  ResourcesDirectories
News Archive Search |
ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: January 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 31, 2007Two deals that may change the lodging world foreverHistory is being made. The biggest leveraged buy out ever keeps getting bigger. Sam Zell has orchestrated an auction for his Equity Office Properties. And the latest bid from the Blackstone Group is $54 per share, bringing the deal value to $38.3 billion and topping the prior bid from Vornado. More... [1957 views] Hotel industry bullish on long-term outlookThe U.S. hotel industry, four years into a recovery from the travel slump that followed the attacks of September 11, 2001, is likely to continue reaping higher profits for at least a few more years, industry leaders say. "I see nothing on the horizon that would slow it down," Bill Marriott, chairman and chief executive of Marriott International Inc., said at a lodging industry conference held here this week. More... [894 views] The Changing Profile of Tourists - World Travel Trends Report 2006/07More and more people are ‘cash-rich’ and ‘time-poor’ today. They have less time to travel for leisure purposes, but they want to ensure that their trips create a memorable experience – one they can savour for a long time. This was one of the conclusions of the Pisa Forum, organised by IPK International and sponsored for the second year by ITB Berlin. More... [1793 views] Macdonald sells 24 hotels to Moorfield for more than GBP 400mMacdonald Hotels & Resorts has completed the sale of 24 of its UK hotels to Moorfield Real Estate Fund for more than GBP 400 million. Under the agreement, Bathgate-based Macdonald Hotels, which claims to be the largest private hotel group in the UK, will continue to run the hotels under a short-term management contract. But Macdonald will have to bid for the long-term contract alongside two international hotel companies. More... [716 views] New Managing Director appointed at Golden Tulip UKGolden Tulip UK, the hotel development and management company, has promoted Andrew Silver to the new post of managing director. Andrew has been a member of the company’s management board since it launched in April 2002. He has held various posts including sales & marketing director and, latterly, commercial director. More... [741 views] Stylish hotel looms in ShanghaiA luxury hotel scheduled to open for business in 2008 in Shanghai is likely to push the city's record hotel prices to a new high. More... [1378 views] Spa hotel to open in St PetersburgThe Holiday Club Spa Hotel on the island of Vasili in St Petersburg, Russia will open to the public this summer. The property, which his owned by UK-based London & Regional Properties, is currently under construction and the spa wing is scheduled to open in September. More... [804 views] Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts launch prestigious Dubai developmentFour Seasons Hotels & Resorts are pleased to announce the opening of the elegant and innovative Four Seasons Golf Club Dubai Festival City. More... [1315 views] Marriott launches New Online Version of its Hotel Excellence! Travel Agent Training ProgramMarriott has launched a new interactive online format for its Hotel Excellence! (HE!) travel agent training program. This self-paced training program, first introduced in 1999, was developed to maximize travel agents’ success in selling hotels for individual travel. More... [1470 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 30, 2007Major hotel brands see big opportunity in AsiaMajor hotel brands, expecting another year of rising profits in the United States, have set their sights on Asia as the next big market for the lodging industry More... [1582 views] Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2007 Announce Finalists - Shortlist showcases World’s Leading Examples of Best Practice in Travel & TourismThe World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced today the 12 finalists for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2007. Tourism businesses and initiatives from all over the world were encouraged to apply for these prestigious Awards, which represent the highest accolade for best practice in Travel & Tourism development. More... [900 views] Hotel Capitalization Rates Bottom OutHotel capitalization rates have bottomed out, as rates of return remain at record low levels and NOI upside has begun to subside. This article updates data that were presented in a previous article on hotel capitalization rates. By Suzanne Mellen, HVS International More... [901 views] Interview with Stefan Wolf, Director - Revenue Management, Shangri-La Hotels & ResortsShangri-La Hotels and Resorts is currently developing guidelines for Spa and F&B revenue management apart from rooms and event revenue management. Stefan Wolf, director - revenue management, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts says such new guidelines as well as other RM initiatives only work if they get the appropriate amount of support from the various members of the property revenue management team as well as the from the corporate support teams. In an interview with EyeforTravel.com’s Ritesh Gupta, Wolf spoke about Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts other RM initiatives. More... [1799 views] Swiss-Belhotel International General Managers’ Conference in Jakarta focuses on “Passion & Professionalism”Swiss-Belhotel International recently held its’ 2006 General Managers’ Conference at the Hotel Ciptura Jakarta which has been managed by Swiss-Belhotel International for almost 10 years. More... [1149 views] Preferred Hotel Group announces Mark Wong as VP Marketing and Development-AsiaPreferred Hotel Group Asia Pacific is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Wong as Vice President, Marketing & Development - Asia. Based in Singapore, this is a newly created position to aid the growth of Preferred Hotel Group in the region and to increase revenue-generating strategies to its Asia Pacific partner hotels. More... [989 views] Trips to Thailand's Phuket canceled out of fear on suspected disease breakoutMany tour companies overseas have canceled their outbound trips to Thailand's southern island resort Phuket after reports on some foreign tourists being suspected of contracting Legionnaire's Disease, Thailand's English-language newspaper The Nation reported Thursday. More... [1157 views] Mandarin Oriental to manage luxury Los Angeles hotel and residencesRelated today announced that it has signed an agreement with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group expressing intent to manage the hotel component at the prestigious Grand Avenue development in downtown Los Angeles. The hotel will occupy the first 20 floors of a 48-story tower designed by Frank Gehry that will feature luxury for-sale residences on the upper floors. The 275-room hotel, expected to open in Summer 2010, will introduce a world-renowned hotel to downtown that will attract new and diverse visitors to the city center. More... [1134 views] Technology with a more vital role in hospitality sector agenda"What`s on Hospitality CIO`s Agendas in 2007" will be examined in the upcoming European Hospitality Technology Education Conference (EHTEC). Peter O`Connor, Ph.D., Academic Director - IMHI at the ESSEC Business School will highlight information from his January 2007 interviews with head technology experts from Europe`s major hotel companies. More... [871 views] Full Year 2006 Results for the U.S. Lodging IndustryFull year 2006 industry occupancy was 63.4 percent, up 0.5 percent versus 2005. Average room rate increased 7.0 percent to $97.31 and revenue per available room (RevPAR) --- the combination of occupancy and average room rate and a key industry productivity measure --- gained 7.5 percent to $61.69. More... [724 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 29, 2007The Most Famous Hotels in the World - Grand Hotel Royal BudapestThere never was a better time to visit the Grand Hotel Royal, the largest hotel on the continent in 1896. Hungary has finally returned into the arms of Europe, Budapest is sparkling and shining as it used to be a hundred years ago, tourism is booming. The Grand Hotel Royal, closed in 1991, has been saved and reopened by Alfred Pisani, the far-sighted owner of Corinthia hotels. By Andreas Augustin More... [1150 views] Top Ten Gourmet GetawaysHome may be where the heart is. But these days, for the best gourmet feasts, celebrity chefs and state-of-the-art kitchens, you have to go on vacation. By Sophia Banay, Forbes.com More... [1465 views] Middle East hotels enjoy third year of double-digit growthHoteliers across the Middle East posted their third year of double-digit revenue per available room (revPAR) growth in 2006 according to year-end data from the HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte. The region saw revPAR increase 16.7% last year fuelled by a 17.8% improvement in average room rates – up to US$143 from US$120 in 2005. However continuing terrorist threats combined with an increase in hotel supply resulted in marginal declines in occupancy. More... [717 views] Media impact on destination positioning - enough of the bashing, engage them!It is all about the presentation – what we say, how we say it, and how we choose to deliver the message. The communication is then picked up, manipulated, dissected, repackaged and then disseminated by various media platforms throughout our Destinations. By J. Ragsdale Hendrie More... [704 views] Customers Hail Hotels for Excellent Customer ManagementResearch from Connection reveals hotels come top for personalised, added-value customer services. More... [981 views] Your Top 10 Tips for Recruiting Hospitality GraduatesThe Asian hotel market is booming. Guests’ service expectations are rising. Hotels fighting to differentiate their brand and claim market share need great staff. Finding hard working, motivated, intelligent, experienced, multi-cultural and multi-lingual personnel is a headache. Yet the benefits of hiring them are huge. They make the hotel manager’s job easier and the guest experience more satisfying. But how can hoteliers find, hire, train and retain such staff? The process can be relatively easy if hoteliers abide by the following ten golden rules. More... [1737 views] VoIP QoS: What You Need to KnowYou hope quality of service (QOS) means the best possible VoIP service at the lowest cost - can it mean the opposite? More... [973 views] Asia’s Travel Industry Charges into 20072006 was a special year in the