Hotel, Organisations & Operators,

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, fierce competition drove the tourism industry. Businesses worked independently, with no sense of shared mission. Now, more than two years on, one industry executive said that’s all changed.
On a recent episode of Influencers with Yahoo Finance,Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart explained how COVID-19’s effects on the economy helped to “unify” players in the tourism industry.“I saw in COVID, a level of unification amongst competitors, that was second to none,” Stewart told Yahoo Finance. “The cruise industry came together with the land-based hospitality industry, came together with the airlines, came together with associations like the World Travel and Tourism Council.”
Sandals is made up of five brands and has 24 properties in eight countries including, Antigua, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Curaçao and Turks & Caicos.
Supply chain challengesStewart said the industry is now bearing the brunt of supply chain issues spurred by the pandemic as well as crushing inflation. For example, though many items sold by the tourism industry in Jamaica are manufactured locally, the country still relies heavily on overseas imports. For instance, Jamaica imported $1.12 billion worth of food in 2021, according to the International Trade Administration. Sixty percent of those imports were for the hotel, restaurant, and institutional sector.“Just to get all the, what we call in the in the hotel industry, the circulating inventory — So, the linens and the food and all the elements that we can procure locally, but even locally, right now in Jamaica, we’re having issues with glass bottles.” Stewart said. “So, for alcohol products, they’re just unable to get the raw materials to finish the product.”
Stewart added that the global chip shortage is also creating challenges for his company’s work with the automobile business. “Our group is also in the car business. We represent BMW and Mini for this region in the Caribbean, [and there have been] lots of supply issues between chips and different elements made within the cars,” he said.ADVERTISEMENTFortunately, Stewart says, the tourism industry has been able to tackle global supply chain issues by working together as in during the pandemic.
“Everyone worked daily on this recovery,” Stewart said. “I think you’re starting to see it more and more now on the supply chain side of people just trying to do everything they can to get over the hump of these supply chain issues.”
Stewart went on to say that economic adversity has changed the way workers relate to one another in the tourism industry.

“What it’s forcing you to do is … to work your relationships more, from a shipping point of view on, and just moving product from wherever it’s made anywhere in the world,” he explained. “And it’s requiring a different level of infrastructure. … We’re running a team about 25% larger today than we were in 2019.”
Despite staffing up, Stewart said labor shortages are another challenge facing the industry.
“On the labor side, it’s a bit of a big mystery where everyone’s going, where they’re all going to work. There are a lot of people leaving and moving between industries,” he remarked.
Yet, he says that Sandals, is an “employer of choice” and provides employees with educational opportunities and skills training to move onto other professions. For instance, employees can enroll in Sandals Corporate University, where they can earn a masters degree or even a doctorate.
Stewart reflected, “So when you put it all together, Sandals really, all things being equal, has a lot more attrition and rotation of staff than probably most any other business in this hemisphere.”

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Melanie C popped into Wembley this week, ahead of England’s appearance in Sunday’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2022™ Final, to open Booking.com’s spectacular Pitch View Penthouse, the most coveted spot in the stadium for the big match against Germany.
Singer and Musician Melanie C, who is partnering with Booking.com for the second year in a row said: “I’m so excited that England are in the final of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and I can’t wait to watch the match. Whoever is cheering on the Lionesses from the private terrace of Booking.com’s Pitch View Penthouse, will have the best seats at Wembley on Sunday! It’s such an amazing space and the lucky guests that have booked this, are going to have a truly unforgettable experience. Let’s hope our fearless girls bring home the trophy! Come on England! #GirlPower.”
Musician and Spice Girl Melanie C was the first guest to visit the football-themed penthouse, though she didn’t get the chance to stay the night. The amazing space has been specially created by and listed on Booking, for a one-night-only sleepover experience for two lucky guests to watch the final. The stay was booked within minutes of the listing going live on Booking.com, when the tournament began on 6 July.
Booking.com is the Official Accommodation Booking Partner of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022™, which has taken place across nine cities in England, from 6 –31 July.
The ultimate overnight football experience will kick off with a chauffeured drive to Wembley Stadium, followed by a behind-the-scenes stadium tour.ADVERTISEMENTThe guests will then meet former England football player, Karen Carney, before checking into Booking.com’s Pitch View Penthouse, where they will enjoy the final, before retreating for the night, surrounded by unhindered views of the pitch. The morning after the final, guests will be invited to an exclusive pitch-side breakfast.
Booking.com’s partnership with the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022™ is part of the travel brand’s global strategic partnership with UEFA, in which Booking.com is the exclusive accommodation booking partner for all UEFA National Team Football events.

