I-Bytes Hospitality Industry

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I-Bytes
Hospitality
December Edition 2019
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Table of Contents
1. Financial, M & A Updates...................................................................................................................................1
2. Solution Updates..................................................................................................................................................3
3. Rewards and Recognition Updates....................................................................................................................4
4. Customer Success Updates................................................................................................................................11
5. Partnership Ecosystem Updates.......................................................................................................................13
6. Event Updates.....................................................................................................................................................21

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Financial, M & A
Updates Automotive Industry

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Financial, M&A Updates
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Caesars Entertainment (USA) Completes Sale Of The Rio To
Dreamscape, A Company Led By Founder, Eric Birnbaum
Caesars Entertainment Corporation, one of the world’s most diversified casino-entertainment providers, announced it has completed the previously announced sale of the Rio
All-Suite Hotel & Casino (the “Rio”) to a company (the “Buyer”) affiliated with Dreamscape Companies (“Dreamscape”), which is owned and controlled by Eric Birnbaum,
for $516.3 million (including certain fees, expenses and $40 million in seller financing provided by a Caesars affiliate). Dreamscape acquires, repositions and/or develops
hospitality, residential, retail, gaming and entertainment assets. In connection with the completion of the sale, a Caesars subsidiary entered into a lease with the Buyer under
which Caesars will continue to operate the property for a minimum of two years and pay annualized rent of $45 million. The Buyer has the option to pay Caesars $7 million
to extend the lease under similar terms for a third year. At the end of the lease term and at the request of the Buyer, Caesars may continue to manage the Rio or may provide
transition services to the Buyer. The Rio will continue to be part of the Caesars Rewards network during the lease term, and the transaction is not expected to result in any
changes to the guest experience. The World Series of Poker will be hosted at the Rio in 2020 and hosting rights will remain with Caesars Entertainment thereafter. Further
details on the transaction are available in the Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Caesars Entertainment is one of the world’s most diversified
casino-entertainment providers and the most geographically diverse U.S. casino-entertainment company. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, in 1937, Caesars Entertainment
has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions. Caesars Entertainment’s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars®, Harrah’s® and
Horseshoe® brand names. Caesars Entertainment’s portfolio also includes the Caesars Entertainment UK family of casinos. Caesars Entertainment is focused on building
loyalty and value with its guests through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.
Caesars Entertainment is committed to its employees, suppliers, communities and the environment through its PEOPLE PLANET PLAY framework.
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Financial, M&A Updates
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Marriott International (USA) Completes Acquisition of Elegant
Hotels Group
Marriott International, Inc. announced that it has completed its acquisition of Elegant Hotels Group plc. On 18 October
2019, the boards of Elegant Hotels Group plc (“Elegant”) and International Hotel Licensing Company S.àr.l. (“IHLC”),
a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. ("Marriott"), announced that they had reached
agreement on the terms of a recommended all cash offer to be made by IHLC for the entire issued and to be issued
ordinary share capital of Elegant (the "Acquisition"). On 6 December 2019, Elegant and Marriott announced that the
Court had sanctioned the Scheme. Elegant and Marriott are pleased to announce that the Court Order has been delivered
to the Registrar of Companies today and accordingly the Scheme has now become effective, in accordance with its terms.
Elegant is now a wholly owned subsidiary of IHLC. As a result of the Scheme having become Effective, share certificates
in respect of the Elegant Shares have ceased to be valid documents of title and entitlements to Elegant Shares held in
uncertificated form in CREST are being cancelled.
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Solutions Updates
Hospitality Industry

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Solution Updates
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IHG (UK) to make its grand entrance into New Caledonia with three
hotel signings
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Solution Description
The new-build InterContinental® LifouWadra Bay Resort will be a 50-room luxury hotel located on the scenic Lifou, the largest island
of the Loyalty Islands. Designed by both local architect, Atelier 13, and renowned interior designer, Chada, the resort is already under
construction and will open in November 2021, featuring luxurious rooms, lagoon-front suites, all-day dining, a fine dining restaurant and
bar, along with a gym, spa and an outdoor pool. Hotel Paradis d’Ouvéa will convert to Holiday Inn® Resort Ouvéa in November 2021
following a full refurbishment, bringing it to life as the highest quality accommodation offering available on the island. Located on the
beachfront at the picturesque Mouli Beach on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ouvéa Island, the 34-room resort will offer all-day
dinning, a bar and an outdoor pool, not to mention stunning views of the lagoon with its endless shades of turquoise.Several airlines,
including New Caledonia’s own Aircalin, Qantas, Air New Zealand and Air Vanuatu operate frequent New Caledonia flights to Nouméa’s
La Tontouta International Airport departing from several Australian and New Zealand cities.IHG currently has 51 hotels operating under
four brands in Australasia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, voco and Holiday Inn Express, with another 35 in the
pipeline, including Hotel Indigo.

