Canadian Lodging News - November 2014

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LodgingNews November 2014 Vol. 11 No. 9

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Travelodge: Come as you are, leave different

By Jonathan Zettel, assistant editor

HALIFAX—The annual Travelodge Canada brand conference took place in Halifax from Oct. 6 to 8 with delegates from across the country coming together to share stories and learn about brand initiatives.

“This year’s event ‘Come as you are, leave different’ speaks to the transformative power of gathering together as a group of like-minded professionals with a common goal,” Travelodge Canada president Steven Robinson said to more than 100 attendees. “These brand conferences have the power to enlighten, educate, inspire, motivate and transform us as individuals.”

Over the three-day event, Travelodge operators listened to speakers, went to breakout sessions, met with conference sponsors and vendors and experienced Halifax hospitality.

Take a chance In a scripted confrontation, motivational speaker Cameron Hughes

Steven Robinson.

interrupted Robinson, telling him to “liven things up a bit.” Hughes then proceeded through the crowd, dancing his way up to the stage to speak about the benefits of taking chances.

“All I want to do is share a story of something that happened to me one night that completely changed my life and allowed me to have this crazy career,” Hughes said.

In January of 1994, Hughes was attending a hockey game in Ottawa and with eight minutes left in the game he stood up on his chair and started dancing.

“Something went off in me that night, the entire stadium was buzzing,” Hughes said.

Since then, Hughes has travelled the world, dancing at major sporting events, including events for the U.S. Open Tennis Association, the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the National Basketball League.

“I’m in the smile business,” Hughes said. “And I think that’s the business we’re all lucky to be in.”

Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40010152

Seminars, tradeshow and cowboy themed dinner all featured in Winnipeg, Oct. 6-7.

Trout Point is World’s first Starlight Hotel

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Starlight Foundation recognizes Nova Scotia hotel’s role in promoting stargazing tourism.

By Colleen Isherwood, editor

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Best Western’s got a brand new vibe TORONTO—Best Western International is entering the boutique hotel space with the announcement of Vib—short for vibrant and pronounced the same way—at their annual conference in Toronto last month. They also announced the BW Premier Collection, their first soft brand offering.

Best Western’s newest hotel offering, Vib, is a stylish and technology-centric hotel concept created to meet the needs of millennial travellers, but not so trendy that it alienates Best Western’s core customer base of boomers and Gen Xers. Vib is a hotel prototype designed for urban markets.

MHA turnout exceeds expectations

Moxy=Marriott Owns Gen X and Y

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Marriott’s new hotel isn’t coming to Canada yet, but could eventually be suitable for hip districts in major cities.

Artist’s conception of Vib lobby.

Build with the Brand that’s Building.

Our prototypes were designed with the modern guest in mind featuring flexible layouts that incorporate style and innovation with a focus on guest satisfaction and the profitability of our owners. Whether you want to build a new hotel or reposition your existing property, our Canadian based support team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way.

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Centennial to get new Hospitality Centre TORONTO—Centennial College’s hospitality students will be getting a new home with the construction of an eight-storey building at the east Scarborough campus on Progress Avenue.

Slated to open in September 2016, the $85-million Centennial Residence and Culinary Arts Centre broke ground on Oct. 15.

The 353,300-square-foot project designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects will have space for 742 students to live on campus on floors two through seven.

The ground floor will be the new headquarters for the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, with three culinary and two bake labs, a beverage lab, eight classrooms, faculty offices and a school-operated restaurant and café.

School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts dean Joe Baker said the new facility will allow for more students in the hospitality programs, which are currently at capacity with 1,000. “There will be a lot more space and it will be more state-of-the-art,” Baker told CLN. He said the “smart classrooms” will feature moveable desks and interactive technology.

The 70-seat restaurant will be operated by students and faculty and will feature an open concept to allow for culinary demonstrations.

A 20-seat café to be located just Left: Joe Baker, who was appointed dean of the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts in outside the restaurant will focus April. Rendering showing the Hospitality Centre. on serving the student population.

Baker said the restaurant concept will be “approachable” with the hope that Scarborough residents as well as students will dine there.

The upper level will feature a school-run conference and events centre, which will accommodate ence centre will have “extraordinary views to the 425 guests.

“It’s the first events experiential learning lab south and to the west; to the city as a whole.”

The current culinary arts area, which houses in a Canadian post-secondary context,” said Baker. “The students will be running the events, two kitchens and a baking lab, was renovated they’ll be running the catering department about two years ago. The current restaurant and it will be hands-on learning for them that seats about 60 and is housed in the former restaurant of a converted Howard Johnson hotel, doesn’t exist anywhere else right now.”

Diamond Schmitt Architects co-founder which became the college’s first residence with and principal Donald Schmitt said the confer- beds for 340 in 2001.

MHA turnout exceeds expectations WINNIPEG—The Manitoba Hotel Association’s 86th Annual Convention took place on Oct. 6-7 at the Victoria Inn Hotel in Winnipeg. Delegates took part in educational seminars regarding improved customer experiences, temporary foreign workers, social media and hospitality technical trends, tourism, crime prevention and a session on taking back guests from online The Monday night dinner—a country and western theme.

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, Labatt Brewertravel agents.

The convention was highlighted by keynote ies of Canada, Shaw Business, Travel Manitoba, speaker Theresa Syer, who spoke on the impor- Freeman Audio Visual, and the Government of tance of creating renowned guest experiences. Manitoba: Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport Theresa’s message was powerful and thought and Consumer Protection,” he added. provoking, while her style was engaging, entertaining and humorous at times.

MHA Awards Dinner March 7 “The MHA would like to thank all of their This was the first year that the Gala Awards members that attended this year’s convention,” said Jim Baker, president and CEO. “Turnout for were not held during the convention. The MHA sessions exceeded expectations and brought for- will focus on the awards as a separate event in ward insightful discussions vital to our industry. order to attract many hoteliers that typically “A special thank you to convention sponsors attend the convention, as well as new properWestern Financial Group Insurance Solutions, ties to celebrate the accomplishments of Loy-

Travelodge Continued from page 1

Hughes challenged the audience to take a chance and acknowledge the people in life worth cheering for.

“As leaders it’s all about empowering people to shine and that for me is the most fun part,” he said.

The entire audience then got up on their chairs to dance, cheer and wave T-shirts printed with the phrase “take a chance.”

State of the union Tony Pollard, president of the Hotel Association of Canada, spoke to the group about the overall status of the industry.

“Things look very, very good for us moving forward,” Pollard said. “Last year, for the very first time, tourism grew by five per cent and those numbers are tracking this year as well.”

Pollard said the industry saw $16.5 billion in revenue in 2013.

While the industry employs 290,000 people, Pollard said staffing is still a major concern for

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operators. Pollard pointed to recent changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) made in April and said those changes will remain in place for at least another year.

He said that because of the changes, “at the end of the day the cost [of using the program] is almost prohibitive.

“So what are we doing? Well, we’ve structured a new program called the Hotel and Lodging Industry Worker Program that has a component of temporary foreign workers in it, but it’s styled after the seasonal worker program,” Pollard said, adding the seasonal worker program was not subject to the rule changes of the TFWP. “The government is listening, it’s just going to take some time,” he added.

Brand protection Mathew Stone, of Stone-Olafson, spoke on how brands should no longer focus on price, or sales, but move their focus to what experiences the brand can offer. “The true and most experienced brands today are talking about experiences they can deliver and that’s how brands really exist,” Stone said.

alty Award, Life Membership and Quarter Century Award winners.

The inaugural MHA Awards Dinner will take place on March 7, 2015 at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites.

This year’s Monday night dinner took on a country and western theme and was an overwhelming success. The night featured panning for gold, bull riding, an amazing steak dinner and games of chance. Attendees dressed up in their best western outfits and enjoyed a less formal event this year.

MHA ‘14 TradeShow The MHA ‘14 TradeShow took place on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the newly expanded banquet centre at the Victoria Inn Hotel in Winnipeg. The attendee turnout solidified that Manitoba’s hospitality industry remains one of the strongest in Canada. Attendees benefited from meeting important suppliers, seeing new products and finding new ways to do business.

On the other end of the branding, Carman Pirie of Kula Partners spoke on how to protect and manage the brand in a crisis, pointing to active social media accounts. “Most of the problems that arise from a situation are because the response does not match the severity of it,” Pirie said.

According to Pirie, the appropriate response to a crisis should be: “There’s no greater priority for us right now than the safety and well-being of those affected. We expect to have more information by the end of the day and we’ll update you at 5 p.m.”

Awards Gala The event—hosted at the Delta Halifax— wrapped up with a dinner and awards ceremony.

Travelodge Strathmore, AB, was named Hotel of the Year and received the Best Housekeeping Award. Travelodge Dartmouth, NS, took home the Highest Guest Satisfaction Score award, with Glen Dowling of that location honoured as Employee of the Year. Mary Hamilton received a Distinguished Service Award for her work in quality assurance.

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BR I E FS

U.S. hotel demand booms; supply growth low BROOMFIELD, CO—Demand in the U.S. hotel industry is booming while supply growth remains low. As a result, national hotel occupancy levels are near all-time highs, according to HotelNewsNow. STR Analytics examined the trailing three-month occupancy levels dating back to 1990. Of the 296 possible threemonth periods, only 29 times has a three-month period exceeded a 70-percent occupancy level, or about 10-percent of the time.

Only four times have these occupancy levels matched or exceeded where the U.S. hotel industry sits as of August 2014, according to HotelNewsNow.

Starwood to move global HQ to India for immersion NEW DELHI—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced in September that it will relocate its U.S. global headquarters to India next March for a month-long immersion.

Over the course of the relocation, Starwood’s senior executives will travel throughout India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kochi, and also throughout South Asia to Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives, to meet with associates, customers, owners and prospective developers.

Millennial spend outpaces boomers, Gen X REPORT FROM THE U.S.—Data from industry researchers shows millennials are spending more on travel, according to HotelNewsNow. Millennials (18 to 35) spent 20-percent more on travel over last year, surpassing the 12-per-cent average yearover-year gain of all U.S. households, according to the “2014 Portrait of American travelers,” released by travel and hospitality marketing firm MMGY Global. This surge is the largest yearover-year spike in spending since prerecession years.

The research looked at more than 2,500 people in four generational categories: millennials; Gen X (36 to 49); baby boomers (50 to 68); and matures (69-plus) who have travelled within the last 12 months, all of whom had an annual household income of more than $50,000.

Chinese immigration drives Vancouver tourism VANCOUVER—Centuries of Chinese immigration laid the groundwork for the surge in tourism in Vancouver, according to a report issued by the Vancouver office of consulting firm HVS. Influencing the development of Vancouver’s Chinese community were the Canadian government’s more enlightened immigration policies of the 20th and 21st centuries that replaced the protectionist policies of the 19th century.

From the viewpoint of the Chinese investor, one of Vancouver’s greatest assets is its large and long-established Chinese community.

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CANADIAN LODGING NEWS

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LodgingNews

Com m e n t

By Colleen Isherwood, editor

EDITOR

Colleen Isherwood ext. 231 · cisherwood@canadianlodgingnews.com SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Leslie Wu ext. 227 · lwu@canadianrestaurantnews.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Marni Andrews · marni@trolltales.com Larry Mogelonsky · larry@lma.com Don Douloff ext. 232 · ddouloff@canadianrestaurantnews.com Jonathan Zettel ext. 226 · jzettel@canadianlodgingnews.com Kristen Smith ext. 238 · ksmith@canadianlodgingnews.com SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Debbie McGilvray ext. 233 · dmcgilvray@canadianlodgingnews.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kim Kerr ext. 229 · kkerr@canadianlodgingnews.com PRODUCTION

Stephanie Giammarco ext. 0 · sgiammarco@canadianlodgingnews.com CIRCULATION MANAGER

Don Trimm ext. 228 · dtrimm@canadianlodgingnews.com CONTROLLER

Tammy Turgeon ext. 237 · tammy@canadianlodgingnews.com

How to reach us: Tel. (905) 206-0150

PUBLISHER

Steven Isherwood ext. 236 sisherwood@canadianlodgingnews.com

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Parliament Hill shooting takeaways Canadian hotels are not immune to crisis. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier was locked down during the recent shootings on Parliament Hill.

