Hotel Industry News In Brief

Sep 06, 12 | 12:09 am

Some current conversation starters…

Moscow hotels saw their profitability jump 44% year-on-year to €66.09 last month, reports TRI Hospitality.

It was the biggest increase in gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) of the ten major European cities studied by TRI in July. Next best were Prague and Warsaw, with GOPPAR growth of 28.9% to €21.69 and 23.9% to €33.90 respectively. The only other cities to achieve growth were Berlin, up 19.7% at €39.01, and Paris, up 5.5% at €91.68. London GOPPAR fell 3%, albeit to €137.30, by far the highest of the ten, while Amsterdam was down 9.1% at €69.93. Vienna, Athens and Milan saw double-digit declines in profitability of 14% to €28.57, 50.4% to €33.90 and 58.3% to €11.45 respectively. Click here to see the full July 2012 report.

New research reveals generation of ‘Happy Singles’ who love to holiday

Today we are seeing a rapidly growing 35-50 year old single traveller market, which no longer sees a stigma in travelling solo, says Andrew Williams, Managing Director for Solos Holidays. New research has revealed a new generation of ‘single and happy’ 35-50 year olds. Almost half of those surveyed stated that they enjoyed being single, and approximately 40% felt that there was no stigma to being single any more, having seen a real shift in public perception over the past few years. The research was undertaken by Solos Holidays, the UK’s leading specialist for solo travellers, who have seen a growing trend in people of this age group looking to holiday ‘solo’. Over 60% of those surveyed confirmed that holidays were extremely important to them, and 70% stated that, in spite of the current climate, they would continue to take the same number of holidays over the next three years, with 23% claiming they would actually be likely to increase the number of holidays they took. While a significant number of over 50 year old travellers confirmed they still had a ‘keen sense of adventure’ (over 20%), by far the biggest driver for choosing a solo holiday was for more leisurely relaxation. Andrew Williams, Managing Director for Solos Holidays comments: “The singles market is the fastest growing sector in travel today, and we have been leading the way in this market place for over 30 years. Today we are seeing a rapidly growing 35-50 year old single traveller market, which no longer sees a stigma in travelling solo, and we continue to adapt our offer to cater to their needs and to ensure we remain top of our field.” By Vicky Karantzavelou.

Jumeirah Restaurants Make the ‘101 Best Hotel Restaurants Around the World’ List

Jumeirah, the global luxury hospitality group and a member of Dubai Holding, is delighted to announce that Al Mahara, the seafood restaurant in Burj Al Arab, and The Rib Room steakhouse in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, have both made it on to The Daily Meal’s first annual ‘101 Best Hotel Restaurants Around the World’ List. Based in the United States, The Daily Meal is the largest and highest quality resource for food and drink information and inspiration on the web. The List, described as ‘a carefully curated collection’ of ‘the world’s most exemplary hotel feasts’, was compiled through recommendations from The Daily Meal’s editors, who have travelled extensively around the world, and by consulting various trusted sources such as the Michelin Guide. The List includes restaurants from 6 continents, 40 countries and nations, and more than 80 cities. Al Mahara and The Rib Room, both located in Dubai hotels [http://www.jumeirah.com/Hotels-and-Resorts/Reiseziele/Dubai/Jumeirah-Emirates-Towers ], are the only two outlets selected from the GCC, and appear next to internationally recognised hotel restaurants such as Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athenee Hotel (Paris) and Joel Robuchon Restaurant at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas).

Key Appointments in the Industry

Congratulations to these new appointments…

Palm Resort Berhad is pleased to announce the appointment of George Loong as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Palm Resort Golf and Country Club, while doubling up as the General Manager of the resort’s hotel, the Le Grandeur Palm Resort, with immediate effect. Loong joined the Le Grandeur Palm Resort in February 2011 initially to oversee the running of the hotel but was later expanded in portfolio to include the management of Palm Resort Golf and Country Club as its CEO to look after the existing membership base, sales and marketing, financial aspects and the operations of its various Club, Golf and Food & Beverage sections. Prior to Johor, Loong spent eight and a half years with the Hotel Grand Continental in Kuala Terengganu. He has over 50 years of experience in the hotel industry with well-known groups such as Merlin, Micasa and the Grand Continental hotels. This, with the advantage of being a veteran golfer, Loong is entrusted with the task of running the golf resort in its entirety. “It is a challenge I greatly welcome as I deem this as job enrichment where I am able to adapt golf, which is my beloved sport, to managing a business related to it,” said Loong.

A new boss has been named for Italy by Sabre Travel Network. Marco Benincasa becomes country director, joining from electronic payment system provider eNett where he was area director for southern Europe. He replaces Antonella Vecchio who has been promoted to business development director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and has relocated to Sabre’s regional headquarters in London. Benicasa’s career includes working for rival Travelport as vice president for southern Europe and as managing director of regional airline Air One. Sabre vice president for western Europe Stephane Aita said: “Marco is a well-known and respected figure in the Italian travel industry. “His experience, extensive knowledge of the business and his strong travel agency relationships will give us the drive and dedicated focus we need to grow in this marketplace.”

The Latest in Hotel Openings

First Christchurch city hotel re-opens since earthquake — launch of IIS a key part of city’s renewal. Ibis Christchurch opened its doors today (4 September), becoming the first city centre hotel to re-open since the February 2011 earthquake. The Ibis – located in Hereford Street, just off Cathedral Square – has undergone major remedial work, including the renovation of all 155 rooms and public areas, as well as structural strengthening to meet the city’s new building code. Just four years old when the quake hit, the Ibis received only minor damage and re-opens as a virtually new hotel featuring the latest Ibis branding and facilities. The hotel opening will play a crucial role in the revitalisation of Christchurch’s tourism sector, signaling that the city is firmly back on the map and ready to welcome visitors. It will be a major benefit to business travellers and officials involved in the reconstruction of the city, allowing easier access to buildings and offices around the city centre and encouraging other businesses to re-open to service the new demand. Local residents will also receive a boost with up to 50 people employed at the hotel. The launch of the hotel comes a month after the announcement of a masterplan for the “re-imagining” of the city. The Ibis will be very close to the proposed convention centre as well as other key tourism, shopping and entertainment facilities.

Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading US-based independent hospitality management company, has announced that Snow King Resort, located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has joined the company’s portfolio of prestigious, independently-branded properties.  Burt Cabañas, chairman and CEO, made the announcement. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Snow King Resort to Benchmark Hospitality International,” said Mr. Cabañas.  “As distinctive as Jackson Hole’s legendary Old West destination is awe-inspiring, Snow King is a wonderful addition to our expanding portfolio of properties.” “The acquisition of Snow King Resort represents the second in a series of strategic acquisitions whereby JMI Realty Partners IV has identified a terrific asset in an irreplaceable location,” said John Kratzer, chairman and CEO of JMI Realty, the new owner of the hotel.  “We’ll begin a large-scale renovation and repositioning program in an effort to achieve the asset’s full potential.  We are extremely happy to have Benchmark Hospitality International play a key role in the transformation of Snow King.” Snow King Resort is located in Downtown Jackson Hole at the base of Snow King Mountain, just minutes from the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.  In the heart of Wyoming's legendary ski country, Snow King Resort features comprehensive all-season recreational opportunities, superb dining, outstanding social and corporate gathering spaces, and diverse lodging choices:  Guests of the resort can select from the Snow King Hotel, the adjacent Snow King Condominiums, and the Grand View Luxury Lodge.