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Source: Eric Ward
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced partnerships with two leading anti-human trafficking organisations, ECPAT-USA and Polaris, to strengthen the company’s on-going efforts against trafficking and support survivors. The launch of these engagements coincides with the United Nations’ July 30 observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, designed to call attention to the millions of individuals who are trafficked each year.
Through support of ECPAT-USA and Polaris’ programs, IHG will amplify awareness of the prevalence and dangers of human trafficking through education and advocacy. Senior advisors from both organisations will also join IHG’s anti-human trafficking steering committee and provide subject matter expertise for the company’s initiatives to deter criminal behavior through identification and reporting. In addition, IHG will continue supporting ECPAT-USA and Polaris through the donation of IHG One Rewards loyalty points, which will help the organisations provide refuge for human trafficking survivors escaping dangerous situations.
Elie Maalouf, CEO, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “IHG’s partnerships with ECPAT-USA and Polaris are a next step in our relationship with these leading organisations. This effort, in addition to our ongoing industry-wide collaborations, underscores our deep commitment to making progress against trafficking’s horrible crimes. Working together more closely will help us focus on the most impactful initiatives, as well as help us support and learn from trafficking survivors to strengthen prevention measures.”
As an extension of its engagement with Polaris, IHG will serve as the only hospitality sponsor for its partner’s National Survivor Study. A core component of Polaris’ evidence-based efforts to fight human trafficking, the Study will include feedback from surveys, interviews and focus groups with anti-trafficking leaders and survivors across North America. Polaris anticipates concluding this research in December 2022.
Jen Jinks, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer, Polaris, said: “The National Survivor Study (NSS) is a scientifically rigorous, qualitative and quantitative study co-created and co-delivered with victims and survivors. The first of its kind, the NSS will lift up new and different insights from the experts themselves – victims and survivors. Polaris is thrilled to partner with IHG and our other funders on this innovative and survivor-centered work.”ADVERTISEMENTYvonne Chen, Director of Private Sector Engagement, ECPAT-USA, said: “ECPAT-USA is incredibly grateful for the leadership role IHG has taken in combatting human trafficking across the hospitality industry and for this new partnership to raise awareness of these issues and support our programs. We look forward to continuing to work together in the creation of meaningful and impactful steps to protect all children from exploitation.”
IHG also continues to work closely with a variety of organisations to coordinate efforts and share anti-human trafficking best practices. In addition to its partnerships with ECPAT-USA and Polaris, IHG is a proud partner of international nonprofit organisation It’s A Penalty, which works to stop trafficking around sporting events, and Atlanta nonprofit organisation Wellspring Living in the U.S., which focuses on transforming the lives of those at risk for or victimised by sexual exploitation.
Working together with industry trade groups such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association and its foundation to support its “No Room for Trafficking” program, as well as offering free anti-human trafficking training for all IHG hotels and colleagues, are additional ways the company is working to effectively fight these exploitations that plague communities across the globe.
A global company with a presence in more than 100 countries across more than 6,000 hotels, IHG considers addressing human trafficking a key component of its larger commitment to responsible business. Read more about the company’s position and its consistent standard across every market in its global Human Rights Policy. 
IHG Hotels & Resorts is nominated as Middle East’s Leading Hotel Group 2022 by World Travel Awards.

