ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: March 2007

Kerzner International Appoints Robert F. Cotter President of the Company; Formerly Served as President and COO of Starwood

Solomon Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International Holdings Limited , is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert F. Cotter, 55, as President of the Company. An accomplished hotel executive, Cotter was most recently President and Chief Operating Officer of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. He will be based in the Company's Plantation, Florida offices and will report directly to Mr. Kerzner.

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Disappearing front desk

Something is disappearing from hotel lobbies across the Triangle: the imposing, impersonal front desk. Desks that resemble tables or podiums are replacing those long, marble barriers -- for decades the cold centerpiece of the American hotel lobby -- as more hotels experiment with new check-in procedures aimed at cutting down long lines and making guests feel more welcome.

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Sunny outlook for S'pore hotel industry

Underpinned by buoyant tourism markets and the positive macroeconomic environment, major hotel markets across Asia, including Singapore, had a stellar year in 2006. Strong investor appetite for hotel assets in the region led to record levels of transaction activity with Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan emerging as the most favoured investment destinations.

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First NYC Hotel to Introduce Allergen-Friendly Guest Rooms

The deluxe Premier Hotel in Times Square - a Millennium Hotels and Resorts property - is breaking new ground, changing the quality of travel and wellness of its guests with the introduction of its new "Premier Pure" rooms which feature an allergen- friendly environment. The Premier Pure rooms are 98% free of bacteria and viruses which are eliminated via a special purification technique. The hotel is also introducing therapeutic natural skin care products by LATHER as its bath amenities.

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U.S. Louvre Hotels and Austrian developer Warimpex invest EUR 1 bln in CEE hotel joint venture

U.S.-Starwood Capital's European hotel chain Louvre Hotels and Austrian property developer Warimpex announced late Monday the formation of a strategic joint venture to develop and own budget hotels in Central Europe.

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Ritz-Carlton Introduces Reserve Resort Brand

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., recognized as the global leader in luxury surroundings, service and residential lifestyle, will introduce an exclusive new resort brand, The Reserve, with the 2008 debut of Molasses Reef, a 125-room boutique hotel on the secluded island of West Caicos, in The Turks and Caicos Islands.  Other select destinations around the world are under consideration for future The Reserve brand locations.

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Doubletree by Hilton Golf Resort & Spa Represents International Collaboration of Three Great Brands in Hotels, Golf and Resort Properties

Destination Properties Co., Ltd. today announced the collaboration with IMG for Thailand's first internationally branded golf resort & spa - the Doubletree by Hilton Golf Resort & Spa.  Three Great Brands are recognized to collaborate together in this premier golf resort and corporate hotel in the Eastern Seaboard:  Hilton, IMG, and Destination Properties.

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Two world-class Evason Hideaways and the premier destination spa of 21st century to be opened by Six Senses in 2007

Six Senses Bangkok Hub | Six Senses Resorts & Spas will see 2007 as its most significant year of development as it prepares to open two Evason Hideaways, plus launch its first destination spa as an extension of its acclaimed Six Senses Spas. The three properties, which exemplify the Six Senses environmental commitment, have been developed under the direction of the Six Senses design and creative teams and promise to set new standards in style and levels of guest service.

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Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou's Grand Opening Celebration

Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou celebrates its grand opening, allowing guests  from  home and abroad to experience its comprehensive facilities and enjoy the renowned Shangri-La hospitality.

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Hotel News In Brief

Hotel industry news in brief.....

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Are Valencia and Miraval the new paradigms for “lifestyle” hotel mixed-use?

Hotel mixed-use has emerged as one of the few ways hotel developers may be able to make a new development economically feasible, with skyrocketing construction costs. It has also become one of the hottest things going as developers of other real estate uses (shopping centers, office, retail, residential and entertainment) discover the big “IRR Premiums” that may harvested from well-planned and tightly integrated hotel mixed-use projects.

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What Makes Employees Loyal

There are lots of reasons why people end up quitting their jobs. For some, the decision is the result of a bitter fight with a boss. Others win the lottery, get a better job offer or leave because a spouse is transferred to another city. But a recent review of 15 years of research on employee job satisfaction and voluntary job turnover shows that employers might be better at retaining workers if they focus less on what makes people quit and more on what makes them want to stay. By Allison Van Dusen

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Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Opens 50th Hotel- the Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, celebrated the grand opening of its 50th hotel -  the Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou - the newest international luxury hotel to open in this thriving metropolis in more than a decade.  More than 400 VIP guests gathered to commemorate the landmark occasion, including acclaimed Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi.

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Is Employee Training Part of Your Marketing Thought Process?

Brochures and a website can make a hotel appear spectacular, but when the service doesn't deliver on its marketing promises, the guest experience can be miserable. And the sales effort has just failed. By Leora Lanz and Barbara Wiener & Eydie Shapiro, HVS

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UK hotel prices close to £100 a room

UK hotel prices are the highest in Europe, with London room rates rising 22% last year, it was revealed. The average price of a one-night room in a UK hotel at the end of last year was £98 a night, figures from Hotels.com showed.

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Carlson Adds Nine New Properties To Global Portfolio This Year

Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced that the company has added nine new locations to its global portfolio of brands from January through February 2007.

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Cornell-Nanyang Institute and Amadeus offer tomorrow's hoteliers hands-on revenue management training

Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, and Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI) of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have partnered to ensure that the next generation of hospitality leaders leaves business school with practical experience of revenue management techniques in a real life setting. According to the agreement, students of CNI's Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) will have access to the industry-leading Amadeus Revenue Management System (RMS).

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Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Arranges the Sale of the Mayfair Hotel & Spa

On behalf of its client, Colony Capital, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels is pleased to announce the sale of the Mayfair Hotel & Spa to Ceebraid Signal. The 179-guestroom condo hotel is an architectural landmark designed by Kenneth Treister.

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Hotel News In Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

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How I Do It: Hotelier Mark Hamister's Strategies For Getting Through The Day Efficiently

My pledge to personal communication with all of my co-workers and business partners forces me use my time as effectively as possible. Here's how I manage to find time for everyone and still stay on top of the game... By Mark Hamister

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Four Points by Sheraton Appoints Arizona Ale Aficionado as Chief Beer Officer

Who said drinking beer wouldn't get you anywhere? Starting today, CEO's and COO's will have to step aside and make room in the executive suite for its newest chief as Scott Kerkmans, Four Points by Sheraton's new Chief Beer Officer [CBO], starts his job -- and the day's trading -- by ringing The Opening Bell^SM at the NYSE. As CBO, Kerkmans will serve as an ambassador for the brand's newly-launched Best Brews program and show the masses the pleasure of a perfectly poured glass of beer.

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Shangri-La deluxe hotel opens in Guangzhou - Luxury sector competition beginning to heat up

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts opened its US$145 million hotel in Guangzhou yesterday - the city's first newly built international five-star hotel since 1983 - raising the curtain on a battle for the custom of a rapidly growing number of travellers.The opening of the 704-room deluxe hotel on Haizhu island overlooking the Pearl River will be followed by that of four other hotels of the same grade this year - a Grand Hyatt hotel, a Ritz-Carlton, a Westin and a Sofitel.

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European Hotel Values Grew by 9.4% in 2006 - Highest Average Values in History

The survey shows that hotel values achieved a third consecutive year of growth, increasing by 9.4% in 2006, compared with an increase of 5.0% in 2005. It is the first year since 2000 in which all of the 28 markets covered in the index experienced increases in value, reflecting the health of the industry throughout Europe.

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Raffles Hotel Singapore celebrates 120 years of legendary hospitality

Since opening its doors in 1887, Raffles Hotel has been home to innumerable writers, Heads of State, dignitaries, celebrities and royalty from around the world. During the Golden Age of Travel, Raffles was the meeting point where globetrotters came in search of the Raffles that "stands for all the fables of the exotic East" so aptly described by novelist Somerset Maugham. Today, Raffles Hotel stands as a jewel in the crown of Singapore's hospitality industry; her inimitable service continues to delight patrons with many memorable experiences.

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Sheraton Changsha Hotel debuts in the capital city of Hunan Province

March 26^th 2007 marks the debut of the first international upscale hotel in Changsha with the opening of Sheraton Changsha Hotel.

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February fails to freeze London hotel boom

PKF has reported double-digit increases in revPAR and rate in London last month, despite a slight drop in occupancy.

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Emirates Airline to invest US$736 Million in Hotels

The Dubai-based Emirates Airline will invest 2.7 billion dirhams (736 million U.S. dollars) to develop its hotel portfolio in a bid to expand its share in Dubai's hotel industry, local newspaper Gulf News reported on Wednesday.

