Global Hospitality News - ARCHIVE 2002

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2002
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News Archive for July, 2002

July 15, 2002 - July 31, 2002

July 15

What is My Restaurant Real Estate Worth?

Part 2   Written By:  Richard D. Williams   

HVS Food & Beverage Services

This article is a basic introduction to the valuation of the real estate, including the land and improvements, i.e., the building, landscaping and parking lot. Restaurant improvements are typically designed to accommodate a specific concept or type of restaurant, and may require extensive remodeling to suit the needs of a different owner or tenant if the original restaurant operator vacates the property, even if the improvements continue to be used as a restaurant.

For full report,Click Here

Digital certificates for frequent travellers soon?

Frequent travellers may be carrying digital certificates soon if a current trial of a "secure-travel (s-travel) initiative" by members of the global aviation community working with smart card and biometric integration companies proves successful.

For details, Click Here

2003 PATA conference to focus on Heritage

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced a range of initiatives for the 52nd PATA Annual Conference, to be held in Bali, Indonesia, April 13-17, 2003

For details,Click Here

Radisson SAS launches seven new hotels in first half of 2002

Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts opened four new hotels in the first six months of 2002 in France, the UK, Ireland and Poland. Another three contracts were signed for hotels located in Birmingham, Ankara and Istanbul, thus bringing the international hotel chain's portfolio to a total of 149 hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. 

details,Click Here

HVS Hospitality Enews Europe

TOPICS:  Investor Appetite Appears Strong for Little Chef and Travelodge Brands;  The Skylon's Not the Limit for McEniff Brothers; Dutch Courage Pulls Through the NH Brand; Spanish Real Estate Rules - Trio Active in European Hotel Market; Danubius' Distress Call Over Dubious Profits; Orbis Sounds Out Echo's Old Stake;  New KHIGs on the Block; Prague Hotel to Advance from Communist Era; SAS Looks to Broaden its Hotel Horizon; UK Brewer's Investors Ferment With No Strategic News Forthcoming; Portuguese Entrepreneur Invests in Hotel Construction; Absolute Share Price Performance Over the Past Week 27/06/02-04/07/02; The European Hotel Market;  Millennium & Copthorne

To read the full review on above topics, Click Here

HFTP, AH&LA and EI to Produce the 10th Edition of the Uniform System of

Accounts for the Lodging Industry

HFTP?, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and AH&LA's Educational Institute are collaborating to produce the 10th edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry. This important reference book for financial professionals in the lodging industry debuted in 1925 and the most current edition, the ninth edition, was published in 1995.

details,Click Here

Home Advantage? The 2002 World Cup And the Impact on the Hotel Markets of Host Nations

Jones Lang LaSalle, the world's largest real estate services and investment management firm, has released a research report that examines the impact of the 2002 World Cup on the real estate markets of the host nations. The report also looks beyond 2002 and draws out the implications of the experiences of previous hosts.

full report,Click Here

Australia means business in Asia

Australia is stepping up its business tourism activity in Asia with both the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) and the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) pouring more marketing dollars into the region.

details,Click Here

Corporate travel boom in China

Global travel companies have long been aware of the importance of being on the ground in China, and most major ones have already been there well ahead of China's entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) last year.  

details,Click Here


July 17, 2002


Casinos Seen with Better Luck Than Hotels

Hotel companies should see some rain on their red carpets when they report second-quarter earnings in the weeks ahead, while their casino cousins should show some -- but not much -- better luck, as both groups look for signs of recovery in the downtrodden travel industry.  

details,Click Here

News@PATA

For the rest of this weeks PATA update,Click Here

Broadband taking flight again?

When major airlines start offering frills like onboard e-mail and online services, it's a sign that life has returned to normal in the aviation industry.  

details,Click Here

China to further open tourism sector: official

China will further open up its tourism sector to foreign competition, including allowing foreign operators to hold majority stakes in joint ventures or set up solely-owned businesses, a senior tourism official has said.  

details,Click Here

Cell phones put the pinch on hotel phones, profits

A pocket-sized vermin called the wireless phone is eating a hole in profits of the nation's hotels, taking a bite from one of their most lucrative income streams, according to hotel operators.

