Lodging Daily News

ARLINGTON, Virginia—Knowland introduced the Knowland Certification Program, which includes three certification credentials to help hotel sales professionals grow their skill sets, professional profiles, and proficiency with management. As with many professional roles, the certification process is a method of ensuring competency, and software certification has been a standard in the technology space for years. The proliferation of data-driven solutions in the hospitality industry requires management at both the enterprise and property levels to seek professionals

WASHINGTON—As expected due to the Thanksgiving holiday, U.S. hotel performance fell from the previous week, according to CoStar’s latest data through Nov. 25, 2023. U.S. Hotel Performance November 19-25, 2023 Percentage change from comparable week in 2022Occupancy: 49.4 percent (down 1.4 percent)ADR: $138.29 (up 0.9 percent)RevPAR: $68.32 (down 0.6 percent) Among the Top 25 Markets, Oahu Island saw the largest year-over-year increases in occupancy (up 9.4 percent to 76.3 percent) and RevPAR (up 16.3 percent

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation marked its entry into upper-midscale lodging in the Americas with the groundbreaking of the first Hyatt Studios property, set to open in Mobile, Alabama in early 2025. Hyatt has entered into a franchise agreement with 3H Group Inc. for Hyatt Studios Mobile/Tillman’s Corner. “We are proud to achieve this construction milestone in bringing the Hyatt Studios brand to life,” said Dan Hansen, global head of Hyatt Studios. “The continued interest from the

NEW YORK—Mews announced its next-generation kiosk solution for hotels. The kiosk can be used for check-in and check-out by guests or by staff. The new Kiosk has been upgraded for speed in terms of its build and functionality and enables hotels to upsell products and services during the check-in process. Used in economy, midscale, and luxury properties, guests can choose to check-in how they want. Guests can search for their reservation using their last name

The Kessler Collection welcomed Peter Wu as president of hospitality operations. With over two decades of experience, Wu will oversee the corporate commercial, marketing, human capital, and information technology functions. IHG Hotels & Resorts announced David Spooner as vice president global brands, Six Senses. Based in the United Kingdom, Spooner will support the direction of the Six Senses brand, aligning its strategy with IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio. Encore hired Georgina Flores as chief marketing