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Three Hotels Agree to Pay $17.5M in Sex Trafficking Settlement
By Jordan Bradley
Three hotels in Philadelphia in a March 13 settlement.agreed to pay $17.5 million to three women who were allegedly trafficked at their properties from May 2015 to January 2017.
The three victims alleged that the owners of the three hotels—the Motel 6 and Days Inn on Philadelphia’s Roosevelt Boulevard and a former North American Motors Inn on City Avenue—had reason enough to suspect human trafficking was happening at their hotels and did not take proper action to prevent it.
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Industry Movers
Drew Brown
Drew Brown, formerly director of media and content strategy with Visit Buffalo Niagara for nine years, has taken on the role of Sr. Creative Director. He is responsible for creating innovative marketing strategies across platforms to visually engage consumers, influencers and travel media with design, advertising, social media, branding, and photo and video production tools and tactics. He incorporates consumer analytics to build and maintain the brand.
Rosy Merlino
Rosy Merlino is now The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad’s Director of Sales and Marketing. Merlino will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. She has more than 20 years of global hospitality experience. Merlino’s career spans brands, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, The Dominick, Morgans Hotel Group, and GrandLife Hotels. Originally from Milan, Italy, she is fluent English, Italian, and German.
Diego Angarita
Diego Angarita is now General Manager of Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort, set to debut this year in Florida. It is owned and developed by Athens Group and BDT & MSD Partners. He studied hospitality at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas. Angarita has more than 20 years of experience with Four Seasons and has worked in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Anguilla and Hawaii.
Christopher Nez
Christopher Nez is now the Director of Food & Beverage at Park Lane New York, a Highgate-managed hotel. Nez brings more than 20 years of experience. Most recently, he served as assistant director of food & beverage for Highgate Hotels. Nez oversaw operations at both the WestHouse Hotel New York and Park Central Hotel New York. He’s worked at The Plaza Hotel, and JW Marriott Essex House.
Ryan Kelly
Ryan Kelly is the new General Manager of OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa. OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group made the announcement. He brings more than 15 years of experience in hospitality and comes to OUTRIGGER from The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay, where he led the Rooms Division leadership team. Prior to his time on O‘ahu, he managed the rooms division teams at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.
Travis Taylor
Travis Taylor has been promoted from executive chef to Director of Food & Beverage at Riverhouse Lodge, located on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon. He joined the property in 2022. Taylor was the Executive Chef of Sunriver Resort’s Crosswater Grill, where he earned numerous accolades, including winning the Bite of Bend and Iron Chef Oregon in 2014. He worked at Rainshadow Organics farm in Deschutes County.
Association NEWS
Around Associations
ADMEI Hosting 2026 Annual Conference in Costa Rica… The Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) is headed to the Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen for its annual conference in 2026. The event is set for March 1–3.
“The Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen is a luxurious hotel located in the lush landscapes of Heredia, Costa Rica, just outside San José,” ADMEI said. “The hotel is nestled on a coffee plantation and offers a tranquil escape while still being conveniently close to key business districts and cultural attractions. We can’t wait to welcome you to this beautiful setting to learn, grow, network and celebrate the DMC industry!” Find more information at admei.org.
Association of American Railroads Shows Sector Contributed $233 Billion… A study by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) showed in 2023 the rail transportation sector contributed $233.4 billion in total economic output, supporting nearly 749,000 jobs across various industries.
“Railroads are a key pillar of American commerce, powering our supply chains and driving economic growth nationwide,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “With billions invested annually and a highly skilled workforce, railroads generate economic activity that extends from major industries to small businesses across the country. This study confirms that today’s rail investments build tomorrow’s jobs and prosperity.”
Find more information at aar.org.
Hotel NEWS
Checking Inn
Mountain Lake Lodge (Credit: Dan Mirolli)[/caption]
Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia, announced on March 24 that it will host the inaugural SAVOR: Chefs, Farmers & Friends, a festival from June 13–15 that celebrates southwest Virginia’s growing culinary scene.
Throughout the three-day festival, the region’s best chefs, farmers, brewers and artisans to share information on Appalachian Mountain techniques, local flavors and sustainable initiatives “as the resort becomes a grand farm-to-table weekend of cuisine, community and celebration set against the magnificent Blue Ridge,” Mountain Lake Lodge said.
“Whether you’re a food enthusiast, advocate for sustainable dining, or looking for a great weekend getaway, SAVOR is a unique opportunity to explore Southwest Virginia’s rich Appalachian culinary heritage and meet the artisans behind the flavors,” said Heidi Stone, President and CEO of Mountain Lake Lodge. “Mountain Lake Lodge is surrounded by a peaceful, magical setting and the perfect place to hold this one-of-a-kind culinary experience.”
Hilton announced on March 19 the company’s plans for the company’s first ski destination hotel at New Deer Valley East Village in Park City, Utah.
Hilton said the new-build Canopy by Hilton was part of an agreement with New York-based Extell Development company, and will be the “first luxury alpine village to be developed since 1981.”
The 180-room property will overlook the Jordanelle Reservoir and the Deer Valley Resort.
“Deer Valley East Village has been a long-anticipated project that is sure to attract brands, retailers, visitors and residents from around the world, and the addition of Canopy to the Village further enhances our vision of bringing world-renowned brands and experiences to the resort,” said Gary Barnett, Founder and Chairman, Extell Development Company. “With a variety of residential ownership opportunities, exceptional hospitality, world-class amenities, and an array of retail, dining, and entertainment experiences, Deer Valley East Village—with the addition of this new hotel—will further cement its status as the crown jewel of Utah.”
The hotel is set to open in summer 2026.
Hotel Nikko San Francisco, a Japanese-inspired luxury hotel in the heart of the city’s downtown, has promoted Jason Ngo to Commercial Strategy Director for the property, the hotel announced on March 24.
Prior to his promotion, Ngo acted as the hotel’s director of sales & revenue and has been with the hotel since 2012.
“I’m thrilled to continue my journey with Hotel Nikko San Francisco in this new capacity,” said Ngo. “I look forward to working closely with the team to further strengthen our commercial efforts and continue offering an exceptional experience to our guests while driving the hotel’s success.”
In his new role, Ngo will continue to lead the hotel’s commercial strategy to drive the property’s growth, Hotel Nikko said.
CVB Updates
Visit Anaheim made history as the first-ever away jersey sponsor of the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL and now is celebrating with Orange Country Ducks fans on March 28 at Honda Center, the organization announced on March 24.
Ducks fans are invited to Visit Anaheim’s presented game night for a special evening dedicated to bringing the community together and honoring this groundbreaking partnership. To mark the occasion, Visit Anaheim has teamed up with local artist Gustavo “Gus” Jaimes to design an exclusive t-shirt, which will be given away to 10,000 fans.
“Partnerships like this is what Visit Anaheim is all about—it’s the local stories and the community members like Gus who make Anaheim such a vibrant place to be,” said Mike Waterman, President & CEO of Visit Anaheim. “We’re thrilled to share this special design with Ducks fans and can’t wait to celebrate the spirit of Anaheim on March 28.”
The exclusive shirt will only be available at the game on March 28 when the Anaheim Ducks face off against the New York Rangers at Honda Center. Presented by Visit Anaheim, the March 28 game will feature special pre-game activations, fan giveaways, and highlight Anaheim staples including The Westin Anaheim Resort, Brewery X, and Golden Road Brewing.
To purchase tickets to the game, go here.
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