I-Bytes Hospitality Industry

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I-Bytes
Hospitality
November Edition 2019
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Table of Contents
1. Financial, M & A Updates..................................................................................................................................1
2. Solution Updates................................................................................................................................................11
3. Customer Success Updates...............................................................................................................................15
4. Partnership Ecosystem Updates......................................................................................................................18
5. Miscellaneous Updates.....................................................................................................................................24
6. Event Updates...................................................................................................................................................27

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Financial, M & A Updates
Hospitality Industry

Financial, M&A Updates
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Stockholders Of Eldorado Resorts And Caesars Entertainment (USA) Vote
To Approve Eldorado’s Acquisition Of Caesars
1
Eldorado Resorts, Inc. and Caesars Entertainment Corporation announced that, at separate Special Meetings of Stockholders today,
their respective stockholders approved certain actions in connection with Eldorado’s acquisition of Caesars. The transaction is
expected to be consummated in the first half of 2020 and remains subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and
other closing conditions. Holders of over 99% of the Eldorado shares that voted on the issuance of shares of Eldorado common
stock in connection with transactions contemplated by the merger agreement with Caesars cast their votes in favor, representing
approximately 87% of Eldorado’s outstanding common stock as of the record date for the Eldorado stockholder meeting. Holders
of over 99% of the Caesars shares that voted on the merger cast their votes in favor, representing approximately 76% of Caesars’
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of the record date for the Caesars stockholder meeting. Eldorado and Caesars
stockholders also approved each of the other matters on their respective meeting agendas, including the Eldorado stockholders’
approval of the reincorporation of Eldorado from Nevada to Delaware subject to and promptly following the consummation of the
merger. Eldorado is a leading casino entertainment company that owns and operates twenty-six properties in twelve states,
including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, and Ohio. In aggregate,
Eldorado’s properties feature approximately 26,600 slot machines, VLTs, and e-tables, and approximately 750 table games, and
over 11,800 hotel rooms.
Description

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Marriott International (USA) to Acquire Elegant Hotels Group
Fueling Growth of All-Inclusive Platform
Marriott International announced the company has reached an agreement
with the board of Elegant Hotels Group plc on the terms of a recommended
all cash offer for Elegant. Under the terms of the offer, each Elegant
shareholder would be entitled to receive 110 pence per Elegant share. The
offer values the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of
Elegant at approximately £100.8 million. The offer price implies an
enterprise value for Elegant of approximately $199.0 million based on
Elegant’s total net debt of $68.9 million as at 31 March 2019 as set out in
Elegant’s most recent half year report for the six months ended 31 March
2019. Elegant owns and operates seven hotels with 588 rooms and a
beachfront restaurant on the island of Barbados. Six of the seven properties
are situated along the prestigious west coast of Barbados commonly known
as the “Platinum Coast.” The majority of Elegant properties are operated as
all-inclusive resorts. Following the acquisition, Marriott intends to carry out
renovations to the hotels in the Elegant portfolio. Upon completion of the
planned property renovations, Marriott intends to operate all the Elegant
hotels as all-inclusive resorts under one or more of Marriott’s collection
brands. In keeping with Marriott’s asset-light strategy, over time, Marriott
also intends to market the Elegant hotels for sale subject to long-term
management agreements under which Marriott would continue to manage the
hotels.
Executive Commentary
Commenting on the acquisition, Non-Executive Chairman of Elegant
said, “The Board of Elegant Hotels is confident in the Group’s long-term
prospects but believes that this offer represents compelling value for our
shareholders and a great opportunity for our employees to be part of one
of the world’s leading hotel companies. The fact that Elegant Hotels has
attracted the interest of a company of Marriott’s caliber is a resounding
endorsement of the outstanding quality of our properties, operations and
people, and indeed of Barbados as a highly desirable destination. We are
therefore unanimously recommending the offer to shareholders.”
Description
2

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Marriott International (USA) Reports Third Quarter 2019
Results
• Third quarter reported diluted EPS totaled $1.16, compared to $1.43 in the
year-ago quarter. Third quarter adjusted diluted EPS totaled $1.47, compared to
third quarter 2018 adjusted diluted EPS of $1.70. Reported and adjusted diluted
EPS for the 2018 third quarter included $0.26 of asset sale gains;
• Third quarter 2019 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR rose 1.5
percent worldwide, 1.9 percent outside North America and 1.3 percent in North
America;
• The company added more than 17,700 rooms during the third quarter, including
roughly 3,100 rooms converted from competitor brands and approximately 6,700
rooms in international markets;
• At quarter-end, Marriott’s worldwide development pipeline totaled roughly 2,950
hotels and nearly 495,000 rooms, including more than 31,000 rooms approved, but
not yet subject to signed contracts. Approximately 214,000 pipeline rooms were
under construction at the end of the third quarter;
• Third quarter reported net income totaled $387 million, a 23 percent decrease
from prior year results. Third quarter adjusted net income totaled $488 million, an
18 percent decrease from prior year adjusted results;
• Adjusted EBITDA totaled $901 million in the quarter, flat compared to third
quarter 2018 adjusted EBITDA;
• Marriott repurchased 3.8 million shares of the company’s common stock for $500
million during the third quarter. Year-to-date through November 1, the company has
repurchased 14.2 million shares for $1.83 billion.
President and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said, “It’s been
just over three years since the completion of the Starwood acquisition. In that
time, we’ve realized meaningful synergies, enhanced guest satisfaction, and
recycled more than $2.2 billion of assets. Earlier this year, we launched our new
loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which provides meaningfully enhanced
member benefits while leveraging our broad portfolio and significant hotel
distribution. With more than 12 million guests joining Marriott Bonvoy since
the beginning of the year, program membership reached 137 million in the
quarter and the percentage of occupancy from members increased 320 basis
points worldwide. In the third quarter, our worldwide comparable systemwide
constant dollar RevPAR increased 1.5 percent, consistent with our guidance,
while our global RevPAR index rose 210 basis points. Our sales organization is
hitting its stride. For comparable hotels in North America, group revenue
booked in the third quarter for all future periods increased 6 percent and, today,
group revenue pace for 2020 is up at a mid-single digit growth rate.”
Description
3

