New technology and old worries are edging the systems closer to extinction. Perhaps at no time will that be more apparent than at next week's International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show in New York, billed as the world's largest hotel industry event. "Technology moves in cycles, and the cycle may be turning away from magnetic systems," said Richard Siegel, who publishes the trade magazine Hospitality Upgrade. "There are a lot of new technologies that hotels are intrigued by."
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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: November 2005Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 30, 2005Hilton is an 'asset-lite' fashion victimPerhaps it was the buzz words "sale and manage back'' in Hilton's announcement that it was selling pounds 400m of hotels last week which sounded an alarm in my head. Barp! Barp! Warning: company in grip of management consultants, accountants and lawyers. And once the alarm started ringing, it got even louder when I saw the hotels had been sold to a trust run by an obscure Israeli businessman. That didn't sound like much of an auction. More... [1570 views] Hotels have rates down to a science: Here's the formulaLearning how factors such as supply and demand help to set prices can save you money and aggravation. More... [1758 views] Ritz, Other Luxury Hotels in Paris Fined by French RegulatorSix luxury hotels in Paris including the Ritz were fined by the French competition regulator for running an illegal cartel. More... [1554 views] Permira checks out De Vere bidPermira, the private-equity group that owns the Travelodge budget-hotel chain, is one of two mystery suitors that have made takeover approaches to De Vere, the leisure business valued at more than £ 500m More... [634 views] Hong Kong Hotels Rally Around Staff At Hyatt Regency Hong KongHong Kong’s hotel industry has rallied around a call from Hyatt Regency Hong Kong to help find new employment from many of its staff when the hotel closes on December 31, 2005 as 38 hotels answered the rallying cry at a Career Bazaar Day that showcased some 500 vacancies. More... [1184 views] Celebrity chefs cruise to Hobart on the Seven Seas MarinerWhen the Radisson Seven Seas Mariner recently visited Australian shores, celebrity chefs Vic Cherikoff and Benjamin Christie from the cooking show, Dining Downunder were invited on board as part of the Radisson Spotlight on Wine and Food from the 8th to the 11th of November 2005. More... [592 views] Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort in Malaysian Borneo opens Nature Interpretation CentreA Nature Interpretation Centre, designed to foster education and conservation of Borneo's unique natural environment, opens November 29, 2005, adjoining the acclaimed Nature Reserve at Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu. The diverse eco-facility complements the Nature Reserve's nine-year history in the rehabilitation of baby orang-utans. More... [1059 views] China World Voted Best Business Hotel in BeijingShangri-La's China World Hotel took home one of the top prizes at the 2005 Business Traveler China inaugural awards ceremony held recently in Beijing. More... [799 views] Recovery continues at London's hotelsAccording to TRI Hospitality Consulting’s latest statistics, revenue per available room (revPAR) at UK hotels improved by 3.6% year-on-year to £59.56 in October 2005 More... [586 views] Another busy Travel Holiday expected according to AAATravel this holiday season is expected to be as busy as ever, despite gas prices and airline bankruptcies. According to AAA, 37.3 million Americans are estimated to travel 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving. This number is up slightly from 37 million travelers a year ago. About 83 percent of those making trips will do so by car, about the same percent as a year ago. More... [719 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 29, 2005Menu Strategies: The Next WaveOrdering a fish dinner in a restaurant used to be pretty straightforward. Patrons gravitated toward old favorites or the “catch of the day,” and broiling and frying were the most-requested cooking styles. But these days, guests are more daring and demanding when it comes to species, seasonings, and sides. What’s more, hot-button issues like health benefits, sustainability, and pcb levels now come into play. By Patricia Cobe, Restaurant Business
More... [1237 views] Asia for $10 a night (and less)Sleeping on the super-cheap just became a wacky reality. From China's bathhouse hotels that offer the barest definition of sleeping accommodations to a snafu on Expedia for hotels in Japan, this week is all about scoring a deal in Asia. If you had excellent timing last weekend, you might be one of the incredibly lucky folks who booked rooms at the Hilton Osaka and Hilton Tokyo hotels. A number of readers wrote to say they were alerted to a mistake on Expedia that allowed rooms to be booked at those two properties for between $2 and $4 a night. By Megg Mueller Schulte More... [846 views] Business in China is complex — and so is this bookChina is baffling. It can be a scary place to do business. It's bursting with opportunity beyond belief, yet is perilous terrain for trade. Because of its population of 1.3 billion, it's difficult for anyone in the West to overestimate China's growing role in the global economy, writes former Wall Street Journal China bureau chief James McGregor, who has spent 15 years in China and is currently a China business investor and adviser. More... [847 views] Which Country Provides the Most "Comfortable" Hotel Experience?Market Metrix Examines How Countries, Hotel Brands, and Guests Differ Across the Global Hotel Industry. The international component of the MMHI is based on 10,000 guest interviews of non-US hotel stays annually. The results offer a fascinating glimpse into how countries, hotel brands, and guests differ across the global hotel industry. Here are highlights from the most recent survey results. More... [2293 views] New postings for veteran General Managers at Banyan Tree propertiesAs part of Banyan Tree’s efforts to develop talents from within the group, two veteran Area General Managers have been re-designated to head and manage two of the group’s properties, while a third has rejoined the group. More... [1442 views] French Suburb Riots Had Limited Impact On Hotel ActivityThe performance results of hotel establishments which participate in the daily monitoring programme carried out by MKG Consulting, reveal a good resistance by French hotels which seem to be little affected by the riots. The riots in the suburbs have had a limited impact on the hotel activity over the first 15 days of November, including the outskirts of big cities, which one would have thought to be most affected by urban violence. More... [1105 views] Tourism to grow fastest in Asia-Pacific until 2010The tourism industry in Asia-Pacific countries is expected to grow by 6.5 percent annually over the next 15 years, according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO). This would be faster than the anticipated annual world average growth of 4.1 percent. More... [879 views] Big Names Checking In Across the CountryAs Russia booms, Western hotel operators are fighting for a piece of the action, scouring the provinces for locations for their ambitious mid-range rollouts and sparring for the capital's juiciest sites. While luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and Westin have been focusing on securing a beachhead in Moscow, home to more billionaires than anywhere else in the world, some of the most fervent activity is in the huge, underdeveloped markets of the regions. More... [635 views] The Winners and Losers of the Internet Break-UpWhy should Internet break and how ridiculous is this issue? Imagine if a few printers around the globe got together and jointly decided to replace all our current currencies and their value and choose brand new colors, designs and new values all own their own. Economy? What economy? In the golden haze surrounding the mystic city of Tunisia, a small group of elite merchants of the information age will once again try to figure out the future of the Internet . In November, they will fight out their agendas and try hard to make sense out of the ongoing cyber warfare. More... [666 views] 6 awards for members of design hotels group!design hotels came out strong at the European Hotel Design Awards, which took place in London on November 9, 2005. Award winners in the 8 categories recognizing excellence in hotel design were selected from over 90 entries for hotels that opened between June 2004 and June 2005. Six awards, including the coveted Hotel Design of the Year award, went to members of the design hotels(tm) group. More... [1078 views] First Update On Hotel Performance In Bali Since The October AttacksOn 1 October 2005, just days before the start of Ramadan, the tourist-dependent resort island of Bali suffered a terrible blow. Exactly three years on from the October 2002 terrorist attacks, this unique island in the heart of Indonesia was a target for terrorism once more, killing 25 people and injuring more than a hundred. The long-term future of the island’s tourism industry remains uncertain as preliminary October 2005 results from the HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte show that revenue per available room (revPAR) has dropped 30% to US$34 compared to October 2004. More... [695 views] Morethanhotels acquires UK hotel portfolio from Foremost HotelsForemost Hotels Limited, advised by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, has been acquired by morethanhotels. The Foremost Hotels portfolio comprises three ‘Express by Holiday Inn’ hotels located in Bristol, Birmingham NEC and Stafford, totalling 378 bedrooms. More... [632 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 28, 2005R.O.I. for QADuring an address on Destination Development and price/value relationships, a distinguished gentleman asked whether there were figures to support an increase in Guest Traffic when an independent property invests in a Quality Assurance Program. In my mind, QA has been costed out by many but never related to “heads in beds” or subjected to risk/reward analysis. It is simply the right way to conduct business. I had no numbers for him, in response. By John R. Hendrie, CEO, Hospitality Performance More... [875 views] Going after GoldilocksSome rooms just feel right; we walk in and we feel comfortable with the surroundings. It's a sigh of relief in the otherwise impersonal world of business travel. And how cool would it be to walk into your hotel room, have the temperature set just how you like it, the radio stations all set to the acid rock or smooth jazz you love and the phone already programmed with your most frequently dialed numbers? Well, look no further than a host of high-end hotels that have the technology to make your guest room more like your own room. By Megg Mueller Schulte, USA TODAY More... [771 views] Making Credibility Your Strongest AssetDealmakers often forget the power of a good reputation. In this article from Negotiation, HBS professor Michael Wheeler tells why having a storehouse of credibility will put you head and shoulders above the competition. By Michael Wheeler, Harvard Business School More... [861 views] When Customers Want to Hear from YouWhen you talk to your customers is just as important as what you say. But when is the right time? A Harvard Business Review excerpt on the use of technology as a tool for dialogue marketing. More... [1058 views] Hilton sale in balance - MichelsThe sale of the hotel business of the UK Hilton Group to America’s Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) is in the balance according to David Michels. More... [843 views] Gnome HotelWhen Swiss bankers loosen up at Zurich's Baur au Lac hotel, you can overhear some great gossip. By Richard C. Morais, Forbes.com More... [795 views] Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Completes Acquisition of the Le Meridien BrandStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced today that it has acquired the Le Meridien brand and the related management and franchise business for the portfolio of 130 hotels and resorts globally for approximately $225 million, roughly equal to the amount of Starwood's current investment, including accrued interest, in the debt of Le Meridien. The completion of this acquisition will significantly increase the company's foot print in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific. More... [3258 views] Kempinski to manage hotel in ShanghaiKempinski Hotels, the oldest hotel management group in Europe, has taken its first step in Shanghai to capitalize on the expected rise in tourism from World Expo 2010. More... [913 views] Partnerships Are Key To Online Travel Search SurvivalThe online travel