ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: May 2004

Who is In and Who is Out - Global Staffmovements

For this months' international update of global staff movements -  Click Here

Edited by by Benoit Gateau-Cumin, President, The Boutique Search Firm

InterContinental Hotels Doubles First-quarter Pretax Profits; Plans to Sell Up to UKpound 500 million of Hotels

The world's largest hotel chain, InterContinental Hotels, doubled first-quarter pretax profits to UKpound 50 million after a rebound in travel on both sides of the Atlantic despite terror threats.

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Does Size Matter?

Does a hotel's size correlate to the size of the management's salaries? Or does quality pay better than quantity? To find out we took a look at management salaries in London.

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Improving Economic Conditions And Recovery In Travel Demand Drive A UK Hotel Revival

New statistics issued by PricewaterhouseCoopers anticipate a rebound for the UK hotel sector. A global economic recovery is clearly underway, driven by an improving outlook in the world’s major economies and revised forecasts for UK Gross Domestic Product (GDP) now expect the economy to grow by 3.2% in 2004.

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The Compensation Curve

Simple logic dictates that as businesses grow their annual gross revenues, they become more complex, and difficult to operate. Thus we would consider it self-evident that a Casino with revenues in excess of $100 million annually would compensate its key executives more richly than an operation taking in less than that amount.

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Hotels Of The Future

In January, London-based Thomson Holidays, one of the U.K.'s biggest tour operators, hosted the "Future Holiday Forum," with leaders in travel, technology and design. The most surprising part of its report, "2024: A Holiday Odyssey," predicted that the hotel of the future will be a foldable pod on stilts, which can be plunked down in remote locations.

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Most isn't always best when it comes to prices

Gouging is one of the ugliest words in the English language. The mere sound of those seven letters strung together sends shivers up the spines of millions. Throw in the word "price" before gouging and the reaction is downright hostile. No one likes to be the victim of price gouging, but it goes on every day. No honest businessperson wants to be accused of price gouging, but that phenomenon raises its ugly head all the time in the lodging industry.

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Wireless applications enable guest services

High-speed Internet access is being installed throughout many midscale and above hotel brands as a standard for guests ["HSIA surges into midscale hotel segment," April 5, page 30]. In most cases, hotels require wireless HSIA in public space and might also suggest it for the guestrooms for the convenience it offers

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Bill Gates demos automated speech system for hotels

In his presentation at the Microsoft CEO Summit 2004, Bill Gates demonstrated an automated speech system that allows users to change their hotel reservation booked on a Webportal.

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DER online hotel portal to launch in July

The long-expected internet hotel portal of Deutsches Reisebüro is now due to launch on July 1. "We are currently in the test phase,” said DER managing director Peter Landsberger. The German tour operator is acquiring hotels which will pay a commission of 10% for bookings made through the DERhotel.com website.

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Hilton scores coup with Bangkok riveside property

Hilton International Hotels has been awarded a contract to manage a high-rise property near the Peninsula on the banks of Bangkok’s mighty Chao Phraya River.

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W Hotels Welcomes Guests to Wonderland - A Fantastical Experience for All Senses

Wonderland, a complete experiential retreat for the senses, will come to life online and at each of the 19 W Hotels properties worldwide this May.  In addition to a national advertising campaign, the hotels will implement a number of on-property changes to reflect the next phase of W Hotels -- an evolution to a global lifestyle affinity.

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News @ PATA

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

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Four keys to building loyalty in the hospitality industry

With customers focusing on location and cost in their hotel choice stays, and since a hotel property's location is fixed, building guest loyalty is crucial, according to Joe Sullivan of UniFocus - but how can it be achieved?

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Seventy-Five Percent of Americans Plan to Travel this Summer

Three out of four Americans plan to travel this summer, according to a recent survey conducted by Yahoo!(R) Travel  and Harris Interactive. Additionally, the average amount summer vacationers plan to spend is $1,756 per household, including transportation costs, accommodations, food expenses and entertainment.

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IHG brings another £500m-worth of hotels to market

InterContinental Hotels (IHG) has doubled Q1 pretax profit and said that current trading indicates an 'encouraging recovery' in the UK and US with signs of a 'tentative' recovery in Europe

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The Top 10 European Destination Markets for Total GDS Room Nights in 2004 Q1

TravelCLICK reported today that room night growth for the European region increased 16.2%, outperforming the worldwide hotel average growth of 9.5% in the first quarter of 2004 versus the first quarter of 2003.  The average daily rate (ADR) for European hotels in the first quarter was $169.63, showing a 12.2% improvement over the same quarter last year. 

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UK Hotel Room Rates Failing To Recover

UK hotel performance in April 2004 was in stark contrast to that of April last year, when the market was hit by the impact of the Iraq war and the outbreak of SARS, according to the latest figures from PKF hotel consultancy services.  owever, the upbeat performance masked struggling room rates in both London and the regions.

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War of words intensifies as GPG ups De Vere offer

Guinness Peat Group (GPG) has increased its offer for a 25% stake in De Vere from 415p- to 430p-a-share. GPG, which already holds 10% of the hotels and leisure clubs company, urged shareholders to accept the revised offer and back its plans to dispose of 21 upmarket De Vere properties, including the Belfry in Warwickshire and Brighton's Grand, with the objective of raising £550m+.

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Ian Schrager Hotels to Change Its Name Back to Morgans Hotel Group, Its Original Name

Ian Schrager, Chairman of Ian Schrager Hotels, announced today that the company bearing his name would resume the use of its original name, Morgans Hotel Group, LLC. The change will become effective immediately.

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CDL Hotels expects good year ahead

CDL HOTELS expects strong international visitor numbers to hold up but has warned shareholders the strength of the New Zealand dollar may start to hurt arrivals from the United States. The new chairman of CDL Hotels, Wong Hong Ren, told shareholders at the company's annual meeting yesterday that the company had enjoyed a positive start to 2004, with good initial trading seen throughout the group.

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Internet intermediaries are more friend than foe

The majority of people in the hotel industry believe internet intermediaries such as Expedia and Lastminute.com are a help to business rather than an impediment, according to a survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting.

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HSMAI announces keynote speakers for first-ever revenue management strategy conference

Smith Travel Research’s Brian Ferguson and High Country Hospitality’s Scott Anderson will deliver keynote addresses at the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International  (HSMAI) Revenue Management Strategy Conference on Monday, June 21, 2004.

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IMHI Hotel Internet Marketing Strategy Conference, London, 28 May 2004

The first IMHI Hotel Internet Marketing Strategy Conference will take place in the Thistle Tower Hotel in London on Friday, 28 May 2004,  immediately following the HEDNA (Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association) event being held earlier in the week.

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Thomas Cook Cost of Living Index

Goa, the Dominican Republic, Bulgaria and Tunisia are the best bets this summer for people who like to watch their spending money . The 2004 Thomas Cook Cost of Living Index reveals that the cheapest places to stay this year are a broad mixture of long-haul and Eastern European destinations.

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Shangri-La sees yields rise

An improvement in inbound tourism has helped luxury hotel chain Shangri-La Asia's yield for its Hong Kong properties, which was up 30 per cent year-on-year in the first four months of the year, compared with the group's 41 per cent yield rise.

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Five-Star Living

While it sounds like a dream, it's a reality for the residents who call a five-star hotel--such as the Ritz-Carlton , Four Seasons  or Mandarin Oriental--home. the Pierre, Waldorf-Astoria, Sherry-Netherland and Carlyle. But over the past five years, hotel-managed apartments have sprung up in many other cities, including San Francisco, Boston, Miami and Washington, D.C.

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South African Tourism set to score big time with 2010 success

Following the “absolutely sensational” confirmation from FIFA headquarters in Zurich that South Africa has been successful in its bid to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup , South African Tourism chief executive officer, Cheryl Carolus, says that the country’s tourism industry will be ready and waiting to give a warm South African welcome to the thousands of fans who will flock to the country to the largest sporting event of its kind in the world.

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Over 25 countries represented at the WTO.HRD conference on creating a framework for tourism policy and destination management

Government officials, destination managers and knowledge institutions from over 25 countries have already confirmed their participation in  the WTO.HRD Conference "Creating a Framework for Tourism Policy and Destination Management" to be held at the Palacio de Congresos de Madrid on 2-3 June 2004

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Younan Hotels Group Acquires Hotel Management Company; Veteran Hotelier Named to Oversee Younan's Aggressive Hotel Acquisition Plan

Younan Properties, one of the nation's fastest growing commercial real estate and hospitality investment firms, has announced the acquisition of Dallas-based hotel management company Platinum Portfolio, Ltd. As part of the acquisition, Platinum's Founder & Chairman, Peter Bheda, was named President & COO of Younan Hotels Group.

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Express by Holiday Inn’s China Debut is part of an Unprecedented 9-Deal Signing

InterContinental Hotels Group’s market dominance in China received another major boost with the signing of nine new management contracts. The signing, which took place at last night’s cocktail event at Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou in Beijing, attended by Group Chief Executive Mr Richard North, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Mr A. Patrick Imbardelli, as well as the Asia Pacific management team and members of the media.