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Hotel News In Brief

Hotel industry news in brief.....

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What come first : Human Resources or Hotel Operations ?

A tale of Power, Politics, People, Poison, Panic, and Profitability! Evil Erik has tasted blood, the blood of " power over and politics with people " .

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Putting the buzz into hotel welcome zone

Marble rooms, flat screen home theatres, softer beds, baths with two shower heads and inviting amenities appear not to be enough to win and retain customers as far as hoteliers are concerned. The race to the heart of guests has been making the guest room another home and office for travellers. Technology has no doubt helped the hoteliers' creativity in creating a virtual heaven on earth for their customers. In the last one year, several billions of dollars have been sunk by hotels into making over their lobbies to make guests stay there and even conduct their business, even as electronic gadgets that fast-track guests check-in into their rooms.

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What Next For The Google Phone?

The past two days have seen literally hundreds of rumors swirling about a proposed 'Google Phone' with hypesters seeking to make it out to be a competitor to Apple's iPhone and detractors poo-pooing the very notion. The rumors were kicked off by an interview with Spanish news site noticias.com where Isabel Aguilera, the top director for Google in Spain and Portugal, said that Google engineers had been working on a mobile phone.

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First phase of new Masterplan for The Palm Deira development unveiled

Nakheel has unveiled initial details of the first phase of the new masterplan for The Palm Deira, the third and last island of The Palm trilogy. The Palm Deira will consist of two different projects: Deira Corniche and the Palm Deira island itself. The total area of the development is planned to be 4900 hectares (49 million square metres), with the total volume of sand required to reclaim the two projects being 1.14 billion cubic metres The first phase of the new masterplan is Deira Extension, which is part of the Deira Corniche.

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Park Resorts sold to private equity-backed MBO

Transatlantic private equity fund GI Partners has backed a management buyout of UK caravan park operator Park Resorts Group from ABN AMRO.

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China Postal Group puts 30 hotels on the market

Thirty hotels owned by the state-owned China Postal Group (CPG) were put up for sale on the Shanghai United Assets and Equity Exchange on Thursday.

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All set for Rome's Globe 2007

Rome is set to host a first of its kind travel exhibition beginning Thursday, March 22, to Saturday, March 24, in four large halls at the Rome Nuova Fiera Trade Fair. Touted as the biggest tourist marketplace in the Mediterranean, Globe has set aside an entire hall for Italy and its regions, while in the Mediterranean hall there will be promotion agencies from abroad and suppliers of services from many tourist destinations, including Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan. 

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Hilton Garden Inn(R) Named Leading Mid-Price Hotel Value by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2007 Business Travel Awards for Second Consecutive Year

Hilton Garden Inn(R), the upscale mid-priced brand that features services and attributes that allow guests to work smart, eat well, stay fit and enjoy deep sleep on the road, has been named the "Best Mid-Price Hotel Value" by Entrepreneur magazine's 2007 Business Travel Awards. Hilton Garden Inn has been recognized with the award in 2003, 2006 and 2007.

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Westin brings personal renewal to the capital city of China

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of The Westin Beijing, Financial Street with a gala event hosting more than one thousand celebrities, dignitaries, society guests and members of the media on March 22, 2007. Located in the heart of Beijing, the new hotel and residences offer ample meeting space, an array of world-class cuisine options and Westin's signature amenities designed to elicit personal renewal.

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Hotel News In Brief

Hotel industry news in brief.....

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Green hotel development is profitable now! Inspirations from the pioneers make it dangerous NOT to be "green"

For those who are pioneering the movement, "green" hotels are more than just politically correct properties: they inspire guests, connect communities, and yes …they are profitable. Profitable? YES! Profitable! A few years ago everyone asked how you could possibly afford to go “green” because of premium costs withour premium revenues. Now, the question may have turned. Can you afford NOT to build “green”? And the answer will surpise you . . .

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Mercure Steps Up Development in the United Kingdom and Asia-Pacific

Accor announced today that it has signed a management contract with Moorfield Real Estate Fund for 23 hotels in the United Kingdom, representing 2,236 rooms. The 20-year contract to manage Mercure brand hotels is renewable for a period of 10 years.

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InterContinental Hotels hurt by piracy in China

InterContinental Hotels will almost double the hotels it manages in Greater China over the next two years and hopes the business environment will be even better as the mainland's legal landscape improves. The InterContinental Hotels Group which operates 66 InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels in Greater China, reckons lax intellectual property rules and outdated franchise laws are slowing growth.

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General Manager Movements at Accor Hotels in China

Accor announces 9 General Manager appointments in China.....

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Aqua Announces Key Management Appointments

Aqua Hotels & Resorts recently announced key operations appointments at several of its Waikiki hotels.  The appointments are comprised of new hires and promotions within the organization.

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Golden Tulip enters China with first property in Shanghai

The Golden Tulip Shanghai Riverside will be the first hotel for Golden Tulip Hospitality in the market of China. The Swiss-Dutch based hotel company will assume management as per the 1st of April, 2007 after the agreement signing  with Shanghai Eastern Airline Hospitality.

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Global Hyatt Launches Bold New Brand - Hyatt Place™ - Designed Around Travelers’ Integrated Mindset

Inspired by the changing landscape of contemporary, multi-tasking business travelers, Global Hyatt Corporation today unveiled Hyatt Place™, an innovative hotel concept with a strong appeal to a newly identified target audience who has successfully adapted to today’s “24/7 lifestyle.” This group of travelers shares a mindset and way of life that revolves around seamlessly merging personal and professional activities.

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Hôtel de la Paix Siem Reap welcomes Nick Downing as General Manager

Bed Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Downing, General Manager of Hôtel de la Paix, Siem Reap, Cambodia as of February 2007. With the hotel now in its second year of operation, Nick’s focus is on the growth and positioning of the hotel as the leading five-star establishment in Siem Reap.

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Puerto Rico's Luxury Rio Mar Resort Joins the Wyndham System

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation announced joint transactions whereby it will invest in and manage the 600-room luxury Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, under the Wyndham® brand and develop an adjacent 26-acre tract as a Wyndham Vacation Ownership timeshare resort.

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Hotel News In Brief

Hotel industry news in brief....

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First Step In Maximizing Reservations Sales: Believe It’s Possible

As a hospitality industry sales/strainer, it’s extremely interesting to observe reactions of managers and decision makers to solicitations and proposals for reservations training services.  Interestingly, the hotels & resorts that are already doing the most in-house training, and who already have the best internal programs in place, are always the most interested in anything that can help them achieve even results.  Alternatively, those who need the most help typically respond “we’re not interested because do our own training here.”

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Moevenpick Fiscal year 2006: Positive operating results with dynamic growth and ongoing quality improvements

For the fourth consecutive year, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MH&R) has reported consistent earnings growth and once again achieved a good operating result in fiscal 2006.

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Cornell Study Identifies Training Followups that Boost Effectiveness

When hotel and restaurant companies spend money on classroom training for new managers, one concern is that the manager-trainees will forget their new skills before they have a chance to use them. A new study from the Cornell University Center for Hospitality Research shows how relatively inexpensive interventions can strengthen the lessons of classroom training.

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Boys, don’t you just love my Blahniks

Red-hot Russians, Thai lady-boys and Koreans wearing designer sneakers: Yeoh Siew Hoon sees it all at Suvarnabhumi.

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U.S. Hotel Sales Reach Third Consecutive Year of Record Growth at $35.3 Billion

Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels announced today that the volume of U.S. hotel sales for 2006 set a record for the third consecutive year at $35.3 billion, surpassing the 2005 volume by 68%, and nearly tripling the volume of 2004. According to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels’ proprietary database, which tracks transactions $10 million and above, more than 260 transactions closed in 2006.

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There's No Place Like Home Inns - China's value-priced lodging chain checks in nicely.

It's a stock with a view. Home Inns & Hotels  has served its investors well since going public five months ago at $13.80 a pop. The stock has nearly tripled since then, and we can turn to Home Inns' fourth-quarter earnings report to help shed some light on the reasons for the heady gains.

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Trendwest South Pacific takes on Wyndham name

Trendwest South Pacific, one of Australia’s largest holiday ownership businesses, is rebranding its industry-leading timeshare properties to become Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific.  The rebranding process will take place throughout the course of 2007.

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Internet Audience up 10 Percent Worldwide

The Internet reaches 747 million people worldwide, 1.3 million of whom reside in the top 15 countries ranked by Internet population. The data are according to numbers released by comScore Network's World Metrix service. The greatest growth over the past year comes from India (33 percent); the Russian Federation (21 percent); and China (20 percent).

