Hotels are ripe for cyberattacks, such as the one recently perpetrated against Marriott International Inc., and they must prepare accordingly, security experts advise. Acquisitions are especially vulnerable, illustrated by the hacking of Starwood after its merger with Marriott, one expert said.
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Long-term, continuing lodging growth in Genesee County, Mich., is boosting local government coffers. More than $34 million in bookings in 2017 generated more than $1.1 million from a 5% hotel tax, a revenue increase of 29% since 2011, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce reports.
The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, launching next month, represents the combination of Starwood Preferred Guest, Marriott Rewards and Ritz-Carlton Rewards. "Marriott Bonvoy is built on the belief that travel enriches us all and has the power to enrich the world," Marriott said.
Hospitality Properties Trust is under contract to sell 20 travel centers to TravelCenters of America for $308.2 million in a sale leaseback structure. The REIT will gain $160 million from the transaction.
The new Vegan Suite at Hilton London Bankside uses sustainable materials and no animal products. Pinatex upholstery and buckwheat pillows are among the suite's amenities.
A Google device that translates conversation into dozens of languages is being tested at the concierge desks of hotels in Las Vegas, New York and San Francisco. The voice-activated Interpreter Mode is available through Google Assistant on Google Home devices and Smart Displays.
