Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center has announced the completion of a $12 million renovation to the hotel’s public spaces and dining outlets, which includes the addition of four new food and beverage concepts: Top Draft, Centennial Grounds, New South Kitchen and Vues Lobby Bar.

On November 9, Marriott International hosted a hybrid virtual and in-person event, “Connect with Confidence,” as the first part of a global series. The event was attended by 30 in-person customers and 238 virtual attendees, and took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in Virginia. It showcased Marriott’s updated processes and meetings spaces, while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to help meeting planners execute conferences and events during this new normal. 

Managed by Pivot Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Viking in Newport, RI, has unveiled extensive renovations to its 13,610 square feet of meeting and event spaces, destination Spa Fjör, fitness center and indoor lap pool.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida plans to start 2021 with the opening of the new luxury hotel, Hotel Effie Sandestin. Facing setbacks due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) that delayed the 2020 opening, Hotel Effie is now confirmed to open February 1, 2021.

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has announced the addition of a new green hotel badge to its proprietary travel and expense software, Neo. The new display is the latest in a series of developments to support GBT’s commitment to helping companies attain their carbon ambitions by enabling travelers to choose sustainable transport and hotel options.

The Jamaica Pegasus, a Kingston business hotel, continues to pivot its operations to best meet the needs of today’s increasingly mobile corporate world with the launch of new "Co[ME] Work" packages. The new packages target work-from-home professionals and students who could benefit from a change of scenery to spice up their typical workday. "Co[ME] Work" packages include the private use of guestrooms converted into office suites, with desks and conference tables replacing the hotel’s beds.

Loews Hotels has announced the launch of “StreamLine by Loews,” a brand-wide approach to virtual gatherings. Whether meetings are virtual, in-person, or a hybrid of both, “StreamLine by Loews” offers innovative solutions for groups to connect. From large-scale conferences to intimate board meetings, “StreamLine by Loews” provides tools for meeting organizers to move events online, while maintaining the quality of service Loews is known for.

Streamline features two options.

Hospitality management company Davidson Hotels & Resorts announced the addition of The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center to its growing portfolio. Operated by Davidson's lifestyle and luxury division Pivot Hotels & Resorts, the 230-room, Art Deco-inspired boutique hotel is part of Curio Collection by Hilton.

Last week week, a coalition of almost 200 travel, hotel, franchise, and state and local government groups called for Congress to not go on recess without providing relief for sectors devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, a group of 17 CEOS of the largest U.S. travel companies sent a statement to leaders in Washington, pleading to advance a subsequent round of legislative relief from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, has awarded GBAC STAR accreditation to 57 new facilities this week.