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McDonald's (USA) Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results
• Strong, global comparable sales of 5.9% demonstrated broad-based strength with the International
Operated segment increase of 5.6%, the U.S. increase of 4.8%, and the International Developmental
Licensed segment increase of 8.1%.
• Consolidated revenues increased $61.2 million or 1% (3% in constant currencies) to $5.4 billion.
• Systemwide sales increased $1.3 billion or 5% (7% in constant currencies) to $26.0 billion.*
• GAAP diluted earnings per share of $2.11 was relatively flat with the prior year (increased 2% in
constant currencies).**
• The Company returned $2.4 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. This
brings the cumulative return to shareholders to $22.5 billion against our targeted return of about $25
billion for the three-year period ending 2019. In addition, the Company announced an 8% increase
in its quarterly dividend to $1.25 per share beginning in the third quarter 2019.
• Results for the nine months 2019 included $80 million of pre-tax strategic charges, or $0.07 per
share, primarily related to impairment associated with the purchase of our joint venture partner's
interest in the India Delhi market, partly offset by gains on the sales of property at the former
Corporate headquarters. Results for 2018 reflected income tax costs associated with adjustments to
the provisional amounts recorded in December 2017 under the Tax Act of $47 million, or $0.06 per
share, for the quarter and $99 million, or $0.12 per share, for the nine months. Results for the nine
months 2018 also included $94 million of pre-tax strategic restructuring charges, or $0.09 per share.
• Excluding the above items, net income for the quarter decreased 4% (3% in constant currencies)
and diluted earnings per share decreased 2% (1% in constant currencies), and for the nine months
net income decreased 4% (flat in constant currencies) and diluted earnings per share decreased 1%
(increased 2% in constant currencies).
"Our third quarter performance was strong, and broad-based momentum continued with our
17th consecutive quarter of global comparable sales growth," said McDonald's President and
Chief Executive Officer. "Globally, our customers are rewarding our commitment of running
better restaurants and executing our Velocity Growth Plan by visiting more often."
Description
4

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Restaurant Brands International Inc. (Canada) Reports Third
Quarter 2019 Results
• For the third quarter of 2019, system-wide sales growth was primarily
driven by comparable sales of (1.4)%, including Canada comparable sales of
(1.2)%, partially offset by net restaurant growth of 1.7%.
• For the third quarter of 2019, system-wide sales growth was driven by net
restaurant growth of 5.8% as well as comparable sales of 4.8%, including US
comparable sales of 5.0%.
• As of September 30, 2019, total debt was $12.8 billion, net debt (total debt
less cash and cash equivalents of $1.7 billion) was $11.0 billion, and net
leverage was 4.9x. Cash and cash equivalents reflects approximately $750
million of proceeds from our September 2019 issuance of 3.875% Senior
Notes due 2028 and a $235 million voluntary prepayment of Term Loan B.
Following quarter end, used these proceeds in conjunction with a portion of
the proceeds from the previously announced $750 million New Term Loan
Facility to redeem $1,250 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2022.
• The RBI Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $0.50 per common
share and partnership exchangeable unit of Restaurant Brands International
Limited Partnership for the fourth quarter of 2019. The dividend will be
payable on January 3, 2020 to shareholders and unitholders of record at the
close of business on December 17, 2019.
Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI")
commented, "During the third quarter, we grew system-wide sales nearly
9% through a combination of strong global comparable sales growth and
restaurant expansion. At Burger King, we continue to see exciting growth
around the world, with our system-wide sales increasing approximately
15% internationally for the quarter and the successful launch of our
Impossible Whopper driving 5% comparable sales growth in the US, our
strongest level since 2015. Popeyes had one of its best quarters in nearly
two decades, achieving comparable sales growth of more than 10% in the
US. At Tim Hortons, although we had a challenging quarter, we remain
confident in the pillars of our Winning Together Plan and are excited
about the long-term growth prospects of the Tims brand and business in
Canada."
Description
5