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Vail Resorts has announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Michael Barkin will be stepping down after nearly a decade in role to take time to pursue personal opportunities. Barkin’s resignation will be effective December 31, 2022, or such other date as mutually agreed upon based on the timing of appointing a successor and a transition.
“On behalf of our leadership team, I want to thank Michael for his many contributions over the past 10 years,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “Michael has been instrumental in Vail Resorts’ success and I am particularly grateful for his support and partnership in my first year as CEO as well as for the strong finance team he built which ensures we are well positioned for the future.”
“Michael leaves behind a legacy of transformation and growth at Vail Resorts,” said Rob Katz, executive chairperson of Vail Resorts. “He played a central role in the company’s expansion nationally and globally – through the acquisition and integration of 34 resorts across four countries – and was an integral part of the team as we re-imagined so many parts of our business, including elevating and scaling our financial organisation and capital allocation efforts. We are fortunate to have benefited from his incredible expertise and leadership, and from both me on a personal level and everyone at Vail Resorts, we wish him all the best in the next part of his life’s journey.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of Vail Resorts over the last decade,” said Barkin.  “It has been a privilege to work at an organisation that prioritises leadership development above all else and combines the passion we share for our resorts and the guest experience with the focus we bring to building a successful and sustainable business. I am so proud of what our team has accomplished and am confident that this foundation will result in continued success for the company under Kirsten’s outstanding leadership. I look forward to supporting my successor through a smooth transition as we set the company up for a successful year ahead.”
Barkin joined Vail Resorts in July 2012 as vice president of strategy and development and was named chief financial officer in March 2013.ADVERTISEMENT

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Wyndham Grand Mirabello Bay Crete
Millions of British households are facing a cost-of-living crisis with day-to-day costs rising at rates that haven’t been seen since the 1970s. With high inflation levels and increasing demand, going on holiday this summer is also becoming more expensive for many.
Despite the increasing cost-of-living, according to a new YouGov* research online survey commissioned by loyalty programme Wyndham Rewards, 38% of respondents are still willing to dip into their savings to be able to go on holiday this year, showing that a long-awaited post-lockdown break is more important than ever. 39% of respondents also expect to spend more on their holidays this year than pre-Covid. While Brits recognise that they find it difficult to set a realistic budget for their holidays and stick to it (32%, increasing to 43% for respondents aged 25-44), 38% of those who go on holiday said they prioritise work and family commitments, rather than spending time planning their trips within the budget.
Alice Beer says: “With the cost-of-living skyrocketing, being money savvy has never been more important. Saving doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, we overlook small but very important things that can make the biggest difference when planning your holiday. There are many easy ways to keep the costs down and make sure you can enjoy that well deserved holiday:
Book as far in advance as possible – Last minute bookings are not as cheap as they used to be.Put the trip cancellation date in your diary – Ensure you know the cancellation terms and put the date your trip can be cancelled by in your diary. Then if your plans change, or you find something better, you can change your booking.Browse destinations where you can get more for your money –The accommodation is only part of the cost, consider the price of meals, activities and treats when you get there. Destinations such as Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Germany offer great value. Savings can add up if you are part of a hotel loyalty scheme – You will be the first to hear about flash sales and can get great perks ranging from special ‘member rates’ to early check-ins, late check-outs and room upgrades.Collect loyalty points when staying in budget-friendly hotels – You can save these points towards a free stay in the future. Loyalty Programmes are global, so a staycation, trip to visit family, or a business trip can all help you earn points towards a fabulous holiday abroad.For group travel, look at branded residences or apart-hotels – These accommodation types provide the facilities and amenities of a hotel and the confidence of staying with a well-known brand. At the same time, they usually work out cheaper per person and give you the freedom that comes with larger accommodation and kitchen facilities, so you can save on eating out.Once you have found quotes online, book directly on the hotel website – Large booking sites often charge a commission on the price and the hotel can sometimes offer you a better rate when you book direct, some hotels also provide upgrades, free drinks or other service perks if you book directly through their website or mobile apps giving you more value for your money. Hotel brand websites will also show you rates across their different properties, so if your destination is flexible you can search for the best deal for your budget whilst staying with the brand you know and trust.”
When it comes to saving on hotel bookings, the results of the survey paint a mixed picture. More than one third (34%) of Britons who go on holiday prefer to save on hotels and use the money for other activities, with almost 49% of all respondents browsing online price comparison tools or travel agents (20%) when asked their top two methods to find the best deals. However, only 37% check directly on hotels’ websites to find the best deals. What is more, while many respondents find loyalty perks like discounted room rates (55%) and free hotel stays (46%) attractive, but only 20% actively use hotel loyalty programmes and associated benefits.
Julie White, Vice President Commercial, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa EMEA, commented: “Despite a challenging economic climate, after two years of missed holidays people are eager to make their summer trip work. Our industry is resilient, and it is our priority to help people get the holidays they deserve. Loyalty schemes such as Wyndham Rewards can bring significant savings, especially if you use them over time. From exclusive members’ discounts, flexible cancellation policies, ability to use points for hotels, as well as many high-street brands, there are many easy ways to make the most out of your trips. Being savvy with your booking can make all the difference and we hope Alice’s tips will help travellers make the most of their holidays this summer and beyond.”
Wyndham hotels around the world participate in Wyndham Rewards, the world’s most generous hotel rewards programme with thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide. The award-winning programme gives more than 94 million members globally generous points earning and redemption options, including free nights at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally.