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Rewards & Recognition
Updates Hospitality Industry

R & R Updates
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Carnival Cruise (USA) Line Becomes First Cruise Operator Certified
‘Sensory Inclusive’ by KultureCity
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Expanding its commitment to making a cruise vacation more accessible for everyone, Carnival Cruise Line has become the first cruise operator to be certified
“sensory inclusive” by KultureCity, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory needs and invisible
disabilities. The rollout of the program started in October and all of Carnival Cruise Line’s South Florida-based ships are certified, with the balance of the fleet
scheduled to be completed by March 2020. As part of a comprehensive fleetwide training program, hundreds of guest-facing team members, including guest
services personnel and youth staff, have been trained to understand and help adults, youth and children with sensory related questions or needs relating to
conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, PTSD, etc. In addition, KultureCity sensory bags are available for check out for the duration of the cruise and
contain a variety of items to help calm, relax and manage sensory overload. Items include comfortable noise cancelling headphones (provided by Puro Sound
Labs), fidget toys, and a visual feeling thermometer (produced in conjunction with Boardmaker), as well as a KultureCity VIP lanyard to help staff easily identify
guests. These measures have proven to be helpful in the more than 450 landside venues like stadiums, arenas and amusement parks that have partnered with
KultureCity. Since the program has been implemented aboard the first wave of Carnival’s ships, feedback from guests and their families has been overwhelmingly
positive. Once on board, guests should inquire at the Guest Services desk to inquire about borrowing a sensory bag and any other accommodations that are
available. Informational videos featuring actor Christopher Gorham, a member of the KultureCity board of directors, designed to create greater awareness among
all guests, are playing on in-stateroom televisions on the line’s six certified ships and will expand across the fleet as the program rolls out to other ships.
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Carnival Cruise (USA) Line Is Repeat Winner of Best Domestic Cruise Line
and Best Family Experience at 2019 Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards
5
Carnival Cruise Line was a big winner at the 17th annual Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards earning top honors in three categories including Best
Domestic Cruise Line for the fourth year in a row, repeating its Best Family Experience award, and securing the Best Travel Advisor Educational
Program for its “Carnival Learn & Earn” training program. Held in New York City, the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards recognize travel industry
suppliers who were “the best of the best” in product and service during 2019, as determined by tens of thousands of travel advisors.Carnival Cruise Line
enjoyed a successful and memorable 2019 highlighted by last week’s debut of Carnival Panorama — the first new ship to debut and be dedicated
year-round on the West Coast in nearly 25 years. Also notable this year was the launch of a new national trade campaign, “Why Use a Travel Agent”
(WUATA), an initiative to communicate to consumers the value of using a travel advisor that had local events across the U.S. and in Canada.With 27
ships sailing either year-round or seasonally from 19 U.S. homeports on the East, West and Gulf coasts, Carnival guests can explore a number of
destinations, including Alaska, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Mexico and the Panama Canal.As the most popular
cruise line for families, Carnival will carry more than 900,000 children in 2020. Carnival’s offerings include family-friendly programs at Camp Ocean,
Circle C, Club O2, and partnerships with such brands as Dr. Seuss Enterprise for the line’s Seuss at Sea program, Sky Zone and Zumbini. Popular
features like WaterWorks, SportsSquare and Dive-In movies keep kids of all ages engaged, active and entertained throughout their cruise.
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GEG (Hong Kong) Wins “Gold Award” in the Business Awards of Macau
2019 Corporate Social Responsibility Category
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By embedding its philosophy of “What is taken from the community is to be used for the good of the community”, Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) has spread
love to various local communities through its corporate social responsibility initiatives to benefit all levels of society. At the Business Awards of Macau 2019 held on
Thursday, GEG received the Gold Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility Award category, which recognised GEG’s contribution to the Macau community. The
panel of judges for the Business Awards of Macau was comprised of 30 well-known entrepreneurs, bankers, academics and professionals, both local and international.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Awards acknowledge companies that have made a significant contribution to the community and to the welfare of their workers. The
award celebrates businesses that have conscientiously implemented and enhanced these practices in their companies. GEG always uploads the philosophy of “make a
difference by making a commitment”. Therefore, throughout the years, GEG has utilized its resources to support the policies of the Macau SAR Government, as well as
the social programs provided by the local community. GEG contributes enthusiastically to charitable initiatives, volunteer work, responsible gaming promotion, talent
nurturing, environmental protection, support for small and medium-sized businesses, and support for cultural and national education. It’s an honor for GEG to receive
this award, as it shows appreciation to every team member and the GEG Volunteer Team for their contribution and support. GEG has organized and participated over 200
community activities in 2019, and has worked with over 120 charity organisations and non-profit groups in Macau, Hong Kong and China for many years. In 2015, GEG
announced an HK$1.3 billion endowment for the establishment of the Galaxy Entertainment Group Foundation to provide financial assistance to local charities in the
Greater China Region. GEG pledges to continue to roll out diverse charitable programs that meet social needs and contribute to the sustainable future of Macau.
