TRYP by Wyndham Debuts in Puerto Rico

TRYP by Wyndham Debuts in Puerto Rico

Wyndham Hotel Group today introduced TRYP by Wyndham® to Puerto Rico with the opening of the lifestyle brand’s first hotel in the island, the 109-room TRYP by Wyndham Isla Verde.

Located outside the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan,  TRYP by Wyndham Isla Verde is less than 10 minutes from San Juan Airport (SJU) and across the street from Isla Verde Beach, putting guests close enough to dig their feet in the sand, visit historic sites in Old San Juan and enjoy the area’s shopping, food and entertainment.

“Puerto Rico is a key tourism destination in the Caribbean known around the world for its beautiful beaches and vivacious culture,” said Paulo Pena, president and managing director, Latin America and Caribbean for Wyndham Hotel Group. “TRYP by Wyndham is the perfect fit for the island: the brand’s “Own the City” culture embraces the traditional character of San Juan, while its contemporary design and amenities meet the needs of today’s traveler.”

Owned by Empresas Santana, TRYP by Wyndham Isla Verde features an outdoor pool, a business center, a well-equipped fitness center, and guest laundry facilities. It also offers five meeting rooms totaling 2,000 square-feet of space for up to 175 guests.

Modern fusion cuisine developed by Executive Chef Christian Quiñones is served at the hotel’s Lobby Gastrobar, open every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sundays. The on-site restaurant offers Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner daily.

TRYP by Wyndham Isla Verde’s unmatched designed is highlighted across its 109 spacious guestrooms, including 40 king rooms, 56 double rooms, 5 family suites, 1 fitness king room, 1 king media room and 6 accessible rooms. Each of these room feature modern chic decor, free high-speed WiFi Internet access, flat screen HDTV, work station, coffee maker, microwave, and bath niceties.

 “With a mutual commitment to providing the best travel experiences, Wyndham Hotel Group was the perfect partner for this hotel,” said Dr. Jose A. Santana, president of Empresas Santana. “Isla Verde is full of exciting attractions for guests including golfing, shopping at The Mall of San Juan, or visiting popular sites such as Castillo San Cristóbal.”

The globally recognized TRYP by Wyndham brand offers a unique way to experience the destination with its city-centric culture and contemporary lodging options in some of the world’s largest urban centers including Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and New York City, among others.

In the Caribbean, Wyndham Hotel Group has a total of 10 hotels and 2,149 rooms under its TRYP by Wyndham, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Ramada®, and Howard Johnson® brands.

About TRYP by Wyndham
Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, TRYP by Wyndham® represents over 120 hotels and 17,000 rooms across Europe and the Americas. The brand currently caters to business and leisure travelers in cosmopolitan cities including Madrid and Barcelona in Spain; Paris, France; Lisbon, Portugal; Frankfurt and Berlin, Germany; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and New York City, U.S. Properties feature an “Own the City” brand culture, which focuses on openly displaying passion for guests and passion for the cities in which its hotels are located. Reservations and information are available by visiting www.tryphotels.com. Travelers have the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards®, the brand’s guest loyalty program, which can be joined for free at www.wyndhamrewards.com.

All TRYP by Wyndham hotels are either franchised by TRYP Hotels Worldwide, Inc. (THW), or its affiliate, or managed by an affiliate of Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC. THW is a subsidiary of Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC and parent company Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN).

About Wyndham Hotel Group
Wyndham Hotel Group is the world’s largest hotel company based on number of hotels and is one of three hospitality business units of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN). As both a leading hotel brand franchisor and hotel management services provider, the company’s global  portfolio consists of approximately 7,760 properties and 672,000 rooms in 71 countries under the following brands: Dolce Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Grand® Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Garden® Hotels, TRYP by Wyndham®, Wingate by Wyndham®, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham®, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham®, Ramada®, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®. Wyndham Rewards, the company’s guest loyalty program, offers more than 40 million members the opportunity to earn and redeem points at thousands of hotels across the world. 

ClubHotel Riu Negri Reopens in Jamaica

ClubHotel Riu Negri Reopens in Jamaica

RIU Hotels & Resorts presents the new ClubHotel Riu Negril which just reopened its doors after an extensive remodeling project in which the chain invested $20 million. The renovated hotel now has a more current and contemporary style and offers its guests new restaurants, bars and areas for children to enjoy. The hotel is one of RIU's most popular in Jamaica thanks to its charming Caribbean design and its excellent location in Bloody Bay overlooking an idyllic white sand beach with crystal clear waters.

