ResourcesDirectories
News Archive Search |
ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: May 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 31, 2007Velden opened: Schulze dit it again!The orange-yellow castle of Velden in Austria has been revived as a luxury hotel, the modern marina and its trendy restaurant are its latest additions. By Andreas Augustin, President, The Most Famous Hotels in the World More... [1426 views] Integrity, Growth, and Connecting with Customers: More lessons from the early years of The Hamister GroupIn last month's "Never Give Up" article I recounted a number of important lessons that I learned before age 18. As The Hamister Group's 30th anniversary continues to approach, I would like to resume the narrative with more anecdotes from my early years as a manager. I hope that these personal illustrations will benefit both my co-workers and colleagues and that they will provide further insight into our company's philosophy. by Mark Hamister, CEO The Hamister Group, Inc More... [786 views] Utell® Hotels & Resorts Research indicates travellers are turning to independent HotelsInaugural “Utell Us 2007” Survey reveals 92 per cent of UK travellers find the hotel brand least important when choosing accommodation. Personal service is still important despite the increase in online hotel reservations More... [1624 views] Life Magazine lives at the Herald Square HotelIn a city full of brand name hotels, the Herald Square Hotel West 31st Street is neither a chain nor a franchise. It is privately owned by Abraham Puchall, a German shepherd breeder who said he senses a psychic link with Life's founding editor, John Ames Mitchell. By Gabrielle Birkner, The New York Sun More... [737 views] French Hotel Results - 1st quarter results 2007: The French Hotel Industry towards new heightsThe French hotel sector posts excellent results in the first quarter 2007 with growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) by 9.5% over the first quarter 2006. More... [696 views] Dubai to invest US$18b in 50-hotel projectTatweer, a unit of government-owned Dubai Holdings, said it would provide one third of a proposed US$54 billion investment in Bawadi, a strip of more than 50 themed hotels in the desert. More... [1071 views] Design hotels announces new members and hotel openingsDesign hotels(tm) signs 8 new hotels for membership during the first trimester of this year. In addition, the company announces the openings of four hotels, including two this month: the much anticipated Haymarket Hotel in the heart of London and La Purificadora in Puebla, Mexico. More... [702 views] Team player at the head of JW Marriott Hotel SeoulRobert J Stark is newly appointed as General Manager of JW Marriott Hotel Seoul in May 10, 2007. More... [911 views] Hong Kong visitor arrivals for April 2007Total visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 2,176,854 in April 2007, a year-on-year increase of 2.3%. The increase took the cumulative total for January to April 2007 to 8,792,671, 5.3% higher than in the first four months of 2006. More... [519 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 30, 200710 best spots to watch the summer solstice sunset
More... [1796 views] Get facts right or be the “bad boys”Goodbye China, hello climate change - Yeoh Siew Hoon delves into today's hot button issue at the Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels’ Investment Conference in Singapore. More... [860 views] Asia's first ice bar to open in ShanghaiAsia's first ever "ice bar" is to open in Shanghai on June 22. About 45 tons of ice to be used to build and decorate the bar arrived in Shanghai this week. It had traveled some 30,000 km from the Torne River in Sweden, which lies 200 km inside the Arctic Circle. By Xu Xiaomin, China Daily More... [953 views] A guest experience that cannot be copied or cloned.Some implications for the Hotel Industry Does nobody see anything obsolete about the tendency of hotels to copy each other’s guest experience, while the chains clone theirs throughout the hotel group? It’s high time to move on from this practice. I would like hotels to understand that they can create a far more loving and caring guest experience that cannot be copied; one that increases the happiness and well-being of the staff and guests; and which puts the pervasive SOP/Customer Satisfaction (SOP/CS) guest experience in the shadows. This article explains why it is superior and why it cannot be replicated. By Peter McAlpine More... [2587 views] Le Cordon Bleu International signs new agreement with Carleton UniversityLe Cordon Bleu International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Carleton University. More... [750 views] Robert Petrović promoted to Hotel Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial StreetRobert Petrović has been promoted to hotel manager of the 253-room Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street. The announcement was made recently by Derek A. Flint, general manager of the hotel. Petrović was previously the hotel’s executive assistant manager, food and beverage. More... [1848 views] Hospes Lancaster in Paris joins ARTEH®ARTEH® - Hotels and Resorts presents another hotel in Paris, France, the Hospes Lancaster, just steps away from the Champs - Elysées. More... [719 views] China to become 3rd biggest travel destinationChina is likely to replace the United States as the world's third most popular tourism destination next year, a United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) official said. More... [1045 views] Rocco Forte Hotels moves into resorts with Marrakech signingRocco Forte Hotels has signed a contract to manage a new five-star golf and spa resort in Marrakech. Due to open in December 2009, the Moroccan resort is set in a 225 hectare estate of olive groves and undulating countryside traversed by ancient waterways, all set against a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. The estate is only minutes from the old city of Marrakech and the international airport. More... [884 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 29, 2007Staff benefit when a hotel ‘goes holistic': Survey Holistic commitment pays off for more than guestsEmployees are major beneficiaries when hotels adopt holistic principles, according to an international survey conducted this month. More... [2017 views] U.S. Hotel Profits - Kind in 2006, Mean in 2007 - PKF ReportsIn 2006, the average hotel manager in our 71st Trends in the Hotel Industry survey achieved a 13.3 percent gain in operating profits1, the third consecutive year of bottom-line increases in excess of ten percent. Favorable supply / demand conditions allowed these operators to enjoy an 8.2 percent jump in revenues for the year. However, management continued to struggle with escalating costs. Hotel operating expenses grew 6.3 percent in 2006, the third consecutive year of expense growth nearly twice the pace of inflation.
More... [603 views] High-Tech Hotels For Business TravelersTraveling for a business trip and forgot your cellphone charger? Need to print out a presentation for your morning meeting at 11 p.m. only to discover the business center at your hotel closed at 10? How about trying to work in your hotel lounge but getting no Internet connection? By Shivani Vora, Forbes.com More... [1102 views] Honour and Pride at Skyway LandisTwo chefs from Skyway Landis Hotel Shanghai gained top awards at the “Live Cooking Competition” during the recent 2007 Hong Kong International Culinary Classic. More... [622 views] Benchmark Opens West Baden Springs Hotel
Benchmark Hospitality International has officially opened West Baden Springs Hotel, the Indiana landmark once known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The historic property (circa 1902) reopened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 23, that included Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. The property was last used as a hotel in 1932. The opening celebration of West Baden Springs Hotel marked the completed restoration of two historic hotels at the French Lick Resort Casino destination. The French Lick Springs Hotel (circa 1901) reopened last October. More... [686 views] St. Regis Hotel launches new community initiative: "Learning English, Learning Etiquette" at Jian Ping Junior High SchoolSt. Regis Hotel, Shanghai has recently launched a new community initiative "Learning English, Learning Etiquette". The initiative gives the local junior high school students of Jian Ping Junior High School an opportunity to come together to learn English, etiquette and manner in a fun and interactive environment.
More... [721 views] Amanda Scott appointed General Manager of the Excelsior Hong KongMandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Amanda Scott as General Manager of The Excelsior, Hong Kong effective 16 May 2007. More... [1481 views] Formal Accreditation by England, Wales and Northern Ireland Regulatory Authorities for new Institute of Hospitality QualificationsThe Institute of Hospitality (formerly HCIMA) is delighted to announce that its new suite of awards and qualifications have now been officially accredited by the Regulatory Authorities for England, Wales and Northern Ireland - comprising the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority for England); DELLS (The Department for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills in Wales); and CCEA (Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland). More... [488 views] Far East Consortium plans to invest HK$4b in 10 hotelsSecond-tier Hong Kong developer Far East Consortium International will speed up its expansion into the mainland's hospitality industry with plans to invest up to HK$4 billion to open 10 four-star hotels in the next 12 to 18 months. More... [806 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 28, 2007Matthew J. Hart to become Chief Executive Officer of Hilton Hotels Corporation effective January 1, 2008The Board of Directors of Hilton Hotels Corporation announced that Matthew J. Hart, the company's president and chief operating officer, will assume the role of president and chief executive officer effective January 1, 2008. Mr. Hart, 54, who was also elected to the company's board in January 2007, will replace Stephen F. Bollenbach as company CEO. More... [876 views] The Thin Line Between Hospitality Excellence and MediocrityLike most trainers, I frequently engage participants in interactive activities that hopefully shift some paradigms for the long-term. With one such activity, I give teams of two participants a list of hotels in a city they've never been to, and then have them each place an inquiry call. Afterwards, each participant reports back to the overall group on their experiences and observations. By Doug Kennedy More... [1389 views] Oman: Please slow down and mind the roundaboutsYeoh Siew Hoon thinks Oman is the best-kept secret in the Middle East: an oasis amid the development frenzy that is engulfing the Gulf region. Don't rush, though, because no one else does. More... [788 views] Tosca wins award of excellence from Wine Spectator MagazineWine Spectator Magazine, the New York-based trade magazine that remains to be the leading authority on the world's finest wines, the best dining and travel destinations, recently bestowed the "Award of Excellence" to Tosca, the newest Italian restaurant of Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati, Philippines. More... [460 views] Hotels in Dubai use 225 per cent more energy than European hotelsFarnek Avireal identifies huge potential savings that could boost hotel bottom lines, promote hospitality CSR initiatives and help to protect the environment More... [1526 views] Small Luxury Hotels of the World surveys guests on their travel habits and desiresIn an effort to better understand its core customers and what drives their travel decisions, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) surveyed a sample 3,500 members of ‘The Club,' the brand's successful consumer recognition program for frequent guests.
