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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: June 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 30, 2006Memo to GMs: The Pros and the Con of Relationship SellingHow many hotel and resort general managers have heard their sales managers say: “Success is all about relationships. I just need time to develop mine and then I can close the deal.” Sorry GM’s but much of this thinking is a CON – a way of begging for more time to do what is expected of sales personnel – to sell more rooms by meeting goals and quotas. By Larry Jackstien More... [2391 views] Sorry, but I got to runThat has become the new battle-cry as business heats up and we have to do more and more with less and less, says Yeoh Siew Hoon. The answer: Be the team everyone wants to be part of. More... [1327 views] The Westin Boston Waterfront is Boston's Largest Hotel to Open in More Than Twenty YearsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Boston Convention Center Hotel, LLC announce the opening of The Westin Boston Waterfront, Boston's newest luxury convention hotel. Located on the South Boston waterfront, minutes from Boston's Logan International Airport, the financial district and downtown Boston, the hotel is connected to the city's new 1.6 million-square-foot Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC). More... [720 views] Double-digit drop in UK visitors to USLatest figures from the US Department of Commerce show 9.05m international visitors travelled to the US during the first quarter of 2006. More... [625 views] InterContinental Hotels Group invests in future of China’s hospitality talent with establishment of new AcademySpecialty academy launched in partnership with Shanghai University’s Advanced Polytechnic College and leading Australian hospitality educational partners More... [1126 views] Unprecedented Interest in New Zealand Hotel Industry Reported at ANZPHICThe annual Australia New Zealand & Pacific Hotel Investment Conference (“ANZPHIC”) in Sydney last week on 21-22 June was a great success according to Terry Ngan, director of Horwath Asia Pacific Ltd whose Sydney office co-hosted the conference. Of the 370 attendees, over 40 were from New Zealand, the highest in the conference’s 6 years of running. More... [706 views] Stuart Chase is Gulf Hotel GMBahrain Hotels Company has announced the appointment of Stuart Chase as General Manager of the five-star Gulf Hotel with effect from June 19. With an experience of five years as the General Manager of the Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts, the Bahrain Hotels Company had all the reason to invite Chase to join the Gulf Hotel Family. More... [766 views] Buyers Fear Steeper Rate Hikes, Though Hotels Pledge RationalityWith the 2007 corporate rate negotiation season not far off, sentiment is mixed as to whether rates will ascend dramatically or be similar to the level of increase travel buyers contended with for 2006. Some hotel executives maintain that increases will be tolerable, while buyers and analysts both continue to be wary of even higher rate hikes. More... [574 views] Sterling Promotes Wampler To Chief Operating Officer Of Resorts DivisionThe Sterling Companies announced today the promotion of Ken Wampler to chief operating officer of its resorts division. Wampler, a 22-year veteran of the hospitality industry, most recently served as Sterling Companies vice president of business development. He joined the company in 2002 as director of resort operations. More... [617 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 29, 2006Good Ideas are a Dime a Dozen…But, Success or Failure is in the ExecutionKnowing that the hotel business is often sensitive to nickels and dimes, not just dollars, it really pains me to see people throw money away without thinking things through. So many people have the energy to generate ideas, but too few have enough energy to think them through. Could it be because the responsibility for success or failure is in the planning and not in generating the idea? By Neil Salerno, More... [1334 views] China's budget hotel sector seen growing rapidlyChina's hotel operators plan to provide more low-cost accommodation to meet demands of a growing economy and more business travellers, the South China Morning Post reported, citing a budget hotel executive More... [947 views] Nikko Hotels International Under New Leadership . . . Mamoru Tsutsumi Appointed President of JAL Hotels Co., Ltd.JAL Hotels Co., Ltd., which operates the Nikko Hotels International (NHI) group of luxury international hotels and Hotel JAL City, a mid-priced chain of hotels for business travelers in Japan, announced at its annual shareholders meeting and board of directors meeting today the retirement of current president Shosuke Machida and the appointment of a new president, Mamoru Tsutsumi, who is currently senior executive vice president. More... [651 views] Auberge Resorts promotes Severino Gomez to the position of Regional Vice PresidentAuberge Resorts, one of the country’s most highly esteemed small luxury hotel companies, announced that Severino Gomez has been promoted to Regional Vice President, Auberge Resorts. In his new role, he will be involved with all new Auberge Resorts properties opening outside the United States. More... [1233 views] Choice Hotels Announces 2006 Inn of the Year WinnersChoice Hotels International, Inc. announced that 11 properties have received honors as the 2006 Inn of the Year award winning hotels. The awards were announced at the company's annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee. From Colorado to Virginia to Texas to Tennessee, and from Sweden to Japan, this year's winners represent the "best of the best" in the areas of guest satisfaction and brand performance within the company's worldwide system of more than 5,200 hotels. More... [559 views] Senior Executives from America’s Most Profitable Travel Companies Reveal how they Thrive in Today’s Highly Competitive MarketplaceEyeforTravel has just published the agenda for their 10th Travel Distribution Summit North America. The 2006 event sees a substantial growth from last year, and features a long list of senior-level speakers from such companies as: Marriott, Hilton, American Airlines, Starwood, Royal Caribbean, Carlson Wagonlit, Travelocity, AAA, Continental, Priceline, Air Canada, SideStep and many more More... [726 views] InterContinental To Build 11 Express by Holiday Inn in FranceInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with Cofis Compagnie Fiduciaire SA, Geneva, to significantly increase its Express by Holiday Inn brand presence in France. More... [653 views] International visitation to the U.S. grows slightly in the first Quarter 2006The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 9.0 million international visitors traveled to the United States during the first quarter 2006, an increase of almost one percent over the first quarter 2005. More... [548 views] Domina Hotel Group to open new hotel in RomeDomina Hotel Group and Di Veroli Group have signed a leasing agreement for the new Domina hotel in Rome, which is scheduled to open on December the 1st 2006. More... [768 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 28, 2006Adding an"I" for Interaction to MBWA: My Experience in Teaching This Brilliant Management TechniqueMBWA, “Management By Wandering Around,” has been my favorite business acronym since the early 80’s, when Tom Peters and Robert Waterman made this Hewlett-Packard hallmark famous in In Search Of Excellence . I eagerly began teaching it to all of my management staff as soon as I read the book. Just as I had requested, my managers started spending less time in their offices and more time out and about in our properties. I was seriously disappointed, however, when I saw little improvement in their effectiveness as managers. By Mark Hamister More... [1450 views] Trends In Hotel Management ContractsAn understanding of the key provisions in hotel management contracts and the issues that influence the negotiation of these contracts is essential to an effective evaluation of any hotel project. By Steve Rushmore More... [1895 views] Singapore Records Strong Middle East Numbers for Shopping FestivalHigh Numbers Travel for Great Singapore Sale and Pleasant Summer Climate. Now in its thirteenth year, the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) continues to draw increasing numbers of visitors from the Middle East, according to senior Singapore tourism chiefs. More... [599 views] The best blooming marvellous May performance figures for UK hotels since the MillenniumIn spite of the wettest May since 1979, hotel performance figures throughout the UK were a soaraway success, according to the latest figures from PKF hotel consultancy services. Across all three main performance indicators – rate, occupancy and yield – hotels in the capital and the regions had their best May since the Millennium. More... [578 views] French Polynesia - Investors' Paradise?French Polynesia has developed into the ultimate South Pacific destination, a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ journey only affordable by a privileged few. Significant tax incentives are available to developers to encourage further development. By Sophie Cottom More... [685 views] Golden Tulip Launches “Flavours” a Dynamic Innovating Loyalty ProgrammeFlavours will deliver extraordinary value to the frequent guests of Golden Tulip Hotels, Inns & Resorts, through awarding points for overnight stays and offering attractive benefits free of charge More... [669 views] Hilton International to Operate Two New Build Hotels at Frankfurt AirportHilton International has today announced the development of the first Hilton Garden Inn outside North America; the new mid-market