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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: December 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 31, 2006Bangkok hit by series of bomb blasts - New Year's Eve celebrations cancelledAt least 12 people have been hurt in a series of small bomb blasts in the Thai capital, Bangkok, police say. The blasts took place within 90 minutes of each other, with the first one at the Victory Monument in the centre. Further explosions were reported at two police posts in Bangkok's northern suburbs and in the Klong Tuey area. More... [1289 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 29, 2006What do the InterContinental takeover rumors mean? Why IHG? Why now? Who will win the bid?Over the past two days, the shares of InterContinental Hotels Group Plc – which describes itself as “the world's biggest lodging company” – rose substantially, fueling speculation that it has become a takeover target. The shares are up approximately 8% since December 22, 2006 (and 49% for 2006). Citing the Guardian, Bloomberg says there are rumors of a buyout firm making an offer at a “significant premium” to current stock prices. Some think a ₤5.7 billion (U.S.$11.2 billion) offer may be made. By Jim Butler - Hotel Lawyer More... [2393 views] Keeping it real, like James BondIt's been a jolly good year all round for everyone - So what's out there on the horizon for 2007? Yeoh Siew Hoon turns to James Bond for a lesson or two. More... [890 views] India: Addressing a Shortage of Hotel Rooms, Not PeopleDemand for hotel rooms is soaring in India as its economy blossoms. Foreigners are flooding in to cut deals, attend conferences or just discover the caves of Ajanta and the sands of Rajasthan. The rise of low-fare airlines is also bringing domestic air travel within reach of more Indians, who, until recently, had little chance of ever boarding a jet. Yet for all those travelers, India offers only 110,000 hotel rooms. China has 10 times as many, and the United States 40 times as many. The New York metropolitan region alone has about as many rooms as all of India More... [852 views] Best Winter Beach ResortsCrackling fires, snowball fights and toasted marshmallows--sure, those are the celebrated harbingers of the holidays. But the real seasonal standouts? Winter snow storms, static cling and chapped skin. If holiday burnout threatens and you're yearning to get away, you aren't the only one. According to an American Express travel agent survey released last month, the week between Christmas and New Year's has become as the most popular holiday travel time of the year More... [731 views] Richard Evanich Appointed General Manager and David Chase Named Hotel Manager of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery ParkA career veteran of the luxury hotel business, Rick Evanich has been named general manager of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park. He had been general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common since spring 2005. Prior to his appointment in Boston, Evanich was the general manager of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. More... [1101 views] The SHY interview: Santa Claus
More... [723 views] Homewood Suites by Hilton launches online room selection by floorplanHomewood Suites by Hilton is unveiling a “Suite Selection” program that will allow guests to view floorplans and room photos and choose where they’d like to stay. You’ll be able to check in online within 24 hours of arrival, see the exact room you’ve been assigned and change it if you want. More... [702 views] UK top destination for internet users - pollThe UK has emerged the most desired destination among internet users planning their main 2007 holiday, according to new research. And as many as 17 million expect to book all or part of their 2007 holiday on the internet, the poll found More... [562 views] Electronic Room Nights Increase 8.8 Percent for Latin American and Caribbean Hotels in Q3 2006TravelCLICK's eMonitor Reports Top 10 Destinations in Latin America, the Caribbean TravelCLICK's eMonitor results for the third quarter of 2006 show an 8.8 percent increase over the third quarter of 2005 in room nights booked electronically through the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and key Internet sites for Latin America and the Caribbean. More... [519 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 28, 2006Hotel Marketing - An Investment In PeopleGiven all the discussions of distribution channels, yield management, Internet booking sites, and alternative forms of media, it is tough to deny that advances in technology have heavily influenced hotel marketing. However, when analyzing the thousands of financial statements in PKF Consulting’s Trends in the Hotel Industry database, the majority of marketing dollars spent at the property level currently pay for labor related costs. In 2005, the salaries, wages, and benefits paid to sales department personnel accounted for 55.6 percent of total marketing department expenditures . For reference purposes, this ratio was 28.4 percent in 1980. By Robert Mandelbaum And Steven Nicholas Cha More... [1122 views] How to complain effectivelyUpset over your hotel stay? There is a right way to go about it More... [2049 views] Ritz loosens up its tie to change with the timesFor generations, Ritz-Carlton has been known for over-the-top luxury: old-money guests, crystal chandeliers and in-your-face service. But old-world stuffiness doesn't play well with today's jet-setters. They're arriving in jeans and T-shirts, toting iPods and laptops, often checking in with kids. They don't want to wear a jacket and tie to the hotel dining room, or have the bellman carry their wheeled bags to their room. More... [1525 views] World's largest hotel aquariumAquaDom - the world's largest cylinder aquarium is located in the heart of Berlin, the AquaDom forms a striking centrepiece for a new multi-purpose development, which includes the designer DomAquaree Hotel, retail, recreational, work and living spaces. More... [1202 views] Demand for Boutique Accommodation in Wellington on the RiseWellington, New Zealand, has seen significant developments in the boutique accommodation sector over the last 12 months. “Wellington is a boutique city – small but rich in its offerings to visitors – and the growing range of independent and unique properties adds yet another dimension to what we can offer,” said Positively Wellington Tourism’s Australian Marketing Manager Sarah Peacock. More... [550 views] Elite Hospitality Names 2006 Hotel Performance Award WinnersAt its annual General Managers Meeting Elite Hospitality announced the 2006 Hotel performance award winners. “I am very proud of the accomplishments of the Elite Team in 2006 and it gives me great pleasure to award this year’s recipients” said Manoj Bhoola President and COO, Elite Hospitality More... [854 views] Sheraton Ningbo Hotel Opens in ChinaNingbo welcomed its first Sheraton property this month with the opening of the Sheraton Ningbo Hotel. Formerly known as Portman Plaza Ningbo Hotel, the Sheraton Ningbo Hotel is the first upscale international hotel to open in Ningbo. More... [778 views] Langkawi, Malaysia Welcomes: The Westin Langkawi Resort & SpaWestin Hotels & Resorts announces the official opening of its first resort in Malaysia. Formerly the Sheraton Perdana Resort, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa opens (December 19) in a spectacular island setting, following a comprehensive renovation and addition of luxury residential villas and extensive state-of-the-art meeting facilities. More... [661 views] Westin Verasa Napa Residences Set Real Estate Sales RecordThe Westin Verasa Napa Residences, the city's first branded condominium-hotel development attracted suite purchases valued at more than $60-million earlier this month. This first-release sell-out represents nearly double the Napa Valley's total condominium transactions for the year, confirms Playground Destination Properties Inc., the real estate marketing company managing sales on behalf of developer, Intrawest Placemaking. More... [825 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 27, 2006TripAdvisor Announces Top Ten New Year's Eve Destinations for 2007For those that want to experience something other than New York City, London, Paris, Sydney, or the living room for New Year's Eve, TripAdvisor(R), the largest travel community in the world, today announced ten great places to ring in 2007, according to TripAdvisor editors. More... [1638 views] Preferred Hotel Group`s president receives top accoladeJohn Ueberroth, Chairman and CEO, Preferred Hotel Group, has been honored with Travel Agent Magazine’s prestigious “Leaders in Luxury” award. The award was presented at the seventh annual Luxury Travel Expo, in Las Vegas. The award, established in 2002, is presented to select individuals who have exemplified superior leadership in four categories: Tour, Hotel, Cruise and Travel Agents. More... [647 views] What’s $137,580 Among Friends?The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park Suggests One Way to Spend this Year’s Average Wall Street Bonus. Tis the season to be jolly…especially if you work on Wall Street. According to BusinessWeek, the average Wall Street bonus in 2006 will be $137,580. Sure you could use the money to buy a luxury car, but how about sharing a once-in-a-lifetime evening with your closest friends and family at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park with the FRIENDS WITH MONEY package that includes the following amenities for 30 guests of your choosing: More... [947 views] Resort trends to be revealed at HSMAI`s resort management conferencePresented by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and the University of Denver’s School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management (HRTM), the annual event will take place at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO from March 25-27, 2007. The conference agenda will feature three timely and pertinent general sessions and an extensive and diverse line-up of breakout sessions. More... [652 views] Cornell Study Unlocks Hidden Costs of TurnoverExit interviews and careful selection may be two of the keys to reducing the expenses of turnover. An analysis by two