Global Hospitality News - ARCHIVE 2003
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News Archive for February, 2003
February 16- 28 2003
February 17, 2003
Global Staff Movements - Who is In and Who is Out
Edited by Benoit Gateau-Cumin The Boutique Search Firm
For this popular global update on international appointments and staff movements, Click Here
The Lessons Of The Gulf War For The Leisure Travel Sector: Is History Repeating Itself? - By PricewaterhouseCoopers UK Travel Practice leader, Malcolm Preston
Imagine the scene: War is looming, and booking a holiday is the last thing on many consumers' minds. The leisure travel sector fears a meltdown in business, and is hoping against hope for a short, sharp conflict followed by a dramatic recovery in confidence. Sounds familiar? - That was the situation in the winter of 1990-1991, in the wake of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.Now, amid the latest crisis in 2003, booking figures show that consumers are reacting in an uncannily similar waysuggesting that the experience of the Gulf War may present some valuable lessons for tour operators facing a re-run.
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Jones Lang Lasalle Hotels' 2003 Hotel Investment Strategy Annual Outlines Investment Strategies For Turbulent Times
As the world faces war and the hotel markets remain depressed, where are the opportunities for the astute investor?
The outlook for the global hotel sector in 2003 is that flat occupancy and weak average daily rate will be the norm rather than the exception," said Arthur Adler, Managing Director and CEO-Americas of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. "Strong RevPAR growth will be a rarity across major markets. At the same time, investment yields for top quality unencumbered properties in the larger and more liquid markets will be under downward pressure. This creates the unusual situation of weak fundamentals and strong capital markets."
For detailed report, Click Here
PwC predicts 'stand still year' for UK revPAR
e-Tid.com - PricewaterhouseCoopers now expects UK revPAR over 2003 to improve by only 1.4%, with the possibility that London could take 'a step backwards' over the year. PwC's UK hospitality and leisure team partner Robert Milburn said: 'This latest forecast points to 2003 being a stand still year for UK RevPAR. But the concern has to be that further economic slowdown, coupled with the continuing threat of war and concerns over terrorism, make it a step backwards year, particularly in London.'
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PATA Moves European Office from Monaco to Germany
Effective February 14, 2003, PATA moved its European office from Monaco to Frankfurt, Germany. This move is precipitated by a wish to find a more central location for our European operations, in terms of proximity to PATA's key members and markets.
For details, Click Here
European tourism will lose to new Asian markets, says researcher
Tourism in Europe will lose to new markets in east Asia, the Pacific and Middle East over the next two decades, Austrian tourist industry expert Egon Smeral said on Tuesday. Despite a boost from E.U. enlargement particularly for Germany, Austria and Italy, Europe's total share of the world tourism market would decrease from nearly 60 per cent in 2000 to 46 per cent in the year 2020
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Six Continents chief keelhauled over demergers
Sir Ian Prosser, the Six Continents chairman, came under attack from private shareholders over his management of the demerging hotels and bars group. Brian Wilson, a former employee and small shareholder, ensured the group's annual meeting got off to a lively start by comparing its annual review to a "New Labour document" which was "semi-literate, full of gloss and spin and with upbeat statements designed to disguise an utter shambles". He said Sir Ian has sold its leisure businesses, such as Coral and Gala, so "other people could make a fortune out of them".
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15 Minues up…. or the room's on the house
Accor's Ibis hotel group is putting its money where its mouth is. If a problem can't be solved in 15 minutes, the guest's room is free. Ibis is the first hotel group in Australia and New Zealand to introduce such a pioneering customer satisfaction guarantee.
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Marriott International Inc - 2002 Excellence Awards
Marriott General Managers in the Asia - Pacific Area were recognized for special achievements in 2002 during the conclusion of the recent Annual General Managers Meeting which took place at the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel in Washington DC.
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The Great Eagle Hotel Will Be Re-named the Langham Hotel Hong Kong
Langham Hotels International Limited (LHI) has announced that its luxury property in Hong Kong, the Great Eagle Hotel, will be re-named the Langham Hotel Hong Kong with effect from October 1st this year.
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Hotels get flexible to lure uneasy companies planning meetings
Hotels are offering generous discounts and terms to keep their meetings business in the pipeline this spring and beyond. The deals are being driven mostly by weak corporate spending, but another factor is uncertainty about the business impact of war in the Mideast. With the decline in individual business travel the past couple of years, hosting meetings has become the most reliable revenue source for full-service hotels, says PricewaterhouseCoopers hotel consultant Bjorn Hanson.
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Marriott Introduces Web Site Features that Make Leisure Travel Planning Easier and More Affordable; Marriott.com Sets Record $ 1 Billion in Gross Sales in 2002
Marriott International, Inc. announced several new features to Marriott.com that enable leisure travelers to design their own travel packages, book last-minute weekend getaways and search for the availability of specific rates up to one year in advance. In addition to these enhancements, a new meetings and events planning feature has been launched.
For details, Click Here
February 18, 2003
Six Continents plans vanishing act
Hotels and pubs group Six Continents has confirmed its hotels arm will be renamed InterContinental Hotels Group after the forthcoming demerger. It has already announced Mitchells & Butlers will be the new name for its pubs and restaurants business which includes the All Bar One chain. Separation costs will total ?109m. The Six Continents name, which replaced Bass in June 2001, will disappear. The group plans a shareholder meeting on March 12 and expects trading in both InterContinental Hotels and Mitchells & Butlers to begin April 15.