The hotel's 420 rooms have been remodeled and now offer a more attractive and contemporary design, although their wooden furniture which provides character and warmth has been preserved. The bathrooms, in which the bathtubs were replaced with showers, were also remodeled.

All of the hotel's common areas, including the lobby and the reception, as well as the bars, restaurants, pools and gardens were remodeled. All of the bars and restaurants are newly decorated and designed, making them more functional, as well as more attractive.

The hotel's gastronomical offer consists of five restaurants, two of which stand out in particular, the new Asian restaurant 'Mandalay' and the new theme restaurant 'Kulinarium'. This innovative restaurant combines Caribbean and modern cuisine employing primarily local produce. These new options join the hotel's main restaurant which offers a buffet of international foods with various theme nights each week; the steakhouse 'Seagull'; the Italian restaurant, 'Luigi' and the popular grill 'The Local Jerk Hut' which offers traditional Jamaican chicken on the beach during the day.

As a result of the remodeling project, the hotel now has a new play area for children, the highlight of which is the pool with water slides. Meanwhile, adults also have an entirely new pool which joins the existing pools, providing guests with greater comfort and enjoyment. In addition, the new ClubHotel Riu Negril has a new Sports Bar open 24 hours a day. It is an ideal spot to enjoy a snack or cocktail while watching sports on its big screens.

The entertainment team is one of the highlights of this hotel as the members always have sports and games under way, both for adults and children. Every night the team offers different shows, as well as live music, in the theater.

RIU currently has five hotels in Jamaica–two in Negril, two in Montego Bay and another in Ocho Rios. All of the hotels have 24 hour all-inclusive service, characteristic of RIU Hotels & Resorts. The new Riu Reggae hotel, which is currently under construction, will expand the chain's offer when it opens its doors in Montego Bay at the end of 2016. 

The Habitation Jouissant Hotel in Haiti Joins Autograph Collection

The Habitation Jouissant Hotel in Haiti Joins Autograph Collection

Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International’s portfolio of properties recognized for celebrating individuality, will add The Habitation Jouissant – a boutique hotel located in Cap-Hatien, Haiti – to its global portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2017. The property, located in Haiti’s second largest city and situated on the country’s northern coast, will be Autograph Collection’s third hotel in the Caribbean and will serve as Marriott International’s second property in Haiti – following the opening of the Marriott Port-Au-Prince Hotel in early 2015.

“We look forward to welcoming Habitation Jouissant to our growing global collection,” said Julius Robinson, Vice President & Global Lead, Autograph Collection Hotels.  “As we approach welcoming our 100th property by early next year, we know Habitation Jouissant will bring both a unique and culturally rich perspective to the portfolio when it joins in 2017.”

As part of its transformation, Habitation Jouissant will undergo a comprehensive overhaul to include the addition of 87 guestrooms, bringing the guestroom total to 100 rooms with the property’s 13 already established suites. Once completed, the hotel will feature a new presidential suite, two restaurants, two pools, a fitness center and meeting rooms – all marked with one-of-a kind programs and amenities that follow Autograph Collection’s renowned tradition of providing experiences that are Exactly Like Nothing Else.

“We continue to seek out opportunities to bring leading hotel brands like Autograph Collection Hotels to Haiti in order to accommodate the impressive wave of international travelers visiting the region, specifically in Cap Haitien, “said Tim Sheldon, President of the Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International.  “The opening of Habitation Jouissant reaffirms our commitment to the great nation of Haiti and to the global presence of Autograph Collection, one of our company’s fastest growing and most unique brands.”

Originally built in 1959, the historic property was later acquired as a private residence by Haiti’s recognized Béliard family. In 2011, the residence was converted into a charming bed and breakfast and the following year, eight rooms were added for a total of 13 suites.  The property also boasts a restaurant and a bar, which is an established favorite among both locals and visitors.

“It is with a great deal of pride that we join Marriott International in their first venture in Cap-Haitien”, adds Fred Béliard, Chairman of the Fatima Group, and owner of Habitation Jouissant. “We are thrilled to not only be a part of Cap-Haitien’s history but we are also very proud to be part of its emergence and radiance with this new partnership. The North is a jewel. Its development, both touristic and economic, is essential to Haiti’s success. We are confident that our partnership with Marriott International is a turning point that will mark the beginning of many great endeavors for us and for our fellow members of the tourism industry in the North.”

Miami-based firm Hamed Rodriguez Architects will lead the expansion plans while International Design Concepts will spearhead the interior design strategy and renovation. Gallant Media Group will oversee Habitation Jouissant’s branding and Trust Hospitality will manage the property.