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Rocco Forte Hotels nominated for 21 world travel awards

Rocco Forte Hotels has been nominated for an astonishing 21 World Travel Awards.  Eight of the hotels in the collection have been chosen as finalists for the 21 categories, with many up for multiple awards, confirming Rocco Forte Hotels’ reputation as Europe’s leading luxury hotel group, another category for which the group has been nominated.

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Hotel News In Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

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Hotel Sites Go Back to Basics

What's the latest thing in online marketing for hotels? Site design.Hotels have awakened to the challenge from online travel agencies, and they are shifting money into online marketing to meet it, according to a new study by Hospitality eBusiness Strategies (HeBS).The worldwide study of hospitality executives found that 68% of hoteliers plan to shift their budgets from offline to online marketing in 2007.

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Foreign Hotel Chains Rush into Tokyo

Foreign-owned "ultra-luxury hotels," with rates 20%–50% higher than most of their Japanese competitors, continue to open in downtown Tokyo. This recent expansion effort purportedly reflects a business strategy that targets affluent seniors; if so, with the baby boomers born after World War II set to retire in the next few years, these new hotels should have few problems attracting guests.

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Small Hotels, Big Business

At an out-of-town business luncheon, it used to be advantageous to drop the name of your luxury chain hotel of choice. The Ritz and Four Seasons  rolled off the tongue and boosted image.But now these names might make you sound a little dull, maybe even uninspired. As travelers become more adventurous and discerning, the small luxury and boutique industry is indeed at their service.

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First tarts, fertile pigs

Yeoh Siew Hoon sees Shinta Mani with her own eyes, tastes a few tarts, meets some young folks and learns about pigs’ reproducing habits.

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Hospitality eBusiness Strategies to Present at Economy & Budget Hotels World 2007

Hospitality eBusiness Strategies (HeBS), a leading Internet marketing consulting firm for the hospitality industry, today announced the firm will present an Internet Marketing Workshop: “Economy Hotel Branding Strategies Online” at the Economy & Budget Hotels World 2007 Conference, May 22-24 at the Millennium Mayfair Hotel in London.

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Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre first in Asia to be Green Globe Benchmarked

In another progressive leap, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has proven its commitment to excellence by becoming one of two convention centres worldwide to be the first in their industry to achieve the prestigious Green Globe Benchmarked status. Awarded under the international Green Globe Benchmarking programme, this Benchmarked status places the Centre as pioneer of the Asian region.

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US$1M Investment In e-commerce Enhancement To Drive Growth For panpacific.com

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts today launched its enhanced website (panpacific.com), which will make travel planning faster, easier and more convenient for its customers, resulting in stronger brand loyalty and value. In the past 12 months, Pan Pacific has invested close to US$1 million in e-commerce and distribution infrastructure and resources to deliver e-initiatives including this technologically advanced online platform for the benefit of its customers.

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Westin Hotels launches nightly social events in lobbies worldwide

Westin Hotels & Resorts today debuts a new signature social experience, Unwind… A Westin Evening RitualSM , featuring the tastes, sights and sounds of each destination.   From lessons on mixing a Bellini in Venice  to learning about fine Scottish Whisky in Turnberry to whipping up a spicy batch of guacamole in Tucson, each of the Westin brand’s 129 hotels worldwide have carefully curated social experiences which are rolling out in hotels over the next month.

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Tourism opens doors for Women

'Tourism opens doors for women’ is the theme for the United Nations World Tourism Day which as each year will be celebrated on 27 September, the anniversary of the adoption of the original UNWTO statutes. Following on the ‘Tourism Enriches’ theme in 2006, this year’s campaign highlights the opportunities that the sector offers for women. This year’s host nation for World Tourism Day is Sri Lanka.

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Hotel News In Brief

Hotel industry news in brief....

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Helping Owners Strike a Fair Deal: 5 Milestones Marking The Road To Success For Hotel Management Agreements

In order to consummate any substantial business transaction, there are inevitably some “challenges” to overcome. Hotel management agreements are no exception: in part because of their complexity, and in part because hotel management agreements typically transfer effective control over valuable assets for several decades, and their terms can easily enhance — or diminish — the value of hotel by a staggering amount. By Jim Butler and Robert Braun

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Number of New U.S. Hotel Brand Launches in 2005/2006 Reflects Largest Two-Year Total in 17 Years

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, there were a total of 24 new hotel brand launches in the U.S. in 2005 and 2006, which is the largest number of brand introductions in a two-year period since 1989. The new brand launches represented non-U.S. brands affiliating with hotels in the U.S., new concepts targeted at Gen-Xers and Millennials, independent brands, brands affiliated with established lodging companies and brands at many price levels.

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Macdonald properties rebranded as Mercures

Accor has confirmed it is to take over the management of 23 former Macdonald hotels in the UK.

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Hotel Investment Market Still Strong, Only Fear Is Over Development

Sound industry fundamentals continued to drive U.S. hotel transaction market activity in 2006. Not only did the one-off and portfolio sales continue to occur thanks to an avalanche of money from private equity funds, some well-known public companies, such as Four Seasons and LaQuinta changed jerseys in response to "can't refuse" offers from previously unfamiliar names in the hotel industry. These observations come from an analysis of data collected in connection with the recently released 2007 edition of Hospitality Investment Survey published by PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR), an affiliate of PKF Consulting.

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W Hotels Heads for the Southern Gateway of China

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), today announced the continued expansion of W Hotels across the globe with plans for its third hotel in China. The W Guangzhou will make its debut in 2010, offering 320 guest rooms and 167 luxury residences, in addition to the innovative design and full-range of branded amenities guests have come to expect of W Hotels.

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First Wyndham Hotel in China Will Open This Year in Xiamen

Wyndham Hotel Group, a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of hospitality companies, today announced it will launch the Wyndham® brand in China during the fourth quarter this year with the opening of a newly constructed, 550-room, 26-floor luxury hotel that it will manage in Xiamen, Fujian Province.

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Dusit Hotels and Resorts and Bird Hospitality Services to open 6 Hotels in India by 2013

The Bird Group under its wholly owned subsidiary, Bird Hospitality Services (BHS), is expanding its hospitality business with Dusit Hotels and Resorts. Under a joint venture, Bird Hospitality Services is committed to develop six, 4 to 5 star hotels, which will provide Dusit the possibility to manage or franchise several hotels in India.

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Rocco Forte Hotels has agreed to sell The St David’s Hotel & Spa in Cardiff to Principal Hotels for £32.5m.

The proceeds from the sale will be used to fund further expansion of the brand in Europe.  Hotels already under development in Munich, Geneva and Prague, as well as a golf resort in Sicily, will open within the next year.

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Brisbane set to welcome first true boutique hotel ~ Emporium Hotel

Brisbane’s mark as a city of cosmopolitan savvy is on the rise as the Emporium Hotel, the first truly boutique five-star hotel for the Queensland capital, announced its opening date as early May this year.

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Hotel News In Brief

Hotel industry news in brief....

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How to keep bar profits from “escaping”

“Nice place,” the man thought to himself as he entered the bar and was greeted by the soothing sounds of recorded mellow jazz. Taking a seat at the bar, he looked around—appreciatively at first—then less so. Before the bartender had a chance to offer a greeting, silent  alarm bells were going off in the man’s mind: there were no checks or receipts on the bartop in front of the guests seated there; in evidence was a key in the lock of a cash register drawer; no video display terminal (VDT) accompanied either of the two registers; and loose coins and currency, as well as papers and discarded check folders, were scattered across the backbar countertop.  What will you have?” asked a bartender, smiling affably. “Would you like me to keep your tab open?” By Sheri C. Neville

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Moscow, London Spend Least On Labor In Europe

Moscow and London spend the least on labour relative to the volume of sales out of 10 leading European cities, according to a survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting’s HotStats service. At hotels in the best performing city, Moscow, payroll represented just 24.0 per cent of turnover for the month of January 2007. In London, the payroll percentage was 28.7 per cent, the only other city below 30 per cent during January.

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Extended Stay Hotels - Will They Take The UK By Storm?

Increased workforce mobility and a greater emphasis on cost savings are driving a new era of extended stay hotels in the UK and Europe according to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 'Hospitality Directions Europe' released today. As hotel room rates continue to soar in many UK cities, alternative accommodation products are increasing their appeal to corporate buyers as a more cost-effective way to accommodate their mobile staff.