hotel is due to open in Spring 2009 at Frankfurt International Airport, Germany. Hilton has been awarded a long-term management agreement for two new hotels on the airport site - a 314-room Hilton Garden Inn sitting alongside a 247-room Hilton Hotel. More... [718 views] Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Cooking Academy firming up - scheduled to open early next yearSince the contract signing that took place last year between Dusit Thani Plc and Le Cordon Bleu to establish the Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Academy of World Cuisines, the institute is close to its final phase of construction and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2007. More... [941 views] Thailand’s Exhibition Capabilities Impress Visiting MediaThe Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), an official organisation dedicated to the promotion of association and corporate meetings, incentive events, conventions and exhibitions (MICE), in cooperation with the Trade Exhibition Association (Thai) or TEA, today announced it has received very positive responses from foreign journalists who participated in its annual “Industry Media Familiarization Tour” which took place 14 – 16 June 2006, in Bangkok, Thailand. More... [618 views] New General Manager for Cape GraceCape Grace, the international award-winning, 5-star luxury hotel situated on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has appointed Nigel Pace as its new General Manager. More... [956 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 27, 2006Resort Hotels - Wanted: Eaters, Golfers, and ShoppersFrom a management perspective, resort hotels are a unique form of lodging. Multiple restaurants, lounges, retail stores, and recreational outlets make resort properties more complex to operate than the average transient hotel. Due to their relative dependence on the discretionary expenditures of leisure travelers, and incentive-oriented group meeting attendees, resort properties can be extra sensitive to shifts in the economy. By Robert Mandelbaum More... [1011 views] Overcome By Ambiance!Many in my generation (the boomers) had our sense of the dining experience shattered by the military. It was “Hurry up and wait”, the clang and clash of trays, and a product, which was the best money could buy and the easiest to reduce to taste deprivation. So, we are not the ones who will necessarily race to a new movie premier amidst the crowd, stand in line for hours for the grande opening of anything, or practice patience at a restaurant. By John R. Hendrie
More... [710 views] Spring Into SummerIt's time for you and your property to Spring into Summer, or risk the consequences of a Fall into Winter! It's never too early to start making improvements in the methods you use to gain satisfied guests, staff and management. By Gene Ference , More... [625 views] Marco Polo Hotels appoints Malcolm McLauchlan as General Manager in BeijingMarco Polo Hotels has appointed Malcolm McLauchlan as General Manager of the soon to open Marco Polo Parkside Hotel in North Beijing. More... [904 views] Starwood Hotels & Resorts Appoint Area Manager EnglandStarwood Hotels & Resorts has appointed Colin Bennett to the newly created position of Area Manager England. In this new role Colin will have responsibility for the six Starwood hotels in England More... [1329 views] Macdonald Hotels poaches MurphyMacdonald Hotels, the UK's largest independent hotel firm, has poached one of the country's best-known hoteliers to become its managing director in Scotland. In his newly created role, he will be responsible for 12 hotels, which includes a number of the group's top venues including the Holyrood in Edinburgh and the newly refurbished Marine in North Berwick. More... [751 views] Marriott CEO calls for new focus on "Travel As Travel"J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) said that the U.S. government should focus more attention on reducing barriers to travel around the world, especially to the U.S., and also promoting the country worldwide as a travel destination. More... [714 views] De Vere rejects 840p offer, agrees 825pDe Vere has this morning agreed to an 825p takeover offer from Alternative Hotel Group, having dismissed an 840p offer from VCs Permira. The AHG bid values De Vere at £723.5m. More... [684 views] Sandals announces new Managing Director, UK & EuropeSandals & Beaches Resorts, the largest operator of luxury, ultra all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Cowles as Managing Director, UK & Europe, effective 1 July 2006. More... [762 views] New VP Development for InterContinental Hotels Group in the Middle EastInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed a new Vice President of Development, Middle East and Africa, Phil Kasselis to drive the continuing expansion of the Group’s hotel brand portfolio in the region. More... [858 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 26, 2006The Kubla Khan of HotelsJohn Portman made downtown hotels bold inside and out. His works include the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. There it was: an exhilarating, skylit expanse ringed by a cascade of ivy-festooned balconies, stacked tier upon tier for an extravagant 22 stories. Water trickled down from the glittery column of a 75-foot-tall fountain as pod-shaped glass elevators — trimmed in lights like dressing room mirrors — shot up toward a revolving rooftop restaurant. Even the floors, paved in fan-shaped mosaics of champagne-colored tiles, took on shades of the Yellow Brick Road. By Aric Chen, The New York Times More... [851 views] How to Keep The Winners: Some Proven Business Management Techniques for Maintaining Great StaffAfter spending a lot of time and resources finding and hiring the highest quality staff available, you might be in the fortunate position of having really great, dedicated people working at your company. You think that it’s time to settle down and get on with doing business, right? Not entirely. Great people have to be maintained, not just hired. By Jack Turesky More... [1894 views] Brand Your Moments of TruthThe best brands offer many reasons for both purchase and continued loyalty. Two aspects of remarkable branding are critical: identifying the key moments in the buying process, the Moments of Truth, and branding them. By RIck Hendirie More... [1212 views] Jumping out of the box with the bloggersSo what exactly is it that you do again? Whether blogger, artist or 'entreployee', it's another existential question which, ghosts aside, has been haunting Yeoh Siew Hoon this week. More... [686 views] Rezidor plans initial public offeringSAS Group is to float its 75% stake in Rezidor SAS Hospitality on the Stockholm Stock Exchange within the next 12 months, subject to market conditions. More... [639 views] PricewaterhouseCoopers Forecasts Record Number of Occupied Rooms For U.S. Lodging Industry This SummerAccording to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, U.S. lodging industry will achieve a new record number of occupied rooms per night of 3.277 million this summer. The previous record of 3.136 million occupied rooms per night was achieved in 2005. More... [610 views] Tune Hotels to open first no-frills lodging in MalaysiaTune Hotels Sdn Bhd, a planned regional chain of no-frills hotel privately owned by a group of businessmen including AirAsia Bhd's chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Tony Fernandes, will open its first lodging in Kuala Lumpur by the fourth quarter of this year. More... [705 views] Rosewood Hotels & Resorts seeks global growthDallas-based Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the premier manager of ultra-luxury hotels and resorts throughout the world, is pleased to announce the global expansion of its premier portfolio. More... [1087 views] Hilton Hotels Corporation Announces Global Expansion of the Upscale Mid-Priced Hilton Garden Inn(R) Brand in GermanyHilton Hotels Corporation, through its subsidiary, Hilton International, today announced the global expansion of the award-winning upscale mid-priced Hilton Garden Inn(R) brand, known for offering complimentary high speed Internet access in all guestrooms and complimentary remote printing to the 24-hour business center. More... [807 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 23, 2006Hotel Labor - Big Cost, Big IssueIn 2005, labor expenses remained the largest single expense item for hotel managers, accounting for 44.6 percent of total operating costs. Consequently, any trend or issue that could potentially impact labor costs must be taken seriously by hotel owners and managers alike. This analysis is based on the recently released 2006 edition of Trends in the Hotel Industry published by PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR), an affiliate of PKF Consulting. More... [2401 views] Knit me a football, honeyYeoh Siew Hoon was told to stick to knitting by a soccer fan last week because women just don’t get it. More... [843 views] Contact Center Evolution - New Technologies, Emerging LightsWe are in the midst of a contact center evolution that is being fueled by the availability of new technology and customer expectations. I consider the new technology available to contact centers today emerging lights, which are lighting the way to a higher level of customer service and customer satisfaction. This increases sales, increases customer retention and makes the company more profitable. By Bill Peters, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts More... [3771 views] The Westin Resort Macau Appoints New General ManagerThe Westin Resort Macau is pleased to announce the appointment of Humayoon Shaikhzadeh as its newest General Manager. More... [1096 views] Langham Hotels International introduces the "Langham Signature Scent" at