Group items tagged

Kimberly Midkiff is now director of franchise development and the assurance and marketing program for hihotels by Hospitality International. Prior to that, she was the vice president of development for Sonesta and Red Lion Hotels Corp. Previously, Midkiff was director of sales and operations for JDH Developers, a hospitality real estate firm, according to company. Based in Lakemont, Georgia, she will be responsible for the growth of hihotels' Scottish Inns, Red Carpet Inn, Master Hosts Inns, Downtowner Inns and Passport Inn brands in the Southeast. According to the company, she will provide sales and marketing support and training to franchisees in the area as part of the Assurance & Marketing Program.

SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. executed approximately 15 franchise agreements, adding more than 1,900 keys in the first quarter of 2024. These new franchise hotels span Sonesta's brands, including The James, Sonesta ES Suites, Sonesta Essential, Americas Best Value Inn, Red Lion Hotels, Red Lion Inn & Suites, and Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, Sonesta said in a statement. "The 15 signed franchise agreements during the first quarter underscore Sonesta's momentum as we welcome new owners into our growing portfolio and expand our market presence," said Keith Pierce, Sonesta's executive vice president and the president of franchise and development. "With a fast, friendly, and flexible approach and a seamless conversion process for our franchisees, we expect continued growth throughout 2024." These agreements highlight Sonesta's appeal as a conversion option compared to larger competitors, the statement added. The company said hotel owners are attracted to the company's focus on maximizing ROI through property rebranding. It offers owners various options across upper upscale, lifestyle, upscale, midscale, extended-stay and premium economy segments.