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Corinthia's Five-Star Hungary hotels win nine 'Best In Class' awards

Corinthia Hotels International (CHI) announced that its two five-star hotels in Budapest, Hungary - the Corinthia Aquincum Hotel and the Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal - have between them received nine ‘Best in Class’ awards in the BEST OF BUDAPEST SURVEY 2006, a quality benchmarking exercise conducted annually by the leading ‘Budapest Week’ magazine

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Raffles to manage a spectacular penthouse hotel in Tianjin

Located at the top of Tianjin Centre, Raffles Tianjin sits right in the heart of the city, at the junction of Nanjing Road and Guiyang Road –in Heping District, the city’s most important business and retail district.The urban area of Tianjin is the third largest municipality in Mainland China, and is a mere 2 hours by car from Beijing. The Tianjin Binhai International Airport also has international connections to most major cities in China, Asia, Middle East, Europe and U.S.A

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Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Runs Away with Four Outstanding Marriott International Awards

Amid a distinguished cast of 516 Marriott Hotels & Resorts throughout the U.S., the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile ran away with four distinguished awards during the annual Marriott International Global Conference held in San Francisco, CA late last month. President and Chief Operating Officer of Marriott International North America Lodging Operations, Robert J. McCarthy, presented the 1,198-room property with each of the following......

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Marriott International opens Renaissance Wuhan Hotel

Marriott International, Inc. has expanded its portfolio in China with the opening of the 300-room Renaissance Wuhan Hotel under a management agreement with Hubei Energy Sources Group Co., Ltd.  The hotel is the first Marriott property Wuhan City, Hubei Province and the 24th in China.  

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Shaftesbury Hotels MD gets international award at ITB Berlin

The world's largest travel industry platform  Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) confers on Ramesh Arora, the international award for "Hotelier of the Year” 2007. Ramesh Arora, Managing Director and VP Marketing for Shaftesbury Hotels in London, UK’s fastest growing hotel chain, was today conferred with an international award for “Hotelier of the Year “ 2007 by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association, at ITB Berlin.

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IHG ANA Hotels Group to co-brand and enhance 13 ANA hotels by 2009

IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, the hotel operating joint venture formed by IHG and ANA, today announced plans to co-brand and enhance 13 hotels in Japan currently trading under the ANA brand. All hotels will undergo product, service and operational enhancements and will be progressively co-branded as either ANA InterContinental, ANACrowne Plaza or ANA Holiday Inn hotels. IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan is committed to ensuring that the co-branding and enhancement efforts bring about significant benefits to hotel guests, corporate clients and events planners from Japan and globally.

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Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

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“Hotel Mixed-Use” . . . pass key to unlocking new development and bigger profits?

“Hotel Mixed-Use” . . . and how it can be the pass key to unlocking both new development and bigger profits was the entire focus of The Hotel Developers Conference™ in Rancho Mirage. Creative ideas flowed and mixed. Nuggets of valuable insight were gathered. Introductions were made. By Jim Butler

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Marriott CEO gets $8.58M compensation in '06

Hotel operator Marriott International Inc. Chief Executive Officer J.W. Marriott Jr. received total 2006 compensation of $8.58 million, according to a company regulatory filing Tuesday. Marriott was paid a $1.12 million salary, but his package was boosted by $7.13 million in incentive payments, stock awards and perquisites. The $329,000 in perks included personal use of the company's private jet and company paid life insurance and tax services. 

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If only Silk Air was Slik Air

Yeoh Siew Hoon gets caught up in the travel web and has to fight her way out

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‘Capsule' hotels find market in Asia

First introduced to provide temporary respite to overworked businessmen in Japan, the Malaysian hospitality industry is introducing its own version of the capsule hotels or pods. Pods come to Malaysia with the help of AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes, who is now regarded as one of the region’s pied piper of budget hotel accommodation with the opening of a Tune Hotels flagship property in Kuala Lumpur's business area.

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Fairmont Promotes Andrea Torrance and Karl Pinault to New ice-President Roles For Rooms and Design & Construction

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Anantara Announces Development Plans

Anantara Resorts, a leading hotel brand in Asia Pacific, is set to expand with at least six new properties in the next two years which will further intensify its international status.

More... [1030 views]

Starwood Hotels Brings a New Twist in Travel to Europe

aloha! Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.and its much-anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloftSM hotels, announced it has signed an agreement with Thornsett Group Ltd, an Irish property development company, to develop the first aloft hotel in Europe, the aloft Brussels, Belgium. The deal was signed at the 10th International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin last week, when Starwood and its stylish W Hotels division introduced their aloft brand into the Europe, Middle East & Africa regions.

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Sheraton Accelerates Its Growth in Asia, Adding Two New Hotels in Japan

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces the openings of two new Sheraton hotels in Japan under a franchise agreement with Kintetsu Hotel Systems, Inc., the hotel operating division of Kintetsu Corporation. The Miyako Tokyo Hotel will be re-flagged as the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo, providing 492 rooms and ample meeting facilities in one of Tokyo's busiest neighborhoods. The Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, previously known as the Miyako Osaka Hotel, will offer 575 rooms to guests visiting Osaka, Japan's second largest city and one of its most important industrial centers. Both hotels will be re-flagged in April 2007.

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EasyHotel boss plans to open 12 no-frills hotels in a year

Stelios Haji-Ioannou's easyHotel venture plans to have 12 no-frills hotels running in the next 12 months. And over the next two-and-a-half years, there will be at least 60 in the planning stage, according to easyHotel's chief executive Lawrence Alexander, a former commercial director at Jarvis hotel.

More... [906 views]

Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief....

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Time for a climate change in travel: Who will be first to jump on the lightwagon?

Following the announcement by Australia that it will place a ban on incandescent lighting, Yeoh Siew Hoon wonders which hotel group will be the first to start the movement.

More... [1085 views]

Marco Polo in Talent Drive as it Expands

To drive its expansion program, announced earlier this year, Marco Polo Hotels has made the following appointments effective end of March, 2007. The group is also actively seeking new talent as it seeks to build its positioning as a leading Asian hotel brand offering a unique blend of contemporary Chinese meets modern Italian. 

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Web 2.0: What Is It Really?

I've noticed a slightly funny but disturbing trend lately: all my clients want something called 'Web 2.0'. Maybe you've noticed it, too. People aren't happy with a just site anymore. Now they want it sprinkled with magic fairy Web 2.0 pixie dust before they're happy.

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Staybridge Suites opens 100th hotel

Staybridge Suites reached its 100th hotel milestone with a grand opening celebration today at the Staybridge Suites Tallahassee, Fla., arriving at this mark faster than any other hotel brand in the upscale extended-stay category.

More... [722 views]

Great Hotels of the World announces Hotel Quinta da Marinha Resort officially upgraded

Great Hotels of the World (GHOTW), representing some of the world’s finest independent hotels, is delighted to announce that Hotel Quinta da Marinha Resort, in Cascais, Portugal, officially re-opened on 1st February 2007 with a new modern, sophisticated design.

More... [577 views]

Brand new art'otel cologne planned for 2008

Park Plaza Hotels Europe has announced plans for their seventh art'otel, due to open in Cologne 2008. Construction of the new-build €45m hotel begins this autumn in the city's midtown Reinau Port development which will also comprise private housing, a leisure centre and sports facilities after its extensive 217,000 square-metre regeneration.

More... [636 views]

Utell® Hotels & Resorts Unveils New Segmentation Strategy at ITB Berlin

Utell Hotels & Resorts, a service of Pegasus Solutions, has launched a new segmentation strategy to its diverse portfolio of 3,600 hotels in more than 130 countries worldwide. The official launch, at ITB Berlin, comes with a number of high profile hotels already signed up to take part in the “Collections” and “Niche Brands” segmentation that Utell is now offering to its customers.

More... [878 views]

Bordeaux reborn: Opening of the Radisson SAS Grand Hotel

Bordeaux celebrates a new jewel of first-class hospitality: In early summer 2007, the city will see the re-opening of its legendary Grand Hotel  located in the “Golden Triangle” of the historic centre and facing the Opera. The Radisson SAS Grand Hotel is the result of the authentic restoration of a splendid “palais bordelais” reflecting the rich history of the town and will be the French flagship of The Rezidor Hotel Group.

More... [648 views]

China's budget hotel industry takes off

After a slow start, China's budget hotel industry is taking off at incredible speed.Compared with its foreign counterparts, China’s budget hotel business looked as if it had started half a century too late. But today, the industry is catching up, with tortoise-turned-hare domestic brands leading the race towards a seemingly bright future. It was a glorious year for the two biggest budget hotel chains in China, Home Inns and Jinjiang Inn. 

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Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief....

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Prague: Foreign investors expected to put millions into new four- and five-star hotels

A recent headline in the Czech newspaper Mlada Fronta Dnes put it succinctly: "More hotels than streets" indicating the number of hotels in Prague 1. Shortly afterwards, numbers released by the Czech Statistical Office confirmed that the number of guests staying in hotels in 2006 - especially four- or five-star establishments - went up year-on-year. In short, there is now more demand for luxury hotels in the Czech capital than ever.