Cornell University researchers of the many steps involved in turnover found that the cost of each step affects different hotels in different ways. The study, "Costs of Employee Turnover: When the Devil Is in the Details," was conducted in an effort to determine and reduce the costs of turnover. More... [983 views] Forbes Hamilton Management Company Assumes Management of Nine HotelsForbes Hamilton Management Company has been awarded the management contract for a nine hotel, 2,201 rooms package, Forbes Hamilton President Tom Johnsen announced Tuesday. More... [735 views] Starwood named Exclusive Hotel Sponsor of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer GamesStarwood Hotels & Resorts and Special Olympics have signed a three year, global partnership with Starwood Hotels as the exclusive hotel sponsor of Special Olympics and the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. The sponsorship includes financial and in-kind support from Starwood. In addition, Starwood will broadcast Special Olympics public service announcements on its internal television channel in its hotels. More... [558 views] Hyatt launches online storeHyatt Hotels & Resorts is expanding the Hyatt Touch to the retail home décor and furnishings market through the launch of HyattAtHome.com, an online store featuring high quality Hyatt and partner-branded luxury products. More... [1049 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 26, 2006Best New Business Hotels Of 2006Once again, Forbes.com has rounded up the year’s best business hotels. And while there hasn’t been an abundance of new hotel openings recently--the industry took a while to recover from the post 9/11 travel slump, and in the meantime, raw materials like steel and concrete have grown pricier--the hotels that have opened are vying to outdo one another in terms of services and amenities. By Sophia Banay More... [1526 views] New Corinthia Hotels Chief Executive Officer takes up postCHI Ltd, the hotel management arm of the Malta-based Corinthia Group of companies, announced that Mr. Tony Potter has officially taken up his position as the Company’s new chief executive officer, at the company’s head office in Floriana, Malta. More... [1048 views] FelCor Sells Portfolio of Nine HotelsFelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated (NYSE:FCH), one of the nation's largest hotel real estate investment trusts (REITs), today announced the sale of a portfolio of nine hotels. The sale is part of the Company's previously announced disposition plan. More... [632 views] Leisure real estate poised for quantum leap in AsiaYeoh Siew Hoon talks to RCI’s John Paul Nichols about the growing leisure real estate market in Asia. More... [647 views] Global hotel deals set to hit $70 billion by the end of the yearJones Lang LaSalle Hotels estimates that global hotel transactions are set to hit the $70 billion mark by the end of the year. The figure marks a 38% rise on last year’s figures, making 2006 the strongest year on record. More... [533 views] ITB Hospitality Day highlights trends and innovationsAttention will focus on trends and innovations for the hotel trade on 8 March 2007 at the ITB Berlin. As part of its ITB Convention Market Trends & Innovations the world’s leading travel trade show is staging an all-day Hospitality Day that will follow on from last year’s success. The programme comprises various innovative strategies, marketing and concepts. This event is free of charge and takes place from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be chaired by Maria Pütz-Willems, editor in chief of the online trade magazine hospitalityInside.com. More... [702 views] Bali Enjoys Best November EverDespite the first ten months of 2006 delivering significantly fewer international arrivals to Bali than recent years, November 2006 turned out a record in foreign direct arrivals for the month -- 113,844, more than +3% higher than the previous best in November 2004. More... [502 views] Southern Sun Hotels expands into the Middle East regionThe hotel group is expanding its operations into the Middle East for the first time and will manage and operate two properties - Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels - in Dubai's prestigious 500-acre Downtown Burj Dubai development by global real estate major Emaar Properties. Located in Downtown Burj Dubai's Old Town component, the hotels are in close proximity to Burj Dubai, billed to be the world's tallest tower when completed in 2008. More... [620 views] Regal looks to equities for $5b REIT cash mountainHong Kong based Regal Hotels International Holdings will look for suitable financial investments, including shares, to park its expected cash mountain of about HK$5 billion from the proceeds of its upcoming REIT, while it looks for suitable projects in the mainland. More... [495 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 25, 2006Hotel Owners Nightmare: Money Left on the TableHotel Sales departments across the U.S. continue to allow dollars to be left on the table because incoming inquiring phone calls - - calls made by potential clients planning a group function of some type - - are either not being handled promptly or correctly or are being ignored altogether. Why? Because proper handling and follow up procedures are not in place, calls are not returned in a timely manner, inadequate log keeping, general overall neglect and a real absence of management interest and oversight. More... [1171 views] Out Of Work And Over The HillIn his time as a recruiter, Steven Greenberg saw his share of discrimination against workers of a certain, ahem, maturity. One case, though, really got his 46-year-old blood boiling. He was working with a public company that made a challenging request: Find a CPA familiar with overseas manufacturing experience and an obscure accounting system. He found an ideal candidate whom the company wanted to bring in immediately. That is until they took a look at the applicant’s résumé. While it would have been illegal to ask his age, the company realized from the candidate's work history that he was in his early 50s. Greenberg received an e-mail back from the company’s HR contact, who wrote, “I don’t want to see him. This person is too senior.” By Tara Weiss, More... [954 views] PricewaterhouseCoopers Forecasts A Slowdown in U.S. RevPAR Growth in 2007 After Record Performance in 2004, 2005 and 2006PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts that RevPAR will increase 5.9 percent in 2007, a slowdown from near 8.0 percent growth in 2006. The 2007 forecast is for slightly more demand growth, a large increase in supply and less rate growth than 2006. More... [605 views] Mirvac, BOS International acquire four Carlton HotelMirvac and BOS International (BOSI) have acquired the Carlton Hotel's portfolio of four hotels in Brisbane, Sydney, Parramatta and Melbourne. The $A328.25 million ($US257.33 million) acquisition will be funded with equity investments of $A42 million each from Mirvac Property Trust and BOSI, with BOSI also providing a bridging finance facility. More... [656 views] US lodging industry to introduce young kids with career opportunitiesThe American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is mobilizing the industry to participate in National Groundhog Job Shadow Day on February 2, 2007, and introduce young people to the more than 200 lodging career paths. More... [592 views] Marriott Named Global Sales Team of the Year By Selling Power MagazineSales Team Wins Coveted Stevie Award Marriott International's global sales team won the first ever Selling Power Sales Excellence Awards' Stevie Award for the Global Sales Team of the Year. More... [668 views] European Ski resorts have record bookings but wait the arrival of snowWeather experts in France predicted a less than white Christmas for skiers in lower climbs amid historically mild temperatures, but they were optimistic about fresh snowfall in the New Year as resorts announced record bookings for the period. More... [634 views] Hersha Hospitality Trust Agrees to Acquire Seven Upscale Extended-Stay Hotels for $169 MillionHersha Hospitality Trust, a real estate investment trust which owns interests in 59 nationally franchised, upper-upscale, upscale and midscale limited service and extended-stay hotels announced that the Company has signed a definitive agreement to purchase seven extended-stay Hyatt Summerfield Suites hotels with a total of 1,005 suites from LodgeWorks, L.P. for approximately $169 million. More... [527 views] Sino Land to develop Marina Bay hotel-retail complex in SingaporeHK developer to spend HK$1.6b on Marina Bay hotel-retail waterfront complex after winning rights to Collyer Quay site. Sino Land will invest about HK$1.6 billion to develop a boutique hotel-retail waterfront complex at Marina Bay in Singapore. More... [819 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 22, 2006To “snitch” or not to “snitch”, the answers !Sequence on the article of November 3, 2007 .... In that article the first question posed was relatively easy : What would you do if a manager is insubordinate by, for instance, not implementing agreed product changes, performs “ gross misconduct” by using the various company’s assets for private purposes, constantly breaks the rules of moderate alcohol use and, last but not least, terrorizes the staff with the F-word and regular characterizations like “ idiots ” and “ stupid ... “ ?.......... More... [1254 views] Me, Mr A Versace and Mr Wynn in MacauIn Macau - the buying never stops - Nor does the gaming Yeoh Siew Hoon pops in for a one-night stand at the Wynn Resort. More... [943 views] Emaar Hotels & Resorts strengthens core team in London for on-schedule launch of Armani HotelsEmaar Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality subsidiary of global real estate major Emaar Properties, has strengthened the core management team at its London headquarters to steer the on-schedule completion of Armani Hotels & Resorts and identify opportunities for greater international expansion More... [965 views] Dolce International continues European expansionDolce International has announced that in cooperation with KCL AG, it will be building a new 250-room Hotel & Conference Destination just outside the Bavarian capital of Munich, Germany. The new hotel will be adjacent to the