Hoteliers say revenues from in-room phone calls -- once an easy profit source because of high mark-ups -- are down by half or more from where they were when wireless phones began to take off in the mid-1990s after a new group of carriers entered the arena with digital service.  

details,Click Here

Ireland:  Tourism industry hit hard

An urgent re-appraisal of Government policy for tourism-related industries in the wake of the significant downturn in US visitors to Ireland and the catastrophic impact which the poor summer is having on the home holiday industry was called for yesterday by the Small Firms Association. 

details,Click Here


July 18, 2002


Travel pro: Hassles deter fliers

With the travel industry in turmoil since Sept. 11, 4,200 corporate travel managers and travel-industry representatives are at the National Business Travel Association's convention in Salt Lake City this week to discuss the industry's changes and trends. USA TODAY business travel reporter Chris Woodyard spoke with NBTA president Kevin Iwamoto. Iwamoto is also a travel manager for Hewlett-Packard. Excerpts here have been edited for length and clarity.

interview text,Click Here


Singapore Visitor Arrivals in May 2002

Singapore visitor arrivals in May 2002 fell marginally by 0.1% over the same month in 2001, to a total of 605,532 visitors. India performed well and it overtook Australia, UK, South Korea and Thailand to become the fifth largest visitor-generating market into Singapore in May.

detailed report including statistical breakdown,Click Here


PATA Mart may move again

PATA is now seriously considering the option of a limited rotation of its annual mart from 2004.  

details,Click Here


Almost back to normal in Malaysia

Malaysia's tourist arrivals are something the country has much to shout about, says Mirza Mohammad Taiyab,  director-international marketing, Tourism Malaysia. "In 2001, the number of visitors to Malaysia hit 12.77 million, the highest figure we've had," he says. And if not for September 11, the number could have hit 14 million, he adds. 

details,Click Here


UK tourism firms urged to 'Go for IT'
cSmall UK tourism businesses are being urged to get online with a new business support pack launched by Tourism minister Kim Howells.  

details,Click Here

Moody's upgrades Four Seasons outlook
Moody's Investors Service said  it is changing its outlook on Toronto-based Four Seasons Hotels Inc. to stable from negative, based on the company's rebound from the initial impact of Sept. 11.  

details,Click Here


Travellers now seeking environmentally responsible holidays, even at extra cost, says new IHEI report

The environmental impact of holidays may not be of primary concern for the queuing millions at Britain's airports, but a survey-based report by the International Hotels Environment Initiative (IHEI) shows a new desire by tourists to play an active part in preserving the planet.  For not only now, but the future.  

details,Click Here


China: Hoteliers up rivalry by franchising

The famous international hotel brands dotted along the streets of major Chinese cities reflect how powerful franchising has become for foreign hoteliers expanding their China presence.  

details,Click Here


Business opportunities abound at PATA sustainable event

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has created a face-to-face business platform for buyers and sellers of ecotourism, adventure travel, agritourism, homestays and geotourism.

details,Click Here


It's official: Worst year ever for aviation

2001 was the worst year ever in the history of air transport according to the 46th edition of IATA's World Air Transport Statistics (WATS). Using data provided by more than 200 IATA member airlines, WATS presents a complete statistical picture of a calamitous 2001.  

details,Click Here


July 19, 2002


Germany Annual Review 2002

Momentum keeps hotel performance strong

HotelBenchmark.com  -  Hotel performance in Germany's major cities improved steadily in the late 1990's to what was generally described as a 'boom' in 2000. Leading hotels in many major cities achieved occupancy rates near or above seventy percent, along with healthy increases in average rate. 

detailed report,Click Here


Asian investors investing again Down Under

Asian investors have returned to the Australian hotel market. Over the six months to June 2002, Asian investors have snapped up almost 80 percent of the total value of hotels sold.

details, Click Here


Cendant Reports Record Results for Second Quarter 2002

Cendant Corporation  reported record second quarter 2002 adjusted earnings per share (including income from discontinued operations) of $0.40. The Company raised its projection for adjusted earnings per share (including income from discontinued operations) for 2002 to $1.45 from $1.36, a 38% increase over the results for 2001. 