Courtyard by Marriott Kingston Opens in Jamaica

Courtyard by Marriott Kingston Opens in Jamaica

The Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica is now open and ready to welcome business and leisure guests from all over the world in one of the most sought after and beautiful destinations in the Caribbean. The hotel is centrally located in New Kingston, the business mecca of the city.

“Courtyard by Marriott has become a very popular brand in the Caribbean and is expanding rapidly,” said Tim Sheldon, President of the Caribbean & Latin America at Marriott International, Inc. “It offers excellent value in the mid-tier market that is currently underserved. The hotels adapt well to the lifestyle needs of both its domestic and international guests.”

Spacious guest rooms are larger than other hotels in the same category in the market and are designed to provide comfort and functionality. Featuring the highest-speed internet on the market, luxurious bedding, modern lounge furnishings and large work areas, Courtyard rooms accommodate the needs of travelers of all types. The refreshing lobby concept is contemporary, open and stylish, with colorful, bright and welcoming spaces where guests can check e-mail, gather informally with colleagues or simply relax.

The hotel also features the brand’s casual dining Centro restaurant with modern and local fare options such as Centro Burger and the “Must Have” Jerk Chicken Pasta, along with flexible meeting space and recreational facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness center and swimming pool.

Since the initial opening preparations of the hotel, the property has made it a point to connect and give back to the local community and help boost the Jamaican economy. The Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica currently works with the Citizen Security and Justice Program (Youth At Risk) and to date have provided employment for five of its participants.

The property has a practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions, allowing it to seek a L.E.E.D Silver Certification. This building will be 30% more energy-efficient than a standard building with a 16% reduction in water consumption, a 30% use of regional materials and will produce 5% of its energy on-site through solar panels.

The 129-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel, scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2015, will be located 19km from the Norman Manley International Airport and close to the city’s best dining and shopping.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand features hotels with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced while traveling. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road.  With more than 1,000 locations in more than 40 countries, Courtyard has more locations than any other Marriott International brand.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,300 properties in 85 countries and territories.  Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands.

Courtyard by Marriott Taipei Opens in Taiwan

Courtyard by Marriott Taipei Opens in Taiwan

Courtyard by Marriott yesterday made its debut into Taiwan with the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Taipei in the centre of Nangang District. Owned and operated by the Leofoo Tourism Group, the 465-room hotel is the 36th Courtyard branded hotel in Asia Pacific, and the latest addition to the growing portfolio of over 1,000 Courtyard by Marriott hotels in more than 40 countries worldwide.

The Courtyard by Marriott Taipei boasts a prime location. The hotel itself sits on the 7th to 30th floors above CityLink Shopping Mall, a building which serves as the main Nangang Station for Taipei Metro, Taiwan High Speed Rail, and Taiwan Railway. For air travelers, Songshan Airport is just 15 minutes away while and Taoyuan Airport a merely 45-minute ride. The hotel is in close proximity to the Nangang Exhibition Center, Nangang Technology Park, Nangang Software Park, Nangang Biotechnology Centre, Neihu Technology Park and the well-known landmark Taipei 101, making it perfect for business and leisure travelers.

“Nangang is the new heart of Taipei city and home to a host of technology companies,” said Henry Lee, Chief Operations Officer for Marriott International, Greater China, remarking on the occasion. “We are extremely pleased to work with Leofoo Tourism Group, a prestigious organization with great experience in the travel industry, to open our first Courtyard in this emerging hub in Taiwan.”

“We are delighted to partner with Marriott International” commented Lulu Chuang, Leofoo’s chief operating officer. “Courtyard by Marriott Taipei is Leofoo’s fifth hotel. We believe it will create a new atmosphere and expand Leofoo’s network, partnering with Marriott International’s extensive worldwide resources and professional management team.”

Designed in a refreshing and modern style, Courtyard by Marriott Taipei offers scenic views from all sides of the building. Six room types with size starting from 36 square metres provide good space for work and rest. Guests can also rejuvenate in the state-of-the-art Fitness Center.

Being the first international hotel brand in Nangang District, the Courtyard by Marriott Taipei is an ideal venue for corporate and social events. The 500-square-metre ballroom can be divided into eight function space to suit events of various sizes.