Ballhaus Forum in Unterschleißheim—a conference, convention and event location that Dolce will manage beginning in March 2007. More... [529 views] New VP-Operations for Royal Princess Hotels & ResortsDusit Hotels & Resorts has appointed James Robert Wilson as Vice President–Operations for Royal Princess Hotels & Resorts. More... [665 views] Istithmar Hotels to buy Mandarin Oriental New YorkThe government of Dubai plans to check into the Time Warner Center after signing a contract to buy the New York branch of the Mandarin Oriental hotel chain for a record per-room price. Sources say, Istithmar Hotels, an investment vehicle owned by the Dubai government, has agreed to purchase the 251-room hotel in the multi-use, twin-towered complex for approximately $1.6 million per key from the Related Companies. More... [962 views] Saraya Aqaba signs an agreement with Starwood's 'Westin' and 'The Luxury Collection' Brands to operate its HotelsSaraya Aqaba Real Estate Development psc., and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., the premium hotel operator and leisure company, officially signed an agreement to operate two hotels in the Saraya Aqaba project in Jordan, the Westin Aqaba Resort under the 'Westin' brand and Al-Manara hotel under 'The Luxury Collection' brand; in addition to operating the adjacent 'boutique' hotel. More... [661 views] Spa Industry Comparison: Australia, Philippines & MalaysiaEach spa industry has unique characteristics so it is very interesting to compare some key profile statistics such as the type and size of spas within each market.... More... [1422 views] Club Med UK sees single-digit growth in 2006Club Med’s UK operation is starting to see the bottom-line impact of its move upmarket, backed by support from the trade. More... [454 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 21, 2006Most Unusual Restaurants In The WorldHomaro Cantu, executive chef of Chicago's Moto restaurant, isn't afraid to try new things -- and neither are his patrons. From maple squash cake to a lychee rigatoni fruit plate, Cantu's concoctions are entirely inventive. Like many of his contemporaries--including Wylie Dufresne at New York's WD-50 and Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck in Bray, England--Cantu, a self-proclaimed gadgets geek who, in his spare time, reconstructs electrical equipment like combustible engines and remote-controlled cars, pays close attention to the science of cooking to create food that people have to "see to believe." By Lauren Sherman More... [1213 views] The unbearable lightness of ageingYeoh Siew Hoon finds she has empathy for people who not only never-say-die but never-say-old. More... [837 views] At the tipping point: VoIP Voice over Internet protocol is not a new technology, but experts say VoIP has arrived at the "tipping point" for widespread adoption by consumers and corporations. The technology research company Gartner predicts that by 2007, 97 percent of new phone systems installed in North America will be VoIP or a hybrid of VoIP and circuit-switched systems. More... [804 views] Worldwide Electronic Hotel Revenue Up 14.7 Percent in Q3 2006TravelCLICK's quarterly eMonitor results indicate continued robust health for the hotel industry based on electronic distribution performance for the third quarter of 2006. The data shows that worldwide electronic hotel revenue from the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and key Internet sites increased 14.7 percent over the third quarter of 2005. More... [573 views] German-American hospitality joint venture setting the scene for successful futureArabella Hotel Holding International GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Schörghuber group of companies, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. ® today announced the extension of their joint venture for ArabellaSheraton hotels. Originally formed in 1998, the joint venture agreement has been extended until 2037. More... [737 views] Spa Industry Profile Malaysia 2002-2007Intelligent Spas has identified spa numbers in Malaysia have grown over 200% since 2002, identifying 151 spas currently operating and another 25 spas under development More... [744 views] Conrad to Manage Koh Samui's Newest Luxury ResortHilton Hotels Corporation announced it has signed an agreement with Thailand-based developer, Hillcrest Development (Samui) Ltd., to manage the Conrad Koh Samui Resort and Spa. Scheduled to open in late 2008, the Conrad Koh Samui Resort and Spa will be the newest luxury villa property on the popular Thai island. More... [802 views] Carlson Hotels Worldwide Introduces In-Room Assistive Convenience Kits Across the Americas to Assist Guests With DwarfismFollowing a year-long test at its owned and managed hotels in the Americas, Carlson Hotels Worldwide has moved forward to introduce the Assistive Convenience Kit for guests at select hotels in the Americas by July 2007. The kits will be made available at all full- service Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R) and Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, and at select-service Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(sm) hotels and Park Inn hotels with more than 120 rooms. More... [649 views] Retails of hotels and restaurants in China up 16.2 percent in Jan-NovTotal retails of hotels and restaurants in China reached 936.4 billion yuan (120 billion U.S. dollars) in the first 11 months of this year, a net increase of 130.5 billion yuan or 16.2 percent over the same period of last year, according to statistics published by the Ministry of Commerce on Friday. The growth was 2.6 percentage points higher than the growth of the total retails of consumer goods of the country in the period. More... [502 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 20, 2006Speaking of Hotel Rooms: When You Turn The Lights Off They All Look The SameLet's face it: the decision to pay today's hotel rates just to sleep 8 hours in a darkened guestroom isn't a rational, logical one. Every hotelier knows that our guests’ most fundamental need is four walls and a bed. Well okay, maybe we should add to that list a private bathroom, although speaking from experience there are some very nice B&B’s out there with shared baths that are still quite nice. (The good news is you don’t have to actually share your bath with anyone – it is just an industry term.) By Doug Kennedy More... [1311 views] Cheap Clicks: But Can The Online Travel World Cope?The online travel industry could be heading towards a serious slow-down due to consumers’ desire to hunt for the cheapest priced holiday, according to the latest research by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. ‘Hospitality Directions Europe’ report into online travel industry suggests that this shift in the industry means that the strategies adopted by online travel agencies to build the industry may no longer prove successful. More... [707 views] Okura Hotel group to double number of hotels by 2010Hotel Okura Co. plans to double the number of group hotels to 50 by 2010, mainly by expanding its network of hotels outside Japan. The Japanese company recently partnered with Banyan Tree Holdings, a Singapore-based operator of a chain of luxury resort hotels in Asia, and is looking to team up with another powerful luxury hotel chain operator to increase the scope of its business in one fell swoop. More... [844 views] The Importance Of Food And Beverage Operating Systems: Back-Of-House AuditsImplementing a Back-of-House Audit is an important first step to improving any food and beverage operation. Back-of-house audits, when properly employed, can help lower inventory levels, minimize food cost, reduce turnover, and increase food safety. More... [1890 views] Rich Internet Applications Deliver Fidelity at Your FingersThe penetration of broadband has largely been attributed as the major driver of online travel growth (i.e., as consumers came online, they bought). However, as this demand and behavioral shift have occurred, consumers have fired up their lightning-fast connections only to be generally disappointed (ergo the general slowing of online travel growth). Lost somewhat in a sea of travel shopping experiences, haggard by the mind-numbing sameness of it all, consumers appear tired of shopping in travel "bazaars." By John Bray, Phocuswright.com More... [677 views] Michael R. McMahon Promoted to General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, FloridaEdward V. Staros, Vice President and Managing Director of The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples, announced that Michael R. McMahon has been promoted to general manager at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. Previously, Mr. McMahon was hotel manager at the property. He has been with The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples since April 2002 and formerly served as director of sales and marketing for the resorts. More... [863 views] Extreme Hotels Here We Come!Extreme Group; one of the world's fastest growing youth brands, Istithmar Hotels; one of the world's leading hotel investment and asset management firms, and Protea Hotels; Africa's leading hotel operator are very pleased to announce they have signed HOT documents (heads of terms) and secured initial funding for up to GBP200 million for a new (Ad) Venture set to create and roll out a new ground-breaking and revolutionary hotel brand and chain called Extreme Hotels More... [777 views] PATA Bolsters Management TeamThe Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has significantly bolstered its management team with the recruitment of four experienced travel and tourism professionals at Bangkok head office, effective from the start of 2007. More... [491 views] Hilton Hotels Corporation Selects 'Qasr Al Sharq' to Join The Waldorf=Astoria CollectionHilton Hotels Corporation announced that Qasr Al Sharq or 'Palace of the Orient,' the company's first ever palace hotel in the region, will join the prestigious Waldorf=Astoria Collection, Hilton's new luxurious hotel brand, becoming the first international managed property inthe collection. Qasr Al Sharq opened on June 1 this year, as Hilton's fourth hotel in Saudi Arabia, and stands as a symbol of unrivalled opulence and hospitality in the Kingdom. More... [605 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 19, 2006Hottest Star HideawaysSigning autographs, swilling champagne and wearing the latest designer duds: The daily lives of celebrities aren't half bad. And you should see where they go on vacation. Take the South Pacific island of Fiji, where the exclusive Turtle Island resort hosted a honeymooning Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, as well as Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey. By Sophia Banay More... [889 views] Issues in Hotel Sales Training Metics for Success2006, a banner year for the hotel industry in terms of revenue increases, is coming to a close! 