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dnata Representation Services, part of the dnata Travel Group, is growing its partnership with the Banyan Tree Group across Thailand as the country emerges as one of the most popular international travel destinations from the GCC countries this year.
dnata Representation Services has acted as exclusive sales representative in the Middle East for the Banyan Tree Group’s Maldivian properties since 2016. dnata will now provide support for a range of its popular hotels and resorts across Thailand, offering regional travellers exclusive holiday packages and dedicated local support.
Its representation will cover ever-popular Banyan Tree Bangkok in the capital, and multiple properties across the country’s largest island, Phuket. This includes Banyan Tree Phuket, which recently launched a new wellbeing resort – Banyan Tree Veya Phuket – as part of its cluster; Angsana Laguna Phuket, opening this year a highly-anticipated new restaurant, ATOLL, set amidst a lagoon; alongside the Homm Bliss South Beach Patong and Cassia Phuket.
dnata Travel, based across the GCC, recently announced that Thailand is the most popular holiday destination for UAE travellers for summer 2022, while the brand records a surge in popularity for travel to the country across its wider regional operations including in KSA.
Sébastien Doussin, DVP – Global Ground Services & Destination Management at dnata Travel Group, commented: “As one of the Middle East’s longest-standing travel providers, we remain at the forefront of latest traveller trends across the region. Our enhanced partnership with the Banyan Tree Group, owner of some of the world’s most renowned luxury resorts, enables us to support our travellers with excellent hotel packages in some of the most sought-after travel destinations from this part of the world including Thailand and the Maldives.”ADVERTISEMENTdnata’s enhanced coverage of Banyan Tree Group properties in Bangkok and Phuket, two areas of Thailand proving most popular with GCC travellers for summer 2022, comes in addition to its exclusive representation of its three signature hotels in the Maldives, including Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Velavaru and Angsana Ihuru.
The Maldives islands, which opened to tourists in July 2020, have remained ever-popular with travellers across the Middle East pre-pandemic and ongoing, offering easy access to paradise islands at a short flight time.
Benjawan Meksakul, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing – Thailand & Laos of Banyan Tree Group, added: “We are pleased to appoint dnata Representation Services, a well-known industry company as our Global Sales Agent – Middle East. Having created successes for different hotel brands in the luxury and premium space, dnata’s expertise and rich experience will see them implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies for our Thailand hotels post-COVID and create greater awareness for the global multi-brand ecosystem of Banyan Tree Group in the Middle East market.”

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After three highly successful years as a major partner and official jersey sponsor of Paris Saint-Germain, Accor has decided to extend its commitment with the French football giant, albeit in a different capacity, for a further four years to promote its lifestyle loyalty program. In the new partnership, ALL-Accor Live Limitless will now be visible on the sleeve of PSG’s training jersey, while a major focus of the collaboration will be on using Paris Saint-Germain assets to engage with and offer unique experiences to ALL – Accor Live Limitless members all over the World.
The partnership was initially created in 2019 to launch ALL-Accor Live Limitless, the daily lifestyle companion that brings together and enhances all the brands, services and partnerships operating within the Accor ecosystem. It has been a great success in providing current and future members with unforgettable experiences while supporting and promoting awareness of what was a new brand. The sponsorship has enabled ALL to be established as a global brand.
Over the last three years, members benefited from exclusive opportunities to meet the most high-profile players, from watching a match at home with them to discussing the sporting world while enjoying a different leisure activity like yoga, karting or music together, and even receiving their favorite player’s lucky shirt, at a time when the team was being strengthened with global stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, Sergio Ramos and Marquinhos. These award-winning activities with players have facilitated the adoption of ALL as Accor’s booking platform & loyalty program.
With more than 40 hotel brands Accor has been developing a hospitality ecosystem that attracts and retains the loyalty of guests around the world by offering meaningful experiences and a wide variety of rewards enabling members to work, live and play far beyond their hotel stays. The extended Paris Saint-Germain partnership will continue to be central to this.
“We’re thrilled to extend our successful relationship with one of the most iconic sporting brands in the world. It helped launch our new lifestyle and travel loyalty program ALL- Accor Live Limitless – to a global audience and has been a magnet for our members who have enjoyed numerous “money can’t buy” Limitless Experiences with the club over the past three years.  We are looking forward to the next chapter and delivering even more value to our members and our business.” – Mehdi Hemici, Chief Loyalty and Partnerships Officer.ADVERTISEMENT“The destiny of ALL – Accor Live Limitless is intrinsically linked with Paris Saint-Germain. We have been partners from the very beginning, something that is unique in the history of a brand. By appearing on the emblematic jerseys worn by our teams and offering ever more innovative and exclusive experiences, ALL have won our fans’ hearts and have created a very strong bond with our supporters and the members of their loyalty program worldwide.  In three years, we have shared unforgettable emotions both on and off the pitch. Today, we are excited to continue our adventure in order to keep surprising and delighting the PSG x ALL family.” – Marc Armstrong, Chief Partnerships Officer.