More... [1092 views] Continent Hotels and Resorts CHR, the Turkish based hotel company, reveals expansion plans in Europe, Russia, India and China.With avant-garde franchise systems, seamless state-of-the-art technology complemented with chic and stylish hotel designs, the 2 brands, Continent Hotels & Resorts will serve exclusively the 4 and 5 star market, whilst the Ancyra brand is firmly focused in the mid-market hotel sector, introducing a refreshingly modern and stimulating hospitality experience that inspires our guests' imagination. More... [634 views] W Hotels Announces Major Hotel Development in Atlanta's Exclusive Buckhead CommunityW Hotels Worldwide and Noble Investment Group to open W Atlanta-Buckhead in 2008; The property will feature the designs of style Guru Thom Filicia. More... [646 views] Annual APAC Sales and Marketing conference launches in SydneyIn 2007, international conference, exhibition and media company EyeforTravel, are finally bringing their Sales and Marketing conference series to the Asia Pacific. More... [592 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 25, 2007Hotel Lawyer on latest U.S. Hospitality Trends from Meet the Money® hotel financing conferenceAt the recent Meet the Money® conference on hotel financing, Bobby Bowers, Senior Vice President at Smith Travel Research (STR) provided an overview of the U.S. lodging industry for the 12 months ending March 2007. The results were very interesting and bode well. Straight from www.HotelLawBlog.com, here is what he said. . . More... [704 views] Do men or women get better hotel service?This is a topic I've pondered lately, particularly when trying to get the attention of a busy front desk staffer and being aced out by a guy in a business suit with an expensive briefcase and platinum AmEx. More... [1434 views] Hotels.com sued over disabled access to roomsA major online travel company is being sued because it does not allow disabled bookers to search for or book wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms. The Californian lawsuit seeks to force Hotels.com to change its behaviour but does not seek any damages. More... [760 views] Design Hotels Announces New Members And Hotel Openingsdesign hotels(tm) signs 8 new hotels for membership during the first trimester of the year. In addition, the company announces the openings of four hotels, including two this month: the much anticipated Haymarket Hotel in the heart of London and La Purificadora in Puebla, Mexico. More... [884 views] The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd .announces winners of 2007 Chairman's AwardsThe winners of the 2007 Chairman's Awards were announced recently during the Worldwide Sales & Marketing Conference of The Leading Hotels of the World, held in Stockholm, Sweden. This annual event brings together the top marketing specialists from more than 430 of the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas. More... [1129 views] What’s ahead in hotel distribution?With customers suffering from advertising overload syndrome and customer trust at an all-time low, the Hotel Distribution Industry must strive to connect with its customers with offerings that are specific to their needs and tastes, notes eMarketer's Geoff Ramsey at the HEDNA Conference in Dublin. More... [952 views] Cornell Study: Coworker support is vital to restaurant guest satisfactionGood service is essential to ensuring restaurant guests' satisfaction, and a big part of excellent service is having a guest-oriented server. The question for restaurant managers is how to make that happen. More... [1103 views] Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. Announces Senior Management TransitionSunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. SHO announced today that Jon D. Kline, President, will leave the company effective June 30, 2007, to pursue other business opportunities. More... [590 views] Alpine resorts could feel the summer heat
Climate change will not just bring about changes in winter alpine tourism - it is likely to affect mountain resorts in summer as well. Higher temperatures could mean more natural disasters and changes to the landscape, but could also bring in more tourists as well, say experts. But how will Swiss resorts react? By Isobel Leybold-Johnson, swissinfo More... [609 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 24, 2007Half of Hotel Guests Now Expect Breakfast on the House According / YPB&R StudyApproximately one-half of hotel guests, whether vacationing or on a business trip, expect a free breakfast as part of their room rate, according to a new study data from YPB&R, an international advertising agency specializing in serving travel and leisure clients. As part of their hotel selection decision-making process, 49% percent of leisure travelers and 53% of business travelers feel getting a free breakfast is very or extremely influential. More... [1050 views] The Leading Hotels of the World launches ‘Leading Green' - its first endeavour to support carbon neutral efforts by offsetting hotel staysThe Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. the largest global luxury hotel brand, has announced the launch of Leading Green, is a carbon neutral programme whereby The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. will directly absorb the cost to offset guests' energy consumption for stays at any of its 440 hotel members worldwide. Guests will be encouraged to make a conscious decision toward greener travel by supporting Sustainable Travel International (STI), the foremost non-profit organisation in responsible tourism. More... [1478 views] Baubles or bubbles? Dubai is a city at the crossroadsPerched in the new central world between west and east, Dubai's future fascinates Yeoh Siew Hoon. More... [1137 views] A 241-room Mandarin Oriental to open in Beijing mid-2008At an official signing ceremony that took place today at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced that it will manage a luxury hotel in the new, landmark headquarters of China Central Television (CCTV), located in the central business district of Beijing. The 241-room Mandarin Oriental, Beijing will be a key component of the CCTV project, and is expected to open in mid-2008, in time for the Beijing Olympic Games More... [666 views] Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts to be part of a major tourism project in Oman
A large-scale leisure complex is to be built in Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman by 2010. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has just signed an agreement with Orascom Hotels & Developments, the owning company behind this huge building project, for the management of a 5-star hotel. The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Salalah is scheduled to open in 2009 and represents an important step in the growth plans of the Swiss international hotel chain. More... [678 views] Dieter Franke Appointed Hotel Manager for the Upcoming InterContinental Dubai Festival CityDieter Franke has been appointed as Hotel Manager for the upcoming InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Originally from Germany, Dieter brings over 14 years of experience in senior management with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts to the position. More... [852 views] Hotel's 19th floor is women-only, but is it legal?Grand Rapdis, Michigan: Among the amenities planned for this city's new JW Marriott hotel, one might be a first in America. The Alticor-owned riverfront hotel is reserving its 19th floor and a lounge exclusively for female clientele when it opens Sept. 19. Is it legal? More... [1095 views] Starwood Hotels & Resorts ramps up expansion momentum in China in 2007 with 13 new signings in the first quarter of this year.Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, one of the largest international hotel operators, continues its aggressive expansion in Greater China, announcing 13 new hotels in China and Taiwan just in the first quarter of the year. The new signings include the first aloft hotel in Asia : aloft Beijing, Haidian; a St. Regis resort in Lhasa, Tibet; a Sheraton and St. Regis on the fast-developing COTAI Strip in Macau; a W in Guangzhou; two Westins, two Sheratons and one Four Points by Sheraton. More... [883 views] Gleeson Building gets first Oxford GB hotel contract worth £16millionGleeson Building is celebrating a £16million hotel contract after establishing the Oxford GB joint venture with Oxford Hotels last April. This project by Oxford GB forms part of a wider programme of fifteen hotels to be built by Gleeson Building over the next five years. More... [582 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 23, 2007Travelers Steer Clear of Hotel Mini-BarTripAdvisor(R), the world's largest travel community, today announced the results of its hotel mini-bar/fridge survey of more than 1,600 travelers worldwide. Price, not selection, is the most important factor when it comes to using the mini-bar, as 94 percent of all travelers surveyed would use the mini-bar more often, if the prices were more reasonable. Thirty-three percent of travelers said they never hit the mini-bar. More... [1457 views] Madrid hotels move on up as city widens its appealGood things are said to come in threes, and this is certainly the case for hoteliers in Madrid. Firstly, the city is flourishing as a venue for international conferences, secondly, the country’s economy is outpacing the rest of the European Union (EU); and thirdly, Madrid airport’s beautifully designed new terminal has doubled passenger capacity. The combination of these three factors helped give Madrid hoteliers solid revenue per available (revPAR) growth over the last year up 7.0% to €80 according to latest data from the HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte. More... [572 views] Keith J. Hess Named General Manager of the 858 room Hilton O'Hare International AirportKeith J. Hess has been named General Manager of the 858 room Hilton O'Hare International Airport. In this capacity he will oversee all aspects of the hotel's operation. Most recently Hess served as General Manager of the Hilton Omaha, Nebraska's