Guests are invited to explore three unique food and beverage outlets on property. Sunrise, a chic all day dining restaurant which is contemporary, welcoming and offers a wide range of international delicacies. Moonlight provides authentic Cantonese cuisine at its best while The Lounge serves selection of seasonal tea, spirits, wines and cocktails with delectable finger-foods, giving our patrons and guests, an ideal venue to just sit back and unwind.

Choice Hotels Releases 2016 Travel Outlook

Choice Hotels Releases 2016 Travel Outlook

As 2016 fast approaches, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:  CHH) reveals the top ten most interesting travel trends for US travelers in the new year. The company's latest survey captures a forecast of what travelers will be expecting as we count down to 2016.

"Without a doubt, 2016 is going to bring new and inventive ways for consumers to travel," said Patrick Pacious, executive vice president, and Chief Operating Officer at Choice Hotels. "The travel industry continues to evolve on a daily basis. From the blending of business and leisure travel to the growing consumer demand for stronger loyalty programs, it's important that we keep a pulse check on travelers around the country." 

The 2016 Travel Trend Outlook

Price Check, Please: 40% of travelers decided to defer a trip in 2015 due to airfare being way too high.

Close, but No Cigar: If the travel embargo to Cuba would be lifted, 52% of Americans say they would consider visiting Cuba. 

Where's Your Loyalty? 33% of travelers are not members of a travel loyalty or rewards program, yet 42% check for loyalty program special promotions when booking a hotel stay.

The Price We'd Pay: When asked what they would give up for a free night stay at a hotel, travelers quipped everything from their first born child to chocolate to "anything" as what they'd be willing to sacrifice.

Work Hard, Play Hard: 31% of travelers say that they have plans of booking a 'bleisure' trip, meaning adding a leisure trip onto the beginning or end of a business trip, in 2016.

Let's Set This Straight: Men are 112% more likely to want their hotel room equipped with an iron/ironing board than women. 

It's all about the Amenities: Free WiFi (60%) followed by cable TV (52%) and complimentary toiletries (28%) were the three amenities Americans can't live without in a hotel room.

So Much Work and So Little Time: 36% of Americans typically do not use all of their paid vacation time.

Show me the Money: 65% of travelers say that they would prefer an end of the year bonus instead of additional paid vacation time.

Time to Disconnect: While 8% of Americans say that they wouldn't last more than a day without technology, 38% say that they would absolutely love to take a vacation that is totally technology-free.

The Choice Hotels 2016 Travel Forecast was conducted by Newlio (www.Newlio.com) among a nationally representative sample of 1071 U.S. adults over the age of 18 that have taken one or more overnight trips in the past 12 months and who are also planning on taking one or more overnight trips in the next 12 months. Respondents were equally segmented above/below 40 years of age with an even male/female split.

Travel Companies Can Improve Revenues by Engaging Travelers on the Right Channels

Travel Companies Can Improve Revenues by Engaging Travelers on the Right Channels 

Marketing, as we know it, has been rapidly evolving over the past number of years, and 2015 has been a year of significant change. The role of marketing has transitioned from an expense to an accountable revenue driver that is no longer just a data point on a report or a vehicle to fill the sales pipeline. What has been the catalyst for this change? The dramatic growth of engagement marketing, which has become an expected norm from both the consumer and brand perspective. The message of engaging customers on the right channels has been emphasized over the past year as a foundation for generating incremental revenue. However, engagement marketing is now recognized as a primary driver of a company’s forecasted revenues.

A recent report by The Economist Intelligence Unit, sponsored by Marketo, “The Rise of the Marketer Driving Engagement, Experience and Revenue” examines three trends identified as important and will help a company not leave money on the table.

• A broader view of customer experience, which is increasingly seen as a key to competitive advantage in every industry.
• Digital and data dominate investment. Technology investment illustrates both the dominance and fragmentation of digital channels.
• Marketing will increasingly be seen less as a cost and more as a source of revenue- requiring the next generation of marketers to aggressively seeking new skills

As we examine these trends and what they mean to travel companies, the impact of this change can best be stated by Raja Rajamannar, CMO of MasterCard. “Marketing has become a significant item on the P&L, so it is being challenged like never before.” Travel brands are poised to take advantage of this shift by embracing the fact that 81% of marketers (The Economist) agree: “We need to change the structure and design of our marketing organization to meet the needs of our business over the next three to five years.”

A Broader View of Customer Experience

“A positive customer experience across all touchpoints is increasingly seen as a company’s most valuable asset.”  This statement referenced in the survey is spot on for the current direction of the travel and hospitality industry.  Travelers today expect an exceptional brand experience at each stage of their trip from the moment they begin dreaming, during the experience and sharing after the fact.

