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Deal struck for new hotel with approximately 320 rooms at Calgary's Stampede Park
Deal struck for new hotel with approximately 320 rooms at Calgary's Stampede Park

CBC

timea day ago

  • Business
  • CBC

Deal struck for new hotel with approximately 320 rooms at Calgary's Stampede Park

A new hotel with approximately 320 rooms is set to be built at Calgary's Stampede Park, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) announced Monday. The city-owned CMLC the and Calgary Stampede say they've struck a partnership with local developer Truman to build the first full-service convention hotel in downtown Calgary in a quarter-century. Kate Thompson, president and CEO of CMLC, said the hotel development has been a "key priority" for years and will help meet growing demand for accommodations near the expanded BMO Centre and the city's evolving culture and entertainment district. "This hotel agreement and land sale/purchase represents a substantial private investment in Stampede Park, and demonstrates a significant confidence in the emerging culture and entertainment district," Thompson told reporters on Monday. The hotel, which has a development value of approximately $330 million, including the value of the land, is to be built on an 85,000-square-foot parcel near the expanded BMO Centre. Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, told reporters that the Weadickville property, where the hotel will be built, is about 1.8 acres in size and was obtained by the Stampede through a trade with the City of Calgary as part of the deal to build a new arena and event centre that will replace the Saddledome. After receiving the city's approval, the Stampede was able to sell the land, Cowley said. "Truman will purchase the land, develop, own, and operate the hotel," he said. The plans include 15,000-square-feet of ballroom and meeting space, a rooftop lounge with city views, restaurants, a coffee shop, and wellness amenities such as an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and fitness club. Officials said Truman is working with an international hotel brand to operate the property, with details expected to be announced in the coming months. Tony Trutina, chief operating officer of Truman, said the company believes the new hotel will be built in an "exceptional location." "[It will allow] guests to just stay steps away from the action of the culture and entertainment district — whether it's a convention, meeting or event held in the BMO Centre, a hockey game in Scotia Place, a concert in The Big Four Roadhouse, or the Calgary Stampede's annual celebration of western heritage and community spirit each July," Trutina said in a written statement. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, and the hotel is scheduled to open in 2028.

How Louisville's Award-Winning Charm Built a Top Event Destination
How Louisville's Award-Winning Charm Built a Top Event Destination