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Great Eagle Group (Hong Kong)Rated As One Of The “Listed Enterprises Of
The Year 2019” By Bloomberg Businessweek/Chinese Edition
7
Great Eagle Group Limited is delighted to announce that it has been placed among the “Listed Enterprises of the Year 2019” by Bloomberg
Businessweek/Chinese Edition and has also won its “Outstanding Performance – Best Sustainability”.Great Eagle Group was founded in 1963,
and was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1972 (Stock Code: 41). The Group’s principal holdings include Champion Real Estate
Investment Trust (Champion REIT) (Stock Code: 2778) and Langham Hospitality Investments (LHI) (Stock Code: 1270), which were listed in
Hong Kong in 2006 and 2013, respectively. Being a Hong Kong developer, the Group also owns and manages an extensive international hotel
portfolio under “The Langham” and affiliate brands. Founded and headquartered in Hong Kong, the Group develops, invests in and manages high
quality residential, office, retail and hotel properties across Asia, North America, Australasia and Europe.For the property portfolio, Champion
REIT owns a Grade-A commercial office space at Three Garden Road in the central business district of Hong Kong, as well as the office tower and
shopping mall of Langham Place in Mongkok, Kowloon. For the hotel portfolio, the Group owns more than 10 luxury hotels globally and manages
over 20 international hotels, operating under “The Langham” and affiliate brands, with a total number of rooms exceeding 10,000. In addition, LHI
owns the three hotels in Hong Kong, including The Langham, Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui; Cordis, Hong Kong in Mongkok; and Eaton HK in
Jordan.
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Seventeen Years Running, Royal Caribbean (USA) Wins
‘Best Cruise Line Overall’
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Celebrating 50 years of innovation and delivering unforgettable vacations, Royal Caribbean International closed out another record-breaking year with five
wins at the prestigious Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards last night. The top recognition in the major cruise categories include “Best Cruise Line
Overall” and “Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean” for the 17th year in a row and “Best Cruise Line Sales & Service” for the 12th consecutive year.The 2019
awards gala in New York City, recognizing the best of the best in travel as voted on by the growing travel advisor community, also honored the cruise line
with the following awards once again: “Best Overall Individual Cruise Ship” for Symphony of the Seas and “Best Entertainment.”Travel Weekly recognized
the 17th annual Readers’ Choice Awards honorees at the Conrad New York. Winners were selected in 79 categories in the airline, car, hospitality, rail, agent
education, tour, cruise, destination, loyalty program and theme park sectors. The awards are presented to suppliers considered by Travel Weekly readers as
those that have led the way in product and service in the past year. Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years.
Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise
line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private
island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise
Line Overall” for 17 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards
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Leading digital innovation, Yum! China wins "China Outstanding
Employer" certification
9
Six Yum China restaurant managers stood on the "China Outstanding Employer" awards stage and accepted the certification of the Outstanding
Employer Research Institute on behalf of the company. As a pioneer of digital catering with 450,000 employees, Yum! China has always been based on
"fairness, care and pride", continuously optimized the talent concept and management model, and built an agile and innovative organization.Companies
certified as Outstanding Employers have developed “people-oriented” human resource policies and practices for their employees and provided them
with a superior working environment. The certification covers more than 100 issues and up to 600 specific human resource practices covering ten major
topics: talent strategy, manpower planning, talent recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, performance management, leadership
development, career development and succession management, compensation Well-being, and culture.Entering China for 32 years, Yum! China has
developed into China's largest restaurant company, which has witnessed the rapid development and great changes of Chinese society. As of the third
quarter of this year, Yum! Has more than 8,900 restaurants in more than 1,300 cities across the country, 450,000 Yum people and 10,000 new employees
recruited each year. It is Yum China's most solid and powerful team. Yum! China provides each employee with a ground for exploration and innovation,
and recognizes and rewards employees who actively contribute to the company's development and industry progress, in order to inspire them to
challenge themselves and reach their dreams!
