MDA for Avid in Germany. IHG announced a Multiple Development Agreement with existing partner GS Star GmbH (GS Star) to bring 15 avid hotels to the German market, marking the brands entry into Europe. Hotels will be signed within three years and opened within five. The first new-build avid hotel is planned to open by 2020.
Showcasing soft brands. Marriott International has debuted a new media campaign showcasing the power of its 300-hotel independent platform across the company’s three collection brands: The Luxury Collection, Autograph Collection Hotels and Tribute Portfolio. Rolling out globally through the end of the year, the creative campaign has three executions that reinforce the growing demand among today’s consumers for the unique travel experiences. Led with a 60-second hero film, shorter executions will roll out across a variety of platforms ranging from in-flight entertainment and cinema theatres, to digital and social media – first in North America followed by Europe and Latin America through the end of 2018.
Click here to watch the introductory video
Florence effect. Among Hurricane Florence-affected states, North Carolina reported the greatest impact on hotel property status and performance, according to an analysis from STR’s Consulting & Analytics team. As of October 3, 65 hotels accounting for 4,422 rooms in North Carolina were confirmed to be closed due to storm-related damage. Roughly half of the closed properties already have planned re-opening dates, most of which will be later this month or in November. South Carolina, on the other hand, reported three closings that totaled 323 rooms.
Singapore group rebrands. Worldwide Hotels Group, Singapore, has announced it is consolidation its Hotel 81, Value Hotel, Venue Hotel, V Hotel, Hotel Boss, and Hotel Mi brands under its Worldwide Hotels umbrella. The expanding company owns and manages all of its 38 properties with more than 6,500 rooms and is celebrating its brand consolidation in conjunction with its 25th anniversary this month.
Vegas legend folds. Las Vegas poker legend Bobby Baldwin, currently MGM Resort International’s chief customer development officer and the CEO and president of CityCenter, is reportedly ready to call it quits and has announced that he will leave MGM Resorts, as well as CityCenter, at the end of the year.
Another Caribbean hurricane. Marriott International stated on Tuesday that it is closely monitoring Hurricane Michael in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, and has implemented storm preparation protocols at its hotels in the predicted path. Hotels in the impacted area are reviewing cancellation fees; details may vary by hotel.