Gemstone Opens National Sales Office in NYC and Appoints William Parris as National Sales Director to Lead Portfolio Growth

NEW YORK, (May 4, 2016) – Gemstone Hotels and Resorts, a full-service hotel management company that specializes in operating luxury and upscale urban hotels and resorts, today announced that William Parris has joined the company as national sales director. In his new position, Parris will open a NYC sales office, with focus on group and national accounts, as well as the social, entertainment and travel industry markets.  With 16 operating hotels, and several others either opening or coming under management over the next year, Parris’ impact will be felt immediately throughout the national portfolio.

“With two plus decades of experience, William’s proven results as a senior executive in sales lends some insight to how his time will be spent with Gemstone,” said Debbie Batt, vice president of sales and marketing. “We are confident that our track record for strategic business management, proprietary marketing and operations programs coupled with William’s proactive leadership, significant corporate relationships, industry network and national sales experience will drive new guests to our properties and provide incremental revenue growth.”

“It is imperative for Gemstone to have an expanded presence in this key feeder market as we grow our portfolio,” said Thomas Prins, Gemstone’s principal. “William’s impressive background will help us capitalize on and add depth to our growing sales presence across the country.”

Parris brings more than 25 years of experience in hotel sales. He has held various management positions with independent, boutique properties, brands, destination tourism organizations and lifestyle services companies on both national and global levels and has worked across group, corporate transient and wholesale market segments. His career includes opening five major hotels, transitioning two Starwood properties to independent brands and generating millions in revenue for individual properties such as The Milford Plaza and three other iconic NYC hotels, as well as for the 500 hotel portfolio of WorldHotels, a group of independent hotels around the world.

“Gemstone provides opportunities for harnessing my skill set to increase RevPAR, as well as overall property revenue, that largely will contribute to the company’s expansion,” said Parris. “I look forward to playing a vital role in enhancing the company’s growing, diverse and impressive portfolio.”

About Gemstone Hotels & Resorts LLC  

Headquartered in Park City, Utah, with offices in Stamford, Connecticut and Miami Florida, Gemstone is a full-service management company that specializes in luxury and upscale hotels and complex resorts. Gemstone currently manages 19 hotels and resorts (including those under construction and development) throughout the United States.  For more information about Gemstone, please visit www.gemstoneresorts.com.

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