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Four Points by Sheraton Wants You to Lose Your Bags!

Are you one of the 75 percent of adults who experiences daytime sleepiness? Studies show that over 50 percent of adult Americans are sleep-deprived, affecting productivity, stress and overall health. In keeping with the Four Points by Sheraton commitment to spreading the gospel of life's Simple Pleasures(SM), the brand has partnered with William A. Anthony**, Ph.D., also known as the Nap Doctor, to promote the benefits of a good nap and celebrate the eighth annual National Napping Day on Monday, March 12, 2007.

More... [847 views]

Rendezvous Hotels Announces Expansion Into Kuala Lumpur

Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts International (Rendezvous) has been appointed to manage Kuala Lumpur’s newest 4 star deluxe hotel. The development of the Jalan Cangkat Thambi Dollah Hotel, to be named Rendezvous Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, will be completed and open in 2009.

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Official warns of hotel glut in Koh Samui

The Thai Hotel Association has expressed concern over the rising number of hotel rooms on Koh Samui as foreign tourists are likely to move back across the isthmus to the Andaman Sea. Koh Samui became more popular after the 2004 tsunami devastated tourism areas along the Andaman coast.

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Bulgarian Hotels are Nice, Service Sucks – Experts

Bulgaria's hotels may be renovated and nice but they have a serious problem with the service and personnel, experts from the industry announced on Sunday.

More... [1034 views]

TripAdvisor goes video

TripAdvisor now allows travelers to quickly and easily post their vacation videos. What's more, TripAdvisor also allows travel marketers to showcase their wares by uploading their videos.

More... [895 views]

Marriott International Named Most Admired Hotel Company by Fortune for the Eighth Consecutive Year

Fortune magazine has recognized Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) as the most admired company in the industry of hotels, resorts and casinos, for the eighth consecutive year. Marriott was the most admired company in Maryland and second-ranked in the greater Washington, D.C. area, which includes the District of Columbia as well as suburban Maryland and Virginia.

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aloha! The new twist in travel arrives in Europe

aloha! Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.®  and W® Hotels brand have done it again. Carrying the DNA of W Hotels, aloftSM hotels formally launched in Europe, the Middle East & Africa today at the 10th International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin. 

More... [722 views]

The Largest Marriott On Earth Grows Even Bigger…

In one of the most ambitious space expansion programs in Marriott history, the largest Marriott on earth, the 2,000 room, Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center will unveil the largest pillar-free resort ballroom in the country. Following an extensive $200 million transformation, this premier meeting destination will provide planners with more than 400,000 square-feet of flexible space almost entirely on one level and under one roof.

More... [872 views]

Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief.....

More... [1366 views]

The Ten Biggest Mistakes Marketers Make

Marketers are key strategic assets to any company's bottom line. But executives and other key players frequently fail to see the connection between marketing and revenue, and oftentimes instead of seeing marketers as true strategic partners, these C-level execs see them just as a tool for building awareness for their products and services. The result? Marketers are underutilized and companies miss out on the maximum ROI from their human capital.

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Benchmark Hospitality’s Top 10 Meeting Trends for 2007

Portals to Success, Package Rules, BlackBerries & More.Benchmark Hospitality International, which manages 31 award-winning resorts, hotels, condominium resorts and conference centers in locations throughout the United States and Asia, announces its annual "Top 10 Meeting Trends for the Year" as observed by its properties. 

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Germany scores with double-digit revPAR growth

Year-end results from the HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte reveal that revenue per available room (revPAR) across Germany grew by 10.7% to €55 in 2006. This is the first time the country has reported double-digit revPAR increases since 2000 and marked a significant improvement on 2005 when the country saw growth of just 1.5%.

More... [750 views]

Hospitality chains going the wi-fi way

Hospitality chains going the wi-fi wayGlobal competition and shortage of trained manpower is forcing hospitality chains across the country to commit huge money on hi-tech gadgets like wi-fi (wireless fidelity) connection, internet facilities, touch screen terminals for check-in and express check-outs to lure customers.

More... [779 views]

International Society of Hospitality Consultants honors Jean-Claude Baumgarten

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) was awarded the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) Pioneer Award.

More... [593 views]

Stein Hotels and Resorts announces North America expansion

Stein Hotels and Resorts, owner and operator of a unique collection of luxury lifestyle hotels across Europe, has launched the expansion of its operations into North America.

More... [840 views]

It’s the time for timeshare, says regional hospitality sector

More than 150 movers and shakers with an interest in being at the forefront of the region’s anticipated boom in the timeshare sector met at the third Vacation Ownership Investment Conference (VOIC 2007) in Dubai These included industry chiefs representing Marriott Vacation Club International, Rotana Hotels, Resorts and Suites, Nakheel and Dubai Economic Department. In addition, both Saudi Arabia and Jordan sent delegations representing their respective tourism authorities. Dubai-based Arabian Falcon, one of the region’s pioneers in timeshare marketing and VOIC sponsor was also present. 

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HI Design on track to facilitate great business for Designers and Hoteliers

Successfully launched last year to high acclaim, HI DESIGN EMEA 2007 is on track to attract over 150 delegates from major hotels groups, architects, designers and key international suppliers.

More... [701 views]

Raffles to manage luxury resort in Gaafu Alifu Atoll

Raffles Hotels & Resorts announced that it will manage a 49-villa luxury resort, Raffles Resort Konottaa, its first venture in the Maldives. The resort, owned and developed by Platinum Capital Holdings Pvt Ltd, is located at the pristine and the newly-developed Gaafu Alifu atoll, in the southern part of the Maldives.

More... [698 views]

World Travel, Tourism Climb to US$7trillion

 World Travel & Tourism is expected to generate in excess of US$7 trillion in 2007, rising to over US$13 trillion over the coming decade according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) research, sponsored by Accenture and prepared by Oxford Economics.

More... [666 views]

Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

More... [1374 views]

There is no such thing as a "Free Lunch" - How to optimize your advertising Dollars

An Advertising Executive with a significant Destination area   Newspaper declared recently, “Business is soft, and I do not think our advertisers would be interested in any new products to enhance their business”.  Well, this is of course bunk, because this is exactly when you need to differentiate your business and apply marketing clout.  She forgot that business is all about competition and the means to share with the Consumer our distinction and attract their business.  Tight times, flush times – it does not matter.  We need to get the message out to our potential Guests and Visitors and get them in our doors.

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Hotel Financing Revisited – When To Consider Refinancing

The decision surrounding when to refinance a hotel’s mortgage debt starts with the needs and goals of the owner. Some hoteliers prefer to maximize the loan amount. Others seek payment savings. Many want it all. By Cameron J Larkin

More... [881 views]

Great Hotels Organisation strengthens sales and marketing team

Great Hotels Organisation announces the strengthening of its sales and marketing departments, with two new recruits joining in key positions. Paul Molin joins the company as Director of Marketing, bringing with him a wealth of marketing experience having previously worked on a variety of leading brands such as BA Airmiles, egg.com, Lloyds TSB, Pipex and Universal. 

More... [678 views]

IHG adds new development executives to company’s hotel management group

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group IHG (ADRs)], the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, has appointed  Alex Kuhl and George O’Brien to the development team of The Hotel Management Group, the operations division of IHG’s Americas region.

More... [833 views]

Hyatt Place Opens Two More Atlanta-Area Hotels - 120 to Open by Year-End; Nine in Atlanta-Are

Hyatt Place Atlanta/Alpharetta/Windward Parkway and Hyatt Place Atlanta/Cobb Galleria celebrated grand openings today, bringing the number of Hyatt Place hotels in the Atlanta area to four, with five more scheduled to open by year-end. By reflecting the comfort, flexibility, technology and taste people incorporate into their daily lives, Hyatt Place is the first hotel brand designed to let guests stay like they live.

More... [611 views]

HPL Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence in the Maldives with New Resort

HPL Hotels & Resorts has announced that it will manage a new 160-villa property that is currently under construction in the Maldives. Expected to open in early 2008, Kandooma Beach Resort will be the company’s second property in the Maldives, after Rihiveli Beach Resort, which it has been managing since 2004. Both resorts are located about 15 minutes by speedboat from each other in South Male Atoll.

More... [684 views]

China: IHG checked in strong 2006

China was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region for the UK-based InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) in 2006, according to company statistics. The nation is the second-largest region for planned new hotels worldwide, after the United States, with 57 hotels in the pipeline.

