Hotel Industry News In Brief

Oct 22, 12 | 12:09 am

Some current conversation starters…

Far East Hospitality Deepens Roots in Singapore — Singapore’s largest hospitality operator ramps up local offerings while exporting hospitality management services to the region.

With extensive property enhancement programmes,  plans to export its hospitality management expertise, and an aggressive review of services to match changing travellers’ needs, Far East Hospitality, Singapore’s largest and fastest growing hotels and serviced residences operator, is keeping its grasp firmly on the pulse of the region’s fast growing hospitality landscape.  The home-grown hospitality management company gave an update today on its local and regional plans. Singapore-centric efforts for the next 6-8 months include new properties, completion of refurbishment works for existing properties, and plans to enhance services for bookers, travel consultants and emerging groups of travelers. On the regional front, Far East Hospitality is in exploratory discussions to manage hotels in various markets across the region. “With tourist arrivals in Singapore expected to rise 6.6% annually from now till 2015, we continue to fortify our stronghold here. We have been able to stay resilient through the economic cycles by keeping a strong presence in the mid-tier to upscale sectors. Moving forward, we will build on this to stay relevant to today’s travellers. We are also actively looking to build and expand our portfolio,” said Mr Arthur Kiong, Far East Hospitality’s Chief Executive Officer. For more information please visit: www.stayfareast.com.

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort has been named One of Europe’s Top Resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s 25th annual Best in the World Readers' Choice Survey.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine announced its Readers' Choice results this week, ranking the best cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and resorts worldwide. Adare Manor was listed as #7 in Europe. “We are thrilled to be honored by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers,” said Anita Higgins, general manager of Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort. “I am so proud of my team for creating such an ideal environment and guest experience here at Adare Manor that guests continually return, and say such lovely things about their experiences here.” The exquisite five-star, castle-like Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort is set in an historic, 19th century manor house surrounded by meticulously manicured lawns, exquisite formal gardens, and acres of bucolic parklands. Beyond the Manor’s front gates is Adare Village, originally part of the estate and today considered one of Ireland’s most charming and photogenic villages with its storied thatched roof houses. A unique “Calendar House,” Adare Manor has 365 stained glass windows, 52 chimneys, 7 pillars in the lobby for each day of the week and 4 towers for each season.

Crucial challenge of obtaining hotel finance to be discussed by expert ‘Finance Panel’ at HOSPACE 2012 - ‘Taking the Investment Forward – Making the Most of the Investment in Your People and Business to Create Value’ is the title of HOSPACE 2012.

HOSPA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition for Hospitality Finance, Revenue Management, IT and Commercial Professionals to be held on 22 November. One of the greatest challenges currently facing the UK hospitality industry – the crucial issue of obtaining hotel finance – will be examined by a distinguished panel of hotel finance experts at HOSPACE 2012. The ‘Finance Panel’ discussion – entitled ‘Getting the Wheels of Finance to Turn Again’ – will be one of the key sessions at the prestigious 22 November event. Under the skilful chairmanship of HVS Chairman Russell Kett, the hotel finance panellists will include: Sylvia Matthews, Senior Vice President, Finance, Jumeirah Group; John Stuart, Financial Director at BDL Management – the UK’s largest multi brand and hotel management company; Graeme Smith, Partner, Zolfo Cooper Corporate Finance, who leads Zolfo Cooper’s activities in the hotel sector; and Tim Helliwell, Head of Hotel Finance, Hospitality & Leisure Team, Barclays Bank. Commenting on the ‘Finance Panel’ session, Russell Kett said: “Boosting investment in the world’s hotel sector is the single biggest challenge facing the sector today. Despite strong buyer interest in the global hotel market and plenty of equity available, not least from the Far East and Middle East, there are few hotel transactions taking place outside key locations and gateway cities across Europe. “In the UK, there is little investor appetite in the provinces where hotel trading continues to languish in all but the best-run hotels. Obtaining debt finance for hotel acquisitions is tough and a number of re-financings due in the next year will prove challenging to accomplish in the current environment without a significant chunk of fresh equity and an understanding bank. “The HOSPACE 2012 Finance Panellists will discuss what the market really needs to do to kick-start finance – whether new sources of finance could emerge, perhaps from insurance companies; or whether operators must do more to influence the banks to lend. Or does the answer lie with a return to the commercial mortgaged-backed securities market? Join us to find out.” In addition to the ‘Finance Panel’ discussion, other highlights of HOSPACE 2012 – designed for Hospitality Finance, Revenue Management, IT and Commercial Professionals – include: a special ‘Leaders Panel’ of top hotel industry executives examining the current hottest hospitality issues, trends and developments; a Revenue Management session asking the question: ‘What is the Revenue Management contribution to strategy and future leadership in hospitality?’; a ‘Hospitality IT Debate’ entitled: ‘Can outsourced IT services really support the needs of Hospitality IT for both internal business requirements and guest services?’; and a programme of industry specific educational workshops – all led by leading specialists in their subjects. As in past years, HOSPACE will be held at the Sofitel London Heathrow, Terminal 5, and supported by a growing and increasingly influential exhibition of hospitality technology solutions – providing delegates with a ‘one stop shop’ to view and interact with the latest and ‘best in class’ technologies – covering all eventualities for any hospitality business, whether they be start-up, established independent, or multi chain-owned, operations. For regularly updated information on HOSPACE 2012 (HOSPA’s Annual Conference and IT Exhibition), visit the HOSPACE 2012 Website at: www.hospace.net . For bookings and further details for HOSPACE 2012, contact the HOSPA Membership Services Office on telephone: 01202 889 430; fax: 01202 887 967; or email: bookings@hospace.net