details,Click Here


Global Lodging Monthly from Deutsche Bank AG

The month in Europe - investment commentary

Given the absolute declines in share prices, it has been hard to convince hotel executives that June has  actually been a good month for the stocks! In reality, the calamitous state of broader equity markets (and the negative 'surprises' that have been almost commonplace elsewhere), has resulted in the hotel sector being seen as something of a 'safe haven'.  

details,Click Here


Visitors flooding into China

More than 6 million foreigners from 234 countries and regions entered China during the first six months of this year, the government said Tuesday, a marker of international interest in a country that has made a priority of "opening up" to the world.  

details,Click Here


Celebrating half a year of achievement, the Carino Collection outperforms in corporate travel market

The CARINO Collection opens London office, has a portfolio of more than 70 hotels in less 6 months

Six months after its official launch, The CARINO Collection has come a long way led by President Joe Carino, The CARINO Collection has built a portfolio of more than 70 hotels, with six in New York City alone. To coincide with the celebration of its six-month anniversary, Carino announced today the opening of new offices in London, England, at 23 Berkeley Square W1J 6HE, London UK.  

further details,Click Here


Arabian Travel Market 2003 sales off to flying start

Floor space sales for the 10th edition of Arabian Travel Market - the Middle East's premier travel and tourism show - have got to an early flying start with a host of destinations and hotel groups expanding the size of their participation for 2003.  "Response from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia has been particularly strong," said Matt Thompson, Group Exhibition Director, Overseas Events, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), which organises Arabian Travel Market.

details,Click Here


July 22 , 2002


Aftereffects of 9/11 still hurting tourism in Europe  

France, Sweden and Britain are among countries still seeing fewer Americans than usual. And among those Americans who are traveling, some are keeping their nationality hidden.

further details,Click Here


Online Travel -- Might Congress Step In?

The possibility of Congressional action in the online travel sector was raised  at a House subcommittee hearing in Washington called to examine supplier-owned online travel sites such as Orbitz.  

details,Click Here


Legacy profit rises as hotel demand recovers

Legacy Hotels said its second-quarter profit rose as demand for luxury hotel rooms recovered slightly, but added it remained cautious because it was difficult to predict business levels as tourism and travel recover from the Sept. 11 attacks.  

details,Click Here


Biz travel associations form global alliance

A group of business travel associations from around the globe announced  the formation of a new international alliance.  

details,Click Here


2002 Manhattan Hotel Performance to Approximately Equal 2001 Occupancy and Average Daily Rate

PricewaterhouseCoopers  issued its 2002 and 2003 forecasts for Manhattan hotels for the rest of the year. In 2002, occupancy will be 74.0 percent and average daily rate will be $187. In 2001, occupancy was 73.3 percent and average daily rate was $197.

details,Click Here


Hotel business centres are money spinners

Hotels say their business centres are profit centres, showing incremental growth year-on-year. This despite the fact that in-room facilities and services like internet connectivity are readily available.

details,Click Here


The International Council of Tourism Partners announce its participation in the upcoming Second Global Summit on Peace

The International Council of Tourism Partners announce its participation in the upcoming Second Global Summit on Peace through Tourism to be held in Geneva, Switzerland on February 5-8, 2003.

details,Click Here


3rd Annual E-Tourism Summit to Focus on New 24-Hour TV Travel Network

The Third Annual E-Tourism Summit will go beyond the online world to explore how (and if) the convergence of home-shopping style travel will work with the Internet to give rise to a new channel of sales and destination promotion.

details,Click Here


South Pacific update

For the latest update,Click Here


July 23 , 2002


Raffles Holdings' H1 net profit tumbles 95%

Hotel group Raffles Holdings is reporting a 95 percent slide in first-half net profits in the wake of last year's September 11 terrorist attacks. 

details, Click Here


Indian Hotels first quarter net profit declines 70 per cent

The Indian Hotels Company (IHC) has reported a 70 per cent decline in net profit to Rs 2.02 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2002, compared with a profit of Rs 6.65 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal.