More... [782 views]

TravelCLICK Selected by Austria Hotels International for GDS Connectivity, Market Intelligence

TravelCLICK Inc., a leading provider of hotel business process management (BPM) solutions,  announced today that Austria Hotels International, with 13 properties in Austria and the Czech Republic, has selected the iHotelier central reservation system (CRS) for Global Distribution Systems (GDS) reservations at select properties.

More... [636 views]

St. Regis Residences to Make Debut in Singapore

As Singapore's global appeal continues to grow among both leisure and business travelers, City Developments Ltd. (CDL), through a joint venture with Hong Leong Holdings Ltd. and TID Pte Ltd., is building a hotel/condominium project there under the St. Regis label. St. Regis Residences, Singapore should be completed by 2008 and the hotel component of the project is slated for completion before the end of 2007.

More... [862 views]

Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

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What's the price of gasoline have to do with the future of the lodging industry?

 What’s the price of gasoline have to do with the future of the lodging industry? Some pretty interesting research tells us “More than you might think”!  By Jim Butler

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WOW.TRAVEL’S seven sensational two-floor suites

wow.travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com) edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensational Two-floor Suites.

More... [988 views]

Hotels and resorts raking in on surcharges and hidden fees

The practice by some hotels and resorts of imposing surcharges and fees not disclosed until check-out time has come under scrutiny.

More... [1333 views]

IHG has world’s largest pipeline with nearly 158,000 rooms

As reported in the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group, 2006 year-end earnings (to Dec. 31, 2006) stock exchange announcement issued on Feb. 20th, IHG, the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, entered 2007 with tremendous momentum having built the world’s largest development pipeline (nearly 158,000 rooms). 

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Winston Hotels Receives Unsolicited Offer

Winston Hotels, Inc. a real estate investment trust and owner of premium limited-service, upscale extended-stay and full-service hotels, today announced that it received an unsolicited offer from Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc. to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Winston Hotels for $15.00 per share, together with all of the common units of WINN Limited Partnership for $15.00 per unit.

More... [567 views]

Full-Service Hotels, Resorts See Revenue Payback, Optimized Efficiency with Integrated Maestro PMS Modules

How do hotel operators measure the ROI on a hotel software technology purchase?  Three different property managers have their own answers.

More... [814 views]

Record year for ITB

The world's biggest travel and tourism trade show, ITB Berlin, has set new records with almost 11,000 companies from 184 countries and regions presenting their tourism attractions. The event is spread over 160,000 square meters at the city's show ground, Messe Berlin, and includes every sector of the tourism economy from service providers such as hotels and airlines to tour operators, national and regional tourism promotion boards, travel technology and information services.

More... [762 views]

Pelican Events Acquired By Mclean Events International Completing Family Of Hotec Business Forums

The acquisition of Pelican Events Ltd by McLean Events International Ltd was completed on Thursday 1 March 2007.UK based McLean and Pelican have been partners for the last six years in their joint ownership and operation of the well-known family of four HOTEC Business Meetings Forums: HOTEC Europe and HOTEC North America have been owned and run by McLean for eight and three years respectively; HOTEC ASIA has been jointly owned by Pelican and McLean, but run by Pelican for the last six years, whilst HOTEC MIDDLE EAST has been owned and run by Pelican for three years.

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Derek A. Flint Appointed General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street

Derek A. Flint has been named general manager of the 253-room Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street, announced Herve Humler, president international, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.  Located in the heart of the capital city’s emerging financial district, the hotel recently opened mid-October 2006      

More... [1570 views]

W Hotels Debuts in the Fashion and Design Capital of the World with W Milan

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced plans with Statuto Group to open a W Hotel in Milan, in a deal representing another significant milestone in W Hotels' aggressive global expansion. Scheduled to convert in December 2008, W Milan will be the first W Hotel in Italy, bringing the brand's signature style and sophistication to the world's fashion and design capital.

More... [843 views]

Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

More... [1372 views]

Global Staff Movements - Who is In and Who is Out

The latest update on international executive staff movements. Check it out....

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Hilton Hotels Corporation projects 1,000 more hotels opened or signed in international markets by 2017

Hilton Hotels Corporation  anticipates adding 1,000 hotels within North America in the next five years, and 1,000 hotels to its portfolio outside of North America, or internationally, within the next 10 years.  Currently with the industry's largest development pipeline for any U.S.-based company -- and the strongest in the company's history -- Hilton Hotels Corporation has more than 775 hotels and 110,000 rooms in development.  More than 75 of the 775 properties are located within the international operations.

More... [1069 views]

Accor to Sell 91 Hotel Properties in Germany and the Netherlands for 863 Million Euros

As part of its real estate management strategy, Accor said today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding to sell 72 hotels in Germany and 19 in the Netherlands to Moor Park Real Estate for 863 million euros, including a 43-million-euro renovation program to be paid for by the owner. The Novotel, Mercure, Ibis and Etap Hotel properties involved in the transaction represent a total of 12,000 rooms.

More... [732 views]

When family ties leave you in knots

Family reunions are often tricky affairs to negotiate, as Yeoh Siew Hoon discovers.

More... [776 views]

Set Up Your Servers For Super Service

When you get right down to the basics of any design effort for a foodservice establishment, the same objective exists with each and every project: design an efficient and effective system to prepare and deliver food and beverage to the guest. That’s it. Nothing too fancy. But it is much easier said than done.

More... [858 views]

Stealing Starbucks' WiFi Customers

Just because you pay a premium for Starbucks coffee doesn't mean you have to pay a premium to surf the Web at Starbucks cafes. Just how does FON plan to steal away Starbucks Internet users? By offering FON wireless routers, also known as "La Foneras," free to anyone who lives above or next to a Starbucks.

More... [1043 views]

IHG appoints Jill Cady Vice President, Worldwide Sales Strategy

Based in Atlanta and reporting to Stephen Powell, senior vice president, worldwide sales, IHG, Cady will take an active role in setting and delivering IHG’s account management strategy for top customer accounts, in order to increase IHG’s market share.  She is also responsible for leading the engagement between the global and hotel sales teams to deliver a consistent sales experience across all regions.

More... [899 views]

L&RP plans to invest $500 mln in building 20 hotels in Russian regions

London & Regional Properties is planning to build 20 hotels in Russian regions, David Geovanis, L&RP managing director in Russia, told Interfax.

More... [578 views]

Starwood casts its vote of confidence in Bali by holding regional seales and marketing conference

Starwood Hotels & Resorts demonstrated its positive outlook for Bali recently by holding its annual Divisional Sales & Marketing Conference, one of the largest of its kind for the company, on the paradise island of Bali, internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading resort destinations.  The three-day event-filled conference took place at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua and Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort in Bali from 7th to 9th February 2007, with several other evening and social events taking place at local restaurants and Starwood hotels in Bali.

More... [763 views]

Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

More... [1299 views]

What’s in for a brand nowadays?

Do we live in a brand driven world? In a market and industry where products and dervices are all too undifferentiated - and even boring - successful branding can have a significant impact on current profit margins and future buying behavior of what services and products customers will buy. By Dietmar Kielnhofer ©

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Training Is Key To Turning “Desk Clerks” Into Front Desk Salespersons

Despite the continuous increased focus on improving revenue management processes at most hotels these days, more often than not the job of working the front desk is still viewed as a primarily being an operational position.  While many hotels and hotel companies have focused training efforts on hospitality and guest service efficiency, few have provided the more comprehensive sales training which the position calls for. 

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Marriott concepts come to life

Marriott International is celebrating 50 years in lodging and 80 years of history. During this week's full-service general manager's conference at the Marriott San Francisco, Bill Marriott Jr., chairman and c.e.o., focused on the company's culture, which started when his father opened a root beer stand in Washington.

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Why Pros And CEOs Choke

If you've ever choked while working on a high-stakes deal, you'd probably like to avoid repeating the experience at all costs. Well, here's some good news. New research on how stress affects our ability to solve problems may be able to help you do just that.

More... [873 views]

World Travel Trends Report 2006 - 2007

This World Travel Trends Report 2006-07 is based on the proceedings of the 14th Annual World Travel Monitor Forum – now more commonly known as the Pisa Forum – which was held from 1-4 November in San Giuliano Terme, near Pisa, Italy.

More... [1173 views]

W Hotels Heads for the Heart of St. Petersburg Where Classical Art, History and Culture Meet a Vibrant Future

In its continued demand to select only world class destinations, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced plans for a new W hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia. Scheduled to open in mid 2008, W St. Petersburg represents a rare development in the main historic area of this vibrant city. This is the first W to be announced in Eastern Europe and marks another important step in W Hotel's global expansion.