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RateGain Listed Amongst Deloitte Technology Fast 50 2019
10
RateGain Technologies, the #1 SaaS player in travel and hospitality, received the distinct recognition of being listed amongst the
Deloitte Technology Fast 50 India for the fourth time. The coveted list ranks 50 of the fastest-growing technology companies in the
country across hardware, software, communications, media, life science, clean technology and related sectors, based on their
percentage revenue growth in the span of three years. RateGain is a leading provider of B2B SaaS products for the hospitality and
travel market around the globe, helping these companies maximize their revenue by creating greater business value at every touch
point. It provides end-to-end revenue management decision support using its advanced intelligence and distribution capabilities to
over 12,000 customers in the industry, including top OTAs, hotel chains, airlines, car rental groups and cruises across 190+ countries.
Over the last 3 years, the company has registered a robust revenue growth of 113%.Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 India program was
launched in 2005 to honor and recognize businesses and entrepreneurs in the country who have demonstrated immense growth
through disrupting the technology landscape with cutting-edge product and service solutions. RateGain has previously secured a
place on the list, ranking 1st in 2007, 2nd in 2008 and subsequently featured on it in 2016.
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Customer Success Updates
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Norwegian Cruise Line Selects RateGain to Lead the Market with
Comprehensive Price Intelligence
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RateGain, the #1 SaaS player in travel and hospitality, announced that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a pioneer in cruise line
innovation for more than five decades had selected RateGain to deliver comprehensive competitive price intelligence to deliver
on their pricing strategy and gain market share. Norwegian Cruise Line would get accurate and tailored competitive price
intelligence using RateGain’s dedicated product for cruise lines to deliver the best rates to NCL’s loyal customers. These
actionable insights would help the revenue management team validate their pricing strategy along with improved fleet
management and utilization.RateGain is the only provider of competitive price intelligence across six parameters which is trusted
by the leading cruise liners of the world, tracking rates for more than 50% of the ships in the world.Norwegian Cruise Line
Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises
and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a combined fleet of 26 ships with approximately 54,400 berths, these brands offer
itineraries to more than 450 destinations worldwide. The Company will introduce eleven additional ships through 2027.
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STARCAR selects RateGain for Real-time Competitive Pricing
Intelligence on Car Rental Rates
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RateGain, the #1 SaaS company for travel and hospitality, announced that it had been selected by STARCAR, for its advanced, real-time price
intelligence solution for car rentals, CarGain. With over 2,00,000 customers across 14 cities and more than 30 branches, STARCAR is one of the largest
car rentals in Germany with a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service through price sensitive products and innovative
solutions.CarGain is a SaaS solution trusted by the all of the world’s leading car rentals processes over 2 billion rates from 35,000 locations from 500+
brand, metas and GDS’ offering Rate Intelligence, Transactional Analytics, Rate Update Manager and AI-based Rate Recommendations for companies
of all sizes.Founded in 1987 by Tobias Höpfner and Maik Grabow, STARCAR is one of the largest car rental companies in Germany, with 33 branches
in 14 cities. They serve 200,000 customers annually with our fleet of 5,000 vehicles.RateGain is the #1 provider of SaaS products, which help travel,
and hospitality companies make more revenue every day. RateGain offers products, which help with rate intelligence, cognitive revenue management,
smart distribution, and brand engagement. RateGain is proud to support 125,000+ hotel properties globally influencing $13 Bn revenue by providing
240 billion rate and availability updates & powering over 30 Million bookings. RateGain is trusted by 25 out of the top 30 OTAs, tour operators and
wholesalers, 23 out of the top 30 hotel chains, 7 out of the top 10 car rental companies, top 5 cruise lines, and many leading airlines worldwide. In 2018,
RateGain acquired DHISCO, which made it the only company in the world to offer end-to-end frictionless distribution.
