News & Articles - hotel industry

  • Hyatt to Use Mobile Health App for Meetings, Events

    2021/03/22

    Hyatt Hotels Corp. plans to incorporate a digital health passport into its events programs. “Since the onset of the pandemic, we have believed accessibility to testing and resources would play a critical role in the travel industry’s recovery,” says Hyatt senior vice-president of global operations, Frank Lavey. The hospitality company announced it would use the VeriFLY + Stay app on March 9. The mobile app provides real-time verification of COVID-19 credentials and travel guidelines. It is currently employed by American…

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  • Marriott Promotes Longtime Execs to President, CEO

    2021/03/22

    Marriott International has a new president and CEO in Stephanie Linnartz and Tony Capuano, respectively. The two veteran Marriott executives had been sharing responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company’s business units and corporate functions since early February, when former president and CEO Arne Sorensen stepped back from full-time management to focus on his health. Sorenson passed away shortly thereafter on Feb. 15, after an almost two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. “Tony has played a critical role in…

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  • Canadian City Seeks Accreditation as Safe Destination for Travel, Business

    2021/03/09

    Edmonton will soon be the first Canadian destination with a health and safety designation. Explore Edmonton is collaborating with its tourism and hospitality industries to pursue a city-wide Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star accreditation. “Edmonton’s tourism, hospitality and events industries will play an important role in our region’s post-COVID recovery, getting people back to work, welcoming travellers back to the city and delivering important economic and social benefits to our region,” says Maggie Davison, acting CEO of Explore Edmonton.…

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  • Hazelton Hotel Welcomes New General Manager

    2021/03/08

    Toronto’s first luxury boutique hotel has a new general manager. Gaurav Dutta will oversee the Hazelton’s day-to-day operations and performance in his leadership position. “I am moving into this exciting chapter and role with an incredible team of hospitality experts and a strong existing relationship with our guests and residents,” says Dutta. “Together, we will have the opportunity to build on our success, heighten our service excellence and preserve the exceptional culture of our establishment.” Dutta joined the Hazelton in…

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  • Hotel Chain Incentivizes Vaccination with Financial Reward

    2021/03/08

    Employees at Marriott hotels will receive the equivalent of four hours of pay if they get vaccinated for COVID-19. The hotel chain made the announcement March 4. “Marriott International is confident that vaccination is a key measure, along with mask wearing, social distancing and stepped up cleanliness protocols and hygiene practices, in minimizing the spread of COVID-19,” says Marriott’s global chief human resources officer, David Rodriguez. “As vaccines become more widely available, this will create a safer environment for all…

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  • Marriot CEO Dies after Battle with Cancer

    2021/02/22

    Marriott International president and CEO Arne Sorenson has died at 62, after a 22-month battle with pancreatic cancer. His death at his Washington home on Feb. 15 was unexpected. The high-profile hotel industry executive had just reduced his work schedule to focus on more intensive treatment for his health. “Arne was an exceptional executive but more than that he was an exceptional human being,” said J.W. Marriott Jr., executive chair and chair of the board, in a statement. “Arne loved…

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  • Iconic Hotel’s First Foray into Canada includes Factory Revitalization

    2021/02/08

    A former cereal factory is getting a sweet-looking makeover. Hard Rock has announced plans to transform the historic Kellogg’s Canada site in London, Ont., into a 353-room hotel and entertainment venue. “This property will provide a multitude of local attractions and unique on-property activities sure to create lasting memories for all who visit,” says Todd Hricko, senior vice-president of hotel development at Hard Rock International. The hotel will be completed in two phases, with an initial 163-room opening planned for…

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  • Toronto Hotel Debuts Fresh Look after Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

    2021/01/25

    The Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport reopened its doors Jan. 11, after completing a $20 million renovation. The transformation marks a new beginning for the hotel, which looks forward to hosting conferences and meetings when the need resumes. “The hotel is one of the largest airport hotels in the market and now the most modern,” says Sukhdev Toor, president of Manga Hotels, which owns and operates the Crowne Plaza. “The renovation and undertaking of this new look and design was extensive…

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  • Hilton Introduces Hybrid Solutions for Meetings and Events

    2021/01/25

    Hilton has introduced a set of hybrid solutions to address the dramatic shift away from in-person meetings and events during the pandemic. The new offerings, which will continue to evolve alongside customer needs, direct event planners to Hilton’s hybrid-ready hotels while also providing them with additional resources, including an expanded ‘playbook’ with in-depth information on planning and executing small hybrid events and flexible customer offers for a more seamless contract experience. “Hilton has remained a leader in the meetings and…

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  • Marriott Offers COVID-19 Testing for Group Meetings

    2021/01/11

    As part of ongoing steps to help instil confidence for meeting professionals and attendees, Marriott International has introduced optional COVID-19 testing. Tests can be self-administered by guests prior to travel or administered by a third-party provider on-site at the hotel. The initiative builds upon health protocols already in place as part of the recent launch of Connect with Confidence, a program empowering meeting professionals to identify and tailor solutions that best meet the needs of their attendees. “We engaged industry-leading…

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