In his new role with Benchmark Hospitality, Paul Bashaw will oversee and lead the company’s global group sales initiatives, supporting properties across the country and offshore.

Matt Balcik will lead the new brand. Its first property will be on Bluewaters Island in Dubai, with others to be announced later in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Video: Warren Baverstock, Aquarium Operations Manager at Burj Al Arab, details the hotel’s commitment to marine research and its support of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project.

By Bärbel Pfeiffer: OTAs have been crucial and valuable marketing channels over the past decade, but developing technologies and online user habits have cleared the path for hotels to take back the reins.

The PVC-free biodegradable key cards, made from certified sustainable Nordic birch wood, help reduce oil-based plastic waste which is part of the hotel’s Zero Waste initiative.

All of its 79 villas will feature private outdoor areas and plunge pools as well as superlative views of the limestone cliffs that dot Phang Nga Bay.

The newly added properties to the global collection of independently-owned boutique hotels are in New York City, Washington DC, Bogota and Rome.

The 182-room property will be one of the largest hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul, providing a convenient business option for the 1,000-plus companies in its surrounding area.

Opening next year, the one-of-a-kind hotels in Zurich and Barcelona will represent the debut of the exclusive portfolio of independent hotels in each city.

With 19 years of hospitality sales and marketing experience, Peroulakis’ has proven knowledge of the hospitality sales industry and deep roots in the greater Palm Beach community.