The Saint John, NB, Hilton was also locked down when an ill guest who had travelled from Africa was thought to have Ebola. Things can happen here and it’s essential that hotels have crisis management programs in place.

Roger Conner of Conner Hospitality and G7 Hospitality is the retired head of communications for Marriott. He was in that position during 9/11, when Marriott lost the 825-room hotel nestled between the twin towers, in 2005 when the New Orleans Marriott was affected

by Hurricane Katrina, and in 2008 when 54 people were killed at the Islamabad Park Marriott in India.

At G7, Conner works on crisis management plans for small, independent hotels that don’t have the budget of worldwide chains like Marriott or Hilton. An emergency management plan for a smaller property can be as short as two pages, he says.

The first step is to identify all the right people to be involved, and make a list of all the things that should be done. High on the list is the appointment of a spokesperson for the press and development of prewritten messages

that can be edited to fit the situation.

Conner created Marriott’s first-hour crisis communication document in 2006/07. Now, with the increasing role of social media, communication has to be faster than the first hour, he notes. “Social media has ratcheted up the need to be ready to communicate during a crisis.

“You may have to say, ‘it would be inappropriate to comment until more information is available,’” Conner says. “But never say, ‘no comment.’

“Once social media is activated, it’s more about participation than control. You can’t control it—you must participate, particularly during a crisis.

“You can agree to a process, but you can’t control how other people communicate.”

While smaller hotels are unlikely to experience carnage on the scale of 9/11 or the Islamabad Marriott, there are other issues that harm a hotel’s reputation and customers.

Examples include foodborne illness at a hotel conference; a hazmat situation where cleaning chemicals in a hotel were improperly mixed; bedbugs; storms; tornadoes; floods (e.g., Toronto and Calgary in 2013); and power outages. Other things that can happen are

guestroom deaths, accidentally or due to criminal activity, drug deals and more.

“Hotels are like little cities within the city.

Anything that goes on in the city may also go on in a hotel,” Conner notes.

During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the New Orleans Marriott, a 1,000-room property on Canal Street was hit and hurt, but was still able to minimally operate. They had a crisis plan and access to a corporate PR person, allowing them to immediately get appropriate messages out to the media and to guests regarding its status.

Because they had limited operations, they were able to host key people on hand to handle the crisis—they housed media and did media standups in front of the hotel. “It was a very positive experience,” Conner notes.

During crisis situations, Marriott has helped police, environmental workers, firefighters and other key players, offering them accommodation, coffee and a light buffet.

“During airplane crashes and disasters, we always said the nearest Marriott would provide rooms and meeting room accommodation.

“It’s important to shore up relations with those key people. For smaller hotels, community relations is particularly important.”

Among independents, Conner estimates that 40 to 50 per cent do not have a plan, or have one that needs to be updated.

“Crisis communication doesn’t generate revenue, but it sure as heck protects revenue,” Roger Conner he says.

Jason Cheskes Above The Line Solutions Vito Curalli Hilton Worldwide Philippe Gadbois Atlific Hotels & Resorts Mark Hope Coast Hotels Elizabeth Hueston Sysco Guest Supply Canada Inc. Brian Leon Choice Hotels Canada Inc. Robin McLuskie Colliers International Hotels Brian Stanford PKF Dr. David Martin Ted Rogers School of Hospitality Christine Pella Serta Mattress Company Tony Pollard Hotel Association of Canada Andrew Chlebus LG Electronics

Canadian Lodging News Volume 11 · No. 9 · November 2014 Canadian Lodging News (www.canadianlodgingnews.com) is published 10 times a year by Ishcom Publications Ltd., 2065 Dundas Street East, Suite 201, Mississauga, Ont. L4X 2W1 T: (905) 206-0150 · F: (905) 206-9972 · Toll Free: 1(800)201-8596 Other publications include the Canadian Chains and Buyers’ Directory as well as:

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By Larry Mogelonsky, P.Eng. www.lma.ca

Goodbye F&B, hello F&F—“food and fitness” In the good old days of els attained a generation ago.

Artist’s conception of a fitness facility at a new Vib Best Western. hospitality, food and bevWhile beverage was in deerage was part of the core. cline, the fitness movement Management treated the was just starting to take hold. department with the seIt started with a few exercise nior respect it deserved, bikes in the basement, but not only in differentiating grew quickly to full-featured the property, but also due gyms with enough equipment to the profit it delivered. to fill a small ballroom, perThe iconic hotel dining sonal trainers, yoga, pilates, room was an important group classes, marathons, trimeeting place in the comathlons, daily regimens outmunity it served, often lined on a slew of websites, considered the best table exercise videos, organic groin town. cers and nutritional displays Times have changed. everywhere.

Food is clearly important, During this same period, as witnessed by a myriad the concept of a spa was also of great chefs and restaugelling. An increased focus on of wine (or two) during dinner, followed by rant brands associated health and wellness brought with and located within hotels. But the bev- liqueurs. the spa into mainstream hotels. It was not Call it the perfect storm: increased penal- just luxury resorts that had a lock on the erage side of the equation has taken a heavy blow. And so, let me propose a departmental ties for drinking and driving (serious charges well-being of guests. Any hotel that wanted shift from F&B to F&F, that being: food and and heightened monitoring), legal conse- to claim luxury status seemed to have a spa quences for the hotel provider (leading to somewhere on property. fitness.

Just take one look at any episode of the TV potential lawsuits) and a trend towards a With the concept of spas now commonseries “Mad Men.” The sixties, it appears, were healthier lifestyle, one less inclined towards place, it would appear that the expectation for fuelled by Canadian Club. Fine dining meant alcoholic consumption given the calorie many hotels is undergoing a paradigm shift. travelling to a hotel restaurant, where multi- count involved.

People want their hotels to provide physical, In business terms, the change wasn’t over- mental and spiritual rejuvenation. So, I ask ple drinks were de rigueur. Interestingly, wine night. F&B managers watched their cover the question: should we look at merging these was not a major player in the beverage mix.

It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that yields drop as alcoholic beverage consump- two departments—F&B and Spa—and call it today’s era of responsibility has taken a toll tion dried up, but because this was such a Food and Fitness (F&F)? on alcoholic consumption. You just cannot gradual trend, no alarm bells rang. While Larry Mogelonsky (MBA, P. Eng) is founder compare the beverage revenue from a two- many hotels have bolstered their wine lists, of LMA Communications Inc. (www.lma.ca). martini lunch with a bottle of San Pellegrino. added new martini and other creative bever- His two books Are You an Ostrich or a Llama?

Rare, too, are meals with multiple rounds of age concepts, alcoholic revenues still aren’t and Llamas Rule are available at Amazon and cocktails or aperitifs before dinner, a bottle anywhere near the dollars-per-customer lev- Barnes & Noble. E-mail: larry@lma.ca.

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CANADIAN LODGING NEWS

BW Premier Collection targets independents in major markets and yes, Pohl confirmed, some of them are in Canada. The first ones should start rolling out a few months from now.

BW Premier Collection

Continued from page 1

Vib guestrooms

Its high-density concept will be costeffective to build and operate, making it an attractive option for owners and developers.

“Best Western has a unique advantage in launching a new boutique concept,” said David Kong, president and CEO of Best Western for the past 10 years, as the 2,300 conference attendees watched a video unveiling the new concept. “We are known to be a value brand and we can also be stylish.

“The lobby is designed to be a vibrant and dynamic gathering place.

You see the different zones, the distinct work and relax spaces. The “be with others” gaming zone or bar and food area.

“I love the excitement in the lobby created by bold colours, layers with textures, LED mood lighting that changes throughout the day, the unique signature items such as our bar stools or grid chairs and the ticker tape soffit band.”

“Because of the spacious and inviting lobby, we can afford to have smaller guestrooms,” Kong said. “The guestroom is less than 200 square feet and yet very functional. It has minimal furniture, but high quality furnishings. Check out the LED lit shower head with mood lighting.

The room reflects thoughtful design.

There is room for two suitcases. There are elegant fold down hooks instead of closets. The desk is also the headboard and the bathroom has lots of shelving.

I love this boutique concept!” Kong said.

In a media Q&A session on Oct. 9, Kong stressed that the concept of big lobbies with smaller guestrooms is the future, and that the impetus for Vib came from board chair Danny Patel and key Best Western developers. It’s a concept that has worked in many of the great cities of Europe. It lowers the cost per key from $100,000 to $60,000, it’s cost effective to run since it requires minimal staffing, and it incorporates green initiatives. The foot-

print of the building can be as little as a quarter of an acre.

Minimizing amenity creep Another plus is that it helps minimize amenity creep, where midscale and upper midscale hotels are giving away amenities for free. “There’s a breakfast experience, but it’s a la carte, with high-end coffee,” said Ron Pohl, senior vice president, brand management and member services. “There’s a bar and food, which can be highly profitable if done right. There’s a lobby bar, which could serve only beer and wine so you don’t need a bartender. And there’s potential for a rooftop bar.”

Pohl added that the concept is suitable for new builds or conversions, but believes most will be new builds. Several Best Western members have already expressed interest in conversion, but the configuration must be able to accommodate the huge lobby space so essential to the concept’s success.

Best Western has identified 20 major North American markets for Vib,

Also announced at the conference was Best Western’s first soft brand offering, the BW Premier Collection. The BW Premier Collection will consist of carefully selected high-quality hotels in primary markets. All of the soft brand properties will be required to maintain a TripAdvisor rating of four or above and AAA/CAA rating of three Diamond or above.

Hotels within the BW Premier Collection will not be part of the official Best Western membership but they will be listed, and can be booked, on the Best Western website. Guests will be able to earn and redeem Best West-

ern Rewards points at all BW Premier Collection hotels. BW Premier Collection hotels will also have the option of purchasing additional Best Western brand services such as design and sales support.

“Independent hotels have a real need to become less dependent on OTAs,” Kong told the media. “At the same time, bestwestern.com attracts several hundred thousand people a day, many of whom are looking in primary locations where we are underrepresented. We are wasting our efforts to drive traffic we can’t fulfill.”

The BW Premier Collection will enable participating hotels to drive business through bestwestern.com. He added that Best Western will be looking at a commission fee structure of around 15 per cent, much lower than the OTAs.

Kudos for Canada’s Beth Campbell TORONTO—For over three decades, Beth Campbell has owned and operated the Best Western Plus Inn at Penticton, a two-diamond resort–style property in Penticton, BC. She has served on the Best Western Board since 2008, and was its president in 2010.

Campbell completes her board rotation this year.

“A difficult thing for me is having to say goodbye to one of our directors periodically,” Best Western president and CEO David Kong told the 2014 Best Western Conference attendees last month.

“After almost six years on the board, director Beth Campbell will be moving on. As we look back on the past six years, we went through some tenuous times. Through it all, Beth was strong, resilient and demonstrated leadership in every sense of the word. Our brand is stronger and our organization is also stronger because of her leadership. We have achieved a lot in the past six years.

Let’s thank Beth for her many contributions.”

Tempo upbeat at WCHRIC in Vancouver; many deals on the go VANCOUVER—The mood was upbeat and attendance was good at the Western Canadian Hotel and Resort Investment Conference, held last month in Vancouver, according to Carrie Russell of HVS, who delivered the opening presentation along with Mark Sparrow of CBRE. “Everyone had deals on the go, and as I looked around the room I saw that sessions were well attended,” Russell told CLN. Western Canadian hoteliers had many reasons to smile. RevPAR figures were up 6.5 per cent nationally, a whopping 10.4 per cent in the territories, 9.9 per cent in BC and a more modest 4.9 per cent in Alberta. In Manitoba, RevPAR grew by 1.6 per cent, while in Saskatchewan it actually fell by 3.9 per cent.

Russell and Sparrow looked at

Source: CBRE and HVS.

hotel buyer and seller profiles, noting there wasn’t a huge shift this year from last year. Real estate buyers were up and hotel investment buyers down.

“For sellers, the receiver portion continues to shrink—there are not many compromised properties,” Russell said.

Winnipeg growth was flat thanks to significant supply added to the market, and there were very few transactions last year. The Human Rights Museum is expected to be great for the city, with 250 million visits to the attraction anticipated, but it remains to be seen whether that will translate into hotel revenue generation.

