Hotel News in Brief

Nov 28, 12 | 12:09 am

Some current conversation starters...

Dubai says it's getting back in the business of biggest.

After years of downsized ambitions because of a debt crisis, Dubai has unveiled plans for a new tourism-retail hub that will include a shopping complex that would outclass the Dubai Mall, billed as the world's biggest. State news agency WAM says the planned development on the city's desert outskirts will include luxury hotels and a major theme park, a goal derailed by Dubai's fiscal meltdown in 2009. No timetable was announced Sunday for the Mohammed Bin Rashid City. But it allows Dubai ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to put his personal moniker on a mega-project after the country's president, Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, took the honour for the record-tall Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai.

HeBS Digital, the leading digital marketing and direct online strategy firm for the hospitality industry, has been recognized by the International Academy of Visual Arts with five Davey Awards in website design, online advertising and social media categories, including a Gold Award for the Revere Hotel website.

HeBS Digital received the following 2012 Davey Awards in the Hotel/Lodging Category:

Gold Award

• Revere Hotel website

Silver Awards

• Casa Moderna Miami website

• Le Parc Suite Hotel website

• Shell Vacations Hospitality Black Friday minisite

• BNP Paribas Facebook Sweepstakes

"There are so many factors that go into the creative process behind any hotel website or online marketing campaign.  HeBS Digital works closely with its clients during this process, providing the creative direction necessary to achieve cutting-edge designs while making sure functionality is never compromised.  We are honored to have won these awards and to share them with our clients" said Max Starkov, President and CEO of HeBS Digital. With nearly 4,000 entries from across the US and around the world, the Davey Awards honors the finest creative work from the best small firms, agencies and companies worldwide. Judges include the "who's who" of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms. Entries are judged to evaluate distinction in creative work.

Travellers from China to Israel are advised to adjust their travel plans, since outbound travel alert is raised to red, due to recent violence in Gaza.

In view of the latest developments in Israel, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government raised on Wednesday the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for the country to red. Residents intending to visit the country should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel. Those already there should exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid protests and large gatherings of people, and monitor local announcements on the latest situation. Residents should also avoid all travel to Gaza and nearby areas due to the volatile security situation. The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue updates through the media and the OTA webpage.

Key Appointments in the Industry

Congratulations to these new appointments...

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort in Langkawi, has appointed Norsidah Ahmad as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Norsidah's career in hospitality spans 10 years across Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Prior to this new role, Norsidah was the Complex Director of Sales for the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort and Four Points by Sheraton Langkawi Resort. In addition to driving revenue, some of her other past achievements included helping the resorts win several incentive awards.

Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Carl Volschenk as Director of Sales and Marketing with immediate effect. Carl has more than 11 years of extensive experience in hospitality industry with Sales and Marketing roles. He has been acknowledged in his performance for the success to the companies. Prior to joining Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel, he was Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Oman Hotel.

The Latest in Hotel Openings

IHG has opened the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in India. The Holiday Inn Express Ahmedabad, and a further 18 properties under the same brand, are being developed through a joint venture partnership between Duet India Hotels (DIH) which holds a 76% stake and InterContinental Hotels Group which has a 24% equity stake. Located in close proximity to the airport and city centre, the 173-room property offers a core range of facilities as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast.

Best Western International - The World's Largest Hotel Chain® - has announced the launch of an exquisite new upscale property nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Located in Oberstdorf, close to Germany's border with Austria, BEST WESTERN PLUS Hotel Alpenhof offers 61 rooms and suites with wide balconies and terraces offering breathtaking views across the Alpine countryside. All rooms also come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi. Whatever time of year guests stay, they will be treated to a wonderful array of food and beverage offerings. During the summer, the Panorama Restaurant offers a south-facing terrace with stunning vistas across the surrounding hills. In winter, when snow coats the landscape, guests can relax in the cozy fireside bar and lounge, which includes a library. Health and fitness is a key element of the hotel, with a 500m² wellness complex including a large swimming pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, infra-red sauna, relaxation rooms, gym, sun terrace and a lawn for sunbathing. Additional wellness offerings are available in the hotel's beauty and massage departments. Business travellers are also catered to with a 25-seat conference room, perfect for scenic meetings.

Marriott International, Inc. is thrilled to announce the addition of the new Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel to its portfolio in Canada. When opened, the hotel will represent the first Renaissance Hotel to open in Alberta. Marriott International currently operates 74 hotels in Canada representing nine brands in its global portfolio, which includes eighteen brands. The newly constructed hotel will be owned and operated by Platinum Investments Ltd., and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2013. The property was originally scheduled to open under the Courtyard by Marriott brand but will now be fully redesigned to reflect Renaissance Hotels, a full-service lifestyle hospitality brand. In order to complete this transformation, Platinum Investments Ltd. has invested substantial capital into the project.