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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: October 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 1, 2003Hilton Reports Third Quarter 2003 ResultsThe company reported third quarter 2003 net income of $34 million, versus $48 million in the 2002 quarter. Diluted net income per share was $.09 in the third quarter 2003, compared with $.13 in the 2002 quarter. The 2002 third quarter included two items with a combined benefit of $.02 per diluted share: 1) a $15.6 million reduction in the provision for income taxes ($.04 per diluted share), and 2) a pre-tax impairment charge of $10 million ($.02 per diluted share). More... [821 views] Capital Expenditure in Hotel Chains: Implications for Corporate StructureThe selection of effective capital expenditure projects is cardinal in any efforts to enhance shareholder value. Hence, full appreciation of the relationship between hotel chain capital expenditure (capex) and investment returns is essential. However, the analysis of hotel chain capex has only received cursory mention in previous research studies More... [2932 views] Mobil Travel Guide Announces 2004 Mobil Five-Star Award Hotels, RestaurantsMobil Travel Guide, an ExxonMobil Travel Publication, and the originator of the authoritative Mobil Star rating program for lodgings and restaurants, announced the 2004 recipients of the prestigious Mobil Five-Star Award to an audience of publishing and media representatives at an October 22 reception at New York's St. Regis Hotel More... [1098 views] The WOW FactorAn exclusive sneak preview of the wonderful and wacky world of the W Seoul, which aims to break the mould of Asia's traditional hotels By Steve Shellum, Publisher/Editor, HOTEL Asia Pacific More... [1225 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 31, 2003Outlook Brightens for European Hotel IndustryAfter a tumultuous year, the hotel industry has reached the bottom of the cycle and market conditions are set to improve, according to experts speaking at the 15th Annual European Hotel Investment Conference held by Deloitte today in London. The recovery in hotel performance is expected to lead to increased investment activity within the sector, led by the private equity community and financial institutions. More... [794 views] Travel Industry Cautiously Optimistic For 2004 OutlookAfter years of little travel volume growth combined with significantly lower traveler spending, it looks like things might be finally turning around for the travel industry. Attendees at the Travel Industry Association of America’s (TIA) Marketing Outlook Forum in Austin, Texas, have reasons to be cautiously optimistic for 2004 and beyond. More... [671 views] Hotel Occupancy Climbs to Nearly 66% in Third QuarterThe third quarter brought some good news about the lodging industry as national occupancy climbed to 65.6%. That represents a 2% increase over the third quarter of 2002, according to Smith Travel Research. Meanwhile, average room rates increased 0.4% to $83.44 during the third quarter, and RevPAR revenue per available room also grew 2.3% to $54.71. More... [939 views] Booking Engines Are Like A Box of Chocolates... You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get!Recently, I’ve received many emails from hoteliers who are in the process of developing their strategic marketing plans for the Internet market in ‘04. It’s exciting that so many people recognize the ultimate potential of the Internet. It’s a shame, however, there are still many people hiding their heads in the sand, while their competition and third-party providers continue to erode their market share. More... [937 views] Raffles names best hotel company in Asia by Global Finance MagazineRaffles Holdings has been ranked the “Best Company” in Asia in the Hotels sector by Global Finance magazine. Global Finance recently announced the results of its sixth annual ranking of the “Best Companies in Asia” covering a range of key sectors in an exclusive survey, to be published in the November 2003 issue. More... [1045 views] Mandarin Oriental - Insurance SettlementMandarin Oriental International Limited today announced that it had reached a US$16 million settlement of insurance claims for losses arising More... [733 views] Study of Women Business Travelers Reveals Their Opinions and Attitudes toward Travel; Second Groundbreaking Survey Challenges Stereotypes Surrounding Women Business TravelersRepresenting a growing portion of the business travel population, women business travelers have come of age, according to a new study of business travelers conducted by the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management at New York University (NYU Tisch Center) and sponsored by Wyndham International, Inc. More... [1309 views] Americans' travel plans soar for 2004Throwing mixed economic signals to the wind, American consumers plan to travel more next year, according to the 2003 American Express Travel Index. Just as business travelers are likely to get back on the road in greater numbers (), consumers plan to spend more on vacations: an average $2,962 next year, up from the $2,163 they said they'd spend this year. More... [694 views] Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to Open Hotel in Mumbai; First Property in India for Leading Luxury Hotel CompanyMagus Estates and Hotels Private Limited of India and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts of Toronto, Canada, announced today that they have entered into an agreement to open a new hotel in Mumbai. Leaders from both companies participated in a ceremonial signing today, which was attended by Prime Minister Jean Chretien of Canada, who is on an official visit to India. More... [1094 views] Luxury