The HVS Valuation Index shows that hotel values are flat in Winnipeg, while the Canadian valuation shows more growth. By 2016, Winnipeg’s profile should look much like the na-

tional average, Russell said.

Saskatoon was the only market in Canada where demand declined, Russell noted. The city will be hit by a huge increase in supply next year, potash production is down, and while last year was a record year for agriculture, this year was not as strong. Nev-

ertheless, rate is holding steady.

Banff saw an amazing increase in RevPAR this year, Russell said, rising from $113 in 2013 to $132 in 2014.

This trend should continue next year, with Banff ’s value per room exceeding Calgary’s—as it did historically.

Victoria is doing well, with

RevPAR up 10 per cent this year. Supply came down with the closure of the Executive House Hotel that will open next year as a DoubleTree.

Vancouver’s Best Western Sands hotel sold with a low 2.8 per cent cap rate, due to potential redevelopment of the site with a bigger tower.

Accelerate is theme of G6 Conference HONOLULU, HI—Themed “Accelerate,” the G6 Hospitality conference held in at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, emphasized the company’s commitment to quickly emerge as an uncontested leader in digital marketing as it hosts industry experts who are leading their fields in CRM, ad solutions, customer experience and measurement.

G6 Hospitality owns, operates and franchises over 1,100 economy lodging locations under the Motel 6 and Studio 6 Extended Stay brands.

Headquartered in Dallas (Carrollton), Texas, G6 Hospitality employs more than 10,000 team members across the U.S. and Canada. Realstar Group has the master franchise rights for Motel 6 and Studio 6 in Canada.

They have a total of 20 Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations here, and plan to franchise another 25 new G6 hotels by 2015.

The convention kicked off with

keynote speaker and author Brian Solis, named by CRM Magazine as one of the most influential leaders of 2010. Solis discussed the evolving role of mobile technology on the future of business.

New “digital ecosystem”

another way it intends to over-deliver on people’s perceptions of what an economy brand stands for.

The following Canadian properties received awards for 2014. o Motel 6 / Studio 6 Top Performer - Claresholm, AB o Motel 6 Guest Service Excellence Swift Current, SK o Motel 6 Guest Service Excellence Moosomin, SK o Motel 6 Sales Growth Excellence Swift Current, SK

Coming soon to computers, tablets and mobile devices everywhere, is a completely redesigned Motel6. com “digital ecosystem,” which was previewed at the conference. In the works for an upcoming launch, the new website Motel 6 Swift Current won two awards. will offer a completely refreshed and redesigned booking experience, and operate from a responsive web design that adapts seamlessly across all desktop and mobile interfaces. The company’s new emphasis on innovative digital and mobile strategies is

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Choice: Deal with Humber, growth and award winners TORONTO—Tim Oldfield, managing director at Choice Hotels Canada, recently announced what he termed a “fantastic opportunity” for a five-year partnership with Humber College’s School of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism, at the chain’s fall conference at the King Edward Hotel.

The partnership will include internships, recruitment opportunities, awards and integration of company case studies into the curriculum.

Dean Susan Somerville noted that Choice is the largest hotel franchisor in Canada, and that one of Humber’s strategic initiatives is to bring industry into their classrooms to help them deliver high quality and talented students.

“This will raise the bar for hospitality education in Canada,” she said. This is the first hotel partnership for the School of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism.

She also said that Oldfield will be joining the board of directors for Hospitality Management at Humber.

Oldfield told CLN that Choice had great experiences with interns from Humber, mainly in the marketing department.

Development panel, left to right, Ian Ricci, Capital One, Robin McLuskie. Colliers, Brian Stanford, PKF, and Brian Leon, Choice.

Susan Somerville and Tim Oldfield.

Small adjustments, big savings

Ramping up growth Managing director Brian Leon reported that Choice has added 33 new properties since 2012, and so far in 2014, Choice Hotels Canada has completed seven new deals. But as the company grows by adding strong properties, it is also shedding its weakest properties.

Choice measures the quality of its properties using post-entry likelihood to recommend (LTR). Leon noted that 17 of the top LTR scoring hotels have entered the Choice system since 2008.

“We’re not just getting bigger, we’re getting better,” he said.

Recent openings include the following: o A new Quality Hotel in Hamilton, a 160-room property in Canada’s 10th largest city; o Les Suites Victoria in Gatineau, QC, an Ascend Collection member; o Quality Inn and Suites in Hawkesbury, ON; o Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre, Medicine Hat, AB; o The Saint James Hotel, Toronto, an Ascend Collection member.

Choice Canada Development Awards o Best New Entry New Build: Sleep Inn Regina East (Emerald Park), SK; o Best New Entry Economy Brands: Rodeway Inn, Schefferville, QC. o Best New Conversion Entry Mid-Market: Quality Inn Rouyn-Noranda, QC; and o Developer of the Year: Alain Darras, Quality Inn and Suites, Pikogan, QC and Quality Inn Sept Iles, QC.

David Goldstein new president/CEO of CTC VANCOUVER—Dav id Goldstein has been named president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), effective Dec. 1.

Currently, Goldstein is president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), where he was one of the key architects of the federal tourism strategy with Industry Canada.

“We wish to extend our sincere congratulations to David Goldstein on his appointment as president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission, and look forward to increasing the already collaborative relationship between TIAC and the CTC,” TIAC board chair Michael Crockatt said in a release.

In the coming weeks, TIAC’s board of directors will provide further information regarding the transition process for TIAC’s senior management.

Why the Ontario lodging industry is turning to energy-efficient technologies to reduce costs and increase asset value

By Andrew Pride, P.Eng. Hotel and motel operators are always searching for new ways to improve overall asset value. Utilities often make up over half the operating costs of a hotel – so better energy management is one of the easiest and most effective ways of providing longterm asset value improvements.

Exploring greener building technologies is a great place to start. Upgrading building systems to improve energy efficiency can provide long-term operating savings, reduced maintenance costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

And the timing couldn’t be better. The province of Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan calls for Conservation First—energy conservation as an integral part of the plan to help organizations transition to more energy-efficient building systems. The Ontario Power Authority provides financial incentives that are delivered through local electric utilities that can cover up to 50 per cent of project costs for upgrading systems through a suite of saveONenergy incentive programs.

The programs incent energy audits that help identify opportunities for energy cost reductions as well as accelerating capital investments with incentives for upgrading to more energy-efficient building systems. Eligible projects can include high-efficiency LED lighting and HVAC system upgrades as well as installing building controls or automation systems under the saveONenergy Retrofit Program.

Where is most energy consumed in hotels and motels?

Initially, hotel and motel operators may find it a challenge to uncover greater energy efficiency. By targeting four key areas, operators can significantly improve a

building’s overall energy consumption. Depending on the age, efficiency and design of the building, the main sources of electricity consumption are heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) (45 per cent), lighting (23 per cent), refrigeration (6 per cent) and plug load office equipment (7 per cent).

What are some common energy-efficiency opportunities?

Hotels and motels across Ontario are participating in saveONenergy programs to help accelerate their energy-efficiency initiatives. More than 300 saveONenergy projects, representing over $2 million in incentives in hotel and motel facilities across Ontario, have been initiated.

There are several opportunities for hotel and motel operators to explore if they are interested in investing in energy-efficient building upgrades.

Lighting Lighting is often one of the easiest upgrades. It can help reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining the comfort and safety of the building.

New LED lighting is becoming more affordable, which makes it a popular option among property managers. Projects include upgrading interior overhead lighting, wall-mounted lighting, exit signs, outdoor lighting, parking lighting, light sensors and motion sensors. Almost all buildings can improve their lighting efficiency, and simple LED upgrades can yield dramatic results. Available in a “prescriptive” format, incentives range from $1 to $150 for various types of fixtures.

Heating ventilation and air conditioning systems Since heating and cooling can account for over half of energy consumption in a hotel, finding opportunities here is a good place to achieve cost savings and energy reductions. Under the saveONenergy Retrofit Program, financial incentives worth up to

50 per cent of the project costs are available to upgrade to high-efficiency HVAC systems. Chiller replacements, unitary AC upgrades and demand control ventilation comprised approximately 10 per cent of the investment in energy-efficiency projects at multi-unit residential buildings.

Building automation systems Building automation systems can reduce a property’s energy consumption by up to 15 per cent through optimizing the building’s temperatures within a specified range and times; lighting rooms based on an occupancy schedule or sensors; and monitoring energy consumption.

Financial incentives worth up to 50 per cent of the project costs for implementing building automation systems are also available under the saveONenergy Retrofit Program. Prescriptive incentives are also available for hotel suite occupancy controls that reduce HVAC and lighting costs.

Plug loads Hotel plug loads often include equipment like vending machines, ice machines and office equipment. Prescriptive financial incentives are available to upgrade to Energy Star certified ice machines and similarly, incentives are available to purchase and install sensor controls into beverage vending machines without low power modes.

How can I receive incentives to help cut energy costs?

Contact your local electric utility regarding the saveONenergy programs.

Members of their conservation and demand management team can provide guidance based on experience with hotels and motels in your area and help with applications for financial incentives towards energy audits and equipment upgrades. Learn more at www.saveonenergy.ca/business.

Andrew Pride, P.Eng. is VP, Conservation, Ontario Power Authority

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CANADIAN LODGING NEWS

Moxy=Marriott Owns Gen X&Y + “travelling brilliantly”

The Moxy Crew in Milan.

TORONTO—Marriott has a new brand, Moxy, which, according to Michael Beckley, stands for “Marriott Owns Gen X&Y.” Using Marriott’s matrix, Moxy is a moderate priced brand like Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, and a lifestyle brand like AC Hotels, which was introduced last year. AC is upper moderate priced, on a par with Courtyard by Marriott, Beckley, senior vice president Lodging Development for Canada, told CLN. Manlio Marescotti, vice president Marriott International, recently toured the first iteration of this boutique hotel for budget-savvy travellers across from Milan’s Malpensa Airport in Italy. It’s quirky and edgy, with light fixtures shaped like the motorcycle helmets worn by riders

Above: Moxy lobby. Michael Beckley (left) and Manlio Marescotti.

of Milan’s ubiquitous Vespa motor scooters. The designers are thinking of mounting a Vespa on the wall at this location. Key cards feature a young couple in funky clothes jumping up and down. A mural showing the same couple graces one guestroom wall, which doubles as a place to hang your clothes. The “do not disturb” sign features a muscular, good looking, scantily clad man.

In the public space, the check-in desk leads to the bar which leads to the self-service vending area. When guests return their trays after eating, there’s a sign featuring a sexy young woman licking the dishes clean.

There’s a signature high-tech wall where guests can post FaceBook or Twitter testimonials. There’s also an irregular slice out of the wood in the

Say hello to Canopy MCLEAN, VA—Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide, unveiled the new Canopy

by Hilton concept to more than 1,300 owners and development representatives as part of Hilton Worldwide’s Global Partnership Conference in Orlando, FL last month.

“We saw an opportunity to not only enter the lifestyle space by developing a new brand, but to redefine this category entirely by creating a much more accessible lifestyle brand targeting the upper upscale price point segment.” Nassetta said.

“We identified the need to take the emphasis off of capital-intensive high-design and deliver exactly what the target consumer desires: an energizing, comfortable stay with more included value.”

Hilton Worldwide identified a viable target audience based on preferences and needs, not demographics alone.

“Canopy is the energizing new hotel in the neighbourhood offering simple, guest-directed service, thoughtful local choices, and comfortable spaces, so guests simply feel better going forward,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, luxury & lifestyle brands, Hilton Worldwide.

The new brand will focus on major and medium-size cities, with commitments from hotel owners or developers in 11 locations, including London and Miami. Hilton says its goal is to have 100 hotels open or in the pipeline within five years.

Canopy will feature new technologies such as the ability to use a mobile phone for check-in and as a room key. The hotels will also emphasize local products, from locally crafted beers to paintings from local artists.

It also stresses a “positively yours” service culture.

Experience Canopy at www.canopybyhilton.com.

communal table in the lobby.

“These are all points of conversation,” Beckley said.