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Horwath International Presents Its 2002 Worldwide Hotel Industry Study - Shows Average Occupancy Down 4.1% point compared to 2001
Horwath International is pleased to present the 2002 Worldwide Hotel Industry Study. As is the tradition for more than three decades, this study presents detailed financial, marketing and operating trends for full-service hotels in various regions and segments of the worldwide hotel industry. The cooperation between the International Hotel & Restaurants Association, Smith Travel Research and Horwath International made it possible to utilize approximately 700,000 rooms worldwide in this publication.
For detailed World Wide results, Click Here
The Importance of Project Management in Technology
Written By: Chris Hartmann HVS International Project Management in a technology context is sometimes perceived as a frightening phrase to hoteliers who associate it with complex software and a huge bureaucracy. Yet in hospitality technology, "project management" can and should be employed for everything from ongoing staff training to purchasing and installing a new computer system. For detailed report, Click Here
China's 1st Overseas-funded Top Hotel Turns State-owned
The ownership of the White Swan, China's first modern hotel funded by overseas capital, has been taken over by south China's Guangdong Province, after the hotel celebrated its 20th anniversary. The ownership of the White Swan, China's first modern hotel funded by overseas capital, has been taken over by south China's Guangdong Province, after the hotel celebrated its 20th anniversary.
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BC Tourism Sees Positive Gains
International overnight customs entries to BC continued to grow with a 9.1 per cent increase in November, reflecting a 2.1 per cent increase year-to- date compared to the same period last year to total nearly 4.8 million entries. The large size of the US market, which accounted for 73.5 per cent of all overnight customs entries to BC, contributed to the overall growth in November. Overnight entries from the US increased 5.0 per cent over November 2001 and exhibited an increase of 1.8 per cent relative to November 2000. November's increase marked the sixth continuous month of positive growth in overnight entries from the US. Year-to-date figures indicate an increase of 4.1 per cent over 2001, and a 4.8 per cent increase over 2000, to total more than 3.5 million entries.
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Group Tourists to Macao Increase in 2002
Tourist arrivals in Macao by groups soared a year-on-year 31.1 percent in 2002, led by the huge influx of visitors from China's inland. The Statistics and Census Services said Wednesday that the special administrative region (SAR) received 2.1 million group tourists last year, including December's 178,800.
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Middle East hotel occupancy 61 per cent in 2002
Hotel occupancy in the Middle East reached 61 per cent in 2002, up from 58 per cent in 2001, according to the annual Hotelbenchmark survey by Deloitte & Touche. The average cost of a hotel room fell 4.6 per cent to $82, as hotels cut their prices to tempt back tourists after the slump that followed the 11 September terrorist attacks.
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Proxy Statements - How to read them and what to look for
Part 1 of 2 - Written By: David Mansbach HVS International
Every year, public companies are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission to "open up their books" to the public. One of the key reports released is the proxy statement. Most people perceive this document to be extremely confusing. Yes, there are some parts of the proxy that seem to be written in Greek, but there are many parts that can and should be understood by the potential investor, shareholder and employee of a company.
For report, Click Here
Sur International Hotels launches sixth edition
Sur International Hotels, the largest private-owned hotel chain, opened their sixth addition, 'Ras Al Hadd Beach Hotel', officially on February 11, on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. The grand opening is scheduled for March 3.
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The value of a small group with a big name
In mid-January, Great Eagle International, the hotel operating and asset management arm of Great Eagle Holdings Hong Kong Ltd began operating under the Langham Hotels International (LHI) name. Kevin Murphy, vice president marketing and development for Langham Hotels International tells TravelWeeklyEast.com's Jennifer Welker the value of the name change, Langham's mission and the advantages of being small.
For full interview, Click Here|
February 19, 2003
Pub tycoon weighing up bid for Six Continents
Hugh Osmond, the pub and restaurant entrepreneur, is believed to be planning an audacious ?7 billion bid for Six Continents, the hotel and pub operator, ahead of its forthcoming demerger. Mr Osmond, who has built a reputed ?150 million fortune from his involvement in companies such as PizzaExpress and Punch Taverns, is thought to have approached several potential partners with a view to breaking up Six Continents.
For details, Click Here
Bigger AIME despite industry woes
The 11th Asia Pacific Meetings and Incentive Expo (AIME) opened in Melbourne against a backdrop of possible and imminent conflict in Iraq. Despite this, economic woes and the aftermath of the October 12th Bali blast, organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions reports a bigger event this year. A total of 647 exhibitors, 49 more than last year, and 338 hosted buyers, 53 more than last year, will take part in the annual event in Melbourne.
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Golden Tulip Hotels expands Middle East portfolio
Golden Tulip Hotels, Inns & Resorts announced the expansion of its portfolio in the Middle East and Africa through three new properties. The current Golden Tulip portfolio comprises 16 hotels throughout the Middle East and Africa, with destinations including Kuwait, Riyadh, Amman, Petra, aqaba, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Cairo.
For details, Click Here
PATA to award four scholarships for 2003 EDIT Programme
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is to award four partial scholarships to the 25th Executive Development Institute for Tourism (EDIT programme to be held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 9-27, 2003. Operated by the School of Travel Industry Management, University of Hawaii at Manoa, EDIT serves the ongoing educational needs of executives and professionals in both private and public sectors of international tourism.