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W Hotels to Open Its First Resort; W Maldives-Fesdhu Resort Opening in 2005

W Hotels, the world's fastest growing style brand, continues its rapid global expansion with the announcement of its first resort property, the W Maldives-Fesdhu Resort in the Republic of Maldives, scheduled to open in late 2005.

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Myanmar offers e-visa service

Myanmar has been isolated due to its history and foreign policies, this must be acknowledged. However, the country is quickly closing the gap, thanks to information technology.  Myanmar is now one of the very few countries in the world to offer online visas.

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InterContinental Hotels Group “Together We’re Stronger” Asia Pacific Leadership Conference

InterContinental Hotels Group marks 20 years of success and sustained growth in China with the Asia Pacific Leadership Conference 2004 in Beijing, China. The conference, which runs from today till May 28, is targeted at its hotel general managers and hotel owners. More than 300 delegates from across the Asia Pacific region and global representatives are expected to gather at the Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou in Beijing for the conference

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Asia Pacific: Hotel profitability levels affected by SARS crisis

Latest data from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte reveals that hotel profitability levels at Income Before Fixed Charges (IBFC) fell across the whole of the Asia Pacific region by 8.9 percent during 2003.

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Accor reduces reliance on owned hotels

French hotel group Accor is to cut the proportion of properties it owns to 15% of its total portfolio from around 21% currently

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London sees double-digit rises in April occupancy and rates

TRI Hospitality Consulting reports revenue per available room (revPAR) at London hotels jumped by 31.7% year-on-year to £65.16 in April, compared with a rise of only 3.4% to £41.73 in the provinces.

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Significant Growth Forecast for North American Conference Center Industry

PKF Consulting and the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) forecast growth in occupancy and RevPAR for North American Conference Centers through 2004 and into 2005. 

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$10 billion plan to make Singapore's Sentosa a 'must visit' place

Sentosa aims to throw off the 'white elephant' tag once and for all through a massive $10 billion redevelopment plan that will make the island and its surrounds 'irresistible' to tourists and locals. 'We're looking at creating an integrated destination within Singapore that would have high recognition, high visibility and would be extremely difficult - if not impossible - for any tourist not to visit during their stay here,' says Darrell Metzger, chief executive of Sentosa Leisure Group.

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HSMAI`s World Quest Forum will focus exclusively on the international meetings market

Designed to address the needs of international meeting professionals who plan programs outside the continental U.S.,HSMAI’s World Quest Forum is uniquely formatted with provocative presentations of four hot topics important to the arena of international meetings, followed by interactive roundtable topic discussions with planners and international business partners.

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De Vere in Hotel quarrel

Rebel shareholder GPG today raised its offer for a stake in Cheshire hotels group De Vere and reiterated plans to break up the hotelier and return cash to shareholders. GPG, which currently owns 10 per cent of De Vere, said it was upping its offer to buy a further 15 per cent of the group from 415p to 430p per share, valuing the deal around £123m.

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Snapshot of Prague

The last few years have proven to be very challenging for the Prague hotel market - with major floods, global and domestic economic downturns and the war in Iraq - but the outlook for 2004 shows clear signs of recovery.

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Hyatt announces 2004 series of Hyatt Fairs

Showcasing a record number of its properties from across Asia Pacific, North America and Europe, the 2004 Hyatt Fairs look set to attract strong attendance. Taking place between the 1st and 11th of June at Grand Hyatt hotels in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore, the Fairs will offer corporate travel buyers and industry decision makers from around the region the opportunity to hear personally about Hyatt’s latest developments and discuss future business opportunities . 

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Designer Adam Tihany Redefines the Las Vegas Buffet

In a visionary move that marries dining and design, The Mirage will launch Cravings, the hotel's new buffet concept, with design by internationally renowned designer, Adam D. Tihany.  In days gone by, the buffet represented an all-you-can-eat extravaganza where the majority of the food was prepared out of sight.

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Rezidor SAS to Convert Seven Hotels in France to the Radisson SAS and Park Inn Brands

As of June 1, 2004, Rezidor SAS Hospitality will manage seven hotels in France, acquired by the financial group Darthall B.V. through a 100 percent shareholding of the E.G.H. group, previously owned by the Partouche Group.  Rezidor SAS will manage the hotels through a long-term lease agreement.

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US casino giant wants stake in S'pore

Las Vegas Sands, which opened a casino in Macau recently, is willing to fork out US$2 billion for a super-casino here. Flush from the glitzy opening of its US$240 million (S$410 million) casino in Macau this week, Las Vegas Sands Inc wants to take a gamble on Singapore.

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Sol Melia, others study building tourist resorts on Libyan coast

Sol Melia SA and other Majorcan hotel chains are studying building tourism resorts on the coast of Libya, Cinco Dias reported, citing comments by deputy chairman of the Majorcan hotel chain association Antoni Munar.

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Business Travel on the rise in China

Economic globalization has boosted business tourism, and China's rapid economic growth has also created favorable conditions for its development, said Yu Guangzhou, Chinese vice minister of commerce.

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Sol Melia, others study building tourist resorts on Libyan coast

Sol Melia SA and other Majorcan hotel chains are studying building tourism resorts on the coast of Libya, Cinco Dias reported, citing comments by deputy chairman of the Majorcan hotel chain association Antoni Munar.

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Timeshare hotel group plans £300m UK expansion

GuestInvest is to roll out its timeshare hotel concept across the UK with the opening of 30 new properties in cities including Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester and Oxford.

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Dubai summer initiatives boost city hotel revenues

Government initiatives to drive tourism numbers in the summer months has led to an upswing in business for Dubai’s city hotels, according to  Naif Zureikat, general manager of Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien.

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Record-breaking year for Jamaican tourism in 2003

The tourism  industry in Jamaica had a record-breaking year in 2003 particularly in the area of cruise ship passenger arrivals, according to Michael Muirhead, executive director of the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo). He said that the figures showed a 30.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals in 2003, over the previous year, with the country welcoming more than 1.13 million cruise passengers.

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Jones Lang LaSalle Names David Baffsky ‘Asia Pacific Hotelier of 2003’; Grows Accor Asia Pacific from 44 Hotels in 1993 to 210 Today

Accor celebrated two major milestones today. The hotel group announced the opening of its 100th hotel in Asia, and its Chairman, Mr David Baffsky was named ‘Asia Pacific Hotelier of the Year”.

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Cornell Report Aims to Maximize the Economic Value of the Hospitality Workforce

Although scheduling employees is a complex task, it’s worth doing well. A proper schedule can boost an operation’s profitability, according to a new report issued by The Center for Hospitality Research at Cornell University. That’s because a well constructed schedule ensures proper service levels and controls costs—ultimately delivering more profit for an operation.

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VisitBritain developments reflect Britain`s evolving tourism industry

VisitBritain has established a new Enterprise Unit to increase the tourism industry’s engagement with VisitBritain’s marketing activities, advice, insights and opportunities.  The Unit will provide more focused support for the industry, exploit the commercial expertise available through VisitBritain’s core activities, and develop new opportunities for marketing the whole of Britain to wider audiences around the world.

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A Melange of Experiences - Advantage Expat GM

The expatriate GM, with his strong management and operational experience brings to the table a good understanding of cross cultural dynamics. Its all about differences…about diversity…that colour the experience which a hotel delivers to its customers. Every competitive advantage begins with people; people are different; differences create opportunity. That’s diversity.

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U.S: industry and government partner to secure the future of travel and tourism

At a historic Summit in Washington, D.C. hosted by the Travel Business Roundtable with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nearly 300 industry leaders  as well as senior members of the Bush Administration and Congress convened to address many of the key issues facing the industry.

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Marriott raising room rates in some U.S. cities

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Maintaining The Marketing Investment

The struggles of the U.S. hotel industry during the past few years are well known. From 2000 through 2003, total revenue for the average U.S. hotel dropped 13.7 percent. Given such difficult operating conditions, any and all operating expenses were examined for potential efficiency enhancements or outright elimination.

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HSMAI’s World Quest Forum Will Focus Exclusively On The International Meetings Market; Set For June 8, 2004

Meeting planners doing business in the international marketplace will find a rare opportunity to participate in a day of interactive learning and networking when HSMAI’s World Quest Forum convenes on June 8, 2004 at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC.

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TIA Forecasts 3.2% Increase In 2004 Summer Leisure Travel

Real recovery in the travel and tourism industry is clearly underway, with the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) forecasting a 3.2 percent increase in leisure travel for the 2004 summer season

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Days of travel agents are numbered, says airline exec

EASYJET founder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, gave warning this week that the days of travel agents are numbered. He said they would be overtaken by developments on technology in the travel market. He was speaking at European Travel Distribution Summit in Earl's Court, London, organized by Eye For Travel. 

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eLearning here to stay at Le Meridien

Le Meridien declares initial online training a success.