its luxury properties around the worldThere's something in the air at Langham Hotels. It's the new Langham Signature Scent, a refreshing, serene and subtle essence of ginger flower that wafts through the Hong Kong-based international hotel group's six luxury properties leaving guests revitalized and reminiscent of their stays. The scent is also available for sale at Langham Hotel boutiques. More... [1707 views] South Africa - India partnership brings international hotel group to South AfricaEurocape, the developers of the R1-billion Mandela Rhodes Place (MRP), has announced a partnership with Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) to develop Cape Town’s newest addition in luxury hotel accommodation. The five-star hotel will form part of the Mandela Rhodes Place lifestyle complex in Cape Town’s CBD. More... [827 views] Key Regional Centres Targeted in New Wave of Accor Hotel Openings in IndonesiaAccor shows faith in Indonesian tourism sector with announcement of nine new hotels by the end of 2008. New Accor hotel openings around Indonesia will target key commercial and tourist centres around the country, highlighting the group's faith in the future of the Indonesian tourism sector. More... [654 views] Hotel online reviews put operators to testAfter a December visit to Amara Creekside Resort in Sedona with her husband and young kids, a Phoenix woman let the boutique hotel know what she thought of the place. More... [972 views] Four Seasons Launches Private Residence RentalsFour Seasons Private Residence rentals, available at select resorts. "Renting a Private Residence at Four Seasons means that everyone can stay together, in accommodations as spacious and welcoming as one's own home," says Michael Minchin, Director of Residential Marketing, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. More... [936 views] Caribbean Chefs get ready for regional culinary competitionCountdown begins for 16 national teams gearing up to vie for highest honors at Taste of the Caribbean®2006, June 26-28th, in Miami, Florida More... [820 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 22, 2006PricewaterhouseCoopers Forecasts 45 percent Increase in New U.S. Hotel Construction in 2006PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts that construction will begin on 119,000 new hotel rooms in 2006, an increase of 45 percent over 2005. The largest percentage increase will be in upscale hotels and mid-price hotels without food and beverage. More... [735 views] Deployers split over charging for hotel InternetAt hotels, self-service literally fills the air. Two schools of thought conflict over selling public access WiFi Internet at hotels. One side says free public WiFi is essential for hotel customers’ convenience. The other side says giving it away is giving away money. A 100-room hotel that keeps half its rooms booked and sells Internet access for a typical rate of $10 per day makes $183,000 in annual access fees. By Bryan Harris More... [978 views] Cornell Study Confirms the Value of Revenue ManagementHotel Industry Applies Revenue Management In Good Times And Bad Whether business is weak or strong, hotels in the United States generally apply demand-based revenue management techniques to rate-setting decisions. However, a study of the interaction of pricing strategies and revenue management shows that certain types of hotels are particularly diligent with revenue management. More... [1516 views] As business clicks, hotels unplug from travel sitesHoteliers reserve best deals for their own Internet sites More... [969 views] Hotel du Vin chief chasing De VereThe boss of a leading property and hotel company was yesterday said to be favourite to win the race for control of leisure group De Vere. Richard Balfour-Lynn, who is the chief executive of Hotel du Vin owner Marylebone Warwick Balfour, is thought to have edged ahead of American hotels operator Starwood and the private equity house Permira. More... [823 views] May Results for Western EuropeThe Bench – May Results for Western Europe - May was a good month for Western Europe with RevPAR up 16.3% compared to May last year. Both average rate (7.2%) and occupancy (8.5%) increased significantly. Year to date RevPAR is up 8.9%. More... [612 views] TravelCLICK Announces Next-Generation Internet AdvertisingTravelCLICK, Inc., the leading provider of hotel business process management (BPM) solutions, today announced that it is implementing new paid search technology that continuously optimizes key word selection in Internet marketing campaigns for the hotel industry. More... [868 views] Starwood's Preopening Squad Performs the "White Glove" Test on the New 790 room Westin Boston Waterfront HotelFor the past two weeks, Shawn Black has been pulling double-duty: midlevel hotel executive by day, finicky guest by night. Black is one of about 120 managers who work around the country for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. This month, the managers have been on special assignment preparing for Wednesday's opening of the new Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, the Hub's biggest in 22 years. More... [952 views] Steve Callender Named Senior Vice President, Operations for Resorts Atlantic CityTony Rodio, Regional President for the Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort and Resorts Atlantic City announced that Steve Callender has been named Senior Vice President of Operations for Resorts Atlantic City, pending CCC approval. More... [934 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 21, 2006Seven lessons from the school of hard knocksEternal road warrior she may be, but Yeoh Siew Hoon has taken a few notes along the way. She kicks off The Transit Café with some lessons she’s learnt in life. More... [1247 views] Asian outbound tourism takes offMore Asians are heading abroad on holidays than ever before and new research, sponsored by the WTO, reveals the travel habits of seven Asia-Pacific countries that are rapidly becoming the driving force behind regional tourism. More... [1051 views] The G-Tower and Yoo by Philippe Starck aims to Set Design Standard within Middle East Property MarketIn a major development that many experts say “raises the bar” for property and real estate in the Middle East region, Galadari Investment Office (GIO) has signed an agreement with YOO (A Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox owned design company) to develop residential properties in Dubai. More... [1010 views] Australia labels “experience seekers” as the future of its tourismRelying on “experience seekers,” who spend big and talk about their travels, Tourism Australia (TA) is targeting such “well-off, well educated” international travelers. The tourism board, which describes such segment as the future of the Australian tourism industry, says such travelers are keen to share their opinions about their latest holiday adventures when they get home. More... [896 views] Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai hosts “Culinary Emotions and Living Style” Regional F&B conferenceFrom June 8th to June 10th the Food & Beverage Managers and Executive Chef of all Moevenpick Hotels in the Middle East participated in the Regional F&B Conference More... [948 views] Carmen Baker Of Carlson Companies Receives Minority Business AwardCarmen Baker, vice president of diversity at Carlson Companies, has received a minority business award for her outstanding contributions to corporate leadership in diversity in the Twin Cities' business community. More... [548 views] Marriott Names David A. Rodriguez Executive Vice President, Human ResourcesMarriott International, Inc. announced today that Mr. David A. Rodriguez has been appointed Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Marriott International. Rodriguez succeeds Brendan Keegan, who will retire from the company in August. More... [983 views] Choice Hotels Introduces Choice Destinations, a great new resource for planning travelFor travelers tired of searching for seashells along the same seashore summer after summer, and sick of seeing the same old museums every time they hit Washington, D.C., Choice Hotels is here to help. More... [600 views] Wafi opens its first owned & managed hotelDubai's newest hospitality initiative, created by one of the UAE's top business conglomerates - Wafi Group LLC - has officially opened its doors in response to pent-up market demand for short-stay and MICE accommodation in the emirate. More... [778 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 20, 2006Imagination plus innovation equals realizationSo you’ve got a beautiful hotel with great employees, the finest chef in town, but you are in the midst of the hotel corridor surrounded by others with similar outstanding services. How do you ensure that potential customers stay with you instead of your competitors? By- Robin Trehan & Kison Patel More... [1606 views] IH&RA First Annual Human Resources Development ForumHospitality educators and industry practitioners worldwide are reminded to submit proposals for presentation for the First Annual International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) Human Resources Development Forum by tomorrow, Friday, 16 June. The Forum will take place on 27 October 2006 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in conjunction with the 43rd Annual IH&RA World Congress 26-29 October 2006. More... [645 views] Something Old and Something New: The New Wave of Travel and How to Keep UpAs the summer kicks into high gear, travelers are firming up summer vacation plans. Travel to both Eastern and Western Europe remains strong. However, we are seeing a trend in adventure seekers requesting destinations such as South America and Southeast Asia because of exotic locations with unique sights. By Helen Fullem More... [751 