London hotel Claridges on the blockClaridge's, the world-famous luxury hotel in London, has been put up for sale by its U.S. private equity owners, the companies said on Wednesday. U.S. buyout firms The Blackstone Group and Colony Capital said they had hired investment bank Deutsche Bank and Jones Lang LaSalle, a real estate services firm, to draw up options with a view to selling the 203-room hotel. More... [776 views] Cendant Reports Record Operating Results for the Third Quarter of 2003, Exceeding ProjectionsCendant Corporation [NYSE: CD] today reported third quarter 2003 EPS from Continuing Operations of $0.47, versus $0.24 in third quarter 2002, an increase of 96%. This result exceeded the Company's prior projection of $0.44 - $0.45. More... [580 views] LaSalle Hotel Properties Reports Third Quarter Results; RevPAR Declines 2.5 Percent for the QuarterLaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE:LHO) today reported net income of $3.3 million, or $0.15 per diluted share/unit for the third quarter 2003, compared to net income of $4.4 million, or $0.23 per diluted share/unit for the prior year period. More... [624 views] Hotel boom in Chiang MaiMany luxury hotel groups are moving to Chiang Mai, partly because of a recent government initiative to turn the city into a northern aviation hub. One of them, the Sheraton group, will take over the Chiang Mai Westin luxury resort and re-brand it as a Sheraton hotel. More... [812 views] The General Manager as Your Chief Sales Executive? by Leora LanzShould the GM have his/her own accounts? YES. Today, the more urgent nature of our business has pushed the general manager from “overseer” and “supervisor of the sales director” to a heavily involved sales manager in his/her own right. Today’s GM attends weekly sales meetings, personally greets meeting planners when they visit the hotel, reviews marketing plans and sales goals, and attends the daily revenue meetings as well. More... [1066 views] London’s key indicators positive for Sept says PKFHotel consultancy PKF has reported that occupancy, ARR and yeild for London hotels this September were all ahead of 2002’s figures. More... [669 views] More positive Sept stats for London but year-to-date strugglesDeloitte & Touche’s September HotelBenchmark reports that hotels in central London have reported the first monthly rise in revPAR since March01. More... [670 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 25, 2003An Investment Driven Breakeven Analysis for Hotels; The Investment Driven (ID) RevPAR and GOPPARHotel managers, analysts and asset managers typically use the traditional operating and/or interest payment breakeven analysis to assess the potential profit of their hotel properties, or before setting the strategic positioning of a hotel. More... [2248 views] Accor pursues its development in Asia’s economy hotel segmentAccor last week opened its first Ibis in the Republic of Korea, the fourth hotel operated by Accor in partnership with South Korea’s Ambassador Group. The other three are the Sofitel Ambassador, the Novotel Ambassador Gangnam and the Novotel Ambassador Doksan. More... [796 views] Asian hotels represent highest potential for profitAccording to the 2003 HotelBenchmark Survey conducted by Deloitte, Asian hotels were the most profitable in the world in 2002. “In 2002 Asian hotels reported an annual increase in profitability of seven percent – compared with 0.7 percent in the Middle East and minus eight percent in Europe,” said Alex Kyriakidis, Global Lead Partner – Travel, Tourism and Leisure, Deloitte. More... [785 views] Sterling SPOONThe inside story on how InterContinental Hong Kong MD Jennifer Fox teamed up with Alain Ducasse – the world’s most honoured chef – to create a new benchmark for hotel restaurants in Asia More... [942 views] WTTC spells out policy recommendations for Hong Kong to exploit China`s travel & tourism explosionThe World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) presented an in-depth report to leading figures in Hong Kong`s administration and its business community. The report contained economic projections for the growth of Travel & Tourism in Hong Kong and a series of policy recommendations intended to maximize the potential of Travel & Tourism to the Hong Kong economy and exploit its position as the gateway to China. More... [687 views] WTO set to become a U.N. specialized agency, denies Bermuda membershipWORLD Tourism Organization Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli presented his case for the WTO to become a United Nations specialized agency in yesterday's plenary session at the 15th General Assembly, currently being held in Beijing, China. More... [675 views] Hotels Are Profitable And Property Prices Are Firm - What Is All The Whinning About? By John B. (Jack) Corgel, Ph. D.An unusual economic climate together with the unique and unfortunate series of non-economic events over the past two years is affecting hotel financial performance in ways never seen before. Much has been written about the hardships inflicted on the hotel industry during this period of economic and political turmoil. More... [881 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 24, 2003If it is so good why isn't everyone doing it?Every year for the next 15 to 20 years, the Grand Hyatt Singapore will see an additional US$700,000 in profits. That's not the gross figure - it's straight on the bottom line. Much of the credit goes to Daniel Chong, the hotel's operations analyst, whose job it is to look at ideas designed to increase revenues and/or reduce costs More... [1430 views] Hotels Pin Hopes on Business TravelersHotel stocks have been on a tear for the past six months, with some rising more than 30% amid waning terrorism and war fears. So