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Educational Institute releases three new titles in `10-Minute Trainer` series

There`s always time for training with the "10-Minute Trainer" video series from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.  The three newest titles in this series cover the vital areas of front office, security, and sales.

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Thailand to be Asia launchpad for Accor's base brand

Accor is likely to introduce base , its chain of backpacker hostels, to Asia next year with Thailand seeing the first of the properties in the region.

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Environmental Management Practices in US Hotels

Environmental management has become an important issue in the hospitality industry, with a number of hotels adopting sound environmental management practices in response to the growing concerns for sustainable tourism products. Worcester reports that environmental management, which emerged in the 1980s, is a new and important aspect of management and will be adopted by an increasing number of firms by the 1990s.

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Technology help for hotel chains

The first hotel consortium to attain seamless next generation connectivity to every major GDS, SRS-WORLDHOTELS, has bought the technology to two of its private label clients: Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts and Stamford Hotels and Resorts.

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Indian travel show announced for Delhi

Following a successful inaugural event, the second World Travel India (WTI) has been officially announced by organisers Kinex Log.  Scheduled to take place in New Delhi between 14 – 16 January 2005, the event will focus on India’s key markets, with special emphasis on European, Middle Eastern and African markets

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W Hotels to kick off 'iTunes Days'

W Hotels is launching a new promotion dubbed "iTunes Days" starting next month. The monthly events -- scheduled for June, July and August in Chicago, New York and San Francisco -- will feature live DJs spinning music from iPods, free iTunes Music Store downloads, "AppleiTini" drink specials, and iPod/iMac giveaways.

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Hyatt Hotels implements Lanyon's full suite of content management technology - gains more control and agility over its distribution process

Lanyon, Inc. announced today that Hyatt Hotels, a global leader in the hotel industry, executed a multiyear agreement with Lanyon for PropertyVault and its publishing modules. Hyatt previously licensed RFPpublisher and with the addition of the other modules, Hyatt joins a growing number of hotel companies to license multiple PropertyVault modules, the hotel industry solution for content management and publishing.

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Singapore Travel industry facing constant challenges

While things are beginning to improve for the travel industry in the Asia-Pacific, many challenges lie ahead. The industry will have to get used to frequent crises such as Sars and the war in Iraq that affect it.

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Hilton London revPAR 17% ahead YTD

Hilton’s London hotels have lifted revPAR growth every month this year, leaving its portfolio in the capital 17% ahead of last year in the four months to end-April04, compared with the provinces which are only 3.3% ahead.

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Full of Middle Eastern promise - hotel performance at an all time high

First quarter 2004 results from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte show that hotel performance across the region is at an all time high. Occupancy, average room rates and revenue per available room (revPAR) are at the highest level seen in any first quarter since the HotelBenchmark Survey was first launched in 1996. RevPAR is now 36 percent higher than in the first quarter of 2003 and 19 percent higher than in the first quarter of 1996.

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2003 U.S. Hotel Profit Loss To Be Reversed In 2004

U.S. hotels suffered a third consecutive year of declining profits in 2003, according to the 2004 edition of Trends in the Hotel Industry survey conducted by PKF Consulting and the Hospitality Research Group (HRG). PKF Consulting and HRG announced the availability of its 68th annual Trends report

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Electronic Room Nights Jump 16.2% for European Hotels in Q1

TravelCLICK Reports Top Ten European Markets for Q1 - room night growth for the European region increased 16.2%, outperforming the worldwide hotel average growth of 9.5% in the first quarter of 2004 versus the first quarter of 2003.

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Electronic Room Nights Grew 26% for Asia-Pacific in Q1

TravelCLICK reported today that Asia-Pacific region room nights booked electronically through the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and key Internet sites increased 25.8% in the first quarter of 2004 compared to the prior year period. In comparison, GDS worldwide room nights increased 9.5% for first quarter of 2004 versus first quarter of 2003.

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Sands Macao marks beginning of new era of Macao's casino industry

Las Vegas Sands Macao, the first casino established by foreign company in the city, started operations here on Tuesday, marking the very beginning of a new era of Macao's casino industry that is characterized by "challenge ".

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PATA Travel Mart 2004 aims for 300 buyers, 300 sellers

The PATA Travel Mart 2004, is to be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), Bangkok, between September 22 – 24, 2004. 
The mart in Bangkok will be the first since the Pacific Asia Travel Association decided to return to the system of rotating the mart around Asia-Pacific cities after six years in Singapore

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ATM 2004 smashes visitor record trade visitors soar 25%; consumer figures up 85%

The show, held last week at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featured over 1,400 exhibitors from 55 countries and was 30% larger in terms of occupied floor space than 2003 – growth, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), which organises the show said was “unprecedented” and a vote of confidence in the industry. ATM 2004 also featured the first official pavilions from Abu Dhabi and Iran.

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Accor: Beds fill up again in SARS recovery

The scars of SARS in Asia are receding, with hotels across Accor Asia Pacific's stable reporting solid recovery in occupancies. Accor managed an average occupancy of 73 per cent across the region last month -- against just 44 per cent at the same time last year.

More... [687 views]

Eight Markets Likely to Outperform the U.S. Hotel Industry’s Improving Operating Trends in ’04

Lodging Econometrics (LE) has released a new, first-of-a-kind report – a Supply Side Forecast and Trends Analysis for all 197 markets and 593 market tracts throughout the United States.  “This report forecasts growth rates – units, guestrooms, and percentage growth rates for ’04, ’05 and beyond – for every market in the entire country,” said Patrick Ford, President of LE.

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Both Leisure and Business Travel Expected to Grow, According to 2004 National Travel Monitor

The results of the Yesawich, Pepperdine Brown & Russell/Yankelovich Partners 2004 National Travel Monitor reveal that demand for both leisure and business travel services is likely to grow in the months ahead as the economy continues to improve and Americans finalize their vacation plans for the forthcoming summer season. 

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Ultimate designer hotels

Armani, Italy's king of the catwalk, is the latest to turn from needlework to brickwork, announcing his collaboration with a luxury hotel group in the Middle East. Fashion hotels have never been so popular.

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China halts latest outbreak of SARS

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared China has contained its latest outbreak of the deadly respiratory disease SARS.

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Rezidor SAS strengthens presence in France

As of 1st June 2004, the hotel operator Rezidor SAS Hospitality takes over the management of properties acquired by the financial group Darthall B.V. by a 100% shareholding of the E.G.H. group, until now owned by the Partouche Group.

More... [630 views]

Marriott Hits Half-Million Room Mark - Expects to Add Up to 95,000 Rooms Over The Next Three Years

Marriott International, Inc.will break the half-million guest room mark as the new London Marriott West India Quay in the city's trendy Canary Wharf area opens on June 1.

More... [633 views]

Omelet sells for $1,000

It's not made of gold — just eggs, lobster, caviar and a few trimmings. But an omelet on the menu of a swank Manhattan hotel will set you back $1,000, plus tip.

More... [1084 views]

Shangri-La Hotels Launches OPERA Central Reservations and Customer Information Systems

Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, announces the launch of MICROS-Fidelio's OPERA Central Reservations and Customer Information Systems with a total investment of over US$3 million.

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News @ PATA

This weeks' PATA News and Update.....

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In Search of a Good Night's Sleep;

 More than half of business travelers say they don't get enough sleep on the road, according to the 2003 National Business Travel Monitor survey.  To help alleviate this mounting sleep debt, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts today unveiled an industry-leading approach to ensure that business travelers -- and all guests -- experience a good night's sleep. 

More... [826 views]

Lufthansa passengers take off into wireless broadband age

Passengers on flight LH452 from Munich to Los Angeles yesterday experienced the world premiere of Lufthansa FlyNet in routine operation.  Aboard the Lufthansa Airbus A340-300 "Gottingen" they can take advantage of the new opportunity to remain in touch with colleagues, business partners or families via high-speed broadband Internet and to follow current world events. All they need is a wireless, LAN-enabled laptop.

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First floating hotel in Calcutta

Calcutta has become the country's first city to have a floating hotel that arrived here and in turn joined cities like Moscow, St. Petersberg, Vienna, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Phnom Phen, Hong Kong where `Floatels' are the major tourist and business attractions.

More... [836 views]

Choice Hotels' RevPAR ADVISOR Enjoys banner inaugural year

RevPAR Advisor, Choice Hotels International’s proactive program that identifies and addresses opportunities for increasing revenue at individual Choice brand properties, resulted in a 4.1 percent increase in the Smith Travel Research (STR) rate index for hotels that participated in 2003.

More... [815 views]

AAA Reports Vacation Costs Down in 2004

According to AAA, lower lodging and meal costs should help vacationers compensate for record-high gas prices this year. Lodging and dining costs are anticipated to be approximately four percent lower this year than in 2003.

More... [581 views]

Sleep tight: the £5 hotel

It may claim to be a hotel room but it will offer fewer of the creature comforts - and less space - than a broom cupboard. But with prices starting from £5 a night in the heart of London, the guests are unlikely to complain.