Key Appointments in the Industry

Congratulations to these new appointments…

International luxury hotel operator, Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Teresa Poon as the Regional Quality Manager (International). Langham Hospitality Group has been committed to employee’s training and career development. In her new capacity, Teresa will be instrumental in developing the group’s Quality League Management further for the group’s hotels in the U.S., UK and the Pacific. She will establish quality management systems, facilitate process improvement and develop performance measuring system. Teresa will also be responsible for streamlining the mystery shopping programme. Brett Butcher, Chief Executive Officer of Langham Hospitality Group said: “As we continue to grow our footprint in the global market, employees are very important assets to our company. We are committed to providing professional training and opportunity to our employees around the globe. Teresa’s wealth of experience and know-how in the hospitality industry will certainly add tremendous values to position our company as one of the best employers in the industry.”

Former Kilmarnock, Dundee and Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper Chad Harpur has embarked on a new career after quitting football to take on a new role at the world-renowned La Manga Club resort in Spain. The 30-year-old South African has been appointed international sports manager at the award-winning Spanish complex after confirming his retirement from the game earlier this month. La Manga Club is regarded as the best sports and leisure destination in Europe with three 18-hole championship golf courses, a 28-court tennis centre, football and cricket pitches among its first-class facilities, and Harpur will be responsible for helping to develop new business opportunities, not just with football but from the wider European sporting spectrum.

The Latest in Hotel Openings

Townplace Suites Hotel To Open In Frederick, Maryland

Townplace Suites Hotel to open in Frederick, Maryland. Hotel will be the brand’s second LEED certified property. The 120-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Frederick, Maryland is scheduled to open later this month. Located at 5050 Westview Drive, the TownePlace Suites Frederick will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Westview Hospitality Associates, LLC and managed by Plamondon Hospitality Partners. Located in the Westview Corporate Park and minutes from historic downtown Frederick, the TownePlace Suites Frederick offers its guests convenient access to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Fort Detrick and Harry Grove Stadium – home of Frederick Keys baseball, an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Rates vary depending on length of stay. “We are pleased to introduce TownePlace Suites hotels in the Frederick area,” said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. “Providing an upscale residential atmosphere, this TownePlace Suites hotel offers an appealing alternative to more standard hotel rooms designed for shorter stays.”

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced a new addition to its growing residential collection, Fairmont Residences, Chengdu, which is slated for completion in 2013. Fairmont Residences, Chengdu, will feature 382 luxury residences adjacent to the new 375-room Fairmont hotel expected to open in 2015. Owners can chose from three elegant residence designs including 2-bedrooms suites with over 90 square meters to luxurious 4-bedroom suites with over 130 square meters of living space. The exclusive lobby, lounge, and residential areas are all exquisitely designed with elegance, attention to detail and comfort in mind. The Fairmont Residences are situated within the Palm Springs International Centre in Tianfu New Town, a master planned new city center which is home to the financial services district and emerging high technology and software business parks which include a number of top Fortune 500 companies. The Palm Springs office tower and 42,100 square meter retail mall featuring international luxury brands is connected to the Fairmont Hotel and Residences with easy access to the 140,000 square meter International Convention and Exhibition Centre via an underground passage way. Residence services include 24-hour concierge, valet, doorman and security. “Chengdu is an important and growing business hub and leisure destination, stated Jennifer Fox, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “The addition of Fairmont Residences will complement our hotel, offering a range of accommodation options for those visiting or living in the city and builds upon our brand’s growth in China.”

Today Hilton Hotels & Resorts announces the official grand opening of Hilton Columbus Downtown, poised to be a top destination in the heart of the city. The 532-room property is located at 401 North High Street, conveniently positioned in the center of the city's most admired neighborhoods, including the Short North Arts District and the Arena District. "Today is a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the City of Columbus and our distinguished business partners involved in this monumental project," said Major Michael B. Coleman. "Hilton Columbus Downtown will attract millions of new visitors and make Columbus a best-in-class destination for national conventions and events." The $140-million convention center hotel features a large atrium in the lobby with skylights to give an indoor-outdoor feel. As part of the Hilton brand's commitment to sustainability, the property is designed to attain both LEED and Green Seal Certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council. "Hilton Hotels & Resorts values its partnership with the City of Columbus and Franklin County," said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "This area is a growing center of tourism and events in Central Ohio. The opening of Hilton Columbus Downtown is an important and exciting addition to the Hilton family of properties." The hotel includes 48 suites and 31,000-square-feet of meeting and banquet space connected by a pedestrian skybridge to the 1.7 million- square-feet of meeting space in the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The 380,000-pound skybridge stretches across North High Street and is designed with a glass walking surface.