ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: March 2004

European Hotel Transactions 2003 - Belgium, Netherlands and Scandinavia

HVS International's London office has published a review of the European single asset hotel transactions during 2003. This article provides an overview of transactional activity during 2003 for Belgium, Netherlands and Scandinavian hotel markets.

More... [880 views]

London hopes for 4 per cent growth in 2004

After two years of declines, London managed a 3 per cent increase in international arrivals in 2003, to just under  12 million.

More... [744 views]

British travel company makes China breakthrough

The British wholesale travel company, Gullivers Travel Associates (GTA) has made an important breakthrough in the China market. GTA has become the first Western company to be granted a license to operate as a full service travel company in Beijing.

More... [667 views]

Vienna suffers stagnation in domestic demand but growth in tourism from abroad

The last few months of 2003 seem to have been good ones for Vienna`s tourism . From January through July tourist arrivals  in the Austrian capital fell by more than 2 per cent. Yet, by the end of November, year-to-date figures showed a 3 per cent increase in both arrivals and overnight volume.

More... [732 views]

Travel agents: History or here to stay?

Things near and dear to my youth are fading into mere memories; drive-in movies, banana seats on bicycles and travel agents. You remember travel agents, right? Think … before there was an Internet we used to call or go see a person specially trained to fulfill our travel needs. Is it coming back to you now

More... [1120 views]

IHG exceeds China target

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is having more hotels in China than it expected in 2003, with the Crowne Plaza brand growing well, according to IHG managing director Asia-Pacific, Mr Patrick Imbardelli.

More... [890 views]

Starwood to Enhance Best Rate Guarantee on Its Branded Websites

 Lowest Rates Anywhere; Easier Claim Process Plus New Incentives Are Some Changes to Pioneering Program

More... [899 views]

Corporates paid 5% less for London hotels in 2003

London room rates for business guests dropped by 5% during 2003, while Paris and Milan climbed by 9% and 6% respectively, according to BTI UK.

More... [607 views]

Positive trends for travel agents

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has released the results of an online survey that examined trends, including the number of travel agent bookings and amount of revenue generated during the first two months of 2004.

More... [1246 views]

Strong Rebound in Hotel Performance During Second Half of 2003 Benefits The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels

The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) (parent of Peninsula Group) achieved a group operating profit of HK$618 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, which represents a similar level to 2002. This was based on a strong rebound in the hospitality industry in the second half of the year, following the end of the SARS crisis.

More... [579 views]

Sydney attracts 56 per cent of all foreign visitors to Australia

As might be expected, Sydney attracts by far the largest share of foreign visitors to Australia  - 56 per cent in 2002 as against 26 per cent for Melbourne in second position in the city/region ranking. Sharing third place are the Gold Coast, Tropical North Queensland and Brisbane - all with an 18 per cent share

More... [545 views]

J.W. Marriott, Jr. Honored with Global Services Leadership Award

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) Chairman and CEO J.W. Marriott, Jr. is the first recipient of the Global Services Leadership Award, presented this week by the Center for Services Leadership at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business.

More... [838 views]

Best Western Introduces Speed Rewards® Loyalty Program

Best Western customers have a new way to make travel more exciting with Speed Rewards, a customized frequent guest program designed specifically for race fans.

More... [703 views]

Sydney attracts 56 per cent of all foreign visitors to Australia

As might be expected, Sydney attracts by far the largest share of foreign visitors to Australia  - 56 per cent in 2002 as against 26 per cent for Melbourne in second position in the city/region ranking. Sharing third place are the Gold Coast, Tropical North Queensland and Brisbane - all with an 18 per cent share

More... [598 views]

New TIA Report Shows U.S. Captures 43 Percent Of Latin American Long-Haul Travel Market

The Travel Industry Association of America’s (TIA) recently released report, Latin America Travel Demand: Trends and Insights, 2003 Edition, shows that Latin America’s outbound travel market, including Mexico (not counting arrivals to the 25-mile border zone), has grown 33 percent in the past decade.

More... [567 views]

Malaysia's hoteliers see 2004 occupancy at 60-70 pct vs 54 pct

The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Kuala Lumpur has projected an average occupancy rate of between 60 pct and 70 pct for 2004, up from 54 pct in 2003 based on the surge in tourist arrivals in January, the Star newspaper reported.

More... [674 views]

Tony Bruno, VP and General Manager of Disneyland Resort Hotels, Maps Out 2004 Changes

The Disneyland Resort has seen its share of management changes in recent years. But, through it all, Walt Disney Co. veteran Tony Bruno has been there to guide the resort’s hotels.

More... [934 views]

4th Global Travel & Tourism Summit Set for Doha, Qatar May 1-3, 2004

The 4th Global Travel & Tourism Summit will take on a groundbreaking format in order to promote genuine, lively discussion, to encourage the leaders of the industry to express their opinions candidly and to drive change.

More... [650 views]

Cornell Hotel School Welcomes Nestlé as Major Research Partner

Nestlé R&D Center, Inc. has signed on as a senior partner with the Cornell Hotel School’s Center for Hospitality Research in a major commitment to supporting research that aims to advance operating practices in the hospitality industry.

More... [713 views]

Incentive travel to be taxed in China

The Chinese government has announced employee benefits such as incentive travel will be subject to  taxation.

More... [722 views]

Shangri-La Maldives Resort & Spa Scheduled To Open In December 2004

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, has announced that Shangri-La Maldives Resort & Spa, Villingili Island, its fully integrated spa resort, is scheduled to open on the Addu Atoll in the south of the Maldives in December 2004.