For details, Click Here
Musings on Diversity Management
By Christina Morfeld
Unlike programs carried out for the purpose of compliance or litigation-avoidance, an effective diversity management effort benefits all parties. Employees experience personal growth as they learn from one another's insights and perspectives, and the organization's ability to innovate, solve problems, and meet the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base is greatly enhanced.
To read this report, Click Here
Companies keep tabs on business travelers
Many companies are bracing for war and terrorism by making sure they can quickly locate traveling employees, acting on one lesson learned Sept. 11. The attacks stopped air travel for days, left thousands of travelers stranded and revealed how little some companies know about employees' travel plans. "One thing we found out with 9/11 was that our travelers are never where they're supposed to be when we need a way to get them," says Kevin Maguire, Tokyo Electron America's travel manager. In a crisis, fast communication can speed travelers' returns, comfort their families, keep business flowing and reduce legal risk, travel experts say.
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Conference slump slows De Vere
e-Tid.com - The Cheshire-based hotel and health club group De Vere announced Friday its 'pleasing' start to the financial year has been hit by a fall-off in demand for midweek conferences. The group, whose properties include the Belfry and Brighton's Grand Hotel, said concerns over war in Iraq were creating uncertainty among conference buyers.
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China is contemplating the construction of a greater tourism-based economic sphere around the Three Gorges on the upper reaches of the Yangtze, the country's longest river
China is contemplating the construction of a greater tourism-based economic sphere around the Three Gorges on the upper reaches of the Yangtze, the country's longest river. Gu Chaoxi, deputy director of the China National Tourism Administration, said the planned sphere will cover the scenic sites in Hubei, Hunan and Guizhou provinces and Chongqing Municipality. The area will offer more tourism routes, he said.
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Fairmont announces key executive appointments
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announces the recent appointments of several key corporate executives within the areas of finance and technology. Headlining the appointments for Fairmont is the company's former vice president of technology, Tim Aubrey, who has been named Fairmont's new senior vice president, finance. Also taking on new roles will be Vineet Gupta, vice president, technology, and Brian McDonald, vice president & controller.
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Waterfront acquires Pavilion Hotel Owner
Waterfront Philippines Inc., (WPI) the country's largest hotel and gaming operator has finalized its takeover of a controlling stake in publicly listed Acesite (Phils) Hotel Corp., owner of the Manila Pavilion Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn Manila), for an undisclosed amount. According to Rex Gatchalian, EVP Hotel operations of WPI, the acquisition of Manila Pavilion is in line with the company's projections that the country's tourism industry will experience an up-turn in the next couple of months.
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Brunei's Billion Dollar Empire Hotel Attracts World's Rich And Famous
A palatial hotel costing billions set in a tropical paradise is attracting the world's rich and the famous to a far off sultanate on the island of Borneo. Well-healed travelers are beginning to arrive in droves to savor the luxury and the grandeur of the no-cost- spared Brunei's Empire Hotel & Country Club since last year and have been singing its praises ever since.
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NZ Tourism faces crash landing
Fly and flop is the disparaging term New Zealand tourism operators use to describe the passive holidays offered by their international competitors. Sun, sand and snoozes are out. Adrenalin-pumped, action-packed vacations are in among discerning travellers, they say. But if tourism operators aren't careful, fly and flop might also describe their spectacular rise and possible fall.
For details, Click Here
February 20, 2003
Six Continents shares soar amid takeover talk
Shares in Six Continents, the owner of All Bar One and Harvester restaurants, today soared amid expectations of a takeover bid from Hugh Osmond, the founder of the Punch pub group. In morning trading, shares in the company, which is the world's largest hotel and pub operator, rose by 9.7% to 608.25p. The run-up in shares of Six Continents, which plans to split itself in two, valued it at around ?5bn, but it has declined to comment on expectations of a bid.For details, Click Here
Hotel Investors Note Strongest "Buy" Sentiment in More Than Two Years -
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Issues Hotels Investor Sentiment Survey
In December 2002, 1,800 international investors were questioned about their outlook for the future of the hotel investment markets across the globe. The results have been published recently in Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' Hotel Investor Sentiment Survey (HISS), the only global survey of its kind.
For detailed report, Click Here
Orient-Express Launches Private Jet Service
Leveraging the demand for private air charters, Orient-Express Hotels has unveiled the Orient-Express Private Jet Experience, offering the ease of visiting the finest hotels and destinations by private jet. The most exclusive and efficient way to travel -- seamless journeys from convenient, local U.S. departures to worldwide destinations -- the benefits can be enjoyed in two ways. Guests can select their own itinerary to any destination, or choose from a portfolio of scheduled itineraries to Europe and South America.
For details, Click Here
Charles R. Tomb Named Senior Vice President, Franchise Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. named Chuck Tomb, a 25-year hotel veteran, as senior vice president, franchise development. In this newly created position, Tomb is responsible for all franchise development sales efforts for Starwood's Sheraton, Westin and Four Points by Sheraton brands. Tomb is the newest addition to the Starwood Real Estate Group and will report directly to President, Ted Darnall.
