Global Hospitality News - ARCHIVE 2002

For today's latest Hospitality Breaking News  Click Here

News Archive for July, 2002

July 1 - July 14

July 2, 2002

COMPASS TO SELL TRAVELODGE, LITTLE CHEF; USUAL SUSPECTSLINE UP

Britain's Compass Group PLC said Friday it will auction off its Travelodge inns and Little Chef roadside eateries to focus on catering.

For details, Click Here:
/news/July2.htm#COMPASS

TRENDS IN CHINA, HONG KONG, KOREA, PHILIPPINES

Internet Trends influencing travel/tourism

For details, Click Here:
/news/July2.htm#TRENDS

COARSE BEHAVIOUR STUDIED BY STARWOOD

A new study by Starwood Hotels & Resorts to support its new Starwood Golf Vacations programme finds that virtually all executives believe that golf is an essential business tool and most say that behaviour on the golf course is typically indicative of behaviour in business - "which might be a bit scary considering that the vast majority of execs also admit to cheating on the links". 

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July2.htm#COARSE

SPA INDUSTRY TREND: THE INFLUX OF MEN

As the voice of the spa industry since 1991, the International SPA Association (ISPA) continually tracks trends among spas and consumers.  By compiling research from its 1,900 members, ISPA is tracking the industry trend of men as spa goers. 

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July2.htm#SPA

CAMBODIA TAKES THE FAST TRACK

Cambodia has opportunities ahead and no time to waste. Its infrastructure still needs some work, but it can't afford to wait until every road is paved and every hotel room fitted with a bathroom before it gets its name out. 

For detailed report, Click Here:
/news/July2.htm#CAMBODIA

VISITORS ARRIVALS INTO HONG KONG MAINTAIN THEIR UPWARD MOMENTUM

Mainland arrivals hit further new heights as momentum is maintained in May 2002

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July2.htm#VISITORS

MILLENNIUM & COPTHORNE UNIT WINS 90.3% REPUBLIC HOTELS SHARES

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels PLC said 90.3% of the capital of Republic Hotels and Resorts Limited have been tendered to the takeover bid by its wholly owned subsidiary, M&C Hotels Holdings Ltd.

For details, Click Here:
/news/July2.htm#MILLENNIUM

FAMED MOSCOW HOTEL TO BE TORN DOWN AND REBUILT

City authorities decided Friday to raze the Stalin-era Hotel Moskva, known to drinkers worldwide for its picture on the label of Stolichnaya vodka, and replace it with a structure based more closely on the architect's original plans.

For details, Click Here:
/news/July2.htm#FAMED

HOTELIERS IN KENYA SEEK WAYS TO REVIVE AILING TOURISM INDUSTRY

Hoteliers are to hold a major meeting in August to chart the way forward for the revival of the ailing tourism industry. 

For details, Click Here:
/news/July2.htm#HOTELIERS

July 3, 2002

ARMANI HAS DESIGNS ON RESORT HOTELS

Italian designer Giorgio Armani is in talks with leading international chains about opening an Armani-branded resort, according to an interview in this weekend's Sunday Times. 

For details, Click Here:
/news/July3.htm#ARMANI

HOUSTON, WE (DON'T) HAVE A PROBLEM

Some call it the Enron effect. Others are not sure. Regardless, the city of Houston has become a statistical quirk.

For full report, Click Here:
/news/July3.htm#HOUSTON

NEWS@PATA

For this weeks latest update and news about PATA, Click Here:
/news/July3.htm#NEWS

CHOICE HOTELS INTL. ACQUIRES 55% CONTROLLING INTEREST IN FLAG CHOICE HOTELS, ITS FRANCHISING PARTNER IN AUSTRALIA

Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE:CHH) announced it has acquired controlling interest in Melbourne-based Flag Choice Hotels, its franchising partner in Australia. 