evolution of the Asian travel industry. The region continued steaming along with record growth figures, surpassing all other major regions and forging a strong position in the global game. However the big question is “will this momentum be carried over to 2007”? So far the overwhelmingly popular answer has been “yes”! More... [709 views] Suicide blast at Marriott hotel IslamabadA suicide bomber killed a security guard and himself when he set off explosives strapped to his body outside the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital Islamabad today, the interior minister said. The powerful blast, which could be heard across the city, occurred when the guard prevented the attacker from entering the heavily-protected five-star hotel, Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao said. More... [1415 views] Corinthia Hotels to operate its first five star Corinthia Hotel in AlgiersMalta-based upscale hotel operators Corinthia Hotels International (CHI) announced the signing of a technical assistance agreement and a hotel management services agreement with Algerian hotel-owning company Lafider s.p.a. for the construction and operation of ‘Corinthia Hotel - Algiers’ - a five-star deluxe hotel complex to be built in the city of Algiers. More... [642 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 26, 2007The Financial Impact of Hotel SpasThis article discusses how the addition of residential, fractional or condominium units can make a large difference in the successful development of resort assets. By Elaine Sahlins & Amy Peterson, HVS International More... [1508 views] Groups and Meetings: A New Perspective Reveals Unexpected OpportunityCompanies seeking the next big travel opportunity need to explore the groups and meetings arena, according to a new report published by PhoCusWright Inc. This complex but steady marketplace, valued at over US$164 billion in the U.S. alone, is one of the next frontiers and key competitive areas for e-commerce and one of the last major revenue streams to move online. More... [1047 views] The SHY Interview: Claire Chiang ~ wife of Banyan Tree founderWhen not at home with husband KP H0 - kids and dogs - Claire Chiang spends time visiting villages in remote parts to source items for the Banyan Tree Gallery. She shares what inspires her and what she wants to do when she turns 90. Our only question is, why wait so long? Anyone care to challenge her? More... [1121 views] World's Sexiest PenthousesIt's the makings of a scene from Pretty Woman —the ultimate penthouse suite. City views to swoon over, outrageous bedrooms, sunken tubs begging for bubbles, and of course a glamorous couple ordering up a bottle of 1982 Dom Perignon Rosé. But even when it comes to big-dollar penthouses, there's an upper tier. More... [1499 views] How to Sell Your Boss on the Switch to VoIPIn these early stages of the VoIP revolution the selling points have focused on the money that companies can save through adopting VoIP, but it’s likely that strategically-minded corporate bosses will need more than that to convince them. More... [923 views] Casinos, hotels bet on MacauThe biggest gamblers in Macau aren't the guys lining up at the blackjack tables and slot machines. They're the casino and hotel owners betting billions that they can transform this backwater on the edge of the Chinese mainland into the Las Vegas of the East. More... [774 views] Marriott Unveils Next Evolution of SpringHill SuitesYoung Brand Already has 155 Hotels Open and Will Expand Rapidly with Over 140 in its Development Pipeline. Marriott International, Inc unveils the stylish new SpringHill Suites at an exclusive gathering in Los Angeles coinciding with the American Lodging Investment Summit. More... [692 views] Solare Hotels & Resorts Opens Flagship Chisun Brand HotelSolare Hotels and Resorts Co. Ltd. opens the Chisun Grand Akasaka (136 rooms) as its new flagship hotel under the Chisun brand in the fashionable Akasaka district of Tokyo. The Chisun Grand Akasaka is Solare’s first Chisun Grand hotel in metropolitan Tokyo, and its opening brings the group’s total hotels to 46, and total guestrooms to 9,100. More... [646 views] Bringing innovative ideas to the tableAward-winning hotel company reveals secrets of its F&B success. When the InterContinental Jordan came home from the annual Hospitality Forum with a clutch of awards and a reputation for offering the best five-star F&B options in Amman, the rest of the properties within the world-leading hotel group were keen to prove they could also cut the mustard. More... [1515 views] Corinthia Hotels revenue from US market shows dramatic growth in 2006Corinthia Hotels has announced a dramatic 70% growth in 2006 of overall room revenues from the US market. This includes Corporate Travel, Meetings and Incentives as well as Leisure. The announcement was made by Ann Tillman, VP Sales and Marketing, Corinthia Hotels USA. More... [587 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 25, 2007Construction Pipeline Reaches a Record Level New Supply Forecast for ’07 and ’08 Is Modest and Will Help BoostLodging Econometrics (LE), the Global Authority for Hotel Real Estate, in its year-end report to the lodging industry indicated that the Construction Pipeline reached a record level, surpassing the previous high set in 1999. At the end of 4Q06, the Pipeline contained 3,748 new Construction Projects being actively pursued by Developers, having 511,056 guestrooms More... [681 views] The International SPA Association and Resort Hotel Association Develop Code of Conduct Detailing Rights and Responsibilities of Spa GuestsWith one in four American adults having visited a spa and more people working in the spa industry than ever before, the partnership between the spa professional and the spa guest is more important than ever. There are potential risks inherent within spas, yet few, if any, risk management tools to address them. The International SPA Association recognized this, and in partnership with the Resort Hotel Association, took a proactive approach and created a comprehensive risk management program for spas. More... [1310 views] Carlson Hotels Worldwide Adds 78 New Locations Globally in 2006; Plans to Continue Global Expansion in 2007Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced that 78 hotels and resorts were added to its five-brand, global portfolio in 2006. The company ended the year with 938 hotels operating in 70 countries. The company's hotel brands include: Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R), Park Plaza(sm) Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(sm) and Park Inn(R). More... [725 views] Xena, the Road Princess: A TrilogyYeoh Siew Hoon writes her own made-in-New Zealand movie but needs help with Part 2 More... [746 views] Five new hotels for The Leela Palaces and Resorts in India over the next three years -The Leela Palaces and Resorts have today confirmed the expansion of the group. In addition to The Leela Palaces and Hotels in Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa and Kovalam, a further five hotels are to be built in Gurgaon- New Delhi, Udaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune, in the next three years. More... [894 views] Horeca 2007 to boost Lebanon’s hospitality sectorThe 14th edition of Horeca, one of the leading annual hospitality forums in the Middle East, scheduled to take place at BIEL from 27 to 30 March 2007, is expected to attract more than 12,000 visitors. More... [750 views] Construction near completion on the 5-star luxury Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu DhabiShangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, has announced that construction is near completion on the five-star luxury hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, with an opening date expected to be in the second quarter of 2007 for the first phase of the complex. More... [809 views] 8.1% Increase in Visitor Arrivals to Hong Kong in 2006Provisional figures issued by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) show that the financial contribution from inbound tourism to Hong Kong’s economy in 2005 and 2006 should exceed projections by around HK$10 billion. More... [734 views] Momentum remains strong for Choice Hotels' Cambria Suites Brand with 30 contracts executed in 2006 and 43 to-date10 Contracts Executed in Fourth Quarter For Choice Hotels’ All-Suites Select-Service Brand More... [656 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 24, 2007Global hotel market enjoys double-digit gloryGlobal hotel performance data for 2006 from the HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte shows that all regions – Asia, Central & South America, Europe and the Middle East – enjoyed double-digit growth in revenue per available room (revPAR). More... [828 views] "Aye, There's the Rub!" Which piper to pay?Most Retail Operators, which include Hospitality, understand that that service differentiates them in the marketplace. That is our raison d’etre – care, comfort and sustenance for our Guest, delivered with superb service. Common sense was thrown out the window with the recent Amenities War. By J. Ragsdale Hendrie More... [853 views] The Importance Of Operating Systems: Front-Of-House Facilities AuditImplementing a Front-of-House Facilities Audit is an important step to improving any food and beverage operation. Front-of-house facilities audits, when properly employed, can minimize guest dissatisfiers, keep maintenance costs in check and reduce employee turnover. More... [1062 views] Shangri-La opens dedicated Spa AcademyShangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, has opened its first dedicated spa training centre the Shangri-La Spa Academy in Manila, Philippines.The Spa Academy will train therapists to meet the demands of the rapid expansion of CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Shangri-La's signature spa brand More... [1033 views] New faces for ACCOR'S Australia Operations and Sales & Marketing TeamAccor has a new look Operations and Sales & Marketing team in Australia headed up by three new faces. The most senior appointment is Simon McGrath to the position of Vice President – Australia. This newly created role will encompass both operational and sales and marketing responsibilities across Accor’s Australian hotels. More... [1358 views] A new General Manager for the Hyatt Regency Paris-Charles de GaulleAfter two years spent at the Hyatt Regency Paris-Charles de Gaulle as General Manager, Jean-Pierre Marcadier heads for a new challenge at the Hyatt Regency