OPUS Vancouver has reopened in Yaletown with new general manager Sarah Vallely at the helm. “From the moment I walked through the front door, I fell in love with both the hotel and the brand,” says Vallely, who joined OPUS Vancouver in 2017 as director of sales following a decade working with Four Season Hotels & Resorts, and is now delighted to be assuming the role of general manager. Having grown up in the hotel business, she has followed…
The iconic Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta is embarking on a $35 million renovation starting in January 2022. The extensive renovation of the Royal Suite, Fairmont Gold rooms, select one and two bedroom suites, and terrace suites are anticipated to be completed in summer 2022. The refurbishment of all main building and conference centre guestrooms began in spring 2021 and are anticipated to be completed in spring 2023. The sophisticated newly renovated suites and guestrooms will provide guests with a…
Market analysts appear confident that rallying conditions in Canada’s hotel industry are pushing the sector in a positive direction. Colliers’ review of trends in the second quarter of 2021 gauges sentiment at a C+, while Avison Young’s mid-year Canada hotel market summary underscores expectations for improvement in the third and fourth quarters. Both reports examine the interplay of COVID-19-related depressants that will have to lift before occupancy levels, revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rates (ADR) can recover to pre-pandemic levels, and…
Montreal has been named the host city for the 2024 One Young World Summit. The announcement, made March 31, bodes well for the future of the city’s convention industry. The event is expected to generate an estimated $4.4 million in tourism revenues along with 7,000 hotel room nights. “The One Young World Summit coming to the Palais is evidence that despite the impacts of the pandemic, Montreal remains a highly attractive host city for major events,” says Luc Charbonneau, director of…
Hyatt Hotels Corp. plans to incorporate a digital health passport into its events programs. “Since the onset of the pandemic, we have believed accessibility to testing and resources would play a critical role in the travel industry’s recovery,” says Hyatt senior vice-president of global operations, Frank Lavey. The hospitality company announced it would use the VeriFLY + Stay app on March 9. The mobile app provides real-time verification of COVID-19 credentials and travel guidelines. It is currently employed by American…
Marriott International has a new president and CEO in Stephanie Linnartz and Tony Capuano, respectively. The two veteran Marriott executives had been sharing responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company’s business units and corporate functions since early February, when former president and CEO Arne Sorensen stepped back from full-time management to focus on his health. Sorenson passed away shortly thereafter on Feb. 15, after an almost two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. “Tony has played a critical role in…
Edmonton will soon be the first Canadian destination with a health and safety designation. Explore Edmonton is collaborating with its tourism and hospitality industries to pursue a city-wide Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star accreditation. “Edmonton’s tourism, hospitality and events industries will play an important role in our region’s post-COVID recovery, getting people back to work, welcoming travellers back to the city and delivering important economic and social benefits to our region,” says Maggie Davison, acting CEO of Explore Edmonton.…
Toronto’s first luxury boutique hotel has a new general manager. Gaurav Dutta will oversee the Hazelton’s day-to-day operations and performance in his leadership position. “I am moving into this exciting chapter and role with an incredible team of hospitality experts and a strong existing relationship with our guests and residents,” says Dutta. “Together, we will have the opportunity to build on our success, heighten our service excellence and preserve the exceptional culture of our establishment.” Dutta joined the Hazelton in…
Marriott International president and CEO Arne Sorenson has died at 62, after a 22-month battle with pancreatic cancer. His death at his Washington home on Feb. 15 was unexpected. The high-profile hotel industry executive had just reduced his work schedule to focus on more intensive treatment for his health. “Arne was an exceptional executive but more than that he was an exceptional human being,” said J.W. Marriott Jr., executive chair and chair of the board, in a statement. “Arne loved…
A former cereal factory is getting a sweet-looking makeover. Hard Rock has announced plans to transform the historic Kellogg’s Canada site in London, Ont., into a 353-room hotel and entertainment venue. “This property will provide a multitude of local attractions and unique on-property activities sure to create lasting memories for all who visit,” says Todd Hricko, senior vice-president of hotel development at Hard Rock International. The hotel will be completed in two phases, with an initial 163-room opening planned for…