search market is fast filling up with Web sites offering the cheapest bookings, and experts warn that the smaller entrants without partnerships with major service providers are sure to fail. More... [783 views] Saraya Hotels join Starwood's prestigious luxury collectionSaraya Aqaba Real Estate Development psc., a world class developer and Asset Manager of the beachfront luxury destination 'Saraya Aqaba', and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. signed a Letter of Intent for the management of both Harbor and Al-Manara hotels under Starwood's 'The Luxury Collection' brand, at Saraya Aqaba, Jordan. More... [692 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 25, 2005No tears please, we are hoteliersGoodbyes are part of the job for hoteliers but does saying it ever get easier, Yeoh Siew Hoon wonders as Adrian Mueller leaves Thailand to start a new chapter in his career. More... [1851 views] Mixed results across Europe from the USThings are not looking quite as good for Europe out of the US this year. Results of a survey by the European Travel Commission (ETC) among its members – as reported in WTM’s UK & European Travel Report - shows some very different results from one European destination to another. For some, the US market has really bounced back. These include several Central/East European countries, as well as France, Greece, Monaco, Switzerland, and Sweden. But US arrivals are well down to the UK and Estonia, and have stagnated in other destinations in the region. More... [772 views] What if They Open This Hotel and Nobody Comes?The bravest man in Syria these days may well be a mild-mannered hotel manager named Markus W. Iseli. Mr. Iseli reads the newspapers and watches the news. He knows that top Syrian officials have been identified as suspects in the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri; that the government has been accused of failing to cooperate with an international investigation of the killing; that the United Nations could punish Syria with international economic sanctions. By MICHAEL SLACKMAN, New York Times More... [868 views] Leading hotels collaborate for 1st industry regional training initiativeA group of Asia’s leading hotels have collaborated with TTG and hospitality management guru Ray Bigger of Think 8, to launch a region-wide training initiative designed specifically for those in the hospitality and travel industry. The hotels involved will each host a two day workshop over the coming months: Marco Polo’s The HongKong Hotel, Hong Kong (8 & 9 December 2005), Marina Mandarin Singapore (24 & 25 January 2006) and the Millennium Hilton in Bangkok (2 & 3 March 2006). More... [583 views] InterContinental Hotels & Resorts honored with a host of awardsInterContinental Hotels & Resorts will end 2005 by celebrating a myriad of awards garnered throughout the year. The global hotel brand’s properties and personnel have been recognized for excellence by industry leaders, customers and prestigious publications in the United States, Asia and the United Kingdom. Properties across the globe, such as the InterContinental Resort Bali, the Amstel InterContinental Amsterdam, InterContinental Hong Kong, the Barclay InterContinental New York and the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat, have been recognized as some of the top hotels in the world. More... [852 views] Independent Hoteliers Come Together To Celebrate The Importance of Their BrandClose to 300 hoteliers representing 200 independent luxury hotels from 45 countries gathered recently in London for Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s 13th Annual International Conference. More... [742 views] Hilton begins travel search partnershipHotel company Hilton International has signed a distribution agreement with travel search engine SideStep. The deal will enable SideStep’s 4.7 million monthly users to get updated information on availability and best prices across Hilton International’s entire inventory of more than 400 properties worldwide.
More... [631 views] M&C Hotels to manage its First Hotel in China - Millennium Hongqiao ShanghaiThe Millennium Hotel flag will soon fly in China following an agreement to manage its first hotel there – the Millennium Hongqiao Shanghai. A management contract was signed between Millennium & Copthorne (M&C) Hotels and the owner of the property, the Shanghai Workers Union. The Union also owns hotels, villas and spas amongst other investments in China. More... [666 views] Major moves by Taj hotel groupTaj has raised finance for international expansion. As a result it is looking to develop hotels over a wide geographical area - Australia, some Asian countries, China, Arabian Gulf, Southern Africa, and the US (such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, to support its new acquisition on the east coast). Most of these hotels would probably operate under its Taj brand name. More... [892 views] Vienna heading for another recordVienna recorded a growth in visitor overnights and arrivals for the first eight months of 2005 . Visitor arrivals grew by 1.9% to 2.4mn. More... [655 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 24, 2005Fairmont Returns To New York City To Manage The PlazaFairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to manage The Plaza, one of New York's, and the world's, most renowned and prestigious hotel properties. The Plaza is currently undergoing an extensive $350 million renovation which, when completed, will feature 282 spacious, fully renovated luxury hotel rooms, including 152 condo hotel units. More... [799 views] Hotel Web Site Priorities - Some Do's, Don'ts, and Why the Heck Did You Do That?Don't you just love reading about the huge numbers being produced on the Internet? But the fact is that there are still many disillusioned hoteliers, especially those with independent hotels, who have not yet realized their fair share of business from this new medium. Obviously, it's no longer sufficient to simply have a pretty web site. By Neil Salerno, The Hotelmarketing Coach More... [1443 views] The Third Trimester Confirms The European Hotel Industry’s Good Results In 2005After a transitional year for the European hotel industry in 2004, 2005 confirms a rebound for the hotel activity in Europe. At the end of September, the RevPAR’s 9 month progression was 2.4%, helped by the improved occupancy rates that increased by 1.1points. This improvement is similar to that seen in the first trimester that registered a 2.6% increase in RevPar in 6 months at the end of June. More... [608 views] Better fire safety in hotels saves livesA wave of tougher building codes and fire-safety laws enacted in recent decades have left the USA a better place by one important measure: Deaths and injuries from hotel fires are down dramatically. At the same time, hotel fires continue to kill or injure scores in the USA each year, and the threat of catastrophe remains. And travelers outside this country continue to face higher risk, largely because life-saving automatic sprinklers, which have become common here, are more rare. By Gary Stoller, USA TODAY More... [885 views] AAA Five Diamond Lodgings; Chain vs IndependentOur recent review of the AAA Five Diamond rated lodgings for 2006 prompts us to pose some questions. Are these 88 properties truly the best of the best in North America? Why are there so few independents on the list? Does the selection process favor chain hotels over independents? We hope our questions and comments do not give the impression that we disagree with these ratings. We are not disputing the rating of any individual property; rather we are addressing the overall result. By Harry Nobles & Cheryl Griggs More... [762 views] Accor founders to leave board but remain advisersHotels group Accor said on Monday its founders Gerard Pelisson and Paul Dubrule will not renew their mandate as supervisory board members, while the new board will be presented to shareholders on Jan. 9. More... [730 views] Rezidor SAS launches new lifestyle hotel brand: Hotel MissoniWorldwide license agreement signed with Italian fashion house Missoni. Rezidor SAS Hospitality, the Brussels based, multi brand hospitality management company, has announced in London on November 16th, 2005 that they had concluded a worldwide license agreement with the Italian fashion house Missoni, to develop and operate a lifestyle hotel brand of the same name: Hotel Missoni. More... [744 views] World visitor growth above target according to WTOFollowing an estimated increase of about 6% in visitor arrivals during the first 8/9 months of this year, the World Tourism Organisation is still expecting that the increase for the whole year will be 5-6%. More... [588 views] Incoming 2006 AH&LA Chairman launches spirit of Hospitality Awareness ProgramDuring his inaugural speech at The Pierre Hotel, incoming 2006 American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Chairman Joseph R. Kane, Jr., CHA, told an audience of industry leaders that he is challenging the industry to strengthen its top-line revenues and bottom-line profits through an emphasis on true hospitality service. “I want to lead the charge in challenging all of us to resurrect the spirit of hospitality, so that we can improve our revenues, and most importantly, lead all service sector businesses in consumer satisfaction,” said Kane More... [532 views] Rocco Forte Hotels expands into PragueRocco Forte Hotels is to open a five-star hotel in the heart of the Czech Republic capital, in the immediate neighbourhood of Prague Castle. The 101-room property will be created from a complex of five buildings, most of which are historical monuments. The largest and most important structure is St Thomas ’s Monastery, which dates to the 1400s. More... [676 views] "The Leading Hotels of the World” honours the Hotel Adlon Kempinski as the best hotel in EuropeEvery year the association of the “The Leading Hotels of the World” honours the best luxury hotels in the world with the “Commitment to Quality Award”. At the congress in New Delhi this year, the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin was chosen as the best hotel in Europe. With more than 430 members in 80 countries, “The Leading Hotels of the World” is the largest association of luxury hotels, resorts and spas. More... [903 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 23, 2005It’s all in the mind, if you don’t mindYeoh Siew Hoon has just had a mental orgasm and is still reeling from the experience and its aftermath. More... [1327 views] Technology Lets High-End Hotels Anticipate Guests' WhimsWhen regulars like Dr. Laurence Wiener check into the Mandarin Oriental in Manhattan, they get more than a smile from the concierge and a mint on their pillow. Dr. Wiener's hotel room knows how warm he likes it - 68 degrees. It welcomes him with a personal message on his television set. It even loads his most frequently dialed numbers onto the phone. And the bellhop did not have to do a thing. At the Mandarin and other high-end hotels, new computer systems that connect individual rooms to network servers can now keep track of guests' preferences and change the room conditions automatically. By KEN BELSON, The New York Times More... [867 views] Rates, occupancies all upward in high-season ShanghaiShanghai's hotel business is as robust as Hong Kong's at the moment. Now in high season, occupancies of the city's 25,000 four- and five-star rooms are hovering around 80 per cent, according to Portman Ritz-Carlton general manager Ralph Grippo, whose actual title is vice-president area general manager. Average room rates last month were US$300, he said, compared with US$265 over the year, more than US$55 up on last year. More... [808 views] Hilton Group Announces the Sale of 15 UK Hotels and Plans to Sell Further PropertiesHilton Group plc today announces the completion of the sale of 15 hotels in the UK to The Managed Hotels Unit Trust, with funding arranged by RBS Group. The purchase price of the hotels is £382.4 million in cash. The final consideration is subject to adjustment to reflect interest rate movements today which are expected to be minor. More... [764 views] 2005 Business Traveller China Travel AwardsThe first Business Traveller China Awards were presented on 17th November, in an exclusive gathering of the travel industry’s movers and shakers from China and around the region. Reflecting solely the judgment of the magazine’s readers’, who travel frequently around China and Asia-Pacific, the accolade also celebrates achievements of tourism leaders and travel providers around the region. More... [622 views] UK: Hotels hope that a cold winter won't freeze out guestsAs the winter chill sets in, the hotel industry proved it’s holding steady with modest increases in performance across the UK, according to figures released today by PKF hotel consultancy services. However, hoteliers may be nervous that the predicted