TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
businesswire | April 05, 2023
Peachtree Hospitality Management ("PHM") has entered into agreements with TEKMAK Development Company (“TEKMAK”), a full-service hospitality development company, to provide third-party management services for a portion of its hotel portfolio. PHM will assume operations of the SpringHill Suites Dallas Rockwall on Aug. 1, 2023, and is slated to manage two under-construction hotels, a dual-branded TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott in Paris, Texas, and a TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Forney, Texas.
"This is the second long-term management agreement we’ve entered into already in 2023, and we will continue to seek best-in-class partners like TEKMAK as we pursue our own third-party management growth goals," said Patrick Short, PHM's president. "Our third-party operated portfolio continues to expand, currently accounting for nearly a third of our entire managed portfolio, and we expect to continue growing our third-party portfolio moving forward, ultimately surpassing our owned hotels."
A division of Peachtree Group, PHM operates premium-branded, limited-, select- and compact full-service hotels primarily in the upper-midscale and upscale segments. Today, the company manages 92 hotels across 28 brands with 11,186 rooms in 22 states. These three TEKMAK hotels increase PHM's third-party operations to 34 hotels.
"I first became familiar with the Peachtree team when they acquired our Hilton Garden Inn hotel in 2021. I am impressed with all aspects of this company, particularly their management division," said Thomas Kirkland, CEO, TEKMAK. "It quickly became clear that their culture and resources meshed well with our own, making this relationship a perfect fit for both. We continue to be impressed by their enthusiasm for TEKMAK, and we look forward to future opportunities together."
About Peachtree Hospitality Management
Peachtree Hospitality Management, an affiliate of Peachtree Group, is a hotel management company that creates loyalty across all stakeholders – team members, guests and owners. PHM’s proprietary systems and processes maximize financial performance and value of every asset, deliver efficiencies and enable hotel teams to provide guests with an uncommon customer experience. PHM manages the performance of 92 hotels across 28 brands with 11,186 rooms located in 22 states. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com.
Read More
TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
Accor | May 18, 2023
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, in partnership with Erth Real Estate Company, today announced that it will open three new hotels in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of a new master planned development project. The forthcoming luxury hospitality community will include a 230-key Raffles hotel, a 250-key Sofitel Serviced Residence, and a 60-villa MGallery resort, all set to open by 2027. The multi-faceted community will also include office towers, residential towers, and retail space, all built around a centrally located garden area.
Erth Real Estate Company, the premium real estate developer across Saudi Arabia, is the owner and developer of the 4.2 billion Saudi Riyal mixed-use project at Al Yasmin District and has signed with Accor for hotel management within the two towers of this development. Accor will provide hotel management services and support from several brands within its world-leading brand portfolio.
Raffles Riyadh and Sofitel Extended Stay at Al Yasmin District, both located at King Fahad Road intersecting with King Salman Road and Al Olaya Street, will reside within sparkling glass, 34-storey and 42-storey towers – creating an iconic presence in the city's skyline. The towers, which will enjoy convenient 18-minute access to King Khalid International Airport by car, will have a clear view of KAFD, New Murabba, Avenues Mall, SAB Tower and Tamkeen Tower. Ample green space, including lush gardens, will also surround both buildings. MGallery Resort Riyadh, only 20 minutes away from Riyadh city center, will be developed in the Al Waseel district, where some luxury private resorts are located, and will be situated in a wadi surrounded by date farms. With 60 low-rise villas, it will be an ideal attraction for families and guests looking for a break from the busy city center and immersion into a vibrant neighborhood of Riyadh.
Speaking at the signing event, Saud Abdullah Al Rajhi, the Group Managing Director of Erth Real Estate stated: "The company's vision of becoming a preferred real estate brand in Saudi Arabia is fully aligned with leading first-class projects that meet market expectations and unleash the economic potential of the Kingdom. Therefore, Erth is pleased to expand its relationship with Accor by adding new assets to our hospitality portfolio."
"As part of Accor's ultra-luxury division, Raffles is honored to soon open a second destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh," said Omer Acar, CEO Raffles & Orient Express. "As a brand that is highly selective of the destinations where we choose to develop, we are confident that vibrance and growth surrounding the city of Riyadh is the perfect location to offer our guests the true Raffles experience – one that is celebrated, authentic, and renowned for its legendary service. We look forward to welcoming new guests and those returning as family to Raffles Riyadh."