what's in store for the rest of the year? It depends on the business traveler, analysts say. If signs of an economic recovery persist, then business travelers will hit the road and hotels will raise room rates to finance growth. If not, the next quarter -- which generally sees a seasonal dip in vacationers -- could be disappointing. More... [674 views] Hotel Renovation Ideas vs AAA Ratings Criteria by Cheryl Griggs and Harry NoblesA recent report from PricewaterhouseCoopers contains some very welcome news about renovation predictions for 2004. Based on the revenue increases predicted for next year, the report forecasts a significant increase in renovations by hotel owners and management companies. More... [894 views] All eyes on ChinaChina is to become the world's top tourist destination outdoing France by the year 2020, the World Tourism Organization predicted. More... [800 views] Starwood continues its expansion In AsiaStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, In and Amburaya Resorts Co. Ltd. announced an agreement appointing Starwood to manage the Sheraton Pattaya Resort in Thailand. Currently under construction, the 156-room resort is scheduled to open in October 2004 and is located in one of the country’s most attractive beach areas. Starwood expanded its portfolio in Thailand significantly over the last year with the addition of Rayavadee, a Luxury Collection resort in Krabi, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok and Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort More... [758 views] Maximizing the Sales Potential...TIV Partners With Advoco Hospitality to Better Serve its Global Customer BaseTIV, the industry’s leading telephone revenue consulting company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Houston-based Advoco Hospitality to provide specific marketing services to its global customer base.
More... [684 views] Global tourism group urges China to upgrade its facilitiesThe tourism industry in China is likely to grow rapidly in the coming years, despite lingering fallout from the SARS epidemic this year, according to a tourism industry report. The report, issued on Monday by the World Travel and Tourism Council, a private organization that represents hotel and travel companies, predicts that the number of tourists and business travelers visiting China will grow 22 percent a year from 2004 through 2013 and that the flow of Chinese tourists and travelers going abroad will probably grow even faster. More... [693 views] What Business Travelers WantTravelport Survey Finds Business Travelers Are Focused On the Task At Hand When Traveling for Work More... [1033 views] One in eight hospitality businesses in the UK go under every year, entrepreneurs have their work cut out to surviveOne in eight UK hospitality businesses close down every year, making it one of the hardest sectors in which to start a successful new enterprise (i). Despite this, hospitality remains one of the most popular sectors for entrepreneurs to start a new business. More... [767 views] IDeaS Revenue Optimization Ranked Number 262 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500IDeaS, the leading provider of hospitality revenue optimization solutions and one of America’s fastest growing technology companies, announced today that it ranks 262 on the 2003 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America. More... [599 views] Lodgian to Sell 19 Non-Strategic Hotels from PortfolioLodgian, Inc., one of the nation's largest independent owners and operators of full-service hotels, today announced that the company plans to sell 19 non-core hotel properties, or approximately 20 percent of its owned portfolio. More... [908 views] A Record Number of Attendees Come to HFTP's 2003 Annual Convention & TradeshowA new record was broken this week, with 674 attendees registered for the Hospitality Financial and Technology professionals’ (HFTP) Annual Convention & Tradeshow. More... [591 views] Le Meridien Outsources Global IT Infrastructure to Equant in EUR39 -$43.6- Million, Multi-Year DealEquant (NYSE: ENT) (Euronext Paris: EQU), a recognized industry leader in global IP and data services for multinational businesses, has won a multi-year, EUR39 ($43.6) million contract with Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts to provide global IT infrastructure including an IP VPN connecting 60 sites in more than 17 countries around the world. More... [788 views] Business travel warming up from industry chill Hotels see some signs of recoveryEven as the economy brightens, many corporations remain reluctant to unleash droves of workers and executives for extended road trips, travel-industry executives say. "It's starting to come back slowly," says Ed Adams, CEO of Navigant International, a corporate travel agency. More... [821 views] New battleground being mapped out in restaurant sectorA new battleground is being mapped out in the restaurant sector, as consumers preferences move to eating in restaurants instead of other food establishments. More... [926 views] Starwood Tests Check-In Kiosks in New York and Boston; Self-Service Check-In Averages Less Than 45 SecondsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) is testing self-service kiosk applications at the 1,215-room Sheraton Boston Hotel and the 509-room W New York - Times Square. Located in each of the hotels' lobbies, and similar to airline kiosks, the kiosk allows guests to check-in and out of the hotel by simply swiping their credit card, eliminating the need to go to the front desk. Check-in takes less than 45 seconds as compared to several minutes using the traditional front desk check-in method. More... [1289 views] Europe - Promotional Hotel Rates Finally Higher Than 10 Years AgoPromotional rates