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December 5, 2016 2016 Power Players

Christine Thomas: Next Wave

Christine Thomas, Development partner at XSS Hotels and Colwen Management. Hometown: West Newbury Vt., Years working in Central Mass.: 20

Even as little as one year ago, Worcester was facing a hotel shortage, unable to compete for major events to come to the city for a lack of places for participants to stay. As Worcester continues its urban renaissance, Thomas is ensuring a hotel expansion is in the mix.

XSS Hotels – where Thomas direct project acquisition and site selection – opened the 100-room Hampton Inn & Suites in March in Gateway Park, abutting its other hotel in the city – Courtyard by Marriott – and bringing the total number of hotel rooms in the city to nearly 950. XSS will push the city over 1,000 hotel rooms next year after opening the 168-room AC Hotel by Marriott, designed to bring a higher-end luxury hotel room to the Worcester market.

Q&A

Why is now the time to build hotels in Worcester?

The downtown renaissance and urban connectivity created by Union Station elevated the city. Contemporary lodging and meeting space are essential and transformational components.

What is the potential of the Central Mass. tourism industry?

The region is geographically well situated with an increasingly broad range of venues.

Gathered below are the other Central Massachusetts' 2016 Power Players:

Standard Bearers: Long-time forces in the business community

Trail Blazers: Pioneers setting the latest economic trends

Behind the Scenes: People in the background who keep the wheels turning

Next Wave: Forward thinkers ushering in the new economy

Gear Shifters: Up-and-comers breathing new life into old ideas

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