2007 is forecasted to be a good year – not as good 2006. Many of you may have noticed a few dark clouds in the direction that some of the statistics are trending. More... [937 views] Cornell Study Unlocks Hidden Costs Of TurnoverExit interviews and careful selection may be two of the keys to reducing the expenses of turnover. An analysis by two Cornell University researchers of the many steps involved in turnover found that the cost of each step affects different hotels in different ways. The study, “Costs of Employee Turnover: When the Devil Is in the Details,” was conducted in an effort to determine and reduce the costs of turnover. More... [1136 views] Online Travel Bookings Will Surpass Offline Bookings for the First Time in 2007According to a new report from PhoCusWright Inc., next year for the first time transactions on the Internet will account for over half (54%) of all U.S. travel bookings. More... [887 views] Again Top Among All Hospitality Industries in Korea - NCSI - InterContinental Hotels SeoulInterContinental Hotels Seoul (Grand InterContinental Seoul & COEX InterContinental Seoul) received the highest score in the "2006 National Customers Satisfaction Index (NCSI).” This first place ranking came not only among all the hotels but also included 227 major corporations in 53 industries in Korea. More... [682 views] Super 8 China Exceeds Development Goal for Second YearSuper 8 Hotels (China) Co. Ltd. today announced that it has exceeded its 2006 development projection of 100 properties either open or signed by year end by 10 percent -- the second consecutive year the company has exceeded its development goals -- due to continued strong growth in domestic demand for branded economy lodging in China. More... [524 views] Choice Hotels Announces 42 New Hotels in NovemberChoice Hotels continues to grow with the announcement of these newly opened franchised properties: This newly constructed 67-room MainStay Suites hotel is owned and operated by David and Patricia Warriner. The hotel offers a fitness center, outdoor pool, picnic area and free coffee in lobby. All guestrooms offer free wireless hi-speed Internet access, in-room coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, iron and ironing board and hair dryer. Select rooms offer balcony and flat screen/Plasma TV. Pets are allowed at an additional fee. More... [589 views] CNL Hotels & Resorts Agrees to Sell 32 Properties for $405 MillionCNL Hotels & Resorts, Inc., the nation’s second largest hotel real estate investment trust, announced today that it entered into an agreement to sell 32 non-strategic hotels to an affiliate of Whitehall Street Global Real Estate Limited Partnership 2005 for approximately $405 million, or $88,447 per key. The sale price, which is subject to adjustment, represents a 7.8 percent capitalization rate based on projected 2006 net operating income. More... [541 views] Travel To European Cities Dominated 2006 Hotel Bookings According to Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldAccording to Small Luxury Hotels of the World, travel to Western European city centers dominated hotel bookings for 2006. High-end travelers appear to have been undeterred by ongoing talk of a weakening US dollar and disruption caused by airline restrictions, as bookings for SLH hotels in London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Venice and Barcelona led the way to projected reservations revenue for the brand in excess of USD$80 million. More... [669 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 18, 2006The Most Famous Hotels in the World - Goldener Hirsch SalzburgFrom Salzburg you know ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’, Mozart and the Festival. In 1998, The Most Famous Hotels in the World were commissioned by Erhard Noreisch, general manager of the Imperial Austria Hotels (Starwood), to research the history of the Hotel Goldner Hirsch in Salzburg. I shall never forget the face of the hotel’s former general manager, Johannes Walderdorff, when I told him that I have unearthed the first mentioning of the hotel’s building at a local archive: it mentioned the year 1407. Now, as we are approaching 2007, it’s 600 years.... By Andreas Augustin
More... [1058 views] Why the Design of Your Hotel Web Site Matters - It’s more than just Personal TasteWith so many hotels relying on the Internet to help fill their rooms, it amazes me that there are still so many hotel web sites that are not designed to produce room reservations. After-all isn’t that the primary reason why hotel sites are published to the Internet to begin with? It’s also shocking that so many web site designers don’t have a clue about search engines, how they work, nor how and why people select a hotel in which to stay. By Neil Salerno More... [1132 views] Hotel buys 14 Phantoms in one goHow's this for a stocking filler? Rolls-Royce is celebrating its biggest ever-order for the Phantom after the Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong bought 14 bespoke examples of the long-wheelbase car in one fell swoop. More... [1021 views] Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Reports Select Service Hotel Buyers Outnumber Sellers 4:1 in the U.S.Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels announced that the firm has launched its U.S. Select Service Hotel Investor Survey, the first survey focusing on this segment of the hotel industry. The survey targets 6,000 select service hotel owners and investors across the U.S. More... [925 views] Australia's Coles acquires Talbot Hotel Group for US$42 mlnColes Group Ltd has acquired Queensland-based Talbot Hotel Group for $A53 million ($US41.5 million). Coles said it had acquired the six hotel leaseholds, six liquor barns and 11 detached bottle shops. More... [519 views] Hilton backs 2007 view, outlines growth targetsHilton Hotels Corp. on Wednesday outlined its three-year growth targets, including plans to add about 120,000 rooms to its portfolio by 2009, and backed its 2007 forecast. Hilton, whose brands include Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Doubletree, provided the forecast ahead of an investor meeting. More... [741 views] MGM MIRAGE in Discussions With Diaoyutai State Guesthouse for Joint Projects in ChinaMGM MIRAGE announced today that it is in advanced discussions with the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, People's Republic of China aimed at creating a strategic relationship to pursue non-gaming business opportunities. The parties intend to create a joint venture to develop luxury non-gaming hotels and resorts globally, initially targeting locations in the People's Republic of China. More... [536 views] Qatar welcomes new futuristic Mövenpick Tower & Suites DohaAs part of its strategy of dynamic growth in the Gulf region Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the opening of a second establishment in Qatar in mid-December. More... [620 views] Boutique Hospitality Management Company Uses iHotelier CRS, Market Intelligence To Build Brand Value Across PropertiesTravelCLICK Inc., a leading provider of hotel business process management (BPM) solutions, announced today that Broughton Hospitality Group, a full-service hospitality management company headquartered in Huntington Beach, CA, has enhanced its brand presence and moved its hotels into top market share positions by using TravelCLICK’s integrated distribution and intelligence solutions. More... [624 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 15, 2006So what's a brand? How did Trump get into this conversation?He's done it again if you believe the AP Wire reports. On Saturday, December 9, 2007, the Associated Press reported that, “Donald Trump’s new luxury hotel-condominiums on Mexico’s booming Baja California coast registered about $122 million in sales Friday, potentially heralding a resurgent development boom along the Pacific shoreline, just south of the U.S. border.” By Jim Butler More... [968 views] How to Book Discounted Rooms at Top HotelsTried and true hotel brokers (hotel consolidators) For many years, the American hotel industry watched the emergence of discount companies in air transportation and cruises, and sternly resisted the trend. Then, a little over a decade and a half ago, the industry succumbed. Faced with a growing glut of rooms resulting from the over-building of hotels in the 1980's, they slowly began assigning a portion of their space to independent companies for resale to the public--quietly, without advertising, covertly--at discounts ranging up to 50 percent. More... [1449 views] New consumer profile for hospitality and health care - we are what we eat, drink and breatheWe have the benefit of those high powered Consulting Groups, who can slice and dice any demographic for you and provide a suitable Consumer Profile for your Marketing dollars, sometimes resulting in “think tank” gazpacho. And, we dutifully respond with thread count, curved shower rods and flat screens. Hospital rooms are a little more pragmatic. We sure are responsive. By J. Ragsdale Hendrie More... [710 views] Need Goat’s Milk for Your Bath? Or a Broadway Star to Sing Happy Birthday? Call the ConciergeTop hotels trade tales of their most unique guest requests When hospitality professionals get together, there are always stories about eccentric guests and their outrageous requests. Most of the stories are true; in fact, the more stars the property has, the more interesting the stories. At the best Four- and Five-Star hotels, a team of concierges, and frequently the GM, handle the most unique requests, usually smoothly and professionally -- even when it requires rebuilding a suite’s bathroom over the weekend or providing a live goat for a birthday