More... [836 views]

Japanese tourists headed out to the world

After a 3-year slump, Japan's travel industry is picking up as people plan to take advantage of a long holiday in April to travel abroad.

More... [1011 views]

16th Annual Hotel Investment Conference Upbeat, Attendees Look for Positive 2004

A record number of attendees at the 16th annual Hotel Investment Conference here "changed" the name of the conference from Happy Days Are Near Again to Happy Days Are Here Again, as speakers and attendees alike said they were buoyed by recent improvements in hotel operating results.

More... [712 views]

EU, Euro, Europe

Recently at the ITB in Berlin, WTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli confirmed there were no huge cancellations of travel to Spain from the part of foreign tour operators. Despite the Madrid tragedy that killed 201 and wounded thousands, the industry will soon see a rebound and a worldwide growth of 4 to 5 per cent of international tourist arrivals this year.

More... [732 views]

A tough year for the Netherlands

2003 was not a good year for the Netherlands` tourism . Preliminary results point to a 6 per cent decline in arrivals and a 4 per cent drop in overnight volume.

More... [756 views]

2004 Resort Management Conference - the Details / Greenbrier Resort, April 18-20, 2004

Specifically developed for resort managers, general managers, directors of sales and marketing, corporate executives, and food and beverage and rooms executives, the educational programming line-up has been set for the 4th Annual Resort Management Conference to be held at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV, from April 18-20, 2004.

More... [547 views]

Starwood's simple idea makes a huge difference for children

A simple yet remarkable fundraising concept launched nearly a decade ago has raised $10 million globally to help the world's most vulnerable children

More... [965 views]

Luxury Tourism: A matter for all, not just hotels

According to data released by ILTM, the top 3% of tourists spends 20% of total tourism expenditure. Applying this analogy on Greek incoming tourism, where the average spend per tourist is ~ $ 750, it means that the top 3% has an average spend of approximately $ 5.000 vs $ 600 of the remaining 97%.

More... [945 views]

Wrap-up: The 16th annual Hotel Investment Conference

A record number of attendees at the 16th annual Hotel Investment Conference here “changed” the name of the conference from Happy Days Are Near Again to Happy Days Are Here Again, as speakers and attendees alike said they were buoyed by recent improvements in hotel operating results. 

More... [640 views]

Radisson SAS Hotel Berlin Welcomes Its First Guests With World’s Largest Indoor Hotel Aquarium

The Radisson SAS Hotel Berlin has opened in a new building on the site of the former Radisson SAS Hotel, which closed three years ago.

More... [871 views]

In business travel, the frill is gone; Cheap fares, Internet booking push down average trip cost, survey finds

Stingy bosses will find cause for cheer in the results of the latest business travel cost survey released by Rochester-based Runzheimer International, which studies such things

More... [683 views]

Carlson Companies announces 2003 sales results

Carlson Companies today announced that 2003 systemwide sales from its global, company-owned and franchised operations reached $20.9 billion, a 5.5 percent increase, compared with $19.8 billion in 2002.

More... [579 views]

Those smiles are back in Bali

Bali is firmly back in business after surviving one of the toughest tests imaginable for a holiday island.

More... [904 views]

Asian Hotel Valuation Index 2003

In 2003, the Hotel Valuation Index shows that five-star hotel values in Asia declined by 4% as cashflows were negatively impacted by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

More... [996 views]

Hilton Hotels recognizes top development projects of 2003

Hilton, Doubletree® and Embassy Suites Hotels® brands recognized the top hotel development projects of 2003 during the Hilton Hotels Corporation Full-Service Conference held March 2-4 in Chicago. 

More... [717 views]

Starwood continues expansion with signing of it's eighteenth hotel in China

Sheraton Shenzhen Hotel will be first five star hotel in new city center with direct access to new international convention and exhibition center

More... [760 views]

Conrad: steady expansion from this emerging global luxury brand

Conrad Hotels, owned since 2000 by a joint venture between the Hilton Group and Hilton Hotels Corporation, is  steadily continuing it global expansion programme. The Brussels-based company now has 15 properties in this luxury brand, with four new hotels under development - in Bali, Phuket and Tokyo in Asia, and Miami in the USA

More... [701 views]

IFA & Sun International sign Alliance Agreement

IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA), Kersaf and Sun International (SI) announced that they have signed an agreement regarding the development of resorts in Palm Island, Dubai, Zanzibar and the Zimbali Coastal Resort in South Africa.

More... [869 views]

De Vere has rejected this morning's bid from GPG UK Holdings to buy a 25% stake in the hotel group at 415p a share.

' The Board believes that the partial offer significantly undervalues De Vere's ordinary shares; it will make a further announcement with a more detailed response shortly.  In the meantime, shareholders are strongly advised to take no action,' it said.

More... [565 views]

More hotels wired on

Phuket-based  online hotel reservation company, WiredDestinations has added more than 300 hotels in its new travel destinations including Japan, Brunei, Macau and Holland, bringing its inventory to more than 5,000 hotels worldwide.

More... [616 views]

Moscow set to triple hotel capacity

By 2010, Moscow City Hall is planning to triple hotel capacity in the city in order to meet the estimated goal of 5 million visitors annually, Deputy Mayor Iosif Ordzhonikidze said at the International Exhibition of Property Market Professionals, or MIPIM, earlier this month.