For details, Click Here:
/news/July3.htm#CHOICE

TRENDS IN TAIWAN, INDIA, INDONESIA, JAPAN  

Internet/Tourism related trends;

For full report, Click Here:
/news/July3.htm#TRENDS

WHAT'S HOT, WHAT'S NOT IN SPAS

A Spa Guest Survey from ISPA, the International Spa Association;

To view this interesting Survey, Click Here:
/news/July3.htm#WHAT

NEW CAMPAIGN TO BUILD BUSINESS TOURISM TO AUSTRALIA

Australia's business tourism sector is set to benefit from a new global advertising campaign launched today, Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) Managing Director Ken Boundy said.   

For full details, Click Here:
/news/July3.htm#NEW

AGENDA SET FOR THIRD MARKETING FORUM CONFERENCE - EXPERTS TO CONVENE IN DUBAI TO DISCUSS BEST MARKETING PRACTICES IN ACTION

The Marketing Forum conference, to be held on October 21 to 23 at the Emirates Towers hotel in Dubai, will this year focus the attention of its delegates and speakers on "Best Marketing Practice in Action

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July3.htm#AGENDA

GOV'T OF JAMAICA TO SET UP TOURISM ADVISORY COUNCIL

Membership will comprise ministries and agencies that impact directly on tourism TOURISM Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday announced plans to establish a "high level council" to advise the government on repositioning Jamaica as a travel destination amid a steep decline in visitors arrivals this year.

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July3.htm#GOVT

July 4, 2002

EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS IN A STOCK-MARKET SLIDE

Written By: Keith Kefgen &Michael S. Kogen HVS International

Are They Still Considered A Bonus?   Stock Options Come Of Age

Since the late 1980's stock option plans have increasingly been used as an effective means to reward and retain employees. The purpose of stock options is to link the interests of management and its shareholders. Broad-based stock option plans have become an integral part of overall compensation strategy.

For complete report Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#EMPLOYEE

SIX CONTINENTS HOTELS NAMES STEVAN PORTER PRESIDENT FOR THE AMERICAS

Six Continents Hotels, Inc. (www.6C.com), the world's leading global hotel group, has appointed Stevan Porter president of Six Continents Hotels - the Americas, following John Sweetwood's decision to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#SIX

CORNELL UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF HOTEL ADMINISTRATION BRINGS PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION ONLINE WITH eCORNELL

eCornell, the online distance-learning subsidiary of Cornell University, announces a new online education program from Cornell University's prestigious School of Hotel Administration. 

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#CORNELL

HEDNA AND HSA INTERNATIONAL OFFER INTENSIVE TWO-DAY HEDNA UNIVERSITY COURSES IN FOUR ASIA/PACIFIC LOCATIONS IN 2002

The Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) and HSA International have joined together to present the HEDNA University course on electronic distribution in four major cities in Asia/Pacific.

For schedule and further details, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#HEDNA

2002 HOSPITALITY INVESTMENT SURVEY FINDS DECLINING VALUES DUE TO AN UNCERTAIN MARKET: PKF CONSULTING

Debt and Equity Investors Reveal a Wait-and-See Attitude

The 2002 Hospitality Investment Survey, just today, reveals that the recession and terrorist attacks of 2001 have had a significant effect on hotel investors' perceptions of the market.  

For full report, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#2002

TRENDS IN MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, THAILAND, NEW ZEALAND  

Internet/Tourism related trends

For full report, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#TRENDS

ECONOMY DEALS BLOW TO SAN JOSE HOTELS

Lodging-industry profits dipped 19.4 percent in 2001 -- the worst plunge in more than six decades -- and among the hardest-hit are San Jose hotels that depend heavily on technology-related business travel.  

For detailed report, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#ECONOMY

INBOUND TRAVEL DROPPED 11% LAST YEAR

Travel to the United States declined 11 percent in 2001, to 39.8 million international tourist arrivals, according to preliminary full-year data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. The contraction is attributed primarily to the terrorist attacks of September 11 and weakened economies in Europe, Asia, and South America.  

For further details of the LodgingNews report, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#INBOUND

July 4, 2002

EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS IN A STOCK-MARKET SLIDE

Written By: Keith Kefgen &Michael S. Kogen HVS International

Are They Still Considered A Bonus?   Stock Options Come Of Age

Since the late 1980's stock option plans have increasingly been used as an effective means to reward and retain employees. The purpose of stock options is to link the interests of management and its shareholders. Broad-based stock option plans have become an integral part of overall compensation strategy.