largest hotel and the state's only AAA Motor Club 4 diamond rated property. In his new role he will report to Thomas J. Loughlin, Area Vice President of Hilton Hotels Corporation. More... [914 views] Plaza hotel owner announces plan to buy New Frontier in Las VegasThe owner of The Plaza hotel in New York announced plans Wednesday to buy the New Frontier hotel-casino and develop a $5 billion (€3.68 billion) multi-use complex on the Las Vegas Strip. Elad Group, owned by Israeli billionaire mogul Yitzhak Tshuva, intends to build a luxury hotel with about 3,500 rooms, private residences, retail space and a casino bearing The Plaza brand on the New Frontier site, Elad president Miki Naftali said in a statement. Opening is targeted for 2011. More... [630 views] Raffles Hotel, Singapore honoured by UK readersRaffles Hotel Singapore has garnered a stellar achievement, being conferred ‘Best Hotel in Asia' and presented with the ULTRA - Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Award, at the ceremony held at a gala luncheon in London, UK on 9 May 2007. More... [639 views] Millennium Hotels and Resorts announces new developments in Asia and the Middle EastMillennium Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s largest hotel chains with over 108 hotels in 16 countries, has announced exciting plans for its overseas properties including multi-million dollar renovations for its hotel in Malaysia and a new deluxe property opening in Dubai, UAE. More... [1143 views] Radisson SAS scoops five awards at MENARadisson SAS Hotels and Resorts, part of fast-growing The Rezidor Hotel Group, has taken five awards in three categories at the recently held Middle East and North Africa Travel Awards (MENA) in Dubai. More... [733 views] Investcorp Buys Stake in $450 Million Hotel PortfolioInvestcorp has acquired a 96 percent interest in a portfolio of full-service hotels from The Procaccianti Group in a transaction valued at $450 million. More... [725 views] Bali on Show for Corporate Travel PlannersPATA is inviting up to 20 corporate travel planners to take part in an exclusive Bali Rediscovery Programme at PTM07 to enhance the MICE sector's interest in both the event and Bali. At last year's Mart in Hong Kong, 40% of buyers had an interest in premier MICE-related products, while 7% had an interest in both MICE and leisure product. More... [561 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 22, 2007Travelers say high-end hotels make them happierWidespread upgrades and new amenities didn't stop the hotel industry from doing worse than a year ago in the University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction index, out Tuesday. The hotel industry scored 71 out of 100, down from 75 last year, says the survey, which is compiled annually and based on responses from 80,000 U.S. consumers queried about a broad range of their recent dealings with businesses. Tepid scores for budget and midprice hotels caused the decline. By Roger Yu, USA TODAY More... [816 views] UK hotel industry set to post record growth in 20072007 looks set to be a five-star year for the UK hotel industry with revPAR growth (revenue per available room) of 8.8% in the first three months of the year and double-digit increases in a number of UK cities. The results come on the back of three years of consecutive growth across the hotel industry and Deloitte's findings show the average hotel room now costs £6 more than at the same time last year. More... [712 views] Benchmark Hospitality Promotes Greg Parsons to Managing Director of Eaglewood Resort & SpaBenchmark Hospitality International has announced the promotion of Greg Parsons to managing director for Eaglewood Resort & Spa, located in Itasca, Illinois, near Chicago. Bill Upshaw, regional vice president for Benchmark, made the announcement. More... [674 views] Westin Hotels Recruits 'Renewal Council' to Lead New Lifestyle InitiativesLifestyle Experts to Advise and Create Content for Industry's First Signature In-Room TV Channel and New Renewal Website More... [712 views] The Lodging Industry Investment Council releases its 2007 Top Ten surveyEach year, the think tank members of “LIIC – The Lodging Industry Investment Council” are surveyed to develop a list of the major hotel investment opportunities and challenges for the coming year. This survey results in the LIIC Top Ten; a highly regarded profile of investment sentiment and attitudes for the lodging industry for the forthcoming 12 months. More... [737 views] Michel Prokop Appointed by Dolce International as Area Director - GermanyDolce International, the global hospitality company specializing in the meetings experience, appoints Michel Prokop (48) Regional Area Director Germany. In addition to Mr. Prokop's position as General Manager of Dolce Bad Nauheim, Dolce's Hotel & Conference Destination near Frankfurt, Germany, Mr. Prokop will manage Dolce's Conference & Event location BallhausForum Munich while at the same time support Dolce International's expansion in Germany. More... [571 views] Floating hotel opens in EgyptEmeco, a travel organization and destination management company in Egypt, revealed that it has launched its latest floating hotel, called Tuya. Tuya will soon set sail on the Nile River, joining its sister cruiser Tiyi. Both floating hotels are managed by Creative Hotels and Resorts. Tuya features 60 deluxe 5-star rooms, as well as three royal suites. More... [653 views] New senior management appointments for ExpotelExpotel, one of the UK's leading independent hotel reservations, business travel and conference and event management agencies, today announced several senior management appointments. More... [671 views] Beijing's hotel rates hit Olympian heightsThe city expects to see 500,000 visitors during 2008 Games Beijing's tourism industry - and its hotels - are looking forward to breaking records during next year's Olympics when the city expects to see more visitors and earn more money than ever before. City hotels, from budget to five-star luxury, are cashing in by racking up room rates in anticipation of high occupancy for August 2008, when the Beijing Games take place. More... [703 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 21, 2007IHGs Patrick Imbardelli named Asia Pacific Hotelier of the Year 2006A. Patrick Imbardelli, Chief Executive of IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) Asia Pacific, has been named Hotelier of the Year 2006 at the 10th Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference, organised and hosted by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. More... [990 views] Design: Bathroom Trends: Natural is niceNatural stone for bathroom tiles is coming back. While the prices of marble and other natural stones had been cost prohibitive, new marbles from China are nearly the same price as the faux stone slabs from Europe, said Brooke Pearsall, managing director of design, HVScompass, Washington, D.C. More... [1241 views] Researchers: Customer satisfaction with hotel industry falls 5 percent in first quarterCustomer satisfaction with the goods and services that Americans buy continues to improve, but at a slower rate, according to a report released today by the University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). The ACSI is up 0.4% to an overall score of 75.2 on the ACSI’s 100-point scale, the highest quarterly national average in the ACSI’s 14-year history. More... [1077 views] New hotels to be built for Euro-2012 in PolandMore medium-class hotels will be built in Poland in preparation for the 2012 European Soccer Championships. More... [662 views] Fairmont To Oversee Savoy RestorationFairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced that The Savoy, one of Britain's most internationally recognized hotels, will benefit from a program of restoration that will include upgrading of the magnificent suites overlooking the Thames, renovation of guest rooms, corridors and all public areas and the reopening of More... [515 views] WORLDHOTELS Middle East's members rank amond the bestFour independent hotels in the Middle East belonging to WORLDHOTELS have achieved high rankings in the group's global Performing Excellence Programme (PEP), for their public areas, restaurant outlets and guest rooms. More... [832 views] Arabian Travel Market 2007 notches up record attendance 23449 visitors from 108 countriesThe 2007 edition of Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event, attracted the highest visitor turnout in its 14-year-history with some 23,449 people from 108 countries attending. More... [585 views] Canaries challenge Sol MeliaSol Melia’s net profit declined by 8.9% year-on-year to €20.3m (£13.9m) in the quarter ended 31 March 2007. More... [553 views] Strong Tailwinds Lift WyndhamA rising tide lifts all boats, and Wyndham has further capitalized on strong industry tailwinds in the lodging and travel sector by running a tight ship. As a result, Wyndham's first-quarter results beat analyst estimates, and the company raised its full-year guidance. More... [534 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 18, 2007Destination Marketing - is there a better way to spend your Dollars?All our Destination Marketing Organizations have a Budget, directed to encourage visitors to their particular location. For some the dollars are vast; for most, they are quite limited with high accountability. Our results are captured by a variety of means, not particularly sophisticated or reliable, but they are tracked. Typically, the number we watch the most is "New Visitors" to the area. More... [966 views] How hotel swimming pools may spawn ADA lawsuits and what to do about it.In case you haven't noticed, ADA lawsuits -- suits filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act -- are on the rise. We have covered a number of troublesome ADA claim areas here on www.HotelLawBlog.com in the past [Just go the the blog and scroll down the right hand side until you see the easy-to-use tools to sort blog entries by topic. By Jim Butler More... [1458 views] Customer Satisfaction Growth Slows, Many Companies Struggle to Keep UpACSI Report Shows Utilities and Cell Phone Industries