"On behalf of both the Sofitel and MGallery brands, we are delighted to contribute to a diverse community of luxury hospitality choices for business and leisure visitors, particularly those who wish to settle in and stay a little longer to enjoy the dynamic energy of the cosmopolitan city of Riyadh," said Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems. "As an ambassador of French culture around the world, Sofitel will bring the art-de-vivre that has been so successful at our two other Sofitel destinations in the Kingdom. Guests will also have the chance to discover the culture and a vibrant neighbourhood at the new MGallery, with the property providing sumptuous resort style villas and the luxury of feeling of a home away from home."
Erth's new luxury hotels in Riyadh are being imagined by some of the world's top designers. The lead architect is Foster + Partners, a global studio for sustainable architecture, urbanism, engineering, and design, founded by Norman Foster in 1967. With offices across the world, the practice works as a single entity that is both ethnically and culturally diverse. Additional consultants will provide expertise on spa, art, technology, and food & beverage.
Erth's relationship with Accor started a few years ago with a prestigious development in the region - Raffles Hotel and Residences Jeddah - which consists of two towers. In one tower, a world-class luxury hotel; in the other, a stunning set of exclusive private residences, unlike anything Jeddah has known before, set against a rich backdrop of Hejazi culture and tradition.
Since the announcement of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, Erth and Accor have both played a key role in the development of tourism through several existing and upcoming projects in key locations across the Kingdom. Accor has been present in Saudi Arabia for more than 20 years and has contributed to the development of the Holy destination of Makkah, counting over 9,000 rooms with direct access to the Haram.
Within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Accor currently operates 42 properties (16,000+ rooms) and has a robust development pipeline of 34 properties which will add approximately 7,000 rooms to the Group's portfolio by 2027. Properties expected to arrive in the Kingdom in 2023 include the much-anticipated Raffles Jeddah, Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences Riyadh, Sofitel Riyadh, Movenpick Waad Al Shamal-Turaif and Novotel Makkah Thakher City Residences. Among its Saudi Arabia portfolio, Accor is leading the way with positive hospitality experiences and environmentally sound development and operational practices. The new master-planned community in Riyadh will be developed with ethical, social, and environmental engagement that will contribute to a healthier environment while delivering value to its stakeholders, including the guests of the three new luxury hotels.
About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5 400 properties, 10 000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 40 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris and on the OTC Market in the United States.
Read More
TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
Newswire | April 03, 2023
Travel Quest Network, a leading host agency and the premier platform for building and growing a travel business in America, is excited to announce the release of the latest version of WorldVia PRO, its travel advisor business management system. The new release includes several groundbreaking features such as Trip Manager in its CRM, Content Creator™ version 2, and numerous enhancements to the CRM, designed to help travel advisors prioritize their work and maximize their business potential.
A key feature of the latest release is Trip Manager in its CRM, enabling travel advisors to clearly visualize their Sales Pipeline in the Trips Board. With nine trip lifecycle stages, this feature helps advisors prioritize their work and ensure no detail is overlooked.
Another major addition is the Content Creator™ version 2, which allows travel advisors to leverage the power of generative AI to create engaging content and market their businesses more effectively. Building on the successful release of version 1 in early March, version 2 includes three primary content tools: Profile Creator, Blog Creator, and Social Creator. Travel Quest Network members can now create a wide range of content, including agent directory bios, website about me page copy, social media profiles, general travel blog posts, top number blog posts, hotel and resort review blog posts, and a variety of social media posts for Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
According to Jason Block, CEO of Travel Quest Network, "Our latest release positions Travel Quest Network as a pioneer in AI-driven solutions for the travel industry. Content Creator v2 is a game-changer for travel advisors, forever transforming the way they create content to market their businesses. By utilizing AI, we're helping our members be more productive and stay ahead of the competition."
Joshua Harrell, Chief Revenue Officer at Travel Quest Network, added, "Agent directory bios, inbound content marketing, and social engagement are crucial for travel advisors to stand out and attract clients. Our new tools in WorldVia PRO demonstrate our commitment to raising the bar and providing our members with the best possible resources to grow their businesses."
Travel Quest Network is committed to providing its members with the best tools and resources, which is why CRM and Content Creator's Profile Creator on WorldVia PRO are available free of charge to all members. Additionally, Content Creator's Blog Creator and Social Creator are free for all members on professional membership plans that start at just $29 per month.
About Travel Quest Network
Travel Quest Network is a leading host agency and the premier platform for building and growing a travel business in America. Dedicated to providing travel advisors with the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in the ever-evolving travel industry, Travel Quest Network empowers its members to deliver exceptional travel experiences and create lasting memories for their clients.
Read More