for this past summer at selected Inter-Continental hotels in Europe (those which have remained the same hotel in main centres) are finally higher than those of 10 years earlier, see table, except for Berlin. More... [667 views] Bank of Sscotland moves to dispose of five hotelsBANK of Scotland is understood to have agreed terms on the sale of five hotels currently operated by Queens Moat Houses (QMH) to a private investor for an estimated £40 million. Maurice Gourgey, a London-based property investor, confirmed yesterday that he was discussing a possible deal. "We have received the contracts and are now looking at them but I can't say any more than that," he said. More... [876 views] Education and training are critical to see UAE nationals achieve their full potentialWith just 2 per cent of UAE nationals employed in the workforce, one human resources expert has identified the gap between formal education and employment as one of the main reasons for this deficit. More... [725 views] Web site analytics - the difference between watching and listeningIn order to provide a rewarding and meaningful web site experience for site visitors and to also insure your web site delivers a respectable ROI, it is imperative that you understand what makes your web site visitor tick – you must access their “Consumer DNA”. More... [768 views] Cornell Alliance with D. K. Shifflet and Associates Will Create New Knowledge for Hospitality IndustryHoteliers and hospitality managers will soon get answers to key questions about the business and leisure traveler thanks to a new strategic data alliance between The Center for Hospitality Research at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration (CHR) and D.K. Shifflet and Associates (DKS&A), a leading provider of research and consulting services for all sectors of the travel industry. More... [665 views] Hilton Family of Hotels Takes Industry Lead in Development PipelineHilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) announced that, according to data released earlier today by Lodging Econometrics (LE), the nation's hotel real estate investment and supply side research authority, the Hilton Family of Hotels has taken the lead among the top 10 companies in hotel development. LE statistics as of September 30, 2003, show that Hilton ranks first in the Active Development Pipeline (hotels expected to open or begin construction in the next 12 months), with 279 hotels and 36,667 rooms. More... [694 views] Corporate Executives Mixed on Future Travel SpendingAccording to a recent survey conducted by BusinessWeek Research Services on behalf of GetThere, the leading provider of online corporate travel reservation systems, and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), an organization dedicated to the science of business travel management, corporate financial executives have mixed expectations for future travel spending. More... [739 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 18, 20032003 First Half Hotel Profits Plunge - Second Half Recovery Will Not CompensateThe average
More... [701 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 17, 2003Brand Sites Produce 67% of all Major Hotel Chain Internet Reservations TravelCLICK Reports eTRAK Results From 28 Major BrandsTravelCLICK today released results from the company's 2003 eTRAK report demonstrating that major hotel chains continue to receive the majority of their Internet reservations through their own brand sites. eTRAK analyzes the booking production of central reservation offices (CRO) for 28 major hotel chains. For the first six months of 2003, total Internet reservations showed a growth of 36 percent compared to the same period in 2002. More... [1057 views] Has the Business Traveler Changed for Good?With the travel industry continuing to look for a rebound, it's no surprise that more attention is directed at luring the typically lucrative business customers back to the marketplace. But as the economic climate has been transformed, the question must be posed: Has the business traveler also been irrevocably changed? More... [792 views] National Business Travel Association Releases 6th Annual Business Travel Cost Forecast; 2004 Business Travel Costs Expected to Increase 6%The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) today released its 2004 Business Travel Overview and Cost Forecast, which provides a concise look into future business travel costs across several key markets. NBTA predicts that business travel costs will increase 6% in 2004. The forecast, compiled by NBTA research staff, also predicts that in 2004 More... [662 views] Hoteliers rest easier as beds begin to fillThe US hotel industry is having its best business season for some time, and analysts are tipping that their earnings will rise. Jeannine DeFoe reports. Manhattan's Waldorf-Astoria hotel is filling about nine of every 10 rooms, an indication that the worst of an almost three-year slump in business travel may be over More... [690 views] What's New In The Hotel Capital Markets? By Thomas W. Lattin - PKFAs we prepare to close the books for 2003, most people who make their living in the capital markets, while disappointed with the number of full service hotel transactions that closed during the first six months of the year, are somewhat encouraged by the recent up-tick in capital markets activity. While there still appears to be more equity available for hotel acquisitions that qualified deals to invest in, the gap between buyer and seller valuation may be narrowing More... [679 views] A Significant Increase in Hotel Renovations Will Occur in 2004"Forecast increased revenues for 2004 are supporting the plans of hotel owners and management companies to return to approximately 1998 levels for capital