Rising; Restaurants, Cable and Airlines Tumbling Customer satisfaction with the goods and services that Americans buy continues to improve, but at a slower rate, according to a report released today by the University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). The ACSI is up 0.4% to an overall score of 75.2 on the ACSI's 100-point scale, the highest quarterly national average in the ACSI's 14-year history. More... [719 views] The Procaccianti Group (TPG) Enters Into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Portfolio of Six Sheraton SuitesProvidence, Rhode Island-based real estate developer/hotelier, The Procaccianti Group (TPG), today announced the purchase of six (6) Sheraton Suites Hotels. TPG purchased the portfolio from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. & IHV International for an undisclosed amount. More... [711 views] Fairmont To Oversee Savoy RestorationFairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced that The Savoy, one of Britain's most internationally recognized hotels, will benefit from a program of restoration that will include upgrading of the magnificent suites overlooking the Thames, renovation of guest rooms, corridors and all public areas and the reopening of More... [608 views] Ghent Marriott Hotel Opens in BelgiumMarriott International, Inc. has expanded its portfolio in Belgium with the opening of the 150-room Ghent Marriott Hotel. The hotel is owned by the Granite Group and managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: IHR). The hotel is the first Marriott property to open in Ghent and the fifth in Belgium. More... [773 views] Cornell Hotel School Presents 2007 Hospitality Industry Relevance AwardsCornell's Center for Hospitality Research has bestowed its 2007 Industry Relevance Awards on two reports, "An Examination of Revenue Management in Relation to Hotels' Pricing Strategies," by Cathy Enz and Linda Canina, and "Retaining Management Talent: What Hospitality Professionals Want from Their Jobs," by Masako Taylor and Kate Walsh. Enz, Canina, and Walsh are faculty members at the School of Hotel Administration, and Taylor was a doctoral student at the time of the study. These two reports were selected from all reports and tools published by the Center between 2003-2006. More... [595 views] New General Manager at Four Seasons NevisFour Seasons Hotels & Resorts named one of its Regional Vice Presidents, Andrew Humphries, as the new general manager of the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. A seasoned hospitality executive, Humphries brings more than 25 years of industry experience, including direct expertise in the Caribbean region, for which he will direct projects for the Toronto, Canada-based hotel company. More... [836 views] Hilton Hotels Announces Its First 10 Of 75 Hotel Development Projects With Partner DLF in IndiaDevelopment for 10 Hilton Family branded hotels is underway with the first Hilton Garden Inn hotel to open in Saket in 2008 More... [943 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 17, 2007Building an eCRM Strategy in HospitalityThe Internet has transformed Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in hospitality. A large majority of your customers are planning and booking their hotel stay online. In fact more than two-thirds of them will do that this year: 1/3 of all bookings in hospitality in North America will be generated from the Internet (30% in 2006), and at least another 1/3 will be directly influenced by online travel planning. More... [1634 views] Marshall Management Signs Contracts to Operate Four Hotels Under ConstructionMarshall Management, a leading, mid-sized hotel management company, today announced that it has expanded its management portfolio with four hotels currently under construction. More... [579 views] Three On the Bund named runner up Hewitt’s “Best employer in Asia” AwardsShanghai’s iconic lifestyle concept, Three on the Bund, has been named runner up in the “Best Employer in Asia 2007” awards which are organized annually by global human resources company, Hewitt Associates, in association with Wall Street Journal Asia. More... [757 views] Roberts Hotels Group Developing Two Indigo Hotels in St. Louis, a Conversion in the Central West End and a New Build DowntownIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announces today plans for two Hotel Indigo developments in St. Louis, Mo.; in the Central West End and downtown. Both properties are being developed by Roberts Hotels Group, and will be managed by Roberts Hotels Management, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. More... [578 views] HFTP's 2008 European Hospitality Technology Educational Conference (EHTEC) Set for February 10-12, 2008 in AmsterdamAfter a successful inaugural conference in February 2007, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) announced today that it will host the 2008 European Hospitality Technology Educational Conference (EHTEC) February 10-12, 2008 at the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The boutique conference will offer two full days of focused technology education and excellent networking opportunities with European hospitality professionals. More... [523 views] The Peninsula Tokyo sets minimum room rate at US$578 per nightThe Peninsula Tokyo, a foreign-owned luxury hotel opening September 1 in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has set the minimum room rate for the current fiscal year at 69,300 yen (US$578) - one of the capital's highest. More... [742 views] Asia-Pacific to see $110 billion surge in tourism: PATAEighteen Asia Pacific destinations are expected to witness a $110 billion increase in tourism revenue over the next three years, according to a report released by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Thursday. China and Thailand will be among the biggest beneficiaries, gaining $36 billion and $13 billion in increased tourism spending between the years 2007 to 2009, said PATA. More... [567 views] Choice Hotels Names 14 Properties as WinnersChoice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) today announced that 14 properties have received honors as the 2007 Inn of the Year award winning hotels. The awards were announced at the company's 53rd annual convention in Orlando, Florida. From South Dakota to Florida to Colorado to Tennessee - and from Brazil to Japan to Mexico to Norway - this year's winners represent the 'best of the best' in the areas of guest satisfaction and brand performance in a worldwide system of over 5,400 hotels. More... [537 views] Hyatt Fair 2007 to Showcase over 50 HotelsHyatt has unveiled a record line up of properties that will participate in its 2007 series of annual Hyatt Fairs. Opening in Shanghai on May 29th, the regional roadshow will feature many of the company’s newest hotels from around the world, as well as presenting for the first time its ‘Hyatt Pure’ spa concept which will be showcased together with several of the groundbreaking spas, such as Kriya and The Barai, conceived since its introduction. More... [815 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 16, 2007Tracking carbon footprints in hotelsEvery day you stay at a hotel, you might burn enough fossil fuels to release more than 33 pounds of carbon dioxide, the bad boy of global warming, into the atmosphere. But don't worry. Open your wallet and all is forgiven -- or at least that's the pitch of a growing number of programs. More... [1310 views] First PATA summit in BangkokPATA, which aims to roll out THE summit for Asia-Pacific travel and tourism leaders, has roped in two organisations with ties to hotel and aviation CEOs, Burba Hotels Network (BHN) and the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) respectively, and has picked Bangkok as venue of the inaugural event, to be held in April next year. By Raini Hamdi More... [483 views] Buyers Devise Strategies To Secure Hotel Rooms In European CapitalsCorporate buyers are creating alternative strategies to contain runaway hotel rates in such key European cities as London, Paris and Moscow, where availability is limited and demand is strong. Most experts agree there is almost no prospect of rates flattening, let alone falling, in those cities in the foreseeable future.Buyers are considering such ideas as negotiating earlier in the season, switching to independent properties, trading down, negotiating for non-room rate items and avoiding those cities. More... [573 views] Global Hyatt Corporation to Manage New Hotel in Dusseldorf, GermanyGlobal Hyatt Corporation announced today that an agreement has been signed between Hyatt International (EAME) LLC and Projektgesellschaft Hafenspitze mbH for Hyatt to operate the new 286-roomHyatt Regency Dusseldorf, scheduled to open in 2010. More... [641 views] Hyatt Hotels & Resorts to launch an online forum for its frequent guestsHyatt Hotels & Resorts has several projects slated this year that address new online activities such as video, social networking and user-generated content. More... [760 views] Lap dogs' lap of luxury: Wag Hotel opens in San FranciscoThere's no ruffing it at the Wag Hotel, a pets-only property hosting a grand opening ceremony Saturday in the city named after a patron saint of animals. Wag Hotel is the four-legged equivalent of the Four Seasons, complete with massage spa, swimming pool, flat-screen televisions, couches and Web cams so owners can log in on their furry friends. More... [774 views] Taiwan tycoon to build copy-cat Dubai sail-shaped hotel TaipeiTaiwan Business Hotel Taiwan tycoon to build copy-cat Dubai sail-shaped hotel epa photo to be available Taipei A Taiwan business tycoon said Thursday he will build Taiwan's most-luxurious hotel, modelled on the sail-shaped Burj-al-Arab (Arab Tower) in Dubai. More... [1165 views] Hilton Hotels Corporation signs two new Doubletree Hotel management agreements in ChinaUpscale Hotel Developments in Beijing and Kunshan Mark New Milestones in Doubletree by Hilton Brand Expansion in China More... [614 views] Hanoi needs many big hotelsHanoi, one of the two most attractive destinations in Vietnam for tourists, hopes to attract 2mil foreign and 6-7mil