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CNL Hospitality Corp. Appoints John A. Griswold to President
CNL Hospitality Corp. announced the appointment of John A. Griswold to the position of president of the company and president of CNL Hospitality Properties, Inc. Mr. Griswold is a former director of CNL Hospitality Properties, Inc., where he served for four years. Prior to joining CNL, Mr. Griswold served as president of Tishman Hotel Corporation, one of the nation's largest developers, owners and operators of upscale full-service hotels, where he began working in 1985.
For details, Click Here
IT&CMA Announces Dates for 2003 and 2004
The organizers of IT&CMA, TTG Asia Media (TTG), have announced that the 11th Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) exhibition will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on 4-6 November 2003. For 2004 the dates have been fixed for 12 - 14 October 2004. For 2003 IT&CMA has been rescheduled to the first week of November due to the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Summit, which will be held in Bangkok this year. The venue for IT&CMA 2003 will remain at the Impact Convention Center in Bangkok and the theme is "Expanding Your Borders and Opportunities".
For details, Click Here
Six Continents Hotels Adds Four New Hotels to Australian Crowne Plaza Portfolio
Six Continents Hotels is to add four new hotels to its Crowne Plaza portfolio in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific during March 2003, three of which will be in addition to the Group's existing network of hotels. The new hotels are located in some of Australia's most popular and emerging travel destinations.
For details, Click Here
South Africa: Rezidor Has Plans for Five More Hotels in SA Cities
International hotel management group Rezidor SAS Hospitality, which opened its first Park Inn in Cape Town's Greenmarket Square this week, soon plans to add at least another five hotels in various SA cities to its portfolio. Along with its joint venture partner in SA, Tokyo Sexwale's Mvelaphanda, the group hopes to establish a presence in Johannesburg, Sandton, Durban and Port Elizabeth, according to district GM, Marko Hytonen.
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China's Inland Tourists Spend Most in Macao
Tourists from China's inland were again the most generous group with per capita spending in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) amounting to 2,560 patacas (320 US dollars) in the last quarter of 2002. This was much more than the average of 1,570 patacas (196.25 dollars) for all visitors to the city, which represents a year-on- year rise of 17 percent, the Statistics and Census Services posted Monday.
For details, Click Here
February 21, 2003
First shots fired for Six Continents
Hugh Osmond, the pubs entrepreneur, yesterday confirmed he was considering a multi-billion pound bid for Six Continents in a move that could spark a takeover battle for the demerging pubs and hotels group. In an audacious move, Mr Osmond is structuring the cash and shares bid via an Aim-listed cash shell, Capital Management and Investment, which holds ?14m of Six Continents shares. Mr Osmond, who has a 6.56pc stake in the company, yesterday became its executive chairman, while his business associate Alan McIntosh became finance director. Capital Management said it was "considering making a takeover offer for Six Continents" but added: "No assurance can be given that any offer will be made".
Osmond picks CSFB as adviser
Osmond eyes full listing for Six Continents bid
Heartbreak hotels: Shareholder dissatisfaction, a poor record on acquisitions and now Hugh Osmond all mean big trouble at Six Continents
For details, Click Here
Europe's Hotel Industry: 2002 Drop in Business Encourages Operators to be Prudent in Terms of Development
The year 2002 closes with a drop in the RevPAR by 1.0% in Europe. -- France does better than Germany, the United Kingdom or Spain at end 2002. ---Budget categories resist perfectly, the 4* a bit less. -- Fewer buyouts in 2001, the supply of the top 10 European groups grows by 3.7% versus 17.6% the previous year. -- French chain Accor strengthens its position as number one hotel group in Europe (+13.2%). -- The hotel supply of the American groups Marriott and Choice progress by more than +5%.
For detailed report and analysis, Click Here
Convention Center Financing - Public Entities / Private Entities -
Who Should Take the Risk?
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels recently published FocusOn Convention Center Financing - Who Should Take the Risk? FocusOn is a regular research series that addresses current issues affecting the hotel real estate investment community. Focus On Convention Center Financing explores the benefits and inherent risks of public versus private sector financing, public/private partnerships, public and private contributions and how to construct the deals as related to convention center projects.
For detailed report, Click Here
Issenberg to run Accor Asia/Pacific
In what it says is a move to strengthen the synergies in its Asia/Pacific operations, Accor has appointed senior executive Michael Issenberg to the position of managing director for the full region. Issenberg has been managing director of Accor's Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific and Japan operations for over five years, and was previously chief executive officer.
For details, Click Here
Hotel for sale in ?7 internet draw
A baronial-style hotel with dramatic views over one of Britain's most beautiful stretches of coastline is being put up for sale for a price tag of less than ?7. The Kimberley Hotel in Oban is valued at more than ?1 million, but its Austrian owners have opted to sell it through an Internet-based prize draw rather than on the open market. A total of 350,000 "roof slates" costing 10 euros (?6.93) each are up for sale, with the owner of the winning slate scooping the 17-bedroom property, complete with staff and bookings for the summer.
For details, Click Here
Singapore offers post-grad hotel management course from 2004
The International Hotel Management School (HMS) is off to a good start. Next year, it will offer Singapore's first graduate hotel management programme with America's prestigious Cornell Hotel School and Nanyang Business School.