Traditionally a traveler’s experience has been fragmented by numerous communications generated by different brands and multiple departments within each company. An individual can receive dozens of offers, confirmations, and recommendations from various sources. The delivery of these messages comes in different formats; email, websites, PDF’s and social media - often lacking any emotional connection to the traveler. With the responsibility of customer engagement being shared by multiple sources, there is no one entity taking responsibility for the entire experience during the lifecycle of consumer touchpoints.  As Jamie Moldafsky, CMO, Wells Fargo states, “There is more of a need for the articulation of an integrated, holistic approach than before because there are myriad channels and contact points.”

The on-demand economy has created a traveling society that wants to be understood, wants offers and deals to be tailored, and do not want to be annoyed with irrelevant offerings and excessive, irritating, communication. This defines engagement marketing in its purest form and is best reflected in customer buying behavior, repeat purchases and virally sharing their experiences on social networks.

Travel brands are challenged to turn multiple offerings into an easy to understand engagement model.  Business strategies need to incorporate cross-channel, cross-product, and cross-business integration while keeping a guest first attitude. It is crucial to know the channels preferred by the traveler and craft the appropriate communication based on the channel and the offering. An email campaign containing a coupon for a restaurant discount for an upcoming trip is not as useful or practical as a text message received at your location offering a special dining deal to you at your destination.  With guests connected 24/7 and mobile becoming an important tool to enhance a traveler's experience, it's imperative that brands using these channels drive actionable results. So what is the best way to incorporate the best customer experience using the latest technology? 

According to The Economist Survey, three of the four most widely cited investments are aimed at reaching customers through different channels: via social networks, on mobile devices and the old standby of e-mail. The fourth, analytics, is needed to knit together data from multiple channels into a coherent and actionable portrait of the consumer.

Most businesses, including the travel sector, invest in a multi-channel approach. The use of various platforms such as social media, websites, digital advertising and content marketing still lacks a cohesive experience for the consumer. To deliver an integrated experience, organizations are rapidly adopting an omnichannel approach that accounts for each platform and device, a customer will use to interact with the enterprise. That knowledge is then used to deliver an integrated experience.

Leading travel brands like Disney and Virgin Atlantic have adopted omnichannel strategies that have proven to increase top line revenues. The "My Disney Experience" tool allows you to plan your trip including dining options and securing a fast pass, as well as informing the traveler of wait times, and the same app is used to open your hotel door and store pictures taken in the park.

The opportunity cost of not being omnichannel today is 10% in lost revenue, according to a Customer Engagement Tech Trends Study. With customer engagement a priority for 2016, an omnichannel approach needs to be incorporated into the marketing strategy, and this is where having accurate data is the key.

Before you can sell to your customer, you need to understand your customer. Big data is key to unlocking these insights and can no longer be viewed as just identifying behaviors, but the driver to creating a cohesive direction in elevating the traveler experience while improving revenues. Is marketing responsible for all of this?

Marketing as a Revenue Department

The shift in marketing moving from a cost center to a becoming a revenue generator is changing the role and skills necessary for the daily job function of a marketer. The traditional sales funnel has ceased to exist, with consumer purchasing occurring through the traveler journey.  Sales and revenue management still play a significant role. However, revenue is no longer isolated to a single purchase. Marketing has traditionally been responsible for building brand awareness and identity while generating leads. Marketing touchpoints have now become a consumer point of sale. Marketers today need to be technically enabled and understand the integration of using mobile, social networks and analytics to drive revenue.

According to The Economist survey, the top three skills marketers say they need to develop their skills in is digital, technology and strategy. What marketers need is the ability to combine the technical orientation of a project manager and data scientist with the big-picture view of a business strategist. 

Travel brands do not want to leave money on the table, and the recognition of marketing as a revenue source is changing that.  Digital has enabled companies to connect with a consumer throughout the lifecycle of a trip expanding the customer experience and brand engagement. Knowing your customer and providing offers tailored to the individuals needs not only improves transactions but promotes loyalty through a real time relationship.

To increase sales in 2016, a strategy needs to focus not only on the customer experience, but also an investment in technology, data analysis and enhanced training for marketing.  Combine this with an omnichannel approach and you will never miss a revenue opportunity.

About the Author

Lisa Israelovitch is a visionary entrepreneur with a love for travel and growing businesses that solve big problems. As the CEO and co-Founder of Umapped. Lisa brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality and real estate industry, ranging from large public companies to building start-ups from a promising idea into a million-dollar success story.