Travel & Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 28, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – The hospitality sector continues to evolve with significant leadership changes announced this week. From executive promotions to strategic appointments, the industry is seeing a dynamic shift in its personnel landscape.

Executive Leadership and Commercial Growth

HRI Hospitality has made a strategic move by appointing Lior Sekler as its first chief commercial officer.1 Sekler will spearhead the company’s newly formed Commercial Services Organization, with a focus on “driving revenue growth.” This appointment signals HRI Hospitality's commitment to expanding its commercial footprint.

Agilysys, Inc. has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Dan Bell as vice president, North America sales east—hotels, resorts, and cruises.2 This newly created role emphasizes Agilysys' focus on “PMS and POS growth” within the hospitality sector.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 28, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – Ray Powers, trustee and personal representative of the JP Edmondson Estate; Cynthia Zeigler, chairperson of the Board and Edmondson family representative; and William Cleaver, president and CEO of Affirmed Corporation, have announced a strategic collaboration with Crestline Hotels & Resorts, LLC to manage the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale East/Lauderdale-by-the-Sea hotel.

Strategic Partnership Aims to Enhance Guest Satisfaction

This new relationship signifies a firm commitment to enhancing the overall guest experience, bolstering associate satisfaction, and maximizing the hotel’s value for its ownership. The Courtyard Fort Lauderdale East is undergoing the final stages of a comprehensive renovation that encompasses all 106 guestrooms and suites, indoor and outdoor public spaces, and the inviting outdoor pool area.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 28, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has taken a significant step in advocating for the hospitality industry, emphasizing its substantial economic contributions and ongoing workforce recovery efforts. In a recent testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Workforce, AHLA President and CEO Rosanna Maietta addressed critical issues facing the sector.

Economic Contributions and Job Creation

The hotel industry plays a vital role in the U.S. economy, supporting one in every 25 jobs nationwide and contributing nearly $900 billion to the country’s GDP. This data underscores the industry's significant impact and its importance as a driver of economic growth.

Workforce Recovery and Challenges

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 28, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – Westgate Resorts has officially announced its definitive agreement to acquire Bellevue, Washington-based Vacation Ownership Sales (VOS), along with the management and sales and marketing rights for VI Resorts. This strategic acquisition, set to close in 2025, marks a significant expansion for Westgate Resorts, solidifying its position as a leader in the vacation ownership industry.

Expanding Westgate's Portfolio and Vacation Club Offerings

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 28, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – Accor, Booking.com, and the University of Surrey have released a groundbreaking report detailing the motivations of sustainable travelers and offering crucial insights into optimizing communication strategies to encourage eco-friendly behaviors. This research, aimed at bridging the gap between intention and action, highlights the importance of clear, specific messaging to overcome traveler skepticism and promote sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.

Understanding Traveler Motivations

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 28, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – Marriott International has announced the appointment of Carolina Voullieme as the new multi-property director of sales and marketing, a strategic move designed to enhance its presence in the Caribbean. Voullieme will oversee the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort, leading the charge in sales and marketing strategies to drive revenue, improve guest experiences, and expand market share.

Strategic Leadership and Extensive Experience

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 28, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 - In a recent interview with Hotel Business, Elizabeth Harlow, Chief Brand Officer of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, shared insights into her career, leadership experiences, and the company's future direction.

A Passion for Hospitality

Harlow's journey into the hospitality industry began with a lifelong fascination. "Yes, I’ve been passionate about hospitality from a young age. Growing up, I was fortunate to travel both domestically and internationally with my parents, which sparked my love for exploring new places. Hotels, in particular, fascinated me—their ability to create memorable experiences left a lasting impression. Those early travels inspired me to pursue a career in the industry, knowing I wanted to be part of crafting those experiences for others."

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 27, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb 27, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – January 13, 2025 – A groundbreaking study by the Denkfabrik Zukunft der Gastwelt (DZG) (Think Tank Future of the Hospitality Industry) in collaboration with Fraunhofer IAO has revealed the immense potential of the hospitality industry to integrate low-skilled young adults into the job market. The study, titled "Integration Engine Hospitality Industry," the second part of which will be presented on March 11, 2025, shows that the hospitality industry can offer employment opportunities to nearly three million young people up to the age of 34.

The Significance of the Hospitality Industry in Combating Unemployment

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 27, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb-27, 2025 – ITB Berlin 2025, taking place from March 4th to 6th, will open on March 3rd with an impressive opening event by this year's host country, Albania. With an exceptional supporting program, the event will set the stage for the world's leading travel trade show. High-ranking political representatives and key figures from the global tourism industry will attend the event.

Curtain Up for Albania – Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 27, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 27, 2025 - While backpackers and shoestring travelers continue to explore the world with guidebooks in hand (or e-books on devices; it’s 2025, after all), there’s a luxurious realm of travel that never fails to fascinate. The new (third) season of The White Lotus, which is set at an opulent resort on the Thai island of Ko Samui, has escalated such curiosity globally. Consider me curious no more! Ladies and gents, I am pleased to report that I did in fact find this season's grandeur and mystique at some of the very resorts on Ko Samui and Phuket where the series was filmed.