More... [1133 views]

Cornell Study Reports Destination Spa Vacations Result in Increased Business Acumen, Energy

A spa vacation will leave you relaxed and refreshed -- everyone knows that.  And, according to a new study by Cornell University, a visit to a destination spa -- a place where mind, body and spirit can be renewed, enriched and enhanced -- more than any other type of vacation, will also result in a feeling of increased energy, focus and creativity in the workplace. 

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Prices tumble as Olympics loom

The Olympic Games are having a disastrous effect on Greece's tourism industry

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Wrap Up: Fourth Annual Resort Management Conference; Paul Schultz Chosen the Resort Executiveof the Year for 2003

Reports Indicate Optimistic Outlook for Leisure Industry How “The New Normal” is impacting a range of issues, from consumer behavior to distribution channel management and profit control, shaped the solutions-driven agenda at the Fourth Annual Resort Management Conference held at The Greenbrier Resort recently.

More... [732 views]

Cambodia: New Deal between Raffles and Union

The management and new workers’ representatives of Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia have agreed to the terms of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The 12-month agreement, was signed on 12 May 2004, five days after a similar Collective Bargaining Agreement was penned at sister hotel, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor.

More... [579 views]

Highlights and Predictions from the 2004 AH&LA U.S. Lodging Summit

Participants of the first American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) U.S. Lodging Industry Summit, collectively expressed encouraging predictions for the rebounding U.S. travel and hotel industries. 

More... [658 views]

Singapore touch in hotel rooms spreading abroad

In Paris, you could find yourself in a very Singaporean hotel room. Increasingly, homegrown hospitality groups, which are noted for their speedy response to crises and knack for reining in costs, are running hotels overseas.

More... [816 views]

Technology In Hospitality - Clash and Collaboration

Technologists and Hoteliers have very different personalities, yet both are critical to successful hotel technology decisions. This article explores the nature of that sometimes difficult collaboration, and offers some advice for a smooth process.

More... [708 views]

Cheaper minibars brings a solid return

When Wyndham International Inc. cut incidental fees for its best customers, and cut prices in its minibars, it was a good deal for the U.S. hotel chain.

More... [906 views]

This definitely isn't my father's Holiday Inn

When I was a kid, our summer vacations consisted of visiting some of America's great cities and national parks. My parents would pile my brothers and me into the wood-paneled family station wagon for many of those road trips

More... [895 views]

Training front-desk team can help capture more walk-in business

While many hotels have focused attention in recent years on helping reservation agents convert inquiry calls into bookings, most hotel managers still seem to be overlooking numerous other opportunities their front-desk staff encounters every day. One opportunity is the walk-in inquiry.

More... [1172 views]

Budget hotels winning over business travellers

According to Company Barclaycard’s annual ‘Travel in Business’ survey, over two thirds of business travellers (69%) stayed in a budget hotel over the last year. On a sector-by-sector basis, business travellers from the aviation/auto industries were the most likely to have used budget hotels (75%) and those in telecoms/IT the least (60%).

More... [754 views]

Sol Melia lifts Q1 net profit to euro10m

Sol Melia has reported a better-than-expected start to the year with last year’s US and online initiatives highlighted alongside an overall pick-up in leisure travel, particularly from the US to its Latin America and Caribbean resorts.

More... [612 views]

Norway: Hotels may close due to strike

Hotel and Restaurant Workers’ Union (HRAF) did not reach an agreement with the Norwegian Hospitality Association (RBL) Tuesday and threatens to close all the hotels.

More... [755 views]

Hotel chains join best-rate-guarantee club

More... [1151 views]

Bahrain launches eVisa

Bahrain today announced the launch of the eVisa, the first electronic visa in the Middle East

More... [767 views]

Technology In Hospitality - Clash and Collaboration

Technologists and Hoteliers have very different personalities, yet both are critical to successful hotel technology decisions. This article explores the nature of that sometimes difficult collaboration, and offers some advice for a smooth process.

More... [808 views]

The Mysteries And Future Of Websites

Websites have just completed a full circle of a hard struggle, and somehow survived where other traditional marketing tools and old principals failed big time. Now the same sites and domain names must face harsher realities once again, all to ensure high visibility and exposure they so provide. Today without visibility, on e-commerce, websites are simply doomed.

More... [730 views]

MENA Travel Awards proves to be a winner

It was a night of surprises and delights at the MENA Travel Awards as over 400 of the industry's leading lights gathered at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel to celebrate the winners of this prestigious awards event.

More... [680 views]

SRS-WORLDHOTELS Brings Seamless Next Generation Technology to Private-Label Client

The first hotel consortium to attain seamless next generation connectivity to every major Global Distribution System, SRS-WORLDHOTELS has now brought the same technological edge to two of its private label clients: Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts and Stamford Hotels and Resorts

More... [657 views]

ICCA Best Marketing Award 2004

The ICCA Best Marketing Award, established in 1997, recognises the excellence and outstanding achievements of organisations in their effort to market their destination or product. The business or organisation that wins the competition will receive the Award at the ICCA Congress Closing session in Cape Town on 27 October 2004.

More... [610 views]

Meeting planners vote for Vienna, US

The 2003 ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) statistics are set for release by the end of June showing the US and Vienna as the top country and top city respectively with meeting and convention planners.

More... [673 views]

Boutique Hotels & Resorts International(R) Adds Two New Locations in Europe

Boutique Hotels & Resorts International's EVP & COO, John Sears, announced today that two distinct properties are now members of the international boutique hotel alliance.  "We are pleased to welcome these outstanding, genuine boutique hotels and boutique enthusiasts will be thrilled with these hotels in two popular European port destinations," said Sears. 

More... [794 views]

Radisson in talks for three Bangkok sites

Radisson Hotel Group could spread its wings here if it seals management contracts at three high-end properties in Bangkok, a hotel industry source said

More... [758 views]

Hong Kong sees tourist arrivals at June-Aug shopping festival topping 3.7 mln

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said it expects tourist arrivals in the territory to top 3.7 mln during the 2004 Hong Kong Shopping Festival from June 26 to August 31.

More... [693 views]

Bali bounces back as Aussie tourists book in bulk

Tourism operators believe Bali is poised to regain its status as the most desirable international holiday destination for Australians. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures indicate the island has made it to second spot in our vacation stakes, ahead of the UK, US and Fiji.

More... [707 views]

Le Meridien To Manage New Hotels In Thailand, Cambodia

Le Méridien to manage Le Méridien Chiang Mai and Le Méridien Bangkok in Thailand and Le Méridien Angkor in Cambodia

More... [825 views]

Appetite for online travel sites surges 27% in 12 months

Visits to travel-related websites have increased by over a quarter in the last 12 months with the future outlook looking buoyant as more and more consumers turn to the web to organise their travel, according to Hitwise.

More... [859 views]

Internet Direct Mail Is Different: 14 Things To Remember

Internet Direct Mail (IDM) and Traditional Direct Mail (TDM) both have the same goals in mind. They are to generate leads or orders. However, marketers need to respect that online media and print media present different hurdles in achieving this goal.

More... [815 views]

More European visitors generating less UK tourism cash

The British Incoming Tour Operators Association says that visitors to the UK increased by 19.8% year-on-year in March, although March03 was 'dreadful'.

More... [594 views]

Budapest will gather 140 professionals involved in the business of golf focusing on emerging markets

The Golf Business Forum 2004, which will take place in Budapest on 27-28 May 2004, will gather more than 140 business people from 20 different countries.  This year conference will focus on emerging markets.

More... [832 views]

Whitbread to sell Hotel Chain

Leisure group Whitbread is to sell a string of three-star hotels in a bid to focus on its budget and luxury chains, it announced today.

More... [902 views]

News @ PATA

This week's PATA News & Update....

More... [596 views]

TravelCLICK Reports 9.5% Increase in Electronic Hotel Room Nights Worldwide in Q1

Surprisingly, Hotel Revenue from Travel Agents  Increased by 13.3% Year-over-year. TravelCLICK's eMonitor results for the first quarter of 2004 show that worldwide hotel room nights booked electronically through the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and key Internet sites grew 9.5%. Revenue jumped 15.4%, as average daily rate (ADR) rose 5.3% compared to the first quarter of 2003. 

More... [714 views]

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts offer seven nights for the price of five

Holidaymakers around the world can now take advantage of free weekends when booking five nights at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in select holiday destinations around the world.

More... [870 views]

More Chinese regions to organize group tours to Australia and New Zealand

From July 1, six more Chinese regions will be allowed to organize group tours to Australia and New Zealand, according to a source from the China National Tourism Administration

More... [782 views]

China declares SARS outbreak under control

An outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is under control in China's eastern province of Anhui, state media said on Monday, but in Beijing, where six patients are still in hospital, a health official said it was too early to declare victory.

More... [572 views]

Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2004

About 150 - 180 global travel agents and tour operators specialising in golfing holidays are expected to participate in the 7th Thailand Golf Travel Mart  scheduled for May 15-20, 2004, in Nakhon Pathom and Hua Hin / Cha-am (Phetchaburi).