More... [702 views]

Trademark Dispute: Online Travel Group V. THE LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD

The Leading Hotels of the World, applied for registration of the trademark THE LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD in respect of hotel services in South Africa in 1998. Online Travel Group, a South Africa based firm who own the domain name leadinghotels.com since 1997, are opposing the South African application on the basis that the trademark is not distinctive.

More... [655 views]

ITB 2004 closing report: Continued optimism - Travel growing in popularity

"Following the ITB Berlin 2004 optimism within the industry is not only undiminished but appears to be  stronger than ever: more exhibitors, more trade visitors and a fantastic atmosphere in the halls all provided a clear reflection of the current situation", according to Dr. Christian Goke, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin.

More... [1043 views]

News @ PATA

This week's PATA news and updates......

More... [650 views]

MeriStar to Implement Unique, Industry-First, Hotel Renovation Program

MeriStar Hospitality Corp. has implemented a renovation program to accelerate the renovation of its hotels. Benjamin West helped to create the program and HVScompass Interior Design was responsible for the custom product development and design. Company Expects to Save 15-Plus Percent of Costs, Reduce Time by 20 Weeks

More... [706 views]

The Internet is killing the hotel industry?

The Internet is often a dirty word for hoteliers, but it shouldn't be. If used properly, it provides a tremendous opportunity for marketing, sales and communications. Here are some suggestions for harnessing this incredible new tool.

More... [1224 views]

Stamford Hotels and Resorts Banishes Ridiculously High Mark-ups

Leading luxury hotel group Stamford Hotels & Resorts is continuing its program to revolutionise the guest hospitality experience, today unveiling service initiatives that set a new competitive standard in the industry.

More... [1050 views]

HiltonHotelsCorp to spends $175m on web presence

The Financial Times reports two of the world’s biggest hotel groups, Starwood and Hilton Hotels, have vowed to take greater control of their room distribution in a bid to combat the rise of online travel agents such as Expedia

More... [890 views]

Latin America, the place to be? - HotelBenchmark Survey

Latin American countries are rapidly becoming more popular as tourist destinations, but are social and economic factors holding back a hospitality industry that has great potential for growth?

More... [805 views]

InterContinental Hotels Group Adds Newest Brand to Award-Winning Guest Loyalty Program

InterContinental Hotels Group announced today that it will fully integrate its newest brand, Candlewood Suites(R), into the award-winning Priority Club(R) Rewards program beginning March 29

More... [668 views]

Hotels strike back with own Web savvy; THE TECH LANE

The golden age of finding cheap Internet rates for well-known hotels may be over. Where online travel agencies like Expedia and Hotels.com from InterActive once snapped up available rooms from a broad range of hoteliers -- often selling those rooms for rates lower than on the hotels' own Web sites -- brands like Marriott, Starwood and Hilton are pushing back.

More... [798 views]

How Does Public Relations Fit into a Hotel's Marketing Plan?

Hoteliers understand what it is they need to do to market their product. But what is public relations and how does it work when assembling your marketing plan?

More... [1352 views]

UAE industry: Armani, Emaar to collaborate on hotels and resorts

Giorgio Armani of Italy and Emaar Properties of the UAE have agreed to collaborate on the construction of ten luxury hotels and four holiday resorts over the coming seven years

More... [805 views]

Barcelona: a city transformed

Since Barcelona hosted the Olympics in 1992, the city has undergone intense transformation and modernisation. Today the city is one of the most dynamic destinations in Europe and has become a popular city break and conference location

More... [659 views]

Deloitte and Smith Travel Research start a new trend

Deloitte, the market leader in hotel performance metrics outside North America and Smith Travel Research (STR), the recognized leader for US lodging industry benchmarking, are delighted to announce the launch of HotelBenchmark Trend Reports, which were unveiled today at the 7th International Hotel Investment Forum.

More... [767 views]

Best Family Resorts 2004

If you've ever argued with your spouse and kids over whether that evening you will all be watching the football game, Sex and the City or the Cartoon Network, you have a pretty good idea of how hard it is to plan a family vacation. Everyone wants something different, and too often, everyone winds up grumbling.

More... [982 views]

The World Travel & Tourism Council Forecasts that China, Hong Kong and Macau Travel & Tourism Economies are Poised for a Robust Recovery in 2004

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released its 2004 forecast for China, Hong Kong and Macau Travel & Tourism today at the Hong Kong Tourism Symposium.

More... [599 views]

Cornell study gives hotels mixed grades during the Blackout of ’03

A new study by Cornell Professor Robert Kwortnik found that hotel managers and staff provided extraordinary personal service during the blackout in August 2003, but that many properties experienced significant operating failures

More... [694 views]

UK hotels saw revenue per available room (revPAR) rise by 4.2% year-on-year to £40.83 in January 2004

 UK hotels saw revenue per available room (revPAR) rise by 4.2% year-on-year to £40.83 in January 2004, boosted by a 2.1 percentage point increase in occupancy rates to 61.8%.

More... [577 views]

Australia: Sheraton hotels set for rebranding

Hong Kong's Great Eagle property group has swooped into Melbourne and Auckland, with plans to rebrand Sheraton hotels in both cities.

More... [1000 views]

Australia: Outlook brightens for hotels

The big-name hotel chains reported painful profit declines last year, but most believe a long-awaited turnaround is under way.

More... [737 views]

Travelers' Increasing Use of Cell Phones Pinches Hotels' Profit

Six in 10 people own a cell phone, and with companies offering plans that include free roaming and free long distance, budget-conscious travelers are forgoing their room phones and picking up their cell phones to make calls when traveling.