Belgrade. Thierry Guillot will take over as General Manger to pursue his career with Global Hyatt. More... [995 views] Shanghai: Higher rates to sustain hotelsDespite declining occupancy levels in Shanghai's upper-tier hotels, growth in average room rates will sustain the sector's profitability in the next two years, industry analysts said. The city's upper tier hotel market, defined as four and five-star hotels, posted a 2.3 percent drop in occupancy levels to 70.9 percent in the January-November period last year, according to the latest industry report by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, a hotel investment services firm. More... [691 views] Hilton plans Waldorf-Astoria in Beverly Hillston Hotels Corp. and Beverly Hilton-owner Oasis West Realty LLC announced on Thursday plans to redevelop the hotel and build a 120-room Waldorf-Astoria hotel as well as condominiums on the nine-acre Beverly Hills, California property. More... [818 views] Hilton Maldives "The Best In The Wolrd"Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa has won the "Best Luxury (4 and 5 star) in the World" in tripadvisor.com's 2006 Traveler's Choice Awards as well as "Best Luxury (4 and 5 star) in Asia". "We're very proud to have won these awards because tripadvisor.com reflects the opinions of genuine travellers from around the world who have visited the Hilton Maldives and experienced the resort in person," said General Manager Carsten Schieck More... [1035 views] WORLDHOTELS Begins 2007 With a Trio of New Hotels:Taipei’s premier convention hotel, the Sunworld Dynasty, the delightfully refurbished Suzhou Garden in mainland China and the first 5-star hotel in Vietnam’s ‘Imperial City’ of Hue, are the latest new Asian member hotels to join WORLDHOTELS, the leading global marketing and distribution partner for independent hotels. More... [708 views] Raffles Beijing Hotel names "Best New City Hotel"Raffles Beijing Hotel has been named “Best New City Hotel,” by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report in its 2007 Special Awards listing. Raffles Beijing Hotel is cited as providing “a sophisticated and atmospheric environment for demanding leisure travelers in an ideal location, steps from Tiananmen Square.” More... [780 views] InterContinental Hotels Group expands midscale Extended-Stay portfolio in IndianaInterContinental Hotels Group announced that a new Candlewood Suites hotel in Indianapolis is expected to open this month, representing another addition to the midscale brand’s growing portfolio of extended-stay hotels. The Candlewood Suites Indianapolis-City Centre is among nearly 130 hotels in the brand’s robust Americas pipeline. More... [625 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 23, 2007Why a Press Release is not just a Press Release AnymoreThe Press Release takes on a new role in Search Engine Marketing. How candles helped one hotelier see the power of Content Syndication. By Patricia Brusha More... [1601 views] Beware of Internet Predators - Invoice Look-alikes are DeceptiveAnyone, who has been around our industry for a while, has experienced the scams and deceptions created by opportunists preying on hoteliers. Many years ago, they took the form of “invoices” for such things as directory listings, copier supplies, light bulbs, and many others. By Neil Salerno More... [859 views] Accor reports: 2006 Revenue Up 6.6%Accelerated Growth in the Fourth Quarter:Accor’s consolidated revenue rose by 6.6% to €7,607 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. At constant scope of consolidation and exchangerates, the like-for-like increase was 6.7%. More... [619 views] Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii names new v.p. operationsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii has appointed Don Elliot, vice president, operations in support of the multi-million dollar redevelopment of the Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Moana Surfrider, The Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotels. Elliot will report to Keith Vieira, senior vice president, operations, Hawaii and French Polynesia. More... [1275 views] An Exceptional Year-End For The French Hotel IndustryFrance's hotels reach the upper range of MKG's forecast in 2006 • As the excellent results in recent months led us to believe, the year 2006 closed with a RevPAR up by 6.9% for the year to end December, in line with the upper range of MKG Consulting's forecasted results. More... [628 views] Matthew J. Hart, Hilton President & COO, Elected to Company's Board of DirectorsThe Board of Directors of Hilton Hotels Corporation announced today that company president and chief operating officer Matthew J. Hart has been elected to the company's board. With Mr. Hart's election, the number of Hilton directors remains at 11. More... [920 views] HCIMA to Change Its Name to ‘Institute of Hospitality’The Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) - the professional body for managers and aspiring managers in the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry worldwide, based in Sutton in Surrey - is to change its name to the 'Institute of Hospitality', subject to approval by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Attached is a photograph of the HCIMA Chief Executive Philippe Rossiter MHCIMA who is quoted in the press release. More... [788 views] iBAHN and Marriott to offer Hotel Guests Internet PCsiBahn, provider of secure and reliable broadband services to hotels and meeting sites, announced an agreement with Marriott to offer Internet PCs with printers in 250 Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, and TownePlace Suites properties. More... [2008 views] Over 80 Leading Asian Hoteliers Attending WORLDHOTELS’ First Regional Annual Conference in ShanghaiWORLDHOTELS, the hotel group for independent hotels and regional hotel brands, is hosting its inaugural regional Annual Conference in Shanghai on January 19-20, 2007. The Shanghai conference is the first of three regional WORLDHOTELS gatherings being held worldwide. More than 80 leading Asian hoteliers are attending the event, hosted for the first time in China. The two other conferences are being hosted in Hamburg and Minneapolis. More... [902 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 22, 2007Six Tips to Avoid a Communications Disaster in Hotel TakeoversAll too often these days hotel acquisitions and management takeovers happen without any communications plan in place before the announcement is made to the media. A lot of attention is given to lawyers checking announcements, but little to thinking through the implications to all of the people who will affect the hotel’s success after the takeover – from government officials, the media and travel trade, to staff and condo owners By Karen Weiner Escalera More... [1406 views] Ritzy Private Dining RoomsThese days, the most important meals are taking place behind closed doors. Whether you're proposing marriage or planning a different sort of merger, a good table at a ritzy restaurant no longer does the trick. Private dining rooms, the hidden hallmark of any haute eatery, are in higher demand than ever. Consumers--business and leisure alike--have gotten a taste of the privacy, service and extravagance of private dining, and they want seconds. By Sophia Banay More... [972 views] Shangri-La appoints Didier Le Calvez Executive Vice President, Europe and North America and General Manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Palais d'Iena, ParisShangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, has appointed Didier Le Calvez as executive vice president, Europe and North America and general manager of the Shangri-La Hotel, Palais d'Iena, Paris, opening early 2009. Mr. Le Calvez will report directly to Shangri-La's chief executive officer. More... [1707 views] Hilton Hotels CEO to step down at the end of the yearHilton Hotels Corp. CEO Stephen F. Bollenbach will step down at the end of the year, but retain his role as co-chairman of the board through 2010, the hotel operator said Thursday. The Beverly Hills-based company said it expected to name a successor to Bollenbach by this summer. More... [903 views] Peninsula Group Announces General Manager AppointmentsThe Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) has announced the appointments of Ms. Rainy Chan as General Manager of The Peninsula Hong Kong, Mr. Charles Morris as General Manager of The Peninsula Bangkok, Mr. Paul Tchen as General Manager, Operations Planning & Support and Mr. Matthias Al-Amiry as Resident Manager of The Peninsula Manila. More... [1467 views] Wolf Hengst of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Receives Prestigious J.D. Power and Associates 'Founder's Award' for Distinguished Service in the Travel IndustryRecognizing his distinguished service to travel consumers, retired Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts President Wolf Hengst was recently presented with the prestigious Founder's Award by J.D. Power III, founder of J.D. Power and Associates. More... [894 views] Adopting an entrepreneur's approach to running RM will dictate its successVariable pricing has the potential to sour the customer’s purchase experience if not handled properly, says Nayan Peshkar, regional director - revenue management Europe, Millennium Hotels and Resorts. “Variable pricing or price flexing based upon demand is probably one of the better known elements of RM. Some of the things that a good revenue management system would profess to avoid losing the ever important element of customer faith and trust are - fairness in pricing, uncomplicated fences, proper communication of price changes during the booking cycle, vision of value to the customer by means of VP,” he says. More... [860 views] Expedia Enters Marketing Partnership With Jin Jiang, China's Largest Hotel GroupExpedia, Inc. the world's leading online travel company, today announced a partnership with Jin Jiang International Hotel Management Company the largest hotel owner and operator in China. As part of the agreement, Jin Jiang, which owns and operates more than 250 hotels, from luxury five-star lodging to economy accommodation, will now make its entire inventory of Jin Jiang hotels available to Expedia® customers. More... [715 views] Carlson gets back into TGI FridayWhitbread is selling its TGI Friday’s restaurants for £70.4m, leaving it to focus on its Premier Travel Inn, Costa Coffee, David Lloyd Leisure and Beefeater/Brewers Fayre businesses. More... [774 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 19, 2007TripAdvosor's 2006 Travelers' Choice Award Winners including The 10 Dirtiest Hotels in the U.S.TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest travel community, today announced the winners of its 2006 Travelers' Choice(TM) awards. 