TORONTO — After an immensely flattering and supportive response to our retirement announcement, and an overwhelming interest in continuing Canadian Lodging News, we are delighted to announce that Big Picture Conferences and Joe Baker will become the new owners of Canadian Lodging News effective January 1, 2021 with Joe taking on the role as Editor.
 

TORONTO — Quality, the original Choice Hotels brand, celebrates 65 years in Canada this year. Even though it's one of the senior hotel brands, it has evolved with the times and is as vibrant as ever. Choice Hotels Canada currently has 97 Quality properties, and will reach the 100 mark early next year.
 

TORONTO — CBRE'S Brian Stanford told CLN that the company had missed the mark with their 2020 forecasts of top line outlooks. “[People] thought we were being pessimistic when we made our forecasts early in the pandemic,” he said, but it turns out the opposite was true.
 

The Ritz-Carlton Toronto has recently completed an extensive redesign, reimagining luxury in its Club Level guest rooms and suites. The prestigious hotel has also updated the entrance and lounge to Spa My Blend by Clarins.
 

PHOENIX — As a Canadian who now lives in the U.S., Dorothy Dowling of Best Western, has noticed differences between how Americans and Canadians have approached the pandemic. She believes that COVID has led to more authentic messaging.
 

HAMILTON — The new 125-key TownePlace Suites by Marriott Hamilton officially opened its doors Nov. 17. The hotel is perfect for travellers looking for comfort and a friendly location where they can settle in, meet, maintain routine and easily connect to Hamilton and the surrounding area.
 

Culture is what drives Accor's success as a company.  More than ever, culture is the glue that keeps us together. Throughout these difficult times we have shown that we treat our colleagues as family by looking after them in any way we can. 
 

SEATTLE, Wash. — Expedia Group shared its continued commitment to focus on technological innovation as a key driver in recovery and beyond at this year's annual partner conference, explore'20, held virtually December 8-9. 
 

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — STR data for November 29 through December 5, 2020 showed Canada’s hotel industry with slightly lower occupancy compared to the previous week.
 

Zonetail launches assistance for restaurants. Cornell says Montreal hotels are most sustainable. Hilton and Marriott CEOs say investors should act now. Tourism losing workers daily.
 

An opportunity in Bruce Peninsula. Crowne Plaza Toronto to reopen soon. Four Seasons Whistler opens Braidwood Tavern. Victorian Hotel gets financing from CFO. Mataj Architects projects opening and in the pipeline for 2021. Creeco assumes full ownership of Quality Inn & Suites Val d'Or.
 

TIAC's Charlotte Bell passes away. Eric Hamel moves to Hotel Vogue. Kristin Moller heads new Toronto JPR office. More new appointments at BUM Furniture. BC's new cabinet ministers. Kevin Maven now at Sterling Karamar Property Management. Tracy L. Prigmore appointed to Castell Project board.
 

Courtyard by Marriott Burlington wins numerous awards. City of Yellowknife and Indigenous B.C. regions on the rise. Reetu Gupta among 100 Powerful Women.
 

What's ahead for 2021. CLN's listing of conferences.