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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: October 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 31, 2007Europe Chain Hotels Market Review - September 2007The Austrian capital experienced the biggest increases in occupancy, rate and revpar in September, according to the latest survey of ten leading European cities by TRI Hospitality Consulting. Combined with the largest reduction in payroll costs too, this caused a massive 67.8 per cent leap in IBFC - an equivalent measure of gross operating profit - to Eu111.54 per available room, compared to the same month in 2006. More... [929 views] Blackstone Appoints Christopher Nassetta President and CEO of Hilton HotelsHilton Hotels Corporation ("Hilton") and The Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX) ("Blackstone") today announced the appointment of Christopher J. Nassetta as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hilton. Mr. Nassetta currently leads Host Hotels and Resorts, the largest owner of luxury and upscale hotels in the world. Mr. Nassetta joins Hilton as the company moves into an exciting new phase of growth, both in the U.S. and abroad. More... [1125 views] The Jury of The Most Famous Hotels in the World meets in ViennaTraditionally during WTM (London) the jury of THE MOST FAMOUS HOTELS IN THE WORLD® meets at Pall Mall, London. This year, after using venues such as Singapore, Hong Kong and for the past 10 years London, the meeting is scheduled to be held in Vienna. "We have - over the past 22 years - selected 374 hotel in 270 cities around the world. We have two more weeks to go, then we will close the application period for 2007." says Andreas Augustin, president of the world's most prestigious "Select Members Only" hotels association. More... [811 views] Is search still worth it?Search marketing budgets are set to increase in 2008, according to MarketingSherpa's "Search Marketing Benchmark Survey." More... [1131 views] Star-Studded HotelsWhy do stars flock to one hotel and shun another? Because some cater better to their peculiar needs. More... [1009 views] Trend: travel personalizationTravel personalization sites enable consumers to perfect the individual travel experience online. More... [926 views] TravelCLICK selected by Crown Towers for brand-strengthening hotel marketing solutionsCrown Towers, as the first extension of Australia's iconic Crown brand in Asia, has selected TravelCLICK, the leader in hotel emarketing solutions, to provide a range of hotel marketing solutions. More... [550 views] Tough hotel negotiations loomDespite industry analyst forecasts of further rate and occupancy increases and difficult meeting negotiations ahead, meeting buyers still can find discounts, add-ins and favorable contractual clauses by being flexible in meeting time and location in this continuing seller's market. By Elissa Hunter More... [589 views] Philips and citizenM build a modular high-tech hotelHigh-tech hotels are nothing new, but Philips' "One Star Is Born" hotel project is less about decadence than about making hotel management easier and cheaper. By Nilay Patel More... [944 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 30, 2007The "real economics" behind the paradigm shift to GREEN hotelsBusiness Week just published an eye catching story on "Little Green Lies" -- why some environmental initiatives may not currently make economic sense, even if others do. But what are the real economics behind GREEN hotel development, conversion and operation? Is this the time to go green? Can you afford to wait? By Jim Butler More... [2120 views] New dawn - HotelBenchmark™ launches new country survey for JapanIn response to demands from the Japanese hotel industry, Deloitte has launched a Japan edition of the HotelBenchmark™ Survey. The Japan survey is another first for Deloitte’s HotelBenchmark™ team and is being showcased today in Tokyo at the Hotel Management Conference hosted by Deloitte and Ota publications. More... [710 views] Cornell study finds high return on investment in integrity testsThough integrity tests are rarely used in the hospitality industry, an analysis by two researchers at Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research finds that integrity tests can more than pay for themselves by identifying job candidates who have dangerous work habits. More... [968 views] Hard Rock International and HPL Hotels & Resort announce development of Hard Rock Hotel PenangHard Rock International and Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) announced today their plans to develop a Hard Rock Hotel in Penang, Malaysia. Hard Rock Hotel Penang will be a luxury resort situated along the famous beaches of Batu Ferringhi, hailed as the Pearl of the Orient. The property, which aims to infuse new excitement and energy into the market, underscores resurgence in tourism and reflects Hard Rock’s strategy to accelerate expansion of the brand worldwide. More... [758 views] Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces worldwide brand relaunch of Holiday InnInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announces a worldwide relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand family, comprising Holiday Inn, Express by Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express ('Holiday Inn'). More... [1108 views] Eight Hotels Australia opens first Diamant branded hotel in SydneySydney based hotel operator Eight Hotels Australia, announced the official launch of its luxury boutique hotel, the DIAMANT, Sydney's first boutique hotel in almost 10 years. More... [636 views] MKG Consulting is now MKG Hospitality and is positioning for new marketsIn order to englobe the new dimensions of activity in market research and database expertise, MKG Consulting has become MKG Hospitality and has taken on a new visual identity. More internationally present than ever via offices in Paris, London and Cyprus, MKG Hospitality pursues its rapid expansion by opening offices in Berlin and Geneva. This will enable the group to have a stronghold in some of the most important markets and to be closer to more major international hotel groups. More... [1264 views] Modular hotels: tiny space, big experience, low priceCapsule hotels, pod hotels, overnight caskets: Whatever you call them, modular hotels, long embraced by Japanese businessmen, have evolved into a hip and affordable travel option that has gained traction in parts of Europe and the U.S. By Christine Sarkis More... [1035 views] 'My unbelievable luck', by hotel sleepwalker who fell five storeysA sleepwalking tourist cheated death when he fell more than 70ft from a fifth-floor hotel balcony in Spain. By Rhodri Phillips More... [954 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 29, 2007Go on, do like RadioheadThis month, Radiohead put their album on the Internet and let their fans decide what price to pay for it. Can the travel industry learn something