expenditures," said Bjorn Hanson, Ph.D., global leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers Hospitality & Leisure Practice. More... [769 views] Overall travel bookings up slightly as big-ticket items surge higherAnother strong month of cruise and tour bookings -- up 10 percent and 9 percent, respectively, from 2002 levels -- pushed AAA`s overall travel bookings to a 1 percent increase this September compared to a year ago More... [588 views] Bali struggles to rebuild tourist trade one year after bombingThe Asian presidents and prime ministers meeting in Bali last week, almost a year after bombs ripped through two nightclubs and killed 202 people, had a defiant message More... [747 views] Brand sites produce 67% of all major hotel chain Internet reservationsTravelCLICK released results from the company`s 2003 eTRAK report demonstrating that major hotel chains continue to receive the majority of their Internet reservations through their own brand sites. eTRAK analyzes the booking production of central reservation offices (CRO) for 28 major hotel chains. For the first six months of 2003, total Internet reservations showed a growth of 36 percent compared to the same period in 2002. More... [837 views] Forte expands into ChateauSir Rocco Forte, the hotelier, is to enter the French market after signing a contract to operate the Chateau de Bagnols, a 13th century country pile in the Beaujolais region lovingly converted into a hotel by Lord and Lady Hamlyn. More... [688 views] World Travel, Tourism Council releases report on ChinaThe World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released a detailed report on China's travel and tourism here Monday. The report made projections about the economic impact and growth of travel and tourism in China. It also provided a series of policy recommendations intended to maximize the industry's impact on both China and the world economy. More... [796 views] Marriott says focusing on expansion in AsiaU.S.-based hotel group Marriott International Inc said on Friday that its Asian business has not been significantly affected by the bombing of its hotel in Jakarta and that expansion in the region was key to boosting revenues from outside the United States. More... [824 views] Hotel Surcharges Make ComebackIn an Effort to Generate Alternative Sources of Revenue, Surcharges Are Reinstituted Across U.S. Lodging Industry More... [817 views] Sol Melia signs a strategic alliance with CendantSol Melia signs a strategic alliance with the world's largest travel company - Cendant . The alliance will allow Sol Melia to grow its timeshare business and widen its hotel distribution, both areas in which Cendant Corporation is the world leader More... [803 views] Tourism seen key for Asia growthThe tourism industry could be the key driver of economic growth in Asia over the coming years, especially if countries in the region are ready to cooperate more closely and liberalize their markets further. More... [765 views] Best Western Will have 10 Hotels in China by 2003 Year-endBest Western International, Inc., has identified Asia, and specifically China, as key geographic regions for significant brand growth according to Tom Higgins, Best Western president and chief executive officer. The announcement was made at Best Western’s fall International Board Meeting here where some 70 Best Western leaders from around the world gathered to discuss global development and strategic initiatives More... [736 views] Paramount hotel chain put on the market13 properties included in Alchemy property disposal, Two of Edinburgh's landmark hotels are understood to be on the market as part of a GBP 250 million property disposal. More... [694 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 11, 2003Marriott Profit Falls; Sees Some RecoveryMarriott International Inc., the largest hotel operator, on Thursday posted a decline in third-quarter profit, but showed some signs that the travel industry was picking up. More... [808 views] Struggling N.Y. Hotels Excite BuyersThe city's roughly 145 hotels, though still reeling from September 11, the economic downturn, falling room rates, and too many hotel rooms (roughly 62,000), apparently are enticing a growing number of buyers. More... [794 views] American Express study reveals improved prospects for business travel industry in 2004The first-ever American Express Global Business Travel Trends and Forecast for 2003-2004, issued today, reveals that the business travel industry is showing signs of recovery after enduring a second successive year of turbulence. But this good news for the industry has a downside for business travellers in the form of rising prices in the coming year. More... [825 views] J.T. Kuhlman Named CEO Of One&Only Resorts CompanyKerzner International Limited (NYSE:KZL) announced today the appointment of seasoned hospitality executive J.T. Kuhlman as Chief Executive Officer of the Company's recently-launched One&Only Resorts, its luxury resort brand. Longtime Kerzner executive Paul Jones was also named Chief Operating Officer. More... [1138 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 10, 2003India: It’s party time for hoteliersHoteliers have never had it so good. The revenue per available room, which is the true index of a hotel’s business, has risen sharply in the last one year at key destinations, including Mumbai and New Delhi, says a study conducted by hotel consultancy HVS International. The revenue per available room has gone up in spite of a substantial addition to hotel rooms. More... [821 views] M&C rises on hopes for hotel sector recoveryMillennium & Copthorne headed back towards its 12-month high on the view that the second-line hotel operator is the most geared in its peer group to a cyclical recovery.