For complete report Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#EMPLOYEE

SIX CONTINENTS HOTELS NAMES STEVAN PORTER PRESIDENT FOR THE AMERICAS

Six Continents Hotels, Inc. (www.6C.com), the world's leading global hotel group, has appointed Stevan Porter president of Six Continents Hotels - the Americas, following John Sweetwood's decision to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#SIX

CORNELL UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF HOTEL ADMINISTRATION BRINGS PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION ONLINE WITH eCORNELL

eCornell, the online distance-learning subsidiary of Cornell University, announces a new online education program from Cornell University's prestigious School of Hotel Administration. The program is comprised of courses developed from the Hotel School's sought-after executive education courses, and leads to a Certification in the Essentials of Hospitality Management from the School of Hotel Administration.

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#CORNELL

HEDNA AND HSA INTERNATIONAL OFFER INTENSIVE TWO-DAY HEDNA UNIVERSITY COURSES IN FOUR ASIA/PACIFIC LOCATIONS IN 2002

The Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) and HSA International have joined together to present the HEDNA University course on electronic distribution in four major cities in Asia/Pacific.

For schedule and further details, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#HEDNA

2002 HOSPITALITY INVESTMENT SURVEY FINDS DECLINING VALUES DUE TO AN UNCERTAIN MARKET: PKF CONSULTING

Debt and Equity Investors Reveal a Wait-and-See Attitude

The 2002 Hospitality Investment Survey, just today, reveals that the recession and terrorist attacks of 2001 have had a significant effect on hotel investors' perceptions of the market.  The investment survey was prepared by Atlanta-based PKF Consulting and its research affiliate, The Hospitality Research Group (HRG).  Both lenders and equity providers of investment-grade hotel properties completed the survey between April and June 2002.  

For full report, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#2002

TRENDS IN MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, THAILAND, NEW ZEALAND  

Internet/Tourism related trends

For full report, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#TRENDS

ECONOMY DEALS BLOW TO SAN JOSE HOTELS

Lodging-industry profits dipped 19.4 percent in 2001 -- the worst plunge in more than six decades -- and among the hardest-hit are San Jose hotels that depend heavily on technology-related business travel.  

For detailed report, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#ECONOMY

INBOUND TRAVEL DROPPED 11% LAST YEAR

Tavel to the United States declined 11 percent in 2001, to 39.8 million international tourist arrivals, according to preliminary full-year data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. The contraction is attributed primarily to the terrorist attacks of September 11 and weakened economies in Europe, Asia, and South America.  

For further details of the LodgingNews report, Click Here:
/news/July4.htm#INBOUND

July 5, 2002

TIMING IS EVERYTHING, OR IS IT?

By Harry Nobles & Cheryl Thompson Griggs

It may be an overstatement to say that timing is everything.   In making so broad and absolute an assertion,  one implies that nothing else really matters.  While timing is important, it is only one of many elements of guest service.  Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that timing is a critical part of service delivery, and one that dramatically affects overall guest satisfaction. 

For full report, Click Here:
/news/July5.htm#TIMING

COMIN' TO AMERICA

Article from the June issue of Lodging Magazine  
By James O'Brien & Monique van Stiphout

An overview of the U.S. Visas Available to foreign hotel workers

As tourism continues to rebound, the recruitment and retention of quality employees becomes increasingly important. 

For detailed report Click Here:
/news/July5.htm#COMIN

TRENDS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, FRANCE, GERMANY, CANADA, USA

Internet/Tourism related Trends

For full report, Click Here:
/news/July5.htm#TRENDS

COSTA RICA: IS 'FIVE-SAR ECOTOURISM' POSSIBLE?

The new government of Costa Rica aims to expand and upgrade tourism infrastructure in the country to draw more affluent visitors who are interested in combining comfort and contact with nature, through a plan that is questioned by environmentalists. 