For details, Click Here
Creation of economy hotel chains starts in Russia
Russia has at last started creating chains of "economy" hotels, which our country really lacks, the Vedomosti newspaper reported today. This week, the USA - Russia Investment Fund will announce a project of the creation of such a chain. Joint-Stock Financial Corporation Sistema is preparing the implementation of a similar project; so does the Moscow regional government. According to research data, the demand for hotels with a room price below $100 per day is currently the highest in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
For details, Click Here
Analysis: Thai tourism prospers despite war looms
"The good news is that Thai tourism industry is doing well, in spite of the difficult global political and economic conditions." Juthamas Siriwan, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), hardly concealed her great confidence in Thailand's tourism industry in a recent interview with Xinhua. Juthamas has every reason to keep optimistic about the performance of Thai tourism. According to the latest data released by the Immigration Bureau of Thailand's Police Department, a total of 10.87 million foreign tourists visited the country in the year of 2002, an increase of 7.31 percent over the previous year compared to the 5.8-percent growth in 2001
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Accor hotel group vows to protect children
International hotel group Accor has signed a code of conduct to protect children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism. Accor has signed up to the ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) code. Western tour operators have joined previously, but Accor is the first big hotel group to do so.
For details, Click Here
India's hotel industry hit hard
India's hotel industry is moaning wounded by the after-effects of 9/11 and fear of a Gulf war and has missed another peak season to regain losses. It suffered a decline in revenue earnings by 15 percent compared to the previous year. For details, Click Here
Good showing for Malaysia's tourism industry
Despite the current economic woes, the aftermath of the October 12th Bali blast and the imminent of a US-led war against Iraq, Malaysia continues to record a growing number of tourists. Last year Malaysia received 13.3 million tourists , a four percent growth compared to 2001. It contributed an estimated RM42.6 billion (US$11.21 billion) to the national gross domestic product.
For details, Click Here
Bali Recovery Program
"The people of Bali are putting their lives together after last year, as are so many others. In time, we want people to consider Bali for a holiday and when the time is right, I can assure you that the Balinese will be waiting to welcome Australians and the world in their own warm and friendly way. We like to appeal to all of you to keep Indonesia and particularly Bali in your mind, not as a flaming bombsite, but as the island of God, where people smile and are waiting to welcome you in their own friendly way . Bali is still the same, our hotels, our beaches and our smiles - all still there," said Minister for Culture and Tourism of Indonesia, Mr. I Gede Ardika in his interview with publisher Thomas Steinmetz of eTurboNews during AIME2003 in Melbourne.
For details, Click Here
Ireland gets 87 new hotels in five years
The past five years have seen a huge growth in indigenous conferences and events. This is evidenced by the large increase in hotels in that period. In 1998 there were 771 hotels with 30,445 rooms: by 2002 that had grown to 858 hotels with 42,156 rooms.
For details, Click Here
February 24, 2003
Who says Regent is history?
By Steve Shellum, Publisher/Editor, HOTEL Asia Pacific
The Asian-born chain suffered a big blow when it lost its world-famous Hong Kong flagship. But the brand's new Asia Pacific boss, Paul Kirwin, has already scored a major coup in the region - and promises many more ahead . Just when you think Regent is a spent force in the luxury-hotel sector, it comes up fighting with a coup that signals to the industry: "We're very much alive and kicking!"
For full report, Click Here
Brierley group considers offer for Thistle Hotels
Thistle hotels joined the list of British hoteliers being stalked by would-be predators after BIL International, its majority shareholder, admitted it was considering making an offer. BIL, a Singapore-based investment group, said its board was considering launching a bid "at a modest premium" to Thistle's share price as of Thursday's close of 100p. It is thought that BIL, whose president is the New Zealand entrepreneur Sir Ron Brierley, was forced by the Takeover Panel to issue a statement in response to a sharp rise in Thistle's share price. Thistle's stock climbed 7.5 per cent to 107.5p, valuing the group at just under ?520m.
For details, Click Here
US groups seen interested in Six Continent Hotels
Two major U.S. lodging companies, Sheraton owner Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. and Strategic Hotel Capital, the largest private U.S. hotel owner, are interested in buying some or all of the lodging business of Britain's Six Continents Plc , industry sources said on Thursday.
For details, Click Here
War of words over Six Continents
In a statement that fleshed out Mr Osmond's rationale for tabling a possible bid for Six Continents, the former head of Punch Taverns criticised the leisure group's plans to press ahead with a scheme to spin off its pubs arm as not being in shareholders' best interests. A demerger would achieve "absolutely nothing", he said, adding: "If we make this bid, believe me, we will fundamentally improve this business."For details, Click Here
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on course for yet another record breaking year
Reed Travel Exhibitions which organises Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East's premier travel and tourism show, says this year's event is "well on track to be the biggest show to date." "It is safe to say that, to date, the uncertainty in the region has not affected Arabian Travel Market," said Matt Thompson, Group Exhibition Director, Overseas Events, RTE.
For details, Click Here
Best Western to Add 400 New Hotels in 2003
Best Western expects to hold its position as THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN (R) with a robust global expansion plan in 2003. Over the past few years, Best Western's development team will continue its growth strategy by targeting key international and domestic gateways as well as geographic locations where the brand is under represented. The addition of a new development focused website will also aid efforts.