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Partner Ecosystem

Partner Ecosystem Updates
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Eagles Autism Foundation And Aramark (USA) Partner With “Popcorn For The
People” To Support Employment Opportunities For Adults With Autism
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To help combat the unemployment rate in the autism community, the Eagles Autism Foundation and Aramark, the Philadelphia
Eagles food and beverage partner at Lincoln Financial Field, have teamed up with Popcorn for the People, a non-profit organization
dedicated to creating meaningful employment for those with autism and developmental disabilities. Popcorn for the People trains and
hires adults with autism to create, cook, package and sell uniquely flavored gourmet popcorn. The organization’s artisan flavors will
now be served at Lincoln Financial Field behind Section 119, in the Hyundai Club and Tork Club markets, as well as HeadHouse
Plaza. A portion of the proceeds will support the Eagles Autism Foundation – the Philadelphia Eagles’ signature community platform
– while the remaining proceeds will go towards Popcorn for the People and their mission to employ adults with autism. The Eagles
are the first pro sports team to partner with Popcorn for the People.According to research, eight out of 10 individuals with autism are
currently unemployed. Popcorn for the People has created a sustainable business model that hires and trains individuals on the autism
spectrum in a supportive and nurturing environment. When fulfilled and empowered, individuals become more responsible, thrive
creatively, take on bigger risks, and are able to embrace accountability.
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Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts Announces Worldwide Partnership
with the Global Entrepreneurship Network
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Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the launch of a global partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). The partnership
will kick off during the annual Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 18-24, 2019). As the first exclusive hospitality partner for GEN, select Crowne
Plaza properties around the world will be the new hubs of Startup Huddle monthly meetups, a program designed to help entrepreneurs while strengthening
the local ecosystem, providing easier access to spaces for entrepreneurs to collaborate, problem solve and inspire one another. One of the largest upscale
brands in the world, the Crowne Plaza brand is in the midst of a global evolution and expansion, with six new flagship hotels opening in the US, Europe and
China by early 2020. Designed to meet the changing needs of modern travelers, the Crowne Plaza brand’s new hallmark design innovations include Plaza
Workspace, a co-working lobby design concept featuring flexible workspaces, breakout areas and The Studio, a bookable-by-the-hour meeting space. GEN
has more than 15,000 members in 170 countries. With this partnership, select Crowne Plaza hotels will offer them discounted or complimentary access to
these spaces for collaboration.The Crowne Plaza brand’s flexible lobby design provides the perfect environment for entrepreneurs to meet face to face.
Connecting in-person is more important than ever before for entrepreneurs and startups, according to the 2019 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup
Genome and GEN. The report recently revealed that higher scores for “local connectedness” translated to more successful startups and to stronger
entrepreneurship ecosystems. Specifically, those entrepreneurs who had high levels of “local connectedness” grow their revenue two times as fast as those
with low local connectedness.
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IHG® (UK) partners with Kingkey Group to set higher bar for seaside resorts: newly
refurbished InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort to debut in the new year
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IHG®, one of the world's leading hotel companies, announced a deal with Shenzhen-based property developer Kingkey Group. Under
the deal, IHG will take over the management of one of Kingkey’s hotels in Dameisha, Shenzhen, China. As of 1 January 2020, the hotel
will formally be rebranded as the InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort and will offer an upgraded selection of services and
facilities. The InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort is superbly located on Dameisha Beach, a popular tourist and leisure
destination on Shenzhen's east coast, and boasts stunning sea views from all of its guest rooms. In addition to a brand upgrade, under
which it will join the luxury InterContinental Hotels & Resorts family, the hotel will also unveil its exclusive Club InterContinental
experience in 2020, bringing guests a new level of refinement and exclusivity, including 60 luxury guest rooms, an outdoor infinity pool,
indoor swimming pool, and an exquisite executive lounge, restaurant and other facilities. Guests will be able to enjoy highly personalised
services and take in commanding views of blue seas and sandy beaches. In addition, the hotel's main building will also gradually be
upgraded to IHG standards, including its 370 guest rooms, meeting rooms, dining facilities, leisure facilities, and indoor and outdoor
swimming pools. This will deliver a superior seaside stay experience for guests.
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FreedomPay Announces An Agreement With Marriott International
(USA) For Commerce Technology Innovation
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FreedomPay, an innovative leader in commerce technologies, announced an agreement with Marriott International to adopt
FreedomPay's award winning commerce platform to be used across Marriott's lodging portfolio beginning in the United
States and Canada and expanding into other global regions. The agreement couples a technology powerhouse that is
recognized as the technology engine for many of the world's leading brands across diverse industries with the leading
hospitality company that manages and franchises more than 7,000 properties in 132 countries and territories.The FreedomPay
Commerce Platform supports merchants and enterprises worldwide merging security, identity, payments, loyalty, and
advertising with proprietary data driven solutions. Its fully integrated, patented technology offers unparalleled flexibility and
optionality for enterprises operating across borders, across industries and across point of sale and merchant service providers.
As corporations begin to consolidate commerce delivery across the globe, a single, unified platform is required to deliver a
true omni-channel solution.