from this? For sure, says Yeoh Siew Hoon. More... [810 views] Marriott dominates buyers’ performance ratingsMarriott International’s brands swept first-place honors for nearly every tier in the U.S. Hotel Chain Survey, in a year when increasing revenues and rates are allowing hotels to invest more in renovations and amenities. By Michael B. Baker More... [1031 views] Prix Villegiature Awards 2007: winnersOctober 25th, 2007 officially published the final results of the Villegiature Awards which reward the best of the best hotels in Europe. This 5th edition shows a very contemporary spirit mixed to historical sites and environments. More... [661 views] Future of French luxury hotel "palaces" uncertainFrance's handful of luxury hotel "palaces" face an uncertain future after the government announced plans to align itself with international practice and create a "five star" category of top notch lodgings. More... [1159 views] Condo-conversion mania fuels NYC hotel shortageThe conversion of many New York City hotels into swanky condominiums has taken a bite out of the Big Apple's lodging supply. By Angela Pruitt, Dow Jones More... [845 views] Domina Hotel Group expands in India with 25 new hotelsDomina Hotel Group expands in India with the realization and management of 25 new hotels. The project will be run by an equal joint venture with Shristi Holding, quoted in the Indian National Stock Exchange and part of Kanoria Group with offices in India, Germany and Russia. Shristi is one of the primary Indian Real Estate firms. Within 2012, the overall value of the hotel complex will amount approximately to 600.000.000 US$. More... [749 views] Booming market for hotel projects in Germany: Over 220 high-grade hotels under constructionGermany's hotel market expansion will not stop. In the next five years 179 first-class hotels and 49 luxury hotels with more than 37,000 rooms will be opened in Germany. According to tophotelprojects.com, one of the leading on-line databases for international hotel projects, most of the top hotel projects are planned for the major cities of Germany. More... [877 views] The "tribe of self" will rule in travel, says BangsRichard Bangs, featured speaker at Wired In Travel (WIT), says, "It takes individuals to make the buying decisions that make a difference - ecolodge or tour-resort; hummer tour or trek; jetboat or canoe; Fiji water or tap. If we each make the right choices, we can move the world like no other force or tribe." More... [532 views] Global dignitaries and travel industry leaders to participate at 2nd World Tourism Marketing SummitGlobal Dignitaries and Travel Industry leaders representing Airlines, Hotels, Tour Companies as well as Ministers of Tourism and delegations, will gather next week in Beijing, China to participate in the historic 2 ND World Tourism Marketing Summit, Oct. 28-30, 2007. The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, is the Summit's Honorary Global Chair. The announcement was made by Sujit Chowdhury, Secretary General, of the Canada-based World Trade University (WTU), organizer of the Summit. The Summit, hosted by the Beijing Tourism Administration of the People's Republic of China, will bring together more than 400 travel and tourism industry leaders from 50 countries. More... [552 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 26, 2007Creating Results: Strategy vs. Knee-Jerk ReactionsWho would not agree that a well thought out and well executed strategic plan is the basis for ensuring the best results? But how many times do we go off course when the results aren't there or when the results aren't there when we expect them? And how many times to we take short cuts in the planning process and are disappointed in the results? All of the planning goes out the window and we seize on any idea that may generate business. We look for that quick fix and more often than not, go deeper into the hole! By Brenda Fields More... [1041 views] Condé Nast Traveler is seeking nominations for its 2008 World Saver Awardsn an effort to encourage the industry to expand social responsibility programs on a local and global scale, Condé Nast Traveler has recognized those who are already making a difference with the 2007 World Savers Awards ceremony. Highlighted in the September 2007 issue, the World Savers Awards are given to hotels, tour operators, and destinations that are considered stewards of social responsibility in their communities through their work in these five areas: education, health, poverty relief, cultural and environmental preservation, and wildlife conservation. Companies honored at this year¹s awards included: More... [872 views] Excellence reigns at the Monaco spa eventAt the next Monaco Spa Event visitors prepare for an exclusive experience: the presence of “Les Ambassadeurs”: Technogym, Bang & Olufsen, Bisazza, Carthusia, ArtedelRicevere. These world-famous brands of excellence – “Les Ambassadeurs” – will attend The Monaco Spa Event, the international exhibition which hosts the very best in the “Luxury Spa” and Wellness industry. More... [905 views] High workloads drive top hotel managers back from MacauPoor working conditions and heavy work pressure have encouraged senior Hong Kong hotel management personnel, who were lured to Macau with attractive pay packages at the start of the hotel and casino boom there, to return to the territory. By Nickkita Lau More... [1492 views] From Marriott to the Lincoln bedroomThere's a new dirtbuster at the White House, we've learned. Jenny Botero -- a.k.a. the "queen of clean"-- is leaving Marriott International to become executive housekeeper at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. White House officials were hush-hush, but we uncovered a few details about Botero, who was personally recommended for the job by Bill Marriott. By Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts More... [902 views] Kiwi Collection welcomes Emaar Hotels & Resorts CEO Marc-Francois Dardenne to its influential Advisory BoardWith more than 28 years of hospitality experience, Marc-Francois Dardenne, CEO of Emaar Hotels & Resorts, has been named the newest member of Kiwi Collection's esteemed Advisory Board, an expert panel that guides luxury travel resource www.kiwicollection.com. Joining the ranks of global hospitality heavyweights Georg Rafael, Paul Jones (One&Only Resorts) and Matthew Upchurch (Virtuoso), Dardenne will play an integral role in mapping out the Kiwi Collection's manifesto, which is dedicated to organizing extraordinary travel experiences and one-stop shopping in luxury hotels. More... [1139 views] Singapore sizzles and hoteliers agreeHospitality Leaders at the annual HSMAI ‘Asia Connect' conference in Singapore were positive about Singapore's outlook for the industry. More... [1974 views] Full programme announced for 2007 BAHA Annual Conference and IT ExhibitionThe full programme for the 2007 British Association of Hospitality Accountants (BAHA) Annual