at sea.

The Inaugural Season of Luminara
Inspiring curiosities and celebrations, Luminara, derived from Latin origin and meaning “light,” will measure 794 feet (242 meters) and accommodate up to 452 guests. In addition to 226 spacious suites, each boasting a private ocean-view terrace, a higher percentage of upper-suite categories, and superior guest amenities, the onboard experience will feature world-class dining, a wine vault, The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, and an expanded marina providing direct access to the sea. Among its range of upper-suite categories will be a new expansive accommodation, The Residential Suite, promising a collection of offerings that caters to a variety of preferences.

Luminara will embody contemporary craftsmanship and refined interior finishes envisioned by AD Associates, a renowned London-based architectural and design firm, with creative direction by Chapi Chapo Design, an internationally acclaimed Toronto-based luxury design firm, and celebrated lighting designer DPA. The yacht’s sleek and graceful exterior design, expertly envisioned by Helsinki-based design studio Aivan, draws inspiration from the elegant aesthetics of private yacht design. Inspired by light and luminescence, Luminara‘s design emphasizes elegance and sophistication. Its layout, featuring explorative passages and favoring circular silhouettes over geometric edges, creates a seamless design, forming a sense of limitless space in each area. A serene color palette of soft brown oak, Calcutta marble, leather accents, and touches of rich red, navy, and green will provide an elegant oasis at sea.

Click the link below to see the entire press release!

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

SBB takes skiers from around the world to the Swiss Alps

January 4, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

In order to meet the demand for sustainable and comfortable travel to winter sports areas, SBB offers direct trains, some of which run seasonally. With Snow’n’Rail, travelers also benefit from attractive discounts.

As soon as the first snow falls, snow enthusiasts from all over the world head to the Swiss slopes. According to Presence Switzerland, around a third of the Swiss population skis regularly. Many tourists also want to explore the Swiss slopes. Switzerland takes sixth place in the ranking of the most popular ski destinations. Many winter sports fans are placing more and more value on sustainable and comfortable travel by public transport. The SBB is also feeling this increasing demand and is therefore offering additional direct trains to the winter sports areas during the winter months. Other direct trains run to popular tourist destinations throughout the year. In addition to direct trains, which have already proven themselves in previous years, new offers will be added in the 2024 winter season.

New direct train to Einsiedeln

From January 13th to March 3rd, 2024, there will be two fast and direct connections from Zurich HB (departures at 8:27 a.m. and 9:40 a.m.) to Einsiedeln (arrivals at 9:19 a.m. and 10:24 a.m.) on the weekends in the morning and back again in the afternoon (departures at 3:32 p.m. and 4:38 p.m.). This RegioExpress takes cross-country skiers and sun-seekers directly to the trail without having to change.

New direct train Zurich HB–Brig

From Christmas to Easter (and on Ascension Day, Pentecost and from June to October) a new, fast direct train runs on Saturdays from Zurich HB (from 7.38 a.m.) with stops in Lenzburg, Thun, Spiez, Frutigen and Visp to Brig (at 9.38 a.m.) . On Sundays the train runs in the opposite direction from Brig at 4:18 p.m., arriving in Zurich HB at 6:32 p.m. The train takes skiers to the ski areas of the Bernese Oberland with a change in Spiez or Frutigen and to the slopes of the Valais ski areas from Visp or Brig. The train runs without stopping in Bern.

Vos Alpes Express

The “VosAlpes Express” has been running between Freiburg and Le Châble on weekends and public holidays from December 16, 2023 to April 14, 2024 (except March 16 and 17, 2024) for three years. The train leaves Friborg at 7:22 a.m. and arrives in Le Châble at 9:15 a.m. From Aigle there is a connection to Champéry to the Les Portes du Soleil ski area and from Bex to the Villars-Bretaye ski area. For the return journey, travelers use the “Verbier Express” at 5:27 p.m. from Le Châble and change in Bex (on the same platform) to the waiting “VosAlpes Express,” which arrives in Freiburg at 7:37 p.m. Supersaver tickets for the train are available in advance. Travelers also benefit from a 30 percent discount on their ski pass in Verbier and a 20 percent discount on the ski pass in Les Portes du Soleil when traveling with the “VosAlpes Express”. Further information can be found on the SBB website “VosAlpes Express”