It may be a while before Moxy comes to Canada, Marescotti said, noting that active discussions are underway, but no decisions have been made. Moxy would fit in secondary urban markets—edgy places like Toronto’s Queen West neighbourhood, Calgary’s Beltline or Vancouver’s Gastown, he added.

“First, Milan will be tweaked; Berlin is next, and we’re actively looking for an opportunity to bring it to North America,” Marescotti said.

Marriott is also in discussions with companies interested in bringing AC, Moxy’s upper midscale sister brand, over here—Beckley says it is next on the list of brands Marriott

wants to bring to Canada.

The first North American AC opened in New Orleans, and there are dozens more deals in the pipeline.

The New Orleans AC was listed by MSN Travel as one of the Top 25 new hotels to visit for 2014. It’s an adaptive reuse of the old cotton exchange.

“AC is a more urban-central product than Moxy,” Beckley said. “It’s very hard-design oriented as opposed to soft furnishings.” Design features don’t become dated, and include high quality tiles in the bathrooms, for example. “There’s not a lot of furniture, fixtures and equipment.”

Ten-plus years of growth Just over a decade ago, Marriott had only 17 hotels in Canada. They have taken nine hotels out of the system in the last 10 years, but despite that, they now have 84 properties, and are on track to open six more by year-end.

“We expect to open 36 hotels in 2014-2016, bringing the total to 120 by the end of 2016,” Beckley told CLN. Openings for 2014 include The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews, NB (Autograph Collection); TownePlace Suites, Thunder Bay, ON; Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel; Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport; TownePlace Suites Red Deer, AB; TownePlace Suites Markham, ON; Courtyard by Marriott, Markham,

ON; Courtyard by Marriott Saskatoon Airport; TownePlace Suites Belleville, ON; and Fairfield Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown.

“We have four openings of TownePlace Suites this year and three more next year,” said Beckley.

Marriott brand reinvention The Marriott brand is being totally reinvented, using a website, www. marriotthotels.com, that invites travellers “travel brilliantly,” and to submit their ideas, Beckley said.

The guestroom experience is being redesigned, a lot of furniture is being taken out, the decor is hard and there’s a desk alternative—the same themes seen with Moxy and AC. “They’re putting the energy back into public spaces—making them warm, friendly places,” Beckley said, adding that the new Marriott design features communal tables and banquettes; an enormous emphasis on fitness (high tech, interactive equipment versus pools); and the M Club to look after platinum-level guests.

The new design has started rolling out in the U.S., and will be included in every new build. Existing hotels will include the new design in their next renovation cycle.

The first example of the new design in Canada will be the Marriott Calgary Downtown, which will be totally renovated to the tune of $34 million by spring 2015.

World’s first Starlight hotel

KEMPTVILLE, NS—Trout Point Lodge in Kemptville, NS, is the world’s first certified Starlight Hotel, a distinction given by the Starlight Foundation recognizing remote properties that promote stargazing tourism.

“The foundation aims to bring rural hotels and houses into the movement for astronomical tourism as an efficient way of spreading the joys of contemplating the starry skies among the customers and to encourage them to learn more about the marvels and mysteries of the universe,” said foundation managing director Luis Martinez in a release.

The Starlight Foundation is headquartered at the Canaries Astrophysics Institute in Spain and its initiative is backed by UNESCO, the International Astronomical Union

and other international organizations.

Located in a particularly dark nighttime zone of southwestern Nova Scotia, about 40 km northeast of Yarmouth, Trout Point has, during the past four years, developed astrotourism offerings.

“We would often go out at night after dinner service to relax after a tough night, and skies were always amazingly star-filled,” Trout Point owner/chef Charles Leary told CLN. “We thought this would be of interest to our guests—seeing the night sky like it used to be. We first hired a staff astronomer four years ago and also began looking for ways to market the idea. We encountered the Starlight Foundation and began work on getting our local region and the neighbouring (Tobeatic) wilder-

ness area certified for the quality of the skies here.”

Spearheading those certification efforts were Leary and Trout Point Lodge co-owner Vaughan Perret.

This included visiting the Canary Islands to view best practices and meet with Starlight Foundation officials.

Last year, the lodge’s astronomer took the scientific sky-quality measurements necessary to achieve regional certification. Undertaking the application was La Société Touristique Bon Temps d’Argyle, of which Perret is the chairman.

This year the lodge added a 16 ft. x 16 ft. stargazing platform and new telescopes, including a solar telescope for daytime use.

Leary plans to expand the property’s stargazing program during “the ensuing months and years.”

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Delta part of Edmonton Arena District project

By Don Douloff, assistant editor EDMONTON—The Katz Group of Companies and WAM Development Group announced in October that they’re partnering with Delta Hotels and Resorts in the Edmonton Arena District (EAD) project to build the downtown core’s first new four-star, full-service hotel in three decades.

Delta’s property will occupy the first 26 floors of a planned 50-storey tower, whose top 20-plus floors will house condominium residences.

The hotel will feature 362 guestrooms and suites, a luxury pool, outdoor terrace and fitness facilities. It will house approximately 24,000 square feet of ballroom, meeting and conference space providing access to an outdoor area overlooking the 25-acre EAD’s public plaza.

Expected to feature “forward-thinking design,” the hotel will be the project’s primary hospitality component and will be “a step above the typical Delta product,” Delta president and chief executive officer Ken Greene told CLN. For example, since the hotel will be sharing a multi-use site with condominiums, its amenities “need to be a cut above the standard,” said Greene, but added that those specifics, along with the design and architectural details, haven’t been finalized.

Construction of the hotel parkade is scheduled to begin in November and work on the main hotel tower is slated to start in fall 2015, targeting a 2018 completion date.

Delta embraced the EAD because of the project’s “strong ownership group and its ambitious plans for downtown Edmonton,” said Greene, who noted that the city accounts for more than 22 per cent of all visitor spending in Alberta. He

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added that Edmonton, with its strong income and population growth, “mirrors Delta’s own growth,” which recently has involved renovating existing Canadian hotels and building new properties.

In late September, the brand opened in Waterloo, ON, and plans to open new-build properties in Calgary (attached to the expanded airport terminal that’s expected to open in fall, 2015), Thunder Bay, ON (2015) and Burlington, ON (2018). In December, the brand will launch a flagship hotel near Toronto’s waterfront.

“Our strategic plan is to build the best fourstar properties in Canada,” said Greene.

Greene said Delta is “comfortable” with its two existing properties in the city, Delta Edmonton South and Edmonton Centre, and doesn’t expect to open any more hotels in that market beyond the EAD project.

“We really like where Delta is going, and the brand has a real understanding of the Canadian market,” WAM Development Group president and CEO Darren Durstling told CLN. “The brand’s upscale feel is just what we’ve been looking for (for the EAD)—and they’re good operators, too.”

Besides the 50-storey Delta/condo tower, EAD’s first phase will feature a 27-storey office tower (currently under construction), a mixeduse office/retail/residential tower of around 62 stories and a residential tower of 50-plus floors. A second phase could feature as many as five towers, said Durstling.

In addition, the project will include the Rogers Place Arena, home to the Edmonton Oilers hockey club, and feature an urban village, with eateries, boutiques, pharmacy, grocery store and year-round entertainment and attractions.

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OTA technology levels the playing field for small hotels

By Karen Tocher, Expedia market manager Vancouver VANCOUVER—There are nearly 300 hotels in BC’s Lower Mainland that bring in nearly $1 billion in annual rooms revenue. Among those 300 hotels are approximately 50 small hotels and neighborhood B&Bs that, unlike Whistler’s world famous resorts or Vancouver’s four starbranded hotels, historically have relied on traditional advertising and repeat business to keep their rooms filled.

Taking advantage of technology can be costly and intimidating, but over the past year, some 15 B&Bs have engaged in an Expedia initiative to offer added flexibilities that better meet the needs of inns, guest houses, small hotels and B&Bs. The effort has generated more than 6,000 total room nights and $550,000 revenue to the hotels in just 6 months. This outreach allows for flexible allocation of rooms and provides an easy-to-use system, so that small businesses can market themselves to customers in their backyard and the rest of the world.

With it comes billions spent on worldwide marketing and technology development, as well as training to ensure that even small, independently owned enterprises can compete with big business.

Being self-reliant by nature, most small hotels had previously opted not to partner with OTAs or other demand generators simply because they didn’t want to pay someone else to do a job they were quite capable of handling themselves.

“Honestly, I thought their commissions were too high and would eat up my profit margin,” explained Jacy Dobrich of the English Bay Inn B&B. Brenda Yablon, the owner of the Manor Guest House, a 25-room, three-star inn in Vancouver, used Expedia regularly for her personal travel, but never considered it an option for marketing her own company.

One day the irony caught up with her and she reached out.

In the first month live, she sold nine room nights, a decent start.

Once they got the hang of using the system, they grabbed 276 room Manor Guest House.

nights in just five months during the off-peak season and beat their first quarter YOY occupancy by 10 percent.

“Being with Expedia has vastly surpassed all expectations,” said Yablon. “We’ve always had a high occupancy rate, but now Expedia accounts for about one third of all our business, which has allowed us to cut back on other advertising.”

Brian and Linda Cooper, owners of the three-room Stone Hedge Bed and Breakfast have had a similar experience.

“We doubled our occupancy in May and June and July was the best month in our entire 13-year history,” said Brian Cooper. “The additional exposure is giving us huge occupancy gains, and we haven’t had to discount at all.”

Industry research affirms that international travellers, particularly those from Europe and Asia, tend to favor small, independently owned properties. Expedia markets those hotels directly to guests around the world, with content translated into more than 35 languages and reservations booked in the guest’s own currency.

“There isn’t a 25-room hotel on the planet that can afford to market in all of the countries that Expedia reaches,” Yablon said.

Unlike the Manor Guest House, which has natural demand generators such as the nearby hospital, The English Bay Inn relies largely on Vancouver’s thriving tourism business to fill its seven rooms. Following an extensive renovation, Jacy Dobrich decided to give technology a try to market his “new” inn.

“The most beneficial part of our partnership has been that Expedia does a great job of filling in the gaps,” Dobrich said. “When I get a cancellation or anticipate slow periods, I go into Expedia Partner Central and load a promotion, and it almost always sells instantly. Those rooms would normally sit empty.” Our occupancy this summer has been 25 per cent higher than it was in previous years.

“Let’s face it—travellers shop on OTAs. I know I do,” added Yablon.

“Small hotels aren’t for everyone, but now those who do prefer a more personalized lodging experience can find me more easily. I have the same chance as anyone else at capturing that customer.”

The Stone Hedge B&B.

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CANADIAN LODGING NEWS

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s the industry heads into the final quarter of 2014, it’s time to take stock and gauge how the hotel business has fared this year—and where it’s headed.

A report, released in July by PKF Consulting Inc., is forecasting the Canadian accommodation industry to achieve just over a one point increase in occupancy and rate growth that is line with inflation at 2.5 per cent.

Industry profitability in 2014 is forecast to rise by 7.5 per cent, reaching adjusted net operating income (ANOI) levels of $10,300 per room. While 2013 ANOI surpassed 2010 ANOI levels, the 2014 ANOI forecast is still expected to lag behind the 2008 ANOI levels by 8 per cent, according to PKF. Overall, the Canadian accommodation industry is expected to continue to head in the right direction in terms of industry profitability, as a number of key markets and the Western regions drive growth across the country.

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RevPAR: +6.5% TRANSACTION VOLUME: –29%

A PROVINCE-BY-PROVINCE LOOK AT THE STATE OF THE COUNTRY’S HOTEL INDUSTRY IN 2014 AND BEYOND.

BY DON DOULOFF

Here is a province-by-province breakdown:

SASKATCHEWAN

The Regina hotel market continues to benRevPAR: –3.9% efit from the boom in the province’s oil and TRANSACTION VOLUME: –78% gas sectors and strong government demand.

During the next four years, developers will usher in a “significant amount” of new supply into the market, with marketwide room supply projected to increase 9.4 per cent in 2014 and another 6.8 per cent in 2015, according to the 2014 Canadian Hotel Valuation Index, released in October by hospitality consulting firm HVS. As the increase in supply is forecast to outpace demand growth, the hotel market will struggle to absorb the addition of approximately 880 rooms during the next four years.

