partners launch a set of electronic tools to help hotels reach zero-Power Consumption

The set of electronic tools neZEH evaluates the energy efficiency of hotels through a questionnaire and identifies options for energy efficiency, including the efficient use of non-renewable sources, while raising awareness of the issue through inspiring examples .

The near-zero Energy Hotels (neZEH) set of electronic tools, which is available online at: www.nezeh.eu evaluates the energy efficiency of hotels and proposes measures to improve efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy sources for almost zero consumption. The toolkit is the result of a project over three years funded by the European Union.

The set of electronic tools neZEH evaluates the energy efficiency of hotels through a questionnaire and identifies options for energy efficiency, including the efficient use of non-renewable sources, while raising awareness of the issue through inspiring examples .

The project aims to support hotels in Europe to comply with the regulations of almost zero energy buildings (NZEB), which requires all EU Member States to meet by 2020. A building NZEB must demonstrate a high level level of energy efficiency. The near-zero, or very low, the amount of energy required to be generated very significantly by renewable energy sources, including those produced on-site or nearby.

As stated by the Secretary General of UNWTO, Taleb Rifai, "this unprecedented initiative shows not only the concerns, but also the high level of commitment, the tourism sector to address one of the concerns around the world: climate change".

Sixteen hotels across seven European countries (Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain and Sweden) have participated in the project as a pilot European neZEH Hotels. These are inspiring examples to become the European hotel industry on how to implement best practices to achieve performance nearly zero energy level.

Prior to the implementation of the set of electronic tools, the political implications of a tourism sector zero energy in Europe were discussed in the European Parliament on 17 March 2016. The event, aimed at heads of regional, national policies and European, they stressed the need to reduce legislative barriers and introduce support measures to promote zero energy growth and ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of tourism in the EU.

The neZEH project is co-funded by the European Commission under the Intelligent Energy Programme for Europe. Its aim is to accelerate the rate of large-scale renovation of hotels near zero energy buildings (NZEB), providing technical advice to hoteliers and demonstration of flagship projects NZEB in the European hospitality sector.

The neZEH partnership includes ten partners in seven European countries: the Technical University of Crete-Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Lab (Greece), the coordinator of the project partner, together with the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the Network of the Region European sustainable and competitive tourism (NECSTouR), sustainable Innovation (Sweden), Creara Consultores SL (Spain), Energy Institute Hrvoje Pozar (Croatia), the Istituto Superiore sui Sistemi per l'Innovazione Territoriali (Italy), the Agency Braşov for Energy Management and Environmental Protection (Romania), the European Federation of heating and air conditioning associations (Netherlands), and energies 2050 (France).

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ME Miami Hotel officially opens

1100 Biscayne CGI Management, LLC, a subsidiary of CGI Group Merchant, owner of the hotel, which will be administered under the brand ME by Meliá Hotels International Meliá. Merchant CGI Group acquired the building in January 2013, and led to the remodeling of the original hotel from 56 to 129 rooms.

ME by Meliá brand officially opened its first US destination today in downtown Miami. The hotel has 129 rooms and over 1,000 square feet of meeting space. Guests can enjoy exclusive suites brand, a roof deck 14 Sun with sunset outdoor pools out and Bella Bar, a bar poolside and lounge open later this summer. The property also introduce a new interpretation of UNO Group STK restaurant. The opening of ME Miami represents an exciting new chapter in the innovative lifestyle brand, with locations in London, Madrid, Milan, Ibiza, Majorca, Cabo and Cancun.

1100 Biscayne CGI Management, LLC, a subsidiary of CGI Group Merchant, owner of the hotel, which will be administered under the brand ME by Meliá Hotels International Meliá. Merchant CGI Group acquired the building in January 2013, and led to the remodeling of the original hotel from 56 to 129 rooms. The establishment of advance design highlights the practice of ME mark the opening of destinations in the capitals of culture and fresh, a key feature that was attractive to CGI.

ME Miami is located in the heart of the bustling and within a stone's throw from the major cultural institutions such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Patricia and Phillip frost Science Museum. The enviable location of the new hotel is equidistant to the communities of Miami flourishing located near the center, including the popular and artistic Wynwood, booming Midtown, the Design District of Miami, MiMo, Brickell and the Arts & Entertainment District for guests to participate and discover.