details, Click Here


HVS International Hospitality Report: California

Introduction by: Suzanne Mellen HVS International

The State of California represents a powerhouse within the U.S hospitality industry and we would like to take this opportunity to provide an overview of the state's key markets during the current challenging operating environment. HVS International will provide an overview of key markets in this and the next two issues of the HVS Global Report.  

details,Click Here


Accor Asia Update

Accor Asia is the regions largest international hotel management company with 87 hotels under its Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure and Ibis brands. Accor does not franchise hotels in China or other countries in Asia, preferring instead to develop government approved joint ventures with respected and established Chinese partners.  

details, Click Here


News@PATA

PATA LONDON SHOWCASE IN OCTOBER

The PATA UK Chapter will hold its annual PATA London Showcase on October 7, 2002 at the Hyde Park Inter-continental Hotel, London. Over 1,000 buyers are expected to attend the event.

this weeks complete news and update on PATA, Click Here


Disney Plans New Asian Theme Park

Disney is planning to build a third theme park in Asia with Shanghai cited as the next location. The Walt Disney Company has signed a letter of intent with the Chinese city to build the park, according to reports in the Hong Kong Economic Times.

details,Click Here


Fine Dining, Culinary Arts, Cookery Courses and Conch Put Turks and Caicos on the Gastronomic Map

The first ever culinary arts festival in August signals yet another recipe for success in the Turks and Caicos Islands following new restaurant openings, an exciting partnership with Chef Allen, the prestigious Chaine-des-Rotisseurs contest and a brand new "Exotic Culinary Journey" package which promises to bring tasty possibilities to visitors during and long after their vacations.

details, Click Here


Need to kill time at the airport?

A network of airport lounges has been set up in the Asian region that caters to the neglected lot - business travellers travelling on economy class. 

details,Click Here


July 24, 2002


U.S. Hotels Still Waiting on Recovery

Six months after predicting recovery for their industry in the second half of 2002, hotel companies and experts are rolling back the red carpet en masse until early next year, if not later.  

details, Click Here


Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. reports Second Quarter Results

Exceeds Second Quarter Forecast - Maintains 2002

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. ("FHR" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FHR)  announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2002.

detailed report, Click Here


DC Marriott Hotels Launch Exclusive 96-Page Guide to Provide Tools for Discovering 'More Than the Monuments' in DC: Marriott Celebrates Heritage and Culture in Nation's Capital with New Travel Offer

"Marriott Celebrates Washington, DC: More Than the Monuments" is a comprehensive guide showcasing culture and heritage in Washington, DC beyond the traditional sites to focus on the city's most diverse and fascinating neighborhoods and communities.  

details,Click Here


Radisson SAS adds seven new hotels in first half of 2002

Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts has opened four new hotels in the first six months of this year in France, UK, Ireland and Poland. Another three contracts were signed for hotels in Birmingham, Ankara and Istanbul, bringing the international hotel chain's portfolio to a total of 149 hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

details, Click Here


A week in the life of Glasgow Hilton 

What does it take to be Glasgow's only five-star hotel? Planning, pizzazz and a knack for juggling 500 tournedos rossini, says Karen Peattie  

details,Click Here


IH&RA Announces Theme of 2002 Environmental Award

IH&RA, the International Hotel & Restaurant Association, invites hotels and restaurants around the world to apply today for the IH&RA 2002 Environmental Award which recognizes outstanding examples of best environmental practice from both corporate and independent establishments. This award, now in its 12th year, is sponsored by American Express Establishment Services and focuses on Energy and Indoor Air Quality in Hotels & Restaurants. 

further details,Click Here


July 25, 2002


Performance review:  Australia - Annual 2002

Consumer confidence wavers

HotelBechmark.com  -   Australia's slowing economy was the precursor to a series of events altering patterns of inbound visitation and domestic holiday uptake and also undermining the confidence of Australia's consuming public. Despite this period of weaker consumer sentiment, with impacts directly affecting tourism uptake, business sentiment as it related to the economy was generally positive during 2001.

further details,Click Here


Trump hopes Hotels & Casino's 2Q results attract Wall St.