More... [744 views]

India attains double-digit increase for April

India's tourism officials are thrilled at  the 30.4 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals that the country has recorded in April 2004, compared to April 2003.

More... [621 views]

Business tourism sector want a new `vision` for London

A report published by Visit London and the London Development Agency (LDA) today suggests that a clear `vision` for London is needed to help attract big business tourism to the capital.  The report suggests that a `London means business` vision, developed by Visit London, would generate more clarity and understanding for the sector and the customer about London`s offering.

More... [644 views]

TIA`S second quarter Traveler Sentiment Index declines; Consumers perceive travel to be less affordable

The Travel Industry Association of America`s (TIA) quarterly Traveler Sentiment Index declined nearly 5 percent in second quarter 2004, to 97.4, despite a very positive showing last quarter. 

More... [500 views]

HK tops Asia retail list on tourist edge

Hong Kong  still offers some of the best retail property investments in the Asia-Pacific region, a real estate consultancy says. Hong Kong ranks ahead of Singapore and Shanghai, but behind Kuala Lumpur, Brisbane and Melbourne

More... [718 views]

Safir Hotels & Resorts Assembles New Management Team; Anton Good Appointed Executive Director

Safir Hotels & Resorts has assembled a new management team to redirect its strategic initiatives and reposition the group as a premier hotel management company in the Middle East & North Africa.

More... [1147 views]

The 800 room Statler-Hilton Hotel Closer to Wrecking Ball

After years of trying to find a renovation plan for the vacant Statler-Hilton Hotel, the City of Detroit is moving to demolish the structure.

More... [776 views]

Joint WTO - IH&RA Conference calls for systematic approach to a new hotel classification

The World Conference on New Trends and Measures in the Hotel Industry, jointly organized by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the International Hotel and Restaurants Association (IH&RA) suggested a cautious, albeit systematic approach to hotel classification at world level with a view to reconciling the legitimate demands and concerns of consumers and industry with the obligations of the governments.

More... [856 views]

Atlific Hotels and Resorts announces new look for the company

Atlific Hotels and Resorts is introducing its new corporate logo, John Dunn, vice president Sales & Marketing of Atlific Hotels and Resorts, announced today

More... [810 views]

Travel-site operator faces hotel mutiny

Judging by one chain's actions, hotel operators are getting sick of interacting with InterActive

More... [816 views]

More and better event and meeting options in Germany

A good place to see the latest trends and new offerings of the German meetings and convention industry is the Germany stand A100 at IMEX  – incorporating Meetings made in Germany – The Worldwide Exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. From 12 to 14 May, the industry will meet for the second time at IMEX in Frankfurt/Main staged in hall 3 of the Frankfurt Trade Fair.

More... [602 views]

Hotel chains bullish about Saudi hospitality sector despite terror scare

Despite mounting attacks on foreigners in Saudi Arabia and a strong anti-Western mood all over the Middle East, the tourism and hotel sector is attracting more investment. In Saudi Arabia, where a number of recent terrorist attacks targeted Western hotel properties and restaurants, many new multi-million-dollar projects are in the pipeline.

More... [1271 views]

RevPAR of Chain Hotels in France Rose by 8.1% in March 2004 / MKG Consulting

All activity indicators for the French hotel industry were on the rise in March 2004, only the 4* category underwent a slight drop in its average room rate. Compared to the month of March 2003, which was tainted by a drop in occupancy rates due to a combination of negative elements that affected the flow of international tourists (war in Iraq, increased unemployment rate, SARS), the revenue per available room gained 8.1% in all categories combined.

More... [591 views]

New features on The Palm, Jumeirah and The Palm, Jebel Ali unveiled

There was one destination that was on the mind of virtually every visitor to this year’s Arabian Travel Market, – the Nakheel Stand.  The striking three storey construction with state-of-the art, interactive presentations and impressive project models was busy throughout the four days of the Show with visitors from Europe, the Far East, the United States as well as those from around the Middle East.

More... [985 views]

Q1 hotel closures hit Orient Express

Orient Express Hotels’ first quarter net loss has widened to $4.6m from $2.6m, on revenues of $66.1m, up from $66.1m last time.

More... [675 views]

Starwood grows portfolio in Levant by adding three hotels in Lebanon and Syria

Leading international hotel operator Starwood continues to leverage the potential of its brands and future growth opportunities in the region by adding three new hotels to its portfolio in Lebanon and Syria

More... [761 views]

Lion Nathan to sell 41 hotels in Australia

Beverage group Lion Nathan Ltd has announced the sale of 41 Australian hotels. The firm said today it had signed an agreement to sell its portfolio of 41 non-gaming hotels in Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong.

More... [661 views]

The Inn Inside - Big hotels are creating a new kind of upscale sanctum to beat the boutiques

This is the next generation of boutique inns: hotels within hotels. These may be separate towers or buildings or at the very least floors with upgraded rooms nestled inside a hotel. Forget those concierge floors that many hotels have available, mostly for the frequent-stay crowd. These new inns within are unique facilities with distinctive personalities that cater to upscale travelers willing to pay more to avoid ordinary guests.

More... [948 views]

Record first quarter for Britain’s inbound tourism industry

A record number of Western European visitors in March has helped Britain’s tourism industry to achieve its best first quarter figures in more than 25 years, VisitBritain said. 

More... [524 views]

Marriott Rewards Hits Industry Record 20 Million Members

Marriott International, Inc. welcomed Ms. Karen Evans of Virginia as its 20 millionth Marriott Rewards member today.  This is an industry record for a hotel guest loyalty program.  Ms. Evans received airfare and a week's stay for two at any Marriott International hotel in the world and lifetime Platinum Elite status. 

More... [670 views]

Cornell Hotel School's Center for Hospitality Research partners with leading Asian firm, The Kohinoor Group

Leading Indian hospitality firm The Kohinoor Group has joined the corporate partners program at the Cornell Hotel School’s Center for Hospitality Research to support international research that advances operating practices in the hospitality industry.

More... [599 views]

Cornell Hotel School and Nanyang Technological University agree to joint master’s program in hospitality management

The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and the Nanyang Technological University School of Business (NTU) in Singapore have agreed in principle to create a joint Master of Management in Hospitality program.

More... [795 views]

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to add three properties across Middle East

Tourism to the Middle East is growing faster than any other area of the world. Given the region’s popular new destinations, emerging new markets and strong intra-Arab travel, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts  is pleased to announce plans to strengthen brand presence in the Middle East with three additional properties

More... [729 views]

Assessing the Economic Impact of Investment in Public Facilities

Looking only at new spending and income are not sufficient to determine public sector investment in hotel and tourism projects, and a broader definition and measurement of the economic impact of these projects is necessary

More... [742 views]

South Africa launches new tourism brand

South African Tourism on Saturday launched a new marketing brand at the opening of the annual tourism Indaba in Durban on Saturday."The new brand, a natural progression resulting from the 2002 launch of South African Tourism's ‘Tourism Growth Strategy' and based around everything being possible in South Africa, is the result of more than a year's planning and collective strategic input," said chief executive Cheryl Carolus in a press statement.

More... [723 views]

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney to unveil new look

By mid September 2004 the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney will have put the finishing touches on a A$25 million re-imaging process. The design concept is from internationally renowned design firm, Brennan Beer Gorman Monk/Interiors, an American company which is also based in Sydney.

More... [733 views]

Outlook Improves for European Hotel Industry

European hotel room revenues rose 10 percent in March, according to data from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte, which reveals that revenue per available room (revPAR) for hotels in Europe reached €67, up €6 on last year.  

More... [726 views]

Four Seasons Records 2004 1st Qtr Net Earnings of $11.5 million Compared to a Loss of $9.3 million in Prior Year; Expects to Add 14 New Hotels by End of 2005

"The recovery in travel demand accelerated throughout the first quarter and has continued into April. If current trends continue, we anticipate that 2004 will be a year of substantial rebound for the lodging industry and for Four Seasons," said Douglas L. Ludwig, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President.

More... [840 views]

Peninsula Group sees 10pc rebound

Foreign tourists and business travellers are fuelling the post-Sars recovery in the luxury hotel sector, with Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels reporting a 10 per cent upswing in occupancy rates at its flagship Peninsula Hong Kong. The Peninsula's occupancy rate for the first three months of this year increased to 69 per cent from 59 per cent in the same period last year.

More... [611 views]

2004 Multiunit Lodging Operators & Owners forum focuses on unique segment

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Multiunit Lodging Operators & Owners Forum takes place June 27-29, 2004, at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire, Ill.  This two-day event is geared exclusively to address the unique concerns and needs of management companies` senior executives and owners of multiple properties.

More... [532 views]

Indian travel mart takes off as Indian tourism booms

Riding on the wave of interest in the Indian tourism market and the success of their inaugural event in February, exhibition organisers Kinex Log of the UK announced the second edition of World Travel India (WTI)  to be staged next January in New Delhi. The launch of the "WTI` 05" travel trade exhibition and conference was made in Dubai today at the Arabian Travel Market.