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July5.htm#COSTA

MANAGING A MERGER

Article from the June issue of Lodging Magazine

Interstate, Meristar join forces

Less than a week after rejecting an unsolicited bid from Shaner Hotel Group Limited Partnership, Interstate Hotels Corporation signed a definitive agreement to merge with MeriStar Hotels & Resorts in a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction valued at $260 million.  

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July5.htm#MANAGING

THEY'RE BACK - TOURISTS IN WASHINGTON DC

Breathe a sigh of relief: tourists are once again returning to the nation's capital. Hotel vacancy rates are close to where they were last year. The Metro, DC's underground transit system, reported a record 700,000 passengers during the city's Cherry Blossom Festival in April.  

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July5.htm#THEY

July 8, 2002

Feeling Good about Travel Again

Article from the June issue ofLodging Magazine

The Travel Industry Association of America's Traveler Sentiment Index continued its steady recovery in the first quarter, increasing 2.6 percent (to 103.7) following a 4.1 percent gain (to 101.1) in fourth quarter 2001. (By comparison, the index posted its highest reading, 104.3, at its inception in first quarter 2000 and its lowest, 96.7, in third quarter 2001. 

For details, Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#FEELING

Asia-Pacific will Lead Tourism Growth

Destinations in the Asia-Pacific region will dominate economic growth in the travel and tourism industry over the next several years, according to economic research from the World Travel & Tourism Council.  

For details, Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#ASIA

A path to achieving Next-Generation Technology for the Hotel Industry

Prepared and Submitted to the hotel industry and vendor community on June 29, 2002, by the founders of Hotel Technology-Next Generation  

For read the complete report on this study Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#A

CNN targets Hotel guests in marketing initiatives

CNN has delivered its first-ever multi-platform marketing campaign to promote the benefits of staying at a CNN Partner Hotel to business travellers around the world.  

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#CNN

AH&LA President Joe McInerney updates

For  AH&LA President's July 2 update, Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#AHLA

Second Global Summit on Peace through tourism to be held in Geneva, Feb 5-8, 2003

Plans are well underway for the Second Global Summit on Peace through Tourism being organized in partnership with the World Travel and Tourism Council. The Summit will bring together leaders from all sectors of the travel and tourism industry, together with leaders in the areas of economic development, culture and heritage, sport, environment, and inter-faith dialogue.

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#SECOND

Hong Kong April Arrivals a Monthly record

Visitor arrivals in Hongkong in April 2002 totalled 1,403,041, according to figures from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). 

For details, Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#HONGKONG

'Many Corporate Travel Managers Renegotiating Contracts' - NBTA Survey.

orporate travel professionals are looking for new ways to keep travel costs down and are redefining their relationships in response to the current economic climate, according to an NBTA survey.

For full details of this survey, Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#MANY

London Hotels Continue Recovery But Cause For Concern In The Regions (PKF Report)

London hotels continued their slow and steady recovery in May but regional hotels suffered a worrying downturn, according to PKF's preliminary figures released today. London occupancy rates were 1.1% up on last year, the first positive performance since January 2001 although figures were helped by the single bank holiday in May instead of the traditional two. 

For detailed comprehensive report, Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#LONDON

Euro to lift UAE hotel sector

European visitors to the UAE are getting an unexpected bonus as the falling US dollar is increasing the purchasing power of the euro. At its launch in January 1999 the euro was worth USD1.18 and it fell as low as 82.3 cents. 

Recovery Continues-Slowly

Domestic RevPAR averaged $47.07 over the first three months of 2002, down 10.5 percent from the same period last year, according to first-quarter data from Smith Travel Research.  

For further details, Click Here:
/news/July8.htm#RECOVERY

July 9, 2002

TUI China taking shape

The world's biggest travel company has confirmed it is moving into China - with goals that include selling package tours to South-east Asia.  

For further details of this developing story,Click Here

This Global Hotel Network? Report takes a look at "Hotel Financing"

from the perspective of Paul Fitzpatrick, senior managing director of Insignia/ESG Hotel Partners (New York). 

