John Hart

66% of Americans are more likely (25%) or equally as likely (41%) to stay in a hotel this holiday season (l'm one of them ✅ !) compared to a year ago, according to a new survey commissioned by AHLA and conducted by Morning Consult. 🦃🕎🎄   However, despite its many positive findings, the poll also underscores how the lingering effects of inflation continue to pose significant challenges for hoteliers and other travel-related businesses. It found that over the next four months, 56% of respondents said inflation is likely to reduce their chance of staying in a hotel, up slightly from 55% in the spring.   ➡ Read more insights from the holiday travel poll in AHLA's press release: https://lnkd.in/ggMUf8BF  

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What Jumps Out : Education For All A wonderful week accompanying Brian McGee FRSA around Medellin, and we thank the multitude of schools for their kind hospitality. Brian may have forgotten more about education than I, or most, will ever know but I think that despite our distinct backgrounds we came up with very similar conclusions. Medellin has an extremely diverse range of secondary education. Single sex, mixed, religous, secular, diverse, calendars, size, locations, philosophy - here is no one size fits all solution and parents have a wide range of options. There is a dearth of young Paisas traveling overseas either for short term immersion courses, summer schools or undergraduate studies. This is part structural, part cultural and of course in some cases economic. Children leave school too young in Colombia, this means on a regular basis 17 year olds are simply overwhelmed when faced with potentially moving to an international university. Parents are equally reluctant to release their offspring into the wild at such a tender age, with very few lifeskills. Most immersion courses for younger students have become extremely plain vanilla and schools were most receptive to Brian's more innovative seminar and conference based style. There is an enormous gap in the support network for 17-18 year olds who head overseas to University. There is an extreme shortage of understanding by agencies when it comes to their duty of care. They book their commission and then move on to the next batch of prospective students. The failure rate of Colombian students is accordingly much higher that it needs to be. I know this is just the start of the journey for Brian in Colombia but I wish him the best of luck. In just two years in Peru he has cultivated a very healthy network of schools and stude to who have now visited Oxford, London, and Bath, hopefully Colombia will follow. That will add to a raft of countries that already send their young adults to visit the UK with him. This is of course potentially a watershed moment for Colombian education as President Petro via the Education Reform aims to right the wrongs of previous Presidents and the ruling elite by making education a RIGHT for all the population as opposed to a birthright lottery. Remarkably, the 1991 Constitution did not enshrine education as a right and that has proved just another weapon with which to maintain the countries status quo of inequality. Perhaps the young girl born today in a poor village can one day dream of an education in a far off land. #education #respect #reform #medellin #travel #universities

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At Hess, our values are everything to us, and inform the relationships we make and the trust we build with our partners. But we don’t talk enough about them! So I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight our most important values and principles, which form the foundation of everything we do: 🔴 Customer-Centric: We ALWAYS prioritize our customers’ needs, as demonstrated by our 97% first-time fix rate in current service areas. 🔴 Integrity: We work to ensure that our customers don’t just buy something — they receive the most suitable equipment for their operations. 🔴 Accountability for Results: It’s our job to provide consistent, measurable outcomes for our clients. We do this with the long view in mind, knowing that our ability to deliver today impacts the lifecycle of their business and equipment tomorrow. What values do you look for in a partner? #foodservice #foodserviceequipment #stlouis

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🌟 Big news for all the event planners out there! Hilton Honors has revamped their Event Planner Program and it's a game-changer! 🎉 Here's a personal slice of joy: Thanks to the updated program, you could be 2x closer to that dream vacation spot on your bucket list. 🌴✈️ Here's the scoop: - Earn DOUBLE the points for every dollar spent on rooms and events. That's right, 2 Points per $1! 💰 - Say goodbye to point caps! Now there's NO limit to how many points you can rack up. 🚫🧢 - Redeem points for Event Credits and keep the momentum going for your next big event. 🔄 - Need a room block? Use your points to book multiple rooms hassle-free. 🛌 - Enjoy the freedom with extended flexibility for cancellations. More peace of mind! 🕊️ - And the cherry on top? The "Multiply Your Impact" promotion could triple your points haul! 🍒 For more info or to join the program, check out: http://ms.spr.ly/6041YVlYx Let's make those travel dreams a reality! 🌐🤝 #HiltonHonors #EventPlanners #TravelGoals #BucketList

