Choice announces leadership changes: Choice Hotels International promoted Chief Operating Officer Patrick Pacious to president and chief Operating Officer. In this expanded position. Additionally, Scott Oaksmith was promoted to senior vice president, finance and chief accounting officer. Oaksmith has worked within the company’s financial organization for over 14 years, most recently serving as controller.
Le Bristol names managing director: Oetker Collection named Luca Allegri managing director of Le Bristol Paris, effective in August. Most recently, Allegri was managing director of hotels, restaurants and spas at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer in Monaco, home of Hotel de Paris and Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.
Airbnb revenue in Miami: The American Hotel & Lodging Association released a report revealing that US$76 million of Airbnb revenue in Miami came from operators listing multiple units for rent.
Travel in Brazil: According to a recent report from GBTA, Brazilian business travel will continue to face difficulties for the remainder of 2016. The new report has downgraded business travel in Brazil for the fourth consecutive time, with total business spending in Brazil forecast to decline by 8.5% this year.
Benchmark announces Orlando resort: Benchmark Hospitality International will open The Grove Resort & Spa in Orlando. The 878-all-suite property will open its first phase this fall.
Business travel under pressure: Hogg Robinson Group predicts that business travel revenue will remain under pressure due to “aggressive” competitor pricing and online booking trends.
Westgate buys in Cocoa Beach: Westgate Resorts acquired Wakulla Suites in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The 120-room resort will undergo “significant renovations” that encompass guestrooms, public spaces and pool area.
Tchenguiz to sell Hilton portfolio: Vincent Tchenguiz is set to appoint property agents to sell 10 Hilton hotels across England for £600 million (US$883.04 million). Tchenguiz is expected to sell the hotels individually.
Hyatt House to debut in Germany: A Hyatt affiliate entered into a franchise agreement with InTown Hospitality GmbH for a Hyatt House hotel in Düsseldorf, Germany. Hyatt House Düsseldorf is scheduled to open in January 2017, and will mark the brand’s entry into Europe as well as the first franchise agreement for a Hyatt-branded hotel in the region.
Moxy to open in Seattle: Stonebridge Companies and Marriott International will develop the Moxy Seattle South Lake Union hotel, which will be the first Moxy in the U.S. The 147-room hotel is scheduled to open in late 2017.