More... [697 views]

Rezidor SAS To Become First International Hotel Company To Enter Iranian Market in 25 Years

The company announced that it will manage the Dariush Grand Hotel on Kish Island, making Rezidor SAS the first international hotel company in 25 years to enter the Iranian hotel market.

More... [811 views]

The Dual Brand Hotel Concept

The idea of a "dual brand hotel" came to light when an entrepreneur decided it was time to reposition his 600-room property in the market. During preliminary studies, it became obvious a hotel that size would be too big to fit into its primary market area.

More... [1187 views]

UK hotelier Millennium says recovery on track

Travellers are returning to Millennium & Copthorne hotels after last year's war in Iraq and deadly SARS outbreak, but the recovery still has a long way to run, the British-based firm said on Thursday

More... [608 views]

80 new hotel projects announced at ATM

The 11th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which concludes today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has seen announcements of more than 80 new hotel projects in the Gulf and the Middle East, reflecting the buoyant nature of the sector in the region

More... [969 views]

Expansion strategy unveiled by NCT&H

In a move designed to widen the tourism infrastructure throughout the UAE, the National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) in Abu Dhabi has unveiled plans to expand its resort portfolio with two new hotels set to open by the end of 2004. 

More... [630 views]

Top hotel group 'is behind misleading internet sites'

InterContinental, which is owned by the British leisure group Bass and which has 3,500 hotels worldwide, including Crowne Plazas and Holiday Inns, has been condemned by the Association of British Travel Agents for luring customers with websites that at first sight appear to have nothing to do with the company.

More... [960 views]

Buyers check back into UK hotels

Hotel deals are running at peak levels as billionaire investors step back into the London market from Europe, America and Asia.

More... [639 views]

All the World's a Spa

Twenty years ago, the closest thing many hotels had to a spa was a one-chair barber shop, an overstuffed newspaper rack and a man with a worn rag offering shoe shines for a dollar. But today, world-weary travelers looking for pampering between meetings and flights no longer have to leave the hotel -- an increasing number of hotel chains are turning to spa treatments to court not only business travelers, but families as well.

More... [855 views]

Orient-Express Hotels Announces First Quarter Results

Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. , investor in 44 deluxe hotel, restaurant, tourist train and river cruise properties (38 of which it manages) in 21 countries,  announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2004. 

More... [582 views]

Find the Right Food and Beverage Outlet and Stir Up a Recipe for Success

You might find as many studies proclaiming the benefits of running your own F&B operations as those touting the reasons to outsource. For independent and franchise hotel owners and managers alike, the decision has to be made—and sometimes re-made—based on the venue’s clientele, location, budget, staff, and realistic knowledge of its strengths and limitations.

More... [857 views]

Rezidor SAS to Open Cerruti Hotels in Vienna, Dubai and Kuwait

Rezidor SAS, one of the world’s fastest growing hospitality companies, whose portfolio includes Park Inn, Country Inn, Radisson SAS, Cerruti and Regent, today announce their first three Hotel Cerruti projects – in Vienna, Dubai and Kuwait. 

More... [636 views]

WTTC's 4th Global Summit in Qatar Addressed Priorities for Driving Change in Travel & Tourism

The 4th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, hosted by Qatar Airways in Doha from 1-3 May, attracted more than 800 public and private sector decision-makers and journalists from over 40 countries around the world.  This record number of participants was a clear demonstration of industry solidarity and unity at an important period in Travel & Tourism's history.

More... [539 views]

Expected return to strong growth after three difficult years

 The 4th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, hosted by Qatar Airways in Doha from 1-3 May, attracted more than 800 public and private sector decision-makers and journalists from over 40 countries around the world.  This record number of participants was a clear demonstration of industry solidarity and unity at an important period in Travel & Tourism's history. 

More... [500 views]

Express by Holiday Inn plans Middle East roll out

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is to launch its Express by Holiday Inn budget brand in the Middle East, with three new properties set to open in Dubai, Jeddah and Riyadh by the end of 2005.

More... [589 views]

Hilton, Kimpton, Sol Melia, Best Western, Hotwire, Priceline and WorldRes to Discuss Revenue Optimization Strategies in the Hospitality Sector

On June 16-17 pricing and revenue management executives from all sectors of the travel industry will gather in Las Vegas for EyeforTravel’s second annual Revenue Management and Pricing in Travel conference. 

More... [789 views]

‘Essentials Of Hotel Ownership’

A new conference held last month that recognized the complexities of hotel ownership is receiving rave reviews from attendees. According to Morris Lasky, president of Lodging Unlimited and co-producer of the one-day event, a second half-day conference is now planned for June 9 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York in response to demand from hoteliers, lenders and others who were unable to attend the first event. 

More... [734 views]

Prague: Travel industry: against all odds

Prospects this year for the travel industry are good. Many hotels are now enjoying 80% occupancy rates, and the state is lending support through advertising. At the same time, it is pulling the rug out from under the sector with higher taxes.

More... [776 views]

Greece: Hotel prices ‘50-100 pct up’

Despite a sizable drop in tourist arrivals this year, Greek hoteliers have hiked their prices by a staggering average 70-80 percent ahead of the Summer Olympics, the head of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) said yesterday

More... [696 views]

Customer Self-Service: Are You Ready?

There is a new generation of tech-savvy customers, and the old ways of delivering service don't interest them. This www generation insists on using technology to do things their way. They prefer self-service check-in kiosks at hotels and airports; self-service check-out counters at home improvement stores and supermarkets; and self-service issue resolution over the Web.

More... [810 views]

PKF Consulting/HRG Survey Forecasts Banner Year for Hotel Transactions; Investors Favoring the Full-service Segment

In its just-released 2004 edition of Hospitality Investment Survey, PKF Consulting and the Hospitality Research Group find that, as the national economy continues to rebound, the hospitality industry is optimistic that the demand for lodging will increase in 2004 after three years of decline, according Mark Woodworth, Executive Managing Director of PKF Consulting’s Hospitality Research Group.

More... [683 views]

Kerzner Announces First Quarter Results

The Company reported net income in the quarter of $40.8 million, compared to net income of $39.3 million for the same period last year resulting in net income per share of $1.28 compared to $1.37 achieved in the same period last year.

More... [587 views]

London lead s March/Q1 04 pick-up

More... [571 views]

Pan Arab tourism drive needed, says Sheikh Abdullah biggest ever Arabian Travel Market opens

The Arab world needs a Pan Arab tourism drive which would mirror that of the UAE in attracting visitors to their shores, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Information Minister has said. Sheikh Abdullah made the call after he opened the largest ever Arabian Travel Market, which opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

More... [798 views]

Poll Shows Hotel Company Operated Web Sites Have Room to Improve

That's the short-but-sweet advice one Seattle-area technology watchdog has for some of the nation's largest lodging providers, including several Las Vegas hotel-casino operators, that have recently expressed concerns over consumers' increased use of third-party Internet travel reservation firms such as Orbitz, Hotwire or Expedia.

More... [624 views]

Executive Changes at Hilton UK & Ireland

The present Vice President of Marketing, Hugh Taylor, is taking up the role of Regional Vice President, Southern Region and is to be succeeded by Keith Brown, currently Director of Marketing, London Region.

More... [716 views]

Kuwait unveils new tourism era, 20-YEAR masterplan being developed with WTO and UNDP

A 20-year tourism masterplan being developed by Kuwait in co-ordination with the World Tourism Organisation and United Nations Development Programme, is to be implemented by next year  and will include major developments in the country’s hotels and resorts, leisure and recreation and scientific, ecological and technological exhibits, it was announced today.

More... [723 views]

Le Meridien To Open Eighth Hotel In Germany

Luxury global hotel group, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its position in Germany following the signing of a lease to operate a 281-bedroom hotel in the centre of Stuttgart.This will bring the total number of Le Méridien hotels in Germany to eight.

More... [745 views]

Research and Markets: Travel & Tourism In China: Tourism-Related Foreign Exchange Projected to reach US$ 40 billion by 2010

This report is designed to covers three key sectors of the market: inbound tourism from overseas, outbound tourism by Chinese nationals overseas and domestic tourism. The report covers current issues in the industry as well as a review of individual provincial tourist initiatives and activities. All figures are up to 1999 and into 2000.

More... [1048 views]

Joint WTO - IH&RA conference calls for systematic approach to a new hotel classification

The World Conference on New Trends and Measures in the Hotel Industry, jointly organized by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the International Hotel and Restaurants Association (IH&RA) suggested a cautious,  albeit systematic approach to hotel classification at world level with a view to reconciling the legitimate demands and concerns of consumers and industry with the obligations of the governments.

More... [571 views]

News @ PATA

This week's PATA news and update...