Conference and IT Exhibition - to be held on 8 and 9 November at the 5-star Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel, 140 Bath Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 5AW -has been announced by BAHA Chief Executive Carl Weldon. More... [465 views] 15 Shangri-La luxury hotels in the Travel + Leisure top 100 hotels in ChinaReaders of Travel + Leisure (China) voted 15 Shangri-La luxury hotels among the top 100 hotels in China in the 2007 "Readers' Choice Awards," the most properties of any hotel group represented on the list. The award results were published in the October 2007 issue. More... [785 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 25, 2007Hoteliers, Don't be fooled by the Web 2.0 HypeJudging from the articles I've read about Web 2.0, there are some web and hotel marketers making some incredible claims about social media and its impact on our industry. My concern is that all this hype will encourage some hoteliers to shift their focus away from other productive marketing tasks to address social babble in cyberspace. By Neil Salerno More... [995 views] WORLDHOTELS members predict future tourism trendsThe owners of some of the world’s most exclusive hotels have revealed their predictions for the future of tourism. WORLDHOTELS’ 500 plus members took part in a survey where they were asked to anticipate new trends in key areas such as business growth, environment, customer expectation, customer booking behaviour, internet booking and customer relationship management (CRM). The results reveal an upbeat mood amongst the hoteliers who expect revenue to continue to increase in the next few years. More... [1142 views] IRHA launches most prestigious Awards Program & Gala Ceremony in the Hospitality IndustryIn the tradition of the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards, the International Restaurant and Hotel Awards™ is the world's most prestigious awards ceremony recognizing the best value, moderate, and luxury travel establishments that go above and beyond industry standards. More... [709 views] Beyond critical' - career development crucial if employers to retain staffWith an estimated 60 per cent of all staff now ‘moving on' to a new job within less than three years, TMS Asia-Pacific has advised companies they must begin investing in career development strategies at all levels if they are to stand any chance of retaining staff on a long term basis. More... [871 views] Harris Hotel Group appoints hospitality veteran Brian Jungling Vice President of OperationsClyde Harris, President of Harris Hotel Group, LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of American Hotel Development Partners, announced today that hospitality veteran Brian Jungling has been appointed Vice President of Operations. More... [616 views] BCD Travel assists corporate clients on better managing total trip costsAs air travel and hotel costs for corporations are expected to rise in 2008, travel management companies (TMCs) such as BCD Travel are in position to advise corporate clients on how to better manage total trip costs. More... [541 views] MFSL unitholders approve sale of Park Hyatt Sydney, AustraliaJones Lang LaSalle Hotels has been retained by McLaughlins Financial Services Limited (as the Responsible Entity) and the PH Sydney Hotel Trust and PH Sydney Hotel Limited (“Owner”) to offer for sale the Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia – one of the World’s iconic hotels. More... [817 views] W Hotels gears up to open first hotel in the Middle EastW Hotels, the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in the world, is set to open the region’s first W hotel in Doha by mid 2008. The W Doha is owned by J&A Jaidah, principals of J&A Jaidah Holdings, one of the most well known and well respected private companies in the Middle East. More... [639 views] Marriott International to vastly expand its presence in Scandinavia under multiple franchise agreementMarriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) will vastly expand its presence in Scandinavia over the next six years under a recently concluded multiple franchise agreement with the Scandinavian Hospitality Group AG (SHG). More... [807 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 24, 2007UK Chain Hotels Market Review - September 2007Strong increases in room rates by the UK's chain hotels during September prevailed over a dip in occupancy, according to the latest HotStats survey from TRI Hospitality Consulting. More... [922 views] Designing commercial kitchens with input from operators and concept developersInvolving operators, chefs and concept developers in the kitchen design process can lower operational labor cost, increase menu flexibility, minimize equipment change costs and improve employee satisfaction. By Michael Beam and Juliette Boone, HVS More... [699 views] Construction delays hit Gulf hotel projectionsThe Gulf's hotel investment and earning calculations have changed as projects are taking longer to develop due to the unending construction spree in the region, a hotelier said. By Shakir Husain More... [744 views] Wallet-Friendly Luxury HotelsA sumptuous stay doesn't have to break the bank. The proof? These 10 luxe lodgings. By Shivani Vora, Forbes.com More... [1278 views] Inside track: Marriott's 2008 corporate rates could rise 8%With company wide negotiations completed and property-level negotiations just beginning, Marriott International last week said its corporate negotiated rates would increase in the 6 percent to 8 percent range in 2008. More... [912 views] Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and VTech keep kids busy, parents happyWyndham Hotels and Resorts and VTech® Electronics North America today announced that VTech educational gaming systems will be featured in more than 3,000 Wyndham guest rooms and suites in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. More... [781 views] Hampton Hotels declares war on scentsHampton Hotels is turning up its nose at the current lodging rage for signature scents wafting in the air. By Kitty Bean Yancey More... [733 views] Developer targets MICE marketHong Kong property developer and owner Grand Central Holdings Ltd announced over the weekend it plans to build or manage 10 to 15 high-end resort hotels on the Chinese mainland over the coming three years. By Cao Qian More... [597 views] Hospes Hotels & Moments opens a new luxury hotel in the very heart of MadridWith its impressive views over the Alcalá Gate and the Retiro Park, the Hospes Madrid now houses a welcome combination of elegance, exclusivity, architecture, fine cuisine and well-being, along with easy access to the intense economic, cultural and artistic activity of the capital city. More... [744 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 23, 2007Ten Hot Management Agreement Issues in JapanThis article is based upon presentations that the authors gave at the recent Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' 