Real-estate mogul Donald Trump hosted a rare conference call Tuesday to discuss the progress his hotel and gaming company, Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc., has made over the past 18 months, hoping to shore up sagging interest from investors and Wall Street.  

details, Click Here


HITEC 2003 is Already 80 Percent Sold-Out

Eighty percent of the exhibit space for the 2003 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC?) was sold on-site at the 2002 show. Pleased HITEC 2002 exhibitors signed up immediately to ensure that they would have a spot reserved for the show next year in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on June 24 - 26, 2003.

details, Click Here


LaSalle Hotel Properties Reports RevPAR Decline for 2nd Qtr Better than Expectations Due  to Healthy Leisure Demand

LaSalle Hotel Properties reported comparable funds from operations ("FFO") of $10.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 versus $13.3 million for the second quarter of 2001. On a per diluted common share/unit basis, comparable FFO for the second quarter 2002 was $0.52 versus $0.70 a year ago. 

details, Click Here


Tourism Remains Backbone of Jordan's ASEZ

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) authority anticipates that the tourism sector will make up the lion's share of future investments in the zone, claiming approximately 50% of the total within the next 20 years.

details, Click Here


ASEAN revs up marketing

The Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) convened its week of NTO meetings  with a commitment to a higher level of visibility for the region in months to come.  

details, Click Here

Summer hotel splash for UK and Ireland

A number of new properties are opening their doors this summer in key cities in the UK and Ireland.

details,Click Here


July 26, 2002


Starwood Reports Second Quarter 2002 Results

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) ("Starwood" or the "Company")  reported results for the second quarter of 2002.

full report, Click Here


British holidaymakers lead the move for environmentally- responsible travel - says new multi-national report for the International Hotels Environment Initiative (IHEI)

Nine out of 10 people surveyed in the UK believe tourism development is in danger of destroying the environment, compared to 70% of Australians and a third of Americans. The report, out today, is based on the first international survey of consumer attitudes towards the role of hotels in environmental sustainability. 

full report,Click Here


AAA's delay: good or bad?

By Harry Nobles & Cheryl Thompson Griggs

AAA's recent announcement to delay implementation of the latest revision of the Diamond Rating Guidelines has prompted calls and emails from many of our clients.  The most frequently asked questions are "How does this affect my rating"? and "Is this good or bad news for my property"?

details, Click Here


MGM MIRAGE Reports Record Second Quarter Results

MGM MIRAGE (NYSE:MGG)  reported second quarter diluted earnings per share of 56 cents before preopening expenses, restructuring credits and fees received from the buyout of its South Africa management agreement. These earnings are an all-time record for the Company and an increase of 17% compared with 48 cents earned on a similar basis in the 2001 quarter. 

detailed report,Click Here


ComScore Study Reveals Previously Unmeasured Characteristics Of U.S. Online Hispanic Population.

Tourism Technology - The Internet has become a global information source and meeting center for people of varied cultures and ethnicities. In commemoration of Cinco de Mayo, comScore Networks has released new statistics which reveal that the Hispanic community has emerged as one of the fastest growing segments of the Internet population.

further details, Click Here


The State of Wireless Technology and its Impact Within the Hospitality and Travel Industry / HSMAI

The state of wireless technology and its impact on consumers and business systems within the hospitality and travel industry were addressed at the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's (HSMAI) Executive THINK on "Global Wireless Devices: Connecting the Consumer." 

further details, Click Here


Asia to Retain Net User Lead

Tourism Technology  -  From 2001 to 2004, North America will see declines in its percentage of the world's net users as Europe and Latin America post gains. Nevin Cohen and Noah Elkin tabulate Asia-Pacific is staying on top.

details,Click Here


July 29 , 2002


Hotel Delinquency Rate Remains Low, Despite Dramatic Declines in RevPAR in 2001, 2002

PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts that delinquency rates will peak this year at 5.5 percent of outstanding loans, well below the levels in 1991 and 1992 of 16 percent. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' research, the majority of problem loans already have become delinquent or are currently being restructured.