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Whitbread (UK) Reports Interim Results 2019
• Revenue broadly flat at £1,078 million, supported by contribution from new capacity
• Total UK accommodation sales declined (0.6)% and like-for-like† accommodation sales
declined (3.6)%, impacted by continued weak regional market conditions
• Adjusted profit before tax decreased by (4.1)% in-line with like-for-like sales decline, a
decrease in operating margin offset with a benefit from lower finance costs
• Continued disciplined cost management delivering ongoing efficiency benefits
• Statutory profit for the period (incl. Costa in H1 FY19) decreased from £234 million by
(26.3)% to £172 million in-line with adjusted profit before tax and due to the sale of Costa,
contributing to £47 million of profit in H1 FY19
• Discretionary free cash flow of £197 million (H1 FY19 includes Costa)
• Reduction in return on capital to 10.8% due to weaker market conditions and capital
investment
• Retained strong balance sheet following completion of £2.5 billion capital return
programme
Whitbread Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We have delivered a resilient first
half profit performance despite challenging market conditions in the UK. Shorter-term
trading conditions in the UK regional market have been difficult, particularly in the
business segment where we have a higher proportion of our revenue, whilst trading in
London remained strong. Against this challenging backdrop, we have a number of
activities underway which continue to build our brand strength as the UK’s favourite
hotel chain. We are enhancing and optimising our UK hotel network and have
successfully trialled new higher specification ‘Premier Plus’ rooms in two hotels, with
fantastic customer feedback. We are on track to have 500 Premier Plus rooms this year,
with ambitions for a total of 2,000 over the next year. We have also made good
progress in delivering our ambitious efficiency targets, helping to offset part of the
ongoing industry-wide inflation. In Germany, our confidence in the long term
opportunities grows and our expansion plans are firmly on target. Our German pipeline
has increased 25% to 7,280 rooms over the last year and we continue to look for ways
to accelerate our ambitions. We have opened new organic hotels in Hamburg and
Munich, which are both performing well and we are also making good progress in
preparation for completing the 19 hotel acquisition in February 2020, with 13 hotels to
be rebranded to Premier Inn in the first half of next year. Whilst the near-term market
conditions in the UK remain uncertain, we have confidence in the long-term structural
opportunities available in the domestic budget travel markets in the UK and Germany.
Following successful completion of our return of surplus capital programme, we still
have a strong balance sheet, providing support for ongoing disciplined deployment of
capital, which will deliver growth over the longer term.”
Description
6

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Vacasa Finalizes Purchase of Wyndham (USA) Vacation
Rentals
Vacasa, North America’s largest vacation rental management platform,
announced that it has finalized its acquisition of Wyndham Vacation Rentals
from Wyndham Destinations, the global leader in vacation ownership and
exchange, for a purchase price of $162 million. Vacasa financed the acquisition
of Wyndham Vacation Rentals through a combination of cash and equity.
Wyndham Destinations received proceeds at closing of $156 million in cash and
$10 million in Vacasa equity. The purchase agreement contains customary
post-closing adjustments. Vacasa signed a definitive purchase agreement with
Wyndham Destinations on July 30. Now that the deal has closed, Vacasa will
immediately begin to migrate the Wyndham Vacation Rentals portfolio of
9,000+ homes in 50 destinations into its platform. Vacasa will manage more
than 23,000 homes across North America, Europe, Central and South America,
and Africa. Vacasa will integrate Wyndham Vacation Rentals signature brands
including Corolla Classic Vacations, Hatteras Realty, Kaiser Realty, Oceana,
ResortQuest, ResortQuest Whistler, Smoky Mountains Property Management
and Vacation Palm Springs onto its platform over the next 12 months. The full
integration is expected to be complete by the fall of 2020.
“The Wyndham Vacation Rentals team brings a tremendous amount of
hospitality expertise, and we are excited to welcome them to Vacasa,” said
Founder and CEO of Vacasa. “Our industry-leading yield management and
marketing will generate optimal revenue for homeowners, and the unity of
our local teams will continue to create five-star experiences for our guests.”
Description
7

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Wyndham Destinations (USA) Completes $300 Million Term
Securitization
Wyndham Destinations, Inc. announced that it has completed a term
securitization transaction involving the issuance of $300 million of
asset-backed notes. Sierra Timeshare 2019-3 Receivables Funding
LLC issued approximately $126 million of Class A Notes,
approximately $81 million of Class B Notes, approximately $66
million of Class C Notes, and approximately $27 million of Class D
Notes. The Class A Notes have a coupon of 2.34%, the Class B Notes
have a coupon of 2.75%, the Class C Notes have a coupon of 3.00%,
and the Class D Notes have a coupon of 4.18% for an overall
weighted average coupon of 2.76%. The advance rate for this
transaction was 98%. Sierra Timeshare 2019-3 Receivables Funding
LLC is an indirect subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations. The
transaction was completed in reliance upon Rule 144A and
Regulation S as a placement of securities not registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities law. All of
such securities having been sold, this announcement of their sale
appears as a matter of record only.
“Our third offering of 2019 was well received by the market,” said
Chief financial officer of Wyndham Destinations. “Continued
strong investor demand and the lower benchmark rate allowed us
to price this transaction 20 basis points lower than our previous
Sierra transaction in July 2019. The 2.76% rate represents the
lowest weighted average coupon since the Sierra 2016-3
issuance.”
Description
8

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Wyndham Destinations (USA) Reports Third Quarter 2019
Results
• Net revenue increased 4% to $1,105 million
• Net VOI sales increased 5% to $528 million; gross VOI sales increased
4% to $663 million
• Net income from continuing operations increased 3% to $135 million
($1.47 diluted EPS)
• Adjusted net income from continuing operations decreased 3% to $144
million ($1.57 adjusted diluted EPS)
• Adjusted EBITDA decreased 1% to $267 million (1)
• Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
year-to-date increased 57% to $321 million and adjusted free cash flow
increased 31% to $466 million
• Repurchased 5.6 million shares of common stock for $245 million
year-to-date through October 29
• Increased 2019 adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations
guidance to a range of $5.54 to $5.62 and increased 2019 adjusted free
cash flow from continuing operations guidance to a range of $565 to $585
million
• Narrowed 2019 adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $990 to $1,000
million, after adjusting for the impact of Hurricane Dorian
President and CEO of Wyndham Destinations, commented, "Our
company reported strong quarterly results and increased our
guidance for adjusted diluted EPS. We are continuing to see an
expansion of Blue Thread sales and robust gross VOI sales, which
increased 4% in the quarter. We remain committed to generating
strong free cash flows and year-to-date we have returned $371
million of capital to shareholders in the form of dividends and
share repurchases. We recently completed two key transactions —
the sale of Wyndham Vacation Rentals to Vacasa for $162 million
and the acquisition by RCI of Alliance Reservations Network for
$102 million. These transactions were important milestones for
RCI and Wyndham Destinations as we focus on our core business
and continue to execute on our key strategic objectives.”
Description
9