views] Consumers Turn the Tables on Revenue ManagersThe first wave of metasearch was lauded by many suppliers at the same time it was dismissed vehemently by online intermediaries. However, as metasearch players have gained broader consumer acceptance, and perhaps more importantly brokered the deals to provide unfettered access to fares and rates, the true power of these next generation travel technology players has come into focus. Instead of the mass price deflation that many initially feared, it is instead the true enablement of consumers to find the best product to buy that is now emerging. By John Bray More... [1120 views] World Travel Leaders Convene in Cairo for 2006 Middle East North Africa .travel ForumMore than 125 travel and tourism leaders from throughout the Middle East and North Africa will gather in Cairo, Egypt, to develop strategies for marketing the region’s growing tourism industry to the global online community as part of the Middle East North Africa .travel Forum. More... [553 views] Biltmore Hotel emerges from $40 Million renovation with new facilities and moreNew Spa, Restaurant and Bar, Re-conceptualized Dining, Private Poolside Cabanas, Upgraded Guest Accommodations and Continuing Golf Course Improvements Further Augment Sophisticated Guest Experience. The iconic Biltmore hotel, long favored by experienced travelers, heads of state, celebrities and sports stars, has introduced several new high-profile facilities, amenities and services designed to make the property Miami’s most sophisticated and multi-faceted resort experience. More... [872 views] Six Hotels in one week - Rezidor SAS expands its international presenceRezidor SAS hospitality, one of the fastest growing hospitality companies in the world, signed six new hotels in last week alone. These include The Regent Dubrovnik (Croatia); Radisson SAS Resort and Spa, Dubrovnik (Croatia); Radisson SAS Hotel, Cardiff (UK); Park Inn Sawley Marina, East Midlands (UK); Park Inn Belfast (Northern Ireland); and Radisson SAS Hotel, Dakar (Senegal). More... [677 views] Americas Best Value Inn Named ‘Fastest Growing Hotel Chain’For The Fourth Consecutive YearAmericas Best Value Inn has been recognized by Lodging Hospitality Magazine, a Penton Media, Inc. publication, as the Fastest Growing Hotel Chain in the country for the fourth consecutive year. Posting the largest growth in U.S. hotel rooms between March 2004 and 2005, the brand added 8,117 rooms, an increase of 29.7 percent from the previous year. More... [547 views] India's Taj Hotels eyes QatarTaj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, the largest hotel chain in India, has expressed an interest in starting a new venture in Qatar. More... [887 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 19, 2006Revenue Management for Dummies...(Like Me) - Smaller Hotels Should Reap the Benefits TooNow don't get me wrong, I really don't think any of my readers are dummies, but some of the revenue management articles I've read lately have made me feel like a dummy. I'm sure there are many hoteliers that are interested in this topic; I just feel that some 'experts' make revenue management more mysterious and complicated than it needs to be for many hotels. By Neil Salerno More... [2074 views] The X Factor of LeadershipThere is no such thing as a Born Leader. When people talk about born leaders, what they are really referencing is the X factor of leadership. What is the X factor? By Dr. Rick Johnson More... [1844 views] 2006 sees Polarisation of London Hotel MarketHotel rooms in London with average room rates over £160 are showing double-digit growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) for year-to-April 2006 according to the latest HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte. This top end segment of the market recorded 7% growth in average room rates and a 12% increase in occupancy, leading to a whopping 20% growth in revPAR compared to the same period in 2005. More... [584 views] Starwood sells 35 hotels in EuropeStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that it has closed on the sale of the Westin Europa & Regina hotel in Venice Italy to an affiliate of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. More... [1364 views] art’otel, Park Plaza's Quirky Art-focused Hotel Brand, Adding Fifth Hotel in Bucharest, RomaniaExecutives at Park Plaza Hotels Europe today reveal plans for a new hotel in Bucharest, further strengthening the company’s aggressive expansion pattern across Europe. More... [792 views] Jonathan Tisch Receives Tourism Achievement Award for Dedication to New York CityJonathan M. Tisch, Chairman & CEO of Loews Hotels was selected and honored as the recipient of the 13th annual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award by the Big Apple Chapter of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). More... [597 views] Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts launches 'Preferences by Pan Pacific'Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has launched a new package platform that empowers guests to design their own experience. More... [783 views] design hotels™ Announces Opening of The Levante Parliament in ViennaBuilding on the stylistic principles of the original 1908 facade, rationalism and clean lines mix with contemporary art and design at The Levante Parliament. The result is both an homage to the Viennese Modernist movement as well an exciting new addition to the hospitality scene. More... [641 views] Eco-Hotel Champion Award for InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong KongThe Hong Kong Sustainable Communications Association (HKSCA) announced at its annual awards ceremony this afternoon that InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong has been awarded the 2006 ‘Eco-Hotel Champion’ award. More... [948 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 16, 2006Who are your Online Customers? Does Broadband Effect How They Find Your Web Site?The first of these questions is an obvious one to ask, the second not so apparent for hotels operators who are trying to make the most of their marketing budget. This is especially true of the growing number of hoteliers who realize the tremendous opportunities that marketing their hotel on the Internet provides for them. By Neil Salerno & David Hart More... [1182 views] Smile, Bus Uncle, it's World Cup seasonThere’s no escape from ball madness, an angry uncle and fake smiles, says Yeoh Siew Hoon. More... [806 views] London GMs score with bonusesHVS looks at how London General Manager salary and bonus levels have risen over the past three years. More... [1576 views] HEDNA Explains How to Navigate the Evolving Booking Environment in Online Group and Meeting Planning White PaperThe Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) recently published the latest resource in its White Paper Series: Online Group and Meeting Planning. More... [733 views] Interstate Hotels & Resorts Promotes Ted Knighton to President, Hotel OperationsInterstate Hotels & Resorts announced that it has promoted Samuel E. (Ted) Knighton to president, hotel operations. He will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company's hotels in the U.S. and Canada. More... [708 views] Hotel Management Fees on the Rise, Incentive Clauses Triggered In 2005U.S. hotel owners paid management companies 8.9 percent more to operate their properties in 2005 than they did in 2004 according to the recently released 2006 edition of Trends in the Hotel Industry published by PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR), an affiliate of PKF Consulting. More... [909 views] Hotel HDTV: The Picture is Getting ClearerIn-Room Entertainment Provider Remains A Crucial Resource As Competitive Pressures, Increased Content Availability And Improving Economics Drive Hotel HD Adoption. By Dave Bankers More... [781 views] World Travel Market to host Responsible Tourism Awards for third yearNow in its twelfth year, Responsible Tourism Day at World Travel Market 2006 is to host the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards for the third year. The Awards, on the World Stage on Wednesday 8 November, kicks off a packed programme of events tackling key issues affecting the sector. More... [555 views] New Consumer Research To Be Presented at Aug. 24 - 25 Tourism e-Marketing Conference in ChicagoTravel and tourism marketers gather August 24 - 25 in Chicago to hear proprietary research on consumer attitudes about web promotions and learn more about emerging online travel marketing strategies at the third annual e-Marketing Insight Conference: Travel and Tourism Trends at the Amalfi Hotel. More... [670 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 15, 2006Anantara on his mindAbout five years since the name appeared, how much do agents understand Minor International’s Anantara brand, which continues to evolve and is expanding beyond Thailand to the Maldives and Dubai? Raini Hamdi speaks to Minor’s chief operating officer, Michael Sagild, for whom Anantara’s development is top-of-the-mind since he joined the group in February. More... [917 views] Hotels versus webAustralia's leading hotel owners are pushing for greater online quality control standards to protect the increasing number of people booking their holidays on the internet. More... [732 views] A deal is near for De VereNew owners could soon be checking in at hotels and leisure clubs group De Vere, as long-running negotiations to take the company private edge towards a close. More... [825 views] New Holiday Inn Campaign - 'Look Again'Integrated campaign reintroduces the iconic brand to travelers through broadcast and print advertising, interactive online and engagement marketing elements Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, the world's most recognized