Much of this year’s new supply will come from the 215-room converted DoubleTree Regina Hotel & Conference Centre (formerly the Regina Inn) and the 115-room Four Points Regina, says the report.

Driving the Saskatoon lodging market are resource industries, government and healthcare. Between 2014 and 2017, about 770 rooms are projected to enter the market, a supply increase of almost 17 per cent, notes HVS. Demand will continue to increase, but the rate of growth will not be sufficient to offset fully the increased supply, resulting in a diminished marketwide occupancy level. In this environment, the per-room value is projected to erode slightly from 2014 to 2017, says the report.

NEW BRUNSWICK

RevPAR ATLANTIC: +3.0% TRANSACTION VOLUME: N/A

In 2013, the New Brunswick lodging market experienced RevPAR growth for the first time since 2010, according to the HVS report. Government cutbacks dealt a blow to GDP growth and lodging demand, but improvements in the potash sector, particularly production increases stemming from the Sussex Potash Mine beginning operations, have boosted the provincial economy.

In that favourable business environment, New Brunswick’s per-room value increased

by 3.7 per cent in 2013 to $66,900.

In 2014, the province is projected to see stronger RevPAR growth than in any year since 2006, says the report. From 2014 to 2017, provincial guestroom supply is expected to grow by 763 rooms, or by almost 7 per cent, but the market is expected to absorb this new inventory.

With these stronger market conditions, the per-room hotel value is projected to increase nearly 6 per cent in 2014, which would represent the strongest rate of growth since 2010, according to HVS. More moderate growth is anticipated for 2015 through 2017; however, this market is projected to maintain the lowest per-room value in the country.

MANITOBA

Winnipeg saw increased supply in 2013— RevPAR: +1.6% the 191-room Canad Inns Destination CenTRANSACTION VOLUME: +100% tre; the 135-room Hampton Inn Winnipeg Airport and the 89-room Days Inn & Suites Winnipeg Airport among them—and the market is projected to experience additional increases in supply, says the HVS report.

Hotel projects include the 120-room Courtyard by Marriott and the 154-room ALT hotel, expected to launch in 2015, and the 225-room Hilton Garden Inn, set to open in 2016. Between 2014 and 2017, Winnipeg’s room supply is projected to increase at an average annual rate of 4.1 per cent.

Concurrent with that, additional demand will be created by the expansion of the RBC Convention Centre, the recently opened Human Rights Museum and sporting events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and the Canada Summer Games in 2017, says the report. Despite the additional demand generators, however, RevPAR growth will be minimal in the coming years, as the market absorbs new room supply.

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NOVA SCOTIA

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“Our outlook is optimistic, but not a lot of RevPAR ATLANTIC: +3.0% drama,” says Jeff Ransome, president of the TRANSACTION VOLUME: +68% Nova Scotia Hotel Association and general manager of the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront. Forecasts call for provincial growth in the range of 2.7 per cent.

Expected to drive growth in the province is the $25 billion contract awarded to Halifax Shipyard to build combat ships for the Canadian navy. Ship construction, which will begin ramping up in mid-2015, with peak years expected in 2016/17, is expected to spur lodging demands to house the influx of shipbuilding specialists, says Ransome.

Also expected to drive growth, says Ransome, is the Halifax Convention Centre. Currently under construction and expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016, the convention facility is part of the $500 million Nova Centre project being built in downtown Halifax.

In 2014, the Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn each added 150 guestrooms via new Halifax hotels. “These have been absorbed well,” he says.

Moreover, 2014 saw the first full year of resumed ferry service between Yarmouth, N.S. and Portland, ME, which had a “positive effect on visitation and overnight stays” from U.S. tourists and is expected to have a continued beneficial effect in 2015, says Ransome.

RevPAR and Transaction Volume statistics courtesy

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BRITISH COLUMBIA

This year, the BC hotel industry has been RevPAR: +9.9% “meeting expectations,” says James Chase, TRANSACTION VOLUME: +34% CEO of the province’s hotel association.

Province-wide, the industry, in 2014, has experienced slow and steady growth and Chase says expectations call for growth to continue at the rate of 1 to 2 per cent.

As occupancy grows, however, the province’s hotels will “have to get their average rate up,” says Chase. But costs are increasing faster than revenues, putting pressure on operators to maintain profitability. Labour costs are a big issue, he says, as BC hotels struggle to attract workers to remote rural areas.

The BC economy is growing at 1.5 to 2 per cent, but going forward, much will depend on the health of the province’s sizable resource sector, says Chase.

Spurring additional visitors, he says, is an increase in direct flights from Asia, especially China and, to a lesser extent, Japan.

U.S. tech companies are opening satellite offices in BC’s Lower Mainland, boosting Vancouver’s economy, he says. Forecasts predict 1 per cent growth in the city’s occupancy rate and a $2 to $3 increase in average daily room rate, he says.

ONTARIO

In Ontario, 2014 occupancy increased to 71.2 per cent, a 1.6 per cent increase over last year. Average daily rate, province-wide, rose by 4.4 per cent, to $131.83, and RevPAR grew by almost 7 per cent, to $93.81, according to information provided by PKF Consulting.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) saw occupancy rise to 74.5 per cent (an increase of 2.6 per cent), average daily rate grow just over 6 per cent, to $133.74, and RevPAR grow by 10 per cent, to $99.67.

Looking ahead to next year, the big story is the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, for which organizers have set a basic target of 250,000 additional visitors for the city, according to a report issued by CIBC. If Vancouver’s experience with the 2010 Winter Olympics is any indication, international visitors to the Pan Am Games could rise by about 350,000, noted the report. Driving potential visitors is Toronto’s proximity to 200 million U.S. citizens living within a day’s drive of the city. Assuming 350,000 international tourists (roughly split 75/25 in favour of U.S. visitors), and the large number of Canadians likely to attend the Games, the increase in tourist spending during the Games alone should generate an additional $260 million in GDP, says the CIBC report.

RevPAR: +6.9% TRANSACTION VOLUME: –52%

| 13

ALBERTA

“Overall, business levels are pretty good,” RevPAR: +4.9% says Dave Kaiser, president and CEO of the TRANSACTION VOLUME: –48% Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association.

To the end of July, occupancy levels stood at 67.4 per cent, room rates were up 3.7 per cent over last year and RevPAR was $96.50, up 4.2 per cent over 2013, he says.

Calgary has seen a slippage in occupancy, with RevPAR down 0.5 per cent “because of increased supply,” notes Kaiser, who says 1,400 new rooms will be added in 2015.

To the end of July, the province’s resorts experienced occupancy rates 3.4 per cent higher year-to-date, with average daily rate up 6.2 per cent and RevPAR up 12.9 per cent, to $118.68.

Hoteliers had a “strong summer season and have been strong into September,” says Kaiser.

For Fort McMurray, which, in 2013, experienced a “scorcher of a year,” 2014 was “a little soft,” as the energy sector, and particularly oil companies, show more caution in their spending and the price of oil drops and could fall further, says Kaiser.

QUEBEC

Montreal will play host to a number of RevPAR: +9.3% events, including the FIFA Women’s World TRANSACTION VOLUME: +79% Cup and the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2015 and the World Police & Fire Games and the city’s 375th anniversary in 2017, which will help stimulate demand growth, according to the HVS report. The Montreal Airport area, for example, is not expected to see increases in supply during the next four years, but is expected to sustain steady increases in RevPAR from 2014 to 2017, according to the report.

In Montreal Downtown, the closure of the Maritime Hotel and Delta Centre Ville in 2013 reduced supply, which is expected to fall by another 5.1 per cent in 2014 with the closure of the 488-room Holiday Inn Montreal Downtown and the 139-room Quality Inn, according to HVS. With this reduced supply, the marketwide occupancy for 2014 is projected to increase to 71 per cent.

In Quebec City, the short closure of the Le Concorde Hotel briefly reduced supply, and the market is projected to rebound with strong RevPAR growth of 9.6 per cent. Renovations and expansions completed to the Quebec City Convention Centre will contribute to this resurgence, as will renovations completed at the Chateau Frontenac and an increase in the marketwide average daily rate, noted the report.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

The story this year was 70 days of celebrations, held in Charlottetown and throughout the province, marking the 150th anniversary of the birthplace of Confederation, when meetings were first held to discuss the subject.

Those celebrations helped spur provincial growth of between 4 and 6 per cent over 2013, says Kevin Murphy, president of the Hotel Association of Prince Edward Island and a principal of the Murphy Hospitality Group. As of August, overnight stays were up 5 per cent year-to-date.

In April, an expanded convention centre opened in Charlottetown and paid immediate dividends, hosting the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the premiers conference, among others, says Murphy.

Small to medium-sized conventions hosted by Charlottetown’s convention centre present the biggest opportunities for growth, especially as other once-major draws, such as golf and Anne of Green Gables tourism, have peaked, he adds.

Going forward, the goal is to build on the momentum established this year, says Murphy.

The aim, he says, is to “work towards 2015 and 2016 as a bridge to 2017,” when Canada-wide celebrations will mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Continuing to drive business is culinary tourism; the Cavendish Beach Music Festival; and the rise of Charlottetown as a cruise port, which annually attracts 80,000 to 85,000 visitors, each spending $75 to $80, says Murphy.

RevPAR ATLANTIC: +3.0% TRANSACTION VOLUME: N/A

ourtesy of HVS, change year over year (YTD August)

NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR In 2013, the Newfoundland & Labrador hotel RevPAR ATLANTIC: +3.0% market continued to strengthen as a result TRANSACTION VOLUME: –100% of the demand generated by the province’s thriving oil and gas sector, says the HVS report. A significant amount of rig maintenance work took place that year, which helped push the marketwide occupancy up to 75 per cent. Hotel development increased, with the opening of 189 rooms, representing a 3 per cent increase in supply.

The effects of severe weather and a decrease in maintenance activity on the oil rigs, coupled with a 3.5 per cent increase in new hotel supply, will contribute to a decline in occupancy for 2014, according to the report.

Consequently, RevPAR is expected to fall by almost 4 per cent. But the long-term outlook is far more positive. Newfoundland & Labrador’s oil-rich ocean floor is creating strong commercial demand in the market, which is projected to increase the province’s per-room hotel value to $157,000 by 2017, fifth highest in Canada. Value growth is projected to stall in 2016 as the market absorbs the 814 hotel rooms that will enter the market between 2014 and 2017, says HVS.

www.canadianlodgingnews.com

14 |

CANADIAN LODGING NEWS

Profile: Larry Law and Cranberry Village

By Colleen Isherwood, editor COLLINGWOOD, ON—The story of Cranberry Village is in many ways the story of Larry Law’s life. He purchased the property in Collingwood, ON in 1992, but he had been coming there with his family every weekend since his children were small.

In the beginning, Cranberry was just a typical business for Law. Like many business people, his main concern was to make the business profitable.

His life changed in 2001, when his wife passed away.

“At that time, I was really successful at business, but even with all that money, I could not save my wife’s life,” Law told CLN in a wide-ranging personal interview.

This prompted questions. What is the meaning of life? What is the meaning of doing things that way? These questions prompted Law to lead

what he calls “a purpose-driven life.”

“This means that while I am doing business and making money, my first priority is to build good people relationships in harmony. There is no place better than Cranberry to pursue this path.

“I am not only treating guests as guests only, and staff are not staff only. I am taking them all as part of my relationship building. I have an opportunity to serve both the staff and the guests with my heart.”

Hence Cranberry Village’s mission statement: “to build a fun and caring community.”

On the fun side, the resort consists of more than just the hotel and condos, the golf course, marina, multiple pools, tennis courts and restaurants.

“More important is Mother Nature, the water, the mature landscaping, wildlife, earth, sky and multiple stars and fresh air,” said Law. On the caring side, Law and his staff have be-

come much more involved in the local community.

“It’s been a humble journey for me. I used to think we should help other people in need, such as children, the sick and the elderly. Now I have found it is also rewarding to serve all people at large.”

Cranberry Village and Living Water Resort were the major sponsors of this year’s Elvis Festival, where more than 100 tribute artists come to Collingwood for several days of concerts and competitions.

“I see the happy faces of all the people on the street—30,000 people all jammed on the street, all happy with joy on their faces. That is the kind of thing money can’t buy,” Law said.