More... [683 views] Hoteliers rest easier as beds begin to fillThe US hotel industry is having its best business season for some time, and analysts are tipping that their earnings will rise. Jeannine DeFoe reports. Manhattan's Waldorf-Astoria hotel is filling about nine of every 10 rooms, an indication that the worst of an almost three-year slump in business travel may be over. More... [673 views] PATA board gathers to protect travel industryThe Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Board of Directors meeting opened with PATA`s Board and committee members gathering to discuss the next steps in implementing PATA`s strategic agenda. More... [645 views] FelCor and InterContinental Hotels Execute Agreement Amending the Management Agreements Covering 58 FelCor-owned HotelsFelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (NYSE: FCH), and InterContinental Hotels Group (“IHG”) have executed an agreement amending the management agreements covering 58 FelCor-owned hotels managed by IHG and also affecting 14 hotels previously disposed of by FelCor. More... [736 views] Benchmarking Hotel PerformanceFinancial performance benchmarking – the use of comparative data to evaluate hotel-operating efficiency – has become increasingly important to hotel operators over the past few years. Wide fluctuations in travel demand and uncertain economic and political conditions have left hoteliers grasping for answers to the question, “With fewer dollars at the top line, can I do a better job at managing my costs?” More... [1575 views] Interview: Macao's gaming market to embrace new take-offMacao's gaming market is poised to embrace a take-off benefiting from a series of favorable policy supports from the mainland, said Ambrose So, general manager of the Macao Gaming Co. (SJM) to Xinhua. More... [673 views] China's tourism industry urged to improve servicesChina's tourism industry is being urged to further improve its services to holidaymakers as travelers during the National Day holiday complain of crowds, traffic jams and inadequate restaurant and hotel facilities. More... [634 views] The Peerless PierreThere are many yardsticks by which one can measure a luxury hotel. Some people inspect thread counts. Others the ability to secure last-minute theater tickets. But here's another gauge: How many bottles of champagne can you get delivered to your room at 2 in the morning More... [880 views] Dubai becomes prime Middle East destinationDubai is transforming itself into one of the prime destinations in the Middle East with massive investment in innovative hotels and new attractions. German travel agents at a recent FVW workshop in the emirate praised the quality drive but also called for sufficient mid-market as well as luxury accommodation in future More... [830 views] Plans Call for Phuket, Thailand, to Become World-Class Tourism DestinationA comprehensive plan to make Phuket a world-class tourism destination will include an international convention centre worth four billion baht, an IT city and ventures to create a hub for health and medical services, duty-free trade, yacht and marina services and air cargo. More... [695 views] Paramount Hotels on the market at £250m?Times
reports that Leeds-based Paramount Hotels has been put on the market by VC owners Alchemy Partners for around £250m.The 13-strong chain was set up in 1994. Its involvement with Alchemy began in 1998 when the VCs provided £27m of the £77m needed to take control of the group from Malaysian conglomerate Advance Synergy. More... [604 views] The focus of industry-wide conference in European UnionThe future of the worldwide business travel management industry will be the focus of a major conference in the European Union, as leaders of government and industry will confer with 1000 members of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) in Dublin, on 12 October through 14 October, 2003. More... [582 views] Foreigners running the show at Indian HotelsIndian Hotels Company has been steadily inducting expatriates into its operations over the last few months. Not only was executive director Raymond Bickson, a US national, elevated to replace R K Krishna Kumar as managing director in June, but the Taj group has also filled several top corporate positions, and that of executive chefs at two of its premium hotels, with expatriates More... [1887 views] A New Perspective On The Hotel Market: Buyers, Lenders, Investors – And Appraisers - Are Rethinking Ideas About Selected Full-Service PropertiesAs the hotel industry slowly struggles to climb out of the doldrums of the past two years – a period that included a recession, terrorist attacks, and the war in Iraq – glimmers of light are increasingly evident on the horizon. At least to some. The events of these past two years have had a significant negative impact on hotel performance, and they continue to influence the thinking of many industry players - buyers, lenders, and investors. More... [705 views] AH&LA releases revised security products to help hotel guests stay safeTo offer hotel guests further preventive guidance, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) recently updated its award-winning Guest Safety Tips video and placards. The educational resources provide guests with fundamental recommendations to help ensure a secure and pleasant hotel