domestic travelers a year by 2010. By the end of the first quarter of 2007, Hanoi had 516 accommodation sites for travelers with 12,894 rooms, including 181 hotels with 8,562 rooms. Of these hotels, there are eight five-star hotels which can provide 2,361 rooms, six four-star hotels with 1,074 rooms, 20 three-star hotels with 1,708 rooms, 82 two-star hotels with 2,407 rooms, 56 one-star hotels with 909 rooms. More... [705 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 15, 2007Ten Myths About Employee Assessment... DebunkedWe present insider information that debunks common beliefs about assessments and can help companies decide whether the use of assessments is in the best interest of their businesses. By James Houran, HVS More... [1620 views] Rush hour in the desert: Global warming not includedYeoh Siew Hoon experiences life in the fast lane in Dubai where they're still building and people are still coming. And things show no signs of stopping. Unless... More... [916 views] Staying in StyleTo the delight of savvy travelers, boutique hotels are finally sprouting up in Asia. Boutique hotels are popping up in Asia's more cosmopolitan cities faster than construction cranes. More... [848 views] Accor to open over 60 new hotels in China by 2009Accor Asia Pacific MD Michael Issenberg confirmed plans of launching a record 20 hotels in 2007, while a further 40 hotels were either under construction or in final phases of planning. The 60 new hotels are spread across the country and include deluxe Sofitel and Grand Mercure hotels, mid-market Novotel and Mercure hotels and economy Ibis hotels. Accor currently operates 43 hotels in China and Hong Kong. More... [851 views] Greg Pirkle named General Manager of Four Seasons Resort LangkawiGreg Pirkle has been appointed the new General Manager of Malaysia’s premier hotel, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, as the resort enters an exciting new phase with new owners. More... [1476 views] ARTEH® Hotels in South AfricaARTEH® - Hotels and Resorts has penetrated a new market. Now, the Independent Hotel Chain offers accommodation at Pezula Resort Hotel & SPA and Cape Grace in South Africa. More... [563 views] Indian hotels with unique designsThere are times when you don't want to step out of your hotel room. And in such situations you feel helpless if your room is boring. Our verdict: always step into a hotel room which boasts of a unique design. No, we're not talking about rooms that resemble prison cells or coffin rooms which can be sampled if you are ever in Berlin's Propeller Island City Lodge. But take a look at Nilaya Hermitage in Goa. More... [888 views] WORLDHOTELS reveals strong results from ATMA total of 118 independent hotels belonging to the WORLDHOTELS portfolio were directly represented at ATM. Among hundreds of trade show contacts, more than 60 Travel Agencies and Corporate Customers were negotiating business and registered their cooperation interest. More... [592 views] 4 new properties for Classic British HotelsClassic British Hotels has announced the addition of another 4 new hotels to its portfolio of high quality 3, 4 and 5 star hotels in key cities and destinations throughout Britain just over a month after announcing the addition of 4 new hotels back in March taking their total this year to 8 new hotels in the first 4 months of 2007. More... [853 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 14, 2007And the award for the most boring award goes to…Yeoh Siew Hoon is suffering from a case of awards ad nauseum as she sits through another meaningless awards ceremony. In fact, she deserves an award. More... [1520 views] WOW.TRAVEL’S seven sensational outdoor breakfast placeswow.travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com) edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensational Outdoor Breakfast Places. More... [1142 views] Shangri-La To Make Its New York Debut With Hotel Opening In 2010Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, announced today it will open the Shangri-La Hotel, New York in 2010. The group signed development and operating agreements with RFR Holding LLC, and a client of ING Clarion Partners, to construct a 206-room luxury hotel in the Park Avenue corridor of Midtown Manhattan, and will operate the property under a long-term hotel management agreement. More... [882 views] Dusit paves way for major entry into Serviced ApartmentsDusit is set to enter the rapidly expanding Residence/Serviced Apartment segment of the hospitality industry as part of a planned expansion program, both in Thailand and overseas. Projects are currently underway in Thailand and the Middle East. More... [702 views] NH Hoteles increased total earnings by 39% in the 2007 first quarterIn the first quarter of 2007, the hotel chain's sales increase a 39%, to €318.38M, confirming the improvement in performance compared to the same period of the previous year. NH Hoteles's hotel business, where the results of the recent additions to the Group in Italy (Jolly Hotels and Framon) have been consolidated, has improved significantly, by 30.7%, to €288.55M. More... [488 views] Ubercool trend guru, Google to speak at Wired in TravelAsia's leading travel distribution and marketing event, Wired In Travel (WIT), is back with a new partnership, fresh ideas and a power-packed speaker line-up. To be held on November 29-30 at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront, Singapore, the annual conference will feature speakers such as Ubercool's trend guru Michael Tchong who will talk about "The New Social Dialog"; Claire Hatton, the newly-appointed head for travel Asia/Pacific for Google; and Richard Bangs, world adventurer, international river explorer, Web pioneer and award-winning author. More... [651 views] Wyndham Hotel Group and Grupo Mayan of Mexico Announce AllianceWyndham Hotel Group, a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of hospitality companies, and Grupo MayanÒ of Mexico today announced that four Grand MayanÒ and five Mayan PalaceÒ resorts in Mexico will become allied with the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand. More... [587 views] Greg Allan appointed General Manager of Singapore Marriott HotelA Kenya born Scotsman, Greg Allan has worked within the hotel industry for more than two decades. The last eleven have been with Marriott International, with various postings taking him from the United Kingdom, to JW Marriott Dubai, Marriott Hotel Amman, Jordan and a four year assignment at the Singapore Marriott as Resident Manager. More... [849 views] Group Germain Launches ALT Brand in CanadaGroupe Germain announced a brand new concept for cheap-chic hotels that will be gradually introduced in Canada. A first in this country, ALT Hotels will offer the qualities sought by a growing range of consumers who want affordable accommodation without compromising on design and comfort. More... [568 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 11, 2007The Most Famous Hotels in the World - Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin presents History ExhibitionBerlin's first hospitality address, the hotel Adlon, at the history heavy prestigious address Unter den Linden considers its history a valuable asset. A daring exhibition about it is currently on display on the first floor of the hotel. It shows the great importance of a luxury hotel for the ruling classes. By Andreas Augustin More... [982 views] The Lodging Industry Think Tank "TOP 10" Investment Trends and Challenges In an annual survey prepared for exclusive release at JMBM's Meet the Money® hotel finance conference, the Lodging Industry Investment Council (LIIC) "Top 10" Investment Trends and Challenges were unveiled on May 3, 2007. If you want to know what these industry leaders think about the industry, check this out ..... By Jim Butler More... [976 views] Four Seasons Resort Nevis Announces New General manager and Regional Vice PresidentFour Seasons Hotels & Resorts is pleased to name one of its Regional Vice Presidents, Andrew Humphries, as the new General Manager of the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. More... [1035 views] Accor Asia Pacific Headquarters moves to Singapore, announces largest IbisAccor Asia Pacific chief Michael Issenberg and marketing boss Ray Stone will move to Singapore by year end. Yeoh Siew Hoon reports. The announcement of Accor’s relocation of its Asia Pacific headquarters from Sydney to Asia came as no surprise. With the rate the group was growing in the area, it was inevitable that its key executives needed to be close to the action. The group has 100 hotels under development in the area.
More... [2011 views] IHG to launch Staybridge Suites Brand in Middle EastInterContinental Hotels Group has launched its Staybridge Suites extended-stay brand across the Middle East region. Four properties are already in the pipeline and will be located in the UAE, Kuwait and Egypt. More... [633 views] 2 Cambria's Slated For Toronto AreaChoice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) today announced that it surpassed the 50-ontract milestone for its Cambria Suites brand with the execution of its first international franchise agreements in the Toronto metropolitan area. The first property will be a 7-story, 134-room hotel in Vaughan, Ontario and the second More... [444 views] New-look Lotte Hotel Seoul Voted ‘Best Individual Hotel in Asia'WORLDHOTELS Deluxe Collection member Lotte Hotel Seoul has been voted ‘Best Individual Hotel in Asia for 2006' by the prestigious Global Traveler USA magazine. The accolade was based on an in-depth survey of business traveler readers of the US publication. More... [653 views] Scotland: West beats east for hotels as business fuels booming tradeGlasgow's booming hotel trade is growing faster than its rival Edinburgh. Statistics published today show room bookings in Scotland's biggest city grew by 13.4 per cent during the first quarter of 2007, while the capital recorded an increase of only 5.6 per cent. The accountancy firm Deloitte in Scotland says hotels in Glasgow are filling more rooms than ever before and the figures suggest the city could soon eclipse Edinburgh.