Verbier Express

The Verbier Express runs between Geneva Airport and Le Châble on weekends and public holidays between December 16, 2023 and April 14, 2024 (except March 16 and 17, 2024). The train leaves Geneva Airport at 7:18 a.m. and Geneva at 7:29 a.m. and reaches Le Châble at 9:39 a.m. Conversely, it departs Le Châble at 5:27 p.m. and arrives in Genève at 7:40 p.m. and Genève-Aéroport at 7:47 p.m. When purchased in advance, travelers benefit from super saver tickets and, when traveling with the “Verbier Express”, a 30 percent discount on the 1-day ski pass for the Verbier sector. Further information can be found on the SBB website “Verbier Express”

Additional direct trains from Geneva to Chur

Since the timetable change in December 2022, two trains have been running directly from Geneva via Bern and Zurich to Chur and vice versa on weekends. Due to high demand, two additional direct trains were introduced on this line with the 2024 timetable. There are now four attractive direct connections in each direction spread throughout the day on weekends. Chur is an ideal starting point for onward travel to the well-known ski areas of Arosa Lenzerheide, Flims-Laax or Davos Klosters, as well as to smaller areas.

Direct train from Zurich Airport to Interlaken

Since the 2023 timetable, leisure travelers and tourists have been taking the IC81 directly and without changing trains from Zurich Airport and eastern Switzerland via Bern to Interlaken East. Direct trains also run with the IC61 from Basel SBB via Bern to Interlaken Ost. From there, the Jungfrau Railway takes snow enthusiasts to the Jungfrau Ski Region, which combines the three areas of Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn. The Zentralbahn also runs from Interlaken Ost to Meiringen for an onward journey to the Meiringen-Hasliberg ski area.

More winter sports trains and extensions

As in previous years, the SBB is also running additional winter sports trains to Chur and Brig this winter, which will run on weekends with particularly high demand. Furthermore, existing trains will be extended where possible and necessary in order to be able to offer more seats.

Snow’n’Rail and winter excursions: Travelers benefit from a discount of up to 30 percent

In the 2023/2024 season, over 25 ski areas are offering public transport travelers up to 30 percent discount on single or multi-day tickets. In addition, when purchasing a leisure offer from Snow’n’Rail, travelers benefit from up to 30 percent discount on the ticket for the arrival and return journey. In addition to ski offers, there are also various winter trip ideas with mountains and views to choose from.

With a Snow’n’Rail ski pass, Intersport Rent gives customers a 15 percent discount on the rental of ski or snowboard equipment. The discount can be obtained both in the shop upon presentation of the ski pass and online.

Luggage transport

For a relaxed journey without heavy luggage, SBB offers luggage transport with which travelers can have their suitcases and ski equipment transported directly from door to door or train station to train station. You can find more information about luggage transport on the SBB website “Baggage check-in”

Agreement for Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Hotels brands at China National Convention Center

January 3, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Marriott International Signs Agreement to Bring the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Hotels Brands to China National Convention Center in Beijing

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), recently announced that it has signed an agreement with Beijing North Star Company Limited to open the third The Ritz-Carlton and the first Marriott Marquis Hotel in Beijing. Expected to open in 2026, The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, North will provide its legendary service and elegant design to travelers in and abroad, while Beijing Marriott Marquis Hotel will deliver a perfect blend of heartfelt service and modern style at China National Convention Center Phase II, a large complex with hotels, retails, offices, leisure facilities, and spacious venues for high-level conferences, exhibitions, and events.

China National Convention Center Phase II is a large complex with a total of approximately 780,000 square meters that includes hotels, retails, offices, leisure facilities, as well as extensive spaces for high-level conferences, exhibitions, and events. As a key component of China National Convention Center Phase II, the hotels are approximately 20 kilometers away from Beijing Capital International Airport. Leisure and cultural attractions such as the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), and China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum are within walking distance.

Designed by the internationally acclaimed interior design firm Yabu Pushlberg Inc., The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, North is expected to feature 282 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites. Guests will be able to enjoy refined dining experiences across its six distinct venues. Reactional facilities are expected to include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Additionally, the hotel will offer well-equipped conference and event facilities totaling 968 square meters.

Beijing Marriott Marquis Hotel is anticipated to offer 671 guestrooms and suites, together with a range of culinary venues including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant and a relaxed lobby bar and lobby lounge (The Greatroom). Planned facilities also include a swimming pool and fitness center, as well as 3,207-square –meters of conference and event spaces including a Grand Ballroom, two Junior Ballrooms, three meeting rooms, and an executive club lounge – M Club. Guests can expect Marriott Hotels’ signature heartfelt service, with modern design, comfortable spaces and enriching experiences that blends leisure and business.