stay. More... [690 views] HSMAI/NYU strategy conference finds `glimmer of hope;` hot topics are discounting, the internet and brand clarityFor the first time in two dismal years, the hotel industry may just be turning the corner, agreed a panel of research experts and marketing gurus at the third HSMAI/NYU Strategy Conference, "Current Reality and Future Expectations," held in New York City last week. More... [602 views] INTERVIEW: Paul McManus, president and chief executive of The Leading Hotels of the WorldFive years ago Paul McManus and The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) embarked on an overhaul of its hotel representation company model. A five-year plan led to a number of initiatives culminating in the launch of the Leading Trust, a vehicle with a billion dollars to buy hotels predominantly, but not exclusively, members of LHW. More... [1074 views] Warsaw Hoteliers Continue To StruggleWarsaw reported the largest decline in revenue per available room (revPAR) of any European market tracked by the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte during 2002. The city finished the year with occupancy at 50 percent (11 percent decline on 2001) and an average room rate of €122 (17.9 percent decline on 2001). More... [676 views] Hong Kong Hotel business not as brisk as forecastThe 100 per cent hotel occupancy rates which had been predicted for the National Day holidays have not materialised, according to a study by the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners. More... [630 views] Singapore endeavors to revive SARS-battered tourismSingapore's tourism, which has long been considered as one of the pillar industries in the country, was severely damaged during the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) earlier this year, and the government has since been exerting all its efforts to revive the sector. More... [1108 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 4, 2003Cornell experts propose strategies for hotels challenged by growing Internet room bookings by customersHoteliers must do a better job of managing the Internet distribution channels for their hotel rooms, say two Cornell University faculty members in a new report published by The Center for Hospitality Research More... [1448 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 3, 2003Asian tourism industry lobbies against terrorist travel advisoriesAsia's tourism industry has begun a campaign to overturn government advisories that warn against travelling in the region because of terrorist fears, officials said Wednesday More... [661 views] IH&RA 40th Annual Congress: 5-9 December 2003 Cairo, EgyptThe IH&RA Congress, now in its 40th year, includes an insightful and interactive 3-day Conference programme full of cutting edge topics, presented by highly professional international industry leaders. More... [660 views] Hope's stirring for a business travel reboundFor the first time in many months, industry studies are hinting at hope for the American economy and, just possibly, a rebound in business travel. One report from the Wisconsin-based management consulting firm Runzheimer International projected that companies would increase their travel budgets 6.5 percent in 2004. More... [630 views] 'Guests Don't Lie' Is Theme Of New Intercontinental Hotels Group Quality Initiative - New Hotel Performance Program Puts Guest Opinions FirstWho should carry the most weight in rating a hotel stay? Why, the guest of course…and that belief is at the core of a new quality assessment program recently introduced in the Americas by the world's most global hotel company, InterContinental Hotels Group More... [1088 views] Chinese outbound will start close to homeThe European edition of the Wall Street Journal takes a look at the Chinese outbound market following the Beijing govt’s latest lifting of travel restrictions for residents of another 100 cities. Stats from the China’s equivalent of the ONS show that more than nine million Chinese people went ‘overseas for private purposes including tourism’, up from just over 6m on 2001. More... [617 views] Hotels are bowing to business travelersBusiness travelers have been the backbone of the hotel industry for so long that it became easy to take them for granted, assuming they'd always be there. Not any more. With occupancy rates dropping from 63 percent in 2000 to 59.1 percent, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association's 2003 Lodging Industry Profile, hotels have a lot of unanticipated empty beds to fill. More... [662 views] Bangkok hotels on highest alert ahead of APEC summitSecurity in and around Bangkok's top hotels has escalated to unprecedented levels ahead of next month's summit of Asian and Pacific leaders over fears that terrorists have planned major attacks in Thailand. More... [710 views] Malta seeks wider visitor mixMalta is broadening its tourism products to try to win back missing visitors. The island has been hit by a fall in leisure and business visitors this year and new products are seen as the way to return to the growth path. More... [796 views] The Peninsula Hotels Names New Group Marketing StructureThe Peninsula Hotels announces the appointments of Ms Dianna Balabon as Regional Director of Sales (America/Europe), Mr Arthur Kiong as Regional Director of Sales, (Asia Pacific), and