party. More... [1115 views] Hotel Fees Grow 7% In 2006Hotel fee and surcharge revenues, already at record levels in 2005, surged another 7 percent in 2006, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Many of these charges, which generated $1.6 billion in revenue for the industry this year, apply to corporate groups, and some meeting buyers said they are fed up with the so-called nickel-and-dime approach. More... [698 views] Rising Incentives - 2005 Gaming Industry CEO SurveyThis year’s top performing CEO was James Perry of Trump Entertainment Resorts with an HVS Value Index of 185.3. More... [597 views] design hotels(tm) Announces 3 New Member Hotel OpeningsThree of the newest members of the international hotel consortium design hotels(tm) are opening their doors: The Nam Hai in Vietnam, Goldman 25hours in Frankfurt and The Library in Koh Samui. More... [602 views] Hotel Berlin, Berlin? Hotel Berlin, Berlin!The Hotel Berlin in Lützowplatz in the centre of the German capital now trades under the name "Hotel Berlin, Berlin". Why the repetition? According to Cornelia Kausch, the Managing Director of the hotel that opened in 1958 and is now, after successive renovations and extensions, one of the largest hotels in Germany, the reason is primarily to avoid confusion: "Over the years, more and more hotels have been adding the word 'Berlin' to their names, which was neither very authentic – there was, after all, only one real 'Hotel Berlin' – nor very helpful, and resulted in a great deal of confusion – particularly among international visitors." More... [629 views] IFA Hotels & Resorts to launch US$ 1 billion Luxury Resort on The Palm Jumeirah’s CrescentIFA Hotels & Resorts, international leaders in the development of premier mixed-use hotel and tourism resort projects, is launching one of the largest projects on The Palm Jumeirah’s Crescent - Kingdom of Sheba. The resort covers 141,500 sq. metres in a prime location on The Crescent of The Palm Jumeirah, adjacent to the renowned Atlantis development. More... [670 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 14, 2006Where's the Tipping Point?Who should you tip? How much is appropriate? How should a tip be offered? Situations that may call for gratuities always seem riddled with questions. When in doubt, we try to err on the side of generosity. More... [1285 views] Hotel industry is getting trashed, as Government, labor and the press lambaste our reputationHello, out there. Anyone home, on deck, at the switch, in charge? Perhaps you are not a reader of the Boston Globe, but they in the past month have taken some sharp shots at our Industry, rousing the public, and basically taking our business into the Public Forum. The message from their editorial pages resonates with outrage and probably echoes, although not so stridently, what is happening throughout other major US cities. The Hotel Industry is under fire, and scrutiny shall not cease with a newly elected Democratic Congress. By J. Ragsdale Hendrie More... [756 views] China's latest import: Big-name hotel brandsTwenty years ago, China basically had two styles of tourist lodging: high-end hotels aimed at pleasing business travelers and dignitaries, and hostels and cheap guesthouses where amenities were wildly unpredictable. Since the Chinese government generally didn't license hostels to accept foreigners, visiting tourists had little choice but to go upscale. "The reverse was true for Chinese travelers," few of whom could come close to affording a five-star hotel, says David Kong, president and CEO of Best Western International. More... [828 views] Keys and Hotel SecurityThis publication comes from the HVS library archive of timeless articles. We think you will enjoy reading about this important topic. Published first in December 1998. More... [993 views] Worldspan and Sabre sold! How will this impact the industry?What a dramatic period of change! This past week has seen the online travel industry rocked by two major industry buy outs, during an unprecedented phase of transformation. Seemingly, in the short time it takes for the page of an online travel newsletter to load, another major GDS acquisition has taken place. More... [1275 views] A Room Of Your OwnBuyers are spending millions on a hot new real estate play: condo-hotels. Good as second homes. Terrible as investments. More... [834 views] ANA to sell hotels, buy planesAll Nippon Airways Co. plans to sell 13 domestic hotels to drum up money for new aircraft and other investments ahead of expansion at Haneda and Narita airports, sources said. The company aims to conduct tenders later this month at the earliest, inviting bids from real-estate companies and investment funds, the sources added. More... [685 views] Singapore celebrates its nine millionth visitor arrivalSingapore tourism industry is flourishing at a rate, which is proving to be a pleasant surprise for the local tourism authorities. More... [567 views] Foreign tourists stay longer in Australia and spend moreInternational visitors to Australia are staying longer and spending more, which was positive news for the tourism industry, the Australian Tourism Export Council said today. ATEC Managing Director Matthew Hingerty, was commenting on today's release of Tourism Research Australia's latest International Visitor Survey figures, which revealed a 12 percent increase in visitor nights and expenditure for the year ended September 2006. More... [557 views] Accor Reopens 5 New Orleans and Gulfport HotelsAccor North America, one of the largest hotel chain owners and operators in North America, celebrates the re-opening of three Motel 6 properties and one Studio 6 property in the Gulf Coast Region. More... [543 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 13, 2006Restaurant Consultants issue Ten Top Dining Trends for 2007Restaurant consultants Joseph Baum & Michael Whiteman Co. have forecast ten major dining trends that impact how Americans will eat in the year ahead. They predict that: Tropical superfruits, chef-driven steakhouses, Peruvian cuisine, ethical eating, exotic salts, wildly flavored chocolates, and molecular gastronomy are on the menu for the year ahead. More... [2634 views] Consumer Generated Media, a Threat or an Opportunity?Consumer generated media (CGM) — blogs, discussion boards, review sites, social network sites, etc., has remained a prevalent subject in hotel marketing discussions in the past year. How can hotel and travel marketers use this new medium to their advantage? By Max Starkov and Jason Price More... [1261 views] Look Who's Finally Realized that Budget Travelers Like a Bit of StyleBig hoteliers are courting people like us with a wave of artful projects, some tastefully modern and some bizarrely futuristic. Blame it on Wal-Mart. Thanks to the discount-store revolution, consumers now expect a lot more for their money. Or consider it a repercussion of 9/11 on the travel industry, which, through markdowns on empty four-star rooms, gave budget travelers a taste for luxury. More... [888 views] Nonstop Growth for Online TravelApparently, the sky is the limit. According to a new report from JupiterResearch, "US Travel Forecast: 2006-2011," online travel revenues will reach $128 billion in the US in 2011 — 38% of all travel revenue for that year. More... [656 views] Frech Hotel Industry - November best annual performance since 2000MKG Consulting presents results from the program that tracks daily hotel results - Hotelcompset(R) - for November 2006 confirming that business is picking up speed in the hotel industry with a RevPAR up by 7.9%* across all categories More... [712 views] Hilton Hotels Corporation, RREEF and H&Q Asia Pacific sign intention to introduce focused service hotels to ChinaHilton Hotels Corporation, RREEF (the real estate and infrastructure investment management arm of Deutsche Bank) and private equity firm H&Q Asia Pacific (H&QAP) today announced their intention to form an alliance to initially introduce more than 20 focused service hotels across China. More... [733 views] The 10 best hotels in India
W hen it comes to Indian hotels, it's all about the palace. That's the judgment, anyway, of the expert travelers who chose the best hotels in India for Forbes Traveler . More... [1583 views] Wyndham Hotel Group Agreement Calls for 10 New Ramada Hotels in IndiaWyndham Hotel Group, the lodging unit of Wyndham Worldwide announced it has signed an agreement with Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. of Bangalore, India, to develop 10 Ramada® hotels totaling at least 1,000 rooms in the Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtr, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. More... [606 views] Ascott builds strong foothold in India by securing two more properties in Chennai and BangaloreThe Ascott Group (Ascott) is aggressively building a strong foothold in India, having secured its second and third properties in Chennai and Bangalore. The acquisitions are part of the master development agreement (MDA) signed with The Rattha Group (Rattha) in August to acquire and develop seven serviced residences in India by 2010. More... [656 views] Sofitel Launches 30-Minute Lunch Service for Time-Strapped Business TravelersSofitel Hotels, the prestige brand of Accor Hotels, has announced the launch of its “30-Minute Lunch” at Sofitel’s 11 North American hotels. The refined four-course meal is guaranteed to be served within 10 to 15 minutes of ordering, allowing business travelers and other busy guests enough time to enjoy a sophisticated meal that is beautifully presented within 30 minutes More... [695 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 12, 2006Am I in Heaven, or Am I in My Hotel?High-end business and leisure travelers are demanding superluxury, and hotels around the world are responding. Superior hotel amenities once brought to mind elegant spa facilities or a private beach. But over the past five years, the world's most luxurious lodgings are increasingly upping the ante. Helipads, undersea restaurants, and expanses of gold leaf that stretch farther than in any castle are some of the details that exclusive hotels are offering to woo jet-setting business travelers and wealthy tourists. More... [1444 views] Luxurious Holiday InnsHoping for a white Christmas this year? What about a green one? If a green Christmas