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Marriott International (USA) Signs Agreement With Landmark Sabbour
To Open A W Hotel In Cairo, Egypt
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Marriott International, Inc. announced it has entered into an agreement with Landmark Sabbour to bring the W Brand’s bold design,
signature Whatever/Whenever® service and innovative programming to Cairo, underscoring the growing demand for luxury in Egypt.
Expected to open in 2024, W Cairo will be situated in 1-Ninety - a 300,000 sqm mixed-use development in the emerging New Cairo
district featuring retail space, commercial and residential components. To be located just 25 kilometres from Cairo International Airport,
the new hotel will add its own vibrant W experience to the ultra-modern urban landscape of New Cairo. Known for seeking out new/next
destinations in buzzworthy markets around the globe, W is poised to welcome guests and locals to the new-build locale as the city’s
reputation for ground-breaking design grows as fast as its skyline. When W Cairo opens in 2024, the hotel will embody W Hotels’ work
hard, play hard philosophy with a signature WET Deck (pool deck), AWAY® Spa and FIT ® Fitness Centre alongside 350 stunning rooms
and suites. The hotel is also expected to offer multiple food and beverage venues, plenty of spaces to mix and mingle, plus meetings and
events space which will include a 500-square-metre Great Room.Landmark Sabbour recently launched 1-Ninety. With a total investment
of EGP 28 Billion ($1.75 Billion). 1-Ninety covers 300,000-square-metres and has a built-up area of 450,000-square-metres including
administrative, retail, commercial, and residential components.
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MGM Resorts (USA) Art & Culture Continues Partnership With Art
Basel In Miami Beach For 2019
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MGM Resorts Art & Culture proudly continues its partnership with Art Basel in Miami Beach for the 2019 edition
(Dec. 5 – 8). Presented in dialogue with the Artist Studio at Bellagio Resort & Casino and the Nova sector for the first
time, the MGM Resorts Art & Culture Lounge will feature Japanese-American artist and former 2019 Artist Studio
Resident Parker Ito’s new paintings and an installation by Ito that explores the intricacies of Western landscapes as they
become distorted and transformed through the realm of the digital.MGM Resorts International also will host a party to
kick off its programming on Thursday, Dec. 5 at Bar Bevy. The party will feature a partnership with FriendsWithYou,
the fine art collaboration of Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III. Known for their immersive installations that
often reference Takashi Murakami’s Superflat movement, FriendsWithYou will present a series of two-dimensional
artworks and a limited-edition pin giveaway in collaboration with MGM Resorts Art & Culture. South African DJ and
record producer Black Coffee will also be headlining entertainment throughout the party.
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Galveston Wharves Signs Long-Term Agreement With Royal Caribbean
Cruises Ltd. (USA) To Develop New State-Of-The-Art Terminal
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The Port of Galveston, the fourth most active cruise port in North America, has signed a long-term contract with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
(RCL) for a new $100 million cruise terminal. Through the public-private partnership, RCL will build the terminal, then lease it from the port
for an initial term of 20 years, with four 10-year extension options.The two-story terminal will have a footprint of approximately 170,000
square feet on 10 acres in the eastern section of the port known as Pier 10. Construction is expected to begin in April 2020. Anticipated to open
in fall 2021, the facility will feature state-of-the-art technology, including mobile check-in and facial recognition to expedite guest arrival. The
terminal will be designed and developed sustainably to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental) certification
standards.Improvements to the pier bulkhead and apron will be made to safely accommodate the cruise line’s largest vessels. In addition, a
staging and loading area, bus and taxi staging areas and substantial parking will be constructed.The port will be responsible for items
including maintenance, parking, and improvements to the dock so that it can accommodate the larger vessels. RCL will contribute to the cost
of improving the docks.As the Port of Galveston’s cruise industry grows, so does its local and state economic impact. According to a national
report, Galveston’s cruise business grew by 13 percent in 2018, resulting in $1.5 billion in cruise industry direct expenditures and 26,241 jobs
with total wages of $1.75 billion in Texas.