cold spell ahead could put a freeze on visitor figures in the run up to Christmas. More... [602 views] Hilton close to £3.6bn hotels saleA spokesperson for the Hilton Group has confirmed that the company is close to concluding a £3.6bn sale of its hotel business, Hilton International, to the US-based Hilton Hotels Corporation. More... [855 views] Mandarin to manage second property in MacauThe second luxury hotel in Macau which will be part of the prestigious mixed-use complex, soon to be developed on a prime site on the Macau waterfront. The overall project, which will be owned and developed through a joint venture between Shun Tak Holdings and Hongkong Land, is scheduled to open in 2009. More... [641 views] Jumeirah launches the world's most luxurious competition for travel agentsJumeirah, the Dubai-based young and dynamic luxury hospitality group, has launched ‘The World’s Most Luxurious Competition’ offering travel agents worldwide the chance to win a Stay at Jumeirah for the Next 10 Years. This ‘once in a lifetime opportunity to win’ is part of a fully integrated marketing communications campaign Jumeirah has launched, named ‘Think Jumeirah, Think JT’ to promote the group’s new private label GDS code JT, which will officially go live on December 1st. More... [859 views] Developers, investors get hot for hotels in Vancouver and TorontoA high-end hotel building boom is shaping up in Vancouver and Toronto, and investors are flocking to the sector, snapping up properties and setting records for spending this year. Suddenly, hotels are hot. Investors want to buy them. Developers want to put them up. "We have seen a phenomenal amount of activity. It's the most I've seen, and I've been in the business 17 years," said Bill Stone, executive managing director of Colliers International Hotels. More... [741 views] Hilton plans to increase its presence in BrazilThe chain plans to advance in the Amazon Eco-Lodge project, at Novo Airao, 180 kilometers from Manaus (Amazonas state). And it plans to build a resort on the coast between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The traditional English brand currently has only two hotels in Brazil, in Belm (Para) and Sao Paulo. Inaugurated three years ago, the Hilton Morumbi received US$100 million in investments, the most of the hotel chain. More... [622 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 22, 2005The Network WayThe formulation of strategies and the design of management and information systems to take advantage of international opportunities and respond to international threats are continuously changing. A global revolution is underway and most of the organizations have started experiencing a social upheaval that involves everyone. It is shaking every place of work, quakes the foundations of our biggest institutions and our smallest groups, and even sends quivers into our homes and communities. By-Robin Trehan More... [731 views] Confronting the Myth of Service Recovery - An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of CureFor the past several years, many hotel executives have ascribed to the widely circulated notion that a strong problem-recovery process is the key to enhancing customer loyalty. Some claim to possess statistics that show a higher intent to return among guests who experienced a problem followed by excellent resolution, compared to guests who had a problem-free stay. By Rick Garlick, Maritz Research More... [1274 views] Dubai's hotel boom headed for correctionHotel investors rushing to Dubai are being warned that room supply is expected to double by 2010 and a "market correction'' is likely by 2007-09 as supply overtakes demand. A report by the hotel consultancy HVS International issued last week says that between 18,000 and 20,000 hotel rooms are expected to open by 2010, almost double the current supply. "This will undoubtedly fuel the risk of an oversupply emerging marketwide in Dubai.'' More... [963 views] 'Really Real Time', Last Room Available Room Inventory ManagementI predict for 2006 the future for hoteliers will be all about 'connectivity', active and passive, one way, two way, one and one half way, and no way, all bundled with various commissions, fees, and implementation costs; all directly linked to our ability to sell our 'perishable' product and minimize our 'rotten bananas'. I will endeavor to bring some clarity to the topic and address why I feel it is such an important consideration. By Craig W. Cooley
More... [1354 views] Hotels try bridging generation gapThe American travel industry is staring at a generational divide. On one side are the deep-pocketed baby boomers, with more money and free time than ever. On the other are the burgeoning Generation X'ers, whose oldest members turned 40 this year and who increasingly are asserting their buying power. The challenge facing hotels, golf courses, airlines, travel agents and tourism marketers in Arizona and around the country is how to appeal to two groups of consumers whose tastes could not be more different. More... [887 views] World Travel Awards: 12 Years Of Travel BenchmarkingThe World Travel Awards is announcing the results of one of the world's most comprehensive travel trade polls of its kind, with the addition of new categories for business and first class products. This year saw ten new awards for business and ten for first class air travel, split by region. There were also 20 new business hotel categories, expanded to include major commercial cities across the globe. More... [963 views] Canada's advisors to the hospitality and tourism industry reveals 2005-2006 outlookApproximately 200 hotel and investment professionals attended the 2005 PKF Outlook Forum held in Toronto and Vancouver, presented for the sixth year by PKF Consulting, Canada's advisors to the hospitality and tourism industry. More... [599 views] Accor to open two hotels in Beijing before 2008The Paris-based hotel and tourism company Accor signed an agreement here Friday with China Resources Land Ltd. to build two hotels in Beijing with full investment from Accor. The two brand hotels, Novotel and Ibis, will be located at the Phoenix Plaza, developed by the Beijing-based CR Land adjacent to the city center. More... [615 views] The Ritz-Carlton introduces its Club brand to South Beach and San FranciscoThe Ritz-Carlton Club introduces two new properties to its portfolio, Miami's South Beach and San Francisco bring further diversity to the brand and offer Members an unparalleled residential lifestyle -- and all with legendary Ritz-Carlton service. Furthermore, San Francisco represents the first urban location for the brand. More... [595 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 21, 2005Thinking Outside The BoxCountless results of surveys and questionnaires land on managers’ desks, who, faced with apparent contradictions or inconclusive statements, add them to the previous volumes in the filing cabinet. A clever new approach stops people ticking umpteen little boxes and aims to give hotel operators what they really need - quantifiable insights linked to financial metrics. More... [1648 views] Frequent travelers grade hotel industry on indoor air qualityMore than two-thirds of frequent travelers in a recent national survey are concerned about air quality in the country’s hotel rooms. These frequent travelers (defined as having stayed in a hotel at least 6 days within the past year) identified odors (68 percent of respondents) and “stuffiness” (59 percent of respondents) as being the most frequently encountered indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. More... [1017 views] Berlin Hotel Glut Means Five-Star Luxury for Three-Star PricesLounging in the sunlit lobby of the Grand Hyatt Berlin, Olaf Wolters says he's lost count of the number of luxury hotels he's stayed at in the German capital. "You have a lot of art hotels, a lot of options where you can stay,'' says Wolters, a 34-year-old media lawyer who visits the city every year for the Berlin Film Festival. "It's very cheap.'' More... [867 views] Four Seasons opens its First Hotel in Switzerland - Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues GenevaFour Seasons Hotels and Resorts has opened its first hotel in Switzerland, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva. Located in the city centre on the banks of Lake Geneva, the view from the hotel encompasses Geneva’s most significant icons: the Jet d’eau - one of the world’s tallest fountains - and the Old Town, where many buildings date from the 16th century. More... [802 views] The Westin Sydney named Australasia's Leading Conference HotelThe Westin Sydney has been recognised as Australasia's Leading Conference Hotel at the 12th Annual World Travel Awards. The announcement was made at a ceremony held on Sunday November 13 at the Royal Opera House in London, which was attended by 500 guests and broadcast globally by BBC World. More... [653 views] Thoughts on the Future of Travel & Tourism from Panel of Industry LeadersAt an event to mark the 15th anniversary of the World Travel & Tourism Council, at the World Travel Market in London on Monday, a panel of industry leaders commented on their expectations of the future. Moderated by BBC TV journalist Gwenan Edwards, the panel debate was an example of the discussions that will take place on a much larger scale at the next Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Washington DC, under the theme ‘Open Mind, Open World’, when over 500 of the most influential people in the industry will gather to discuss the major issues confronting Travel & Tourism. More... [766 views] New York City to add nearly 5,000 new hotel rooms over next two yearsFuelled by record visitor volume, a thriving economy, and significant additions to the tourism product, New York City is adding nearly 5,000 new hotel rooms to its current inventory of 70,723 by the end of 2007. More... [813 views] New US job site launches – HOTELScareers.comHOTELScareers.com, a specialist hospitality recruitment website launches in the US, in partnership with Hotels Magazine, the leading publication for the hospitality industry. HOTELScareers.com is a new job website for hotel professionals who are either looking for a job, or recruiting for hotels in the US. More... [1365 views] The unsung heroes get their dueNovotel's valet parker is the 'hotelier's hotelier of the year' Ashraf Mamlekar, the valet parker at Novotel, was honored with the ‘hotelier’s hotelier of the year’ award. The awards were presented on Tuesday November 8 at a Gala Dinner held at the Grosvenor House in West Marina Beach Dubai. More... [612 views] High-profile events boost Singapore hotels' occupancy ratesIt is nearly full house at most hotels in the city, with many hitting higher occupancy year on year. And hoteliers say this is partly due to the government's effort to grow the conventions segment. More... [872 views] Dusit to unveil major new marketing plans in 2006Dusit Hotels & Resorts began discussions on several major new marketing plans and special projects at their recent Marketing Conference attended by Dusit and Royal Princess hotels and resorts and the new D2hotel chiang mai general managers, marketing & sales executives and overseas regional sales representatives numbering 80 key executives. More... [723 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 18, 2005Hilton on verge of RBS dealHilton Group was trying to tie up the sale of 16 hotels to Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) last night in a deal worth almost £400 million. The Times understands that lawyers from both sides were racing to seal a deal in time to be able to make a Stock Exchange anouncement this morning alongside a scheduled trading update from Hilton. More... [839 views] Host Marriott Corp. to expand into Europe, drops Marriott nameA blockbuster deal yesterday by Host Marriott Corp. will expand the hotel owner into Europe, but under a new name that further separates itself from its corporate cousin. Bethesda-based Host Marriott agreed to buy a portfolio of 38 upscale hotels from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. for about $4 billion. More... [1245 views] Don't be a commodity, be individualLearn from the fashion designers, says Yeoh Siew Hoon More... [902 views] In 'smart' hotel rooms, everything is just rightWhen regulars like Laurence Wiener check into the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York, they get more than a smile from the concierge and a mint on their pillow. Wiener's hotel room "knows" exactly how warm. It welcomes him with a personal message on his television. It even loads his most frequently dialed numbers onto the phone. And the bellhop did not have to do a thing. By Ken Belson, The New York Times More... [1283 views] Accor Appoints Four GMs at Hotels in Thailand and VietnamAccor announced the General Manager appointments of Cretallaz, Poujoulat, Mozaien and Kreipl at