More... [590 views] Per Aquum Expansion Plans AnnouncedPer Aquum announces extensive expansion plans throughout the Indian Ocean, Africa and the Caribbean, strategically adding to the portfolio over the next three years. More... [686 views] Hyatt Place Launches Four Simultaneous Ground-Breaking Events Nationwide;Hyatt Place today announced the simultaneous ground breakings of four new-build Hyatt Place properties that will open in Spring 2008. The ceremonial launches are taking place in the North, South, East and West regions of the country, where Hyatt Place is working with prestigious hotel developers to build next-generation hotel accommodations that meet specific market needs. More... [689 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 10, 2007Triple Condé Nast honors for Raffles Beijing HotelRaffles Beijing Hotel has been lauded as one of the best new hotels in the world by both Condé Nast Traveler (U.S), and Condé Nast Traveller (U.K). The hotel's elegant French fine dining restaurant Jaan has also been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot Table 2007. These prestigious Hot Lists are guides to the year's top new hotels and restaurants, chosen after months of evaluation by the magazines' network of reporters who travel incognito, ensuring an unbiased and objective review. More... [749 views] André A Joulian appointed President, Landis Group - China operationsLandis Hotels and Resorts Group has appointed André A Joulian as President of the Landis Group - China operations. In addition to his present position as General Manager of Skyway Landis Hotel Shanghai, Mr. Joulian will oversee the operational performance of Landis' two hotels in China More... [745 views] Dusit announces new Senior Vice PresidentFollowing the recent signing of six new projects in India and announcing soon-to-open four new hotels in the Middle East, Dusit Thani Public Company CEO, Chanin Donavanik, has appointed Octavio Gamarra as Senior Vice-President for Dusit Hotels and Resorts. More... [708 views] New Budget Hotel Brand in the UAE - Ecos HotelsCoral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas has created Ecos Hotels, an UAE-based chain of budget hotels targeted at cost-conscious travellers. More... [583 views] Hilton introduces its Sight+Sound Rooms in Chicago and San FranciscoFollowing extensive conceptual development, Hilton Hotels has launched home theatre-like Sight+Sound Rooms at two hotels, including 25 guest rooms at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare International Airport and 30 guest rooms at the Hilton San Francisco. More... [952 views] Malaysian to acquire 17 more US hotelsMalaysian businessman Charles Suresh Morais has joined the ranks of the elite in the hospitality business in the United States. Morais, whose company owns 14 hotel properties along the East Coast of the US, is acquiring 17 more hotels, making him a major hotelier in the States. The latest acquisition, with more than 3,200 rooms and assets valued at more than US$150mil (RM510mil), is through the newly-formed entity, Kronos Hotels LLC.
More... [644 views] Starwood Preferred Guest® takes top honors in industry's prestigious Freddie AwardsStarwood Preferred Guest took top honors at the 19th Annual Freddie Awards and was named Program of the Year in Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and Middle East, one of the most prestigious honors in the travel industry. Since the program was introduced in 1999, frequent travelers from around the world have recognizedStarwood Preferred Guest as one of the industry's top-rated loyalty programs. More... [832 views] The Regent Kuala Lumpur be renamed Millennium Kuala Lumpur The Regent Kuala Lumpur, the 5-star icon of Malaysia's hospitality industry, is slated to officially become the Millennium Kuala Lumpur on 1st June 2007, marking the first Millennium hotel in the country. Millennium is also expanding its five-star hotel portfolio in the Middle East with the addition of its "five-star jewel" known as the Millennium Towers Hotel Dubai, and with the Qualmark five-star rating garnered by the Millennium Hotel Christchurch in New Zealand. More... [711 views] PKF Forms Hotel Brokerage FirmPKF Consulting, a real estate consulting firm specializing in the hospitality industry, today announced the formation of PKF Capital, a multi-service hotel brokerage firm. PKF Capital is the result of the merger of PKF Consulting's Capital Markets Group and Colliers Macaulay Nicolls Inc's. (CMN) Colliers International Hotels' (US) operations. More... [694 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 9, 2007Global Staff Movements - Who is In and Who is OutThis month's update on international executive staff movements. Check it out.... More... [4108 views] The Lodging Industry Think Tank "TOP 10" Investment Trends and ChallengesIn an annual survey prepared for exclusive release at JMBM's Meet the Money® hotel finance conference, the Lodging Industry Investment Council (LIIC) "Top 10" Investment Trends and Challenges were unveiled on May 3, 2007. If you want to know what these industry leaders think about the industry, check this out . . .By Jim Butler. More... [907 views] Royal Orchid plans budget hotel chainBangalore-based Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd is on expansion mode. It plans to set up a chain of 50 budget hotels across India under the brand "Pepper Mint" by 2010. For this purpose, the company has floated a fully-owned subsidiary AB Holdings under which the budget hotels will be managed. When contacted, Mr Chender Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director, ROHL, declined to give further details. More... [597 views] One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, Named Depa Middle East North Africa Hotel of the YearThe One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, triumphed at the Depa Hotel Awards last night beating 26 participants to be named Middle East North Africa Hotel of the Year. The awards, attributed by live ‘Interactive Voting System', were presented during a glittering ceremony at Dubai's Grand Hyatt and attended by more than 750 people from the international hotel and tourism sector. More... [940 views] Coast-to-Coast and into Canada, Americas Best Value Inn Adds 63 Properties to its BrandFrom Amsterdam, NY to Martinez, CA, Americas Best Value Inn is continuing its fast growing trek across North America by adding 63 new properties to the brand between January 1, 2007 and April 30, 2007. More... [503 views] New sites confirmed in £40 Million expansion for Golden TulipGolden Tulip UK, the hotel development and operating company, has agreed three new sites for the Golden Tulip and Tulip Inn hotel brands at Gatwick Airport, Doncaster and York. The new hotels, which are expected to start trading in Autumn 2008, will add nearly 450 bedrooms to the group's expanding portfolio and will have a combined development value in excess of £40 million.
More... [688 views] Accor Group is now managing its first hotel under the All Seasons name in PattayaAfter operating the Pacific Prince Pattaya for more than 10 years, the owner decided to adopt the three-star brand to ride the boom times in Pattaya's lodging industry. More... [690 views] aloft Hotels To Unveil Updated Design Strategy in Second Life(R)aloha! aloft hotels worldwide today announced the reopening of its newly renovated virtual hotel, aloft SL. On Tuesday, May 8, 2007, aloft will reveal its new design strategy, based on important feedback from Second Life(R) residents, underscoring aloft's commitment to responding to consumer feedback and to building the world's best select service hotel brand. More... [617 views] Brisbane set to welcome first true boutique hotel ~ Emporium HotelBrisbane's mark as a city of cosmopolitan savvy is on the rise as the Emporium Hotel, the first true luxury boutique hotel for the Queensland capital, announced its opening date as early May this year. A tangible vision of contemporary elegance and hospitality, the Emporium Hotel is a part of the $150million Stage 2 of the overall Emporium development. More... [2549 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 8, 2007Bellboy to General Manager – How Long Is The Road?For those just entering the Hotel Industry, the ultimate career goal may be the position of General Manager. For others, it may be CEO of a Hotel Company. Less ambitious ones may settle for a Director of Rooms or Director of Sales title.We took a look at Hotel General Managers across the world, to determine how long it took them to get to their current position. We sliced and diced the data on 60 people from various countries and backgrounds to answer this question – How long is the road? How much time does it usually take from the moment when a young person walks into the door as a receptionist or a bellboy to the moment they land their first seat in the big leather chair of a GM’s office, guarded by a dedicated personal assistant? By Tatiana Veller, HVS More... [4240 views] Shanghai bracing for room glutFor the first time in a long, long while, RevPar among Shanghai's hotels is sliding. Is invincible Shanghai showing vulnerability? Yeoh Siew Hoon reports. More... [1089 views] Naladhu, Maldives - Luxurious New Resort Named "Hottest" in Conde Nast Traveler "Hot List"Naladhu, Maldives, has been named one of the world's hottest new resorts by Conde Nast Traveler in the 2007 "Hot List". The list, featured in the May edition, comprises 138 hotels, and Naladhu, Maldives is the one of the "Hottest" new properties worldwide. More... [993 views] Hotel group to open £80m hospitality centreA world-class education and training centre for the hospitality and tourism industry will be launched today in Aviemore to help counter a growing skills shortage.More than 20,000 jobs in the UK tourism industry are waiting to be filled.Macdonald Hotels is investing £700,000 in the project, which will create 30 jobs.Based at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, the £80m centre will be the first of its kind in the UK. More... [665 views] MTDP meeting in the heart of the Mekong DeltaThe 7th Sub-Regional Steering Committee of the Asian Development Bank Mekong Tourism Development Project (ADB-MTDP) met in My Tho City of Vietnam’s Tien Giang Province on April 1, 2007. Attending were delegations from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China’s Yunnan Province and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). More... [446 views] Lao Ecotourism Fair coming up in JulyThe 2007 Lao Ecotourism Forum – the third annual edition of the show - takes place July 26-29 at Vientiane’s Don Chan Palace Hotel. Bringing together high quality and innovative Mekong region ecotourism