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Hotelbeds Partners with RateGain to Lead the Sector in Rate Integrity
20
Hotelbeds, the world´s leading bedbank, has today reported the launch of a partnership with RateGain, the market leader in hospitality and
travel technology solutions. RateGain will provide Hotelbeds with ‘Parity+’– an advanced end-to-end rate integrity management solution that
use artificial intelligence (AI) to track integrity issues in real time – to help identify for its hotel partners cases of opaque rates intended for
offline channels being sold in other channels. Hotelbeds has chosen to work with RateGain following a competitive RFP to find the world’s
leading third party provider of rate integrity technology and monitoring tools. Entering into this agreement forms part of Hotelbeds’
commitment to take on responsibility for leading the fight against rate integrity abuse on behalf of the owners of the 180,000 properties that
it partners with. As part of this Hotelbeds has created a team dedicated to monitoring rates and invested in automated technology unavailable
elsewhere in the market that uses data analytics to track travel sellers’flows. More recently Hotelbeds has introduced comprehensive measures
and technology solutions, including a strict ‘three strikes’ policy for channels that violate distribution rules; tools that allow full traceability
of rates; and the data-driven segmentation of customer channels to more closely align them with the distribution strategies of hotel partners.
As a direct result, Hotelbeds has blocked 800 sales channels of offending sellers and given up €300 million of otherwise profitable sales over
the last year, resulting in a 90% reduction of reported incidences over the last six months to just 0.01% of room night production.
Description

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Event Updates
Hospitality Industry

Event Updates
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Upcoming Events - Hospitality
Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student
Research Conference
This conference focuses on a broad range of contemporary topics
relevant to research, education, and industry practices in hospitality,
tourism, and related fields of study. Presentation proposals are hereby
solicited, and the lead author must be a graduate student or an
undergraduate honors student who conducted the research work. All
submissions should have a faculty coauthor.
Hosted By : University of Houston
Las Vegas, USA
03-05 Jan, 2020
http://www.gradconfht.com/
PAII Innkeeping Conference and
Trade Show
PAII is the premier and largest non-profit trade association
representing the innkeeping community, delivering unmatched
education, advocacy, and leadership. Join hundreds of Aspiring
and Professional Innkeepers, and trade show filled with products
and services for the Innkeeping Industry.
Hosted By : Attendify
Myrtle Beach, USA
05-09 Jan, 2020
http://fjt3jv.attendify.io/
Hotel Leadership Conference
The Hotel Leadership Conference will
provide positive change, discovering the
potential in people and being courageous
enough to strive for your goals were the
main topics across the event.
Hosted By : Master Innholders
London, UK
13-14 Jan, 2020
https://masterinnholders.co.uk/conferences-events/27th-hotel-leadership-conference/
INDIE Confab New Orleans
INDIE Confab New Orleans, an event meant to connect
creative provocateurs and disruptors from hotels, F&B,
design, and finance. This event covers the following topics
are the development of a deal, development of a deal, NOLA
arts & community, restoration & rehab, NOLA tourism &
economic development, challenges of development in a
historic city and etc.
Hosted By : ILC
New Orleans, USA
13-14 Jan, 2020
https://ilcongress.com/ilc/indie-confab-new-orleans
HOTCO
HOTCO is an international hotel investment conference focusing on the
hotspots for hotel development in Europe Central and Eastern Europe
and the Caucasus. The conference aims to be the meeting place for hotel
investors, foster investment activity, showcase the best industry
speakers. Networking is one of the greatest benefits of attending a
conference. HOTCO provides at least eight opportunities throughout
the event. Take advantage of being at the same place, at the same time
with some of Central and Eastern Europe’s most influential hospitality
leaders.
Hosted By : HOTCON
Budapest, Hungary
20-21 Jan, 2020
https://hotconf.com/
Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment
Conference (SHIC-AHIC)
Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference attracting
leading stakeholders such as the Saudi Commission for Tourism
& national heritage Al Hokair, Amaala, Dur hospitality, Taiba
Holding, company and many others.
Hosted By : Bench Events & MEED
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
21-22 Jan, 2020
https://www.ahic.com/shic
21

Event Updates
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AAEP Resort Symposium
AAEP Resort Symposium will feature three half-days of
practical, interactive CE will enhance the care you
provide to client horses. After sessions, ditch the sandals
and enjoy a tropical, sun-soaked playground of soft sand
and warm turquoise waters that will help you relax and
recharge for the year ahead.
Hosted By : AAEP
Aruba, Aruba
23-25 Jan, 2020
https://aaep.org/meetings/resort-symposium
South Carolina Bar Convention
(SC Bar Convention)
The Bar Convention is the premier event for the legal profession in South Carolina.
This four-day event offers a wealth of education and professional development
opportunities comprised of practice-specific seminars covering a number of diverse
topics. More than 1,000 attorneys, judges and legal professionals from the Palmetto
State attend each year, from both large and small law firm members, to solo
practitioners, to approximately 140 members of the Judiciary.