8th Hotel Investment Forum in Tokyo and in part examines to what extent the issues and trends Graeme Dickson's discussion in the August edition are reflected in developments in hotel management in Japan. By Chris Hodgens and Fumio Koma More... [1199 views] World's Most Expensive Casino SuitesOnce upon a time, a casino's best suites were reserved exclusively for its highest rollers. If you were willing to risk big money on a throw of the dice, management tipped its gold-braided cap to your foolhardiness by comping you a night in the El Presidente room. By Lauren Sherman, Forbes.com More... [877 views] The Lexington Collection expands to China and beyondStrengthening its presence not only in the USA but internationally, The Lexington Collection has unveiled two new hotels in China that will fly the Lexington flag. More... [654 views] Somerset Maugham at The OrientalThe Oriental in Bangkok honours its most famous guests with personalised suites, such as the Graham Greene Suite, the Joseph Conrad Suite or: the Somerset Maugham Suite. The famous writer used The Oriental as his base in Bangkok. He arrived for the first time in 1923. By Andreas Augustin and Andrew Williamson More... [663 views] Hotel construction in the Asia-Pacific region is at a record levelLodging Econometrics (LE), the Global Authority for Hotel Real Estate, reported to the Lodging Industry that there are a total of 1,555 Hotels with 366,679 rooms in the Construction Pipeline for the 24 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. More... [1149 views] Raffles to manage historic Le Royal Monceau in the heart of ParisRaffles Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with Royal Monceau Pte Ltd to manage the historic Le Royal Monceau hotel in Paris. The hotel will join Raffles Hotels & Resorts' award winning collection of luxury properties in winter 2008. More... [1005 views] Marriott International to enter Colombia with two hotels in BogotaMarriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) will close an important gap in its South American development strategy in 2009 with the opening of two hotels in Bogotá. More... [786 views] Jones Lang LaSalle hotels contributes to sustainable development in CambodiaOn the occasion of the Graduation of the fourth Class of the Shinta Mani Institute of Hospitality ("Institute"), Ms. Chee Hok Yean, Executive Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels ("Firm"), officially dedicated the new Bakery/Pastry section for the Shinta Mani Institute of Hospitality. More... [808 views] Depardieu imposter fools hotel staff in RomeA look-alike pretending to be French actor Gerard Depardieu walked into a luxury hotel in Rome and walked out with a gift basket weighed down with freebies, local media reports said Friday. By Eric J. Lyman More... [1289 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 22, 2007A Hotelier's Guide to Budget Planning in ‘08Best Practices in Developing the 2008 Hotel Internet Marketing Budget. By Max Starkov and Jason Price More... [1871 views] Dubai delays opening of 30 hotelsThe opening of at least 30 hotels in Dubai has been delayed this year. By Shakir Husain More... [2024 views] Are hotels breaking competition law?When the leaders of the European inbound travel industry meet this coming 9th November at The Global European Marketplace at Earls Court, London, they will be considering some questions that could have a dramatic impact on the way the tourism market operates. One of these is the vexed issue of price collusion. More... [1165 views] Museum installs one-room hotelAn art installation consisting of an actual one-room hotel offering 1970s-style glamour, artistic cachet and a view of the Eiffel Tower was lifted into place today on the roof of a Paris museum. More... [754 views] Big investment in Canadian hotelsAn astounding 2000 more hotel rooms are being created over the next 2 years offering clients greater choice, variety and availability. More... [701 views] Using social communities as a barometer to assess perceptions about companiesCommunity-based websites where one can log their trips, see who's where and make new friends as a concept continues to gain in prominence. More... [492 views] Finding the right job to fit the picture: International career expo for Hotel SchoolsThe Association of Australian Hotel Schools (AAHS), comprising ten of Australia's leading hotel and tourism management schools, held its sixth annual National Hospitality Careers Expo at Australian Technology Park, Redfern on 16 October. More... [920 views] Roll-out for Dusit International brand as overseas markets open for Thai hotel operatorThe official roll-out of the Dusit International brand was announced 16 October 2007 to members of the media, with a campaign to position Thailand’s leading home-grown hotel management company firmly as a global name. More... [726 views] Marriott International will add 59 hotels in nine Asian countries thourgh end of 2010Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) will add a total of 59 hotels to its Asia-Pacific portfolio through the end of 2010. The new hotels will provide 18,160 rooms across five brands with multiple openings in Thailand, China and India. This growth will add about a third more hotels and almost 50 percent more rooms to Marriott's lodging presence in Asia-Pacific over the next 36 months. More... [834 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 19, 2007WOW.Travel's seven sensational hotels for horseback ridingwow.travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com) edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensational Hotels for Horseback Riding. More... [851 views] Why trust matters in top management teams: keeping conflict constructivePeople who study conflict in decision making groups divide group conflict into that based on issue-focused controversy and conflict arising from personal tensions or grudges. While issue-based controversy is typically constructive in decision making, personal tensions and grudges are invariably dangerous. The two types of conflict, though, usually occur simultaneously, and this linkage creates a problem when considering how to manage conflict in groups. By: Tony Simons Ph.D. and Randall Peterson Ph.D. More... [1021 views] Rising star honoured with national awardOne of the hotel industry's brightest young stars has received national recognition for her achievements. More... [1272 views] Frank Pitsikalis to deliver latest spa industry statistics at this year's ISPAFrank Pitsikalis, CEO of Enablez Inc., developers of the ResortSuite SPA management solution, has been selected by The International Spa Association (ISPA) to deliver the latest spa industry statistics at the 2007 ISPA Conference & Expo. Frank will present the findings from the recent study conducted by ISPA and The Association Research Centre Inc. in a 90-minute presentation on Wednesday, November 14 at 10 AM EST. More... [639 views] Announcing Prestige Hotels of the World, the first Spain based brand for first class hotels