More... [734 views]

Hong Kong tourism industry to perform better this year

The prospect for Hong Kong's tourism industry this year is even better than last year, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Henry Tang said here Thursday.

More... [617 views]

Prominent Hotel Companies Unite to Form Global Hotel Alliance

New Partnership Between Kempinski, Pan Pacific, Rydges and Wyndham Strengthens Guest Promise, Value and Personalized Service Across the Globe

More... [905 views]

Park Plaza Hotels Europe announces Joint Venture with Wren’s Hotel Group

Park Plaza Hotels Europe has announced its franchise agreement with the Wren’s Hotel Group to operate Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts in Croatia.

More... [784 views]

Thailand: Hotels expected to add 10,000 rooms

After being hard hit by a string of economic and health crises, many hotel and resort owners are expanding again, a trend which is expected to see 10,000 new rooms built this year, according to the Thai Hotels Association.

More... [874 views]

TUI says sales for winter, summer seasons up 3.3 pct yr-on-yr

TUI AG, Europe's largest tour operator, said booked sales for the winter season 2003/2004 and the summer season 2004 are up 3.3 pct year-on-year, as its domestic market starts to pick up again

More... [782 views]

Big Hotels Fight Back Online

The golden age of finding cheap Internet rates for well-known hotels may be over. Where online travel agencies like Expedia and Hotels.com from the InterActive Corporation once snapped up available rooms from a broad range of hoteliers - often selling those rooms for rates lower than the hotels' own Web sites - brands like Marriott, Starwood and Hilton are pushing back.

More... [1240 views]

Howard Johnson to bring a total of 17 properties to its portfolio in China

Howard Johnson is expecting to increase its portfolio to 17 properties in China through 2004 with the openings in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Conghua (Guangdong), Hangzhou, Tianjin and Wuhan. 

More... [766 views]

Mandarin Oriental announces a new celebrity fan for global brand advertising campaign - I M Pei

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is pleased to announce world-renowned architect, I M Pei as the Group’s new international celebrity featured in their well-recognized international advertising campaign, “He’s a Fan/She’s a Fan”. 

More... [1293 views]

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts closes a difficult year in a positive way and invests in the future

Despite a difficult year in the tourism industry, the 2003 operating results of the Swiss hotel group Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MH&R) were positive at year end.

More... [603 views]

Dubai drew record near five million hotel guests in 2003

The number of hotel guests in the booming Gulf emirate of Dubai reached a record 4,980,228 last year, five per cent up on 2002 despite the war in nearby Iraq, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said Monday.

More... [674 views]

Demand for U.S. hotel rooms forecast to rise

After three years of contraction, demand for domestic hotel rooms in the United States will increase 4.5 percent this year, PricewaterhouseCoopers said.

More... [995 views]

WTO welcomes EU enlargement as a stimulus for tourism

The enlargement of the European Union, with ten new members joining in May, will help create a "more complete and coherent European tourism industry, which should be recognized in the future European Constitution" according to the World Tourism Organization.

More... [1261 views]

Tourism sees first growth since 2000

U.S. tourism industry sales grew at an annual rate of 3.5 percent in 2003 in the first rise since 2000, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Monday.

More... [910 views]

More Upside Than Downside For UK Hotel Sector In 2004, But Changing Booking And Buying Patterns May Challenge Hoteliers

New statistics for the UK hotel sector issued by PricewaterhouseCoopers, forecast an end to three years of revenue per available room (RevPAR) declines for UK and London hotels this year.

More... [570 views]

Intercontinental Hotels Group Moves Regional Operations Office in Brazil

Growth in Number of Properties, Access to Sao Paulo's Business Centers, Cited as Reasons for Move from Rio De Janeiro to Sao Paulo

More... [873 views]

Le Méridien likely to make Bangkok comeback

A major deal between Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts and Thailand’s liquor baron, Mr Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, owner of Plaza Athenee Bangkok,  is imminent.

More... [995 views]

Hilton Adding 14 New Resorts Over the Next 36 Months

Hilton International today announced plans to further expand its growing portfolio of upscale resorts. A total of 14 new resorts, (over 3,500 rooms), will open over the next 36 months, increasing the number of Hilton Worldwide Resorts to 60 in 28 countries worldwide.

More... [988 views]

World tourism to soar with new markets in China, India

A study predicts that the world tourism industry is set to record the sharpest expansion in its history between 2010 and  2020, notably with the emergence of China and India as active players

More... [1214 views]

Loews Hotels CEO Jonathan Tisch and housekeeping manager Sara Roiz discuss "Now Who's Boss?"

Interviw co Host Matt Lauer - NBC

More... [2003 views]

InterContinental Hotels more optimistic on outlook

Hotels giant InterContinental on Thursday welcomed signs of an improvement in trading conditions after what it described as probably the most difficult period experienced in the hotel industry in living memory.

More... [841 views]

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts closes a difficult year in a positive way and invests in the future

Despite a difficult year in the tourism industry, the 2003 operating results of the Swiss hotel group Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MH&R) were positive at year end

More... [763 views]

Singapore launches new destination brand to woo more visitors

Singapore launched its new destination brand, "Uniquely Singapore," to celebrate the special blend of traditions, cultures, modernity and  all things intrinsic and unique to the island state of around 4 million people.

More... [766 views]

Global Travel & Tourism Poised for Robust Growth in 2004

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released its 2004 Travel & Tourism forecasts for 174 countries and the world today at the London Stock Exchange.