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Wynn Resorts, (USA) Limited Reports Third Quarter 2019
Results
• Operating revenues were $1.65 billion for the third quarter of 2019, a decrease of 3.6%,
or $61.3 million, from $1.71 billion for the third quarter of 2018. Operating revenues
decreased $132.4 million and $105.3 million at Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau,
respectively, from the third quarter of 2018, and were relatively flat at our Las Vegas
Operations. The decrease in operating revenues at Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau was
partially offset by operating revenues from Encore Boston Harbor of $175.8 million.
• On a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") basis, net loss attributable
to Wynn Resorts, Limited was $3.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the third quarter
of 2019, compared to net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited of $156.1 million,
or $1.44 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018. The change was primarily driven by
a decrease in VIP table games win at our Macau Operations.
• Adjusted net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited (1) was $18.5 million, or
$0.17 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2019, compared to $182.3 million, or $1.68
per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2018.
• Adjusted Property EBITDA (2) was $396.9 million for the third quarter of 2019, a
decrease of 21.3%, or $107.4 million, from $504.4 million for the third quarter of 2018.
Adjusted Property EBITDA decreased $64.0 million, $43.9 million, and $7.3 million at
Wynn Palace, Wynn Macau, and our Las Vegas Operations, respectively. Adjusted Property
EBITDA from Encore Boston Harbor was $7.7 million.
• Wynn Resorts, Limited also announced today that the Company has approved a cash
dividend of $1.00 per share, payable on November 22, 2019 to stockholders of record as of
November 14, 2019.
"We delivered solid financial results in the third quarter, despite negative hold impact
in both Macau and Las Vegas," said CEO of Wynn Resorts, Limited. "In Macau, the
investments we have made position us well to compete in any market environment, as
evidenced by record mass table win in the quarter. Our strategy at Wynn Las Vegas
continues to bear fruit as we increased market share in our domestic gaming business
and drove nearly 4% year-on-year growth in RevPAR. During our first full quarter of
operations at Encore Boston Harbor, we have been particularly pleased with the
strength of our table games business and we are encouraged by the opportunity to drive
growth at the property over the next several years."
Description
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Solutions Updates

Solution Updates
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Wyndham Destinations (USA): Alliance Reservations Network Announces Targeted
Feature Enhancements to its Group Booking Platform
11
Solution Description
Alliance Reservations Network, which was acquired by RCI, the world’s largest vacation exchange network as part of
Wyndham Destinations, has added four new feature enhancements to its popular group hotel booking platform Group
Productivity Solution (GPS). These new offerings provide attendees with access to make reservation changes directly with
the venue right from their devices, while also providing meeting planners enhanced inventory options and customizable
cancellation policies. Group Productivity Solution modernizes the sourcing and contracting process for both small and large
groups through streamlining digital hotel requests for proposal (RFP) creation and sending to match planners with the right
hotel for their needs. It also offers intuitive room block management access. For each event managed, it also provides group
housing managers with a unique link to a customized hotel booking engine that distributes their group block inventory.
Through the booking engine, guests book rooms within the group block as easily as they would on any retail travel site.
GPS has been gaining market share in group travel since its launch in 2016, specifically in the sports event segment, with
large third-party housing companies and events rights holders using the GPS application for a wide variety of professional
and amateur sports competitions and events. Beyond the sports segment, event managers reply on GPS to source, distribute,
and manage group blocks across a wide variety of hotel brands and offerings.

Solution Updates
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Marriott International (USA) To Expand Its All-Inclusive Portfolio To Jamaica And
Curacao With Signings Of Two New-Build Oceanfront Resorts
12
Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed contracts with hotel developers to open two all-inclusive,
oceanfront resorts in the Caribbean – an 800-room Marriott Hotel in Jamaica and a 283-room Autograph Collection
on Curaçao. The 800-room Marriott Hotel Al Amaterra is planned on a beachfront site within the Amaterra Resort, a
mixed-use development along the North coast of Trelawney, Jamaica. The site features about three miles of pristine
beachfront. The hotel’s owner/developer, Amaterra Group, expects to commence construction in early 2020. In
Curaçao, Marriott International signed an agreement to open a 283-room, all-inclusive Autograph Collection resort
on an oceanfront site, marking its first contract for a franchised all-inclusive resort. To rise in the historical
Pietermaai district of Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, construction is expected to begin in June 2020, with
completion by 2024. The signings of the Marriott Hotel Al Amaterra and the Autograph Collection in Curaçao are the
latest deals that Marriott International has signed since launching in August an all-inclusive platform with the goal of
growing a global portfolio of resorts in popular vacation destinations by leveraging the company’s operational and
development expertise, its Marriott Bonvoy travel program with roughly 137 million members and seven of its iconic
hotel brands.