its hotels in Thailand and Vietnam More... [1034 views] Corporate Travel moves OnlineIn 2003, corporate travel bookings made on the Internet compared to the conventional direct bookings by telephone, fax or through the traditional travel agent was at only 12%. But research consultancy marketSHARE predicts that this number will skyrocket to 28% by 2008. More... [725 views] Cornell Issues Revenue-Boosting Tool For Restaurant ManagersRestaurants Can Determine Best Mix of Tables to Increase Peak-period Revenue Restaurant managers now have a new tool that allows them to match their table mix to their customer mix. Cornell University has just released the Restaurant Table-Mix Optimizer, or RTMO, which is designed to give restaurant managers specific guidance on what mix of tables will provide the best revenue boost for their particular restaurant. The web-based tool, developed by Cornell professor Gary M. Thompson, is available at no charge from TheCenterForHospitalityResearch.org. More... [985 views] Loews Corporation Mourns the Loss of Preston Robert TischLoews Corporation mourns the loss of Preston Robert "Bob" Tisch, Chairman of its Board of Directors. Mr. Tisch succumbed to cancer on November 15, 2005. More... [701 views] TIA Releases Forecast for U.S. Travel Spending and VolumeAccording to the Travel Industry Association of America’s (TIA) Annual Travel Forecast, 2005 will turn out to be a good year for the U.S. travel industry, with leisure travel by U.S. residents rising 4 percent this year and international travel to the U.S. jumping 7 percent. Spending by domestic and international travelers will increase 7.8 percent for full-year 2005 to nearly $646 billion. More... [570 views] Conrad Hotels votes World's Leading Luxury Hotel BrandConrad Hotels yesterday received the ultimate award of “World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand” from the World Travel Awards ceremony, which took place on the eve of the opening of the famous annual World Travel Market. The prestigious trophy was presented to Clem Barter, President of Conrad Hotels, during the dinner ceremony at the London Royal Opera House. More... [823 views] Washington to host WTTC 2006 SummitThe World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has selected Washington DC as the venue for its 2006 Global Summit, which for some people in the industry is a universal first choice. The USA does not have a good image abroad, especially in some regions of the world where tourism is emerging as a strong factor in economic growth. Vincent Wolfington, WTTC chairman, is attending the World Travel Market in London this week and he was asked why Washington had been chosen for the WTTC’s big event. More... [629 views] Le Meridien Al Aqah Claims ‘Middle East’s Leading Beach Resort’ Title at World Travel AwardsLe Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort did the UAE proud this week in London, winning top honors in two hotly-contested categories at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA), which celebrates excellence in the global tourism industry. More... [604 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 17, 2005The Best Hotel Sales Director I Ever Met - What Do The Good Ones Have in Common?I was overwhelmed by the many emails I received from my article describing “The Best General Manager I Ever Met”. Thank you all; it appears that many people recognized the same traits. It seems natural to follow-up with the supremely important position of sales director. Everything begins with a sale, as they say; what can be more important than that? By Neil Salerno – The Hotel Marketing Coach More... [2416 views] You may have already missed the boat. A Destination Prescriptive!Most would agree that it is far easier to retain an existing customer than solicit a new one. As you embrace that current customer, you gain as much information as possible, so you are able to consistently fulfill their needs. It goes beyond demographics. You really want to intimately understand their psyche, their needs and desires, so you can better deliver on your promise. If successful, you have a loyal Fan and a steadfast member of the extended family. And, devoted Fans spread the good news, where the uninitiated soon become advocates, too, creating a groundswell of interest and investment in your business. By John Hendrie More... [751 views] Availability Again Key Hotel Negotiating IssueDemand growth continues to outpace supply growth in the U.S. hotel market, leaving travel buyers in greater need of last-room availability and suppliers more likely to place higher premiums—or even limitations—on LRA agreements. With lodging supply meeting further pressure from hurricanes, condo conversions and a construction pipeline that has slowed to a trickle, the past decade witnessed a rash of consolidation and acquisition—placing larger swaths of hotel inventory in fewer hands. More... [693 views] Jan Monkedieck Named General Manager of the Conrad CairoMonkedieck joins Cairo from his previous position as general manager of the Conrad Tokyo, which he opened with great success earlier this year, and has since established itself as a leading hotel in the Tokyo market. More... [797 views] Le Meridien wins 28 awards at the World Travel AwardsHeld this year at the Royal Opera House in London, the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive travel awards ceremony. With awards for all areas of the industry the awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements found in all sectors. Travel agents in over 200 countries around the world cast votes and nominations are based upon the previous year’s voting. More... [968 views] Another Record Breaking World Travel Market Opened in LondonWorld Travel Market 2005 is the largest ever. This year sees its fourth consecutive increase in exhibitor space of more than 4% increase. More... [681 views] Langham Place Hotel Hong Kong “Best New City Hotel” in AsiaWORLDHOTELS member, the chic new Langham Place Hotel in Mongkok, Hong Kong, has won the prestigious 'Best New City Hotel' award in the 16th Annual Travel Awards 2005, presented by TTG Asia. Voted by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, BTN Asia Pacific, BTN China and TTG MICE, this award recognizes Langham Place Hotel, Mongkok, Hong Kong as the most outstanding new city hotel across Asia. More... [714 views] The Ritz-Carlton Club Expands Introducing Two New PropertiesToday, The Ritz-Carlton Club, the established leader in the fractional ownership industry, introduces two new properties to its portfolio. Miami's South Beach and San Francisco bring further diversity to the brand and offer Members an unparalleled residential lifestyle -- and all with legendary Ritz-Carlton service. Furthermore, San Francisco represents the first urban location for the brand. More... [589 views] London nominated with the World`s Leading Destination Award at the 12th annual World Travel AwardsLondon has won the prestigious World’s Leading Destination Award at the 12th annual World Travel Awards . Voted by thousands of professionals from the travel industry, London beat off competition from the likes of Sydney, Cape Town, Dubai, Las Vegas, Paris, Rome, New York and Barcelona to take the coveted title. More... [646 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 16, 2005Host Marriott Acquiring 38 Luxury and Upscale Hotels from Starwood for Approximately $4.04 billionHost Marriott Corporation announced today that it has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire 38 luxury and upper upscale hotels from Starwood Hotels and Resorts for approximately $4.04 billion. The portfolio consists of 25 domestic and 13 international properties and a total of 18,964 rooms managed under the Westin(R), Sheraton(R), W Hotels(R), The Luxury Collection(R) and St. Regis(R) brands*. More... [1713 views] The St. Regis in New York Takes Top Honors in Institutional Investor Magazine's 25th Anniversary Survey of the World's Best HotelsThe St. Regis hotel in New York has been named the overall top-ranked hotel in Institutional Investor's 2005 survey of the world's best hotels, marking the first time that a New York hotel has claimed the honor in the survey's 25-year history. More... [858 views] Ever look a fish in the eye?Yeoh Siew Hoon compares shopping for hotel rooms with buying fish in the wet market. More... [1006 views] The Majority of Online Travelers Rate Hotel Visuals Among Top Influencing Factors in Selecting a Hotel Online.According to a recent survey of 2,931 online U.S. adults ages 18 and over, nearly three in four (73%) who stay in hotels when they travel say they start their stay by researching hotel accommodations online. When asked to consider what factors other than price and location are important in selecting one hotel over another, online travelers cite the hotel’s written description (71%) and visuals (69%) as the top two most important factors. More... [971 views] High Oil Prices Yet to Impact on Tourism says WTOA recently concluded WTO report demonstrates that up to the moment, the impact of high oil prices in international tourism has been little. Experts consulted in the framework of this research project note that only a small percentage of the increase in oil prices as been passed onto consumers in terms of final purchase price, says WTO Chief of Market Intelligence, Augusto Huéscar. More... [960 views] Oman’s Prestigious InterContinental Muscat Welcomes New LeaderInterContinental Hotels Group announced today that Renzo Cavagliotti has been appointed as General Manager of the InterContinental Muscat. More... [814 views] Hilton Hotels Corporation announces agreement with Cendant Travel Distribution services, adding Orbitz.com, Lodging.com and Cheaptickets.com as accredited distributersThese sites are now part of a roster of online third-party booking channels approved under the HHC Distribution Standard and Online Accreditation Process, that was implemented in June 2005 and that requires participating Hilton Family hotels to work solely with HHC-accredited distributors when offering inventory. More... [604 views] Change of flag at The Westin Philippine PlazaStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Philippine Plaza Holdings, Incorporated announce that the management agreement of The Westin Philippine Plaza will cease on More... [870 views] Starwood in Asia Pacific win the hearts of discerning travelers worldwideStarwood hotels in Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai and Sydney voted to Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious 18th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards list 2005 More... [711 views] Corinthia celebrates in Libya and TurkeyAppropriate celebrations marking Corinthia Group’s 27 years and 18 years of presence in Libya and Turkey respectively were recently held at the company’s Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel in Tripoli, Libya, and Corinthia Excelsior Hotel in Antalya, Turkey. More... [652 views] High-Speed internet access to be available at all Best Western Hotels throughout Great BritainBest Western Hotels in Great Britain is set to complete an installation of High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) in all its hotels throughout England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands by 1st January 2006. More... [598 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 15, 2005Hilton denies CEO to leaveHilton Group's hief executive does not plan to quit, the company said on Sunday, denying a report that said David Michels would leave after completing the sale of its hotels. More... [1121 views] Hotels run the gameteHotels have tried every conceivable kind of promotion, and here's the latest: the procreation vacation. Three Starwood properties in the Caribbean and Bahamas have given birth to the concept, a three-night getaway that includes romantic dinners, spa treatments and island potions said to increase chances of a pregnancy. More... [655 views] Boy, the older I get, the younger they lookYeoh Siew Hoon is in shock after finding her dentist is probably still suffering from nappy rash More... [1159 views] German hotelier believes in destinyFor Gerhard Hecker, a person who believes that fate is more influential than other factors in one's life, the early days at his grandfather's Cafe, Cake & Delicatessen shops in Germany might have already imprinted a successful career in the hotel industry lasting for decades. Appointed as the new general manager of Shanghai JC Mandarin in September, Hecker is applying his grandpa's philosophies of hospitality to revive the five-star hotel, which opened in 1991, and compete with the more than 20 five-star hotels in the city. More... [827 views] Senior Management appointments for Accor in Asia PacificNew look Operations team further aligns Asia and Pacific regions. Accor is set to take on a new look with changes to its senior