doesn't do it for you, maybe a black Christmas will--black-diamond, that is. At the Four Seasons Resort, Whistler, in Canada, guests visiting over the holidays can take advantage of a wide range of seasonal festivities, including making s'mores over an open fire, schmoozing with fellow guests at the General Manager's holiday reception, and attending a kids' Charlie & The Chocolate Factory dinner buffet on New Year's Eve. Then, there's the skiing. By Sophia Banay More... [816 views] WOW.TRAVEL'S Seven Sensational Club or Spa Floor Conciergeswow. travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com) edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensational Club or Spa Floor Concierges. More... [895 views] Quintess and The Leading Hotels of the World Partner to Create Quintess, The Leading Residences of the WorldQuintess, a leader in the luxury destination club category, announced today that it is forming a long-term partnership with The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. to become their exclusive worldwide destination club partner. As part of this joint venture, The Leading Residences of the World destination club will combine with Quintess, becoming: Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World. More... [678 views] The battle between low cost and traditional carriers continuesIf there is one component of travel in Asia which has grabbed attention relentlessly throughout 2006, it has to be the low-cost carrier segment. If on one hand, the penetrative levels of LCC’s have forced the traditional airlines to restructure their operations and address cost issues, on the other LCC’s have also contributed immensely towards the revival of the region’s tourism figures. More... [573 views] China's luxury hotel market growing due to increasing affluence in the countryChina's luxury hotel market is growing - thanks to increasing affluence in the country and an influx of high-end corporate travellers. And one company that is tapping into this market is Raffles Hotels and Resorts. Raffles recently launched its flagship property in China and is already planning for more such hotels. More... [942 views] 44% Of Business Travelers Going Online Actually BookHSMAI Foundation & Iperceptions Report Focuses on Mid-Scale Hotel Sector: Analyzes Bookers & Lookers, Online Usage & Reward Programs An impressive 44% of business travelers visiting hotel brand websites are 'bookers' and actually make or change a reservation, according to a new joint study from the HSMAI Foundation and iPerceptions that measured business travelers in the mid-scale hotel segment. More... [695 views] Westin Hotels & Resorts Teams with Microsoft to Launch New Online Sensory Experience - Westin Sights and Sounds on MSNWestin Hotels & Resorts has teamed up with the MSN Branded Entertainment and Experiences Team to launch a new and unique experiential online destination. Designed to provide a virtual sensory experience, www.renewal.msn.com allows visitors to experience the essence of Westin online, enabling them to "Escape" into a world of personal renewal and relaxation More... [687 views] PATA Forecasts Sustained Growth to 2009Asia Pacific is expected to set another record this year, with aggregate international visitor arrivals (IVAs) expected to approach 340 million by the end of 2006 -- assuming no major crises rock traveller confidence until then. More... [560 views] World's First Combined ALOFT and ELEMENT Hotel DevelopmentLTD Management Company, L.L.C. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced plans to develop the first ELEMENT as well as the first combined ALOFT and ELEMENT hotel project in Hanover, Maryland, slated to open in the Spring of 2008. More... [770 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 11, 2006The Most Famous Hotels in the World - The Imperial New DelhiFamous for its strict Art Deco architecture, The Imperial was New Delhi’s first luxurious grand hotel. Its symmetric design originally encouraged the idea to have the main entrance from this terrace, but in fact the entrance was always from the side to retain the serene setting of the tranquil lawns in front of the hotel. By Andreas Augustin More... [2615 views] Florida tribe to buy Hard Rock chain for $965 millionThe Seminole tribe of Florida on Thursday agreed to buy the Hard Rock Cafe restaurant-and-casino chain from a British gambling-and-leisure company for $965 million, Hard Rock's owner said Thursday. Rank Group (RNK) said it's selling the 35-year-old business, which it has had on the block since July, to concentrate on U.K. gambling. More... [542 views] Genting group wins Singapore Sentosa integrated resort projectThe government has chosen Genting International and its partner Star Cruises to develop an integrated resort with a casino on Sentosa Island, deputy prime minister S Jayakumar said. The Genting group beat two other bidders, including the consortium of CapitaLand and Kerzner International and US-based Eighth Wonder. More... [1170 views] Hotel mixed-use development projects in China, India, Mexico, the Caribbean, Guam - what the experts say nowThe hospitality experts that joined me for JMBM's 'Outlook 2007, Hospitality Roundtable' had plenty to say about the hot international markets, and I am delighted to share their insights with the readers of www.HotelLawBlog.com. My expert crystal ball gazers participating in this dialogue are.... By Jim Butler More... [948 views] Key trends for the UK hotel industry in 20072006 has been a great year for the UK hotel industry with double-digit revPAR growth across the capital and healthy increases in the regions. Looking ahead to 2007, I expect this strong performance to continue. For London, I am confident that 2007 for most hoteliers will mark another year of good revPAR growth - underpinned by a reasonable outlook for the Euro zone. As in 2006, hoteliers at the top end of the market will be wearing the biggest smiles. More... [744 views] The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. Announces Award Winners during its Annual ConventionThe Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. recently announced the winners of a series of prestigious awards during its 2006 International Convention, held in Barcelona, Spain. British hotelier, Gordon Campbell Gray, Managing Director of Campbell Gray Hotels, scored a hat-trick – his London hotel, One Aldwych won a Commitment to Excellent Award and a Commitment to Quality Award; and his Caribbean hotel, Carlisle Bay, also won a Commitment to Quality Award. Langham Hotel, London, took the Silver Award in the Leaders Club Awards. More... [891 views] Online travel agencies set sights on Asian marketsOnline travel agencies like Expedia Inc.and Travelocity are expanding their global reach and have set their sights on Asian markets as economic growth and an increase in Internet use bolster online travel bookings. More... [675 views] Loews Hotels to cut all trans fatsLoews Hotels announced Friday it will ban all artificial trans fats from food its 18 hotels and resorts in the United States and Canada by June 1, 2007. More... [608 views] Richard Bosworth and Michael Metcalf Join Crescent Hotels & Resorts as Vice Presidents of Business DevelopmentOfficials of Crescent Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hotel and resort management and ownership company, today announced it has significantly expanded its acquisition capabilities with the addition of Richard Bosworth and Michael Metcalf as vice presidents of business development. More... [665 views] Joseph Smith Promoted to the Position of President of Boykin Management CompanyBoykin Management Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph Smith to the position of President at its headquarters, located in Cleveland, Ohio. Most recently, Joe served as Chief Operating Officer of Boykin Management Company with operational responsibility for the company’s managed hotels and resorts. More... [484 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 8, 2006Starwood Capital in China DealBarry Sternlicht's Starwood Capital entered a strategic relationship with Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels, one of China's largest hotel operators. Starwood Capital will make a $30 million strategic investment in Jin Jiang, making Starwood the largest outside shareholder in the company. Starwood Capital and Jin Jiang will work together to develop and strengthen each other's hotel business, mainly in China, and will cooperate on hotel business projects. More... [856 views] From the mouth of TroutHe's the guru of brand positioning and when Jack Trout speaks - many people listen - YSH did but had trouble in the end. When Jack Trout speaks, the world listens. So I was told at the Global Brand Forum when the man who “created the concept of brand positioning” was introduced. So I listened. More... [966 views] Hotels Tone Up Their TreadmillsAfter the turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, many travelers will be packing some extra pounds along with their luggage. But this holiday season there are fewer excuses than ever for not fighting back while on the road -- it's getting easier to work out at hotels. Forgot your sweatpants? W Hotels is selling a new line of gear it developed with Puma, the athletic clothing company. Don't have time for a full workout session? Le Parker Meridien in New York has devised a 27-minute workout. Don't want to be seen sweating? Westin offers exercise equipment in some guest rooms. More... [719 views] Marriott Forecasts Nearly $4 Billion in Gross Revenue for Marriott.com in 2006 -Up More Than 38 Percent From Previous YearMarriott.com Also Announces Industry-Leading Hotel Reservations Features to Find the Right Hotel and Destination Faster and Easier. Marriott International, Inc. is announcing sweeping consumer hotel reservations enhancements to Marriott.com. The company also expects Marriott.com to shatter its revenue record by generating nearly $4 billion in gross hotel-level sales across Marriott's 2,800 property system this year. More... [535 views] James B. Sherwood to Retire From Orient-Express Hotels Founder and ChairmanOrient-Express Hotels Ltd.nnounced today that James B. Sherwood, the Chairman and founder of the company, has expressed a wish for personal reasons to retire from his executive duties with the