"The opening of ME Miami is not only historic because it is the brand first foray into the US market, but also because it is a recognition and celebration of the thriving community center of Miami, which has experienced an extraordinary and exciting cultural renaissance" said Andre P. Gerondeau, executive vice president of hotels, Meliá Hotels International. "As the brand makes all its destinations, ME Miami actually receives guests in the middle of the urban vitality and momentum. We are delighted with what we have achieved here, and we know our customers will find an ME Miami also distinctive and compelling to an already strong portfolio of unique destinations ".

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Chains must move quickly to maintain revenue growth in the face of softening Reservations

After enjoying years of unprecedented growth, the hotel industry now needs to prepare for difficult times ahead, for example Alan Lewis and Dan McKone, CEOs in L.E.K. Consultant.

2016 has finally seen a slowdown in the growth of revenue per available room. And in some bellwether markets such as New York, recently they experienced declines. Meanwhile, many of the properties that construction started during the boom are connecting, adding supply to the market, they say.

"Hotels have had a relatively easy time finding growth in recent years, and some may have become complacent," says Lewis. "To survive a downturn, they have to work harder to protect margins while keeping their full beds."

Added services key to surviving the downturn

With base rates under pressure, more powerful strategy available for hotels - in all price points - is to create a series of addressing the needs of different customer segments optional supplementary services.

"Hotel chains need to rethink that one size fits all cuts across many of its products," says McKone. "With more options, which can better meet the needs of its customers, increasing its total income per person and win the loyalty that is based on more than price and promotion."

Lewis and McKone are authors (Harvard Business Review Press, 2016). The book demonstrates how business leaders can unlock new value by taking a closer look, and perhaps modify, intersections of the assets they already have and customers who have already paid. Continually doing this leads to what they call a "mindset Edge" and opportunities for new revenues and profits with little risk.

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Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Hood River, Oregon Opens July 13th

The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Hood River opens Wednesday, July 13. newest hotel in Hood River, the Hampton Inn & Suites is located on the banks of the Columbia River, near downtown Hood River. The hotel will have 88 rooms and suites, an indoor pool and spa, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a gym and a conference room with space for up to 75 people.

The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Hood River opens Wednesday, July 13. newest hotel in Hood River, the Hampton Inn & Suites is located on the banks of the Columbia River, near downtown Hood River. The hotel will have 88 rooms and suites, an indoor pool and spa, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a gym and a conference room with space for up to 75 people. Some rooms have views of the Columbia River. The new hotel is the only Hilton brand hotel in Hood River.

Located steps from the Columbia River, the hotel offers easy access to plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area of ​​Hood River; From skiing on Mount Hood, to waterfalls and beautiful hiking Columbia Gorge National Scenic River area, windsurfing, other water activities on the Columbia River and kite surfing. The hotel is also located near several of the breweries in Hood River, with easy access to area wineries and the famous Hood River Fruit Loop. "Situated at the base of Mount Hood, our new hotel is grateful to have the beautiful mountains as a backdrop ours," said Tim Pyle, CEO. "With our customer service of the firm known as Hamptonality and trained staff, we are very pleased to welcome guests who are willing to explore this amazing city driven and outdoor adventure-."

The hotel offers guests a fresh start each day with the House hot breakfast, which includes eggs, oatmeal and waffles. In addition, the hotel offers Hampton On the Run ™ breakfast bags filled with a bar of various grains, an apple, a loaf of homemade breakfast and a bottle of water with a flavor packet for guests in a hurry, available from Monday to Friday. Each room features high quality facilities, including the signing of the Bed ® brand clean and fresh Hampton, HDTV 40 inch, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. inviting suites are also available, offering extra space and a comfortable sofa bed. Each guest is guaranteed to be satisfied with each stay, or do not pay, and that's the 100% Hampton Guarantee®.

The hotel is being managed by InnSight Hotel Management Group under a licensing agreement with Hilton Worldwide. InnSight Hotel Management Group is a full service, award winning hotel management company headquartered in Springfield, Oregon and operates hotels throughout Oregon and Washington.

InnSight is experiencing rapid growth, with five hotel openings within the next year and five projects that will begin construction in the course of next year throughout the northwest. InnSight provides development, operations management, human resources management, digital services, sales and revenue management, and financial management.

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