Solution Updates
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Royal Caribbean (USA) Unveils Bold Features on New Odyssey Of The Seas
13
Royal Caribbean International is setting an uncharted course for adventure with the cruise line’s newest ship, Odyssey of
the Seas. The first Quantum Ultra Class ship to arrive in North America will tout a brand-new look to match the fleet’s
most action-packed top deck to date, and a mix of record-holding hits and groundbreaking firsts for a game-changing
cruise vacation. Odyssey’s dialed-up onboard adventures, two-level pool deck designed for downtime under the sun and
stars, and a collection of restaurants primed to please every palate will all be set against some of the world’s most
picturesque backdrops, including the vibrant islands of the Caribbean and idyllic coasts of the eastern Mediterranean.
Bold in every direction, Odyssey’s highlights include the ultimate SeaPlex activity space that delivers a dose of
adrenaline with new thrills, a little friendly competition and the most interactive arcade at sea. Adding to the mix,
Odyssey will debut a reimagined Adventure Ocean where young adventure seekers can choose their own immersive
experiences across an entirely new layout, while a new maxed-out teen lounge with gaming consoles, music and movies
will provide endless hangout options indoors and outdoors on an exclusive patio. When it’s time to refuel, guests can
enjoy the new Teppanyaki restaurant serving Far East flavors, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar with rustic
Italian dishes and a contemporary flair. Entertainment across the ship will be punctuated by high-tech signature
productions in the Royal Theater and Two70, where art and multimedia merge for surrounding, jaw-dropping
performances only on Odyssey.

Solution Updates
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Wyndham Destinations (USA): RCI and The Registry Collection Welcomes Anantara
Vacation Club back to its Global Exchange Network
14
RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange as part of Wyndham Destinations, recently entered into an
affiliation agreement with Anantara Vacation Club, welcoming its portfolio of 9 resort properties across 7
destinations to the RCI vacation exchange network. The 9 Anantara Vacation Club resort properties will be
affiliated under the RCI Points program, with three of these properties also a part of The Registry Collection®
program. Effective 1 January 2020 through the agreement, Anantara Vacation Club’s over 13,000 Club Points
Owners will have access to RCI’s network of over 4,300 affiliated resorts in nearly 110 countries. Anantara
Vacation Club’s Elite Platinum and Elite Royal Ownership Tiers will also receive membership to The Registry
Collection program. RCI is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange, housing a unique portfolio of brands.
RCI pioneered the concept of vacation exchange in 1974, offering members increased flexibility and versatility
with their vacation ownership experience. Today, through the RCI Weeks® program, the week-for-week
exchange system, and the RCI Points® program, the industry’s first global points-based exchange system, RCI
offers its 3.8 million members access to more than 4,300 affiliated resorts in approximately 110 countries.

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Customer Success Updates

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RIMAP Hospitality Signs Deal with Marriott International (USA) To Bring
Design-Driven AC Hotels By Marriott Brand To Ottawa
15
Rimap Hospitality headquartered in Montreal, announced it has signed a contract with Marriott International to debut the
company’s design-driven AC Hotels by Marriott brand in Ottawa with a 208-room hotel. The hotel will sit ideally between
Byward Market and the Rideau Centre, close to Parliament hill and the University of Ottawa, an area that is home to a
growing number of offices, residences, theaters and restaurants. Expected to open in the summer of 2022, the AC Hotel
Ottawa will offer business and leisure travelers alike a thoughtful approach to design as well as intuitive, frictionless guest
service. When it opens in Ottawa’s Byward Market neighborhood, the property will feature modern guest rooms and public
spaces designed with sleek furnishings, open closet system, elegant art and hardwood floors. There will be an AC Lounge, a
communal space of creativity that features a full bar serving local beers and hand-crafted cocktails, including the brand’s
signature gin tonic cocktails, along with tapas plates. The property will provide a European-style breakfast in AC Kitchen
and a 24-hour wellness center. RIMAP Hospitality Services Inc is an innovative Montreal based hotel management
company that was founded in 2007. RIMAP has quickly become one of Montreal's largest hotel operators, presently
managing four internationally branded hotels in the Montreal area under Marriott, Hilton and Intercontinental hotels group
banners.
Description