products and services under the theme ‘Bridging the Mekong Region’, the event is aimed at showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of Laos and the Mekong region. More... [596 views] Hyatt introduces ‘Residential Spa' conceptGlobal Hyatt Corporation, one of the world's premier hotel companies, has introduced a one-of-a-kind guest concept known as ‘Residential Spa' which incorporates spa and business facilities in selected rooms worldwide, affording the hotel giant's international clientele a more relaxing experience. More... [1112 views] Ways to Encourage Hotel Guests to Reuse LinensThe featured article in the May 2007 issue of Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly features an inexpensive and successful way to increase participation by hotel guests in linen-reuse programs.. More... [1207 views] Small Luxury Hotels of the World Recognises Best of the Best at Annual AwardsAt a gathering of over 200 hoteliers in New York City last week, Small Luxury Hotels of the World culminated its 14th Annual International Conference by recognizing six outstanding properties for their exceptional commitment to the SLH brand and their guests over the past year. Les Sources de Caudalie in France Clinches the Coveted "Hotel of the Year" Award More... [995 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 7, 2007From Russia - with amazement!The Most Famous Hotels in the World go Russia! St Petersburg – and still Europe: Grand Hotel Europe, to be precise! By Andreas Augustin, President, The Most Famous Hotels in the World More... [1273 views] Middle East Hotel Survey - Outlook, Market Trends And OpportunitiesThe 2007 edition of HVS International’s report on Trends and Opportunities for Hotels in the Middle East highlights a tale of two regions. By Hadrien Pujol and Bernard Forster, HVS More... [1035 views] 14th Arabian Travel Market Breaks All Records Visitor, industry and press attendance increaseAll records have been broken at the 14 th Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East's premier travel and tourism exhibition that closed its doors today, with an extraordinary 12,305 visitors and 22,655 total industry attendance on the first three days of the show, reserved for business. More... [674 views] IHG tops first China-wide performance-based travel rankingIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has been named top international hotel company in the China Top 10 study, the first China-wide travel and tourism ranking based on sales performance. Conducted by TTG Asia Media and Euromonitor International, the ranking follows six months of research, involving insights from official performance data, local trade press coverage and interviews with senior industry players. Ranking results were announced at the Incentive Travel & Conventions Meetings China conference held in Shanghai yesterday. More... [788 views] Dusit International proudly announces dynamic expansion projectsKeeping expansion plans under wraps since mid-2006, Dusit International - Dusit's operating arm of hotel service business - is now pleased to announce vital new development projects within Thailand and in other parts of the Asian region in 2007. And this is just the beginning. More... [762 views] Fairmont Hotels & Resorts welcomes new hotel in SwitzerlandFairmont Hotels & Resorts announced a new hotel in Switzerland will join its collection of landmark hotels on June 6, 2007 - Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. More... [702 views] California Hotels Go Green With Low-Flow Toilets, Solar LightsVisitors to the Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa won't find the Gideon Bible in the nightstand drawer. Instead, on the bureau will be a copy of "An Inconvenient Truth,'' former Vice President Al Gore's book about global warming.They'll also find the Gaia equipped with waterless urinals, solar lighting and recycled paper as it marches toward becoming California's first hotel certified as "green,'' or benevolent to the environment. Similar features are found 35 miles south at San Francisco's Orchard Garden Hotel, which competes for customers with neighboring luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Fairmont. More... [601 views] Wen-I Chang To Pursue Green Hotel Chain, Possibe FranchiseA San Francisco hotel developer who has been in the forefront of green hotel initiatives is about to launch a chain of these hotels, according to published sources. Wen-I Chang is investing in a chain of green hotels throughout California, which he expects will become the first in the country to win the "Gold" level of LEED environmental certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. More... [594 views] Emirates boosts hotel portfolioEmirates, the second biggest Arab carrier, is developing its hotel portfolio as a major business model within the group, with the likes of Radisson SAS with projects currently under development worth Dh3.67 billion ($1 billion), officials said yesterday. The airline yesterday announced a Dh928.5 million ($253 million) project to develop Emirates Cap Ternay Resort & Spa - a 416-room resort that will host 55 luxury villas and incorporate the world's largest swimming pool in Seychelles. More... [730 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 4, 2007Raging Beijing gets out its party frockBeijing is determined to have a clean and green city for the Summer Olympics and as Yeoh Siew Hoon finds out, even hotel housekeeping may be enlisted to sweep away the dust. More... [757 views] Mideast investment in hotels to exceed 7 bln USD in 2007Middle East investors are expected to double their investment in international hotels to more than 7 billion U.S. dollars in 2007 from 3.5 billion dollars last year, local newspaper Khaleej Times reported on Sunday. The forecast was disclosed by the global hotel investment services company Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2007 which started on Saturday in Dubai, the report said. More... [650 views] Hotel Developments in AustraliaThe high price of land and spiralling construction costs have helped to keep some developers out of the Australian hotel market in recent years. Across Australia, the number of hotel rooms under construction has decreased to the lowest level since Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels commenced the National Hotel Development Register in 2003. More... [774 views] Small Luxury Hotels of the World Named #1 "Luxury Brand" By Luxury Institute SurveyAccording to the recently released 2007 Luxury Brand Status Index survey on luxury hotels and resorts conducted by The Luxury Institute, wealthy consumers in the U.S. have ranked Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) the top overall luxury hotel brand for 2007 beating out more traditional brands such as Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton. More... [1158 views] No Regent hotel at Canal Point – RezidorDubai: A plan to have a Regent brand hotel at Istithmar's mixed-use project Canal Point will not go ahead, Brussels-based hotel operator Rezidor that operates Regent hotels said yesterday. Istithmar and Rezidor had announced last year that they had signed an agreement to have the region's first Regent hotel at Canal Point. More... [569 views] Senior management positions filled as Kor Hotel Group sharpens focus on Mexico portfolioLuis Fernandes, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations for Kor Hotel Group, the Los Angeles-based hotel, real estate development and management firm, is pleased to announce four new senior management appointments to the company's growing assets in Mexico: - Julián Smaldoni appointed General Manager of The Tides Riviera Maya - Cupertino Ortiz appointed Executive Chef of The Tides Riviera Mayab - Omar Said appointed General Manager of Villa del Sol - Cristina Romero-Peri appointed Area Director of Sales for Mexico, based in Los Angeles office. More... [689 views] Hotel conference addresses challenges of sustaining growth in vital hospitality sectorWhile both regional hotel heads and international operators concurred on the sustainability of the ongoing boom in the region's hospitality sector, speakers at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) also agreed on the need to address a series of issues to underpin growth in the coming decade. More... [565 views] Swiss-Belhotel International appoints Ghoubar as Director of Operations in the Middle EastSwiss-Belhotel International has announced the appointment of Ghassan Ghoubar as Director of Operations for their Middle East office. More... [677 views] Arabian Travel Market visitor footprint expands trade buyers from over 100 countriesThe geographic footprint of top-notch trade professionals visiting Arabian Travel Market - the Middle East's premier travel and tourism exhibition - has expanded to 102 countries with turnout from Asia, South and Central America and Africa showing the biggest increases - five more nations than were represented in last year's entire show turnout. More... [593 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 3, 2007Tech Toys for Business TravelersIn the air five days a week and finding yourself calling the Ritz Carlton home? We understand. You need a one-way ticket to Canyon Ranch. Sadly, man must work. But business travel doesn't have to be so tough. Taking along a few time-saving, stress-free can mean the difference between a trip without a bump in the road and a trip that is, well, bumpy. More... [1153 views] Are The Middle East Hotel Markets Showing Signs Of Maturity?The 2007 edition of HVS International's report on Trends and Opportunities for Hotels in the Middle East highlights a tale of two regions. The majority of the hotel markets enjoyed strong performance; however, instability in some countries led to some markets recording decreases in occupancy and average rate. More... [832 views] Accor reinforces its brands and developments in the Middle EastAccor, one of the world's largest hotel and services groups, is ranked as the most aggressive hotel group in terms of development in the Middle East region. With 30 new properties to be developed in the near future, encompassing a total of 8,247 rooms, Accor is set to triple its managed properties in the Middle East by 2010. More... [757 views] Arabian Travel Market notches up 5.2% - first day visitor growth turnout spans 88 countriesArabian Travel Market 2007 - the 14th edition of the Middle East 's premier travel and tourism exhibition - has reported its highest-ever first-day visitor tally with industry professionals from 88 countries attending. Some 5,002 visitors attended the show at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) - a rise of 5.2% on 2006.