For details, Click Here
Half of UK cities saw January revPAR fall
e-Tid.com - Preliminary January data from Deloitte & Touche's HotelBenchmark report show average revenue per available room (revPAR) declined at just under 50% of 19 UK cities surveyed. Brighton and Aberdeen were the worst affected during the month. Brighton recorded revPAR of ?32, down 26% from the same month of 2002, which had been boosted by two major pharmaceutical conferences in the city.
For details, Click Here
Hotel Expense Creep
The current recession is affecting hotels in several ways that differ from how hotels were affected by recessions in the past. While much has been written about the terrible pain and suffering that has occurred in the hotel industry from the 'one-two punch' of an economic downturn and unprecedented catastrophic events in 2001, truthfully, hotels have barely a scratch on them as we near the tenth round of 2002. By contrast, the hotel industry was down for a 'nine count' from billions of dollars of losses during the 1990-1991 recession.
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Bring Back the Newsletter!!! We always need to share information.
Written By: Leora Halpern Lanz & Barbara Wiener / HVS International
Sometimes, old habits shouldn't die. Nor should they fade away. However, over the last few years, print communications has naturally evolved into HTML. Unfortunately, in many cases due to declining revenues, marketing budgets have been slashed or even evaporated. This has resulted in the disappearance of a critically important though underestimated public relations tool - the newsletter. When crafted properly, newsletters are a cost-effective way to deliver the right messages to the right audiences.
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ICCA congress to feature Asian experts
Delegates at the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) annual congress in Busan, Korea later this year can expect a lineup of seminars and speakers with a distinctly Asian touch. Held from October 26-29, the congress will incorporate two major themes.
For details, Click Here
Australians holidaying at home in uncertain times
Growth figures released by Australia's leading online accommodation company, Wotif.com, suggest independent Australian travellers are looking to holiday at home as the likelihood of conflict looms in the Middle East. Wotif.com, a website offering Australians last-minute accommodation services throughout 20 countries worldwide, suggests it is witnessing the greatest swing towards domestic holiday bookings in its three year history.
For details, Click Here
February 25, 2003
Six Continents Blasts Takeover Bid
Hotel and pub group Six Continents today launched a fresh attack on entrepreneur Hugh Osmond, accusing him of trying to acquire its business "on the cheap".
A clutch of predators are reported to be circling Six Continents and the bidding battle is poised to become one of the fiercest in recent years.
For details, Click Here
Bidding war in works for Six Continents
British entrepreneur Hugh Osmond is planning to offer $9 billion for Six Continents PLC, the parent of the Holiday Inn and Inter-Continental hotel chains, while two U.S. buyout firms may join forces for a rival $12.6 billion bid, press reports said Sunday. Further reports said Hilton Group PLC is drawing up plans to launch a "white knight" bid for Six Continents, which also the Crown Plaza hotel brand and more than 2000 pubs.
For details,
European Hotel Financing Service - HVS and INVESCO Real Estate Advisers form new hotel financing advisory service
HVS International and INVESCO Real Estate Advisers have joined forces to create a specialist financing advisory unit for European hotels. Known as European Hotel Financing Services (EHFS), this alliance is the first in Europe dedicated to raising finance for hotels. The service is aimed at hotel owners, investors and developers seeking to finance both individual hotels and portfolios of hotels. The alliance will act on their behalf to secure the optimal financing solution for any given situation.
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Philippines' January arrivals up: Americans top list
Despite fears of an outbreak of a US war against Iraq and reports on terrorism, the Philippines still experienced a continuous growth in tourist arrivals, marking a double-digit increase of 13.2 per cent in the month of January. The increase was the difference of the 175,728 tourist arrivals in January 2003 compared to 155,294 visitors in January 2002 when it yielded a 7.1 per cent negative growth rate.
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Exhibitions Are a Key Factor in Marketing Strategies
Exhibitions are being seen increasingly as an integral part of business marketing strategies. "There are some things you just can't dotcom," says Douglas Dugate, head of the US Centre for Exhibition Research. "Exhibitions deliver human interaction more cost- effectively than any marketing medium."
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Raffles expects flat performance, not on 'buying spree'
Raffles Holdings expects the group's 2003 performance to remain flat compared to 2002, in line with the global economic and industry trends. It presented the outlook to the media and analysts during the group's recent results briefing.
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Canadian Tourism Industry Experiences Modest Growth in 2002
The total number of tourists travelling to Canada increased for the sixth straight month in December 2002, fuelled primarily by positive numbers from the United States, Asia and our primary markets in Europe. Results published by Statistics Canada indicate that the total seasonally unadjusted international overnight travel to Canada increased by 4.7% in December 2002, compared to December 2001. The year 2002 ended on a positive note with total numbers up 1.8% over the same period in 2001.
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Emirates Towers Hotel voted Best Hotel in the Middle East
For the second consecutive year, Emirates Towers Hotel, part of Jumeirah International, the Dubai based luxury hospitality group, has received the award for 'Best Hotel in the Middle East' during the Business Traveller Germany awards ceremony held in Frankfurt, Germany For details, Click Here
American Travelers Seek More Personalized Service With Online Travel Arrangements
According to a recent research survey conducted on behalf of OctopusTravel.com by NFO Plog's On-TRAK Poll, which sampled 500 leading edge travelers (defined as frequent travelers who are internet users), three quarters (74%) of American travelers want more personal service from travel web sites. When faced with travel web sites currently available, most travelers identified at least one disadvantage to booking travel online, among which include "no personal, professional assistance when I need it," "no expert advice," and "no one available to deal with tourism problems."