More... [575 views]

Whitbread makes £249.2m as Marriott feels four-star pressure

Whitbread has lifted FY pretax profits by 12% to £249.2m on turnover 4.8% up at £1.87bn, with double-digit growth across all divisions other than Marriott which ‘continues top feel the effects of weak demand in the four-star hotel sector’.

More... [589 views]

Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Reports 2004 First Quarter Results

THCR reported consolidated net revenues (defined as gross revenues less promotional allowances) for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 of $276.2 million, compared to $278.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. Consolidated income from operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 was $27.8 million, compared to $27.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

More... [511 views]

European online tourism sales reach EUR 11 billion, survey claims

Online sales of travel services in Europe grew 43% to EUR 11.2 billion last year, according to the latest annual survey by the Danish-based Centre for Regional and Tourism Research.

More... [741 views]

Fairmont names retired Canadian banker as chairman

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. announces the appointment of Peter C. Godsoe as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. FHR is also pleased to announce the election of Karen M. Rose to FHR's Board of Directors.

More... [666 views]

The best hotel service in the world

The Hotel Arts in Barcelona has triumphed in the Ultimate Service Awards - the world`s only global award scheme to recognise and applaud outstanding service.  Becky Anderson of CNN who announced the award winners at the World Travel & Tourism Council`s Global Travel and Tourism Summit in Doha, yesterday (2 May 2004) said the Hotel Arts in Barcelona was the worldwide winner and European winner of Ultimate Service Awards following guest nominations that applauded "this truly first class hotel" .

More... [1389 views]

High Wired: The Hotel Room of the Future

All too often travelers find themselves crawling around on their hotel room floor looking for telephone jacks, waiting ages for room service, stumbling in the dark during late-night trips to the bathroom or puzzling for hours over setting the alarm on the clock radio. Such inconveniences, however minor, may soon be a thing of the past as hotels move quickly to keep up with these high-tech times, bringing the age of Jetson’s-like technology to a hotel room near you.

More... [1106 views]

InterContinental Hotels Group Launches Revenue Academy To Enhance Revenue Maximisation

InterContinental Hotels Group has introduced its Revenue Academy for Revenue Managers as part of its drive towards developing a global revenue management culture. Believed to be the first in the hotel industry,

More... [1237 views]

Australia: Confidence on the rise, says international tourism survey

Australia's inbound tourism industry is experiencing a marked rise in business confidence and can look forward to growth throughout the year according to the findings of the first Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) International Tourism Index.

More... [655 views]

Travelodge sells Irish portfolio for €22.2 Million and signs master franchise agreement

Travelodge has today sold eight Travelodge hotels to Smorgs Limited for €22.15 million and has signed a back-to-back master franchise agreement for the Travelodge brand in Ireland and Northern Ireland

More... [673 views]

Orbitz`s `Hotel Habits` survey reveals Americans` sneaky vacation behavior

Half of Americans who stay in hotels admit they do things on vacation that they don`t do at home.  We throw our towels on the floor, we eat in bed and we leave the television blaring when we`re not in the room. We sneak things into -- and out of -- our rooms, and we don`t always tip.

More... [1008 views]

Sheraton Hotels Lure Travelers with the Promise of a Good Night's Sleep in New $12 Million Television and Print Ad Campaign

Starting today there's a new star taking center stage at Sheraton. The hotel giant and its parent company, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. launched a $12 million print and television advertising campaign designed to spotlight the brand's new signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed

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Best and Worst Performance for Airline, Hotel and Online Travel Agency Web Sites

The Speediest Site in Hotel Category Was InterContinental.com

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Mid East emerging as international MICE destination, says ICCA chief

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the industry body for  Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) professionals, says the Middle East is now a key emerging destination for the lucrative MICE sector.

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HSMAI Recognizes the “Best-of-the-Best” in Chapter Practices

The 2004 HSMAI Chapter Leadership Forum, which was just held in Chicago, recognized the “Best-of-the-Best” in chapter practices from over 78 entries (the largest amount to date) from 19 chapters from across the Americas. 

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Intercontinental Hotels Group Embarks on Seventh Brand; The Hotel Indigo (TM) Brand Created Primarily for Conversions

InterContinental Hotels Group ( today announced Hotel Indigo(TM), a new lodging alternative for the traveler seeking a hotel experience, not just a hotel room.  An industry first, Hotel Indigo is a lifestyle brand that delivers a refreshing, inclusive hotel experience in response to prevailing consumer trends.

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Chefs at 57 Ritz-Carlton Hotels Tackle Childhood Obesity by Revising Kid Menus

With concern spreading among pediatricians and parents about the growing threat to the younger generation's future health from poor diets and junk food habits, the chefs at 57 Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts around the world have taken matters into their own hands...and kitchens! Totally revised "Healthy Taste" Ritz Kids Menus will debut on Mother's Day, May 15.

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InterContinental Hotels Group opens 45th hotel in Greater China & 8th hotel in Beijing

Holiday Inn Central Plaza Beijing opens in the heart of the Guanganmen commercial and civic area, south-west of Beijing. As the only internationally branded hotel in this key part of the city, this hotel has the advantage of setting the benchmark for international hospitality and catering to international travellers’ demand for world-class hospitality

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Accor Reports Hotel Occupancy, RevPAR by Market Segment and Country for 1st Qtr 2004

Consolidated revenues rose 2.6% in the first quarter of 2004. Excluding the currency effect and changes in the scope of consolidation, growth was 4.3%, indicating that the improvement observed since the the second half of 2003 is gathering momentum. 

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Kingdom Hotel Investment Group sees bright future for region's tourism industry

Company CEO Sarmad Zok sheds light on the expanding group's strategy. For Sarmad Zok, the Chief Operating Officer of Kingdom Hotel Investment Group, the regional hotel business will continue to radically expand over the next decade

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Recovery in global tourism forecast

The global travel and tourism industry should grow by nearly 6 percent this year, showing it has bounced back from the effects of terrorism, war and the SARS epidemic, industry experts said Sunday.The industry, which employs more than 8 percent of the world’s work force, is poised to grow at 4.5 percent annually over the next decade, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

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Marriott announces pre-paid travel card

Marriott International announced that it is piloting a revolutionary travel card in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait at a press conference held at the JW Marriott Dubai, official host hotel for the Arabian Travel Market. Called the Marriott Travel Card, the new scheme will enable traveler to pre-pay their hotel stays before leaving home for all of the company's lodging brands except Ritz-Carlton and Ramada International.

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Singapore Hilton owners plan to tear down hotel for redevelopment

Singapore's Hotel Properties Ltd. (H15.SG) is considering a plan to tear down the Hilton hotel and the Forum mall and redevelop the land into an integrated mega hotel and retail complex, the Business Times reports, quoting unidentified sources.

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New EU countries set to gain from tourism

The ten countries that have just joined the European Union stand to benefit from increased tourism, according to new research released at the WTTC Summit in Doha. They are likely to generate three million jobs and an additional US$54.6 billion in travel and tourism revenues over the next few years.

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Spain tourism in excellent health despite Madrid bombing

In a presentation at the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) Fourth Global Travel and Tourism Summit in Doha, Qatar, Madrid's head of finance and tourism development, Miguel Angel Villanueva, declared Spain's tourism industry enjoyed "excellent health" despite the terrorism set-back. 

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Boutique business grows despite economy

National Report-Boutique hotels have been expanding despite setbacks caused by the economy. Nowhere is this more evident than in San Francisco. Hotel operator Joie De Vivre Hospitality has 16 hotels in the city, and almost half of them have been acquired during the past couple years.

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Meeting Planners Expand Internet Use in 2004, Web-Channel Group Business Increases 428% in 2003

An industry-wide shift in the way meeting planners are buying group rooms and function space is reshaping how hotel companies are finding and booking business.  Until recently most meeting planners tasked with analyzing prospective sites for corporate functions traveled between properties to visit sites, distribute RFPs and sign contracts. 

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. Appoints Chairman Of The Board And Announces Election Of Director

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc.  is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter C. Godsoe as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately.

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InterContinental Hotels Group Achieves 158% Growth in Hotel Revenue Through E-Commerce Initiatives

E-commerce revenue for hotels in Australia more than doubles for Q1 2004. InterContinental Hotels Group announced that revenue streams from direct bookings of its Asia Pacific hotels on the group’s websites achieved a significant 158 per cent growth in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to the same quarter in 2003.

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Executives at HSMAI Hotel Internet Marketing Strategy Conference Urge Partnerships Between Hoteliers and Third Party Intermediaries, Search Engines

Strategic alliances and partnerships between hoteliers and third party intermediaries and search engines were suggested by hotel industry executives during The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) second Hotel Internet Marketing Strategy Conference. At the same time, conference participants agreed that hotels should protect themselves by offering “Best Price Guarantees” through their brand Web sites.