More... [1083 views]

Customers, Professionals Offer Tales of Good, Bad Very Ugly Service

The easiest way to define good customer service is to say what it isn't. Ask the experts and you get an earful.

More... [1208 views]

HFTP's March Club and Hotel Controllers Conferences are Sold Out

HFTP's Club and Hotel Controllers Conferences in Las Vegas are sold out with 160 registered attendees, a 32 percent increase in attendance from last year. The conferences, produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, will be held March 22-23 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Las Vegas.

More... [527 views]

Hilton International and Scandic Launch Franchise Initiative

Cannes, France... Hilton International has today announced plans to roll out a franchise opportunity for the mid market Scandic brand and the four/five star Hilton brand.

More... [868 views]

The Internet is killing the hotel industry?

The Internet is often a dirty word for hoteliers, but it shouldn't be. If used properly, it provides a tremendous opportunity for marketing, sales and communications. Here are some suggestions for harnessing this incredible new tool.

More... [1446 views]

How Does Public Relations Fit into a Hotel's Marketing Plan?

Hoteliers understand what it is they need to do to market their product. But what is public relations and how does it work when assembling your marketing plan?

More... [1189 views]

IHG plans to raise £800m-£1bn with more hotel sell-offs

Coverage of IHG’s FYs, announced yesterday, suggest that up to £1bn could be raised FT . Financial wire Bloomberg says that the George InterContinental in Edinburgh and the Gatwick Airport Holiday Inn have been earmarked for disposal.

More... [640 views]

Expansion for Hilton resorts worldwide

Hilton International today announced plans to expand its portfolio of upscale resorts. A total of 14 new resorts, representing 3,500 rooms, will open over the next 36 months, increasing the number of Hilton Worldwide Resorts to 60 in 28 countries worldwide.

More... [886 views]

Three Lodging Segments Will Lead Performance Improvement for U.S. Lodging Industry in 2004

 After three years of industry-wide contraction, PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts lodging demand will increase 4.5 percent in 2004, and lodging industry supply will grow 1.4 percent in 2004.

More... [603 views]

Great Eagle Hotel group's net dives 37pc

Great Eagle reported that net profit fell 37.28 per cent to HK$332.9 million for 2003, following a downturn in its hotel and office leasing businesses.

More... [616 views]

Lower-Cost Hotels Hold RevPAR Levels in 2003

Lower-priced hotels held RevPAR levels in 2003, while pricier hotels endured another year of RevPAR decline. Supply side changes played a major part in this trend, as limited-service hotel construction slowed considerably over the past 24 months.

More... [762 views]

When good travelers go bad

High-powered executives hired for their smarts and paid to be globally resourceful are responding to a loss of dignity brought about by corporate cuts, heightened security measures and dwindling perks. On top of the daily grind of meetings and deadlines, it can add up to a bad attitude

More... [1065 views]

Arab high-flier inks deal for Armani hotel chain

Few people know this, but the man who brought fashion labels such as Zara and Mango to Singapore has just inked a US$1 billion  deal to build Armani hotels globally.

More... [1275 views]

Bali bouncing back

Bali is recovering as a demand destination for South Australians, fuelled by the launch of direct Air Paradise flights from Adelaide to Denpasar this week and the resultant jostle for market share with Garuda Indonesia.

More... [685 views]

Hyatt in JV with Asian Hotels’ Saraf in India

With the boom in the tourism and hotels sector, international hospitality chains have started investing in India. This marks a radical shift in their earlier strategy when they were just lending their brandnames and managing properties.

More... [1312 views]

Building a Better Bonus Plan

An answer to one of our "most frequently asked questions", and de-mystification of the construction of a working bonus program.

More... [1038 views]

Dubai preferred incentive travel destination

Dubai`s strategic location as the closest `long-haul` destination to Europe is helping the emirate to secure increased  incentive travel, according to the industry`s top official.

More... [724 views]

Dubai: Business boom set to continue as hotel occupancies remain high

While the Dubai Shopping Festival has brought the predictable boom in visitor numbers to the emirate, business will remain on a high for months to come, according to Naif Zureikat, general manager of Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien

More... [808 views]

Blackstone grabs Extended Stay

New York's Blackstone Group acquired Extended Stay America Inc. for $3.1 billion on Friday, March 5, in a mammoth deal which will add to the private equity firm's extended-stay hotel empire.

More... [850 views]

IHG: Checking out of ownership, but with reservations

To own assets or not to own assets? That is the question that has been taxing Richard North, and this week we will discover a bit more about what the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) chief executive is planning to do with the group's £3.5 billion asset base.

More... [846 views]

Thailand voted best incentive tourism destination

Thailand has been voted the world`s best incentive tourism destination by meeting, incentive , conference and exhibition (MICE) organizers from across the globe, a senior Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) official revealed.

More... [661 views]

Trend-Setting Hotels Lure Guests with Amenities, Service, Says AAA

Travelers planning spring or summer vacations this year are likely to receive higher levels of service and amenities at many hotels than they might have in the past, according to AAA.