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McDonald’s USA Signs First-Ever Large-Scale Virtual Power Purchase
Agreements (VPPAs)
16
McDonald’s announced the signing of two long-term, large-scale virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs),
whereby McDonald’s will buy renewable energy generated by Aviator Wind West, a wind power project located in
Coke County, Texas and a solar project located in Texas. The combined 380MW in renewable energy expected to be
generated from McDonald’s contribution to these projects will help to prevent over 700,000 metric tons of carbon
emissions each year, which is equivalent to planting more than 11 million trees or taking over 140,000 cars off the
road for one year. Additionally, the energy generated by these U.S. projects will be equivalent to over 2,500
restaurants-worth of electricity. In March 2018, McDonald’s became the first restaurant company in the world to set a
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These two U.S.
renewable energy projects will represent significant progress toward McDonald’s Climate Action Target to reduce
GHG emissions related to McDonald’s restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030. Once online, the GHG emissions
reductions from these two deals are expected to deliver 16% in progress toward our Climate Action Target or 6% in
GHG emissions reductions from our 2015 baseline.
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flyadeal Selects RateGain for Tracking Real-time Airfares
17
RateGain, the #1 SaaS company for travel and hospitality, announced that it had been selected by flyadeal, the low cost carrier owned by
Saudia Arabian Airlines Corporation, for its advanced, real-time airfare price intelligence solution, AirGain. As flyadeal looks to expand its
operations beyond Saudi Arabia, the airline is looking to further extend it’s revenue management insight which will help it stay abreast of
the competition and gain market share. AirGain’s on-demand airfare intelligence will help flyadeal position for growth. AirGain is an
innovative SaaS-based airfare pricing intelligence tool designed to improve and enhance the revenue and operational efficiency of the
airline industry. The partnership with flyadeal is a demonstration of AirGain’s success in inventing superior technology solutions to aid the
growth of the airline industry. flyadeal is a Saudi low-cost airline based at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. It is owned by
Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation. The airline began operation on 23 September 2017 and now serves 8 domestic destinations with 11
A320 CEOs. RateGain is the #1 provider of SaaS products, which help travel, and hospitality companies make more revenue every day.
RateGain offers products, which help with rate intelligence, cognitive revenue management, smart distribution, and brand engagement.
RateGain is proud to support 125,000+ hotel properties globally influencing $13 Bn revenue by providing 240 billion rate and availability
updates & powering over 30 Million bookings. RateGain is trusted by 25 out of the top 30 OTAs, tour operators and wholesalers, 23 out of
the top 30 hotel chains, 7 out of the top 10 car rental companies, top 5 cruise lines, and many leading airlines worldwide. In 2018, RateGain
acquired DHISCO, which made it the only company in the world to offer end-to-end frictionless distribution. In June 2019, RateGain
acquired award-winning BCV to offer guest experience cloud to maximize guest lifetime value for hospitality chains.
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Black Fire Innovation Confirms Collaboration with Intel To Advance
Hospitality Customer Experience
18
Black Fire Innovation, the new research and technology hub created to drive innovation in the hospitality, gaming and entertainment
industry, announced its collaboration with Intel as a key computing partner. The tech industry leader will provide technology and computing
resources to develop next-generation data-rich consumer experiences while also offering research and internship opportunities for students
and partners at the Black Fire Innovation facility. The 43,000 square-foot-space was designed to change the landscape of hospitality with its
replica integrated resort labs, where new concepts can be created and tested. Intel will also take up residence in the facility’s co-working
space, where Intel experts will mentor and guide student interns and partners on course curriculum development that will bring
industry-driven innovation to the classroom. This is the latest announcement in a powerful collaboration between UNLV and Intel. In 2014,
Intel and Switch partnered with UNLV to bring one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to Las Vegas. Housed in Switch’s Las
Vegas SUPERNAP data center, the Cherry Creek II gives UNLV and its research partners access to high-performance computing at a level
few universities in the nation can claim. Since its arrival, the supercomputer has supported big data research in physics and astronomy,
neurosciences and health care, and hospitality. The core research focus for Black Fire Innovation is using emerging technologies to enhance
the customer experience using blockchain, data science, robotic automation, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. The space will
offer opportunities for participating startups, researchers, and partners to examine how technology changes the way companies approach
hospitality to appeal to evolving consumer tastes.
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IHG® (UK) and JA Worldwide host First Look Event for students in Germany
19
IHG®, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, and IW JUNIOR, member of JA Worldwide, came together at the
Regent® Berlin to host the inaugural IHG First Look Event in Germany. Up to 25 students, aged 15-16, from the Caspar
David Friedrich School in Berlin-Hellersdorf spent the day experiencing the opportunities offered by the hospitality
industry. Activities varied from initial presentations and job shadowing to hotel room checks and supporting tasks at the
restaurant. After announcing their partnership with JA Worldwide in September 2019, IHG has focused on developing a
curriculum to run dedicated hotel work experiences for students – IHG First Look Events. The events provide young
people, typically aged between 14-18, with the opportunity to receive hands-on experience working in a hotel. The
combination of classroom tutorials and practical work provides students with a realistic vision into what a career in
hospitality involves. IHG has already held a series of First Look Events around the world, partnering with the local JA
network in London, the USA and Dubai. IHG and JA Worldwide are working in partnership to showcase the breadth of
roles and opportunities within the hospitality industry. IHG’s First Look Events give students the opportunity to gain
first-hand experience of the industry, meet and hear from colleagues working at the hotel and take part in challenges that
help them understand the range of skills required to work in hospitality.
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Marriott International (USA) Signs Landmark, Three-Hotel Agreement With
Asset World Corporation Fueling Growth In Thailand
20
Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed agreements with Asset World Corporation (AWC),
Thailand's leading integrated lifestyle real-estate group, to introduce three of its global hospitality brands to
Thailand. The agreement would fuel the company’s expansion in Thailand with the addition of three hotels
comprised of nearly 1,550 rooms expected to open between late 2020 and 2024. Under the agreements, AWC is
expected to open a 248-room Courtyard by Marriott in late 2020 in Phuket, as well as a 900-room Marriott
Marquis hotel and a 398-room JW Marriott hotel both in Pattaya. Targeted to open in late 2020, the Courtyard
by Marriott Phuket Town is at the heart of Phuket Town, surrounded by quaint historic Chino-Portuguese
buildings set on scenic streets. The hotel is expected to fly the Courtyard by Marriott brand flag following a
strategic renovation of the well-known Metropole Phuket Hotel. Slated to offer 248 guest rooms, two food and
beverage outlets and approximately 2,000 sqm of meeting space, the hotel is set to deliver an experience
designed to fuel the passion of business and leisure travelers alike with modern fuss-free amenities.
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Betmgm (USA) & Yahoo Sports Announce Exclusive Partnership Offering Fans
Unprecedented Experiences
21
MGM Resorts International announced that Yahoo Sports has entered into a historic partnership with MGM Resorts and
Roar Digital, a joint venture between global gaming industry leaders MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings, to power sports
betting for Yahoo Sports and create collaborative content experiences and live events. The announcement builds upon
Verizon Media’s core strategy to connect content and discovery to transactions and is a natural extension of Yahoo Sports’
mission to reimagine sports for fans with unprecedented experiences. As part of the multi-year partnership, the integration
will launch in the Yahoo Sports app in November in the U.S., with transactions to take place on the BetMGM platform.
Yahoo Sports will be an official Digital Media Sports Partner of MGM Resorts. As part of this partnership, MGM Resorts
and Yahoo Sports will collaborate on an array of content experiences, exclusive live events, and more than 20 high profile
major sporting and promotional marketing efforts. MGM Resorts will also distribute Yahoo Sports content across its
properties and platforms. Yahoo Sports will also be hosting multiple player events at MGM Resorts properties. With more
than 68 percent growth in U.S. Mobile App visitors year-over-year, Yahoo Sports is shaping the future of sports for fans. To
learn more, download the Yahoo Sports app on iOS or Google Play.
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Yum! China and China Internet Development Foundation signed a network
positive energy special fund cooperation and donation agreement
22
Yum! China and the China Internet Development Foundation signed the "Donation Agreement" at the forum. The two sides
reached a strategic cooperation and jointly borrowed the Internet to continue to practice the Internet public welfare and
spread the positive energy of the network. According to the agreement, Yum! China will donate 10 million yuan to the
China Network Development Fund's “Network Positive Energy” special fund. The two sides will integrate resources and
focus on network positive energy, emergency safety, fire science, social governance, public welfare, and healthy living.
Public welfare activities promote the popular science knowledge into the school, enter the community, enter the family, and
open a new journey of network positive energy construction and communication. Since entering China in 1987, Yum! China
has been adhering to the concept of “returning to the society”, actively practicing corporate social responsibility, and has
made long-term investments in supporting poverty alleviation, caring for the community, children and adolescents, and
promoting healthy lifestyles. A series of public welfare projects with deep social influence and extensive social influence.
The Yum! China and the China Internet Development Foundation will make full use of the Internet to promote and
stimulate more positive forces towards the good, and hope to promote multi-party cooperation, strengthen broad
participation and effective interaction, and promote the public welfare of the Internet and the far-reaching development.
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IHG® (UK) First voco™ hotel opens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
23
IHG®, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to announce the opening of the 5-star voco Riyadh, the first
voco™ hotel in Saudi Arabia’s capital city, in partnership with KSA-based developer Wasata Al Wosta Real Estate Co. The
5 star flagship property in the Kingdom underwent major redesigning and rebranding to launch under the voco™ brand. As
part of extensive renovations being carried out at the property, the 5 star hotel will feature a range of upscale signature voco
hallmarks: warm and bright inviting interiors, modern artworks representing the voco character and personality. Thanks to
our unique service style our guests can expect an informal, unstuffy experience with playful, personal touches throughout. -
‘Come on in’ is our welcome signature that guarantees our guests will always get a warm welcome during a swift and
simple check in, with a locally-inspired welcome treat to kick off their stay. The flagship voco™ hotel in the Kingdom
offers guests a choice of 438 rooms and suites, each equipped with HD LED TVs and high-speed WiFi. The hotel also
boasts a bridal suite and connecting family rooms available on request. Guests driving to voco® Riyadh will benefit from
ample parking, with 400 underground spaces available. Located on King Fahad Road and just 30 minutes from the King
Khaled International Airport, voco® Riyadh is close to the city’s key commercial areas, business zones and landmarks
including Kingdom Tower and the Embassy District.
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Miscellaneous Updates