operational management team in Australia and China. The moves will further align the Asia and Pacific region for the hotel group. More... [1253 views] Club Med sells more propertiesThe Times is reporting that Club Med has sold another four properties to property developer Heron International for €100m (£67m). Two of the hotels are in the French Alps at Val Thorens and Tignes Val Claret. The others are in Cadiz and Sicily. More... [631 views] Surf and swim at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & SpaStarting today, guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain may start surfing a different kind of wave on the beach. As part of the extensive 168-day renovation over the summer, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain now provides wireless access in all rooms, suites and public areas such as the restaurants, swimming pool and 600-meter beach. More... [652 views] VisitBritain hat-trick at World Travel AwardsVisitBritain was named the World’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau at the World Travel Awards tonight (13 November 2005) by more than 200,000 travel and tourism professionals. Tourism Ministers in 207 countries also voted for the Destination and Convention Bureau Travel Personality of the Year, which was presented to VisitBritain’s chairman, Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge. More... [590 views] Zolli to address the Americas Lodging Investment SummitAndrew Zolli, a world-renowned author and futurist, will deliver the keynote opening address during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) on January 23, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Calif. More... [524 views] Hilton Honoured Throughout 2005Hilton International’s commitment to personal service and well-designed facilities in Asia Pacific has paid off with an impressive number of awards over the last few months, including top spots for six Hilton properties at the WTM Awards. Celebrating its first year anniversary, one of Hilton’s flagship properties, Hilton Kuala Lumpur scooped Malaysia’s Best Hotel at the World Travel Mart (WTM) in London and Hilton Hanoi won Vietnam’s Best Hotel for the second year running, after voting by 176,000, travel professionals across 200 countries. More... [694 views] Charlie Dang Appointed as GM for Westin Beijing Financial StreetMr. Charlie Dang has been appointed as General Manager for Westin Beijing Financial Street. Previous to this appointment, Mr. Dang was the General Manager for Sheraton Dongguan Hotel and Sheraton Xian Hotel in China. More... [758 views] Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh voted Egypt's Leading Spa Resort in annual World Travel AwardsFour Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh has been declared Egypt's Leading Spa Resort in the 2005 annual World Travel Awards. The selection was based on the feedback of travel agents and travel professionals worldwide who were invited to vote on-line to nominate the world's best in the travel industry. More... [729 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 14, 2005Hilton Chief David Michels to quitWhen Hilton Group completes the £3.6 Billion deal to sell its hotels to Amercian sister company Hilton Hotels Corporation, David Michels will quit as Chief Executive. Michels, 58, has been at the Hilton helm since 1999, when it acquired rival Stakis, where he had been chief executive. More... [1291 views] World's Most Expensive Ski Resorts 2005Skiing is a sport for adrenaline junkies; everyone knows that. There's the wind whizzing past your ears, the powder flying underfoot and the thrill of forging off-piste trails. These days, however, there's an even more pulse-pounding way to get your adrenaline up on a ski holiday--paying the bill. By Sophia Banay, Forbes.com More... [1276 views] MKG Announces 6th Hospitality Awards WinnersThe Jury's Grand Prize was awarded to Starwood Hotels & Resorts In the presence of Mr. Léon Bertrand, French Minister for Tourism, and Mr Paul Dubrule, Chairman of Maison de la France and co-founder of the Accor Group surrounded by nearly 600 managers and partners of the hotel industry, the award ceremony of the 2005 Hospitality Awards (1) took place on November 7th, at the Hilton Paris Arc de Triomphe. It was chaired by Kurt Ritter, President & CEO, of Rezidor SAS Hospitality. More... [1049 views] ERP, is it right for your company?Why have Enterprise Resource Planning systems also called Enterprise Systems been so successful among so many companies? ERP systems or ES have come to be known as the panacea of not only the information and systems problems that a company, global or local, might face but also as key drivers in defining corporate strategy. By Robin C. Trehan (B.A, MIB, MBA) More... [718 views] Accor increases the development of the Sofitel brand in China22 hotels in operation by 2007. Accor, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, has made China one of its priority markets for development. Sofitel, the company's prestige brand, will almost double its presence in that country with 22 new properties opening between 2005 and 2007. By 2007, the Sofitel network will boast 7,948 rooms, a 50% increase. More... [938 views] The Online Travel Landscape Is Getting CrowdedTravel sites like Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz already have their hands full with airlines and hoteliers - their "valued partners" - luring consumers away with sites that look more like full-service travel agencies every day. Now, here come Yahoo and AOL, and maybe even Google. By Bob Tedesch, The New York Times More... [799 views] Which Way Is the Travel Industry Headed?Travel planning and booking are among the most popular online activities and online travel sales are booming. "Without question, the Internet has shaken up the status quo in the travel industry," says Jeffrey Grau, Senior Analyst at eMarketer and author of the Online Travel Worldwide report. More... [762 views] Four Seasons Reports a Loss of $11.4 million in the 3rd Qtr of 2005; Revenue Falls 17%Hotel Operating Results: RevPAR(1) of worldwide Core Hotels(2) increased 13.2%, with RevPAR of US Core Hotels increasing 16%. - Gross operating margins(3) at worldwide Core Hotels increased 290 basis points to 29.7%, and increased at US Core Hotels 410 basis points to 27.9% - Revenues under management increased 13.1% in the quarter to $603.8 million. More... [905 views] Starwood Capital Group Launches New Division, Starwood DevelopmentStarwood Capital Group announced today the appointment of Gary Raymond to President of Starwood Development. In this newly created role, Mr. Raymond will report to Barry Sternlicht, Starwood's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. He will assume his new position by end of year and be based in the company's San Francisco office. More... [840 views] Candlewood Suites Portfolio Continues to GrowCandlewood Suites is forecast to add 38 hotels to the extended-stay chain's North American portfolio by year-end 2006, taking the brand's total system size to 149 properties. The Candlewood Suites Williamsport is one of 38 Candlewood Suites hotels to open by year-end 2006 and the first extended stay for Williamsport. More... [563 views] New Orleans Hotelier Receives National AwardPeter Ambros, general manager of the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, has received The Compassionate Caring Award from the InterContinental Hotels Group because of his leadership during Hurricane Katrina. The award bestowed upon Ambros and the team at the Astor Crowne Plaza reads, "For amazing dedication and exceptional teamwork to care for guests in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina." More... [540 views] Leaders Club Award Winners for 2005 AnnouncedWorld’s Most Sophisticated Travelers Applaud Their Favorite Hotels. The winners of the Seventh Annual Leaders Club Awards were announced during the 2005 Annual Convention of The Leading Hotels of the World held recently in New Delhi, India. More... [758 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 11, 2005Julia Hands is chosen as one of the UK’s top 10 entrepreneursJulia Hands , chief executive of Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of exquisite country house hotels, has been chosen as one of the top 10 entrepreneurs in the UK in the National Business Awards – known as the Oscars of the business world. This latest accolade for Julia Hands and Sevenoaks-based Hand Picked Hotels was announced at a glittering ceremony at Grosvenor House last night (8 November) where Julia was named as one of the ten finalists in the Credit Suisse Entrepreneur of the Year category in the National Business Awards. More... [807 views] Starwood Hotels Completes Sale of the Westin Philadelphia; Latest Sale Begins Starwood's Plan to Sell $2-4 Billion Worth of Assets over the Next 12 MonthsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announces that it completed the sale of the 290-room Westin Philadelphia for $89 million to HEI Hospitality Tuesday, November 8th. The hotel will continue to fly the Westin flag under a long-term franchise agreement and Merritt Hospitality, a wholly owned subsidiary of HEI Hospitality, will operate the hotel. More... [639 views] Slow, but sure - European hotel performance for the first nine months of 2005Extract from the next HotelBenchmark™ Update on Europe to be released on the 22 November 2005. Hotel performance across Europe has improved steadily during the first nine months of 2005. However with an average increase in revenue per available room (revPAR) of 3.6% (when measured in euros) performance is quite weak when compared to other areas of the world..... More... [692 views] Pam Wilby leads her staff to successThe JC Maclean Hotelier Awards 2005 recognise both Grosvenor House and Le Royal Meridien staff. Pam Wilby, general manager of Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, was last night named General Manager of the Year in the JC Mclean Hotelier Awards 2005. In addition, her colleague Ivan Di Lucia, chef patron of Ossigeno (Le Royal Meridien), was named Chef of the Year. More... [881 views] La Quinta announces agreement to be acquired by The Blackstone GroupLa Quinta Corporation and La Quinta Properties, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of The Blackstone Group for $11.25 per paired share in cash. The price represents a premium of 37% over yesterday’s closing price of $8.22. The total value of the transaction, including debt, is approximately $3.4 billion. More... [1145 views] Mandarin Hotel Manila mulling expansion, resort hotelThe Mandarin Hotel Manila is looking at expanding and is looking at operating a resort hotel in the South. In a recent interview , Mandarin Oriental General Manager Helmut Gaisberger said he company is looking at either owning a minority share or operating a deluxe resort in the Philippines through a management contract. More... [733 views] Helmut Horst Meckelburg appointed as General Manager of the Taj Palace Hotel DubaiMr. Helmut Horst Meckelburg has been appointed as the new General Manager of the Taj Palace Hotel Dubai. After several years away from the Emirates, mainly in Egypt and in India, Helmut is returning to oversee the operations of the Taj Palace and give a new impetus to one of Dubai’s premium hotels. More... [849 views] Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien: a leader in the boutique-hotel industry sees 95% occupancy rates in last quarter of 2005.Hotel reflects ongoing trend towards specialized, client-specific service in the marketplace and confidence in the industry’s future growth. As the regional hotel sector sets to expand by over 80 hotels in the next 3 years, the development of boutique establishments, catering to the specialized needs of travelers has taken on increasing importance in the travel and tourism industry. More... [622 views] Kelly Blake Named Advisor to TravelCLICK Board of DirectorsTravelCLICK Inc., a leading provider of hotel business process management solutions, today announced that Kelly Blake, former President and CEO of Vantis International, will join the TravelCLICK Board of Directors as an advisor on product development and strategic direction. The change comes after the acquisition of Vantis by TravelCLICK last month. More... [508 views] U.S. travel industry likely to slow, forecast showsThe U.S. travel industry recovery is likely to slow as Americans worry about rising fuel bills and natural disasters, and many foreign visitors look to alternate destinations, according to a forecast issued Tuesday. "We see some yellow flags," said Suzanne Cook, senior vice president of research for the Travel Industry Association of America. More... [712 views] WTM London 2005 Allows Boutique to Compete With Global Hotel GiantsWorld Travel Market London 2005 allows Boutique Hotels & Resorts International® and their genuine boutique hotel members from