More... [731 views]

Meeting Planner Survey cites rates, locale and brand reputation as important factors when booking hotels

A survey released by Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) reveals  reasonable rates, locale and brand reputation as key factors meeting planners look for when booking a property. The survey was answered by 367 meeting planners nationwide

More... [959 views]

AFM Hospitality Corporation to acquire Boutique Hotels & Resorts International

AFM Hospitality Corporation  announced that it has entered into an agreement to merge all the assets of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International based in Miami, Florida into a new U.S. subsidiary to be incorporated, AFM Premier Alliances, Inc. Subject to completion of a definitive agreement and further approvals, the transaction is expected to close on or before March 30, 2004

More... [619 views]

The Scene, The Beach, The Hotel

Staff workers at The Hotel in Miami Beach wear untucked, button-down shirts that are white on the top half and tie-dyed on the bottom. This half-business/half-party approach suits the neighborhood, where swanky nightclubs and stores sit next to a public beach.

More... [692 views]

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. Promotes Summer Travel with Guaranteed U.S. Dollar Rates

In the face of recent declines in the value of the U.S. dollar against several major foreign currencies, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. has inaugurated a Guaranteed U.S. Dollar Rate program, enabling guests to know, in advance, the cost of their accommodations abroad. 

More... [600 views]

Hyatt Corp. heirs continue suing father

A Chicago judge dismissed the lawsuits of Hyatt Corp. heirs Liesel and Matthew Pritzker accusing their father of draining their trust fund of $1 billion

More... [926 views]

TUI Launches Online Hotel Portal

To cater even more strongly for the growing customer demand for individuality, combinability and late booking, TUI has developed a new bookings site in the internet.

More... [652 views]

2004 the Year of Direct Online Distribution

Now is the time to fight back with a smart Direct-to-Consumer Internet Strategy - By Max Starkov and Jason Price

More... [1103 views]

Resort performance hots up

Hotels located in resort destinations around the world reported better than expected results during 2003 according to the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte. An analysis of the operating performance of resorts throughout Europe, the Middle-East, South-East Asia, Oceania and the Caribbean reveals that this sector generally performed better than their city centre counterparts.

More... [858 views]

Designer Hotels

Either working independently or with big names in the hospitality industry, a number of famous fashion designers are lending their names and design sense to chic new hotels around the world. The hope is that fashionistas--and those whom aspire to their fabulous ranks--will find the allure of a Versace-, Oldham- or Ferragamo-inspired hotel harder to pass up than the new spring collection

More... [1117 views]

Dramatic Increases in U.S. Lodging Industry IPOs, Equity Offerings and M&A Activity Will Occur in 2004

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates that in 2004 the U.S. lodging industry IPO activity will be the highest since 1996, when there were 12 public offerings, which raised $1.06 billion. PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates that there will be four to seven IPOs, including several REITs.

More... [563 views]

First Class Awards at Arabian Travel Market

This year’s Arabian Travel Market will see the unveiling of the first ever MENA Travel Awards on Thursday 6^th May at the Al Bustan Hotel in Dubai.

More... [718 views]

The 4th International Hospitality Forum Aims at Higher Levels

The annual International Hospitality Forum -IHF, Jordan’s premier event for the hospitality and foodservice sector, will reach higher levels in 2004 with more international companies and pavilions taking part and a wider hosted buyers program attracting regional decision makers, particularly from neighbouring Iraq.

More... [665 views]

The Lebanese public and private institutions have designated HORECA as a basic source of hospitality information.

More... [586 views]

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman introduces team of high-profile, international brand leaders

In a high-profile preview of its late 2004 opening, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman today introduced a group of internationally renowned brand leaders that, together, will produce an array of facilities, activities and amenities that promise to redefine residential and resort lifestyle in the Caribbean

More... [1065 views]

BDRC Publishes British Hotel Guest Survey 2004

BDRC, a leading hotel industry research supplier based in Europe, has published the British Hotel Guest Survey 2004 with a launch presentation at its London office attended by 20 representatives of major subscribing hotel chains. The proprietary BDRC Hotel Brand Ranking Index reveals that the strongest hotel brand in Britain remains Hilton overall, however, in the leisure market Travelodge claims back the top position, which it last held in 1999.  The other leading performers are Marriott, Holiday Inn and Travel Inn.

More... [667 views]

Hong Kong's Regal group 'wants to back out of hotel sale'

With the hotel industry rebounding strongly, Regal Hotels International reportedly wants to back out of an agreement to sell its Regal Oriental Hotel to toys tycoon Francis Choi and two other investors.

More... [722 views]

Hotel Chains Hoping Self Serve Kiosks Gain Widespread Acceptance; Potential to Cut Labor Costs Over the Long Run

Hilton Hotels Corp., and at least one other hotel chain, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, are betting a lot of travelers share Bergquist's quest for fast, hassle-free travel. Hyatt Hotels Corp. hopes to test a system by the end of the year. 

More... [788 views]

Opened 17 Years Ago the Shangri-La Beijing Receiving Massive US$72 million Upgrade

Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing is capturing the timeless romance of the mythical "Shangri-La" through a two-phase US$72 million renovation that is transforming the property into a shimmering modern vision of paradise for travelers.

More... [693 views]

ICCA gets a fresh look

The International Congress and Convention Association has updated its logo and totally revised the image of all the  association`s materials and the way it presents itself.

More... [586 views]

World's Largest Hotel Loyalty Program Launched by Cendant

The travel rewards playing field has been leveled by Cendant Corporation's new loyalty program, TripRewards(R), which allows leisure travelers to earn points or airline miles quickly, just like frequent business travelers.

More... [1145 views]

Over 55 and up for it

A new market is emerging of mature travellers who want adventure and to explore different cultures. A survey of 5,000 over-55s by tour operator Journeys of Distinction found that 54% take three or more holidays a year and 38% take two or more. Over a third spend six weeks or more of the year travelling.