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McDonald’s USAAchieves 100% Sustainably Sourced McCafé Coffee
Goal, A Year Ahead of Schedule
24
McDonald’s USA announced that 100% of the ground and whole bean coffee for U.S. restaurants is sustainably
sourced, achieving this 2020 goal a year ahead of schedule. Coffee for McDonald’s USA restaurants is verified
sustainable through McDonald’s McCafé Sustainability Improvement Platform (SIP), a coffee sustainability
program developed in partnership with Conservation International or sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified
™ farms. McDonald’s long-term, ongoing commitment remains focused on promoting climate resiliency and
allowing farmers to continue their coffee farming traditions for generations to come. Through the McCafé SIP
program, McDonald’s has invested in coffee growers and their communities for the long term. For example, in
2018 across Colombia, McDonald’s, in partnership with supplying roasters, supported more than 3,700 farmers
through trainings, individual farm visits to provide technical guidance, community support, and premium
payments to support farmer economic viability. In the Antioquia region of Colombia, McDonald’s sustainability
efforts have helped result in impacts like reducing water consumption by 36,000 liters per year, planting 326,000
new coffee trees and rehabilitating millions more.
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McDonald’s (USA) launches innovative ‘Better M’ platform to showcase
packaging & recycling solutions and Europe-wide customer trials
25
McDonald’s announced a wide-ranging programme to remove and minimise plastic and improve recyclability in
packaging across Europe. The plan comprises removal of McFlurry lids across every European country in which
McDonald’s operates and the rollout of a new fibre-based lid across all cold drinks in France, as well as trials
across markets for alternatives to the plastic McFlurry spoon, a redesigned paper straw, and toy take-back
programs. The packaging trials form part of McDonald’s global ‘Better M’ platform, which aims to implement
environmentally positive changes across McDonald’s sustainable packaging and recycling supply chain as well as
the customer experience. McDonald’s will launch the trials through existing restaurants across Europe, using its
scale to expand successful country trials across the continent. Selected restaurants across Europe will serve as
testing grounds, bringing innovative packaging concepts direct to consumers. The feedback collected will inform
which options are scaled up or adapted. The model allows McDonald’s to find the sustainable solutions customers
want, while delivering the great experience they know and love. Currently, 78% of packaging used by
McDonald’s globally is made from fibre. This figure increases for its European markets where fibre comprises
approximately 88% of all packaging and plastic only 12%.
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Premier Inn and Whitbread restaurants (UK) say HUGE thank you to
forces heroes
26
Premier Inn, the UK’s biggest hotel company, is offering a free breakfast to uniformed military personnel and
veterans who are guests of the hotel this Remembrance Day (Sunday, November 10). The offer is exclusive to
Premier Inn forces’ heroes who are staying overnight in any one the of the chain’s 800 hotels, on Saturday,
November 09, ahead of the commemoration. To redeem the offer, personnel who are staying as guests of the
hotel company must simply be identifiable to breakfast hosts through their uniforms, or in the case of veterans,
their medals. To mark Remembrance Day, Premier Inn owner Whitbread is also revealing that part of its
restaurants’ business has collaborated with Blue Light Card to provide a 25 per cent discount off food ordered
from the main restaurant menu for those who work for the Armed Forces. Blue Light Card holders can take
advantage of the deal in scores of Whitbread restaurants nationwide, including Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Table
Table, and Cookhouse and Pub. Those who hold a Defence Discount Service Card (DDSC) can also get 25%
off. Professions eligible for a Blue Light Card include but are not limited to, doctors, nurses, police, St John
Ambulance, mountain rescue and fire service personnel.
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Event Updates