around the world to compete with the global hotel giants. Thirty-seven hotel owner and operator members of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International will participate at this year’s World Travel Market London to pursue and attract the business from the thousands of worldwide professional travel planners in attendance. More... [754 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 10, 2005Jordan hotel blasts kill dozensAt least 57 people have been killed and more than 300 injured in explosions at international hotels in the Jordanian capital, Amman. The Grand Hyatt, Radisson and Days Inn hotels were hit in near-simultaneous blasts just before 2100 (1900GMT). Police say they suspect the attacks were carried out by suicide bombers. More... [1488 views] From the Top - Cameron Ong, CEO, The Ascott GroupHe was a rising Asian hotelier with a global chain. His peers thought he was crazy when he decided to leave and move into the unproven service apartments market. Today, Cameron Ong, managing director and CEO of The Ascott Group, proves it was his the sanest move yet. Raini Hamdi talks to Ong More... [1059 views] The Three "Ds" of Customer ExperienceEighty percent of companies believe they deliver a superior customer experience, but only 8 percent of their customers agree, says Bain & Company. Here's how to repair the disconnect. From Harvard Management Update. More... [1830 views] The Embattled Swipe-Card Hotel KeyThe magnetic hotel room key, one of the lodging industry's most popular but controversial creations, is losing some of its attraction. More... [1234 views] W Hotels to debut in ChinaStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., announced today that W Hotels will make its debut in Shanghai with a 400-room hotel in Pudong, Shanghai’s central financial district, that will open in 2008. The newly built hotel will cater especially to upscale business and leisure travelers when it opens, making it the 28th W in the group since the brand’s debut in 1998. More... [785 views] 1.6 Million New Jobs by 2012, Hospitality Industry Projected To Grow 18% In Less Than 7 YearsAccommodation and the food service industry represents 8.1 percent of the global economy. Projected to increase 18% by 2012, adding more than 1.6 million new jobs, (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), the U.S. Department of Labor and eHospitality Institute are assisting the industry to attract, support, guide, train, and teach current and future generations. More... [1188 views] Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts sells and continues to manage Le Meridien at Beverly HillsGlobal hotel group Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts announced today the completion of the sale of Le Méridien at Beverly Hills to an affiliate of Lodging Capital Partners. Le Méridien will continue to manage the hotel, post-completion. The sale of the hotel represents the next in a series of transactions over the coming weeks that will result in the successful recapitalization of Le Méridien. More... [642 views] Langham Hotels International's new TV commercial debuts in NovemberLangham Hotels International (LHI) has launched its first TV commercial for global release in November, 2005. The TV commercial, titled "The Butler", depicts Langham's legendary history and its dedication to service and hospitality for over 140 years. The television commercial starts with a glamorous press conference set in 2005 and attended by a famous celebrity who hands James, our ever present Butler, his cell phone for safe keeping during the conference. More... [677 views] InterContinental Hotels Group Provides ‘One-Stop-Shop’ Resource on Egyptian Properties for European Leisure MarketInterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s most global hotel company, announced today the appointment of Simon Tempest as the company’s European Leisure Representative based in the UK. More... [694 views] THETRADESHOW: A New Concept in Travel Industry Meetings Show will debut in Orlando, Sept. 10-13, 2006The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), in conjunction with its partner ITB Berlin, is pleased to announce the travel industry’s most global and inclusive meeting, THETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo), an in-depth networking and educational event for all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. More... [560 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 9, 2005Who is In and Who is Out - Global Staff MovementsThe latest update on international executive staff movements... Check it out.... More... [3556 views] Is the Brand really helping you with your Hotel Internet Distribution Strategy? Part Two...Paid Distribution MarketingMajor Hotel Brand websites have begun to recognize the importance of website Optimization for micro sites within the brand site. How do they approach the legal or rightful claim a franchisee has to own a website outside of the brand? Beyond Brand Organic Optimization -- You have successfully Optimized your Brand website for improving your organic placement, and you are ready to explore the online marketing programs accessible to advertise your hotel. You decide that you will approach 2006 with an increased marketing budget to promote online distribution by driving increased traffic to your own website By Patricia Brusha More... [943 views] Kerzner Announces Third Quarter ResultsKerzner International Limited through its subsidiaries a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels, today reported results for the third quarter of 2005. The Company reported a net loss in the quarter of $4.9 million compared to a net loss of $11.2 million in the same period last year, resulting in diluted net loss per share of $0.14 compared to diluted net loss per share of $0.33 in the same period last year. More... [824 views] China No. 1 for tourism by 2017?Current boom will have China in top slot three years ahead of WTO's prediction, news agency says. China will become the world's top tourist destination by 2017, three years earlier than World Tourism Organization predictions, Xinhua news agency said More... [877 views] Harrah's, Starwood and Baha Mar Resorts announce $1.6 Billion JV for Baha Mar, a Destination Resort Metropolis in the BahamasHarrah's, Starwood and Baha Mar Resorts announce $1.6 Billion JV for Baha Mar, a Destination Resort Metropolis in the Bahamas. Largest Single-Phase Development in the Caribbean to Include Six Hotels, Largest Casino in Region, Championship Golf Course. New Resort to Feature the Most Prestigious Collection of Hospitality Brands in the World: Caesars Resort Hotel & Casino and St. Regis, Westin, W, and Sheraton More... [717 views] French riots have not hit bookings so farEleven nights of rioting in France have yet to affect travel bookings, a leading European operator said on Monday. "We are seeing normal booking conditions," said a spokesman for Tui AG, a German tour operator that sells trips to Paris, Nice and Strasbourg. He noted the agency has received calls from guests enquiring where their hotels are located. The U.S. State Department on Friday issued a cautionary statement against travel to some parts of the city. More... [601 views] Taj business hotels on expansion spreeTaj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, one of Asia's largest hospitality chains, is expanding its business hotels in the country to add over 1,000 rooms during the next two-three years. More... [986 views] Climate Change Poses Risk to Tourism WTO WarnsClimate change poses a growing risk to the tourism industry, the tourists themselves and the economies that rely on their spending, WTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli told the Technical Conference on Climate as a Resource in Beijing on 1 November. More... [502 views] Thai tourism industry very optimisticTen months after the tsunami sent holidaymakers fleeing, Thailand is gearing up for its peak tourist season which promises to restore the industry’s fortunes, even in the shadow of bird flu. “I’m glad to say — surprise, surprise — starting this month, things are looking quite good,” said Luzi Matzig, group managing director of Asian Trails travel agency in Bangkok. More... [620 views] Barcelo Hotels & Resorts acquisition of La Jolla De Mismaloya Hotel in Puerto VallartaThis luxury hotel, which will now commence trading as the Barcelo La Jolla de Mismaloya , is known worldwide as the setting where John Huston directed Ava Gardner and Richard Burton in "The Night of the Iguana". This new addition, together with that of the Barcelo Maya Colonial and the Barcelo Maya Tropical, planned for late 2005, will bring to 11 the number of the establishments operated by the chain in Mexico. More... [665 views] Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts announces sale of Le Meridien ChicagoGlobal hotel group Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts announced today the completion of the sale of Le Méridien Chicago to an affiliate of Lodging Capital Partners. Le Méridien's management of the hotel ceased at the completion. The sale of the hotel is the first in a series of transactions over the coming weeks that will result in the successful recapitalization of Le Méridien. More... [843 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 8, 2005Leisure Travelers Contribute to Record Breaking Growth for InterContinental Hotels Global Sales Team Middle East Q3 ResultsSaudi Arabia and UAE Continue to receive Largest Revenue in Region . InterContinental Hotels Group’s Global Sales ME, the world's largest hotel operator, has experienced a strong 3rd quarter in the Middle East with news that it has broken its year to date targets – 52 per cent above plan. More... [680 views] Controlled expansion with new Radisson SAS Hotels in Rostock, Düsseldorf and FrankfurtThree new hotels have opened in Germany within a few weeks: Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, the first-class hotel group of the European Rezidor SAS Hospitality hotel company, is pulling out the stops. The new hotels in Rostock, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt are packed with surprises.... More... [661 views] Cointreau and Long to be inducted into International Food & Beverage Forum's Hall of FameLe Cordon Bleu® President André Cointreau and world-renowned winemaker/consultant Zelma Long will be inducted into the International Food & Beverage Forum’s Hall of Fame on November 19th, 2005, during the World Gourmet Summit Las Vegas. In addition, Camellia Panjabi, restaurant developer, cookbook author, and ambassador for Indian cuisine worldwide, will receive the 2005 International Food & Beverage Forum Restaurateur of the Year Award. This is the first time a non-European restaurant has been awarded this honor. More... [736 views] VisitBritain looks to India to boost visitor economyAround 60 delegates from India will arrive in London for a whirlwind tour organised by VisitBritain – Britain’s tourism agency – as part of British Airways’ inaugural flight from Bangalore. The inaugural flight takes place as VisitBritain expands its presence in India with new representatives in Bangalore and Mumbai complementing staff in the organisation’s existing office in New Delhi. More... [633 views] China hotels post better performanceChina's hotels performed better than hotels in other Asia-Pacific nations in the first eight months of the year, according to a recent hotel performance survey by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu's consulting unit. More... [737 views] The Highly-Anticipated St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco Opens Its DoorsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) is pleased to announce the opening of the St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco, a 40-story landmark comprising a 260-room luxury hotel and 102 private residences. Starwood Hotels & Resorts is the majority-owner and manager of St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco, which promises to deliver a guest experience of flawless service and refined elegance, unmatched in the city. More... [814 views] Leonardo Appoints Jeff Thomas Vice President of U.S. Commercial OperationsAs part of its continued aggressive growth and consolidation, Leonardo, the recognized global leader in travel content management and e-marketing for more than 50,000 hotels worldwide, announces the appointment of Jeff Thomas as Vice President of U.S. Commercial Operations. Thomas will spearhead operations from Leonardo offices in New York. More... [577 views] PATA publishes Comparative listing of Asia Pacific Destination Performance for Second Quarter 2005The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has published its comprehensive and comparative listing of Asia Pacific destination performance for second quarter 2005. The report shows which destinations attracted the most