company. More... [787 views] Business Traveler Magazine's 2006 Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel Awards AnnouncedRoad Warriors Share Their Favorite Airlines, Hotels and Business Travel Companies Business Traveler magazine, the only U.S. publication devoted to the needs of the travel industry's most active customers, has just announced the winners of their 2006 Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel Survey. The highly coveted awards will be presented at a gala ceremony and dinner in New York on January 11, 2007. More... [751 views] Kropp and Foster leaving MeritusSingapore based Meritus Hotels & Resorts is losing two of the senior hires it made late last year, senior vice president operations and general manager of Meritus Mandarin, Mr Gerhard Kropp, and senior vice president marketing and sales, Mr Frank Foster. More... [994 views] Bernadette Dennis retires from Marriott International following 20 years of serviceFollowing more than 20 years of service, Bernadette Dennis has retired from Marriott International. Most recently, she was vice president of global sales for Asia Pacific & Australia, based in Hong Kong, where she guided the company’s global sales and reservations activities and managed seven Global Sales Offices and outside general sales representatives in six countries. More... [698 views] IHI increases capital to over half a billion EuroInternational Hotel Investments (IHI) plc of Malta is increasing its issued capital to over Euro 500,000,000, welcoming Istithmar Hotels of Dubai as a new strategic investor and partner. More... [521 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 7, 2006Global Staff Movements - Who is In and Who is OutLatest update on international executive staff movements... check it out.... More... [3265 views] Toughest Travel DestinationsThese countries aren't just hard to get around--they're difficult to even get into. Fancy spending your next vacation in a Communist country, strict Islamist state or desolate archipelago? These days you can--but it'll cost you. By Sophia Banay More... [1159 views] Remembering America's deadliest hotel fire on its sixtieth anniversaryIn the early morning hours of December 7, 1946 a fire at Downtown Atlanta's Winecoff Hotel left 119 people dead and 90 people injured. This fire, which occurred 60 years ago, is still the deadliest hotel fire in the history of the United States. More... [746 views] Europe Chain Hotels Market Review | October 2006Moscow revpar growth leads Europe in October Moscow hotels put in the best sales growth in Europe during October but German hotels – at least in Berlin and Hamburg – are showing the best growth for the first 10 months of this year, according to a survey of leading European cities by TRI Hospitality Consulting’s European HotStats service. More... [678 views] MFS to buy Saville Hotel Group for $114MillionMFS Ltd will acquire the Saville hotel management business from Stockland for $114 million. The acquisition includes 11 apartment-style hotels as well as management contracts with various third-party owners in each of the mainland capital cities in Australia. More... [570 views] Historic Montreux hotel to "set sail" againIf a luxury hotel can be compared to an ocean liner, Montreux's Hotel National would be the Titanic. The main difference: this wreck is being "raised". The Hotel National opened in 1875 as the first grand hotel in Montreux, the resort on the Swiss Riviera that would eventually become known for its stately accommodation. More... [932 views] Hilton Opens Second Hotel in KuwaitHilton Hotels has signed one of its newest property, the Hilton Olympia Kuwait, part of a landmark development to house the new Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) headquarters. More... [743 views] Benchmark Hospitality Announces the 2006 Recipient of The Chairman's Award of ExcellenceBenchmark Hospitality International has announced the newest recipient of its annual Chairman’s Award of Excellence. The award was inaugurated last year to recognize extraordinary employee contributions to their communities and the organization. More... [648 views] Travelodge in UK ExpansionTravelodge will be opening 17 new hotels (1270 rooms) in major cities and towns across the UK in time for Christmas. More... [590 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 6, 2006Industry Outlook - Looking back on 2006Jim Butler recently chaired the annual Hospitality Roundtable with some of the industry's leading experts. As usual, they have plenty to say about where the industry has been, where it is headed, and the opportunities and challenges their companies are facing. More... [1090 views] Hotel Valuation Thumb RuleThis publication comes from the HVS library archive of timeless articles. We think you will enjoy reading about this important topic. Published first October 2003. By Steve Rushmore More... [1115 views] New consumer profile for hospitality and health care - we are what we eat, drink and breatheWe have the benefit of those high powered Consulting Groups, who can slice and dice any demographic for you and provide a suitable Consumer Profile for your Marketing dollars, sometimes resulting in “think tank” gazpacho. And, we dutifully respond with thread count, curved shower rods and flat screens. Hospital rooms are a little more pragmatic. We sure are responsive. By J. Ragsdale Hendrie More... [844 views] Double Victory for Rocco Forte’s Hotel Savoy in Florence in The Leading Hotels of the World Annual AwardsRocco Forte’s Hotel Savoy in Florence took home two prizes in The Leading Hotels of the World prestigious Annual Awards, which were announced recently in Barcelona. In the Commitment to Quality category, Hotel Savoy won top honours in Europe, as well as winning the Highest Score Overall. More... [725 views] Analysts Bullish on Online Ad SpendingAn emerging consensus paints a positive picture. The trend began early last week, when the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) released new data showing that US Internet advertising revenues reached a record $4.2 billion in the third quarter of 2006. More... [514 views] Singapore ready to Host ASEAN’s Largest Tourism Showcase in 2007Singapore will host more than 1,600 participants including tourism government officials, travel industry professionals and international media at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) happening next year from 26 January to 3 February 2007. More... [615 views] World’s most global hotel group brings luxury InterContinental brand to PuneInterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, has been appointed to manage Pune’s first international brand hotel under its luxury InterContinental brand. The new-build InterContinental Pune, comprising 200 rooms and suites and offering more than 1,200 square meters of dedicated meeting space, is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2009. More... [802 views] Japan's First Foreign Affiliated Hotel built in 1963, the Tokyo Hilton Hotel, Now the Capitol Tokyu, to be Torn DownThe Capitol Tokyu Hotel, a Tokyo hotel that became widely known as the place the Beatles stayed when the British group visited Japan in 1966, will end its 43-year history Thursday as it will be torn down for a redevelopment project. More... [738 views] New Development Relationships appointment will see Hilton maximise development opportunityHilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) has appointed Jan Hazelton as the new Vice President Development, Relationships & Funding for Europe - a new role, which will see Hilton drive its development strategy to a new level in key markets. More... [665 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 5, 2006What women really wantAccording to a number of studies, it’s still a very good question – particularly when considering that women consumers demonstrate a higher degree of loyalty and are willing to pay more for service and quality. Who wouldn’t be interested in a sizeable market segment with those characteristics? Let's take a look at how important this question is and what answers the latest research provides. By Jim Butler More... [2291 views] David Michels to Receive the IHIF Lifetime Achievement AwardHosts of the 10th International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) have announced that Sir David Michels will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the event, scheduled for 5-7 March 2007 at the InterContinental Hotel in Berlin, Germany. IHIF is hosted by Questex Media and Burba Hotel Network (BHN). More... [683 views] Choice Hotels International and CHE Hotel Group Sign Agreement Transferring Franchising Operation in Europe to ChoiceChoice Hotels International, Inc. and CHE Hotel Group, PLC today announced the execution of a definitive sale and purchase agreement to transfer the franchising operations now conducted by CHE Hotel Group in France, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and portions of Switzerland to Choice. More... [591 views] Madam Rings But Who Will Answer?With star-rated hotels mushrooming across China, the hunt is on for a good supply of managers to ensure guests may enjoy a comfortable stay. A ccording to statistics from China Business News , China has nearly 10,000 star-rated hotels but is lacking in senior management staff. More... [947 views] Weekend Getaways Grow In PopularityThe idea of a quick weekend getaway increasingly appeals to Americans, with 225 million such trips taken last year, an increase of more than 10 percent in just five years, according to the Travel Industry Association's (TIA) U.S. Domestic Leisure Travel Report. More... [790 views] Iconic Raffles Beijing Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening with Elegance, and a Respect for its Illustrious LegacyThe legendary Raffles Beijing Hotel celebrated its Grand Opening on December 1, 2006 with the elegance and grace befitting this much-loved Beijing icon. More... [765 views] The Rezidor Hotel Group Receives Award For Responsible Business ProgramThe Rezidor Hotel Group, the Brussels-based, multi-brand hospitality management company, has been awarded the “Best Hotel Chain For Responsible Business” by the Hotel Owners and Franchises Transatlantic and European League (HOFTA). This recognition was part of the Owner-Friendly Innovation of the Year Award ceremony held in Helsinki, Finland. More... [483 views] Major Chains Report Continued Double-Digit Internet Growth With 25 Percent Increase in Q3Consumers continue an upward trend of shopping for hotels online and booking electronically, according to TravelCLICK’s consolidated third quarter eTRAK results, released today. The data shows the Internet contributed 40.0 percent, or 8,581,936 reservations, of the total Central Reservation Office (CRO) reservations at major hotel brands, a 24.