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Royal Méridien signs flagship property in Thailand; The Plaza Athénée Bangkok

Royal Méridien Group has signed a management agreement for the famous Hôtel Plaza Athénée Bangkok, a landmark property in Thailand

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BJ Cunningham to keynote Caribbean Hotel Conference CHIC 2004

Charismatic and controversial British entrepreneur BJ Cunningham will keynote the Caribbean Hotel Association's (CHA) upcoming Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference (CHIC 2004) at the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Country Club, Fajardo, Puerto Rico, June 13 - 16th, themed "Caribbean Tourism, Stronger Together.' 

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Going to the dogs (and cats)

Man's best friend is getting a hearty welcome in more hotels these days as properties target pet owners. According to industry analysts, more Americans are traveling with pets, and hotels are offering pet-pampering amenities to attract them.

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Qatar invests $15bn in tourism

The Gulf state of Qatar has unveiled an ambitious plan for tourism development that will cost over US$15 billion, and challenge the supremacy of Dubai as the destination of choice for western tourists taking vacations in the Gulf region.

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More new hotels than ever, coming up in Dubai

Dubai has more hotels under construction or planning today than ever before. According to research by The Consulting House, a new hotel consulting firm based in Dubai, there are 31 new 5- and 4-star hotels either being built or confirmed for future construction in the city, containing a total of 11,770 rooms and suites, plus 1,305 hotel apartments.

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HEDNA Offers New Basics Course On Revenue Management For Electronic Distribution Immediately Prior To Their Upcoming 2004 Conference In London

The Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA), in conjunction with their education management partner, HSA International, will host the new two-day “fundamentals” workshop on applying Revenue Management techniques within Electronic Distribution channels in advance of the opening of the HEDNA 2004 Conference in London

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Team Building - For Fun

Here is the type of team building and team mamagement you need to be promoting in your organization. Learn five basic guidelines for success.

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Baymont Inns & Suites Continues Its Growth in The Golden State

Since the opening of its first California hotel last October, The Golden State has proven successful for Baymont Inns & Suite—so much so that the brand's California expansion is continuing northward to Sacramento.

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Hotel industry upbeat as figures show spring recovery

Hoteliers had something to celebrate in March, as rooms yield surged ahead in both London and the regions as a result of a healthy increase in both occupancy and room rate, according to figures released today by accountants and business advisors PKF.

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Mövenpick Hotel & Resorts makes ATM a focal point for international sales and marketing efforts

Mövenpick Hotel and Resorts, (MH&R), recognizing the importance of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) as the Pan Arab world's premier travel and tourism exhibition, have made this 11th ATM a focal point for their international sales and marketing efforts.

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Asia Pacific Online Travel Commerce to reach US$ 16 Billion by 2006

Asia Pacific Market Research Consultancy, Marketshare Pte Ltd releases findings of Asia Pacific Online Travel Market Study 

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First ‘Virtual Walks’ Offered by Upscale Hotel Chain Website

Hilton Worldwide Resorts today launched new features on its, making it the first upscale hotel chain website to offer seamless 360 degree virtual walks to customers wishing to view resorts before booking a holiday.

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Starwood Preferred Guest Sweeps Freddie Awards and Takes Top Honors for the Fifth Year in a Row

Named Program of the Year and Wins Ten Awards at 2004 16th Annual Freddie Awards

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U.S. lodging occupancy for summer 2004 to be highest since 2000

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers analysis, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend U.S. lodging occupancy will be 69.1 percent,  this is the highest since 2000, when occupancy reached 72.1 percent, and is a two percent increase from last summer when occupancy reached 67.7 percent

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Asian hotel performance – a year on from SARS

March 2004 marks the second consecutive quarter of revenue per available room (revPAR) growth for four Asian markets that reported cases of SARS last year. One year has now passed since the World Travel Organisation (WTO) announced the SARS outbreak on 12 March 2003. To mark the anniversary, the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte looks at the performance of four key markets where the outbreak was reported; Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei.

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Has European hotel performance started to turn the corner?

After fourteen months of declines, Europe saw the second consecutive month of revenue per available room (revPAR) growth in March 2004. Preliminary data from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte reveals that revPAR across Europe grew by 10 percent during the month compared to the prior year. Although this may look impressive, the reality is this is set against relatively weak comparables in 2003.

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Hilton CEO sees sustained travel recovery

Hilton Hotels Corp.sees a sustained recovery in the travel industry based on evidence that business is returning, the company's chief executive said

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Hotels, Again Profitable, Add Irritating Surcharges

For frequent business travelers, the hardest pill to swallow has always been fees for services they do not use, like beach towels or pool maintenance. Now that hotels are refusing to waive these charges, the bills are rising, and so is customer blood pressure

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InterContinental appoints Carmen Lam

InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the appointment of Ms Carmen Lam as vice president sales and marketing, Asia Pacific

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PATA bullish on region’s visitor growth

Look out for Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Macau, Mongolia, China, Cambodia and Myanmar in the next three years – they’ll be the star performers in a region which is set to grow more than six percent. That’s the growth figure for international visitor arrivals to this region between 2002 and 2006 – as predicted in a soon-to-be-released study by the Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA).

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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. The International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Barcelona as the number two meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) destination in Europe in 2002.

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Hyatt Resorts Creates a 'Summer of Family Adventures' With Free Nights and Activity Discounts

Hyatt Resorts Brings Families Together With Adventure Hyatt Activities at 19 Locations

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The Best Wi-Fi Hotels

Just a few years ago, high-speed Internet access became a necessity for any hotel looking to lure the business traveler. These days, people are demanding wireless access and it's the medium- and budget-priced hotels that are leading the way.

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Hyatt Signs Agreement with Expedia.com and Hotels.com

Expedia.com(R) and Hotels.com announced today they have extended their relationship with Hyatt Corporation, signing an agreement to provide Expedia.com and Hotels.com customers with greater access to rooms at Hyatt properties.  Hyatt has been a partner with Expedia.com and Hotels.com since 2001. 

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Hospitality CIOs and COOs to Discuss Building Business Strategies at HITEC 2004's Thursday General Session

2004 HITEC Thursday general session, on June 24, will feature a panel of four hospitality technology and operations executives who will discuss how they have created a successful business relationship that has leveraged IT as a strategic position within the organization.

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New General Manager For The Dorchester

The Board of Directors for the Dorchester Group announced today that Christopher Cowdray has been appointed as General Manager of The Dorchester in London.  He is no stranger to London, having been Managing Director of Claridge's for the past six years.  He will take up his new position on 21st June 2004. 

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Tourism to Syria and Middle East Accelerates - No impact expected from Damascus explosions

Tourism to the Middle East is taking off, led by countries such as Syria, which experienced 34% growth  in the first quarter of 2004, and no slow down is expected despite a bombing incident on Tuesday night in the capitals diplomatic quarter.

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Internet protocol telephony use remains low

The implementation of voice-over Internet protocol telephony in hotels is slow because of the high costs of networks and IP telephones. VOIP is the transmission of voice conversations and associated services via IP data networks, such as private business local area networks, wide area networks, intranets and the Internet.

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China Attracts Luxury Hotel Brands

With predictions that China will be the most visited country by 2020, luxury hotel brands are making their move now.

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Egypt: Tourism hits record figures

Minister of Tourism Dr. Mamdouh El-Beltagui asserted the importance of Egypt`s political leadership role in boosting tourism  in Egypt as a part of the comprehensive modernization in the country.

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First 'Virtual Walks' Offered by Upscale Hotel Chain Website

Hilton Worldwide Resorts today launched new features on its website, making it the first upscale hotel chain website to offer seamless 360 degree virtual walks to customers wishing to view resorts before booking a holiday.

More... [695 views]

Meeting spotlights Internet, business travel

Two of biggest worries of lodging-industry executives were discussed as hotel owners, operators and other executives gathered for the Hotel Investment Conference-Atlanta.How to address third-party Internet distribution sites and convincing business travelers to hit the road were repeated themes throughout the conference's panels, breakout sessions and roundtables.

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Hotel Branded Web Sites Capture 75% of Internet Reservations, Third Party and GDS Sites Share the Remaining 25%

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and Smith Travel Research launched the first-ever hotel Internet marketing metrics survey and presented the initial results showing that brand hotel sites account for 75% of Internet reservations. 

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How hotel companies treat their customers online

The Customer Respect Group, an international research and consulting firm that focuses on how corporations treat their customers online, released the results of its Spring 2004 Online Customer Respect Study of 36 airline, travel and leisure firms

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Amsterdam - The Weakest euro-zone performer in 2003

Amsterdam hoteliers experienced another challenging year in 2003. Results from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte show that  of the seventeen cities tracked across the euro-zone it was hotels in Amsterdam that witnessed the largest decline in revenue per available room (revPAR) during 2003. Hotels in the city-centre saw revPAR fall by 13.2 percent on the prior year, whilst hotels at Schiphol saw even greater declines of 20.5 percent.

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New General Manager For The Dorchester

The Board of Directors for the Dorchester Group announced today that Christopher Cowdray has been appointed as General Manager of The Dorchester in London.  He is no stranger to London, having been Managing Director of Claridge's for the past six years.  He will take up his new position on 21st June 2004. 

More... [681 views]