Forward-Looking Statements

SBB reports temporary failure will cancel Brig–Domodossola connections

December 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Due to a lack of approval from the responsible Italian authorities, certain SBB trains will no longer be able to operate on the Brig-Domodossola (I) route from January 1, 2024 until further notice. The corresponding trains are therefore canceled in both directions between Brig and Domodossola (I). This means that 38 of a total of 316 connections between Brig and Domodossola will be canceled every week. The EC trains to/from Milan and Venice as well as the BLS trains are not affected. These have appropriate approval in Italy.

Written confirmation required due to adapted fire protection regulations

The trigger is a corresponding fire protection regulation from the Italian Ministry of Transport, which will apply to passage through longer tunnels from the beginning of 2024. Due to border traffic agreements between Switzerland and Italy, the affected trains (Domino and EW IV) were previously exempt from this directive. Due to the pending adaptation of the border traffic agreement to the 4th railway package, a written confirmation from the Italian Ministry of Transport and the Italian Transport Authority is required for the approval of these two vehicle types for the journey between Brig and Domodossola. As soon as written confirmation is received, SBB will resume operations. SBB hopes that this will be the case as soon as possible. She asks travelers for their understanding and recommends checking the timetable in the SBB mobile app before starting each journey. If you have any questions, the SBB Contact Center can help you on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/minute).

Full steam ahead for ScotRail recruitment drive

December 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

ScotRail will steam into 2024 with scores of vacancies set to be filled as part of its biggest recruitment drive in years. The train operator has already recruited more than 200 new members of staff since August this year, with the human resources team working hard to keep the business on track to fill vacancies.

New and improved catering services have been boosted with an additional 34 catering staff hired across the network.

Almost 30 new conductors have passed through training to support service reliability, over 30 engineers recruited, and 100 new frontline staff members to offer enhanced customer service and support revenue protection.

The new year will see that activity continue, with a focus on more conductors in January, and many other exciting roles that will help to improve services and reliability for customers. ScotRail expects to recruit a further 160 people before the end of March 2024, with roles such as drivers, conductors, ticket examiners, and engineers. Those interested in a career with ScotRail are encouraged to check the company’s website as vacancies are advertised regularly.

With customer numbers on the rise, and timetable improvements delivering more journeys and newer electric trains, there has never been a better time to join Scotland’s Railway. ScotRail is recognised as a leading employer by the Top Employers Institute. Further information on job opportunities can be found on the ScotRail Careers website at www.scotrail.co.uk/careers

Park Hyatt Marrakech officially opens

December 28, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Chicago, Illinois, December 27, 2023 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announces the opening of Park Hyatt Marrakech, marking the debut of the Park Hyatt brand in Morocco and growing the brand’s presence in Africa, joining Park Hyatt Zanzibar and the forthcoming Park Hyatt Johannesburg, slated for 2025. Uniquely located about 9 miles (15 kilometers) from Marrakech’s historic Medina district, the 19-acre (7.5-hectare) resort is situated in an exquisite, off-the-beaten path location at the base of the Atlas Mountains. Surrounded by palm trees, olive trees and jacaranda trees, Park Hyatt Marrakech sits adjacent to the magnificent Al Maaden Golf resort, exclusively offering guests convenient access to the 18-hole course.

Park Hyatt Marrakech stands apart from other luxury hotels in the market through a distinctly residential, modern, and stylish take on Arab-Berber heritage. Inviting worldly travelers to experience the splendor of Marrakech and Morocco at large, the hotel encourages sensory enrichment via thoughtfully chosen touchpoints including authentic design and focus on the surrounding environment as juxtaposed to contemporary art, global fine dining and the latest in individually tailored wellness.

Composed of 16 pavilions arranged around a central, zeolite patio, Park Hyatt Marrakech encapsulates the personalized, understated luxury of the global brand with unexpected, hyperlocal experiences for guests – from breakfast in a hot-air balloon in the Three Atlas Valleys, to dinner in a Bedouin tent in the Agafay desert, to airport transfers in luxury electric cars, and more.

Forward-Looking Statements

New direct train to Einsiedeln

New direct train Zurich HB–Brig

Vos Alpes Express

Verbier Express

Additional direct trains from Geneva to Chur

Direct train from Zurich Airport to Interlaken

More winter sports trains and extensions

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