For full Global Hotel Network Report on this issue,Click Here

Booths need well-trained staff

Exhibitors are not getting the most out of trade show attendance with only one-third of companies actively recruiting customers, according to a study conducted by US-based Duffey Communications. President, Mr Lee Duffey, said the survey highlighted the fundamental need to have trained staff manning the booths.  

For further details,Click Here

China lays out new rules for airlines and travel agents

In a move to eradicate illegitimate airline discounts that directly impact profits for many mainland carriers, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and other government departments in Beijing are joining forces to put an end to it all in a new campaign, according to a Xinhua news agency report.  

For further details,Click Here

WTM organisers ensure easy access to new venue

To squash doubts about the accessibility of World Travel Market's new home, ExCeL in London Docklands, the event's organisers have embarked on the biggest planning initiative ever to ensure that visitors and exhibitors can travel easily, conveniently and quickly to the venue.  

For details,Click Here

US holidaymakers still longhaul-unfriendly

Leisure travellers are leading the recovery effort for the travel industry, according to an NFO Plog survey conducted in the US. The survey monitors the travel interests and habits of over 9,000 US households.

For further details of this study,Click Here

Singapore to broaden its Mice targets

Asia's top convention city and the world's fifth (rankings by the Union of International Associations) is eyeing emerging markets in Asia and Oceania. Singapore is casting its eye on China, South Korea, India, New Zealand and the rest of Southeast Asia to boost its business events pie. 

For further details,Click Here

Reed Exhibitions planning new Asia travel trade event

Fresh from its recent exit from PATA Travel Mart (PTM), Reed Travel Exhibitions has revealed it is looking at setting up a new travel event in Asia - with a likely focus on non-leisure travel in the North and South Asia markets.  

For details,Click Here

Malaysian Association of Hotels elects new Board

The Malaysian Association of Hotels elected a new executive committee at its annual general meeting held  last week Friday.  

For new line-upClick Here

Tokyo, Osaka and Hong Kong top the list of most expensive cities in the world 

In the latest Worldwide Cost of Living survey from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Tokyo is the most expensive city, followed by Osaka and Hong Kong. New York is number 7, Oslo is Europe's most expensive.

For further details of this survey,Click Here

Hong Kong's Dragon's Leap

In the 2001 annual research survey by the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Organisers' and Suppliers' Association (HKECOSA), Hongkong's trade fair industry has shown improved performance in every important measure last year, cementing 'its leading regional position'. 

For details,Click Here

From Tents to Theater

Article from the June issue ofLodging Magazine  

With the increasing reliance on in-room technology, more hotels are offering interactive hotel guides in their guestrooms. And the number is likely to keep rising as televisions, entertainment options, and other guestroom systems are revamped or replaced.  

For further detailsClick Here

July 10, 2002

Some London Hotels Offer the Future for Guests

Business travelers tired of lugging their laptops around should come here to get a glimpse of a less cumbersome future. All over the world, in response to demand for the high-technology amenities that their guests enjoy in their homes and offices, hotels are racing to install high-speed Internet access, e-mail and a variety of wireless and digital services. 

For further details,Click Here

nH Hotels sales increased 15%; re-branding nears completion

At the nH HOTELS' General Shareholders' Meeting held on Thursday, June 27 in Madrid, company Chief Executive Officer and President, Gabriele Burgio announced that the company's sales had increased 15% to $ 322 million as of May 31, 2002 although the company is still recovering from the economic slowdown of recent months following the events of September 11th. nH HOTELS is one of Europe's largest lodging groups. 

For further detailsClick Here

News@PATA

For this week's latest PATA update,Click Here

IMHI  celebrated 20th Anniversary

More than 450 alumni, industry professionals, ambassadors and guests of the graduating class of 2002 came together for IMHI's 20th Anniversary event held from 20 - 22 June 2002 in Paris. Themed 'Celebrating 20 Years of Successful Partnerships', this conference celebrated not only the success of the joint venture between Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration and ESSEC Business School, but also highlighted the important partnerships which IMHI has developed with the industry over this period.  

For further details,Click Here

UK Hotels pay for guidebook entries

e-Tid.com   -  According to the Sunday Telegraph, many of Britain's most popular travel guides are charging hotels, restaurants and pubs to be featured, contrary to public perception that they offer an unbiased view.