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Taiwan: Tourism Bureau aims to bring 3 mil. visitors to Taiwan this year
Tourism has traditionally been an important part of a country's economy. That's why the government-initiated Challenge 2008 National Development Project calls for doubling the number of tourist arrivals by the year 2008. The fulfillment of that goal will have to depend on aggressive overseas promotions and improvements to be made in the various tourist facilities here in Taiwan, said C. T. Su, director general of the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
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San Francisco Culinary Think Tank Translates Trends into Tomorrow's Foods
Tucked just off San Francisco's bustling Embarcadero is a slightly mysterious private company with a powerful grip on determining what new foods we eat and purchase. At the Center for Culinary Development on Montgomery Street, the staff of 17 don't like to talk much about products being devised for supermarket shelves or fast-food menus. Or about ones that have flopped. Its consulting chefs are practically sworn to secrecy about their input. Its big-name corporate clients such as Heinz and Kraft decline to comment. And little has been written about the research and testing done there.
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February 26, 2003
Pub tycoon meets Six Continents directors
Hugh Osmond, the leisure entrepreneur, was locked in talks last night with senior directors of Six Continents in an effort to persuade them to postpone plans to demerge the hotel and pub operator. Mr Osmond, who wants to buy Six Continents and break it up, was accompanied by Alan McIntosh, finance director of Capital Management & Investment (CMI), his bid vehicle, while Six Continents (6C) was represented by Tim Clarke, chief executive, and Richard North, finance director.
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Six Continents sees bigger demerger benefits
British pubs and hotels group Six Continents said on Tuesday its planned demerger could lead to bigger benefits than initially indicated as it sought to strengthen its defences against a growing pack of predators. The owner of InterContinental and Crowne Plaza hotels, which has already received one takeover approach from entrepreneur Hugh Osmond, said it now expected to make cost savings of around $100 million a year at its demerged hotels group, up from a forecast of $65 million published only last week.
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MacDonald Hotels' shares tumble after first-half profits warning
Shares in Macdonald Hotels fell more than 8% yesterday after the company warned of lower first-half profits as a result of a downturn in corporate spending. Although revenue per available room across the 110-property estate was 2% higher during the first four months of the current financial year, Bathgate-based Macdonald said there had also been a "noticeable deterioration" in the general economic and political outlook. This has led to a decline in corporate custom, both in terms of business travellers and conference spending.
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News@PATA
PATA ANNOUNCES GRAND AND GOLD AWARDS WINNERS -- PATA is pleased to announce the 26 winners of the 2003 PATA Gold Awards. The winning organisatons and individuals will receive their awards during the 52nd PATA Annual Conference in Bali, Indonesia, April 13-17, 2003. The honours include three "best of show" Grand Awards and 28 Gold Awards.
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Asia Pacific: Online Travel Takes Off
Similar to books and CDs, the Internet is an ideal medium to search for travel products. In fact, online travel is the largest ecommerce category in the United States. "The Asia Pacific online travel market is emerging," independent research company, PhoCusWright, cautions, "yet its fragmentation and cultural nuances make it among the most complex in the world." The analyst predicts that the market will grow from AU$4.6 billion (US$2.7 billion) in 2002 to AU$13.5 billion (US$8 billion in 2004). This represents a growth from 3.5 percent of the total travel market to 9.5 percent over the same period.
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US Hotel Industry in Worsening Scenario: Report
The US hotel industry has been in a worsening scenario as Americans have changed the way they travel after the terrorist attacks on the country about 18 months ago. The recovery of the hotel industry, which was predicted shortly after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 2001, hasn't happened, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. For details, Click Here
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Promotes Scott Hetherington to Managing Director, Asia
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels announced the promotion of Scott Hetherington to Managing Director, Asia. Currently based in Singapore, Mr Hetherington has overseen the firm's hotel corporate advisory, investment sales and related activities in Asia since 2000. Announcing the promotion, CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Asia Pacific Mr David Gibson said "This further reinforces our commitment in Asia, strengthening Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' global leadership in providing specialist hotel investment services to our clients."
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Do You Know Where Your Travelers Are? Rosenbluth To Hold `Secure Action in Insecure Times' Security Symposium for Industry Leaders
Responding to the increased potential for war and the heightened terror alert, Rosenbluth International, the world's third largest travel management company, will host "Secure Action in Insecure Times." The symposium, a timely and thought-provoking conversation with corporate travel managers and security directors, was designed by Rosenbluth to help clients, potential clients and other travel industry stakeholders better prepare for the impact of a global crisis on the travel industry, regional business community and business travelers.
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Top UK hotels slip a little extra on the bill
Britain's most celebrated hotels have been accused of misleading guests by adding "discretionary" service charges to room bills. The charges, which range from five to 12.5 per cent, have been levied at such establishments as the Savoy, Le Meridien, the Connaught and Claridge's. The levy is put on automatically, even on bills that are paid in advance - before any service has been received.
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More Australians Preferring Home Over Int'l Travel
A increasing number of Australians were preferring security at home over international travel as the Middle East conflict loomed, a leading online hotel booking company said today. Wotif.com chief executive Graeme Wood said the company was witnessing the greatest swing towards domestic holiday bookings in its history.
