HotelsMag September 2016 | Page 16

Biggest moments from the past

1967
Novotel establishes its first hotel Lille , France . Over the next 13 years , it expands to more than

50using 120 hotels multiple countries . a toll-free WATS number .

1967
InterContinental hotels start to open in Asia , initially including Bangkok , Bali and Manila .
1967
Downtowner Hotels introduces the first direct-dial reservation number ,
1966
1967
1967
1967
1967
1969
Walt Disney announces that he will spend $ 100 million to develop a 50-squaremile parcel near Kissimmee , Florida .
Hot Shoppes becomes Marriott Corp .
The Hyatt Regency Atlanta opens . It ’ s the first atrium hotel , designed by John C . Portman Jr ., and influences design for years to come .
Hilton International merges with TWA .
Howard Hughes applies for a gambling license to purchase the Desert Inn in Las Vegas and buys the Sands ; Kirk Kerkorian purchases the Flamingo Hotel .
Marriott opens its first international hotel in Acapulco , Mexico .
14 hotelsmag . com September 2016