For further details,Click Here

Yo!Sushi founder moves into hotels

e-Tid.com  -  Simon Woodruffe, founder of Yo!Sushi, is thinking of launching a hotel brand, Yotel, according to The Business. The paper says the hotel would be a 'cross between Japanese capsule hotels and British Airways' first class sleeper accommodation.

It suggests a Yotel will open in London in 2003. Woodruffe is also tipped to be looking at health club and spa brand, Body Yo!

Recovery in sight for Singapore's Hotel industry

Hoteliers in Singapore are positive that the hotel industry in Singapore, which was hit badly after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, will recover in the second half of the year. In fact, hoteliers are saying that their occupancy rates are clawing back to pre-Sept 11 levels.  

For further details,Click Here

July 11, 2002

Holiday Inn 50th Anniversary Research Identifies What Matters Most to Consumers

Key Guest Preferences include "A Good Night's Sleep", "Overall Room Comfort", "Bathroom Comfort" and "Arrival and Departure"  

For detailed report,Click Here

Performance review :  South Korea

Hotel performance in Seoul reflected the gradual weakening in economic performance resulting from the slowdown in export demand. Although the market retained its position as one of Asia's most expensive markets, declining occupancy levels and a less than certain economic outlook stimulated some room rate discounting, placing downwards pressure on revPAR which fell by eleven percent on the prior year to US114 dollars.  

For further details of this Hotelbenchmark.com  report, Click Here

The Oriental, Bangkok launches "Oriental Professional Thai Chef Programme" from October 1,  2002

The Oriental, Bangkok, in its pioneering tradition, is to launch its latest project in the form of "Oriental Professional Thai Chef Programme", a three-month curriculum combining theory and practice on all aspects of Thai cuisine, and is accredited by the Ministry of Education.

For further details,Click Here

New Director of Operations for Six Continents Hotels

Six Continents Hotels has appointed a new Director of Operations to oversee its operations in Victoria, Queensland, A.C.T. and the Northern Territory and assist in the continued expansion of the Group's portfolio and global brands in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

For details,Click Here

Atlanta: Hotel Construction Financing is Available, But Many Lenders  Interested Only in "Exceptional Situations"   

Banks and other lenders have gotten picky since Sept. 11, when occupancy plummeted at hotels across the country and the industry fell on tough times.   

For further details,Click Here

More than a Movie

Article from the June issue of Lodging Magazine   By Megan Rowe - Revisiting old pay-per-view models  

For further details,Click Here

China to be world's top tourist destination in 2020: tourism body

China is set to become the world's top tourist destination in 2020, shooting past Spain and the United States and usurping current leader France, the head of the World Tourist Organisation told Tuesday's Le Figaro newspaper.  

For details,Click Here

M&C to  develop  fresh hotel concepts;

Millennium  & Copthorne Hotels (M&C), the London-listed hotel subsidiary of City Developments, is developing more hotel concepts to be introduced to some of its 91 hotels worldwide following the success of its M Hotel brand in Singapore.  

For further details,Click Here

Thailand pushes bid for Asia's 'tourism capital'

Thailand is not about to take competition for its market share sitting down. It is getting more aggressive in its tourism approach, revising its projections for fiscal 2002 and unveiling a three-year tourism master plan that hinges on strategic marketing and new product development, and on positioning the country as Asia's 'tourism capital.'  

For details,Click Here

July 12, 2002

U.S. hotels post 2nd weekly rev gain since Sept. 11

U.S. hotel room revenues rose 2.7 percent last week, as the ailing industry posted its second weekly gain since Sept. 11, largely due to the long July 4 weekend, according to data released on Wednesday.

For details,Click Here

Trust is more critical than service, price or brand in a food-service purchaser-supplier partnership, new study at Cornell finds

Trust and effective communication are more important to food-service purchasing agents than good service, price or brand, according to a new study from the Center for Hospitality Research at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University.

For further details,Click Here

Jurys Doyle profits fall 8%

The Jurys Doyle hotel group has reported weaker profits in a difficult year but remains optimistic its business will show signs of improvement in the Autumn. 

