Hotel News in Brief

Feb 03, 10 | 1:45 am

76% of people believe that airlines should charge 'Fat Tax', according to the latest poll on leading travel site Skyscanner. Only 22% of voters disapproved against such a move, with more than 550 people taking part in the poll altogether. Such a ruling would force those who could not comfortably fit into a standard airline seat to purchase a second, normally at a discounted rate. The recent furore over the misreported issue of Air France launching a ‘Fat Tax' has re-inflamed the debate over whether airlines should charge very obese passengers for an extra seat. Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and director commented: "So called ‘Fat Tax' is a very sensitive issue for airlines; they will have to tread carefully so as not to alienate heavier passengers. On one hand, it's not unreasonable for airlines to charge passengers extra if they occupy more than one seat. On the other, many would argue that it should be the responsibility of airlines to adjust their standard seat size, enabling them to comfortably accommodate all passengers." Although the majority of those polled voted in favour of such a move, many felt such charges would be unfair. "Seats should be suitable for all: tall, short, fat or thin. One person, one fare" said one Skyscanner user.
Others suggested that charges should be calculated on the weight of the person and baggage combined. The Pacific island of Nauru is currently classified as the world's fattest country with 94.5% of the population overweight, according to the WHO. The UK ranks as the 28th fattest country, with 63.8% of Brits testing the scales. With the average weight of humans trending upwards, it's possible that adjustments to standard seat sizes will have to be made at some point in the future. There may also be opportunities for airlines to specifically target the overweight sector, offering entire planes with larger seats, or a range of seat sizes at different prices.

The Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association (HMAA) has today applauded the announcement of a $20 million partnership between Tourism Australia and the Australian tourism industry. Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, announced a further $11 million contribution from airlines, state and regional tourism organisations in addition to the $9 million in marketing funds which were announced in October 2009. The funding will be used to boost international marketing campaigns in New Zealand, China, Hong King, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia Indonesia and the Gulf region during the first half of 2010. HMAA CEO, Lorraine Duffy noted that this will reinvigorate key inbound destinations such as Cairns and the Gold Coast. Funds will also be employed to stimulate domestic business travel which suffered significant decreases during 2009. Tourism Australia has joined forces with 11 airline partners and 7 state tourism organisations in the recovery effort which aims to take advantage of renewed consumer confidence. Minister Ferguson emphasised that government and the private sector need to be on the front foot in presenting Australia as an attractive and compelling destination as the global economy continues to recover.The announcement comes after a December 2009 survey by the Tourism and Transport Forum showed that visitor nights were down 7.2% over the last 12 months whilst the number of Australians travelling overseas continues to grow annually. HMAA Chief Executive, Lorraine Duffy, welcomed the investment and stressed the need to market Australia as a serious tourist destination. Ms Duffy commented, "This investment shows a commitment to establishing Australia as a key tourist destination. We have plenty to offer the international traveller but we need to take the opportunity to reinvigorate our national image and establish ourselves as a travel destination not to be missed. This is the right time to invest as consumers are starting to recover confidence in the economy". Whilst a recent business snapshot survey by HMAA revealed that accommodation operators were holding their own, it also identified that up to 30% of operators were struggling to see a return on their capital investment, which questions the ongoing sustainability of the industry. This additional injection by the Federal Government towards Business Events is "a timely and business confidence boost to regional accommodation operators that so heavily rely on conference and meetings"- said Ms Duffy.

Award-winning luxury boutique heritage mansion, Carcosa Seri Negara, is set to reopen on 01 February 2010 as a Saujana Hotels & Resorts property, under the direct management of Malaysian-based Peremba Group. Set within four hectares of lush manicured lawns overlooking Lake Gardens, this colonial mansion is an oasis of tranquility right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Once the official residence of the Federated Malay States' first Resident General, the national landmark has played host to numerous heads of states including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. With Hotel Manager, Mrs Caroline Filtzinger-Win Lwin, at the helm, Carcosa Seri Negara retains all its charm, complemented by graceful Malaysian hospitality.

Accor, as a leader in the hospitality industry, understands that there is a moral obligation to improve the quality of people's lives in countries in which it operates.  With this objective in mind, Accor has established the "Yim Kids Foundation" to act as a channel to improve the health, education and well being of children in need throughout various parts of Thailand. Those that are most vulnerable and constantly victims of poverty, are the children living in slums and far-flung, impoverished communities in Thailand. These children are often denied of opportunities for a proper education, basic nutrition, and in many cases, a safe place to call "home". Yim Kids Foundation (Yim is the Thai word for "smile"), with the help of Accor's 8,000 employees and 43 hotels and resorts throughout Thailand, will initiate fund-raising activities and projects to raise money to help these children in need.

Carlson Hotels and The Mayapada Group have revealed their partnership to bring luxury brand Regent to Indonesia. Scheduled to open in 2011, The Regent Bali opening comes after Carlson Hotels announced that it will open a Regent property in Gurgaon, India. The Regent Bali will be located on Sanur Beach and each of the 110 rooms will feature Balinese-inspired décor. Developed by Indonesian conglomerate The Mayapada Group, The Regent Bali will be operated by Carlson Hotels. The accompanying Regent Residences Bali will be wholly owned, developed and operated by The Mayapada Group.

A 500-million euro movie theme park named after Italy's internationally renowned Cinecitta film studio is to be built on the outskirts of the capital, Rome. The theme park will be called 'Cinecitta World' and will be constructed on 150 hectares of land at Castel Romano. According to a report in the Italian daily, La Repubblica, the theme park will include 35 family attractions, as well as restaurants, snack bars and shops. It will be built on the same location where Hollywood producer Dino De Laurentiis had his studios during the 1960s. The project has been approved by the urban commission of the Lazio council, responsible for the region surrounding Rome and it is expected to generate around 2,500 jobs. The theme park is expected to open in early 2011 but the company behind the project, Cinecitta World, has plans for others.

Hampshire Hotels and Resorts has announced that it is looking to invest approximately US$1 billion to develop 14 hotels across India between 2010 and 2014. The new developments are scheduled to be located in cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai. Currently, Hampshire Hotels has already invested approximately US$250 million in India.

Palais Stephanie, the newly renovated luxury hotel in Cannes, was granted its fifth star by the commissioner of the Alpes-Maritimes departement in southeast France. Accredited experts based the hotel's new classification upon extensive appraisals and surprise audits encompassing 124 mandatory and a hundred optional criteria. These procedures ensured that Palais Stephanie met the strict standards of exceptional customer service, sustainable development, amenities and food services. The Alpes-Maritimes departement is one of France's state administrative subdivisions and is the official governmental unit with the authority to award classifications to hotels of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region. "Through the recent restoration, this classic hotel was transformed into a vibrant and fashionable destination reflecting its glamorous film heritage," said General Director Richard Duvauchelle. "The 5-star classification is an exciting moment for Palais Stephanie, and is a culmination of our team's tireless efforts to offer a chic and upscale hotel option for all travelers providing unparalleled service and amenities." The hotel sits on the original site of the Palais des Congres, where the first Cannes Film Festivals were held. The dramatic redesign of the hotel pays tribute to the legendary film stars of festivals past, such as Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and Liz Taylor, whose timeless glamour accentuate the Palais' design. The impressive architecture and decor, spacious 261 rooms, impeccable food services, and the exceptional customer relations including services for disabled guests, all come together for unforgettable five-star experience.