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February 27, 2003
Lodging Industry Demand Is Reset at a Lower Base - PricewaterhouseCoopers Predicts Permanent Structural Resetting Of Demand That Has Not Occurred Since The Great Depression
Beginning in the Fall of 2001, ongoing security alerts, travel concerns involving safety and convenience, and lower consumer confidence and personal wealth due to stock market declines and volatility have caused lodging demand to trail the long-run trend line by approximately five percent, or 130,000 occupied room nights per night in 2002. PricewaterhouseCoopers believes that the combination of the many factors, some of which will continue well into the future, will result in a permanent structural resetting of demand that has not occurred since the Great Depression.
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Six Continents Rejects Osmond Offer
AP - Six Continents PLC, the parent of the Holiday Inn chain, Wednesday said it rejected an offer to be acquired by entrepreneur Hugh Osmond, effectively kicking off a hostile takeover campaign for the company, which has attracted attention from U.S. hotel and buyout firms. Osmond's terms were not disclosed. Analysts, however, have suggested Osmond is prepared to bid as much as $ 9.5 billion for Britain's Six Continents, which also owns the Inter-Continental hotel chain and a several large pub chains.
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Host Marriott Narrows Loss but Warns
(Reuters) - Host Marriott Corp. , the largest U.S. hotel owner, on Wednesday reported a narrower fourth-quarter loss, but warned that 2003 results would fall sharply as the lodging industry struggles with the combined effects of a weak economy and war anxieties. The Bethesda hotel real estate investment trust, or REIT, said its net loss, after preferred dividend payments, narrowed to $11 million, or 4 cents a share, from $32 million, or 12 cents a share, a year earlier. Host Marriott owns hotels managed by other companies under Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and other brands.
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Tough times ahead for UK tourism
Businesses relying on tourism are experiencing severe difficulties and face a potentially bleak future, according to new figures out today. The double whammy of a possible war with Iraq and the increasingly gloomy economic outlook are being blamed for a drop in holiday sales and suffering UK hotels. Accountancy firm PKF revealed that London hotels have slashed their average room rates in order to combat the problem of a dwindling number of tourists.
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First hotel for the blind open
The first purpose-built hotel for blind and partially-sighted people - and their seeing eye dogs - is up and running. It is located at a leading seaside resort on England's south coast. The Russell Hotel in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, has been specially designed to be as userfriendly as possible to those with sight difficulties, its managers say. Guests have talking clocks in their rooms.
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Marriott is Most Admired Company in the Lodging Industry According to Fortune
Fortune magazine named Marriott International, Inc. the most admired company in the lodging industry. Marriott's No. 1 ranking, which the company has held since 2000, is the result of a poll of 10,000 executives, analysts and directors who judged companies based on "innovativeness, employee talent, use of assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term value and quality of products/services." Fortune's rankings also show that Marriott ranked in the top 40 of the 587 companies included in the survey.
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Mandarin Oriental says 2 new US hotels to hit 2003 results, especially H2
Mandarin Oriental International Ltd said the pre-opening expenses at its two new hotels in the US will negatively affect its results in the current year, particularly the second half. It is building a 251-room hotel in New York, at the southwest corner of Central Park, which is due to open in late 2003.
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Four Seasons Hotels enters Saudi market
The Four Seasons Riyadh will open its doors on February 28. The 249-room hotel is the fourth property in the Middle East to be opened by the Canadian owned hospitality chain. It is the Group's first move into the Kingdom as well as the Gulf region.For details, Click Here
John A. Griswold Trading President's Title at Tishman Hotel Corp. to Become President of CNL Hospitality Corp.
Since 1997, hotel industry executive John A. Griswold has spent hundreds of hours flying from his home in Windermere to New York, where Tishman Hotel Corp. is based. As president of Tishman, he divided his schedule between his New York office and his Orlando offices on the second floor of the Tishman-owned Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. That will change in a few weeks: Griswold is trading his president's title at Tishman to become president of CNL Hospitality Corp., the fast-growing hotel company based at the CNL Center in downtown Orlando.
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Middle East invests USD15 billion in new hotel development
More major expansion in the Middle East hotel industry will see an estimated USD15 billion invested in up to 220 new hotel projects, according to data compiled by event management and marketing specialists, Streamline Marketing. The UAE leads the way with as many as 67 new hotels planned within the next few years, followed by Egypt with 39, Saudi Arabia 22, Jordan 16, Lebanon 15, and Oman 11. Another nine new hotels each are expected to be built in Bahrain, Kuwait and Morocco, with eight in Syria, five in Qatar, four in Tunisia and three each in Yemen and Libya.
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Oman sets sights on eco-tourism
The Omani government has set its sights on milking the adventure travel and eco-tourism market, a senior tourism advisor in the sultanate says. "Oman has all the attributes of a successful eco-tourism destination," Heba Abdul Aziz, advisor to the commerce and industry ministry, told the Oman Observer newspaper. "Oman's unique environmental assets far outweigh the strengths of other eco-tourist destinations in the region," she said.
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PATA Bali task force report in final stage
The PATA Bali Recovery Task Force is due to present its final report to the Indonesian government in the next two weeks. The PATA report will follow on the heels of the Gavin Anderson and Company proposal which has been submitted to the central government in Jakarta for review. PATA task force members visited Bali in December to prepare their findings.
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Orbis to Merge with Hekon
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