detailed report, Click Here


Bringing Claridge's  Into The 21st Century

Creating New Vision and Management Style

Written By : Gene Ference   Ph.D.  www.ferencegroup.com

Specialists in Organizational Assessments and Performance Cultures

Here is an interesting challenge: take traditional legendary service of a world-renowned, European hotel and introduce change to implement a continuous improvement, team-based, modern service culture. 

detailed report,Click Here


NH Hoteles H1 net 43.9 million euro, up 8.1%; includes 14 million euro one-time gains

Ananova.com  -  NH Hoteles SA said net profit grew 8.1% to 43.9 million euro in the first half to June 30 from a year earlier, boosted by 14 million euro of one-time gains, generated mostly by a "sale and lease-back" operation in February.

Sales climbed 13.2% to 424.9 million euro, while EBITDA declined 6.4% to 105.6 million.

NH Hoteles said the decline was due in part to the lower margins registered at its new hotels.


Hilton finds mold in Hawaiian Village tower - resort closed

Hotel operator Hilton Hotels Corp. (HLT) said on Thursday it discovered mold in one of its Hawaii hotels, a development analysts said could have liability ramifications from both a real estate and personal injury standpoint.  

further details, Click Here


Jordan:  Hospitality industry becoming more acceptable as career choice

'Culture of shame' slackens as young people find employment in hotels, restaurants

Once looked down upon by society jobs in the hospitality industry are attracting more young men and women who are pushing traditional boundaries to begin their professional climb.

further details,Click Here


Where it Pays to Stay: Millennium Hotels and Resorts launches "Partnercard"

FREQUENCY REWARD PROGRAM

Beginning this fall, guests of Millennium Hotels and Resorts properties will enjoy a first-of-its-kind amenity in the United States with the launch of Millennium PartnerCard, an innovative concept in customer loyalty programs.  

further details,Click Here


Kingdom Hotels subsidiary exchanges interest in Fairmont management company for a stake in Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. announced that a subsidiary of Kingdom Hotels, an affiliate of a trust created by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has signed an agreement to exchange its 16.5% interest in Fairmont Hotels Inc. ("FHI"), the Fairmont management company, for shares of the public company FHR. As a result of this transaction, Kingdom will acquire approximately 4% of FHR's outstanding shares.

End of a tough year Down Under

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has described the financial year to June 30 2002 as one that Australian tourism would want to forget.


July 30, 2002


A Contemporary Model for Human Resources

By J. Bruce Tracey, Ph. D., and Arthur Nathan

The Center for Hospitality Research at Cornell University

The human-resource model used by many hospitality firms centralizes HR functions in the human-resource department. One consequence of such centralization is that inefficiencies arise because HR decisions are being made by distant third parties who may not be familiar with the specifics of each  situation.

To read the  full CHR report, Click Here   (Acrobat Reader required)


Economics of Small Hotels

Among the American companies hurt most by the current economic recession and the September 11 attacks are hotel firms. For example, business travel hotel visits have declined as much as 15 per cent in some cities. 

further details,Click Here


Oberoi, KTDC to set up hotels in Kerala

East India Hotels, owners of the Oberoi chain, has entered into a joint venture with the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Christened Oberoi Kerala Hotels and Resorts, the joint venture will set up three premium hotels in the state at Bekel, Thekkady and Alleppey at an initial investment of about Rs 330 crore.

details, Click Here


Midnight buy-out secures future of top Glasgow hotel.

Two English millionaires with a superstitious attachment to citrus fruits have chased off dreamers and time-wasters to save the finest hotel in Glasgow and Henry Kissinger's favourite home from home.

details, Click Here


Crain's top list: New York largest hotels

The Hilton New York hotel ranks as the city's largest hotel, with 2,086 rooms, according to a new list from Crain's New York Business.