hotel brand, announces a comprehensive multi-million-dollar integrated marketing campaign that asks guests to "Look Again" at the brand. More... [836 views] Club Med fall reach 12 pct in wake of Accor's stake saleShares in Club Mediterranee fell 6 pct, taking their losses above 12 pct since Friday morning's announcement that Accor is selling a 22.9 pct stake, reducing its holding to 6 pct as part of a restructuring of the holiday village operator's shareholder base, dealers said. More... [561 views] World Cup fails to fill German hotelsEven if Germany does not succeed in winning the World Cup, many Germans would be content with a boost to their economy. More... [1082 views] Marriott International To Open Its Fifth Hotel In Indonesia In 2008Marriott International, Inc. will add a fifth hotel to its lodging portfolio in Indonesia in 2008 under a management agreement with PT Kurnia Tetap Mulia. The 268-room Marriott hotel will be located in Medan, Indonesia’s third largest city, and will be the first internationally-branded, five-star property in the city. More... [675 views] Nils-Arne Schroeder Appointed General Manager Of Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa ResortHilton International is proud to announce the appointment of Nils-Arne Schroeder as General Manager of Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa Resort. More... [774 views] World's First International Luxury Health-Focused Hotel Coalition ExpandsHealing Hotels of the World has expanded its offering to enable hotels, resorts and spas to be benchmarked so consumers know they meet the highest standards of both luxury and wellbeing, managing director Anne Biging, said today. More... [844 views] Owner Operator Lodging Industry Inc. Grows by Exceeding Brand Standards24-property hotel company builds loyalty by delivering value, guest security More... [791 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 14, 2006Feeding the Revenue Elephant Hotel Revenue Management Summer 2006Hotel Revenues this summer are anticipated to be gargantuan high demand and high rates. What more could an hotelier ask? A lot! Hoteliers who blindly accept the demand that comes their way at the rate they ask will never know how good it could have been had they fed the elephant of hotel revenue with guests that were not measure solely by rate but by value. By Carol Verret More... [1232 views] Good Service is Not Enough: Global Travel Reshapes Guest Service in the 21st CenturyWell-traveled guests transform concierge duties, expect more personalized services faster More... [1648 views] Conventions drive up big-city hotel pricesThose dreaming of a last-minute big-city vacation might have a rude awakening: Convention-goers have taken up many of the hotel rooms. And with average hotel occupancy at a nine-year high, the crunch is sending room rates up sharply. More... [702 views] Hotel Availability Begins To Supersede Price As PriorityWith hotel occupancy at its highest levels in some cities since the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, travel managers are finding availability for travelers in some cities as important as price, if not more critical. By Amon Cohen, BTNonline More... [729 views] Hilton aims to Increase Online Business to 25% by 2009Hilton International has launched its new personalised, dynamic Ebrochures as part of its strategy to increase online business to 25% over the next three years as more customers move online to shop and buy hotel products. More... [719 views] Marco Polo Hotels to manage New Hotels in Wuhan and ChengduMarco Polo Hotels has signed a management agreement for two new properties in China – the Marco Polo Wuhan in Hubei and the Marco Polo Chengdu in Sichuan. More... [819 views] Turkey among top five Mid East outbound destinations in two yearsTurkey will be among the top five outbound destinations from the Middle East within two years and the country will see a 20% rise in tourists from the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia , according to Murat Oldac, Director of Sales and Marketing, Radisson SAS Bosphorus, Turkey . More... [710 views] City's rapid growth has work cut out for hotelierThere is a new face behind the desk of the Sofitel Jin Jiang Oriental in Pudong New Area and although General Manager Douglas A. Barber is fresh to Shanghai, he is no novice in Asia. The Canadian has been living and working in Asia for 17 years now, 14 of those in Hong Kong. He comes to Shanghai fresh off a three-year stint in Seoul, South Korea. More... [637 views] HTNG To Unveil New Initiatives At HITEC 2006Interoperability Demonstrations and White Papers Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG) announced its plan for showcasing, at HITEC(R) 2006 in Minneapolis, the results of its past year of efforts to achieve systems interoperability. Several of HTNG's members who have implemented approved approaches will be demonstrating these at the HTNG Booth #941 at the Minneapolis Convention Center on June 20-22. More... [530 views] Dubai World Trade Centre beats the record for occupancy in 2006Expansion Plans and Competitive Marketing Enable Dubai World Trade Centre to host over 90 International Exhibitions in its Busiest Year Ever. New figures released today show that Dubai World Trade Centre will host a total of 368 working day’s worth of exhibitions this year, making it officially the busiest year-to-date. More... [585 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 13, 2006Building a business case for eLearning in your hoteleLearning, which offers rapid delivery of a consistent message to a geographically dispersed audience, can offer Hoteliers many quantifiable benefits compared to traditional Instructor Led Training delivery. As with any other investment, executive management demands that eLearning proves its value. By Robert Duprey More... [1022 views] A ‘Senior Platter’ doesn’t make a summer: generation 50+ demands attentionTwenty years ago, active restaurant marketing for older guests consisted of halving the normal meal portions and introducing it as a ‘Senior Platter’ on the menu. And as for travel and hotel accommodation, the Post-War generation was accustomed to squeezing every penny until it screamed. Saving was king. Today things are different: seniors aren’t even called ‘Seniors’ anymore; now they’re ‘Best Agers’... More... [882 views] First-ever Lodging Development Pipeline for Asia Reveals China as Having the World’s Largest Development Activity Outside the U.S.Lodging Econometrics (LE), the Industry Authority for Hotel Real Estate announced the completion and publication of the first-ever comprehensive Lodging Development Pipeline for all countries in the Asia-Pacific region. More... [746 views] World Cup 2006: 800 Million Euros Direct Revenue for the Hotel IndustryGermany is expecting some six million football fans and their friends and family in June, and July, of which many will be foreigners, which should enable the 14.5 million overnight stays recorded in 2005 to be surpassed easily. More... [774 views] Orbitz Introdues New Hotel Search FeaturesNew Hotel Neighborhood Matrix for Top European Cities and Over 6,500 New Merchant Hotels in Europe - Over 90,000 'Authentic' Hotel Customer Reviews Orbitz (orbitz.com), a pioneer of many of the online travel industry's "firsts" in booking air travel, continues to build on its heritage of innovation in hotel booking. More... [615 views] More than $500 Million invested since 2005 to renovate and enhance Radisson Hotels in North AmerciaRadisson Hotels & Resorts® today announced that since the start of 2005 its hotel owners and the brand's parent company, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, have collectively invested more than $500 million in renovation, enhancement and new construction projects at 100+ Radisson hotels and resorts in North America. More... [585 views] Noble Investment Group Names Two Industry Veterans to Senior Management TeamJames Conley Appointed Chief Financial Officer; Paul Burke Named Executive Vice President of Operations Officials of Noble Investment Group, one of the hospitality industry's leading owner/operators of luxury, upscale and premium branded hotels, today announced two key leadership appointments to its senior management team. The company named James E. Conley, Jr., CPA, as chief financial officer and Paul Burke as executive vice president of operations. More... [826 views] Espirito Santo Group Expanding Tivoli HotelsEspirito Santo Group, a famous Portuguese Banking Organization, with diversified portfolio of investments including airline companies, diamonds, water, real estate, petrol and tourism, has decided to make an international move with Tivoli Hotels, its hotel chain nowadays based only in Portugal. More... [658 views] Accor Divests Most of its Stake in Club MediterraneeAs part of the strategic review of its financial investments, Accor decided to divest most of its stake in Club Mediterranee, 22.9% of the capital on a total stake of 28.9%. On one hand, Accor sells today 16% of its stake at a price of 44.9 euros per share (last quoted price for Club Mediterranee shares on June 8 2006) to a group of investors bound up with a shareholders agreement of which Accor is part of. More... [621 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 12, 2006More Web Site Hints, Tips, and Tricks - UnwrappedWhen it comes to boosting web site sales, search engine optimization (SEO) has become the first and last choice by many web marketing companies. It seems that SEO has become the current Rx prescription for non-producing web sites. In itself, SEO can be very beneficial, but it is certainly not the cure-all that some web marketers claim. More... [1843 views] IH&RA Reports: Hotel & Restaurant Industry Nearer to Goad of Exclusion from International StandardizationTC 