The new brand, managed by Keytel, has already attracted a portfolio of 47 hotels in 13 countries, a number expected to rise to over 80 by the end of 2007. The club offers a full range of marketing and distribution services for top-class establishments and predicts production will reach 15 million euros in 2008. More... [655 views] Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and spa wins Sustainable Hotels AwardThe Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa was awarded the prestigious "Sustainable Hotels" award at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia-Pacific in Hong Kong today for demonstrating exemplary sustainable development practices. The Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, Surfers Paradise, Australia was honored with one of only three awards in this category. More... [642 views] boo.com’s top five haunted hotelsDoes your hotel reservation include a full moon, wandering apparitions, forbidden guest rooms and mysterious disappearances? If so, you may be staying in a haunted hotel. If not, you may be missing out! Find out which hotels around the world have skeletons in the closet with boo.com’s recommendations for the top five mysterious hotels with a past. You may want to keep on the light, if you stay the night! More... [808 views] Banyan Tree to open Angsana Hotel & Suites DubaiBanyan Tree Holdings Limited (“Banyan Tree” or the “Group”), a leading developer, designer and operator of top-tier hotels, resorts, spas and galleries worldwide, has announced the opening of their inaugural property in the UAE - Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai. Slated to soft-open end of 2007, with full opening in 2008, the property will consist of two towers - suites tower (“Tower 1”) and hotel tower (“Tower 2”). More... [693 views] RICS Americas to Host Timely Conference on Large-ScaleRICS Americas, the New York City-based division of one of the largest real estate organization in the world, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), will host a dynamic conference on one of the fastest-growing areas of real-estate development today: Large-scale Global Developments, from Nov. 8-10 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. More... [492 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 18, 2007Habits of Highly Successful Revenue Managers - Expanded for 2008!The role of the revenue manager has morphed from managing a few Online Travel agencies to encompass a wide variety of distribution channels. How quickly it has changed in just the blink of a year! Even the smallest hotels can maximize revenue and increase market penetration with just few of these online initiatives! By Carol Verret More... [2099 views] Word of mouth works worldwideThere are more marketing channels aimed at consumers than ever. Yet more than three-quarters of consumers surveyed worldwide find that consumer opinions are the most effective form of advertising, according to a Nielsen study. More... [919 views] Fast track to Hospitality Leadership through learningThe Cornell Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI) is currently accepting applications for specially designed and sharply focused three day courses in January 2008 for different career specializations in the hospitality industry. Participants can choose from over forty intensive Professional Development Program (PDP) workshops in one of the following areas: food, beverage and restaurant management; general and strategic management; human-resource management; marketing; operations management; and property asset management and real estate. More... [832 views] Hilton Hotels Corporation announces fist hotel in Azerbaijan to open in 2010Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT), has today announced that it is set to open its first hotel in Azerbaijan through a management agreement with ISR Kapital Investments. The new 300-room Hilton Baku is scheduled to open in December 2010. More... [1238 views] France may be out of the final, but Rugby World Cup kicks revenue goals for Accor in third quarterWhile France may have been knocked out of the final, the Rugby World Cup kicked serious goals for the French hotel group, adding 3.7 points to the growth rate for the company's third-quarter revenues. The early stages of the World Cup generated an estimated EUR10.4 million in incremental revenue in September, with around EUR5 million more expected in October. More... [611 views] Futuristic Kiwi hotelFollowing in the footsteps of London's 205-room "urban lodge" Hoxton Hotel and Gatwick Airport's first Yotel, is a New Zealand design that's said to be at the forefront of an international trend towards low-priced contemporary designer hotels. More... [1009 views] Five Best: hotels by waterfallsFor dramatic views, try one of these watery wonders. By Rhiannon Batten More... [970 views] Australia's best hotels unveiled at AHA AwardsThe leading lights of Australia's hotel industry have tonight been recognised at the 2007 AHA National Hotel Awards for Excellence, which were announced during a gala dinner at the Hilton Adelaide. More... [1228 views] Banyan Tree to operate first Alla Villa Resort in Dubai, UAESingapore Main-Board listed Banyan Tree Holdings Limited (“Banyan Tree” or the “Group”), a leading developer, designer and operator of top-tier hotels, resorts, spas and galleries worldwide, today announced that it has signed a management contract for its first Banyan Tree branded development in the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. More... [794 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 17, 2007Why hospitality employers are poor at replying to job applications"Why do hospitality employers not respond to job applications?" - This is a question that I often get asked by young hospitality students and alumni. A fair question if this is indeed the case, and seemingly it is. By Jeff N Ross More... [1611 views] Smart Start Hotel Executive Report: What makes up a website?Comparing the data for the last two months I noticed there is generally not much difference in the way websites perform from month to month. Significant changes tend to occur around site updates or modifications, or if there is a surge in the number of visitors and the site is not ready to handle the traffic. By Roger Lopez, Benchmark Analyst, Gomez More... [712 views] Conde Nast Traveler announces results of the 20th Annual Readers' Choice AwardsTraveler celebrates the 20th annual Readers' Choice Awards. The results are derived from the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences, the Readers' Choice Survey, second in size only to the U.S. Census. A record number of travelers, over 28,000, voted this year. More... [1291 views] Quiz | Savoy Sale | Plaza New York | Mena House e-bookStories from archives of The Most Famous Hotels in the World. More... [800 