More... [620 views]

Omni Hotels' 'Sensation Mini Bars' Capture Local Flavor

Planned Expansion of  Sensory-Focused Mini-Bars From Luxury Hotel Company Incorporate Local Indulgences The refreshing taste of orange blossoms, the celebration of local traditions or a whimsical view of Voodoo offer guests of various Omni Hotels a closer view of the distinct products, culture and flavor of their destination.

More... [744 views]

Study sheds light on local spending in the Caribbean region

The positive contributions of hotels to the local economies in the Caribbean are grossly underestimated - and yet still present great opportunities for further optimizing its benefits.  This, according to the final report of a recent study of “The Caribbean Accommodation Sector as a Consumer of Locally-Produced Goods and Services and Contributor to Government Revenues.” The study was conducted by Tourism Global Inc. on behalf of the Caribbean Hotel Association, with funding provided by Pro€Invest, an agency of the Centre for Development Enterprise of the European Union.

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Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong unveils The Lichfield Suite

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has unveiled the final stage of its multi-million dollar renovation, an exclusive suite dedicated to the memory of Patrick Lichfield, the celebrated photographer behind Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s award-winning global He’s a fan/She’s a fan advertising campaign.

More... [872 views]

Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

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A billion here, a billion there. (Ho Hum) Isn't it time we developed some hotels again?

Wasn't it only “yesterday” that a few hundred million dollars seemed like a lot of money and made the headlines? After Blackstone's $39 billion purchase of Equity Office Properties deal was topped in deal size by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts’ bid for Texas Pacific Group (TXU) for about $45 billion, it almost seems like everyone yawns at “mere” billion dollar deals, much less something smaller. For example, did you notice any major headlines in the past couple of weeks about Winston Hotels being bought by Wilbur Investment for $850 million, or Apple Hospitality being bought by ING Clarion Partners for $890 million, or Hilton selling its Scandic Hotel chain to a private equity group for about $1.1 billion? By Jim Butler

More... [723 views]

On the Road: Looking outside the industry to find answers

Hilton Hotels Corp. did some very refreshing activities on Tuesday at its annual focused-service owners conference. It allowed attendees to look outside of the lodging industry. The atypical c.e.o. power panel that the owners were treated to gave them a true feeling that the problems they’re facing—particularly on the people front—are the same issues being faced by other service-based businesses.

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UK Chain Hotels Market Review – January 2007

Sales at London hotels continued to soar during the first month of this year, according to figures from TRI Hospitality Consulting’s monthly HotStats survey.Room revenue per available room was up 14.8 per cent to £75.88 as average room rates surged by 12.8 per cent to break through the £100 barrier and hit £104.09. Occupancy was also up, rising 1.3 points to 72.9 per cent.

More... [570 views]

Bacteria-Ridden Remote Controls Are the Likely Place for Guests to Get a Cold or Flu

Pineapple Hospitality's ZAPLEXTM disposable remote control protectors are injected with an antibacterial compound proven to help hotels avoid the all-too-common hand-to-remote transferring of a cold, flu or MRSA University of Arizona microbiology professor Chuck Gerba, aka 'Dr. Germ,' recently conducted a study that found TV remote controls are the highest carrier of bacteria in hospital rooms - even more so than toilet bowl handles, bathroom doors and nurse call buttons.

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Las Vegas Sands, World-Renowned Hotel Brands Celebrate Progress on the Cotai Strip in Macao Construction of Sheraton, St. Regis, Traders, and Shangri-La Hotels on Track

As construction activity took place behind them, representatives from Las Vegas Sands Corp.  Starwood Hotels & ResortsHotels and Resorts today celebrated the progress being made on the Cotai Strip(TM) in the People's Republic of China Special Administrative Region of Macao. Worldwide, Inc. and Shangri La

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International Association of Conference Centers Taps Chefs for International Chef of the Year Competition

Chef Leonard Elias of Aberdeeen Woods Conference Center in Peachtree City, GA came one step closer to claiming the coveted Copper Skillet award by edging out four other American chef finalists at the USA Cook-off competition at the James L. Allen Center in Evanston, IL.

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Starwood Hotels looking at expanding presence in Taiwan

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc's St Regis Hotel and W Hotels are studying whether to expand in Taipei, the Economic Daily News reported.

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Hampton Celebrates 1,400 Hotels and 140,000 Rooms

Double Milestone Coincides with the Opening of Hampton Inn - Majestic Chicago Theatre District Hotel Adjoining Landmark Shubert Theatre Officials of Hampton, the national brand of mid-priced Hampton Inn(R) and Hampton Inn & Suites(R) hotels, announced the opening of its 1,400th hotel and 140,000th room with the 135-room Hampton Inn-Majestic Chicago Theatre District hotel in downtown Chicago, Ill.

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The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort Announces Plans for a Fifth Luxury Hotel

The Barcelo Palace Hotel, an All-Suite Luxury Property, Set to Open at The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort at the end of 2007 Barcelo Hotels & Resorts announced the addition of a fifth luxury hotel at its upscale all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Beach Resort in Mexico. The newest addition at the Resort, The Barcelo Maya Palace Hotel, will open at the end of 2007 and will be an all-suite property with 756 junior guest suites.

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Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

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Creating A Culture of Opportunity

What is the best way to maintain your Peak Performers?  Create a Culture of Opportunity, an environment in which co-workers assertively seek increased responsibility and promotion. By Jack Turesky, The Hamister Group, Inc.  with Nektaria Hamister

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Love is in the air for European hotels

2006 results from the HotelBenchmark™ Global Ranking Index. European hotels continue to lead hotel performance on a global scale in terms of revenue per available room (revPAR), with Venice and Paris taking the top two slots in the HotelBenchmark™ Global Ranking Index (GRI) 2006. The GRI compares the performance of 165 cities outside North America on an annual basis.

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China vs India – the heavyweight championship of Asia

It’s no rumble in the jungle, but rest assured this battle will be watched with more interest and by many more people than any Ali versus Foreman fight ever was

Not only are India and China expected to dominate the Asian travel market place, but perhaps even the world if current trends are any indication.

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Switzerland, Austria and Germany Lead the Way in the Rankings of the World Economic Forum's First-Ever Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report

Switzerland, Austria and Germany have the most attractive environments for developing the travel and tourism industry, according to the very first ranking of its kind in  the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007, released today by the World Economic Forum. Iceland, the United States, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom complete the top ten list.

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Four Points by Sheraton Taps Four Finalists For Chief Beer Officer Post

Four Points by Sheraton announced today that Four ale aficionados have been tapped to compete for the coveted position of Chief Beer Officer (CBO). Though the four finalists successfully beat out over 7,000 applicants to reach this point, they now have only two weeks to show Four Points - and the beer loving public - that they are ready to be the world's first-ever CBO and take their seat in the "executive suite."

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Dubai's Hotel Show 2007 Adding New Technology & Security Sector

According to Paris-based trade publisher Cleverdis, hotels throughout the region are leading the US$ 33 billion global technology spend in hospitality, not just with the countless new developments, but also with older hotels determined to maintain their competitive edge. With management increasingly looking to invest heavily in technology, to compete effectively in the hi-tech arena, The Hotel Show 2007, which takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) on June 3-5, will feature a new Technology & Security Sector.

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Four Seasons to Anchor New Disney Luxury Resort

Walt Disney World Resort today announced two new projects as part of an expansion plan for the resort in Central Florida: a new 900-acre luxury resort anchored by the prestigious Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and a 450-acre retail, dining and lodging district on the western edge of the Disney resort.

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Dow Hotel Company Names Michael Pitstick General Manager of Hilton Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington

The Dow Hotel Company announced that Michael Pitstick has been named general manager of the Hilton Hotel Bellevue in Bellevue, Wash., effective today.  Pitstick most recently was Dow’s vice president of sales and marketing.

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The World of Accor Trade Expo Grows to 14 Destinations in 2007

Accor has expanded its annual World of Accor trade expo to 14 destinations this year, making it the largest-ever travel expo staged by any hotel company in the Asia Pacific region. Coinciding with the increase in U.S. tourism to China, the expo comes to the U.S. for the first time in its history on March 27, 2007 at Sofitel’s newest North American flagship property, the glamorous Sofitel Los Angeles.

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Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

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New and Upcoming Technologies Needed for GUESTROOM 2010

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is conducting a comprehensive global search for the industry's most innovative technologies to be exhibited in GUESTROOM 2010, a model guestroom featuring some of the latest and near-future technologies for the modern hotel room. The 2007 model of GUESTROOM 2010 will be featured in the exhibit hall at the 2007 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC). HITEC 2007 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida June 25-28.

