Conventions.net Hospitality News Network

Google for Hotels: Q+A with David Zammitt, Google Travel Industry Manager - By Daniel Edward Craig How can hotels utilize new Google features to maximize visibility, traffic and conversions? For insight I checked in with David Zammitt, a UK-based Travel Industry Manager with Google. Three States Getting Closer to Creating Infrastructure for Mattress Recycling - By Glenn Hasek Time will tell if other states will follow their leads but three states - California, Connecticut and Rhode Island - are getting closer to creating the infrastructure for statewide mattress recycling. Restaurant Trends - Growing And Emerging Concepts - Change and Activity June 18, 2013 Update from Restaurantchains.net on growing and emerging restaurant concepts Ashford Hospitality Trust Announces Plan to Spin-off Hotel Portfolio Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) announced that the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to spin-off an 80% ownership interest in an 8-hotel portfolio, totaling 3,146 rooms (2,912 owned rooms), to holders of Ashford Trust common stock in the form of a taxable special distribution. Sage Hospitality Adds San Antonio Eilan Hotel Resort to Portfolio The Éilan Hotel Resort & Spa is part of Éilan - San Antonio's new 120-acre mixed-use development that contains luxury residences, restaurants, retail outlets, and office space. Burger Lounge Opens in Brentwood California Their Los Angeles presence is growing with this new Brentwood store opening June 19. The newly renovated San Vicente Blvd. space and previous host to La Salsa will be the company's eleventh location and 4th in Los Angeles. A Flat-tering Proposition: Pizza Hut® Introduces New Firebaked Style Flatbread Pizzas The Flatbreads come six to a box, and can be topped three different ways with up to three toppings each – all for $11.99. ADAC Reisemonitor - Germans Are As Keen on Travel As Ever Germans are as keen on travel as ever – almost 50 per cent plan a second trip besides their main annual holiday – according to the latest ADAC Reisemonitor survey Italy and Austria have become increasingly popular for extra breaks Baskin-Robbins Launches Major Development Incentives For 2013 These limited time only incentives, some of the steepest the brand has ever offered, are part of Baskin-Robbins' growth plans to attract new franchisees and develop with current franchisees through remodels, relocations and expansion. Dunkin' Donuts Unveils New Restaurant Design Dunkin' Donuts recently unveiled a new store design, the brand's first in nearly seven years. The contemporary new look provides an update to Dunkin' Donuts' current restaurant appearance and layout, reflecting the company's evolution from a morning destination into a brand that serves people all day long. Best Boardwalks for Food Across the USA - USATODAY We chose the top 25 boardwalks around the country based on reflection of region, price, and quality of ingredients. Aeromexico Announces Launch of New Aeromexico announced the launch of its new Aeromexico Contigo (Aeromexico with You) product which will offer a host of benefits to passengers traveling frequently between Mexico and the United States. Holland America Line To Feature Diverse Caribbean Cruises For Tropical Getaways In 2013-14 Itineraries up to 25 days, diverse ports of call and a rare mid-size ship experience highlight Holland America Line's 2013-14 Caribbean season that features eight of the line's premium vessels sailing round-trip from either Fort Lauderdale or Tampa, Fla. Intrav Curates a Collection of Eight New All-Inclusive Private Jet Journeys Luxury private jet tour operator, Intrav announces three new around-the-world and five regional journeys taking flight in 2014 and 2015. Intrav’s exclusive 24-hour concierge service allows guests to explore iconic highlights and discover new experiences of their choice, providing a personal connection to each destination. This level of customization has not been possible until now. Delta Launches New Nonstop Service Between Seattle and Shanghai The flight is the latest addition to Delta's growing Asian gateway in Seattle, as the service, between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Shanghai Pu Dong International Airport complements current nonstop service from Seattle to Beijing, Osaka, Tokyo-Narita and most recently, Tokyo-Haneda. Amman Airport Hotel Chooses Pegasus Connect+ Premium Services Four-star Property Near Newly Opened Queen Alia International Airport Terminal Selects Pegasus Solutions to Attract International Traffic US Foods Launches Second Annual Search for America’s Next Top Product In a search to find the best new recipe in America, US Foods is launching the second annual Next Top Product Contest. Focused on uncovering the best bakery, hot appetizer or sauce recipe, Next Top Product gives customers the opportunity to submit their recipe for a chance to have it made into a US Foods commercial product that will be available across the country. Qdoba Mexican Grill to Close 67 Restaurants Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) today announced that it has substantially completed its previously disclosed review of market performance for its Qdoba Mexican Grill® brand. As a result of this comprehensive review, the company plans to close 67 of its company-operated Qdoba restaurants by the end of fiscal 2013, which ends Sept. 29, 2013. Middle East and Africa Hotel Development Pipeline For May 2013 at 483 Hotels Among the countries in the region, the United Arab Emirates reported the largest number of rooms under construction with 18,653 rooms. European Hotel Development Pipeline For May 2013 at 792 Hotels Among the Chain Scale segments, the Upscale segment made up the largest portion of rooms in the total active pipeline with 23.2 percent and 30,417 rooms.