Broadway Shows Are Back
NEW YORK – After a year-and-a-half break, many broadway theaters are opening, with mega hits such as “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” and “Chicago” all turning on the lights in the formerly dark theater district. As reported in many media outlets, the mid-September renaissance is good news for long-suffering nearby hotels and restaurants.
“All audiences are required to be vaccinated, as are performers, backstage crew and theater staff, while spectators must also wear masks throughout the show,” writes Peter Hutchison of Yahoo News. “Theater fans said they felt safe returning to indoor performances knowing that everybody was vaccinated despite concerns about the highly infectious Delta variant.”
Hutchison adds that the resumption of shows comes with the city still suffering “a huge shortfall in tourists,” which typically make up two-thirds of audiences. “But officials and theaters are confident that New Yorkers, and those who can visit, are desperate to watch live theater again,” Hutchison adds. Mayor Bill de Blasio added: “This is a big night for New York City’s comeback,” said “(Broadway) is in our heart and soul.”
New COO At Mohegan Gaming
UNCASVILLE, CT – Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) has appointed Jody Madigan (pictured) as COO to oversee the development and execution of short and long-term strategic business plans across all MGE properties.
“We are pleased to welcome Jody Madigan to our executive leadership team to ensure business strategy alignment and continuity across all of our properties,” said Ray Pineault, president and CEO of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. “With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and casino gaming industry, Jody’s leadership and expertise will contribute to MGE’s continued growth and success.”
In his new role, Madigan will report directly to Pineault and will be responsible for the development and implementation of strategic competitive positioning plans, ensure marketing and operational plans drive profitability, and evaluate success in meeting organizational strategies and financial performance targets. He will also lead the general managers of MGE’s properties and ensure that all strategic planning is in alignment with the executive leadership group and the Mohegan Tribe.
Hyatt’s Brand Growth Expands In Europe
CHICAGO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into six new management and franchise agreements for hotels in Europe across The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, and Hyatt Regency brands.
The announcement builds on Hyatt’s growth strategy to significantly expand its brand portfolio in Europe by the end of 2023 – the six new executed agreements are expected to increase Hyatt’s brand presence in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. This is in addition to the recently announced planned acquisition of Apple Leisure Group (ALG), which is expected to expand Hyatt’s European brand footprint by 60 percent.
“The newly executed agreements highlight the positive strides we are making towards our growth strategy in Europe, and the new projects sit alongside a strong pipeline of Hyatt-branded hotels scheduled to open over the coming years,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, Hyatt’s vice president of Development, Europe. “Confidence in the hospitality sector remains high among investors, and we are delighted to collaborate with leading owners and operators who recognize the value and profitability of Hyatt’s entire brand portfolio, with an emphasis on Hyatt’s independent collections, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt brands, and lifestyle brands, including Hyatt Centric. With these new deals, we are asserting our expertise in leisure destinations, reinforcing that Hyatt’s brands continue to resonate and cater to leisure travelers.”
Recent Hyatt hotel openings across Europe include:
- Hyatt Place Ekaterinburg in Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Hyatt Place London City East in London, United Kingdom
- 7Pines Resort Ibiza, part of the Destination by Hyatt brand, in Ibiza, Spain
- Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle in Zurich, Switzerland
- Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, re-opened as part of The Unbound by Hyatt Collection brand, in Biarritz, France
- Three Story Hotels in Sweden, which joined the JdV by Hyatt brand, including Story Hotel Riddargatan and Story Hotel Signalfabriken Stockholm and Story Hotel Studio Malmö in Malmö