Event Updates
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Upcoming Events - Hospitality
AHEAD Europe
This year's AHEAD Europe ceremony will
take place at a new venue, Battersea Evolution,
on Monday 18 November.
Hosted By : Hospitalitynet
London, UK
18 Nov, 2019
https://www.hospitalitynet.org/event/3004378.html
Driving Customer Support Innovation - Dallas
Join TeamSupport and Micah Solomon, customer service
turnaround expert, bestselling author, and Senior Contributor at
Forbes.com, for an exciting lunch focused on driving innovation
and elevating your B2B customer support operations.
Texas, USA
19 Nov, 2019
Paris Asset Forum>hospitality
The forum will feature exclusive high-value content designed to
prepare investors for the future, including the next level of
investment KPIs and analysis. It will also offer you the chance to
connect with leading hospitality stakeholders. Your next deal in
the European hospitality market and the hottest investment
destinations is waiting for you…
Paris, France
20 Nov, 2019
ACTE Montréal Global Summit
The annual Summit is a leading industry event providing cutting
edge research and education for business travel professionals.
Meet face-to-face with existing clients and potential travel
suppliers, and stay up-to-date on the latest innovations in the
industry. See the growing list of exhibitors!
Hosted By :Hospitalitynet
Quebec, Canada
21-22 Nov, 2019
Revenue Optimization & Growth Summit
This is EyeforTravel's largest European conference and
exhibition and by attending you'll meet 300+ senior executives
from hotels, airlines, OTAs, ground transport and tour operators -
all looking to boost their top line through strategic use of
analytics and data. Secure your place today!
Amsterdam - The Netherlands
26-27 Nov, 2019
2nd Hotel Development Conclave
HD Conclave is designed to feature the prominent industry
leaders, providing informative and inspiring discussions
pertaining to the continent's current needs and its ambitious
future. Global and local project holders with Investments
and Procurement demands are introduced to the right
suppliers for the future of hospitality industry in South
Africa & Sub Saharan Africa.
Hosted By : Hotel Development Conclave
South Africa
28-29 Nov, 2019
http://www.hdconclave.com/
27

Event Updates
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Upcoming Events - Hospitality
Hotel Technology Innovation Summit 2019
Hotel Technology Innovation Summit 2019 (HTIS) is an exclusive
Conference for NEXT- GENERATION Hotel Technology Services. HTIS
Dubai, UAE is an executive platform to discuss the key industry challenges
of hoteliers to find technology related solutions to boost their Average Daily
Rate (ADR), Revenue per available room (RevPAR), and the occupancy of
the hotel. HTIS is an invitation only event which helps the senior hotel tech
professionals to forge strong and everlasting business relationships to share
best practice and knowledge about the latest trends affecting the global hotel
industry. It's a corporate gathering of deci sion-makers and industry
influencers to come together and network with like-minded professionals.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4-5 Dec, 2019
2019 Hong Kong PolyU Winter School
The 2019 Hong Kong PolyU Winter School developed by the School of
Hotel and Tourism Management is an executive development programme for
senior hospitality industry managers, and it will be held on 1-14 December
2019. The Hong Kong PolyU Winter School will offer six in-depth modules,
which are relevant to the changing business environment, practical in
substance, and interactive in nature. The programme is co-organized by the
School of Hotel and Tourism Management, Hong Kong Hotels Association,
and Institute for Entrepreneurship at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Hongkong, China
11-12 Dec, 2019
INSPIRE '19
Back for our 8th event, INSPIRE is an immersive
experience for owners, operators, professionals,
designers, and leaders looking to drive growth for
their career and company in the luxury hospitality
industry.
Florida, US
3-4 Dec, 2019
HICON - the Hospitality Innovation
Conference
This event will be entirely dedicated to discovering the
most advanced technologies and innovations throughout
the hospitality industry.
Hosted By :Hospitalitynet
Milano, Italy
5 Dec, 2019
Skift Short-Term Rental Summit
This December, Skift will bring together an audience of founders and
operators in the dynamic and rapidly expanding short-term rental
ecosystem for a day of intimate conversations and discussions. The
focus of this intense one-day summit will be on discussing key
players, mapping the landscape and identifying growth potential,
highlighting emerging technologies, sharing new research and insights
on the latest government regulations, and discussing business and
landscape challenges.
NewYork, Usa
5 Dec, 2019
TOPHOTELWORLDTOUR Shanghai
The TOPHOTELWORLDTOUR is a series of one-day
conferences around the world for leaders within the
hospitality industry. We believe that knowing people is the
key to become a successfull player within the global
hospitality industry. Our entire conference concept is
focused to make it easy meet the all attendees on one day
and to create long-term business relations.
Shanghai, China
5 Dec, 2019
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