Malta: PM applauds the Hilton's standards

The more top class hotels Malta has - the better, Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami claimed yesterday . Speaking during an official visit to the Hilton Hotel in St Julian's, Dr Fenech Adami said Malta's standards are soaring.

details, Click Here


Perks, not price the key

The success of Hotels.com and Expedia's Travelscape has driven hotel companies to retaliate with low-price guarantees. But this was only encouraging consumers to search for lower prices elsewhere, according to online research company, Jupiter.  

details, Click Here


Myanmar eyes ATF 2006

Myanmar's NTO head has confirmed that the nation intends to take its chance to host ATF in Yangon (Rangoon) in 2006 - and that the country has formed a new body for private sector promotion.  

details, Click Here


Brandweek lists Radisson Hotels & Resorts among the nations leading "Superbrands" in travel services

Report Includes Brand Perceptions From More than 35,000 Consumers.

Radisson Hotels & Resorts, a leading, global hotel company, committed to providing personalized, professional guest service and "Genuine Hospitality" at every point of guest contact, was recognized for its marketing efforts in Brandweek's "Superbrands" report.  Brandweek is an influential marketing magazine covering marketing and brand management issues for corporate marketing and communications executives.   

details, Click Here


San Diego Market Overview

Written By: Brian Rodgers  HVS International

While the nation's hospitality industry limped through 2001, there were several cities across the nation that fared reasonably well in spite of the malaise caused by the national economy slowdown and the events of September 11th. San Diego, also known as America's Finest City, was one such city. 

full HVS report, Click Here


Big Easy & Stylish Hotel

When guests enter the three-month-old Loft 523 hotel in New Orleans, they might feel as if they've been transported to the newest ultra-hip building in Soho.  

details, Click Here


Vietnam offers bilateral visa-free to ASEAN

Vietnam has clarified its new visa-free policy to ASEAN countries, stating the country will extend visa-free entry to any nationals of countries which do the same for Vietnamese.

details, Click Here


Hangzhou commissions tourism report; wants one million tourists annually

A Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Task Force inspected Hangzhou, China (PRC) July 15-20. The Task Force will deliver its assessment of Hangzhou's international tourism prospects by mid-September 2002.  

details,Click Here


July 31, 2002


European Hotel Industry:  
5% reduction in RevPAR during the first semester of 2002

MKG Consulting Report

The repercussions of the events of September 11th, and of the economic slowdown weigh down upon the hotel sector, whose results from the first semester of 2002 are lower than those of the first half of 2001. The Northern European countries in particular underwent an economic slowdown. 

comprehensive report,Click Here


News@PATA

SRI LANKA SEMINAR TARGETS CHINA OUTBOUND

PATA and the PATA Sri Lanka Chapter will organise the China Outbound Market Seminar in Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 6-7, 2002. Sri Lanka was recently awarded "approved destination status" by China (PRC). PATA Strategic Information Centre Managing Director, Mr. John Koldowski will address delegates and present newly-available data about China (PRC).

the rest of this week's PATA update, Click Here


Peninsula Group  - "Reasonable Recovery"

Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels Ltd (parent company of Peninsula Group), said its six months to June results reflected a reasonable recovery from the adverse effects of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks.  

further details,Click Here


Santa Barbara Market Overview

Written By: Rachel White   HVS International

The outlook for the lodging market in Santa Barbara is fairly sunny. As a whole, the Santa Barbara-Santa Maria area finished 2001 at 68.2% occupancy, only 2.2 percentage points down from its 70.4% occupancy finish in 2000. 

full details of this HVS Intl. report,Click Here


Macao sees tourist boom in first half of this year

Tourist arrivals in Macao went up a year-on-year 9.3 percent to 5.48 million in the first half of this year, according to the latest figures from the Statistics and Census Services.  

details, Click Here


U.S. hotel bookings show sharp drop-off after Labor Day

Many people appear to be avoiding travel around Sept. 11, causing unusually weak airline and hotel bookings after Labor Day, travel industry officials say. Travel usually slackens after Labor Day, but early indicators suggest the first anniversary of the attacks will see a sharper drop-off than normal.  

details,Click Here


Vietnam plans to triple tourist numbers

Vietnam plans to triple the number of tourists visiting the country to six million a year by 2010, tourism officials said yesterday.  

details, Click Here


Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts celebrate 50th anniversary across the Middle East

Holiday Inn hotels and resorts across the Middle East will join in the global celebrations taking place on August 1 to mark the 50th birthday of the world's best-known hotel name.

details, Click Here