views] Banyan Tree Group harvests New Green Awards in 2007Reaching the third quarter of the year, Banyan Tree Group takes stock of its recent awards and accolades for environmental achievements. With a core founding value to embrace the environment and empower the people, the Group has actively practised sustainable development and responsible tourism since its inception 14 years ago. As the Group expands to develop over 40 new properties worldwide in the next few years, it continues to win accolades for its firm environment stance. More... [595 views] Emerging trends in the hotel industry: no frills, more trills for European travellers?No-frill chic is a new consumer trend that is going to deeply affect the hotel industry, by shifting consumer expectations and changing the traditional segmentations in which marketeers try to squeeze - with decreasing success - the modern travellers. More... [1495 views] IHG hotel brands growing at record pace across Asia PacificIHG's (InterContinental Hotels Group's) portfolio of hotel brands has been growing at record pace across Asia Pacific during the past year, accompanied by an equally strong growth in the group's regional support infrastructure. More... [861 views] KSL Capital Partners announces hiring of Adrian Constant to lead European platformKSL Capital Partners (KSL), a leading private equity firm, today announced that it is creating a European investment platform based in London to be known as KSL Capital Partners International, LLP, and has hired Adrian Constant to lead this platform. More... [712 views] Holiday Inn in Flinders wins AHA Environment AwardHoliday Inn on Flinders has taken out the Australian Hotel Association (AHA) national award for "Best Environmental Initiative" at an awards night dinner held in Adelaide recently. More... [605 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 16, 2007European Chain Hotels Market Review - August 2007Paris led the field in both rate and revpar during August, but London was not far behind, according to the latest TRI Hospitality Consulting European HotStats survey. More... [816 views] Mortgage credit crunch?Over the summer, much discussion has arisen over the so-called credit crunch, and what effects it may have on the hospitality business both for existing hotels and to-be-built hotels, planned for the future. By Michael Sullivan, HVS More... [638 views] Honouring general manager Mrs. Soha El-Torgoman on World Tourism DayUnder the new slogan "Tourism Opens Doors for Women" on the World Tourism Day on September 27, 2007, Mrs. Soha El-Torgoman was honoured for her relentless efforts and endless achievements in her position as general manager of the Hilton Hurghada Resort. More... [647 views] An extra night, an upgraded priceMisunderstanding on booking causes a pricey surprise. By Christopher Elliott More... [946 views] W Hotels heads to Thailand’s cosmopolitan capitalW Bangkok Marks the World's Fastest Growing Luxury Hotel Brand's Second Property in Thailand following W Koh Samui. More... [795 views] Record Numbers expected at 2008 Arabian Hotel Investment ConferenceThe fourth Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) is set to beat all previous attendance records with 1,000+ delegates expected in Dubai next year, between May 3-5, 2008. More... [822 views] Carlson Hotels Worldwide in a strategic alliance with Lotus Hotel Investment FundCarlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific announced a major strategic alliance with the Lotus Hotel Investment Fund, a new US$1 billion private equity fund which is being set up to target hotel development opportunities in high-growth markets across the region including China, India, Thailand and Vietnam. More... [941 views] Rome Civitavecchia Europe’s busiest cruise portLloyd’s List reports six Mediterranean cruise ports featured in the world’s top 20 busiest last year compared with four in 2005. More... [794 views] Introducing Trump Hotel Collection: the next generation of luxury hospitalityTen years after Donald J. Trump unveiled his vision for a luxury condominium hotel at Manhattan's Columbus Circle, the internationally renowned developer and his three grown children -- Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric -- are taking the concept worldwide. Trump Hotel Collection represents the next generation of luxury hospitality -- one that promises to raise the bar on the top-end travel experience with a style of customized service that is unmatched. More... [1017 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 15, 2007UK Chain Hotels Market Review - August 2007London's chain hotels enjoyed a month of increased revpar growth in August after a slowdown in the rate of growth in July, according to the latest HotStats survey from TRI Hospitality Consulting. More... [709 views] The virtual meeting groundMeeting space is a key feature of most upscale and luxury hotels, and as interest in remote-conferencing piques among business travelers, a space’s technology can be as crucial as its square footage. Upscale and luxury hotels now have the opportunity to capitalize on “telepresence,” a technology expected to enjoy a global market of $1.24 billion by 2013.[1] By Catalin Cighi, HVS More... [882 views] World’s top hotels fears city rivalWorried bosses at the world's most lavish hotel have launched a legal battle to stop their customers being lured away - to Millbay, in Plymouth. By Keith Rossiter More... [992 views] Hunt Valley hotel evacuated due to partial roof collapseThe collapsed atrium at the Hunt Valley Embassy Suites is shown in this image from WBAL-TV. The glass skylight fell eight stories through the center of the building, fire officials said. By Gina Davis and Jennifer McMenamin More... [914 views] Burmese hotels hit as crackdown prompts drop in tourismLast month's pro-democracy protests in Burma and the junta's ruthless and bloody crackdown have hit tourism hard, with some hotels slashing prices by 80% to try to attract visitors, industry insiders said. More... [580 views] TripAdvisor scares up America's spookiest hotelsTripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel community, today announced the ten spookiest hotels in the U.S., based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews and TripAdvisor editors. More... [924 views] NYC hotel offers sleep conciergeA New York City hotel is so determined to make sure its customers get a good night's rest that it's got its own sleep concierge. More... [1121 views] Warm welcome in Iceland for guests at Hilton’s first hotelHilton Reykjavik Nordica opened its doors to its first guests, becoming the first Hilton to operate in Iceland. The hotel is run by Flugleidahotel ehf, a subsidiary of the Icelandair Hotels Group, under a franchise agreement with Hilton, and is considered to be one of the Iceland’s flagship hotel properties. More... [657 views] Hyatt Regency Dallas GM receives Donald N. Pritzker AwardHyatt Hotels & Resorts announced today that Hyatt Regency Dallas General Manager Steve Vissotzky receives the Donald N. Pritzker Award of Excellence for 2006. Thirteen general managers from 117 U.S.