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As hospitality travel experts, we have friends all over the world at hotels and resorts that have been impacted by the recent hurricane. Even in the great state of Texas, many people have been affected. It hurts to be so far away, but there are still many ways we can help! Hurricane season brings devastation, but we can help communities recover. Consider donating to these reputable organizations providing critical aid: - American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/ - Salvation Army: https://lnkd.in/e_cc_sVH - Americares: https://lnkd.in/eMX5tzEb Financial contributions are often the most effective way to support relief efforts. Cash donations allow organizations to purchase the most-needed supplies and target aid strategically. #hurricanerelief #disasterrelief #community #donate #redcross #salvationarmy #americares

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Episode 10 takes time to remind Service Professionals that our focus should be directly related to our guests, both internal and external, rather than worrying about rating organizations. Although it is exciting to earn awards through the various organizations, we need to remember that "it's not about the stars & diamonds!" Instead, it is all about our properties culture of service and what kind of service our paying guests want and expect. https://lnkd.in/erQNmVAP

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Through innovative sports marketing strategies, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism​ has positioned itself as a top destination for tourism. By leveraging the power of sports to engage global audiences, we've set new tourism records, showcasing the unique experiences our destination offers. #WinsOnly - Boston Red Sox Between December and August 2023, our Boston events garnered a 41% increase year-over-year for flights to St. Thomas. Seats are up 38% year-over-year. ✈️ - Chicago Cubs Our Chicago events garnered a 13% increase year-over-year for flights to St. Thomas between December and August 2023. Seats are up 34% year-over-year. ✈️ See you at TEAMS Conference • Expo by Northstar Meetings Group Northstar Travel Group

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W Punta de Mita has been featured in The House Magazine as one of the 8 best honeymoon stays for every kind of couple! Check out the full article to discover why we should be your top destination for romance. #WHotels #WPuntademita #Honeymoon #LuxuryTravel #PuntaDeMita #DestinationWeddings #RomanticGetaway

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Mario and bro about to get EPIC! 🍄 Universal Orlando Resort just unveiled more details about the Super Mario World coming to their new theme park, Epic Universe, in 2025. Here are the key takeaways from the announcement: 🍌Proven Success: Super Mario World has already seen great reception in both Japan and L.A., demonstrating its global appeal and ability to drive attendance. 🍌Immersive & Interactive: This innovative land goes beyond rides, offering guests a multi-sensory experience that brings video games to life. This interactive component, through the use of a ‘power band’ (magic band's older brother I guess), is a major trend in theme parks, boosting guest engagement and satisfaction. 🍌Dual Powerhouses: The land features not just Super Mario Land, but also Donkey Kong Country for the first time in the US. This expands what they did in L.A. (more room to build in Florida), to help increase the number of attractions and push the reason to visit. Being that ‘DK64’ from the N64 video game counsel is my top game ever, I am very excited about this (hence the 🍌). 🍌Merch & Food Spend: Themed restaurants like Toadstool Cafe and retail stores will help to push in-park spend. offers a goldmine of merchandising opportunities. (the food do be looking cute and Instagram-worthy worthy) Universal's continued investment in Nintendo IP highlights the power of strong brand partnerships in the theme park industry. Personally, I think this is going to be the crown jewel of EPIC and we’ll see a line to get inside the land wrapped around the block for many months to come after opening. ### 🎢 If you found this interesting and want to learn more about the business of theme parks, give me a follow Tay Mauro #Themeparks #Universal #Nintendo

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🚂🎤 HUGE Sponsorship Opportunity Alert! 🎤🚂 We are thrilled to announce our Sing Along Train to the Taylor Swift Concert – a unique and exciting experience that combines the joy of music with the thrill of travel. This is not just a journey; it’s a prelude to the ultimate concert experience, and we’re looking for brands to join us on this musical adventure! Why Sponsor the Sing Along Train? 🎶 Massive Exposure: Engage with thousands of enthusiastic concert-goers and music lovers.  🎶 Unique Branding: Align your brand with a one-of-a-kind event that promises fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories.  🎶 Targeted Audience: Reach a diverse demographic passionate about music and travel.  🎶 Interactive Experience: Your brand can be part of the sing-along activities, directly connecting with participants. By partnering with us, your brand will benefit from extensive marketing, including: Social Media Campaigns: Reach millions through our extensive social media presence. Onboard Branding: High visibility on the train with banners, screens, and announcements. Press Coverage: Gain exposure through press releases and media mentions. Join us in creating a memorable journey for music fans while boosting your brand’s visibility and engagement. Get in touch with us today to explore this fantastic opportunity! 🌟 #SponsorshipOpportunity #BrandPartnership #SingAlongTrain #BigConcert #Marketing #Branding #MusicLovers