345 hotels were honored in the fifth year of the competition. Hotels received awards in the following categories: Best Luxury, Best Hidden Gems, Best Inns and B&Bs, Best Bargains, Best Pool, Best for Families, Best for Romance and Best Service. Four Seasons emerged as Best Brand, a new category in the Travelers' Choice competition. Remaining faithful to its promise to provide the whole truth about travel, the good, the bad and the ugly, TripAdvisor also identified, for the second year in a row, the 10 "dirtiest" hotels in the U.S. and Europe based on traveler ratings for cleanliness. More... [2255 views] An Old Dog Learns to Write a New Blog - Bill Marriott - The BloggerJ.W. Marriott Jr., who will soon be 75 years old, is not a computer enthusiast. He takes notes on legal pads during meetings. While visiting some 250 hotels around the world each year he jots down his thoughts on note cards, then slips them in his jacket pocket. Not that long ago, if someone would have used the word "blog" around him, he wouldn't have known what they meant. But even after five decades in the hotel business -- he opened the company's first hotel with his parents exactly 50 years ago -- the chief executive of Marriott International is ready for some new responsibilities. Today he becomes Bill Marriott, blogger. More... [1182 views] Is Live Sex On-Demand Coming to Hotel TVs?In the world of on-demand viewing of sexually explicit material, the next step could be the ability to watch live performers from the privacy of a hotel room. That was one topic during a panel discussion here at Internext, an annual trade show for sex entertainment industry producers, marketers and payment processors. More... [1597 views] Cornell Study Describes Method for Revealing the Drivers of Customers' ChoicesHotel and restaurant operators have long wanted to know exactly what aspects of their products and services cause their customers to make a purchase. Although traditional surveys and focus groups give some indications, a most useful method for uncovering what determines a guest's purchase is known as customer choice modeling. A new report from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research explains how this method, known as CCM, can focus on the specific drivers of a customer's purchase. More... [1082 views] UK hotels end 06 with 12% revPAR growthLondon had the highest absolute revPAR in Europe in 2006 while Riga saw the biggest percentage growth, according to KPMG/The Bench. With an ARR of €205.30 and an occupancy level of 81.7%, London’s 2006 revPAR came in at €166.63. It has usurped Moscow from the top slot – it’s revPAR grew 15.1% to €161.78. More... [733 views] Singapore hotels to up rates due to bullish outlookSingapore hotels, hot performers last year, are expecting the good run to continue. With a crunch for rooms still on, they are expected to raise their room rates by 10 to 15 per cent - and still see more than eight in 10 rooms filled. Last year, room rates went up 20 per cent across the board - and still, more than 85 in 100 rooms were taken. Hotels were charging an average of $164 a night for the first 11 months of last year, a fifth more than the same period in 2005. More... [701 views] Property developer earns £15.5m as Radisson changes hands againGlasgow's five-star Radisson hotel has changed hands for the second time in a year, earning its last owner, property developer Patrick Hegarty, £15.5m. More... [772 views] Solare Hotels & Resorts ExpandsNationwide Development of New HotelsSolare Hotels & Resorts will begin construction of three new roadside hotels in Tochigi, Kumamoto and Fukushima Prefectures in February and March 2007. All three new hotels will boast 98 rooms each, and are scheduled to open in November and December 2007. More... [594 views] Hilton Announces Launch of Global Consolidated Commission PaymentsHilton Hotels Corporation, a worldwide leader in business and leisure hospitality, announced today that it is extending its centralized commission processing to its hotels within Hilton’s International Division. Beginning January 2007, travel agents will receive one payment for all participating Hilton Family hotels globally. This will provide agents with the following benefits: More... [756 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 18, 2007Me, You, Saddam & The KidsIt’s a new year and Yeoh Siew Hoon ponders on what 2007 holds for her and the world at large. More... [1080 views] Will VoIP Really Save You Money?Though the final decision about whether to adopt VoIP may involve many different issues, the first question that’s usually asked is whether or not the move will save your company money. The answer? Yes, it will. Maybe. More... [915 views] Interstate Hotels & Resorts and the John Buck Company Form Joint Venture to Build Five to 10 aloft HotelsInterstate Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation's largest independent hotel management companies, today announced that it has formed a joint venture with The John Buck Company (TJBC) to build as many as five to 10 aloft hotels over the next several years. Carrying the DNA of W Hotels, aloft is the new, premium, select-service hotel brand introduced by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. More... [666 views] Kempinski Hotels tap growth in Middle East outbound travel with exciting new destinationsFollowing the successful launch of its accelerated development plan in the Middle East and Africa with the announcement of seven distinctive new luxury hotels in the region, Kempinski Hotels is gearing up for greater growth by tapping into the projected increase in Middle East outbound travel, launching new properties in Russia, China and Central Europe. More... [843 views] Crowne Plaza London – The City Hotel in City of London sold for over £80 millionThe Crowne Plaza London – The City Hotel in the City of London has been sold to Italian Property development company, Gruppo Statuto. The 203 room hotel in New Bridge Street, in the City was sold by a consortium of investors including InterContinental Hotels Group and two Middle Eastern investors through Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. InterContinental Hotels Group will retain the management of the hotel on a long term management contract under the Crowne Plaza brand. More... [843 views] New Hotel Manager to helm Carcosa Seri NegaraThe prestigious boutique hotel of Carcosa Seri Negara, acknowledged as the grand old dame of Kuala Lumpur, welcomes Ms Carla Petzold-Beck as its new Hotel Manager. The exclusive hotel brand with its two mansions and 13 suites set on 4 acres of gently-rolling landscaped grounds above the city’s Lake Gardens, is currently being managed by the internationally-renowned hospitality group, General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM). More... [1195 views] SoftBrands and Hotel Information Systems – together as one?When companies merge together following an acquisition there are many challenges that result. Recently two of the largest PMS suppliers on the world stage joined forces when SoftBrands Inc acquired Hotel Information Systems (HIS). This article reviews some of the key issues arising and how they are being addressed, the impact on the hotels that are customers of these suppliers and the implications for the hotel technology marketplace. More... [1796 views] HSMAI University Kicks Off 2007 With New Webinar Schedule; Delivers Innovative Source Of Online Education & LearningFocusing on quality, convenience, and innovation, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) University is offering an exciting and diverse line-up of webinars designed specifically for sales and marketing professionals in travel and hospitality. More... [615 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 17, 2007It Can Be That Simple: Why We Must Stay Focused on Clean Rooms and Truly Helpful ServiceI've heard a lot of talk lately about adding innovative amenities, restructuring hotel organizations, and "thinking outside the box." These concepts can improve operations and customer satisfaction, but only if they do not take our focus off the essentials: a clean room and a friendly, helpful staff. By Kent Sexton More... [1852 views] Accor invest €127m in German hotelsGerman hotel group Dorint is to undergo a restructure that will see its 34% owner Accor acquire control of 52 of its 93 mid- and upscale properties. More... [872 views] US lawyer sues posh London hotelA London hotel that counts itself among the world's most luxurious and prestigious has been sued by a lawyer who says he and his wife were attacked by bed bugs during a stay there last spring. More... [2107 views] Marriott Energy Conservation Reduces Greenhouse Gases by 70,000 Tons - Equivalent to Removing 10,000 Cars From U.S. StreetsMarriott International, Inc. announced that it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 70,000 tons in one year -- the equivalent of removing 10,000 cars -- from U.S. streets*. More... [786 views] Magnolia Hotels Promotes Six Executives to Vice President PositionsThe following have been promoted: Scooter Yates to executive vice president; Scot Cameron to vice president of acquisitions & development; Mike Pratt to vice president of sales & marketing; Chris Scheer to vice president of finance; Nick Marcovecchio to vice president of operations and administrative services and Jeff Parker as vice president of information systems. All will be based out of the Magnolia Hotels corporate office in Denver, with the exception of Scooter Yates, who will remain in Dallas, TX. More... [816 views] Strategic Hotels & Resorts Announces Appointment of William Prezant to Chairman of Board of DirectorsStrategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. announced today the appointment of William A. Prezant to Chairman of the company's Board of Directors. Mr. Prezant, a current Director, also has been appointed Chairman of the company's Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. More... [651 views] Austrian real-estate company Warimpex to invest up to EUR 500 mln in CEE budget-hotel businessAustrian real estate company Warimpex, which plans a dual listing on stock markets in Vienna and Warsaw, plans to create a joint venture with a global hotel operator, with the new company supposed to invest up to EUR 500 mln in