228, a Technical Committee formally set up in February 2005 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to draft international standards in the field of “Tourism & Related Services” may finally have reached consensus on the scope of its work program. This was the objective given to a Task Force which convened in Madrid on 1 June. The outcome was a recommendation to exclude Accommodation and Catering from the formal Scope of the TC’s Work program. More... [717 views] Seibu aims to sell all unprofitable hotels by next MarchSeibu Holdings Inc., a struggling transportation and resort development group, is thinking to sell all of its unprofitable hotels and other resort facilities by next March, Seibu Holdings President Takashi Goto said. More... [1014 views] PKF: Conference Centers Thrive In 2005Conference centers in the United States enjoyed a year of tremendous growth in revenues and profits in 2005. For the year, total revenue for these specialized lodging facilities increased 13.7 percent, while profits grew 39.2 percent. A healthy economy, combined with disciplined management, contributed to the strong performance of this segment. More... [554 views] Paul Whetsell Forms CapStar Hotel Company LLCHotel industry veteran Paul Whetsell, former chairman and CEO of MeriStar Hospitality, has formed a new firm, CapStar Hotel Company LLC, with plans to acquire and develop premium-branded, select-service hotels primarily in major U.S. urban markets. More... [838 views] Jumeirah strengthens Asian presenceJumeirah, the dynamic and fast growing Dubai based luxury hospitality group, has announced the appointment of Mr. Francis Killory as Vice President of Development Asia Pacific. More... [1108 views] Hotel Offers BlackBerry DetoxBlackBerry addicts have a crack at freedom when they check into one Chicago hotel: the manager will put the communications devices and others like them under lock and key for guests who want a break. More... [909 views] hogatec 2006 in Düsseldorf: More than 500 exhibitors issue an invitation to Germany’s Number 1 in Technology and DesignThe international world of hotels, food service and catering is focusing on Düsseldorf from 24 to 28 September 2006. More than 500 exhibitors invite visitors to gather a representative overview of current trends, tendencies and developments in the industry at hogatec 2006, Germany’s hotel, food service and catering trade fair. More... [587 views] Hospitality Design Asia Exhibition and Conference (HD Asia) Is Coming!Hospitality Design Asia Exhibition and Conference (HD Asia), the region's leading event for design professionals working in the hospitality field, will feature some of the industry’s most influential and successful leaders.The event takes place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Speakers include world renowned architect and interior designer Tony Chi. More... [836 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 9, 2006Doug Geoga Resigns as President of Global Hyatt CorporationGlobal Hyatt Corporation announced today that Doug Geoga has resigned as President of the company, effective June 30, 2006. The company indicated that Mr. Geoga, 50, intends to form a hospitality investment and advisory firm at that time. Mark Hoplamazian, 42, currently President of The Pritzker Organization, a merchant-banking firm serving the Pritzker Family's business activities, will become Interim President of Global Hyatt effective July 1, 2006. More... [1070 views] The truth lies in the right castingWhat's your brand DNA and which brand suits you? Yeoh Siew Hoon finds out from a "casting director". More... [1108 views] Accor leads agents to growthAnticipating changes in global demand, Accor plans to open more than 200,000 new rooms by 2010, mainly in economy and budget hotels. The Asia-Pacific region is the company’s major focus. The chain, which views travel agents as its most important distribution channel, continues its quest to lead them by the hand in understanding and partaking in the growth. Raini Hamdi reports. More... [790 views] Fairmont Raffles Holdings International and Las Vegas Sands Working Together in Asia's Las VegasFairmont and Raffles Brands Latest Additions to the Cotai Strip Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Fairmont Raffles Holdings International today announced the addition of 1,500 rooms to the Cotai Strip(TM) currently being developed by Las Vegas Sands in the People's Republic of China Special Administrative Region of Macao. More... [885 views] Melbourne hotels achieve outstanding performance during Commonwealth GamesMelbourne, the events capital of Australia, struck gold with the recent Commonwealth Games. This spectacular sporting showcase, held in March, was not only the largest event ever staged in the city, it was also the biggest revenue earner to date for Melbourne hotels. According to the HotelBenchmark ™ Survey by Deloitte they achieved their highest ever revenue per available room (revPAR) at AUD$183 in March 2006. More... [824 views] Hilton's Bollenbach receives lodging leadership awardHVS Executive Search, a division of the global hotel consulting and services firm HVS International, has honored Stephen Bollenbach, chief executive officer of Hilton Hotels Corporation as the lodging industry's top performing chief executive officer of 2005. More... [728 views] 2006 Hotel Sales Continue RobustOver $9.5 billion in hotel sales transactions have been recorded year to date, according to data compiled by Hotel Brokers International's TransActions Data Services Division. More... [593 views] Hilton to Increase Online Business to 25% by 2009:Hilton International today announced the launch of its new personalised and dynamic Ebrochures as part of its strategy to increase online business to 25% over the next three years as more customers move online to shop and buy hotel products. More... [837 views] Dusit Group’s GM’s Conference draws full attendanceGeneral Managers from all Dusit, D2 and Royal Princess Hotels & Resorts were in full attendance recently for the annual General Manager’s Conference 2006, which this time took place at Dusit Group’s newly opened D2hotel chiang mai. The meeting was organized by Dusit Corporate Office’s Operations Dept. More... [828 views] Domina Hotel Group invests in a spider webDomina Hotel Group invests in a spider web organization to optimize resources. Introduced and presented at the Group’s annual workshop held in Coral Bay in February 2006, and operative since then, this new type of organization brings to light two key novelties. More... [666 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 8, 2006WOW.TRAVEL’S Seven Sensational suggestions for Bikini boot-campsWOW.travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com) edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensations for Bikini boot-camps. More... [1379 views] Spanish Hotel Industry Finally Sees Light at the End of the TunnelFollowing three consecutive years of decline, Spain finally climbed out of the red in late April 2006. As in other European countries, 2003 was a bad year for Spain (-4.2% in RevPAR). Whereas Europe saw an upturn in the following year, however, Spain registered some of the worst results on the Continent in 2004, and was unable to recover in 2005 - MKG reports. More... [701 views] Moscow: Apart-Hotel Fad Spurred by Need for Faster ProfitWhen is a hotel room not a hotel room? This question is likely to be raised repeatedly in the coming years as apart-hotels begin to appear on the Moscow market, blurring the line between hotel rooms and serviced apartments. More... [722 views] Westin Breaks Ground in the World's Largest Mixed-Use Development - Newport in Jersey City, NJWestin Jersey City to Have Stunning Views of Manhattan's Skyline and Harbor Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., the LeFrak Organization and Melvin Simon & Associates announce the groundbreaking of The Westin Jersey City, a new waterfront hotel in the Newport mixed-use development in Jersey City, NJ. More... [811 views] Rapid Expansion For Accor's Thai Hotel NetworkNew hotel openings set to push network past 40 by end of 2007 Accor today announced three new hotels around Thailand - in Bangkok, Pattaya and Chumphon - and the launch of its versatile All Seasons brand to further strengthen its leadership position in the Kingdom. More... [638 views] St. Regis Butler Service Now at Guests’ Digital CommandSignature St. Regis Personal Butler Service Accentuated with Wireless Handheld Devices More... [1097 views] Kerry Hotels Announces New Brand Identity and Company LogoKerry Hotels upgrades its company image and logo by integrating a more streamlined and corporate look into its already strong branding. More... [940 views] Hotel Indigo Drives Momentum Through Strategy and GrowthInterContinental Hotels Group, the world's largest and most global hotel company announced that Hotel Indigo continues to grow its distribution in the U.S. at an accelerated pace and by the end of 2006 the brand will open six hotels bringing the brand's portfolio to nine open hotels More... [660 views] Four Points by Sheraton debuts in ShanghaiStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.announces the opening of its first Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Shanghai : Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Pudong, rebranded from Grand You You Hotel. Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Pudong is also the second Four Points by Sheraton hotel to open in mainland China. More... [659 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 7, 2006Who is In and Who is Out - Global Staff MovementsThis month's update on international executive staff movements..... More... [3945 views] Hospitality 2010: Four 'Mega-Trends' to Shape Future Financial Success, Says Report From Deloitte and NYUThe hospitality industry will need to address four transformative issues over the next three to five years, including brand, emerging markets, human assets and technology. These factors are expected to be key drivers in determining winners and losers through 2010 and beyond, and are likely to impact shareholder value, according to a new report by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its member firms and the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management at New York University. More... [1283 views] China leads Asia hotel boomChina is Asia's hottest spot for hotel development, accounting for nearly half of all new projects in the region, according to an industry report. Of the 386 hotels being actively pursued throughout Asia, 188 are in China, and 134 of those are rated four- or five-star, according to the report released late on Friday by U.S.-based industry tracker Lodging Econometrics. More... [847 views] One Year After Launch, Starwood's aloft Hotel Brand Proves to Be a Developer FavoriteOver 100 aloft Deals in the Works and Starwood's Newest Brand, ''Project ESW'', Secures Nine Applications Just Days After its Launch More... [950 views] WTTC research shows United Kingdom is the world’s sixth largest Travel & Tourism economy – accounting for £182 billion in 2006At a special meeting convened by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), industry leaders discussed the need to capture the considerable growth opportunities which have emerged for UK Travel & Tourism. According to research by WTTC and Accenture, Travel & Tourism represents 9.4 per cent of the UK’s gross domestic product and accounts for 2.6 million jobs. More... [660 views] Carlson Hotels adds 12 new properties to its global portfolio of brandsCarlson Hotels Worldwide today announced that it has added 12 locations to its global portfolio of brands in April. More... [856 views] Accor to build 50 new hotels in TurkeyFrench leisure and hotel group Accor has said it would invest about 300 million euros (388 million dollars) to build 50 new hotels in Turkey by 2015. More... [1776 views] UNWTO Steps up Efforts in Crisis ManagementThe World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is strengthening its institutional commitment to crisis management and sending a support mission to Indonesia to assess the tourism impact of the recent earthquake disaster in Central Java. More... [553 views] Westin Hotels & Resorts in Australia and Fiji go smoke freeThe First Hotel Chain to go Smoke Free in Australia & Fiji in July 2006. Westin Hotels & Resorts today announced they will become the first hotel chain in this region to introduce a smoke-free policy. More... [755 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 6, 2006Is Qatar the Next Dubai?According to the Qatar Tourism Authority, more than 100 buildings and towers are going up in Doha, whose modest skyline is currently punctuated by about two dozen high-rises. Cranes fill the hot sky. Skeletal hotels, resorts and financial centers ring Doha Bay. And from every corner, a symphony of earth-moving equipment and power tools hums the theme of one of the world's richest countries (as measured by gross domestic product per capita) striving to become a world-class business and leisure center. By Seth Sherwood, The New York Times More... [1070 views] Pierre Perusset appointed Managing Director of The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, JakartaPierre Perusset has been appointed Managing Director of The Ritz-Carlton, Jakarta and JW Marriott, Jakarta. In his new role, he is responsible for the operations, sales and marketing and development of two hotels. More... [1076 views] Record breaking AIME 2006 opens in Melbourne next weekReed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is expecting record numbers at AIME 2006, as final preparations are made for the 14th staging of the event next week in Melbourne, Australia. AIME 2006, 14th AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo opens at 10am on Tuesday 6 June at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. More... [572 views] Starwood Hotels Unveils Plans for New Extended Stay BrandWith the DNA of Westin Hotels, 'Project ESW' to Provide a Haven that Allows Guests to be their Best when on the Road for an Extended Period of Time More... [1040 views] Doug Kennedy Launches Kennedy Training NetworkDoug Kennedy announced today the launch of the lodging industry’s newest training company, the Kennedy Training Network, which joins an exclusive and well-entrenched group of companies dedicated to hotel sales, reservations, and hospitality/service training. “I hate to be blunt,” announced Doug Kennedy, “but hotel sales and guest service training has been stuck in the 1990’s for way too long while just about everything else in hotel sales & service has changed completely, so the timing couldn’t be better for our launch.” More... [693 views] Bavaria Hotels International to develop over 4,500 suites in the Middle East by 2008Bavaria Hotels International (BHI) announces two new developments in Qatar and the UAE, bringing the total number of suites in the Middle East to over 4,500 in three large-scale properties within the next two years. More... [643 views] Kwek Leng Beng, Among Singapore's Three Richest Persons, Spearheaded the 543 room Millennium Hilton Hotel Development in BangkokSingapore's City Development Limited, one of the city state's largest property developers and hotel owners, is looking to expand its presence in Thailand both organically and through investment. More... [1078 views] 2007 Americas Lodging Investment Summit Will Reflect The Positive State Of The Lodging Inudstry'SURF'S UP!' is the theme for the sixth installment of the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), scheduled for Jan. 22-24, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Calif. The lodging industry's premier investment conference, ALIS, is designed to address the unique needs of the hotel investment community and provide a central networking place for hotel executives, investors, lenders, developers, and professional financial advisors. More... [487 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 5, 2006Participation In Trade Associations Key To Professional DevelopmentIn the fast-paced business climate which most hoteliers operate in these days, where e-mails flood our in-boxes and meetings over-stuff our schedules, the last thing most hotel management professionals want to think about is voluntarily taking on any more “optional” responsibilities. Yet somehow the top professionals in the lodging industry manage to carve-out time to participate in the many professional societies and/or trade associations available to virtually every discipline within our industry. By Doug Kennedy More... [1073 views] “Social Computing” and Enhanced Rich Content to Shape Future of Hotel Electronic DistributionAccording to industry experts at the 2006 HEDNA Conference in Frankfurt, Germany last week, hotel distribution strategies should take notice – and perhaps even integrate elements – of the hottest trends in “social computing”. More... [849 views] Starwood Hotels & Resorts Excels with Business Travellers in the Middle EastTen Starwood Hotels & Resorts properties have been voted the leading hotels of choice for business travellers in the Middle East in the latest readers’ poll by Business Traveller Middle East. More... [744 views] New Orleans Hyatt-Superdome Area to Be Redeveloped Into New Hyatt Jazz District; Finished Site to Generate More Than 6,500 Permanent JobsJazz heritage to fuel cultural revitalization and economic growth with creation of a world-class National Jazz Center as part of 20-acre park More... [924 views] Novotel Solo and Grand Mercure Yogyakarta reopenAccor announces that Novotel Solo and Grand Mercure Yogyakarta have officially re-opened after the earthquake in Yogyakarta. Novotel Solo and Grand Mercure Yogyakarta are fully operational and accepting reservations effective immediately after the devastating earthquake in Yogyakarta last Saturday. More... [620 views] The Emirates Academy of Hospitality and Management presents Dean’s List 2006The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, part of Jumeirah Group, recently held their 2006 Dean’s List ceremony where they recognised high performing students for their outstanding academic performance. The Dean’s list is one of the many ways the faculty of The Emirates Academy acknowledges the high performance of its top students. More... [924 views] The History Of Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & SpaThe early 70s saw Penang – the Pearl of the Orient – stamping its mark on the international tourism scene. Tourist arrivals soared. Leading the island’s successful foray was the exquisite Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Malaysia’s first deluxe hotel and resort located along the sandy scenic Batu Ferringi beach. Now, after three decades, the resort has re-invented itself and is poised to spearhead the state’s efforts in luring more tourists to the island; a choice tourist destination in the world. More... [1646 views] Tourism on Upswing in Latin America, as Destinations Position for Growing CompetitionDestinations from Canada to Argentina are pleased with their tourism growth but are also aware that they will need to fight to maintain it. The way forward should be focused on strengthening tourism and media relationships, capacity sharing and especially branding of destinations, as was underscored by the Regional Conference on Tourism Communications (TOURCOM) for the Americas, which concluded on Tuesday in Rosario, Argentina. More... [572 views] Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne students won the 16th “Bourse d’Evian