More... [523 views] Barwa Real Estate Buys Seven Hotels in Switzerland and BelgiumBarwa Real Estate Co., the Qatari property company that owns the International Convention Hall in Paris, will develop and refurbish seven hotels in Switzerland and Belgium at a cost of 150 million swiss francs ($124.5 million). More... [718 views] Thailand Travel Mart approachingThe Thailand Travel Mart 2007 Plus Amazing Gateway to Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+2007) takes place June 7-10 at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok. The show is targeting 400 invited buyers from key and emerging markets and 400 sellers from Thailand and the Mekong region. More... [604 views] Hilton says Mideast is a key development marketHilton Hotels will double the size of its Middle East business in the next five years, according to the area president of the company's newly-formed Middle East and Africa division. At least 20 new hotel signings are anticipated between now and 2012, in addition to an already-signed pipeline of 11 properties in the Middle East. The company currently runs 44 hotels in the Middle East and Africa region. More... [678 views] Shaza Hotels Announces Seven Development ProjectsShaza Hotels, launched last year, has announced plans to launch seven regional properties in as many countries, with its first opening in Dubai as early as the end of 2008. New Kempinski-backed regional brand Appoints Key Executive Team Members; Finalizes Product Concepts More... [987 views] Marriott plans to increase Middle East portfolio by 54% in three yearsThe Marriott International Middle East lodging portfolio will increase by 54 per cent over the next 36 months as the company adds 16 hotels offering 3,515 rooms through 2010, the company announced yesterday. The additions build on Marriott's pledge at the 2006 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to increase its Middle East room supply by more the 250 per cent over five years. More... [838 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 2, 2007Ying-Yang and a pang of regretKenny Rogers sang, “You have to know when to hold ‘em, you have to know when to fold ‘em”. He was referring to cards in a game of poker. Yeoh Siew Hoon suggests speakers at hotel conferences could adopt a similar philosophy: There is a time to promote, and there is a time to pack away the sales spiel. It was interesting watching the performance of two top tourism business leaders at the opening of the China Hotel Investment Summit (CHIS) in Shanghai. More... [1044 views] Online Marketing Strategies - Trends for 2007As seasoned hospitality marketers, we are all familiar with the compelling need for an Integrated Electronic Marketing Strategy based on the inherent strengths of our property. In 2005 and 2006 many of us implemented an electronic marketing strategy that integrated various tools and practices.... By Mansi Bhatnagar, HVS More... [1751 views] Hotel websites let down by poor navigationThe second quarter 2007 study from the Massachusetts-based CRG evaluated 14 hotel group websites. It asked internet users to rate the websites in three main areas: usability, communication and trust. These areas were further divided into six sub-categories: simplicity, attitude, responsiveness, transparency, principles and privacy. Global Hyatt has come out on top in the Customer Respect Group's latest survey of how hotel groups treat their online customers. More... [1370 views] India and China can be unforgiving environments to new entrantsAs two of the fastest growing travel markets in the world, India and China are, by definition, highly attractive markets. However, it is a mistake to approach India or China lightly as they are highly competitive with complex regulations and can be unforgiving environments to new entrants. The most critical factors are adequate capital and strong political support within the start-up or expanding entity in order to meet the challenges of a prolonged entry phase. It is also advisable to ‘buy’ local knowledge through on-the-ground partnerships as this can assist in negotiating the many cultural intangibles. More... [887 views] Hilton Reports Strong First Quarter 2007 ResultsHilton reported first quarter 2007 net income of $95 million compared with $104 million in the 2006 quarter. Diluted net income per share was $.23 in the 2007 first quarter, versus $.26 in the 2006 period. Excluding non-recurring items in both periods and assuming the Hilton International (HI) acquisition occurred January 1, 2006 (as discussed below,) diluted EPS totaled $.20 per share in the 2007 quarter, a 33 percent increase from $.15 per share in the 2006 period.Total company Adjusted EBITDA of $371 million, up 13%. Fees up 16% to $176 million on strong RevPAR and unit growth and the Hilton International acquisition. Pro forma comparable system-wide RevPAR increased 8.9%, driven by strong rate increases and high demand in most major market More... [466 views] Hyatt continues rapid global expansionHyatt, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, announced today that its global expansion plans are continuing rapidly in line to support international tourism growth figures. Key markets for the international hotel group include: China, Russia, and Western Europe. The Middle East region, which is witnessing 10% year-on-year growth, will also be an important market for Hyatt, according to regional executives (source World Travel Organization, 2006.) More... [1028 views] Tamani Hotels & Resorts reveals first five-star projectTamani Hotels & Resorts unveiled its first hotel property to the travel trade at today's Arabian Travel Market (ATM), held at Dubai World Trade Centre. More... [722 views] H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum receives Marriott International's annual Tourism Leadership AwardMarriott International presented its International Tourism Leadership Award for 2006 to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum in recognition of his work as chairman of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and his focus on sustainable tourism. More... [736 views] Langham Hotels Intl unveils its first China hotel - Langham Place Hotel BeijingLangham Hotels International announces the launch of its first Langham Place Hotel in China, following a management contract signed with Union Land Property Development Co. Ltd. The brand new five-star Langham Place Hotel, Beijing, which is scheduled to open next year, marks a significant first step for Langham Hotels International's development in China and a milestone for the group's expansion in the region. More... [690 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 1, 2007Hoteliers in Muscat and Abu Dhabi see revPAR growth of over 60%The good news continues for the Middle East in 2007 with revenue per available room (revPAR) growing 14.9% to reach US$112 for the first quarter according to preliminary results from the HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte. More... [691 views] Biggest ever Arabian Travel Market opened yesterdayArabian Travel Market - the Middle East's premier travel and tourism show which is under way at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC)- is featuring some 2,600 exhibitors from 64 countries, marking a 24 per cent increase over last year. More... [814 views] Starwood wins International Hospitality Excellence Award at the largest annual gathering in the China hotel industryStarwood Hotels & Resorts has been voted as Best International Hotel Chain for Hospitality Excellence at the recent China Hotel Investment Summit (CHIS) in China, organized by HVS International. The prestigious CHIS International Hospitality Excellence Award recognizes leading organizations that are committed to advancement of the hospitality industry and has consistently delivered excellence in the hospitality service sector. More... [919 views] China's Jinjiang group plans to boost networkChina's oldest and largest budget hotel chain Jinjiang Inn Co Ltd will add 400 new facilities, with 200 in service by 2010, the company said.Shanghai-based Jinjiang Inn currently has more than 200 outlets, according to its president Xu Zurong. East China and the Yangtze River Delta account for 62 percent of the company's operations. It will expand in Beijing, Tianjin, the Bohai Bay area and the country's provincial capitals and regional economic centers, Xu told China Daily. More... [560 views] Marriott opening 100 Hotels in 100 DaysMarriott is in the process of opening more than 100 hotels in 100 days. Between April 1 and July 2, Marriott and its owners and franchisees expect to open more than $1.2 billion worth of new properties including 16 conversions primarily throughout North America. More... [1126 views] Macedonia Plans Tender for 10 Hotel Locations To Attract Foreign InvestorsMacedonia aims to attract foreign investors to help develop its tourism sector to its full potential and boost employment by opening a tender for some 10 hotel locations in the capital and at two scenic lake resorts, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said. "As you know, Macedonia does not have hotels from a big chain. That is why the government plans by the end of the year to open a tender for at least 10 hotel locations in Skopje and lake resorts Ohrid and Dojran. The tender documentation should be ready in May or June," Gruevski told SeeNews in a recent interview. More... [887 views] Greenhouse 26, New York's First Green Boutique Hotel, to Open in Chelsea in Spring ‘08Greenhouse 26, the first green boutique hotel in New York City, will open at 132 W. 26th St. in Spring 2008. Blending first-class amenities with progressive environmental initiatives, Greenhouse 26 will apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold status, establishing that hotels of all sizes can be successfully green. More... [816 views] Profits boost for TravelodgeNews hotels and price cuts helped Travelodge boost profits 20 per cent. The budget hotel chain's rooms were occupied for a record 4.9 million nights last year with bookings for a bargain £26 or less. More... [538 views] Howard Johnson signed two new hotels in Changzhou & Yixing in China's Jiangsu ProvinceHoward Johnson International (China) has recently signed two management contracts for Howard Johnson Plaza Yixing and Howard Johnson Kaina Hotel Changzhou developed by Yixing Garden Hotel Co. Ltd and Changzhou RPD Property Development Co. Ltd respectively. More... [696 views] Kiev to build 70 new hotels by EURO-2012Kiev, capital of Ukraine, will see about 70 new hotels by the Euro-2012, Kyiv City State Administration Main Department of Municipal Economy Mykhaylo Shparyk reported. More... [671 views] |
Travel ToolsVisit our sponsorsAre you interested in advertising with ehotelier.com? |






