Hotel News in Brief

Mar 11, 10 | 1:45 am

The opening of the Giorgio Armani hotel inside Dubai's Burj Khalifa has been delayed, The National has reported. The hotel had been scheduled to open on March 18, a date set after the delayed launch in January of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. But now the hotel's opening ceremony has been pushed back to April 22 and will open to the public two days later as work on the project is taking longer than planned.

Thanks to a new strategic partnership with boutique hotel company Mantis Group, Preferred Hotel GroupTM has become the largest international hotel brand in South Africa, bringing the total number of members on the continent to 30. These latest 14 additions to the Preferred family range from luxury properties in bustling Cape Town, to unique game reserves in Port Elizabeth and the Kruger National Park - as well as the renowned Draycott Hotel in London. Each of the new members reflects the Mantis Group's approach to developing a collection of some of the world's finest resorts, each selected for their own unique location and recognition of the importance of wildlife, culture, beauty and individuality. "It has always been one of our ambitions to increase Mantis' global presence worldwide. Partnering with such an esteemed organization such as Preferred Hotel Group adds immense value to Mantis," said Adrian Gardiner, Chairman, The Mantis Collection. "This partnership provides our world leading destinations with a competitive advantage and global critical mass and, in return, I believe that we add enriching and rewarding experiences to the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio. We look forward to establishing a prosperous footprint for both brands within Africa and internationally."

First Rate Exchange Services says the estimated 22m Brits planning on visiting eurozone countries this year will get more for their money. The foreign exchange provider says holiday costs have fallen year-on-year across all eurozone countries. Visitors to Spain will do particularly well, getting up to 30% more for their money than last year. Portugal also offers similar value for money for 2010. Gordon Gourlay, managing director of First Rate said: ‘Lower tourist prices across the eurozone are extremely good news for the millions of UK holidaymakers who are  set to make to a return to traditional holiday destinations such as Spain and Portugal this year.‘ UK foreign currency retailers can expect strong demand for the currency as savvy travellers stock up on euros in order to get best value from foreign exchange deals in the UK.'

The U.S. Dept. of Commerce (DOC) Commercial Service helps increase market intelligence on global travel markets by producing original research about select markets.  The winter 2010 edition includes research on some of the strongest markets for inbound tourists as well as new, emerging markets. This edition also contains thirty-four global travel events that are supported by international Commercial Service offices.The Travel & Tourism Team has compiled all of the research and events on the "Travel & Tourism e-Market Express" web page (http://www.buyusa.gov/eme/tra.html). This issue also features a promotional tool that will help develop tourism from India. The Destination USA: India Virtual Matchmaker program scheduled for January 21, 2010. This unique, virtual buyer-seller matchmaking venue is designed to introduce U.S. destinations, hotels and suppliers to prequalified Indian tour operators and travel agents. Participants will get a chance to present information about their destination, company, services and interact with potential Indian partners from New Delhi and Mumbai through a live Internet and telephone-based platform. Several of the Office of Travel & Tourism Industries staff members are part of this team and together we provide the market intelligence and local assistance needed to assist travel and tourism related business improve their success in the international travel marketplace. Within the E-Market Express website, you will find a list of the U.S. domestic team members. Contact Ken Walsh at 314-425-3344 or via email at ken.walsh@mail.doc.gov for questions, comments, or difficulties viewing the Travel & Tourism e-Market Express. Travel & Tourism Team representatives from throughout the U.S. would also be happy to discuss how the U.S. Commercial Service can help your company succeed in the global market.

Aloft(R) Hotels, the new style-at-a-steal brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is cranking up the volume on its music agenda by partnering with one of the year's hottest live music events, "Live in the Vineyard." Aloft's title sponsorship of "Live in the Vineyard," a twice-yearly private "once-in-a-lifetime" live music showcase featuring on-the-verge artists and big name bands alike, also establishes Aloft hotels as the venues for "Live in the Vineyard" artists who will rock it up close and personal with hotel guests and local tastemakers through a series of live acoustic sets at Aloft properties across the country throughout the year. "At Aloft we're always looking for what's next and our 'Live in the Vineyard' partnership gives our guests exceptional behind-the-scenes access to 'the next' in music which is a vital part of the Aloft experience," said Brian McGuinness, Starwood's Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands. Currently going in to its third year, "Live in the Vineyard" (www.liveinthevineyard.com) is the brainchild of music industry veterans Bobbii Hach-Jacobs and Claire Parr. It is an intimate grassroots music festival held at a number of boutique wineries in California's Napa Valley every April and November. Acts currently confirmed to take the stage at the upcoming April 2010 "Live in the Vineyard" event include Train, Melissa Etheridge, Back Street Boys, Macy Gray, Tonic and Ryan Star among others.Tickets for the exclusive events cannot be purchased - they must be won through radio station promotions and online contests and through special Aloft Hotels promotions, including a giveaway with Facebook at www.facebook.com\alofthotels.

ING Clarion has appointed Davidson Hotel Co. as the new manager of the Blue condominium luxury resort, Florida. Davidson is also tasked with converting the 240-suite property into what will become known as the Hyatt Miami at the Blue. The hotel is located on 17 acres, overlooks a golf course and is minutes away from Miami International Airport.

Holidaymakers say high parking charges and long queues in travel agents are forcing them to book online. A survey by online travel agent sunshine.co.uk shows 63% of the 2,365 respondents prefer to look for and book their holidays over the internet. Only 8% said they would never trust the internet to book a holiday, while 29% would search online and visit their high street agent to get the best deal. Of those who claimed they would look for and book their holiday online, 24% liked the fact they didn't have to leave the house, 38% said they were able to view more holidays by doing it themselves on the internet and 21% said there were better prices on the web. When asked what put them off going to a high street agent, 14% said parking fees in their town or city were too high, 28% said they thought they might get stuck in the shop for hours and 11% said they would be pressured into booking a holiday they didn't want. When asked about other advantages to using the internet, 6% said booking from home was much easier, because they didn't have to keep their children occupied and 34% said they could view impartial reviews from consumers. Chris Brown, co-founder of sunshine.co.uk said: ‘Consumers like the freedom of being able to browse through holiday deals at their own leisure and are attracted by the novelty of sourcing out the best offer themselves.'

Courtyard by Marriott has opened the Courtyard Basel under a franchise agreement with the SV (Switzerland) Group. Located just 5 miles from the EuroAirport Basel, with easy access to Basel's city centre, the Courtyard Basel is conveniently located for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers direct access to aquabasilea water park, which features 13,000 square meters of swimming pools, steam rooms, sauna and spa facilities. The Courtyard by Marriott brand features hotels with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road. With more than 860 locations in 30 countries, Courtyard is Marriott's largest brand; 200 additional Courtyard by Marriott hotels will open around the world over the next three years.