“We bring a lifetime of memorable experiences and we help to build them up in partnership with the town and townspeople. It proved to me the value of support—with more support the local community can become much better.”

Over the years, they have supported the local hospital, Georgian College, the library and local schools.

For several years, over 50 staff from Cranberry Village have provided a Christmas dinner for more than 300 underprivileged people in conjunction with seven local churches.

Law used these principles when he developed phase one of Living Water Resort, across the street from the Cranberry Inn. “With this environment, in combination with Mother Nature and hospitality that comes from the heart, we hope we are not only there to provide guests with nice accommodation. We are hoping to inspire them to take a moment to think about what is most important to them; what life is all about. What is my contribution to the society?”

Since then, Law has developed The Bear Estate, Collingwood’s only waterfront banquet hall, suitable for weddings and conferences. “The business model is not just for one type of guest, but for people from all walks of life, especially extended stay guests. Guests can stay for two days, or even a month since the accommodation can be one or two-bedroom condos with kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms.”

The second phase of Living Water Resort opened in December, 2013. It cost $27 million and has 60 condo-style units.

Aqua Tapas Bar, part of the phase two development, serves what Law describes as “Spanish dim sum,” great for sharing and socializing. “It gives people a chance to share stories at the dining table in a very relaxing setting,” he said.

Shovels went in the ground in September for phase three of Living Water Resort, another 100room condo addition with a 5,000-square-foot indoor spa and 5,000-square-foot restaurant. “It’s the only restaurant facing the water in the region, and it will also have a patio,” Law noted.

Cranberry Village is the umbrella that encompasses the development on both sides of Highway 26. Once it is mature, Cranberry Village will include 1,000 homes and amenities for residents and guests to enjoy. Law works with both Interval International and RCI vacation membership groups as part of the exchange privileges to over 4,000 resorts all over the world.

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BAYFIELD, ON—On Oct. 6, the Little Inn at Bayfield welcomed new owners and innkeepers Mike and Joanne Oliver, a husband-and-wife team who are taking over from Gayle and Pat Waters, who have retired after 33 years.

“After so many years at the Inn, we are not retiring, just changing directions!” said Gayle and Pat Waters in a release. “We will continue to call Bayfield home, but will find time to travel and visit our 13 grandchildren.”

The pair added that “during these past years, we have learned that our Little Inn staff has always been as important for our success as a comfortable bed, a perfect meal or the right single malt (Scotch). They have been our greatest assets, the best ambassadors the Inn could have.”

To that end, they singled out Richard Fitoussi, “our partner and friend, who for 26 years before he retired, cajoled, bossed, cheered and applied his great French personality to all facets of the Inn’s life.”

During the past few months, the Olivers have been meeting staff, familiarizing themselves with the properties and preparing for an ownership transition that will be seamless for staff and guests. Joanne Oliver will be taking on the dayto-day duties of Innkeeper while Mike continues to work at his corporate job in Mississauga, ON. “The Little Inn is steeped in so much rich history and tradition, and we feel a strong sense of commitment to help preserve its authenticity and legacy for generations to come,” Joanne Oliver told CLN. “We will be planning some renovations to the Inn beginning in January 2015.”

www.canadianlodgingnews.com

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16 |

CANADIAN LODGING NEWS

BY MARNI ANDREWS For this feature article on hotel management schools, Canadian Lodging News surveyed Canadian hotel programs across the country. Not all contacted colleges responded to our survey, however, and certain courses have been discontinued. For a list of other Hotel Management Schools and additional information go to www.canadianlodgingnews.com.

British Columbia

1

DOUGLAS COLLEGE

SELKIRK COLLEGE

Location: Coquitlam Students: 170 Program Types: Diploma, Hospitality Management.

What’s New/Focus: Guest and colleague expectations are evolving so that internal and guest relationship management strategies are increasingly important in customizing experiences and value.

Location: Nelson Students: 70 Program Types: 2 year Diploma, Resort and Hotel Management; 2 year Diploma, Post Graduate Hospitality.

What’s New/Focus: First year focus on hospitality courses in Nelson. Second year includes core business courses in Accounting, Management, Marketing and Economics in Castlegar.

ROYAL ROADS Location: Victoria Students: 44 Program Types: BA, Global Tourism Management; BA, International Hotel Management.

What’s New/Focus: BA in International Hotel Management ends on an internship, ensuring that students are working at the end of their degree program.

Photo 1: Royal Roads students.

Photo 2: Royal Roads exterior.

Photo 3: SAIT Culinary Campus students.

Alberta NAIT Location: Edmonton Students: 100 Program Types: 2 year Diploma, Hospitality Management (Degree program through JR Shaw School of Bus.).

What’s New/Focus: Cultural diversity in our classroom adds value to the learning experience for both Canadian and international students.

SAIT Location: Calgary Students: 250 Program Types: 2 year Diploma, Hospitality Management.

What’s New/Focus: Online certificate of achievement in F&B Leadership helps professionals transition into leadership roles. Courses include Marketing/ Strategic Planning, Finance, Project Management, Leadership, Human Resources, Operations Analysis, F&B Capstone.

2

Newfoundland COLLEGE OF NORTH ATLANTIC Location: St. John’s Students: 25 Program Types: 1 year Certificate, Hospitality Services; 2 year Diploma, Hospitality Tourism Management.

What’s New/Focus: Students can earn a certificate after year one and diploma by completing one additional year. Year one: core skills and characteristics of hospitality tourism industry; year two: supervisory & management skills. Six-week work term between year one and two.

3

VANCOUVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE Location: Vancouver Students: 325 Program Types: 2 year Diploma, Hospitality Management; Bachelor Degree, Hospitality Management.

What’s New/Focus: Trends include advances in technology, employee empowerment, decision making and analytics.

Manitoba ASSINIBOINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Location: Brandon Students: 21 Program Types: 1 year Certificate, Hotel & Restaurant Management; 2 year Diploma, Hotel & Restaurant Management.

What’s New/Focus: Produce is grown on-site by the Horticulture Production program, prepared

by Culinary Arts students, and served by Hotel and Restaurant Management students.

RED RIVER COLLEGE Location: Winnipeg Students: 150 Program Types: 1 year Certificate, Hospitality & Tourism Manage.; 2 year Diploma, Hotel & Restaurant Administration.

What’s New/Focus: Curriculum focuses on Customer Service, Introduction to Tourism, Front of House Operations in Hotels & Restaurants.

Second year develops knowledge in Rooms Management, Workplace Diversity, Sales & Catering, Inventory Management, Restaurant and Menu Design, Advanced Restaurant Service, and Hotel Simulation.

N OV E M B E R 2 014

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www.canadianlodgingnews.com

Ontario

ALGONQUIN COLLEGE

HUMBER COLLEGE

RYERSON UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

Location: Ottawa Students: N/A Program Types: 2 year Diploma, Hospitality Management (Hotel & Restaurant); BA, Hospitality & Tourism.

What’s New/Focus: All courses offered online, hybrid traditional in-class (all have work placement). E-text available for all programs. Four-year undergraduate degree program provides skills in analysis and problem solving.

Location: Toronto Students: 260+ Program Types: 2 year Diploma, Hospitality Management-Hotel & Restaurant Program.

What’s New/Focus: 14-week internship placement.

In 2015-2016 introducing courses such as The Art of Business Etiquette and Communication, Introduction to Beverage Management and Advance Beverage Management, Sales & Catering Management, Health and Wellness Management.

Location: Toronto Students: 600+ Program Types: Business Communication, Hospitality & Tourism Management.

What’s New/Focus: Co-op program. Undergrad course in Hospitality Asset Management. Course in Revenue Management running a virtual hotel/eatery.

Cross-disciplinary courses—Value of Branding in Lodging and Introduction to Gaming Industry or Sustainable Tourism Development.

NIAGARA COLLEGE

ST. CLAIR COLLEGE

Location: Guelph Students: 450+ Program Types: Business Communication, Hotel and Food Administration; Business Communication, Tourism Management; M.Sc., Tourism and Hospitality. Management; Ph.D., Service Management.

What’s New/Focus: Co-op program with 12-week work period at end of second year. Certifications from Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Senior-level course in market feasibility/valuations; adding lodging expertise in 2015.

Location: Niagara region Students: 2000 in all hospitality programs.

Program Types: 1 year Certificate, Hospitality & Tourism;2 year Diploma, Hospitality Management; 4 year degree, Hospitality Business Operations.

What’s New/Focus: Full culinary labs, wine tasting rooms, Benchmark restaurant, Front Desk with Opera PMS system to access virtual 50-room hotel. Paid coop. Setting up a centre of excellence in tourism, hospitality and business innovation in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Location: Windsor Students: 110 Program Types: 2 year Diploma, Hospitality Management (Hotel and Restaurant Management).

What’s New/Focus: Campus is also a full-service catering facility. Opportunities for paid jobs in catering; use of banquet facilities for hands-on instruction. Partnership with Walt Disney World and Central Michigan University allows six to ten students from Hospitality Management and Tourism programs to work full-time at Walt Disney World from July to January.

GEORGIAN COLLEGE Location: Barrie Students: 250+ Program Types: 1 year Certificate, Hospitality Skills; 2 year & 3 year Diploma, Hospitality Administration (Hotel & Resort).

What’s New/Focus: First-year students experience Hospitality Boot Camp at Kempenfelt Conference Centre. At business retreats each semester at hotels and resorts, students “live” the experience of each property.

4

Photo 4: Georgian College dining room.

Photo 5: Niagara College dining room.

Photo 6: Nova Scotia Community College Tourism Management.

5

Nova Scotia CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY

MOUNT SAINT VINCENT

Location: Sydney Students: 280 Program Types: BA, Hospitality and Tourism Management.

What’s New/Focus: One third tourism courses, One third business courses and electives. For example, a student takes electives in history if interested in museum positions, or languages if interested in international travel. Students must complete two paid internships in any term.

Location: Halifax Students: 100+ Program Types: 1 year Certificate; 2 year Diploma; Bachelor, Tourism & Hospitality Management.

What’s New/Focus: Degree candidates complete co-op program of three work terms. Program competencies in hotel management, food and beverage management and tourism management. Scholarships available. Almost all of program available through distance education. Exchange program available — students can take one or two semesters abroad.

Quebec ITHQ Location: Montreal Students: 503 Program Types: 2 year & 3 year college & university programs.

What’s New/Focus: More than 40 years spent developing advanced expertise and extensive network of contacts. Partnerships with Québec hospitality and tourism industry.

6

NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Location: Dartmouth et al Students: 141 Program Types: 2 year Diploma, Tourism Management.

What’s New/Focus: 22-week co-op program. Opera training system. Students work in a learning lab such as Fresh 21 dining room at Akerley, which is open to the public. 10 day learning simulation offered. Software provides a glimpse into operating a mid-size hotel as an executive team.

New Brunswick NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK

Location: St Andrews Students: 12-15 Program Types: 1 year Certificate, Hotel & Restaurant Operations (continue UNBSJ for BAMHT, see below).

What’s New/Focus: Touch Bistro POS system for student training. Operate 60-seat full service restaurant two days a week, banquet style and restaurant style.

Location: Saint John Students: N/A Program Types: BA Applied Management, Hospitality and Tourism.

What’s New/Focus: Students encouraged to work in the industry (90 per cent work summers and often during the school year). Co-op/foreign exchange programs. Working relationship with local hotels and tourism businesses.

P.E.I. HOLLAND COLLEGE Location: Charlottetown Students: 31 Program Types: 2 year Diploma, International Hospitality Program.

What’s New/Focus: International global component (to many courses) on Hotel & Restaurant Operations and Marketing and courses on Global Issues pertaining to travel/hospitality industry.

Partners with University of Cancun to expose students to tourism and hospitality experiential products of the Yucatan.

www.canadianlodgingnews.com

18 |

PEOPL E

Our industry loses a leader

By Steve Isherwood, publisher

Photo courtesy of Kostuch Media.

Mitch Kostuch, president of Kostuch Media Ltd., perhaps better known as the publications Foodservice & Hospitality and Hotelier, passed away

suddenly at the age of 83 in late October.

Mitch purchased Foodservice & Hospitality magazine from the Canadian Restaurant Association (now Restaurants Canada) back in 1974, competing strongly with then-industry leader, Canadian Hotel & Restaurant from media giant Maclean Hunter. Not only did he compete, but eventually bought that book to continue his growth.