increases in international visitor arrivals, and from which source markets. More... [606 views] His Holiness The Dalai Lama Addresses World Leaders in Luxury HospitalityThe Leading Hotels of the World recently held its 2005 Annual Convention in New Delhi, India. Taking place from October 27 to 30, the conference attracted proprietors and general managers from member hotels from across the globe, for an event that was universally acclaimed as the most outstanding in recent memory. More... [954 views] Great Hotels Organisation Signs Up With eBAYThe Great Hotels Organisation (GHO) has signed a distribution deal, resulting in offers from members of the two key brands, Great Hotels of the World and Special Hotels of the World being available on eBay in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Ireland and Sweden. More... [647 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 7, 2005Cendant Hotel Group Creates Management Company, Names PresidentCendant Hotel Group announced it has established a hotel management company to manage and oversee the daily operations of its more than 20 managed Wyndham hotels and appointed Greg Ade, a veteran lodging executive who has managed 1,000-plus-room hotels, as its president. More... [968 views] Holiday InnsThere are two kinds of people in the world: those who stay at home for the holidays and those who don't. There are many reasons why people find themselves in the latter group: They can't get home in time, they can't afford to travel, their family drives them crazy, or, best of all, because instead of slaving over a hot turkey and putting up with irritating relatives, they can be staying at a wonderful resort where people fuss over them. Best of all, after a round of golf or a private massage, they can still spend quality time with their loved ones without having to cook or clean up after them. By Sophia Banay, Forbes.com More... [791 views] Dieter Huckestein Elected President of IH&RADieter Huckestein, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Conrad Hotels and President, Hilton Global Alliance has been elected President of the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) at the IH&RA 42nd Annual Congress, "Orient Express: Destination China, New Markets, New Competition" held from 28-30 October at the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center in Beijing, China. More... [590 views] Babymooning is booming businessCouples need to work on keeping the magic in their relationships. Add kids, and, well, it becomes a bit more work. A nice getaway can be just the cure for the business-of-life doldrums. But finding a sitter, especially if you're heading out of town, can be a challenge. Can you take them with you and still have an adult-oriented time? What if you're parents-to-be, looking to celebrate being free just one last time? To both questions, I say "babymoon." And no, I didn't make that up.By Megg Mueller Schulte, USA TODAY More... [903 views] Orient-Express Q3s show Europe/US turnaroundOrient-Express Hotels (OEH) has reported a net profit of $19.5m (£11m) on revenues of $132.4m (£74.5m) for the third quarter ended 30 September, up from $11.5m and $103m respectively last time. The company said hotel earnings had increased over Q304 in all regions, with Europe and North America seeing ‘substantial improvement’. More... [591 views] All Starwood Hotels in South Florida Open as of WednesdayStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today the Sheraton Yankee Clipper reopened Wednesday, November 2, bringing all 14 of its South Florida hotels back on line and open for guests within 10 days of Hurricane Wilma hitting the shores of Florida. More... [460 views] London now the battleground for budget hotel growthThe total supply of branded budget hotels in London has increased by ten fold in the last fifteen years and has the capacity to grow even further, according to the latest issue of Visit London’s Hotel Development Monitor. Currently London has just over 13,000 budget rooms, which accounts for around 13% of total London hotel supply More... [662 views] A New Beacon Shines in the City of Light - The Westin Paris Officially OpensWestin Celebrates the Opening of its Newest Hotel in Paris Capturing the Grandeur and Essence of the City More... [672 views] Gourmet Chefs fundraiser for Katrina victims Las Vegas, November 16, 2005Opportunity for gourmet enthusiasts to enjoy great food and make a contribution. World Gourmet Summit (WGS) LLC and Master Chefs of the International Food & Beverage Forum (IF&BF) will join with world-renowned Louisiana chef John D. Folse from Lafitte’s Landing Restaurants, Donaldsonville, Louisiana and Executive Chef Carlos H. Guia from Commander’s Palace Las Vegas, to host a charity gourmet dinner for young hospitality victims of Hurricane Katrina in Las Vegas. More... [540 views] Choice Hotels' Brian Parker named one of the top 100 Blacks in corporate AmericaWorldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International’s Vice President of Emerging Markets and New Business Development, Brian Parker was named one of the “Top 100 Blacks in Corporate America” by Black Professionals Magazine in the fall 2005 issue. The selection process for the “Top 100 Blacks in Corporate America” began with acknowledging the company’s highest ranking African-American, beginning with the Vice President level and up and recognizing the company’s diversity agenda. More... [654 views] Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Expands Mexico Operations with Vice President Miguel RiveraJones Lang LaSalle Hotels has named Miguel Rivera vice president. Based in Miami, Mr. Rivera is responsible for overseeing the development of the firm’s hospitality advisory, investment sales and debt and equity capital raising services in Mexico and Latin America. He will report to Gregory Rumpel, executive vice president in Miami. More... [511 views] Ibis To Revolutionise Thailand’s Economy Hotel SectorAccor’s economy hotel brand fills market niche in Bangkok following success in China and South Korea. Accor is launching its innovative Ibis economy hotel brand in Bangkok with three hotels in key commercial areas, filling an important need for low-cost accommodation in the Thai capital. More... [566 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 4, 2005The Play & The Place: Designing A Branded Experience“You are what your guest thinks you are.” In the recent Time Magazine issue on “What’s next?” there was an extensive article on the future of neuro-imaging. It referred to results of extensive research comparing consumer’s reactions to Coke and Pepsi using this new technique. BY Rick Hendrie, President & Chief Experience Officer of Remarkable Branding, Inc More... [1104 views] The visitor experience is impacted before they get to your door - The value of customer serviceDestination Marketing Organizations are tasked to promote their area and their Hospitality Community and to encourage Visitors to travel to their specific venues. An enormous amount of time and money is expended to frame the anticipated experience for that Visitor – the web site is filled with visions of pleasure, excitement and incentives; glossy publications tout the adventure, stimulating all the senses; and, the airwaves are abuzz with the care and attention the Visitor will receive wherever the choose to stay, dine, play and shop. By John R. Hendrie, CEO, Hospitality Performance, Inc. More... [899 views] Look Who's Talking - Interview with Gerald Lawless, CEO of JumeirahIt may be the biggest luxury hotel company that you've never heard of - until now. Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality group, recently announced it would manage New York's Essex House as of Jan. 15, 2006, as part of a recently unveiled international growth strategy. The group also will expand its network of international sales offices and start using a new GDS code (JT) for all its hotels, effective Dec. 1. In addition, it will launch an extensive consumer and trade marketing campaign promoting the introduction the Jumeirah brand. More... [1424 views] Michelin Selects Best Restaurants and Hotels in New York CityPremier edition of the Michelin Guide in North America features 39 star-rated establishments. Michelin announced today the contents of its first restaurant and hotel guide in North America, the Michelin Guide New York City 2006, which arrives in stores Friday, Nov. 4. Over the last eight months, suspense has been building over which restaurants and hotels would garner listings in the guide, which has existed for more than a century throughout Europe. More... [1145 views] Analysis: Is dynamic pricing working for hotels?Hotels in America, notably Hilton, Marriott and InterContinental, have been bullishly promoting their concept of dynamic pricing to would be customers. More... [1212 views] IH&RA Environmental Award Winners in 2005Recognized at the IH&RA 42nd Annual Congress in Beijing, China 28-30 October Hotels in Brazil, Canada, India and the Caribbean Excel in “Engaging the Guest In Environmental Actions” More... [552 views] Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Awards $3 Million GrantBarron Hilton Professor of Lodging Management Endowed at the University of Denver A $3 million grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation will create the Barron Hilton Chair of Lodging Management at the University of Denver. More... [614 views] InterContinental Hotels Group appoints Timothy P. Kirwan General Manager of the new InterContinental BostonAs General Manager, InterContinental Boston, Mr. Kirwan is responsible for launching the $310 million, five-star new hotel which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in Fall 2006. Mr. Kirwan, a leading hotelier in New England for over 30 years, joins the InterContinental Boston effective December 2005. More... [730 views] Vietnam booms as hotels go upWith its old-world charm, mountain scenery and long unexploited stretches of sand, Vietnam's tourism sector is booming again as international hotel groups and investors return after years of mistrust. Vietnam welcomed 2.9 million visitors last year, up from 2.4 million in 2003. It is aiming to attract 3.2 million this year, despite the threat of bird flu. According to the World Trade and Tourism Council, the country should be one of the 10 most dynamic destinations of the next decade. And now the time for huge investments has returned. More... [695 views] The Stein Group Continues Its Expansion Across EuropeThe Stein Group has added five more hotels to its already growing collection of luxury, boutique hotels. 'I am confident that we will reach our goal of having 25 hotels within the next five years,' says David Stein, CEO of the luxury hotel company he founded in 1999 More... [823 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 3, 2005Deputy chief exec of Raffles steps downRaffles Holdings, which recently sold its entire hotel business, yesterday said that its deputy chief executive, Ms Leong Wai Leng, has stepped down. More... [819 views] Patrick Ghielmetti promoted to Regional VP and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel BangkokFour Seasons Hotels & Resorts are pleased to announce the promotion of Patrick Ghielmetti to Regional Vice President in charge of Four Seasons Hotels Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the soon to open Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle. Mr Ghielmetti will continue to oversee Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok as General Manager. His prior assignment was at the helm of the spectacular Four Seasons Resort in Chiang Mai making him uniquely qualified to assume this regional level. Rudolf van Dijk appointed Hotel Manager. More... [1598 views] So you want to run a Pay-per-Click Campaign?According to Google, all it takes is $5.00 and a credit card and you can begin to run your own Pay per Click campaign. What they neglect to tell you is that you need to learn an entire new language to understand how to manage Google Ad Words. When I first had the idea to write this article, I had thought of creating a handy desktop guide to explain Google acronyms for PPC - Sort of a 'Google for Dummies.' (There actually is such a book under that title available, imagine that!) By Patricia Brusha