-based hotels were nominated for this prestigious award. The award was presented to Vissotzky at the annual General Managers Meeting held in Scottsdale, AZ, September 26-29, 2007. More... [770 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 12, 2007The Empire strikes backYeoh Siew Hoon revisits an old friend with whom she had several first experiences - first golf game, first lie-ins in a "golden" suite, first encounters with crystal camels - and thinks the Empire is a hotel whose time has finally come. More... [943 views] Under the wings of civilisationsBelek, Antalya will be the host of the 68th Skål World Congress that will take place from 4 to 9 November this year. More... [468 views] Industry's first luxury motorcycle hotel to open mid 2008The industry's first modern luxury boutique hotel geared toward business travelers and the growing segment of motorcycle enthusiasts will open early summer 2008. Located in downtown Milwaukee, the Iron Horse Hotel will offer a blend of upscale business services and, unlike any other premium hotel in the country, special amenities for riders. More... [995 views] Scandic to build 572 rooms hotel in BerlinScandic and Danish real estate developer Schaumann Properties A/S have entered into a partnership that will develop a new hotel with 572 rooms located at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. The hotel marks the first serious step on Scandics new international growth strategy and is expected to open in February 2010. More... [637 views] Concierges go extra mile in Internet ageAdjusting to a new wave of Internet-age travelers in search of unique and authentic travel experiences, hotels are revolutionizing their information desks. By Gary Stoller More... [1178 views] Hilton still the best, say business travellersThe Australian branch of the Hilton Hotel chain has been voted the best hotel in Asia for the third year in a row, by Asia Pacific's business travellers. More... [747 views] WORLDHOTELS’ Loong Palace Hotel & Resort hosts 2nd World Tourism Marketing Summit in BeijingWORLDHOTELS’ Deluxe member Loong Palace Hotel & Resort is hosting the 2nd World Tourism Marketing Summit in Beijing, China from October 28-30, 2007. More... [515 views] Marriott International will add 59 hotels in nine Asian countries through end of 2010Marriott International, Inc will add a total of 59 hotels to its Asia-Pacific portfolio through the end of 2010. The new hotels will provide 18,160 rooms across five brands with multiple openings in Thailand, China and India. This growth will add about a third more hotels and almost 50 percent more rooms to Marriott’s lodging presence in Asia-Pacific over the next 36 months. More... [873 views] Orient-Express Hotels acquires hotel Das Cataratas in BrazilOrient-Express Hotels Ltd., owners and operators of 49 deluxe leisure properties in 25 countries, announces its latest acquisition, the 200-room Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel within the UNESCO World Heritage designated Iguaçu National Park in the Paraná region of Brazil. More... [842 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 11, 2007How to engage that "Portable Generation", who will ultimately run your business!We have called them everything, from Gen X'ers, to Generation Y to the Me. Where many of us now in Senior positions were the product of Walkmans and Beepers, what has been technically spawned is remarkable, and our future leaders, General Managers and Key Middle Management are connected, as never before. Their ears are adorned with cell phones or head sets, fingers deftly tapping text, Blackberrys humming, iPods poppin' and laptops magically imbedded on knees. They are mobile with their technology and aspirations. By John Hendrie More... [1130 views] JLL Hotels: Russian hotels top choice for investors, despite shortage of stockIncreasing visitor numbers, a growing economy and rising average room rates are fuelling investor interest in Russian hotels. Moscow is the most expensive European city in which to stay with average room rates at $352 per night; a 20% increase on last year's figure. Average room yields are also rising at $254 per room; a 25% increase on last year and ahead of Paris and London - said Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels at this week's Russia and CIS Hotel Investment Forum, held in Moscow. More... [653 views] Tyler Brûlé: A new lure to Tokyo, its hotel extravaganzaNothing improves the check-in process, the quality of the bed linen or the bathing experience quite like a bit of stiff competition. In a market that prides itself on service, Tokyo has arguably become the world's most competitive market for premium hotel brands. Wobbly economy and revolving-door leadership aside, most leading global hotel brands now have flagship properties there and those that are missing are scrambling to find the perfect location. For the tricky-to-please guest, Tokyo has gone from being an efficient yet awkward place to do business to a city that now has hotels that encourage travelers to come back and look for more business. By Tyler Brûlé More... [760 views] No vacancy with surging room ratesHotel owners have posted the highest Average Daily Rates (ADR) on record for a June quarter. The newly released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) accommodation data show that national occupancy and ADR levels reached a new pinnacle for a June quarter. More... [559 views] Banyan Tree celebrates official opening of Bintan conservation laboratoryBanyan Tree Bintan, together with Angsana Resort & Spa Bintan, marks the official opening of the Bintan Conservation Laboratory with a visually moving photo exhibition that draws attention to the richly diverse marine and terrestrial life in this part of the Southeast Asian region. More... [620 views] The price of a four-star ratingWas a free meal behind that glowing online restaurant review? The rising influence of food blogs has chefs plying Web critics with dinners and drinks to avoid bad write-ups. By Kathy McLaughlin More... [750 views] US travellers going green but not at any priceA survey of US adults has found just 13% would be willing to pay higher rates or fares to travel suppliers that demonstrate environmental responsibility. More... [589 views] Hilton Hotels Corporation to develop 15 new hotels in TurkeyHilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) has today announced that the company and AMPLIO GAYRIMENKUL YATIRIM VE GELISTIRME ANONIM SIRKETI (Amplio) have signed a Letter of Understanding (LOU) for a Strategic Development Agreement (SDA) which, when signed, will provide the opportunity for Amplio to develop approximately 15 new hotels (comprising 2,500 rooms) in key regional locations across Turkey. More... [714 views] Five Best: New York hotels on