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Blackstone has announced that real estate funds and private equity funds managed by Blackstone (“Blackstone”) have completed the acquisition of Crown Resorts Limited (“Crown”) in the largest transaction to date for the firm in Asia Pacific. The transaction comprises three premium resort and casino properties in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Blackstone will work with the management team at Crown and its thousands of dedicated employees, as well as their representatives from the United Workers Union and other partner unions, to transform these properties into world-class entertainment destinations and continue Crown’s transformation to operate at the highest standards of compliance, governance, and integrity.
As one of Australia’s largest entertainment groups, Crown makes a major contribution to the Australian economy. Crown’s core businesses include two of Australia’s leading integrated resorts, Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth, as well as Sydney’s latest premium hotel resort and dining precinct at Crown Sydney.
Alan Miyasaki, Head of Real Estate Acquisitions Asia, Blackstone, said: “We are thrilled to become the new owner of Crown, bringing our expertise in hospitality to help the company achieve its full potential as a leading travel and leisure company. We first invested in Crown two years ago, seeing the tremendous underlying potential of the company and its people. We look forward to working with the teams at Crown and applying our experience in owning and operating marquee hospitality brands around the globe with the highest levels of ethics and integrity to create something unique for employees, local communities, and visitors.”
Chris Tynan, Head of Real Estate Australia, Blackstone, said: “This is a great opportunity that plays to Blackstone’s strengths – investing significant capital and resources to rebuild Crown into an iconic destination for travel and leisure that everyone can be proud of. Blackstone has built a strong Australian presence over the last 12 years. We look forward to supporting the local economy, creating jobs, and attracting visitors to Crown’s exceptional properties.”
Steve McCann, Crown Resort’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Today, Crown emerges as part of the Blackstone family, which is the start of a new era for this great company and its 20,000 team members. Over recent times, Crown has undergone immense transformation, and we know under Blackstone’s ownership, we will realise our vision to deliver world-class entertainment experiences and a safe and responsible gaming environment.ADVERTISEMENT“Australian tourism has entered a recovery phase, and we believe this trend will continue. Crown’s suite of outstanding assets has built a loyal customer base over the past 28 years, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead of us as we revitalise Melbourne and Perth and celebrate the addition of Sydney. With Blackstone’s investment and expertise, we’re confident Crown will cement its place on the global stage as one of the world’s leading owners and operators of integrated resorts,” he said.
Blackstone has built a strong track record in the wider hospitality, travel, and leisure sectors. The firm completed the sale of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas this year, after transforming the property into one of the most vibrant destinations on the Las Vegas Strip. During its 8-year ownership, Blackstone implemented significant operational changes, developed best-in-class management team, and invested significant capital to renovate 3,000 guest rooms and enhance F&B offerings. In addition, Blackstone owned Hilton Hotels Corporation for 11 years, during which it helped double the size of the company to more than 5,300 properties and 400,000 employees worldwide. Its other recent investments in these sectors include the acquisition of an 8-hotel portfolio across Japan’s top tourist destinations; acquisition of Bourne Leisure, a premier British holiday company; and joint acquisition of Extended Stay Hotels.

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