budget hotels in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, Warimpex's representatives told a press conference Monday. More... [613 views] Rezidor Opens 2 New Properties In Kiev And FujairahThe Rezidor Hotel Group has signed an international management agreement in order to develop and operate the Radisson SAS Airport Hotel Kiev. The new hotel with approximately 300 rooms, conference and wellness facilities will open its doors by the end of 2009 as the second Rezidor-property in town – the company already runs the centrally located Radisson SAS Hotel Kiev. More... [662 views] Hampton Opens Eight Hotels In December 2006Hampton has opened eight properties in December 2006-representing 759 new rooms. The new openings include two Hampton Inn hotels and six Hampton Inn & Suites properties. All openings are franchised newly constructed hotels. More... [613 views] More Hotels Switch to iHotelier by TravelCLICK for Reliability and Brand- Building CapabilityHotels and resorts around the world are making the switch to iHotelier by TravelCLICK Inc., a web-based central reservation system (CRS) and distribution management solution designed to drive revenue through enhanced property merchandising and a compelling user experience. More... [1052 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 16, 2007Hate Cold Calls? - Discover the New Paradigm of Hotel SalesThere is a huge difference in ‘pushing’ a product to new business prospects and ‘pulling’ or attracting new business to the hotel. The sales paradigm is shifting – not just in hotel sales but also in terms of the sales processes in most industries. By Carol Verret More... [2236 views] London Tops European Hotel Revenue SurveyLondon has been ranked top European market in revenue per available room (RevPAR) for 2006, according to data presented by professional More... [1044 views] Addressing the Demand for Hotel Asset Managers in EuropeContinuing changes in the European hotel real estate sector have led to a significant increase in the need for Hotel Asset Managers in Europe this year. More... [896 views] Ten Sofitel Hotels Included in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List: World’s Best 700 Hotels, Resorts and Cruise Lines”According to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, 10 out of 700 of the world’s best hotels are Sofitels, as named in the publication’s annual “Gold List: World’s Best 700 Hotels, Resorts and Cruise Lines” issue. Sofitel, with more than 200 hotels worldwide, is the prestige brand of Accor Hotel Group. More... [1180 views] Rocco Forte Hotels Voted Best Hotel ChainLuxury hotel collection Rocco Forte Hotels is celebrating after being voted The Best Hotel Chain in the inaugural Luxury Travel Reader Awards. The Award was presented at a luncheon on 12 January at the London headquarters of Haymarket Publishing, the owners of Luxury Travel, which bills itself as the provider of inspiration and insight for the world’s leading buyers of luxury travel products and services. More... [958 views] China: Winter tourism drives economySki resorts are converting their resources into a niche market, drawing millions of visitors during the winter months. The "ice and snow economy" is gaining momentum in the northern provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. More... [839 views] Tourist Arrivals in India Up 14% in 2006Tourist arrivals to India crossed 4.47 million in the calendar year 2006, a growth of 14.3 percent over January-December '05. December '06 had the highest ever number of tourist arrivals to India in the past three years, 5.47 lakh, up 18 percent over December '05, and is nearly twice the numbers that arrived in India in December '02. More... [799 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 15, 2007Top Ten Travel Destinations for 2007Here's a resolution you won't mind making: Travel better this year. And we don't just mean buy trip insurance and pack your toothbrush. Instead of resorting to the same, time-worn vacation spots, resolve to make 2007 a year you'll remember because you visited a tropical butterfly park in Honduras, went hot air ballooning over Namibian sand dunes or got a two-hour marine mud massage at North Island resort in the Seychelles--not because you stayed with Gramps in Palm Beach again. By Sophia Banay, Forbes.com More... [2077 views] The 7 Secrets of a Good Marketing BudgetBy now you should be close to having all of your top-line budgets approved and be heavily into the detail of spending the marketing funds you've just been entrusted with. Yet before you rush off to fill the pockets of agency wizards and media-moguls, I'd like to stir things up a bit. Here are 7 budget recommendations against which to benchmark your decisions.... More... [2268 views] Cornell Study Suggests Ways for Employers to Avoid Getting Burned by Discrimination CasesA series of decisions by the Supreme Court has shifted the burden of proof in cases involving employment discrimination. While that does not sound like exciting news, a new study from Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research explains that changes in discrimination law can be expensive for employers-even if they are never found liable for employment discrimination. More... [662 views] Ritz-Carlton Boston renamed to Taj BostonThe storied Ritz-Carlton Boston took its final bow when the Grande Dame of hotels officially became the Taj Boston. Ritz employees removed 80 years of history from the hotel last week, while a global team from new owner Indian Hotels Co. worked from a makeshift command center in a conference room. More... [1302 views] Best Western added 263 Hotels to System WorldwideThe World's largest hotel chain® finished the fiscal year with 4,164 hotels in 80 countries and territories, including 2,395 hotels in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and 1,769 hotels internationally. More... [607 views] 'Hotel school's online students will be in demand'Having concluded a formal agreement with the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, the Private Hotel School in Stellenbosch, South Africa, is now able to offer online training for Cornell Hotel School master certificates in the essentials of hospitality management and food service management. More... [872 views] More than 800 Travel Industry Leaders expected at Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2007More than 800 leaders representing the ‘who’s who’ of the global hotel investment industry are set to meet for the third year running at the industry’s top hotel development networking event, the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), in Dubai from April 28-30, 2007. More... [633 views] Sumitomo Appoints IHG to Manage Former Park Hyatt LAInterContinental Hotels Groupand Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd. announce today the debut of the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, located at 2151 Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles, California. More... [699 views] Rezidor to open two new Park Inn hotels in Sweden and UKThe Rezidor Hotel Group has signed agreements for 2 more Park Inn hotels in Sweden and UK – namely in the Swedish capital Stockholm, and in Leigh, Great Britain More... [616 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 12, 2007Ex-Hilton boss Peter George diesPeter George, chief executive of Hilton Group during the mid-to-late-1990s, has died after a long illness, aged 63. More... [1022 views] Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds In Sales & Marketing Named By HSMAI In 4th Annual SurveyThe Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognizes and salutes the greatest minds in hospitality, travel and tourism sales and marketing with the release of its 'Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing' for 2006. More... [1682 views] Luxury Travel Magazine reveals world's top new hotelsLuxury Travel is a booming business in the 21st Century with substantial expansion by high-end hoteliers venturing into the world's most exotic locations. Luxury travelers are seeking rare and authentic experiences, privacy and exclusivity in their accommodations and extraordinary service and cuisine. They are traveling in pursuit of knowledge, interacting with foreign cultures, acquiring new skills, and also for wellness and quiet relaxation. More... [2399 views] Tips on how to navigate online auctionsWhat happens on the Internet isn't so different from Sotheby's: One wrong move and you could end up spending a lot for something you didn't want. More... [628 views] Hilton announces third hotel for HungaryHilton Hotel Corporation has announced today a management agreement with Tourist Projects 2004 Ingatlanhasznosító Kft for the 230 room Hilton Visegrad in Hungary. The hotel is scheduled to open in early 2009. More... [644 views] Shire Hotels: first UK hotel group to implement no smoking policyShire Hotels is delighted to announce that as of today, a blanket no-smoking policy will be implemented throughout all public areas of their four star hotels, marking them as the first UK full service hotel group to implement such a ban. More... [624 views] InterContinental Hotels Group Launches the Crowne Plaza Brand in VietnamInterContinental Hotels Group has signed an agreement to manage a new-build, 500-room hotel under its Crowne Plaza brand in Danang, Vietnam. Developed by Hoangdat Silver Shores Exceptional International Entertainment Joint Venture Company, Crowne Plaza Danang is slated to open in early 2009. More... [838 views] Bringing Big-Time Triple-Play Services to Small HotelsGiven the way IP-based technologies are bringing big-enterprise voice and multimedia capabilities to small-enterprise offices, it seems only fair that they do the same for those specialized enterprises known as hotels, motels, lodges, and inns. More... [710 views] Choice Hotels Opens 41 New Hotels in DecemberChoice Hotels continues to grow with the announcement of these 41 newly opened franchised properties.... More... [820 views] Dubai records 228% increase in Hotel Guests between 1996 and 2006The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has reported a phenomenal 228% increase in Dubai hotel and hotel apartment guests during the 1996-2006 period, while the number of operating hotel establishments increased by 42% during the same period. More... [818 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 11, 2007How will you finance your hotel project in 2007? Part IIDebt and equity financing of hotels and hotel mixed-use projects is critical and can be very challenging. Our