Mitch was an entrepreneur, who brought many ideas and some innovation. For example, today’s Top Management Night by the Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals (CAFP) Toronto Branch evolved from Foodservice & Hospitality’s annual Top 50 Chain Report issue.

He was a tireless promoter of Canadian cuisine almost from day

Heather Craig-Peddie, Assoc. of Cdn. Travel Agencies VP.

Hank Stackhouse, former CEO of Delta Hotels & Resorts.

Jim Marchbank, chair, OTMPC chair until September 2017.

Michael Singer, area GM for all Toronto Novotel hotels.

Bill Hanley, Vantage group president, international development.

Patrick Mullinix, Vantage Value Brands group president.

The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) announced in October the promotion of Heather Craig-Peddie to the position of vicepresident. In her new role, Craig-Peddie will continue to support president David McCaig and oversee all areas of

one – long before it became trendy and fashionable – and produced two books to that effect: The Canadian Menu Manual, and Culinary Canada, a book that used many of the country’s great chefs to create a truly Canadian industry culinary book.

He was actively involved with the industry, and encouraged his staff to do so as well. He was particularly proud of his association with the Canadian Federation of Chefs & Cooks, and a strong advocate of the World Association of Cooks (WACS), attending summits around the world, and the Culinary Olympics whenever possible.

He was my first boss when I joined the industry in 1977. He gave me a chance to learn and grow as my mentor. Over the years, he remained our friendly, professional competitor. He will be missed.

Wendy Swedlove, president, CTHRC since its inception.

Monica Xuereb, chief revenue officer, Loews Hotels.

Dr. Statia Elliott, director, School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management at University of Guelph.

day-to-day operations. An employee of ACTA for more than 15 years and most recently in the role of director of operations, Craig-Peddie worked with the president to eliminate the deficit, which was accomplished in 2013. She will continue to provide her leadership

toward the continued growth of the association.

TIAC announced in October this year’s inductees into the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame: Hank Stackhouse, former president and Chief

CANADIAN LODGING NEWS

executive officer of Delta Hotels & Resorts, and Wendy Swedlove, president of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council.

Their industry contributions will be recognized at the opening ceremony and Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame Luncheon on Nov. 25 during the Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa.

Stackhouse’s 30-plus years experience in the Canadian hospitality industry included a stint as president and chief executive officer of Delta Hotels and Resorts, where he oversaw a portfolio of 46 hotels and resorts.

During his leadership, Delta Hotels was awarded the Canada Order of Excellence. A strong supporter of healthy communities, Stackhouse was instrumental in creating a goldlevel partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada, which included fundraising, volunteering and championing affordable housing across Canada.

Swedlove has been the president of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council since its inception in 1993. During this time, the council has developed national occupational standards, professional certification programs, paper-based and on-line workplace training under the emerit brand, and career information under the Discover Tourism brand. In 2012, Swedlove was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Guelph in recognition of her commitment to the stewardship of the resources and programs that have been developed for the benefit of Canadians who are tourism employees, business owners, students, and educators.

Loews Hotels & Resorts in September announced the promotion of Monica Xuereb to chief revenue officer, responsible for supporting all revenue processes for Loews Hotels. In her new role, she will lead the strategy for generating more efficient, predictable and profitable revenue in support of the brand’s long- and short-term growth goals, along with developing a data-driven revenue management culture within the brand that expands to all revenue streams. Xuereb joined Loews in 2013 as vice-president of revenue management, following a successful period of entrepreneurship supporting independent hoteliers and hotel groups.

The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corp. (OTMPC) announced in September that Jim Marchbank had been appointed chair, effective Sept. 10, with a term running until September 2017.

Marchbank began at Science North, in Sudbury, in 1982 as a director, becoming chief executive officer in 1987, where he remained until 2011.

Marchbank led the expansion of Science North in developing a special exhibits hall, a butterfly gallery and an IMAX theatre. He has been an OTMPC board member since 2008.

Novotel North America has announced the promotion of Michael Singer to area general manager of all Toronto Novotel hotels. Currently general manager of Novotel North York and a 25-year veteran of hotel

operator Accor, Singer will oversee all Novotel operations in the Toronto area. In addition to his role as general manager of Novotel North York, Singer will be responsible for the operations of all Novotel Toronto hotels. He will be tasked with creating a strategic plan for market growth in Toronto by implementing sales, PR and marketing activities among all properties, while also overseeing F&B profitability and assisting in culinary developments. Born and raised in the U.K., Singer joined Accor in 1988 as general manager at Novotel Ipswich in the U.K. He then held senior-level positions in several locations, including general manager at Novotel London Heathrow, Novotel Mississauga and Novotel Toronto Centre.

The Omni King Edward Hotel announced the appointment of Christophe Le Chatton as general manager. An accomplished hotelier, Le Chatton has broad experience in the luxury hospitality industry.

In this new position, he will oversee the 110-year-old luxury hotel and a multi-million dollar renovation. Le Chatton joins Omni from Relais & Chateaux: Langdon Hall Country House and Spa, where he served as general manager. Prior to Relais & Chateaux, Le Chatton worked for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts where he held various positions over 10 years for properties in the U.S., Canada and China. Most recently, he served as hotel manager at the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai.

Dr. Statia Elliott joined the University of Guelph’s College of Business and Economics as director of the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management, which became effective Aug. 1.

A faculty member at the University of Guelph since 2007, Dr. Elliott’s career includes 10 years of management and consulting experience within the hospitality and tourism industry, including director of marketing for the Manitoba Department of Tourism.

A highly effective and innovative teacher, Statia has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate level in a variety of subject areas, including introduction to hospitality and tourism management and hospitality and tourism marketing at the graduate level.

Vantage Hospitality in late September appointed Patrick Mullinix as group president of Vantage’s Value Brands.

In his new role, Mullinix will oversee the development and stratification of Signature Inn, America’s Best Inns & Suites, Americas Best Value Inn and Country Hearth Inns & Suites. Mullinix joined Vantage Hospitality in 2002 as senior director of membership.

Since then, he has moved into several executive roles, most recently as executive vice-president of development.

On the international front, Bill Hanley is now the group president of international development and will continue the steady expansion Vantage has made in Canada, South Korea, China, India and Indonesia.

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With the low price of natural gas, we know your Union Gas bill isn’t your biggest operational cost. So we have to work harder to make energy-efficient upgrades worth your while. Our Multi-Installation Bonus program makes it easy for you to maximize energy savings across mulitple locations with our regular cash rebates plus an additional bonus of 25 per cent (on any combination of six or more upgrades) or 50 per cent (for more than 30 installations).

It’s easy.

No need to co-ordinate installation, collect receipts or fill out forms.

Simply contact Union Gas National Account Manager Joe Meriano at jmmeriano@uniongas.com. We’ll handle the rest.

Offer subject to change at any time. Application must be submitted by December 31, 2014.

You must operate 10 or more facilities in the Union Gas service area to qualify. Custom projects do not qualify. If you are installing more than 30 units, the Multi-Installation Bonus increases from 25% to 50% of the regular incentive. © Union Gas Limited 11/2014 UG20140077

Here’s how it works.

5 equipment upgrades x 5 locations: 2 Ozone Laundry 1 ERV 2 Condensing Gas Water Heaters Total Regular Incentive = $4,300 Number of Locations = 5 Total Regular Incentive = $21,500 25% Multi-Installation Bonus = $5,375 Total Incentive = $26,875

BUSINESS

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CANADIAN LODGING NEWS

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Technology revolutionizing meetings landscape NEW YORK—Technology influences every aspect of global commerce, and new research released in October by American Express Meetings & Events explores the many ways emerging technologies are changing the meetings industry landscape, as well as how that innovation can be harnessed to increase engagement and productivity and generate a greater return on a meetings investment.

The American Express Meetings & Events report, titled “Great Expectations: The Evolving Landscape of Technology in Meetings”, reveals the similarities and gaps in attendee and planner expectations across three areas of technological advancement: virtual and hybrid meetings, social media and events apps.

“Over the past decade, smartphones and wireless data have revolutionized the meeting and events experience for both planners and attendees, enabling the possibility of

anywhere, anytime participation via virtual technologies and the integration of apps into meeting programs,” said Issa Jouaneh, vice-president and general manager, American Express Meetings & Events.

“These technologies provide planners with greater opportunities to increase engagement and generate and capture real-time feedback, while attendees can gain a richer and more connected experience throughout the event life cycle.

“What our research has found, however, is that there can be an ‘expectation gap’ between the technologies meeting planners believe should be incorporated into an event, and the solutions attendees expect to be part of their meeting experience.

What they have in common is that as good as technology is, there is simply no substitute for in-person meetings.”

On top of that, those attending and running meetings want to have control over technology in a hotel’s meeting space, according to a report in HotelNewsNow. This do-it-yourself trend has spurred some hotel operators to rethink the design, layout and

technology offered by their properties, according to the article.

“The most important thing is people want to control (the meeting) by themselves,” said Barry Goldstein, chief revenue officer at Dolce Hotels and Resorts. “It used to be that there was always someone who had to set it up, plug it in.

“If 20 people are sitting around a table, instead of having one single device control the room, our customers want anyone in that room to be able to put their presentation on the screen.”

Goldstein said meeting attendees want flexibility, ease of use, participation by all and secure wireless, according to HotelNewsNow. Accordingly, Dolce has incorporated new tech features into its meeting rooms, including the ability to build a secure server onsite, improved bandwidth and touch-screen controls embedded on walls.

Gansevoort Hotel Group’s COO Elon Kenchington, quoted in HotelNewsNow, agreed clients want the ability to control everything in the room, but noted that it’s also key that the meeting space technology be operational to even novice users.

In June, the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC announced the renovation of its executive boardroom, which totalled $80,000 in technology upgrades and $20,000 in refurbishment, included the addition of a point-to-point video conferencing

li ne s

system, state-of-the-art surround sound system, an 80-inch 1080p LED HDTV connected to both Apple and DirecTV and 100 Mbps Internet connection, among other features.

Coffee and Tea Show serves what’s hot TORONTO—The annual Canadian Coffee and Tea Show took place at the International Centre in Toronto in late September and showcased innovations within the industry.

The two-day event featured manufacturers, vendors and operators alongside several speakers from the industry and the 2014 Canadian Barista Championship.

Mexico shines At the centre of the convention, the Mexican pavilion, sponsored by the country’s government, provided attendees with taste of coffee and tea from the region.

Pablo Sanchez, second secretary of the embassy of Mexico in Canada, said there is a focus on small, artisanal and organic coffee growers.

“We’re the third or the fourth coffee provider for Canada and now that people are trying to find different coffees, we have that,” Sanchez told CLN. “Our production is made of small farmers, and we have the largest land dedicated toward organic coffee.”

According to Sanchez, Mexico is actively seeking to take advantage

The race is always won in the corners!

of Canadian and Mexican free trade agreements to build economic ties between the countries.

Sanchez said buyers looking to connect with Mexican growers could be connected via e-mail at psanchez@ agrimexcan.com.

Bunn makes a barista Jeffrey Williams, sales manager for Bunn equipment in Ontario and Atlantic Canada, said that while singleserve cup machines continue to make an impact on the market, espresso machines that produce the entire beverage with a push of a button are keenly sought after in the foodservice industry.

“Our new systems are based on milk management and how do we manage 98 per cent of the finished beverage,” Williams said. “It really speaks to the understanding that the restaurant industry is constantly teaching and retraining staff and still requires a consistent product.”

Cold coffee on tap Toronto-based Station Cold Brew unveiled at the show, gave attendees a sample of cold coffee served on tap.

“Cold brew is exploding,” founder Steve Ballantyne said.

The company offers eight-ounce ready-to-drink bottles, a 32-ounce bottle of cold coffee concentrate used for marinades, cocktails and iced coffees and a 30-litre, ready-to-drink keg. Ballantyne said a growler system is also in the works.

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O p e n i n g s , s a l e s a n d r e n O vat i O n s

Royal York sold for $186M TORONTO—InnVest Real Estate Investment Trust and KingSett Real Estate Growth LP No. 5 announced in October that the companies have agreed to buy a combined 80-per-cent interest in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto from Ivanhoé Cambridge for $186.5 million, or $137,000 per room.