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Five Ways To Detox Your Desktop

You rush to it every morning, chug coffee and munch on lunch at it and perhaps even rest your head on it. It's safe to say you probably spend more time at your desk than any other place most weeks. But when was the last time you cleaned it?

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Hilton Announces the Exchange of Contracts to Sell the Scandic Hotel Chain to EQT for €833 Million

Hilton Hotels Corporation announced the exchange of contracts to sell its Scandic Hotel chain (“Scandic”) to EQT for approximately €833 million (or approximately US$1.1 billion). Net proceeds after transaction costs and taxes are expected to be approximately $1.04 billion.

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Cornell Study Highlights Limitations of Marketing Segmentation Strategie

The marketing strategy of specifically targeting some market segments, while leaving other segments to competitors, is unrealistic, according to a new report from Cornell University. Although the strategy of positioning a product to appeal to certain segments’ distinctive needs and wants is widely advocated by marketing professors, researchers have found little evidence that such a strategy leads to domination of the targeted segment. In the report, “Brand Segmentation in the Hotel and Cruise Industries: Fact or Fiction?,” Cornell marketing professor Michael Lynn tested the effectiveness of these strategies in the hotel industry.

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New luxury leisure consortium launches Great Hotels Organisation fills industry niche

In response to the changing European leisure sales marketplace, Great Hotels Organisation is launching a new consortium similar to Virtuoso, America’s leading network of independent luxury travel agencies.

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Historic Australian hotel launches as Sofitel Mansion & Spa

The Mansion Hotel in Victoria, Australia, this month changed its name to Sofitel Mansion & Spa and officially joined the Sofitel network.

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'Millions more' Indians can afford to travel

Indian residents made a total of 8.3m international trips last year according to The Pacific Asia Travel Association and Visa International.

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Small Luxury Hotels of the World Names Nikki Harrison As New VP of Global Marketing

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has appointed travel industry specialist Nikki Harrison as the luxury brand’s new Vice President of Global Marketing, based in the company’s headquarters just outside of London, England. 

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High investor demand for private pool villas at Shangri-La’s news Resort & Spa in Phuket – opening 2008

Thirty per cent of the 50 stunning private pool villas for sale at Shangri-La’s new landmark resort and spa in Phuket, opening in 2008, have been reserved following a highly successful sales launch and exhibition in Hong Kong at the beginning of February. 

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Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief....

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Checking In at the Hotel of Tomorrow

The hotel industry looks to the future, with far-out ideas from robot bellhops to rooms that monitor your health. How can hoteliers best serve the road warrior of 2025? What technology will future tourists expect in their Travelodge? Those are the questions that led Chicago-based design firm Gettys and the Hospitality Design Group earlier this year to gather 100 industry experts, drawn from companies such as Starwood Hotels (Charts), Whirlpool (Charts), and strategy firm Phillips & Co.

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Marriott plans high-def TVs with 'digital connectivity panels'

Marriott International announces Monday an upgrade of televisions at high-end hotels. It's aimed at providing better pictures, more programming and centralization of electronic gadgets used for work and entertainment.Marriott's initiative gives it a slight edge on competitors also scrambling to meet the demands of multitasking techno-guests. Hilton, Sheraton and Hyatt Place have similar plans.

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New IHG Regional General Manager for VIC, SA and WA - Australia

David Travers has been appointed Regional General Manager for InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) portfolio of nine hotels in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.  He also takes on the role of General Manager for the 383-room Crowne Plaza Melbourne. The role will involve assuming responsibility for all aspects of the hotels’ financial and operational performance.

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Hotel magnate Lord Forte, 98, passes away in his sleep

Charles Forte passed away in his sleep at his London home at 7am, a spokeswoman for his company announced. Forte started his career as the owner of a London milk bar and went on to create a multi-billion pound worldwide chain of hotels and restaurants.Among the prestigious hotels owned by the company he founded is the Balmoral in Princes Street. His catering firm also provided food for the Edinburgh Festival.

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Hotels in Beijing required to comply with environmental standards

All hotels that will accommodate media and members of the Olympic Family during the 2008 Olympic Games need to pass an examination to ensure that they meet relevant environmental standards, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympics said on Thursday.

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The 2005 Hotel Industry CEO Survey

Based on our pay-for-performance model, Steve Bollenbach was underpaid by 120% in 2005. The model takes into consideration three primary criteria, EBITDA/FFO growth, market capitalization and stock appreciation, and compares that to total compensation. By Keith Kefgen

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Bangkok Hotel’s face struggle to achieve tourism growth

It’s been a difficult few months with most hotels in Bangkok reporting down turns in business, with some reporting 14% drop in revenues from the previous year. There are many factors at play, however price does not appear to be a major influencer. 

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Marriott Helps 'Clean Up the World' - Company Expands Green Initiative

Marriott International, Inc. announced it has joined forces with Clean Up the World, a leading global environmental organization with 35 million volunteers in 120 countries. The company launched the new partnership today in San Francisco at its global conference during a Save the Bay clean-up effort involving more than 50 Marriott general managers.

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Kempinski continues expansion into China, Africa and Europe in 2007

Kempinski Hotels, now in its 110th year, plans to continue its rapid expansion in 2007 with the opening of eleven new hotels worldwide. This increases the group’s portfolio of hotels and residences under operation to 68 by the end of next year. The growth follows two years of record expansion for the group during which 21 new hotels have been opened.

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Banyan Tree to double Mexican projects

Banyan Tree Holdings, a developer, designer and operator of resorts, hotels and spas, said that it is doubling its Mexican portfolio to four projects.In joint ventures with major Mexican entities, Banyan Tree will invest in, design and operate two resorts - the Banyan Tree Chamela and the Banyan Tree Los Cabos. This is in addition to two resorts currently under development.

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Count or grind the beans? The hearty aroma of hospitality at risk

Money managers are just like everyone else: They have children, play golf, and are said to have a wry sense of humor.  We feel secure with them at our side; Lap Top’s whirling; printers spitting out spread sheets; budgets buffeting; numbers crunching; daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly reviews.By J. Ragsdale Hendrie

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3 Easy Ways to Increase Your Hotel’s Search Engine Presence… Without LinkBuilding!

It’s been said there are thousands of variables that go into how the search engine’s algorithms determine which websites rank where. While there may be truth to this, in reality there are a few key things you change on your website that will quickly improve how often your hotel’s website shows up in the search engines. And although I would never claim that if you do all of these you will see an increase in traffic from the search engines, I will go on the record that I’d be surprised if you didn’t at least see a bump. All of these tips are important enough to warrant an individual in-depth look so expect future posts on each of them in the future.

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Forecasting the Numbers: There's a Lot You Can Do

With smart 'future-watching', you can adjust capacity to reflect the level of expected business. When you avoid surplus staff and unnecessary preparation, there's a nice boost to the bottom line. Caterers can work with 100% certainty for much of the time - business is pre-booked and pre-paid. They can achieve 20% food costs and similar wage levels because they work with exact numbers and do their purchasing and staffing accordingly. And it's why they keep their mouths shut when the conversation turns to low profits in the food business! By Ken Burgin

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Opens its Doors - Literally - with Exclusive Guided Tours

Iconic Hotels to Mark Centennial Celebrations with Exclusive Tours Ever wondered what secrets whisper in the walls of a glamorous hotel? Wouldn't it be great to find out more? To launch celebrations marking Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' centennial, several iconic hotels will hold exclusive 'Open Doors' events. From April to December 2007, one hotel per month will host historical, behind-the-scenes guided tours for guests and members of the public.

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Mikayo Hotels in Tokyo and Osaka to be Re-Flagged as The Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo and The Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announces two new Sheraton hotels in Japan under a franchise agreement with Kintetsu Hotel Systems, Inc., the hotel operating division of Kintetsu Corporation.  The Miyako Tokyo Hotel and Miyako Osaka Hotel have both been re-flagged as The Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo and The Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka respectively.  Sheraton is renovating the two properties, both of which are scheduled to open in April 2007.

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Ribbon Cutting Announced for The Heldrich

Benchmark Hospitality International, the operator of the hotel and conference center at The Heldrich, the new $120 million mixed use property located at 10 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has announced that a Ribbon Cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 10:30 am. 

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Hilton Recognizes the Top Performing Hotels of 2006

Hilton Hotels recognized its top hotels during an awards ceremony at the brand's annual conference of general managers and directors of food and beverage, held this year in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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50 hotel construction projects under way in Taiwan

More than 50 hotel construction projects have been launched throughout Taiwan or are being contemplated by various financial groups in anticipation of a government decision to allow more Chinese tourists to visit the country.

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Hotel News in Brief

Hotel industry news in brief...

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