Ms Sian Griffiths to Regional Director of Public Relations (Asia PacificMs Dianna Balabon has been appointed Regional Director of Sales (America/Europe) for The Peninsula Hotels. In her new position, Ms Balabon will also oversee the group’s Regional Sales Offices in New York, London and Frankfurt and still maintain her position as Director of Marketing for The Peninsula New York. More... [1126 views] International SPA Association chooses educational institute to develop certification programWith the rapid growth in the spa industry, education is extremely important in order for clients to receive a quality spa experience and for the industry to continue to thrive. To advance education, ISPA and the ISPA Foundation have partnered with the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (commonly referred to as EI) to customize its Supervisory Skill Builders series - the hospitality industry`s supervisory education and certification program - for the spa industry. More... [1048 views] PATA releases `2002 Annual Statistical ReportThe Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has released the PATA 2002 Annual Statistical Report, the most authoritative barometer for travel and tourism performance in the Asia Pacific region. More... [657 views] Hotel Industry Rebound Predicted for Next YearThe lodging industry is poised for a sustained economic rebound next year thanks to an improving economy and sparked by strong demand over this past summer, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.
More... [1048 views] Starwood Hotels & Resorts - Chairman & CEO - InterviewWill that change things? Will investors rest easy? Interview with Barry Sternlicht More... [1203 views] Thailand Preparing Implementation of a National Hotel Star Rating SystemA national hotel star rating system has been completed and is ready to be implemented by the end of this year. More... [810 views] Running a smart PPC campaignSo you’ve decided to give pay-per-click search engine marketing a try? That’s a good move, because PPC is one of the most affordable advertising options available to small businesses. But like most advertising, you need a good strategy to get your money’s worth. I find that too many people running their first PPC campaign make mistakes that can quickly turn expensive. More... [655 views] Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts Announces Plans To Double Presence In The U.S. And Canada Over The Next DecadeInterContinental Hotels Group, owner of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, today announced a new growth plan to double distribution over the next decade of its luxury brand in the U.S. and Canada. More... [753 views] Another Look: Hotels Vs. Office In An Investment PortfolioJones Lang LaSalle Hotels Gauges Hotel vs. Office Investment in its Latest Edition of Hotel Topics More... [720 views] HotelBenchmark Survey July 2003 PerformanceThe HotelBenchmark Summary Report for July 2003 from Deloitte and Touche illustrates the continuation of mixed performance for hotels across Asia Pacific, the Caribbean and Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. More... [806 views] Copenhagen’s Hotel Boom: Close to 800 New Hotel Rooms in 2003With four new hotels this year, 2003 is an important milestone in Copenhagen’s on-going hotel boom. By the end of 2004 the city expects to offer 2,000 new hotel rooms More... [682 views] World first inflight SMSQantas is offering its customers a month of free, unlimited use of the new Qantas Short Message Service (SMS) system, launched with the airline`s new International Business Class. More... [621 views] German leisure carriers switch to low-cost pricing modelsLeisure airlines in Germany are increasingly switching to low-cost pricing models as competition with the no-frills carriers increases. All leisure airlines are reviewing capacity requirements following a tough year in 2003. More... [653 views] More hotels are 'customising' rooms to suit personal tastes.More hotels are providing guests with creature comforts by customising rooms to suit personal tastes, a new Consumers' Association guide out today shows. More... [908 views] Visitor arrivals in Hong Kong return to growth in AugustVisitor arrivals in Hong Kong returned to positive year-on-year growth in August, four months after the tourism sector was hit by the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the Hong Kong Tourism Board said Tuesday. About 1.65 million arrivals were reported in August, up 9.6% from the 1.5 million a year ago, the tourism promotion body said More... [590 views] 
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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: October 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 1, 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 31, 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 25, 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 24, 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 18, 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 17, 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 11, 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 10, 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 4, 2003Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 3, 2003
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