Edition”On 31st May, the final of the 16th edition of the “Bourse d’Evian” student competition was held on the campus of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL). For the 2006 contest, it was EHL’s turn to have the pleasure of welcoming representatives of the five famous hotel schools taking part, whose students are asked to produce a creative, innovative project related to the hospitality industry. More... [1161 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 2, 2006The sweet Sands of victoryWe are underdog no more, William Weidner, president and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, tells Yeoh Siew Hoon. More... [905 views] ANA may hand hotels over to InterContinentalAll Nippon Airways Co. may sell more than half of its hotel business to InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of Britain, ANA sources said Wednesday. The move to sell a controlling stake in ANA Hotels & Resorts Co. effectively amounts to handing over the group's hotel operations to the British chain, which runs Holiday Inn Hotels and Crowne Plaza Resort Hotels, the sources said. More... [1203 views] Keys to booking a quality hotelNegotiate for the best value, then get it in writing. Those tagged to select an out-of-town hotel for a company's annual meeting should keep in mind two simple truths: everything is negotiable, and get it in writing. More... [799 views] Hotel comment cards go paperlessHotel comment cards -- those personal remarks scribbled out by guests and dropped at the front desk -- may become a thing of the past. And ustomer surveys -- those questionnaires that show up within days after you check out -- also may become a victim of modern technology. Some hotels are doing away with those old-fashioned methods and are relying on e-mails from customers to gauge how their chains rate with visitors. By Keith L. Alexander More... [2509 views] Jean Georges to Develop Restaurant Concepts for Starwood Hotels Around the GlobeInternationally acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his partner Phil Suarez, hospitality leader Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and leading consumer-focused private equity firm Catterton Partners today announced that they have partnered to create an international, upscale, multi-concept restaurant and licensing business. More... [1115 views] Dubai Hotel Co. Enters U.S. MarketFrom a sail-shaped hotel taller than the Eiffel Tower to two soaring towers coated in dark mirrored glass, the images of its hotels the new management showed the staff of the Essex House left employees awe-struck. "It's like a transition from Ford to Ferrari, from McDonald's to Alain Ducasse," Emanuele Bartolini, one of the food and beverage managers at the New York hotel, said of the new management style Jumeirah has signaled to the staff. The hotel was re-branded Jumeirah Essex House in January, the Dubai-based company's first entry into the U.S. lodging market - an ambitious step in Dubai's aggressive campaign to position itself as a business and tourism hub. More... [1023 views] Marriott Global Sales Organization reports 26% growth in FY 2004 – 2005With a bright back drop dawning once again in the Middle East & Subcontinent economy; with the oil prices on the rise in the Gulf creating an avalanche of development opportunities in all industries and the IT market flourishing in the Subcontinent inviting an array of potential investors; Marriott’s Global Sales Organization for the Middle East, Africa and Subcontinent has reported a 26% growth in sales in the financial year 2005 over 2004. More... [576 views] Analyst Says Orient Express Assets UndervaluedShares of Bermuda-based luxury hotel operator Orient Express Hotels Ltd. rose in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange Tuesday after an analyst upgraded the stock, saying the market is undervaluing the company's land and hotels. Citigroup analyst Joshua Attie upgraded Orient Express to "Buy" from "Hold" and maintained a price target of $47. More... [586 views] World of Accor Returns To Novotel Bangkok On Siam SquareGroup to announce new hotel signings in three key destinations Asia Pacific's largest hotel expo, World of Accor, returns to Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square 1 June for the second time as part of an 11 city tour, highlighting the importance of Thailand to Accor's growing regional hotel network. More... [715 views] Public recognition for industry’s best at IMEX Awards NightWinners of the prestigious IMEX Academy Awards lined up to receive their honours from Chairman, Ray Bloom and Managing Director, Paul Flackett, at the Annual IMEX Gala Dinner last night. More... [618 views] Hyatt Puts World Up for BidFrom May 26 through June 1, 2006, Hyatt Gold Passport members can use their points to bid on five new auction lots that include vacations to destinations around the world, through the Hyatt Gold Passport Exclusives program. More... [657 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 1, 2006Guardian of an expanding Shangri-LaUnder him, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts has achieved its highest profitability in its history, one of the lowest staff turnover ratios in the industry and international expansion. CEO and managing director Mr Giovanni Angelini, named Asia Pacific Hotelier of 2005 by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, tells Raini Hamdi how he intends to keep it up. By Raini Hamdi, Editor, TTG Asia More... [1454 views] PKF Study Suggests Hotel Investment Market Still Positive Despite Peak-of-Cycle BehaviorHard statistical evidence gleaned from interviews of U.S. hotel investors and lenders conducted in the 2006 first half suggest that domestic hotel markets are fully recovered from the damaging economic and horrendous social events early in the decade. More... [651 views] Earthquake damages at least 50 percent of hotels in YogyakartaAt least 50 per cent of hotels in Indonesia's Yogyakarta were badly damaged by Saturday's earthquake, which left over 5,000 people dead in Central Java. Yogyakarta, known for its unique culture and historical objects, is the second most visited area after Bali by foreign tourists in the country. More... [780 views] Tourism to Israel Jumps 30 Per Cent in January-April 2006695,000 tourists entered Israel in the period January-April 2006, a 30 per cent rise over the same period last year. Tourist traffic from North America surged 34 per cent compared to the first four months of 2005. 174,000 visitors arrived from the United States (up 42 per cent) making that country the largest source of tourism to Israel. More... [559 views] Ninety-Two Percent of Travelers Taking Summer Vacation in 2006According to TripAdvisor Survey; Results Reveal Soaring Fuel Costs Won't Deter Travelers This Summer More... [1002 views] Choice Hotels closes first Quarter with 10 contracts for new Cambria Suites brandMomentum keeps building for Cambria Suites, the new all-suites, select-service, upscale brand launched by Choice Hotels International, Inc. in January 2005. The company entered 2006 with 13 executed contracts for the brand, and first quarter 2006 saw the execution of 10 more contracts More... [525 views] Business booms as IMEX 2006 opens its doorsYeserday marked the opening of the largest IMEX yet, with 3,300 exhibitors from 150 countries occupying Messe Frankfurt’s Hall 8 and filling a record 16,500 square metres of floor space. With 3,400 hosted buyers and several thousand trade visitors from Germany and the rest of the world forecast to attend over the next three days, IMEX 2006 is set to be the biggest and busiest to date. More... [583 views] On World No Tobacco Day, major Sydney hotel goes smoke freeSydney’s Courtyard by Marriott North Ryde Hotel will become a smoke-free property from today, in response to strong and consistent feedback from guests. The hotel’s announcement coincides with World No Tobacco Day, a global event to highlight the dangers of smoking. More... [579 views] Korean Hotels Face Lean TimesKorean hotels are feeling the pinch as the strong won keeps foreign tourists away and special tax benefits have disappeared. More... [656 views] CDL increases Presence in ThailandCity Developments Limited (CDL), in conjunction with joint venture partners, has opened its first Bangkok hotel property this week, with the grand opening of the Millennium Hilton Bangkok. More... [846 views] 
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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: June 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 30, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 29, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 28, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 27, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 26, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 23, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 22, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 21, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 20, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 19, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 16, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 15, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 14, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 13, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 12, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 9, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 8, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 7, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 6, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 5, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 2, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 1, 2006
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