Under the agreement, Ivanhoé Cambridge — the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec’s real estate arm — will retain a 20-per-cent interest in the 1,363room property, which was built in 1929.

InnVest’s 20-per-cent share was purchased for just over $37 million.

KingSett, with its 60-per-cent interest, will become the managing partner. InnVest will become the hotel asset manager and will oversee the property’s hospitality operations together with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.

Plans call for the joint-venture parties to invest over $50 million for renovations during the two years following the acquisition, expected to close on Jan. 30, 2015.

Ivanhoe has sold about 90 per cent of its lodging business, according to media reports including the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa and the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C.

Delta opens in Waterloo WATERLOO, ON—In late September, Delta opened the first four-star, full-service hotel near Waterloo, ON’s business, research and technology communities.

Located in the city’s uptown area, Delta Waterloo offers 194 guestrooms and

2014 – 2015

VOLUME 1 - FOODSERVICE FEATURES: Restaurants & Fast Food, Casinos & Racetracks, Equipment Dealers and Food Distributors, Health Care Institutions, Hospitals, Government Institutions, Contract Caterers, Colleges & Universities.

VOLUME 2 - HOTELS FEATURES: Hotels, Motels & Resorts, Developers/Owners, Managers, Parent Companies, Head Offices and Units.

WS.COM OR 800-201-8596 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

suites. Guestrooms feature the brand’s ModeRoom design, including a fully wired, multi-purpose desk.

Additional amenities include a business centre, fitness centre, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and more than 6,500 square feet of meeting and event space.

Proof Kitchen + Lounge offers a bar/ lounge and outdoor dining space.

Aboriginal arts hotel opens in Vancouver VANCOUVER—Canada’s first Aboriginal arts hotel, Skwachàys, opened in September in downtown Vancouver.

Six Vancouver interior designers collaborated with six Aboriginal artists to create 18 themed rooms featuring original carvings, paintings, fabric, art, custom furniture and decor.

Guests can partake in traditional Aboriginal cultural experiences, including a sweat lodge and smudge room or observe artists at work in the artist workshop. One hundred per cent of profits from the hotel’s operation and the fair trade gallery subsidize the 24 Aboriginal artist live/ work studios housed at Skwachàys.

HI Express launches in Spruce Grove, AB SPRUCE GROVE, AB—InterContinental Hotels Group announced in September the opening of a Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Spruce Grove, AB following an $18 million investment by the ownership group. The four-storey, 130-room property includes 42 suites, an indoor

swimming pool and 3,000 square feet of meeting space for up to 200 people.

Amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, complimentary high-speed Internet access and a business centre.

Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre rebranded MINNEAPOLIS—Radisson announced in September the opening of the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre Edmonton, formerly the Edmonton Hotel & Convention Centre. The property offers 168 guest rooms and over 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Amenities include Café Burgundy and Cranberries Lounge. Guests receive complimentary high-speed wireless Internet, free parking, a fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and hot tub .

Westin Tremblant completes $5M reno MONT TREMBLANT, PQ—Westin Resort & Spa Tremblant is completing renovations to its public spaces, the final stage of a two-phase, $5 million refurbishment slated to be done in early November.

Begun in April, the second phase will renovate interior spaces, including the lobby, front desk and banquet and meeting rooms. The first phase of the renovation took three months and was completed last December refurbishing the property’s rugs, drapes and furniture, as well as all 122 guestrooms, corridors and fitness studio. In July, the resort opened Gypsy restaurant.

Royal York Hotel in Toronto.

Guestroom at Holiday Inn Spruce Grove.

Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Edmonton.

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CANADIAN LODGING NEWS

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F EAT U R E

Top 10 tips to prepare for hotel photography

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Nine new steps to protect restroom cleaners from Ebola/ infectious disease HAMILTON, OH—With the first few cases of Ebola now reported in the United States, Kaivac, developers of the No-Touch and OmniFlex cleaning systems, developed a series of safety tips designed specifically for those in the professional cleaning industry.

“As in the past with other ... outbreaks [affecting public health], our industry will likely play a crucial role in conquering this one,” says Matt Morrison, communications manager for Kaivac. “But in order to accomplish this, the first step [we must take] is protecting our own health.”

Accordingly, Morrison says cleaning pros should implement the following steps when using and cleaning public restrooms: 1. Wash your hands in hot, soapy water before using or cleaning the restroom; accept the fact that any surface you have touched before entering the restroom might have been contaminated.

2. Avoid placing anything on the restroom counter or on the floor; should the counter or floor be contaminated, germs and bacteria potentially could be transferred from the surface to your hands when you pick up the items.

Courtyard Chicago Glenview/Northbrook.

Photo: Kevin Beswick.

By Kevin and Pamela Beswick During pre-planning conference calls with Hotel GM’s or sales directors our hospitality creative team frequently discusses the same list of often overlooked brand guideline items that may hinder your hotel photo shoot.

Here’s the list: 1) Bedskirts: are the No. 1 most overlooked item on hotel photo shoots. Perhaps because they are below eye-level when preparing guest beds, bedskirts are often creased, wrinkled and uneven which eats up valuable time.

2) Pillows: place firm bed pillows versus saggy, lumpy, old ones. Use starched or unwashed new pillowcases in the guestrooms to be photographed for a crisper look.

3) Go bananas! Silly as this sounds, bananas are a popular fruit so be sure to buy some if the regular delivery has not arrived before the scheduled photo shoot.

4) Breakfast: keep your food prep staff “in the loop” and let them know in advance of the photo shoot to restock cold items, pastries and

C OM ING E VENTS Nov. 23-25: TIANS Tourism Summit, World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax. Contact: Tiffany Hart. Tel. 902-496-7481. E-mail: tiffany@tourism.ca. Website: conferenceontourism. com Nov. 25-26: TIAC Tourism Congress, Westin Ottawa Hotel. Contact: Annie Pinsonnault.

Tel.: 613-238-6926. E-mail: apinsonnault@tiac. travel. Website: tiac.travel/tourism_congress Dec. 3-4: IIDEXCanada, Metro Toronto Convention Centre North. E-mail: news@iidexcanada.com. Tel.: 416-944-3350. Fax: 416-9212707. Website: iidexcanada.com.

Feb. 2-3, 2015: Hotel Association of Canada’s Conference, Hilton Toronto Hotel. Contact: Orie Berlasso Tel.: 866-887-4453. E-mail:

fruit, and to sweep or mop the floors.

5) Meeting rooms: verify rooms are NOT reserved, and prepare them in advance with steamed, unwrinkled linens, paper and pens, and candy dishes set according to brand guidelines.

6) Light bulbs: replace light bulbs in public areas and guestrooms. Architects design ambient lighting for function and aesthetics (such as highlight patterns on walls behind the front desk) so this easy preparation helps ensure engaging imagery.

7) Exteriors: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, i.e. sweep the wood chips, cigarette butts and freshly mowed grass clippings from the parking lot entrance.

8) Maintenance vendors: reschedule parking lot asphalt maintenance or sprinkling repairs for another day.

9) Shuttle vans: have cleaned, and attendant available to park in or out of scene.

10) Too many cooks spoil the soup! Trust the professional’s expertise on best composition and time of day to photograph certain areas and orieberlasso@bigpictureconferences.ca. Website: hacconference.ca Feb. 24-26, 2015: Hospitality NL’s 2015 Conference and Trade Show, Gander Community Centre/Arts & Culture Centre. Gander, NF. Contact: Melissa Ennis. Tel.: 800-563-0700, ext.

231. Fax: 709-722-8104. E-mail: Mennis@hnl. ca. Website: www.hnl.ca/conference.

March 1-3, 2015: Restaurants Canada Show (formerly the CRFA Show), Direct Energy Centre, Toronto. Contact: Natalie Mestnik. Tel.: 1-800-387-5649, ext. 4237. E-mail: Nmestnik@ restaurantscanada.org. Website: restaurantscanada.org March 29-30, 2015: ApEx trade show, Cunard Centre, Halifax. Contact: Chuck Nervick.

Tel. 416-512-8186, ext. 227. Fax: 416-512-8344.

E-mail: Chuckn@mediaedge.ca. Website: apextradeshow.ca April 13-14, 2015: Saskatchewan Hotel &

designate one staff person as point of contact to assist the photography team if problems arise.

One final word, PhotoShop. Folks often think of PhotoShop as the “remedy to fix all things wrong in the world” without understanding the extra time and expense in post-production to remove cars or, add in other items instead of preparing ahead with these simple, 10 hotel photography preparation tips.

People Places & Things Photographics’ professional hospitality creative team prides itself in being flexible and easy to work with while understanding what needs to happen for excellent results with as little disruption to your hotel’s daily schedule as possible. The goal is to work around key check-out and check-in times especially in public areas, while producing exceptional hotel images per Brand Guidelines for our valued client partners.

Courtyard Chicago Glenview/Northbrook photographed by Kevin Beswick, architectural hotel photographer/owner. Written by partner Pamela Beswick, creative director—photo stylist People Places & Things Photographics.

Hospitality Association Convention & Trade Show, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Centre Regina. Contact: Warren Nerby.

Tel.: 306-525-1944. Fax: 306-525-1944. E-mail: Wnerby@sasktel.net. Website: shha.co April 16-18, 2015: Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association Convention and Tradeshow, the Banff Centre, Banff, AB. Contact: Jordan Mckay.

Tel.: 780-436-6112, E-mail: Jmckay@ahla.ca.

Website: ahla.ca/convention-and-trade-show May 4-5, 2015: Canadian Hotel Investment Conference 2015, Hilton Toronto Hotel. Contact: Orie Berlasso. Tel.: 866-887-4453. E-mail: Orieberlasso@bigpictureconferences.ca. Website: hotelinvest.ca May 20-21, 2015: TIANB Annual Conference, Fredericton, NB (venue TBA). Contact: Jean Bertin. Tel.: 506-458-5646; Fax: 506-4593634. E-mail: Jean@tianb.com. Website: tianb. com

3. When using a restroom stall, always grab toilet paper before touching the partition door handle before and after use.

4. Use a paper towel to turn manual faucets off and on.

5. Before using a toilet or urinal, flush first; stand a couple of feet away from the fixture when it is being flushed to avoid any “spray.”.

6. Use a toilet seat cover, or use toilet paper to create a makeshift toilet seat cover.

7. If a restroom looks unusually soiled, look for another restroom to use.

If cleaning an unusually soiled restroom, accept the fact that every surface may be contaminated, and take added precautions (wear gloves, wear goggles, avoid skin contact with soiled items or surfaces).

8. In place of traditional cleaning methods, select what ISSA—The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association calls “spray-and-vac” cleaning systems to avoid direct contact with surfaces.

9. Wash hands again after cleaning restrooms, and have paper towels at hand so you do not have to grab them from a dispenser.

Kaivac is the developer of the No-Touch Cleaning and OmniFlex Crossover Cleaning systems. Headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio, Kaivac, Inc. delivers complete science-based cleaning systems designed to produce healthy results and outcomes while raising the value of cleaning operations and the professionalism of the worker. Contact: Tom Morrison, vice president of marketing Kaivac, Inc., phone: 513868-4227, e-mail: info@kaivac.com.

STAYING AGILE IS CRITICAL. FORTUNATELY, OPENING MORE THAN 1,100 NEW* HOTELS HAS KEPT US IN SHAPE. In the past six years, Hilton Worldwide has opened more than 1,100 new hotels around the world, bringing us to more than 4,000 hotels in 90 countries today.* In Canada, we have 88 hotels open from coast to coast with a growing pipeline of over 40 signed projects. Impressive growth, made possible by our ability to adapt to the world’s increasingly complex business environments. As a result, we’ve developed a wealth of experience creating and operating the most award-winning portfolio of hotels in the industry. Not a bad workout for a 95-year-old.

For development opportunities in Canada, please contact Tom Lorenzo, Vice President and Managing Director of Development (+1-203-463-3407, thomas.lorenzo@hilton.com), and Jeff Cury, Director of Development (+1-514-695-6798, jeff.cury@hilton.com).

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*From January 2008 to January 2014

© 2014 Hilton Worldwide