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2005. More... [595 views] Thailand Arrivals Soar.In the latest figures released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, arrivals at the International Airport from January to October 2006 soared +15.97% over last year, to 7.92 million arrivals. More... [579 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 4, 2006An early look at the Hotel of TomorrowTravel enough and even the latest and greatest amenity will eventually go from hip to humdrum. In-room iPod dock? Yawn. Wall-to-wall WiFi? I should hope so. Flat-screen TV? Yeah, been there, watched that. No, real innovation comes from imagining amenities that haven’t been invented yet. At least that’s the idea behind the Hotel of Tomorrow (HOT) project, an industry-spanning initiative put together by Hospitality Design (HD) magazine and Gettys, a Chicago-based design firm. Unveiling their ideas earlier this fall, the group effort offered intriguing ideas on everything from checking in to conking out. More... [1875 views] Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Appoints New Chief Operating OfficerMillennium & Copthorne (M&C) Hotels plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Sengol as its Chief Operating Officer. The announcement comes following the recent release of third quarter and nine months results that posted strong growth for hotel revenue particularly in London, New York and Singapore. More... [1064 views] You Can Get To Know Your Guest: An Interview With Hilton Hotels' Jim VonDerheideWouldn't it be great if every time you stayed at the same hotel chain, no matter where in the world you were, the front desk remembered you—even if you had never enrolled in the chain's frequent-traveler program? That's the premise behind Hilton Hotel's CRM Strategies, headed by Hilton Vice President Jim VonDerheide. In this edition of Inside Scoop With Bob Thompson, Thompson talks with VonDerheide about the challenges of managing customer relationships in a hospitality corporation with multiple brands and franchises. More... [1068 views] 'Hotels winning battle on flexible pricing'Hotels seem to be winning their battle to persuade corporates to accept "flexible" pricing according to Margaret Bowler, general manager of hotel relations at HRG UK. In the travel management company's latest worldwide survey of the hotel industry, Ms Bowler said: “Tactical rates have all but disappeared across the industry.” More... [1196 views] David M.J. Wicker Appointed as New General Manager for Meritus’ Shanghai PropertyMeritus Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. David M. J. Wicker as the General Manager of Shanghai JC Mandarin with effect from 20 November 2006. More... [824 views] HSMAI Awards First Certified Revenue Management Executives (CRME's)Congratulations to the first recipients of HSMAI's new Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) designation. HSMAI has developed this certification program to provide professionals in the hospitality industry with the opportunity to prominently showcase and market their talents and expertise. More... [797 views] Choice Hotels names Greg Brown Vice President, Choice PrivilegesChoice Hotels International, Inc. today announced the hiring of Greg Brown to oversee the further growth of the company’s Choice Privileges rewards program. In the newly-created position of Vice President, Choice Privileges, he will be responsible for enhancing the rewards program for its most loyal customers. More... [700 views] Abu Dhabi says "YAS" to the worldALDAR announces an international island destination that will appeal to all age groups and all nationalities L eading property developer ALDAR Properties PJSC today announced plans for Yas Island, one of the largest natural islands in Abu Dhabi. Yas Island will be a prestigious world-class leisure destination, with mixed-use tourist attractions including beaches, entertainment, shopping, hotels, residences, golfing, equestrian facilities and motor racing. Yas Island will host the world's first 'Ferrari World'. More... [628 views] 'The Sky is the Limit' for the First Night at Le Royal Meridien ShanghaiLe Meridien Illuminates its New Brand Vision in the World's Most Electric and Vibrant City with Large Scale Light Installation. Le Meridien brand's First Night celebration is the brand's signature artistic experience designed for new hotel openings worldwide and is illustrative of the new direction of Le Meridien since it was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, More... [805 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 1, 2006Global Hyatt names new President / CEOAfter a nationwide search company chairman Thomas Pritzker announced that Mark S. Hoplamazian, 43, would assume the posts after nearly five months as interim president of the hotel company. Previously Hoplamazian was president of Chicago-based Pritzker Organization LLC, the principal financial and investment adviser to various Pritzker family-owned companies, including Global Hyatt. More... [1138 views] Life's changed, but we're still on a rollAsset light doesn't mean no capital says InterContinental's Tony South. It just means you've got to be more creative and cleverer in how you grow, he tells Yeoh Siew Hoon. More... [736 views] What Is Your Hotel's UVP?UVP is not just another acronym! It should be the mantra for your hotel. Your UVP is your 'Unique Value Proposition', the core differentiation of your hotel and your services from those of your competition. When describing your hotel on your website or in online promotions, you need to have a complete and accurate UVP will description of your market segments (family, business, seniors, vacation, spa, health), reference the perception of your competitor and highlight the differences. More... [1313 views] What in the world is going on with condo hotels now?Is the bloom off the rose? Can condo hotel deals still be done? Where is the opportunity now? How do you capture it? What are the pitfalls? How do you make a condo hotel deal work today? By Jim Butler More... [824 views] Moscow hotels world's most exepnsiveNew figures from HRG show Moscow hotels achieved the highest average corporate room rate worldwide in the nine months to end-Sept06. Rates in the Russian capital averaged £219.19, an increase of 29% from the corresponding period of last year. HRG said the rise reflected Moscow’s growing importance as a business destination and its lack of ‘corporate quality’ hotels, which resulted in high demand for existing properties. Second most expensive was New York City at £178.94, up 17% year-on-year, followed by Paris at £157.94 (+8%), Milan at £153.66 (+9%) and Hong Kong at £152.66 (+22%). More... [899 views] J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Hotwire.com Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Independent Travel Web SitesIndependent sites struggle to gain market share, even as online bookings reach unprecedented levels. Hotwire.com ranks highest among independent travel Web sites in satisfying customers who book their reservations online, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Independent Travel Web Site Satisfaction StudySM released today. Following Hotwire.com in the ranking are Expedia.com and Travelocity.com (in a tie) and Priceline.com. More... [956 views] PricewaterhouseCoopers Forecasts Record Hotel Demand For 2006 Year End Holiday TravelPricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts that room night demand for the upcoming holiday period will increase by 2.6 percent over the prior year to a new record level of 2.39 million average occupied rooms per night between November 23, 2006 and January 1, 2007. More... [563 views] SAS logs gain on hotel saleThe holding company for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) stands to book a solid gain after spinning off its hotel operations at the top end of its price range. SAS had owned 75 percent of the shares in Rezidor Hotel Group. More... [555 views] Sacher Hotels to Build Brand with Integrated Distribution and Marketing from TravelCLICKTravelCLICK Inc., a leading provider of hotel business process management (BPM) solutions, announced today that Hotel Sacher Salzburg and Hotel Sacher Vienna have selected TravelCLICK’s integrated distribution and marketing solutions to build hotel brand value, increase online bookings and enhance profitability. More... [602 views] 
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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: December 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 31, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 29, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 28, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 27, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 26, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 25, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 22, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 21, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 20, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 19, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 18, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 15, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 14, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 13, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 12, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 11, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 8, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 7, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 6, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 5, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 4, 2006Global Hospitality Newsletter: December 1, 2006
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