clients take hotel financing seriously, and so do we. That’s why we host the annual JMBM Industry Outlook Roundtable every January and our Meet the Money® conference every May. With the legacy of 17 years of Meet the Money® conference propelling us forward, and our annual hospitality industry Outlook and Roundtable, we usually have some practical financing contacts and perspectives. By Jim Butler More... [1099 views] Grooming Next-Generation LeadersFinding and nurturing future leadership talent is a primary concern for most organizations. How can they identify top people, train them, and—here's the catch—retain them? And do so in the face of ever-increasing global challenges? More... [1621 views] Five-Hotel Portfolio in Canada for saleSonnenblick Goldman and Colliers International Hotels, serving as exclusive advisors to Larco Hospitality, Inc., are offering for sale the prime urban Canadian hotel portfolio consisting of five properties: Marriott Toronto Bloor-Yorkville, Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown, Renaissance Toronto Airport Hotel, Marriott Ottawa, and the Richmond Hotel & Convention Centre. More... [813 views] Getting Ready for Enterprise VoIPBy now, you've read all about VoIP's potential to cut phone service and equipment costs, provide a more efficient converged voice/data network and offer enhanced call routing and management. You're convinced that the technology is a good fit for your enterprise. All that's left is to develop and deploy the system. That's easier said than done, of course. But developing a VoIP system also isn't as daunting as many potential adopters believe. More... [732 views] Singapore ends 2006 on a highAfter a record-breaking performance of the tourism industry, Singapore is in news for healthy growth of its economy. The city-state’s economy expanded at its fastest rate in the fourth quarter of 2006, based on advanced estimates. According to data from the Trade and Industry Ministry, the economy grew at an annualized rate of 7.6 percent in Q4 compared with the previous three months, which is higher than economists’ expectations. More... [666 views] Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality students to learn from top executives of Banyan TreeNanyang Technological University (NTU)’s Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI) has launched its inaugural Master Class in collaboration with Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts. The first Master Class will be held at the Banyan Tree Lijiang, a beautiful property overlooking the legendary Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, in the heart of China, from 5 to 6 January 2007. More... [709 views] Associated Luxury Hotels expands internationally with additions in EuropeTo meet the growing demands of North American meeting planners in this increasingly global market, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has expanded its international membership with the addition of its first hotel in Scotland and its first hotel in France. More... [677 views] InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Opens 2007 with Portfolio GrowthInterContinental Hotels Group and Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd. announce the debut of the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, located at 2151 Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles, California. The 363-room hotel, owned by Tokyo-based Sumitomo Realty, will be managed by IHG's Americas operations division, The Hotel Management Group, under a long term management contract, effective January 10th 2007. More... [696 views] Frank Zumbo appointed General Manager of Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel & Renaissance Arts HotelThe Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel and the Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans are pleased to announce Frank Zumbo as general manager for both properties. Zumbo brings in over 20 years of hospitality experience, all of which has been with Marriott International. Zumbo’s history in the travel industry is varied, ranging from food and beverage management to regional operations. More... [1088 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 10, 2007Global Staff Movements - Who is In and Who is OutThe latest update on international executive staff movements. Check it out...... More... [3589 views] WOW.TRAVEL's seven sensational hotels to look up towow.travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com) edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensational Hotels to Look Up to. More... [1343 views] What's to Be Done About Performance Reviews?It's the season for many employee performance reviews. Why do they seem to rank alongside root canal dental work on our list of things we look forward to as managers and employees? And what are we doing about it? If we assume that the basic purpose of employee evaluations is to build better-performing organizations, then this has to be one of the most important things we do as managers. But if formal evaluations weren't required, would we even provide them? More... [1444 views] Business Travel Tips: Top 5 Business Traveler Nightmares – And How To Prevent ThemBusiness travel is on the rebound. As the economy continues to grow, companies are unleashing their employees to travel to seek opportunities and work with clients and customers all over the world. Increased numbers of business travelers bring problems as well. Travel delays and other obstacles simply increase with volume, and the more you travel, the more you suffer from them. More... [1918 views] Gil Zanchi Named Area General Manager at New Orleans Marriott23-Year Marriott Veteran Takes the Reins at 1,290-Room Hotel. Gil Zanchi has been named area general manager at the New Orleans Marriott. A 23-year Marriott veteran, Zanchi brings extensive knowledge in marketing, food and beverage and hotel operations to the 1,290-room hotel located in the heart of the Big Easy. More... [791 views] Fun and Board GamesIn a climate of public-to-private transactions, HVS analyses the board performance of public hotel companies in Europe. By Christopher Mumford More... [729 views] UNWTO: Tourism To Grow 4 Percent In 2007The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said today that 2007 should be a critical year to consolidate tourism as a key agent in the fight against overty and a primary tool for sustainable development. More... [783 views] JW Marriott Seoul selected by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for Gold List 2007JW Marriott Seoul has an overall score of 85.6 out of a possible 100 for rooms, followed by 96 for service. The Gold List is based on data collected from the annual Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Survey; to qualify for inclusion in these rankings, a property had to receive a required minimum number of responses. More... [634 views] Gaylord Hotels go smoke-freeFollowing an industry trend, Gaylord Hotels will go smoke-free in February, the company announced Monday. More... [668 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 9, 2007Have It Your Way! Will Technology Replace “Service” in Fast Food and Casual Dining?The word “Service” appears in quotation marks, because, as we know, this may be a misnomer for certain segments of the Restaurant Industry, particularly fast food and much of casual dining. By John Hendrie More... [924 views] A Ghostly Gold ChristmasWhat is it that we can learn from Ghosts, Gold, and Christmas that can help make you a leader in your company and community? By using "The Gold Standards" of Leadership, we can see how decision-making abilities can help achieve peak performance. By Gene Ference More... [741 views] London back on top of UK hotel industry2006 was a great year for the UK hotel industry with double–digit growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) in the capital and a healthy increase across the regions. Latest results from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte show that during 2006 revPAR in London increased by 16.8%. Although the performance of the regional UK market was more moderate at 4.4% - this still marks the third year of consecutive growth. More... [749 views] What is Voice 2.0?You may have heard a lot in the past year about something called “Voice 2.0” and wondered whether this was a bona fide tech trend, or a lot of hot air being hyped like those penny stocks spammers keep telling you to buy. Some of Voice 2.0 is hype—but some of it may actually be disrupting the telecom world. Here’s what Voice 2.0 is and what’s at stake. More... [1213 views] Shangri-La continues to set Food Safety benchmarks with HACCP certificationPudong Shangri-La, Shanghai has become the first mainland China hotel to be awarded HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System) certification a food safety system that is one of the most sought-after accreditations in the hospitality and food industries. The hotel joins Hong Kong's Kowloon Shangri-La and Island Shangri-La hotels, and Aberdeen Marina Club, Shangri-La's private members club, in achieving HACCP certification recently. The Aberdeen Marina Club also hold the distinction of being the first club in Asia to become HACCP certified. More... [1296 views] Starwood Hotels & Resorts expands into Inner Mongolia Province of China with signing of Sheraton Hohhot HotelStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc and Inner Mongolian Datang International Tuo Ke Tuo Power Generation Co., Ltd have announced an agreement whereby Starwood will manage the Sheraton Hohhot Hotel in Inner Mongolia in China. scheduled to open in July 2009. More... [672 views] Hilton to Open Warsaw, Poland's Biggest Conference Hotel in March 2007When the 29-story Hilton Warsaw Hotel and Convention Centre opens in Poland in March 2007, it will reveal an impressive new hotel, cutting edge in technology and precision built for meetings and conventions. More... [755 views] InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express Brands in Latin America and the Caribbean Undergo $95 Million in Renovations and UpgradesInterContinental Hotels Group, the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announced today that the owners of IHG properties throughout Latin America and the Caribbean are investing a total of $95 million to upgrade, expand and renovate their hotels. Renovations began in 2005 and will be completed by the end of 2007. More... [705 views] The Hotel Pattee Abruptly Closes - Historic Luxury Lodge Sparked a Cultural Renaissance in