More... [748 views]

International Culinary Tourism Association First International Conference

The Canadian Tourism Commission will present the First International Conference on Culinary Tourism, May 15-18, 2004 in Victoria, BC, Canada. More than 200 leaders from the world's food, beverage and travel industries are expected to attend the three day conference that features 18 seminars, 2 mobile educational workshops and prominent speakers from six countries

More... [697 views]

Major boost for Tulip Inn Hotel Brand

The expansion programme for Tulip Inn hotels in the UK and Ireland has received a substantial boost which should lead to significant funds being made available to develop a further 15 hotels.

More... [624 views]

The `Third eTourism Futures Forum` examines the anticipated changes in technology

On the 29th and 30th March 2004, the School of Management at the University of Surrey hosts its 3rd eTourism  Futures Forum. The event, organised by the Centre for eTourism Research (CeTR) within the School, is entitled `Exploring the Information Communication Technologies Revolution and Visioning the Future for the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Industries.`

More... [677 views]

Claridges sale is on despite Savoy suitor

The owners of the Savoy Group are pressing on with plans to auction Claridge's, the luxury London hotel with a restaurant run by Gordon Ramsay, despite speculation that a US hotel empire is planning a bid for the whole group.

More... [977 views]

IFA purchases 150,000 square metres of Palm Jumeirah for $42m

Nakheel and IFA Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of International Financial Advisors (IFA), Kuwait have announced the fifth agreement between their companies for the purchase by IFA of 150,000 square metres on the crescent at Palm Jumeirah at a cost of $42m.

More... [708 views]

WTTC releases 2004 economic forecasts for US travel & tourism

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released its 2004 forecast for US Travel & Tourism at the  New York Times Travel Show Tourism Industry Conference in New York.

More... [645 views]

HFTP international hospitality technology hall of fame announces call for 2004 nominations

Nominations are now being accepted for Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame, HFTP`s highest level of  recognition in the area of technology

More... [611 views]

AH&LA restructures bylaws to become the first dual-membership organization in U.S. hotel industry

More... [636 views]

Major Expansion for Marriott in Asia Pacific / Australia Region

Marriott International's lodging portfolio in the Asia-Pacific-Australia Region is to grow by 19 properties through the end of 2006 with hotels in 10 countries scheduled to open.

More... [1388 views]

Construction of The Palm, Jumeirah `right on schedule`

The Palm, Jumeirah is on course to welcome the first of its residents in early 2006 , according to Nakheel, developers of Dubai`s iconic island development

More... [770 views]

Restaurant industry outlook strong for the U.S. restaurant industry

In a positive sign for the restaurant industry, the National Restaurant Association`s comprehensive index of restaurant activity soared to a record level in January . The Association`s Restaurant Performance Index - a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry - jumped 1.0 percent above its already strong December level.

More... [671 views]

Carlson Hotels Worldwide Offers Global Guarantee: Best Online Rate Will Be Available on Radisson and Park Plaza Brand Websites

Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced a new customer guarantee for Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts which ensures that guests will find the best online room rate on the hotel brand web sites  The guarantee goes into effect today at more than 425 Radisson locations in 61 countries and nearly 40 Park Plaza locations in 12 countries. 

More... [641 views]

Four Seasons Reports 4th Qtr Net Earnings of $11.7 million

Four Seasons Hotels Inc. reported its results for the fourth quarter of 2003 and for the year ended December 31, 2003. "2003 ended very differently than it began," said Isadore Sharp, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

More... [781 views]

Hilton Hotels Names Bollenbach Co-Chairman

Bollenbach to Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Hart to President and Chief Operating Officer; La Forgia to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

More... [683 views]

Networking Intelligence

Connecting your staff to hotel data, each other, and the Internet is a critical success factor but often neglected. This article discusses the risks of that neglect as well as some suggestions on preventing it and gaining a jump on the competition.

More... [677 views]

Weak demand in Europe hits NH Hoteles full year profit

Net profit at NH Hoteles fell 41% year-on-year to €50.8m (£33.9m) for the 12 months ended 31 December 2003, as weak demand hit occupancy rates at its European properties.

More... [598 views]

Cendant hotel group announces international expansion plans

Cendant Corporation`s Hotel Group has set its sights abroad with the signing of three international agreements , one in China and two in Ireland.

More... [779 views]

First JW Marriott Hotel to Debut in Continental Europe

Marriott International, Inc. announced plans to convert the five-star Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel this March into the first JW Marriott in Continental Europe

More... [693 views]

Hong Kong Visitors to Exceed 20 Million Mark in 2004

Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong could exceed the 20 million mark to reach 20.5 million in 2004, a growth of 31.8% over 2003.  The forecast, made on the assumption that outbound market conditions worldwide would remain stable, represented a "cautiously optimistic" outlook for Hong Kong's tourism in 2004, according to Selina Chow, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). 

More... [586 views]

India Tourism Shining

India’s travel and tourism sector is certainly on a roll. Foreign tourist traffic, domestic air travel and forex earnings have all registered double digit growth over 2002-03

More... [686 views]

Moscow Hotel Sector Sees Much Talk and Little Action

It was a year of grand announcements and little action for Moscow's hospitality real estate sector in 2003. While other sectors made headlines, there were no large-scale hotel projects completed in the city

More... [773 views]

Thailand dims its nightlights down low

Tailand's tourism industry is about to face one tough challenge-be able to pack its entertainment district while enforcing midnight closing on bars and clubs

More... [824 views]

Mandarin Oriental, New York Implements GoConcierge

Taking to heart Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s quest to become as paperless as possible, concierges at Mandarin Oriental, New York have implemented GoConcierge, the lodging industry’s leading task-tracking and database solution.