For details,Click Here

Sydney to top the world

Sydney is set to become the top city in the world for conventions, based on forecast figures compiled by the International Congress and Convention Association for 2002.

For details,Click Here

Hong Kong:  Centre undergoes review

Controversy is swirling around the planned exhibition centre to be located at the Hong Kong International Airport, with legislators refusing to approve spending on the project based on the existing plans. 

For details,Click Here

Study: Americans to Travel on Credit This Summer

Half of all Americans plan to take a summer vacation more than 75 miles from home, and nearly a quarter of them (23%) will charge their expenses to credit cards, according to a recently released survey by the Cambridge Consumer Credit Index.

For details,Click Here

STR: RevPAR and Occupancy Down Average 5 Percent and 2 Percent, Respectively, in June

Preliminary data from Smith Travel Research suggest an average 4 to 6 percent year-over-year decline in domestic RevPAR in June. Occupancy is expected to be down 1 to 3 percent from the same period last year.

For details,Click Here

Much Ado About Technology

There's no denying that technology evolves rapidly. In the hotel industry, some systems have made such major transformations that many companies have had to completely re-adapt their business plans- or go back to the drawing board altogether. 

For details,Click Here 

July 14, 2002

Pan Pacific's President  Ichigo Umehara strives for two Cs

He bills the 21st century as one where there has to be a balance of contradictions for the hotel industry - how do you see balance in attracting youth to an industry which lacks role models; 

For full interview,Click Here

Marriott International Profit Flat

Hotel operator Marriott International Inc. last Thursday reported quarterly earnings essentially unchanged from a year before, hampered by a soft market in business travel but well above its forecast.  

For details,Click Here

PKF City Survey 2002 Reveals That Nine Eleven Impact Hits Hotels In International Cities Hardest

The PKF City Survey 2002 reveals that 2001 was a game of four quarters rather than two halves with 9/11 hitting the major international cities hardest of all. The record-breaking millennium year for most of the hotels was always going to be a hard act to follow but many cities enjoyed a strong start to 2001. 

For details,Click Here

International Hotels 'dish it up'

All international hotels on Australia's Gold Coast have joined forces, for the first time, to create a new wining and dining promotion called 'Dished up Food and Wine on the Coast with the Most', never before seen in Australia.

For details,Click Here

Starwood's Miguel Ko: 'The worst is over as tourism picks up'

Starwood  Asia Pacific chief Miguel Ko doesn't come to Australia often. But when he does, he stays at the Sheraton. In Sydney for a conference this week, Mr Ko said he believed the hotel market was close to bottoming out, if it hadn't already, and conditions would pick up from the middle of next year.  

For further details,Click Here

Study on Geotourism released

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) and National Geographic Traveler magazine released results of their first, large-scale national study of the current and potential consumer market for geotourism. 

For details,Click Here

New campaign to build business tourism to Australia 

Australia's business tourism sector is set to benefit from a new global advertising campaign launched, Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) Managing Director Ken Boundy said.   

For details,Click Here

Expedia US moves into corporate market

eTid.com  -  Expedia.com said last Wednesday it is planning to launch a dedicated corporate travel and technology services division by the end of the year.

For details,Click Here

Ian Schrager Hotels Expands Management Team To Achieve New Kind Of Luxury Service

Ian Schrager Hotels is redefining and reinventing luxury service for modern travelers in a modern way, much in the way that our innovative visuals and unique approach have redefined the entire hotel experience , Mr. Schrager said. Our goal, quite simply, is to meet and exceed our customers' expectations. This is a major focus of our company.

For details,Click Here

Hotels With Fewer Frills May Be Lodging Industry's Darlings in 2003

As flashy, upscale hotel properties from the "Decade of Greed" in the 1980s slide into obsolescence, and post-Sept. 11 changes in hotel occupancy trends run their course, midscale hotels without food and beverage services--the rising darlings of the U.S. lodging industry since the more austere 1990s--will become more valuable per room than their full-service sister operations, predicts a study from Penn State and HVS International.  

For details,Click Here