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Florida ranks 1st amongst the 50 states for the greatest Economic Impact. Sports travelers spent $52.5 billion dollars in 2023 on the following: $13.5 billion on transportation $10.9 billion on lodging $9.7 billion on food and beverages Recreation, retail, and tournament operations rounded out spending, registering $6.9 billion, $6.5 billion, and $4.7 billion, respectively. The lodging sector accounted for 21% of all sports-related travel spending. In 2023, sports-related travel generated 73.5 million room nights, which is an important factor given that hotel taxes are a primary funding source for many entities. Florida Sports Foundation was well represented at the recent Sports ETA Symposium in Portland, OR, that brings suppliers and sports event planners together to keep this momentum moving forward. #SportsETA #sportstourism #PlayInFlorida #FloridaSports

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Own the Heart of Miami: MiamiCentral Naming Rights Opportunity To my network: Interested in placing your brand at the epicenter of South Florida’s culture, commerce, and connectivity? MiamiCentral Station is more than a transportation hub—it’s a gateway for millions of travelers annually and a centerpiece for Florida’s biggest events, from Art to championship games, concerts, and major conventions.  Unmatched Opportunities • Event Integration: Tie your brand to every major event in Florida, amplifying visibility and cultural relevance. • Premium Branding: Prominent signage across the station, the MiamiCentral four block complex, integration into Brightline’s digital platforms, mobile app, and website. • Viral Activation Potential: Leverage high-profile activations to generate buzz and social media engagement, turning your brand into a cultural touchpoint. • High-Value Audience: Access an affluent and influential demographic of travelers, tourists, and professionals. • Sustainability Alignment: Position your brand alongside Brightline’s eco-conscious, future-focused mission. MiamiCentral isn’t just a station; it’s a lifestyle destination and marketing powerhouse that connects your brand to the heartbeat of Florida. 📩 Let’s chat! #SponsorshipOpportunity #NamingRights #MiamiCentral #Brightline #EventMarketing #BrandPartnerships #SustainableTravel

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A great listen as to the current economic trends.

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Impact of proper live entertainment and special events programming: At casino resorts, cruise lines, theme parks, and luxury resorts, live entertainment isn't just an added perk—it’s a strategic cornerstone of guest experience, sales, and marketing. A well-crafted entertainment and special event program weaves engagement into a guest's journey, leaving a lasting impression that fuels revenue and loyalty. Here’s why strategic entertainment programming is essential: -Guest Experience: Live shows, immersive attractions, and unique events elevate the guest experience, turning a good stay into an unforgettable one. Guests don’t just visit, they become part of the story. -Revenue Growth: Entertainment drives more than ticket sales. It increases casino traffic, F&B revenue, retail purchases, and future bookings as guests share their extraordinary moments. -Brand Loyalty: Exceptional entertainment creates emotional connections. Guests leave with memories and a deeper attachment to your brand, boosting the loyalty index and positive reviews. When done right, entertainment becomes a powerful driver of growth, setting the stage for continued success. A full-year activation calendar is essential—365 days of strategically designed special events. Success comes from consistently filling your venue, not just during peak months. More is more in entertainment and special events! Looking for a leader to craft visionary strategies that energize your guests and maximize your resort's potential? Let’s connect! #LiveEntertainment #GuestExperience #CasinoResorts #LuxuryResorts #Attractions #ImmersiveEntertainment #HospitalityLeadership

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Let’s let ‘em know. #eventprofs #meetingprofs #incentiveprofs

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There will be a significant reduction in the number of hotel rooms on the #LasVegasStrip this year. However, an impact on hotel performance isn't expected. Big swings in hotel additions and closures/demolitions are not uncommon in this destination. Thank you, Michael Petrivelli, for including insights on the impact of the closures on retail. #hotelpipeline #hotelconstruction #LasVegas

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