More... [1054 views] Cornell Researcher Finds that Most Planned Restaurants Are Never BuiltCornell Researcher Finds that Most Planned Restaurants Are Never Built A restaurant development deal is completed in a foreign market, and a new international master franchise contract is signed. The U.S. franchisor and its new partner announce the agreement, under which the franchisee commits to building a large number of units. More... [686 views] Sabre Travel Network and TravelCLICK Launch Enhancement to Hotel SpotlightSabre Travel Network, a Sabre Holdings company, and TravelCLICK, the leading provider of e-commerce solutions for hotels, today announced the launch of Precision Path, an online analytical tool available free of charge to Hotel Spotlight hotel subscribers. Precision Path represents a significant milestone in hotel distribution analytics as it specifies for participating hotels the exact shopping and booking path travel agents have taken to search and select hotels within the Sabre global distribution system (GDS). More... [679 views] The Pacific Northwest Welcomes a New Era of Luxury with the Opening of The Westin BellevueStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc announces the grand opening of The Westin Bellevue (www.westin.com/bellevuewa), the first in the Pacific Northwest to showcase the latest trend in sophisticated contemporary living, combining deluxe hotel amenities with luxury residential living. More... [555 views] Strategic Hotel Capital Announces Major Redevelopment Plans for Chicago Intercontinental and Fairmont HotelsStrategic Hotel Capital, Inc. today announced that the company has begun redevelopment plans for its two major Chicago hotels, the InterContinental and Fairmont. The company has filed plans with the city of Chicago for a new 71-story tower at the InterContinental on Michigan Avenue to replace the existing North Tower, in addition to the creation of 11,000 square feet of high-end retail space in the previously underutilized Michigan Avenue frontage of the property. More... [727 views] Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Markets For Sale Two Embassy Suites PropertiesOn behalf of The Archon Group, L.P., Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels has been selected to exclusively market for sale the 335-room Embassy Suites Hotel La Jolla and the 293-room Embassy Suites Hotel Irvine, both in exceptional California locations. More... [647 views] Carlson Hotels announces acquisition of key resort property on premier St. Martin beachfrontCarlson Hotels Worldwide today announced a major strategic expansion in the Caribbean with the acquisition of a premier beachfront resort property in French St. Martin with plans to transform it into a showcase Radisson Resort and Spa in 2006. More... [875 views] InterContinental Hotels Group provided 1,000 reasons to book onlinePriority Club® Rewards Members to Earn 1,000 Bonus Points for Online Reservations. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the world’s largest and most global hotel company, is rewarding its Priority ClubÒ Rewards members with 1,000 bonus points for booking online at any of IHG’s Web sites More... [634 views] WORLDHOTELS' Website Earns 'Standard Of Excellence' Award In The Web Marketing Association’s WebawardsWORLDHOTELS, one of the world’s leading sales, marketing and distribution companies for independent hotels and regional hotel groups, today announced that it has earned the “Standard of Excellence” award in the Web Marketing Association’s WebAwards, the premier International Web Site Award program. More... [594 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 2, 20051995-2005: Results on ten years of growth for the hotel chains worldwideThe year 2005 marks MKG Consulting’s 20th Anniversary. It also marks the publication of the tenth worldwide ranking of hotel brands and groups in HTR Magazine . In a few days time, the sixth Worldwide Hospitality Awards will be held on 7th November at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris, in the presence of Kurt Ritter, president of the Rezidor SAS Hospitality. On this occasion, the time has come to assess the development of these hotel groups… More... [1209 views] InterContinental Hotels Group Appoints Chief Marketing OfficerInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)announces the appointment of Peter Gowers to the newly created role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Peter assumed his new position on November 1. Peter will direct the marketing of IHG's seven brands across more than 100 countries, which together produce an annual turnover of over $10 billion. More... [695 views] Hotels with a different take on the worldFlight Centre has come up with its list of the world's most unusual hotels, and there are some crackers in the line-up.... More... [1348 views] Shangri-La Hotels to manage two hotels in MacauShangri-La Hotels and Resorts announces a management agreement with developer Venetian Cotai Limited, a subsidiary of Venetian Macau Limited, to operate the Shangri-La Hotel, Macau and the Traders Hotel, Macau, both opening in 2008. The properties will be located on the Cotai Strip, a few minutes drive from the airport and 20-minute drive from downtown. More... [1738 views] Mandarin Oriental to open new Luxury Hotel in the MGM Mirage "Project City Center" in Las VegasMandarin Oriental International Limited today announced that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will manage a new 400-room luxury hotel in the multi-billion dollar urban development “Project CityCenter” in Las Vegas, Nevada. The project is planned by MGM MIRAGE, the U.S. gaming industry’s pre-eminent resort and casino company. More... [876 views] Capt. Krishnan Nair conferred Lifetime Achievement AwardCapt. Krishnan Nair, Chairman of The Leela Palaces and Resorts was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to industry and tourism by Shri. R L Bhatia, the Governor of Kerala at a ceremony held at the Kanakakunnu Palace, Trivandrum on the 22nd of October 2005. More... [644 views] Last month's most viewed Newsletter articles....Most viewed Newsletter articles .... Check it out..... More... [1094 views] John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts' president stepping downJohn Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts LLC announced that Lou Weckstein stepped down as president of the company effective Oct. 31, 2005. Weckstein will continue to serve John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts by staying involved with asset management of the company's hotel portfolio. He also will be participating in speaking engagements and making special appearances at industry-related events and meetings. More... [620 views] InterContinental Hotels Group Recognized For E-Commerce InnovationWeb Marketing Association, Technology Association of Georgia Honor IHG for Globalization Results InterContinental Hotels Group was honored in October by two technology groups for successfully reaching the global travel market through its foreign language Web sites. More... [557 views] Morgans Hotel Group plans $300 million IPOMorgans Hotel Group Co., which owns three New York City properties, filed an initial public offering that could raise up to $300 million. The Manhattan-based hospitality company, which didn’t disclose the number of shares or price range for the offering, said the valuation was estimated solely for calculating the registration fee, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. More... [544 views] The land of 'Teranga' awaits historic WTO General AssemblyThe World Tourism Organization has begun the countdown to its 16th General Assembly to be held in the Senegal capital of Dakar , the first time the biannual event will be staged in a sub-Saharan African country. More... [461 views] MIA Announces Plans for National Accreditation SchemeNew Program to be launched in 2006. The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has announced plans for a new national accreditation scheme for its members, to be launched early in 2006. The new scheme, which is yet to be officially named, will be independently assessed and will replace the existing Hospitality Assured Meetings (H-AM) accreditation, which will be phased out over the next two years. More... [445 views] More TUI Holly Awards for Mövenpick Holiday Resorts in 2005This year again TUI, Germany’s largest tour operator, has awarded the hotel industry’s "Oscar" to its 100 most popular hotels. A total of more than half a million hotel guests rated all 10’000 hotels in the tour operator’s programme, and among the winners are two Mövenpick holiday resorts in Egypt. More... [578 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: November 1, 2005“The Way to Success”What makes a company a success story is its approach regarding everything, which I call “The way”. By Robin Trehan (B.A, MIB, MBAebusiness) More... [1332 views] It's 33 Feet Wide, but Enough for a HotelIt is easy to spend $400 a night to stay at a hotel in Manhattan. It is less easy to find one for under $200. (The most recent average daily room rate was $221.62 for the first six months of the year, according to PKF Consulting.) So it would appear that there is a market for a well-located new hotel whose effective daily rate is in the range of $180 to $190. "These days, that is a relative bargain," said John A. Fox, a senior vice president of PKF, which specializes in the hospitality industry. By John Holusha, New York Times More... [762 views] Zagat's 2006 Top Restaurant Guide highlights Dining Trends and IssuesZagat Survey released its 2006 America's Top Restaurants guide. The book covers 1,352 eateries in 41 cities nationwide, surveyed by over 115,000 avid restaurant-goers. In addition to rating and reviewing the most significant eateries in each city, the Survey includes a great variety of comparative data regarding meal costs, tipping, favorite cuisines, customer complaints, frequency of dining out and much more. It also points to a variety of national dining trends and issues. More... [1309 views] Cornell Study Confirms The Connection Between Guest Satisfaction andFinancial SuccessWhen guests say they plan to return to a hotel, its revenues will rise The hotel industry has targeted guest satisfaction as a key factor in its success, but a long-standing question has been how exactly to measure that satisfaction. Moreover, little research has been done to confirm any connection between nonfinancial measures such as guest satisfaction and financial performance. More... [1076 views] Alan White is Named Sr. Vice President & Chief Information Office for Outrigger EnterprisesWhite was most recently Vice President of Operations and Information Technology. He replaces Joe Durocher, who recently retired from the company but will continue to advise Outrigger on technology matters as a special consultant. In his position as Chief Information Officer, More... [519 views] Could Moscow be the next London, Paris or New York for hotel investment?Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels sees Moscow as the emerging market to watch for hotel investment. Mark Wynne-Smith, European CEO, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels says: “International investors have been viewing the hotel market in Russia with heightened interest and we predict that investment into hotels in Moscow could rival London, Paris and New York in the coming years.” More... [937 views] Bill Gates says future of advertising lies on the internetThe debate about internet versus non-internet advertising will become obsolete over the next 10 years, Bill Gates said today. Speaking at the IAB Engage 2005 conference in London, the Microsoft chairman and chief software architect told delegates that traditional media such as television, newspapers and magazines would move to being delivered via the internet within the next decade, making debates about the role of internet advertising moot. More... [1024 views] Hand Picked Hotels expands its marketing teamAward- winning Hand Picked Hotels has further strengthened its marketing team by appointing Stephen Callis as the new marketing manager for the hotel group. The exclusive collection of 14 luxurious country house hotels, with the emphasis on exquisite food, fine wines and first-class service, was created four years ago by former City lawyer Julia Hands . More... [765 views] Hotel Indigo™ unveils a new build design conceptInterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s largest and most global hotel company, today announces the launch of a new build design concept for Hotel Indigo, the industry’s first lifestyle boutique brand. This announcement marks the one-year anniversary of Hotel Indigo, and is part of a larger growth and development strategy for the brand. More... [927 views] Internet hotel booking JV in China launchedThayer Jin Jiang Interactive Corp, the first joint venture hotel Internet marketing company to operate on the Chinese mainland, was launched in Shanghai. The US$3 million firm will set up a central reservation network connected directly to the hotel's property management system, as well as an advanced hotel marketing system. More... [657 views] Accor Named 'Best Global Hotel Chain' By TTG Asia For Second Straight YearTravel Trade Gazette Asia (TTG Asia) named Accor ‘Best Global Hotel Chain’ in its 2005 reader’s poll, the second year in a row the group has received this prestigious award. More... [705 views] 
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