Hosted By : Scbar
Columbia, USA
23-26 Jan, 2020
https://www.scbarconvention.org/
NACE Evolve Conference
NACE Evolve Conference will be a time for sharing best practices and
networking with your fellow chapter leaders. It focuses on to build on
the program activities that were developed at Evolve 2019 and leave
with more education program ideas, learn how apply membership
recruitment and retention best practices to help you grow your chapter
membership, share and learn with your peers while discussing your
experiences with your fellow chapter leaders from across the country.
Hosted By : NACE
Dallas, USA
25-27 Jan, 2020
https://www.nace.net/events/evolve/
Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum
(HTI)
The Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum is a unique
one-day event for senior hotels and hospitality
procurement professionals. It allows them to meet
with innovative and competitive suppliers to the
industry for a day of business meetings &
networking.
Hosted By : HTI
London, UK
27 Jan, 2020
https://htiforum.co.uk/
InnSpire Conference & Marketplace
InnSpire Conference & Marketplace offers
attendees over a dozen educational sessions,
unparalleled networking opportunities and a
full marketplace featuring the best in hospitality
products and services.
Hosted By : Cvent
Monterey, USA
26-28 Jan, 2020
http://www.cvent.com/events/2020-innspire-conference-marketplace-attendee-registration/event-summary-b719dd7035a34df9a0d9eff0602b0308.aspx?dvce=1
ARDA-WIN Advantage Orlando Regional
Meeting
ARDA-WIN Advantage Orlando Regional Meeting is centered around philanthropy,
networking, and personal and professional growth. Join your peers and colleagues in
an atmosphere of camaraderie, respect, and community. It will cover areas like
Challenges and Triumphs, When the best opportunity knocks on your door, Can you
be best at everything? The balancing act, ARDA – Looking forward to the next fifty,
How to experience the best possible networking event, etc.
Hosted By : Arda
Orlando, USA
30-31 Jan, 2020
https://www.arda.org/win/winregional/
22

Event Updates
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Smart Meeting Experiences San Francisco
Smart Meeting Experiences San Francisco specializes in
connecting meeting planners with premier hotels and
destinations through an award-winning meeting publication,
monthly hosted-buyer events, CEU-accredited webinars, a
complimentary site-selection service, and myriad digital
solutions.
Hosted By : Eiseverywhere
Burlingame, USA
23-25 Jan, 2020
https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=492939&
HSMAI's Marketing Strategy Conference
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
highly-anticipated Marketing Strategy Conference will take place January 22,
2020, at the New York Marriott Marquis. This year’s conference addresses
how new developments in marketers’ efforts in 2020 can connect with, track,
and influence consumers throughout all phases of their travel. HSMAI’s
Marketing Strategy Conference will be held the day after the HSMAI Adrian
Awards Gala.
Hosted By : HSMAI
New York, USA
22 Jan, 2020
https://marketingstrategy.hsmai.org/registration/
HEDNA 2020 Global Distribution
Conference
HEDNA’s North American Global Distribution Conference is
the only international conference committed to educating and
empowering hospitality professionals. We look forward to
welcoming you back to Hollywood Hills, where in 2019 we
held the largest conference in our history.
Hosted By : NACE
California, USA
27-29 Jan, 2020
https://hednala2020.com/
ALIS 2020
For nearly 20 years, ALIS has delivered an unrivaled
combination of compelling content, top-tier delegates, and
extraordinary networking opportunities. Over 3000 delegates
attended the 2019 ALIS conference, making it the leading
and largest hotel investment conference in the world. If you
are not on the edge of your seat yet, you will be at ALIS. You
can’t afford to miss ALIS -- where deals are done!
Hosted By : Northstar
California, USA
27-29 Jan, 2020
https://www.burba.com/ALIS/Pricing
Oracle Hospitality Connect 2020
Hospitality Connect will bring together hoteliers, technology
partners, and key Oracle Hospitality executives for two days
of industry insight, product innovations, networking, and
informative discussions. Learn how Oracle Hospitality is
advancing its products and services to accelerate your
technology transformation.
Hosted By : Oracle
Monterey, USA
28-30 Jan, 2020
https://www.oracle.com/industries/hospitality/hospitality-connect/
BLTM 2020
BLTM provides destination sellers and travel service
providers the ultimate business platform to meet hundreds of
corporate MNC buyers plus many qualified meeting planners
and incentive travel planners hosted from other major Indian
cities. Meet face-to-face at BLTM and build long-term
business relations.
Hosted By : Bltm
Orlando, USA
31 Jan - 01 Feb, 2020
https://www.bltm.co.in/
23

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