More... [894 views]

Global Staff Movements - Who is In and Who is Out

For this month's international update on staff movements, Click Here
Edited  by Benoit Gateau-Cumin - President, The Boutique Search Frim

Starwood, Four seasons may bid for Savoy-sources

U.S. private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Colony Capital may sell the four exclusive London hotels in the Savoy Group, a source familiar with the situation said Thursday

More... [551 views]

Four Seasons tipped for c£800m Savoy Group bid

Today’s Times reports that Toronto-based chain Four Seasons will present Savoy Group’s VC owners Blackstone and Colony with a bid for the entire group

More... [1155 views]

World's Most Expensive Hotels

It should come as no surprise that the world's richest man, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, has been to two of the world's most expensive hotels--Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles and Fiji's The Wakaya Club. It helps to be a billionaire (or at least a millionaire) to be able to afford a stay there.

More... [1793 views]

Tough year for Hilton as hotels division profits slump

Leisure group Hilton showed the result of a tough trading year today after profits at its hotels division slumped more than 30% in 2003.

More... [718 views]

Hilton announces Management appointments

The Board of Directors of Hilton Hotels Corporation has approved the following management appointments.  The changes will be effective after the company’s annual meeting of shareholders in May 2004.

More... [1189 views]

Marriott Is Most Admired Company In the Lodging Industry According to Fortune

Fortune magazine named Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) the most admired company in the lodging industry.

More... [1011 views]

High Speed Internet Access: No Longer Optional

High-speed Internet access is quickly becoming a required amenity. This article provides some background and advice on this important part of the guest experience.

More... [933 views]

Online Lodging Reviewer, TripAdvisor, Ranks Top Hotels Worldwide, Based on the Quantity and Quality of Information Found on the Web

TripAdvisor, the leading travel research site, announced today the results of a year-long study of the most popular hotels on the web for 2003. Using its Hotel Popularity Index, TripAdvisor's "Best Hotels On The Web - 2003" award ranks the top hotel in major cities worldwide, based on the quantity and quality of information found on the web for more than 100,000 hotels in over 14,000 cities.

More... [714 views]

Choice Hotels Reports Solid Growth for Flag Choice

Strong Brands and HotelPass Contribute to Successful 2003

More... [612 views]

WWW Rules Travel Industry

More than 42 million people booked travel online last year, up 8 percent from 2002, according to a recent report from the Travel Industry Association of America. And 30 percent of people who booked travel online use the Internet for all their travel needs, up from 23 percent in 2002, according to the report released last month.

More... [964 views]

Investors play 'Monopoly' with hotels

Over the years, real estate developers, investment bankers, and financial institutions have played their own game of "Monopoly," purchasing, selling and converting hotel properties. "Virtually no one has sold a hotel over the past few years due to September 11 and the subsequent downturn in the local economy," according to the director of Hotel Consulting with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sean Hennessey.

More... [789 views]

Marriott plans to expand business in Chinese mainland

Marriott International is planning to build more five-star hotels in China's big cities.

More... [807 views]

Peninsula set for comeback on Bund Luxury chain Hongkong Hotels hopes for a return to Shanghai in 2008

The Peninsula may open a hotel on Shanghai's famous Bund as early as 2008, after an absence of more than 50 years from the city

More... [708 views]

Four Seasons hotels more upbeat on 2004

Four Seasons Hotels (FS) said it was looking for a recovery in its industry to take hold this year. "2003 was the third, and we hope last, year of a very difficult period for the lodging industry," the Toronto-based group said. "Travel trends have continued to improve early in the first quarter of 2004.

More... [707 views]

Intercontinental hotels & resorts named best in customer satisfaction

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts received what is perhaps the hotel industry`s highest form of compliment - recognition for guest satisfaction. It was ranked the top luxury hotel brand for superiority in customer satisfaction during the fourth quarter of 2003 by Market Metrix, LLC in a Market Metrix Hospitality Index survey

More... [897 views]

Cornell Study Helps Restaurant Managers Maximize Revenue

A new study, published recently by The Center for Hospitality Research at the Cornell Hotel School, shows how managers can build revenue by focusing on operations and menus, rather than on more traditional measurements such as average bill amounts, or the ratio of food and labor costs to total revenue.

More... [829 views]

Partnership Between Hotel & PR Counsel Essential For Optimal Results

Of the multi channels of hospitality marketing, public relations seems to be the one most often misunderstood to the degree that it's sometimes viewed as an amorphous promotional device, a little like ectoplasm that occasionally takes solid shape as media stories.

More... [575 views]

Cornell partners with UniFocus to answer key questions facing the hospitality industry

Hoteliers and hospitality managers will soon gain new insight on the hospitality consumer through a strategic alliance between two research leaders. Cornell University’s Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) has joined forces with UniFocus, a leading provider of research and consulting services for the hospitality industry, to give r esearchers access to a wealth of UniFocus data on consumer behavior in the travel industry.

More... [703 views]

WTTC Releases 2004 Economic Forecasts for US Travel & Tourism

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released its 2004 forecast for US Travel & Tourism today at the New York Times Travel Show Tourism Industry Conference in New York

More... [857 views]

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong considers facelift

Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental could get a makeover after next year as part of efforts to spruce up the 41-year-old hotel, which faces competition from new market entrant Four Seasons

More... [774 views]