Skift

time22-05-2025

  • Business
  • Skift

How Louisville's Award-Winning Charm Built a Top Event Destination

With two convention centers, accommodation options that cater to every type of attendee, and an airport with nonstop service to 38 destinations, Louisville checks all the boxes of a premier convention city. To understand its magic, though, you need to look at something that cannot be built: the authentic sense of Southern charm that defines the community. Louisville may be best known for hosting the world's most iconic horse race — the Kentucky Derby — but the city has also cemented itself as a premier place for business events. In 2024, Meeting Professionals International chose Louisville to host its World Education Congress, and this summer, the Professional Convention Management Association will bring its annual edUcon program to the scenic banks of the Ohio River. With two cutting-edge convention centers, 23,000 hotel rooms, 2,500 restaurants, and a conveniently located airport just 10 minutes from downtown, it's easy to see why major meetings and conferences are gravitating toward the Bourbon City. But Louisville's appeal goes beyond just the numbers. 'Louisville offers something truly special,' said Doug Bennett, executive vice president of Louisville Tourism. 'Authentic southern hospitality, infused with a progressive, inclusive spirit, is what sets us apart.' A Collaborative Core What makes planners fall in love with Louisville? It all begins with the people they collaborate with, who help bring their events to life. 'At the heart of Louisville's hospitality success is a strategic investment in people, partnerships, and place,' said Bennett. 'Our team is committed to building strong relationships with local businesses, venues, and service providers to create seamless, collaborative experiences.' These connections open the door to unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression — whether it's the iconic Churchill Downs bugler kicking off an opening ceremony or a lively bluegrass band setting the tone for a happy hour reception. Louisville Tourism's Destination Services Team has built a reputation for going above and beyond — and the industry has taken notice. In 2024, the team earned the ConventionSouth Readers' Choice Award and was recognized by MeetingsToday as one of the Best Destination Marketing Organizations in the South. But Louisville's reputation as a top-tier city extends well beyond the region, with respondents in Groups Today survey ranking Louisville as the 2024 U.S. Destination of the Year. 'Awards are wonderful recognition,' said Bennett. 'But they reflect something deeper: a city that genuinely cares about how it makes people feel.' That commitment to hospitality and inclusion resonates with every visitor. Louisville has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index for 10 consecutive years — a testament to its ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community. And in fall 2024, the city celebrated that spirit of inclusivity by launching Bourbon & Belonging, the world's first LGBTQ+ bourbon festival. Nulu neighborhood festival. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism Seamless Planning Steeped in Southern Charm In Louisville, southern charm goes beyond a warm welcome — it means taking the stress out of planning. For meeting professionals, that charm translates into seamless logistics and thoughtful support throughout every stage of the event. As Bennett explained, job titles alone don't capture the full scope of what the Destination Services Team brings to the table. 'Our team is made up of connectors, collaborators, and problem-solvers,' he said. 'From the initial RFP to the final thank-you note, they operate as an extension of your planning team. They coordinate closely with the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, hotels, venues, transportation providers, and even city officials to ensure every detail runs smoothly.' Beyond logistics, the team also enhances educational programming by linking planners with Louisville's vibrant network of academics, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It's a city where intellectual and business capital are just as accessible as the hospitality — and where every event is set up for success. A Celebration All Year Long When the education sessions end, Louisville keeps the energy high with celebrations rooted in its rich bourbon culture. 'Louisville knows how to celebrate,' said Bennett. 'And we do it in ways you won't find anywhere else.' Take the Kentucky Derby, for example. Known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, the race is just the grand finale of a month-long celebration. The lead-up includes a marathon, a steamboat race, a festive parade, and — of course — a bourbon festival. But the fun doesn't stop there. Louisville's neighborhoods play a big part in the city's vibrant cultural scene. The LouGrass Music Series brings free bluegrass performances to off-the-beaten-path venues in areas like St. Matthews and the Highlands. For something completely unexpected, there's Bock Fest in NuLu, a beer festival that features goat races, and the World Championship of Dainty in Germantown — a quirky competition reserved for participants 45 and older. 'These aren't just events,' Bennett said. 'They're immersive, only-in-Louisville experiences that help people connect with our city in fun, meaningful, and unforgettable ways.' LouGrass Music. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism Industry-Leading Innovation The reigning Destination of the Year is building momentum for an even brighter future. According to Bennett, the city is 'doubling down on innovation that enhances accessibility, sustainability, and engagement.' That commitment is evident in a range of improvements, from upgrades at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport to new downtown hotel developments and infrastructure enhancements designed to improve mobility for attendees. Bourbon Tasting. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism Louisville's bourbon scene is evolving as well, offering fresh, immersive experiences for visitors. Highlights include a new tasting room at Bardstown Bourbon Company and a speakeasy-style venue at Green River Distilling. 'These additions create dynamic, one-of-a-kind settings for events,' Bennett said. 'It's all part of our city's commitment to blending tradition with transformation to meet the needs of the next generation of meetings.' As the city's travel and hospitality landscape grows with thoughtful, best-in-class enhancements, the positive impact is felt across the community. The Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville is a powerful example. Once a vacant field in an area long affected by disinvestment, the space has been transformed into a 134,000-square-foot, world-class sports complex featuring a retractable hydraulic track that accommodates entertainment events for up to 6,000 guests. Located just a mile from Muhammad Ali's birthplace, the center is a living tribute to the local legend who once declared, 'I am the greatest' — and continues to inspire others to reach for greatness. Learn more and start planning at This is the second installment of Skift Meetings' three-part series with Louisville Tourism, exploring how the city's rich heritage shapes unforgettable events. Read the first installment to find out how bourbon, food, and attractions elevate Louisville events here. Stay tuned for the final installment in June. This content was created collaboratively by Louisville Tourism and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.

Marriott opens $1.3B resort, convention center in California
Marriott opens $1.3B resort, convention center in California

Yahoo

time17-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Marriott opens $1.3B resort, convention center in California

This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Marriott International opened the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center near San Diego in Chula Vista, California, the company announced Thursday. The $1.3 billion project features 1,600 rooms including 89 suites, 12 food and beverage concepts, a 4.25-acre waterpark and more than 477,000 square feet of meetings and events space, according to Marriott. The property is Gaylord Hotels' sixth, and its first in California. It's also the first Gaylord Hotels property to debut since the 2018 opening of Gaylord Rockies Resort in Colorado. Marriott says the hotel strengthens its group and convention offerings. Gaylord Hotels Vice President and Managing Director Johann Krieger said the resort is the result of 'a decade-long collaboration with the City of Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego.' Space for meetings — the 'core' of Gaylord Hotels' brand — includes the largest hotel convention center and ballroom in California, according to Marriott. Meetings space includes 135,000 square feet of event lawns and terrace, 67 breakout rooms and four ballrooms. The property also has a full-service events team with dedicated event managers. In addition to king and queen rooms, the hotel's offerings include executive suites, luxury suites, presidential suites and 'ulra-premium' penthouse presidential suites, according to Marriott. Penthouse presidential suites include more than 3,200 square feet of indoor and outdoor space and a private furnished balcony with panoramic views, as well as a living room, kitchenette, bar, dining table and primary bedroom with private dressing room. The resort's food and beverage offerings include a surf-and-turf steakhouse, a kitchen and bar with a seasonal menu, a sports bar and taproom, a seafood-focused bar and a sushi concept. The property's waterpark also features two dedicated restaurants. In addition to the waterpark, guests can access a 7,500-square-foot fitness center and a salon and spa. Group and business travel continued to grow at a healthy pace in the first quarter of 2025, driven by events, according to Cendyn and Amadeus' Hospitality Group and Business Performance Index, released last week. Hilton is also expanding its convention center-focused hotel brand, Signia, with plans to open an Indianapolis location in 2026. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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