Perry, IowaDrawing guests to a historic luxury lodge in the middle of rural Iowa seemed like a tough sell, especially when the rooms cost up to $299 a night. But the charm of the Hotel Pattee helped spark a cultural renaissance here in the past decade, inspiring dreams of a more idyllic past. The 93-year-old Colonial Revival inn had been restored to its grandeur of the days when it first welcomed guests to this then-metropolis and railroad hub. More... [852 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 8, 2007Making Career or Playing Politics ?Please meet Evil Erik ! You know him, he is the guy in the management team that smiles in your face and then shows you the finger behind your back. He is the guy that tells you that you saved his life, then gives you a resignation letter and tells everybody else that he resigned because you have no idea of how to run a hotel …… But not all of those persons are male, there are now also a lot of females in our hospitality industry busy as queens in a beehive, trying to break the glass ceiling in any way and, sometimes, with any trick they know. By Bert van Walbeek More... [2006 views] Do You Own Your Web Site? - Caveat Emptor – You May Be SurprisedWhen something happens once, it can simply be chalked up as serendipity; but, if it happens over and over again, it’s time to stand-up and bear notice. The rarely discussed issue of hotel web site domain ownership appears to be popping-up more and more as initial domain name registration terms expire or as hotels create new web sites. By Neil Salerno More... [825 views] How will you finance your hotel project in 2007? Part IHospitality Lawyer on hotel finance in 2007. Debt and equity financing of hotels and hotel mixed-use projects is critical and can be very challenging. Our clients take hotel financing seriously, and so do we. That’s why we host the annual JMBM Industry Outlook Roundtable every January and our Meet the Money® conference every May. By Jim Butler More... [1050 views] How Secure Are Your VoIP Calls?Sure, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) can be fast, cheap and efficient if you can manage the extra demands on your network—but is it secure? Only as secure as the rest of your IT network. Unlike with the regular landline phone calls, it can be relatively easy to eavesdrop on VoIP calls, redirect them to other parties, etc. But if your existing IT system is secured, your VoIP system should follow. More... [675 views] Key West hotel to close for 30 days; tourist's death caused by carbon monoxide poisoningCarbon monoxide poisoning contributed to the death of the 26-year-old tourist who died Wednesday after workers at the DoubleTree Grand Key Resort found him and his father unconscious in their fourth-floor room, authorities said. More... [1232 views] Sofitel Hotels Named “Best Hotel Chain in Europe” by Readers of Business Traveler MagazineSofitel, with over 200 prestige hotels worldwide, has been chosen by the readers of Business Traveler magazine as the “Best Hotel Chain in Europe” at its 2006 Best in Business Travel Awards, beating out frontrunners Marriott and Starwood Hotels for the top slot. More... [994 views] Mainland visitors boost Hong Kong tourismThe Christmas and New Year holidays brought more business to Hong Kong's tourism and retail sectors, thanks to the increasing number of visitors from the mainland in the last week of the year. Altogether, 61,682 mainlanders entered Hong Kong on December 23; 5,918 of them through the airport, and 38,897 and 16,867 through the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau borders in Shenzhen. More... [660 views] Langham Hotels International partners with TraveCLICK to boost online businessLangham Hotels International (LHI) announced its major initiative to improve online business by partnering with TravelClick, a leading provider of hotel business process management (BPM) solutions. LHI will implement TravelClick's iHotelier Central Reservation System to centralise the web reservations for Langham's luxury hotel portfolio worldwide. More... [692 views] Hawaii’s no-smoking law could lead to decline in Japanese touristsHawaii's no-smoking law, which went into effect on November 16, has raised fears Japanese tourists, one of the state’s biggest markets, will give the island a miss. The law prohibits smoking in all public areas including airports, restaurants, bowling alleys and malls. It is also now illegal to light up in partially enclosed areas, bars and less than 20 feet from doorways and windows. More... [800 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 5, 2007Hotelier’s 2007 Top Ten Internet Marketing ResolutionsThis year at least a third of all hotel bookings will be generated from the Internet (29% in 2006, 25% in 2005). Another third of all hotel bookings will be influenced by the Internet, but done offline (call center, walk-ins, group bookings, etc). By the end of 2010, over 45% of all hotel bookings will be completed online (Merrill Lynch). Are hoteliers taking full advantage of this dramatic channel shift? By Max Starkov and Jason Price More... [1700 views] Tourists Initially Undeterred by Bangkok Blasts - PATA reportsIn the wake of a series of New Year’s Eve explosions in and around Bangkok, and one at a mosque in Chiang Mai, PATA members are reporting that most of their guests are continuing with their travel plans in Thailand. As of yesterday, feedback from key tour operators, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) overseas offices and some hoteliers indicated minimal cancellations. More... [723 views] Marriott Closes 2006 Selected Best-in-Class by Readers of Business Traveler and Executive Travel MagazinesAccording to the readers of Business Traveler magazine, Marriott is the Best Hotel Chain in the World for 2006, while the readers of Executive Travel magazine named Marriott the Best Hotel Chain. According to both magazines, Marriott International, Inc. also dominated the top spots in several other categories.... More... [839 views] Dog Massage Unveiled at Spa of Sarasota, Florida Ritz-Carlton, a Pilot Program for the Hotel Chain"OK, sweetheart, OK. There you go," coos Davison, creator of the luxury hotel chain's latest indulgence — the $130 dog massage. Figure in the hotel's 20-pound weight limit and the additional $125 nonrefundable pet fee and the "privileged pup" plan comes out to a minimum of $12.75 per pound. And that's the basic package. For another $220, the Ritz throws in gourmet dog biscuits, an in-room pet massage, a choice of nail buffing or nail polish, a souvenir photo, a brisk walk over Sarasota's scenic Ringling Bridge and a gourmet meal of organic stew and designer water served on a silver tray. More... [746 views] Soprano Sues Arizona Hotel Over BedbugsAn opera singer has sued the Hilton Hotels Corp. for $6 million, complaining she suffered 150 bites from bedbugs on her arms, chest, neck and face when she stayed in one of its hotels in Arizona. More... [1347 views] 2007 to be another banner year for UAE hotel industryDubai: Occupancy rates will continue to be strong and room rates and revenue per available room of UAE's hotels will rise in 2007. The expected increase is due to an anticipated increase in tourism. The bulk of new hotels currently under construction are not expected to hit the market for another two years, according to a senior manager of Ernst and Young. More... [928 views] Luxury Blimp HotelGamble in the skies or enjoy the luxury life of floating in a blimp. I guess that doesn’t immediately conjur up images of luxury for me, but the interior or this blimp is much different than anything else that soars in the sky. More... [976 views] The Boutique Search Firm Switching to Retained Status after Fifteen Years as a Contingency Executive Recruiting FirmThe Boutique Search Firm will now be conducting its searches on retainer, with each client being assigned a team to include a researcher, a search consultant and a principal of the company. More... [882 views] China approves 12,930 star-ranked tourist hotels by end of 2006China had 12,930 star-ranked tourist hotels nation wide by the end of 2006, 5,572 more than in 2001, according to statistics released by the National Tourism Administration (NTA). More... [730 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 4, 2007Hotel F&B: To Lease or Not to Lease?You hear it all the time, particularly from new hotel owners and operators: Food and beverage operations do not make a profit. More... [2567 views] U.S. Restaurant Industry Outlook Remains Positive Despite Modest Decline in Restaurant Performance IndexSame-Store Sales Remained Positive; Operators Are More Optimistic About the Overall Economy The outlook for the restaurant industry remains optimistic going into 2007, despite a modest decline in the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant activity. More... [529 views] Conrad Centennial Singapore scoops four awardsConrad Centennial Singapore has been named Hotel of the Year in the recent Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) 2006-2007, presented by World Asia Publishing. The hotel was also honoured with three other notable awards: Best Western Cuisine Chef - executive chef, Ranner Wolfgang; Best Purchasing Department; and Best Hotel Security. More... [936 views] New York attracts record number of touristsMore tourists traveled to New York City this year than in any other, and the Bloomberg administration has launched an international campaign to increase the number of travelers vacationing in the five boroughs beyond the new record. Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday that an estimated 44 million tourists visited the city in 2006, surpassing the 2005 record of 41 million visitors and pumping $24 billion into the economy. More... [603 views] ITB Berlin 2007 to welcome the largest US delegation since 2001Exhibitors from the United States and Canada are moving to a new location next year at ITB Berlin, which will occupy more than half of Hall 2.1, “thereby making it the largest North American and US participation since 2001,” according to Björn Bieneck from B-FOR International, organisers of the Discover America Pavilion. More... [745 views] Sleepover Suites - Because Sleepovers are a Multi-Billion Dollar IndustryDid you know that children having sleepovers with their friends is a multi-billion dollar industry? So why isn’t anyone capitalizing on it? That’s about to change with the introduction of Sleepover Suites; special rooms that cater to everything your kids will want. More... [1110 views] Sleeping in a Cubi - Qbic HotelsThese hotels don’t exist yet, but soon they will! One’s opening in 2007 in the great Belgian city of Antwerp and one in Amsterdam. The hotels are hip and cool and what’s special about them is that you can serve yourself completely, including choosing an ambient colour for your room, and mostly that it’s affordable! More... [1077 views] CityCenter's Stunning Residential Sales Pavilion Opens on the Las Vegas StripThree of CityCenter's four residential developments have been released to the public for reservations: Vdara Condo Hotel, designed by RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Vinoly; Veer Towers designed by Helmut Jahn; and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, designed by KPF Architects. Residences at The Harmon, designed by Foster and Partners, will be released later in 2007. More... [646 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 3, 2007Thailand Says Bombings in Bangkok Will Hurt TourismThailand's tourism minister said a series of bomb blasts in Bangkok will have a "significant impact'' on visitor arrivals, the latest setback for an industry still recovering from the 2004 tsunami and a September military coup. "There are several overseas tourists canceling their bookings to Thailand,'' Suvit Yodmani, the minister of tourism and sport, said in comments broadcast by state-controlled Channel 9 television yesterday. "In the short term, we admit the bombs will have a significant impact.'' More... [1000 views] Last Call…for Applications!!! Make 2007 a Happy ''Brew'' Year – Apply Now to be Four Points by Sheraton’s Chief Beer OfficerOver 5,000 Applications from 31 Countries Highlights Worldwide Love of Good Beer. Every year there are dozens of summits, conferences and meetings focused on bringing people around the world together, but the answer may finally be on tap: beer. The heady drinks’ global appeal bubbled up during the search by Four Points by Sheraton for the world’s first Chief Beer Officer to oversee the hotel chain’s new beer program, Best Brews®. More... [877 views] Hong Kong Hoteliers see boom times, more guests, rooms at innThe hotel industry will be "cautiously optimistic" for 2007, with high-end hotels looking the most promising, according to Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners executive director Michael Li Hon-shing. Looking back at 2006, Li described the industry's performance as satisfactory. More... [662 views] Marriott Names W. David Mann Senior Vice President & Associate General Counsel - Corporate Transactions, Finance & GovernanceMarriott International, Inc. announced that W. David Mann has been named Senior Vice President & Associate General Counsel - Corporate Transactions, Finance & Governance. In his new responsibilities, Mann will oversee the legal aspects of corporate finance, mergers and acquisition, and securities work for Marriott, as well as the Office of the Corporate Secretary. More... [966 views] Dongguan ranks No.3 in number of five-star hotels in ChinaQuick question: Name three cities that have the largest number of five-star hotels in China. Beijing, Shanghai and what's next? Next is Dongguan, a city located in South China's Guangdong Province between Guangzhou, the province's capital, and Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. The city houses 15 five-star hotels, accounting for 5 per cent of China's total and nearly twice that of the province's capital, Guangzhou. More... [1031 views] Swiss-Belhotel International is launching its 10th hotel in IndonesiaGavin M. Faull, President of Swiss-Belhotel International, the international manager of hotels, resorts and serviced Residences in Asia, is pleased to announce that Swiss-Belhotel International has launched and operates its 10th hotel in Indonesia, with the first international-chain hotel in Jayapura on December 27, 2006. More... [683 views] Spain-Based Nunez i Navarro Hotels Builds Brand Identity With iHotelier CRS by TravelCLICKTravelCLICK, Inc., a leading provider of hotel business process management (BPM) solutions, announced today that Spain- based Nunez i Navarro Hotels, with nine properties in Barcelona, has selected the iHotelier central reservations system (CRS) as its electronic distribution solution for web reservations. More... [566 views] Man Accused of Trying to Take NYC HotelIt was a grand scheme befitting of a grand hotel. If Kouadio Kouassi had pulled off his audacious plan to take control of the SoHo Grand Hotel in lower Manhattan, he stood to make about $76 million, investigators said Friday. More... [1361 views] Beijing's preparation for 2008 Olympics in full swingBeijing announced it is now accepting online bookings for rooms by visitors coming to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, according to published reports. More... [807 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 2, 2007Royal Bank of Scotland Sells 47 Marriott Hotels to Delek for $2.1 BillionDelek Real Estate Ltd., an Israeli property company, and its partners have agreed to buy 47 U.K. hotels operated by Marriott International Inc. from Royal Bank of Scotland for about $2.1 billion. Delek will purchase a 17 percent stake in the hotels through its Delek-Belron International unit, while Electra Real Estate Ltd. will buy a 9.9 percent stake, the companies said today in separate statements to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. More... [1092 views] JWT Spots Seventy Things to Watch in 2007JWT, the largest advertising agency in the U.S. and the fourth-largest in the world, announced today 70 "in" products, services and trends that will help to define 2007. "Trends are illustrated by the products and services that exemplify them," says leading trendspotter Marian Salzman, EVP, chief marketing officer of JWT Worldwide and co-author of the new book Next Now (Palgrave Macmillan), a travelogue into the near future. "By examining what resonates with consumers, we can identify the larger patterns that will shape our lives in the years to come." More... [1547 views] Seven New Year's Resolutions for 2007 - Resolving to Improve Hospitality MarketingIn the next week or so, people all over the world will begin compiling their New Year's resolutions. Traditionally these resolutions are about self-improvement and include promises to exercise more, eat healthier, lose weight, stop smoking, cut back on alcohol, and spend more time with family and friends. This list however, is focused on marketing resolutions for the hospitality industry. New Year’s is the perfect time to reflect on the changes we want or need to make to improve as an industry, and to resolve to follow through on these changes. By John S. Fareed More... [1319 views] This was 2006 at The Most Famous Hotels in the WorldFrom Putin at the Ritz (Madrid) to Sweeney drawing for The Oriental and Chirac at the Imperial in Vienna, the year 2006 brought us a book launch in Budapest, (Grand Hotel Royal), a G8 meeting at the Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg, Bill Clinton in India and .... By Andreas Augustin More... [1256 views] The world largest New Years Card comes from Berlin… just in time for the New Year, the legendary Hotel Berlin, Berlin produced the world largest New Years card in the capital of Germany. The card features on 1.500 sqm the facade art work of Pop-Artist Michael Fischer-Art from Leipzig, a world premiere through 39 opened and illuminated windows within the picture of the artist. More... [730 views] Why we’re building hotels in India like crazy!Hospitality Lawyer India. In a number of articles on www.HotelLawBlog.com, I have talked about the exploding international hotel markets, including Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Spain, Italy, London Saudi Arabia, Dubai and China — but particularly INDIA. Why are we building hotels in India? Why are all of the brands and operators trying to stake out territory in India? By Jim Butler More... [1333 views] Global rush for Beatles hotelLiverpool's new Beatlesthemed hotel has had close to 2,000 enquiries about rooms almost a year before it is due to open and four months before staff are due to start taking bookings. Detailed artists' impressions of the 110-room Hard Days Night Hotel went on public display at the launch of this year's Mathew Street festival. More... [648 views] Dubai: hotel industry continues to boom - revenues up 14% in Q3Dubai's booming hospitality industry continued its impressive growth levels in the third quarter of 2006 as well with 14 per cent increase in hotel revenues compared with the corresponding period last year. Hotel room occupancy increased to 85 per cent.. More... [857 views] Spotty Internet at Hotels Has Road Warriors Hung UpFive years ago, the main challenge for data-hungry business travelers was finding a hotel that offered high-speed Internet access. Then came a shift to wireless and even free connections. But these days, the top priority for many is simply getting consistent, reliable access to the Internet. That, it turns out, is not as easy as one might think. More... [748 views] 
|
 Travel ToolsVisit our sponsors Are you interested in advertising with ehotelier.com?
|
ResourcesDirectories
|
ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: January 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 31, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 30, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 29, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 26, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 25, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 24, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 23, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 22, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 19, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 18, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 17, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 16, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 15, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 12, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 11, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 10, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 9, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 8, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 5, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 4, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 3, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 2, 2007
|
Travel ToolsVisit our sponsorsAre you interested in advertising with ehotelier.com?
|