a budgetBed down in the Big Apple in style, without breaking the bank. By Lucie Greene More... [1249 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 10, 2007HotelBenchmarkTM adds 19 new markets to monthly surveyDeloitte is delighted to announce the addition of 19 new markets to its Monthly HotelBenchmark™ Survey. More... [888 views] Cornell study finds technology readiness differentiates hotel guestsThe answers to ten questions about a person’s use and acceptance of technology can tell hotel operators about their guests’ travel habits and preferences. In a new study issued by Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research, a research team led by Professor Rohit Verma tested a tool known as the Technology Readiness Index (TRI). More... [999 views] High-Flying Tigers of Online TravelThe Asia-Pacific region includes economies at polar opposites of the online development spectrum. More... [555 views] Orbitz CEO touts travel toolsOrbitz Worldwide, the longtime No. 3 player in online travel, is revving its engines. After going public in July (for the second time, following a few years of being privately held), it has inched its way up to tie Travelocity for the No. 2 slot behind Expedia, with 27 percent of the domestic online travel agency market, according to Morgan Stanley. While the company, which also owns CheapTickets and Away.com, has enjoyed international growth of around 25 percent a year, the bulk of its business is in the slower-growing U.S. market. Orbitz CEO Steven Barnhart sat down with U.S. News Associate Editor Kimberly Palmer. By Kimberly Palmer More... [552 views] Asia Spa Institute develop its first international spa certification programme in ShundeIn aligning its efforts to support the growing spa and wellness industry, the Asia Spa Institute (ASI) has teamed up with Regional Spa Gurus, Professional trainers and Entrepreneurs from Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the US to develop a series of spa development certification programmes in Shunde Polytechnic, China and Asia to address the changes in the evolving spa and wellness sector in the region. More... [749 views] Langham Hotels International expands presence in Asia with new Singapore officeLangham Hotels International (LHI) has opened a sales office in Singapore to support the group’s aggressive expansion in Asia. Mr. Steven Fam is appointed as Director of Sales – Singapore to oversee the sales initiatives and operations of the new office. More... [1211 views] Tasty Singapore RAS chef competition announces top three finalistsThe Chef RAS Challenge has returned for the second year running, having received much attention and praise last year. For 2007, the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) has collaborated with the International Enterprise (IE) Singapore team to re-brand the annual culinary competition as the “Tasty Singapore RAS Chef” competition. More... [978 views] South Africa: 2010 will showcase SA's hospitality sectorThe 2010 FIFA World Cup will present the South African hospitality industry with the greatest opportunity to showcase developments in the industry. More... [695 views] Rezidor: new hotels in Romania and AustriaThe Rezidor Hotel Group has announced two new hotels – the Radisson Resort Poiana Brasov, Romania (186 rooms, to open in Q4 2009) and the Park Inn Klosterneuburg, Austria (130 rooms, to open in Q2 2009). Between 2007 and 2009 Rezidor will open 20.000 new rooms in total. More... [596 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 9, 2007Why the SEC may make you go GREENHotel Lawyer on why the SEC may soon be pushing the GREEN Bandwagon. Technically, most SEC disclosure guidelines or rules only require "disclosure." They do not impose substantive regulation. But SEC guidelines tend to set the disclosure standards for state laws, and establish industry standards for fair disclosure. And frequently the bright spotlight of disclosure focuses such intense attention on particular issues, that it changes behavior as effectively as a substantive regulation. That might well become the case with "GREEN". Here's what is happening . . . By Jim Butler More... [672 views] Cornell report underscores importance of trust in decision makingA hotel executive team makes its best decisions when it addresses the concerns of all the team memberscall it the conflict of ideas. But an open clash of ideas can also create bruised feelings and strained relationships, which damage implementation and the decision process. To prevent that damage, hotel executives need to promote trust among their top managers, according to a new study from Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research. More... [928 views] Zimbabwe: hoteliers turn to neighbours for foodstuffZimbabwe’s embattled hoteliers have begun importing foodstuffs to replenish depleted stocks caused by a government blitz on businesses three months ago. By Kumbirai Mafunda More... [625 views] World's Most Unusual CruisesAudrey Ribarich had been on over 20 cruises, including ones through the Mediterranean, along the Alaskan coast and down the Rhine. Though she loved the idea of again setting sail, she was bored with standard offerings she found. So when Ribarich, a 58-year-old motorcycle enthusiast, heard about a cruise for bikers, she perked up. By Shivani Vora More... [777 views] Business travellers welcome new Moscow hotelAffordable hotel rooms are like gold dust in Moscow, so the opening of a new hotel aimed at business travellers will be greeted with a fanfare by the business community. The former Soviet hotel, Mezhdunarodnaya, has reopened as the Crowne Plaza. It will help fill a gap in the four-star medium-cost segment. More... [592 views] HotelClub reveals Asia's Best Hotels & Resorts in First Consumer Driven Hotel AwardsThe best hotels and resorts in Asia based on HotelClub's online consumer survey were announced last July 26, 2007 at Caf Deco, the Peak in Hong Kong. The Asia Hotel Awards were the first kind in Asia. In the top ten hotels in the region, there were three Bangkok hotels and three Singapore hotels. More... [903 views] InterContinental Hotels Group signs new hotel in HanoiInterContinental Hotels Group has signed an agreement with Tran Hong Quan Trading to manage the group s first Crowne Plaza hotel in Vietnam s capital city of Hanoi. More... [705 views] Global Hyatt corporation announces creation of Americas development teamGlobal Hyatt Corporation today announced a development team dedicated exclusively to the Americas. This new and expanded team – led by seasoned industry veteran Jim Abrahamson – will be responsible for all real estate acquisition, joint venture investments, management contracts and franchising for all Hyatt brands in North America and Latin America. More... [907 views] Conrad Hotels & Resorts to open its first resort in EuropeThe contemporary luxury hotel brand, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, is set to open its first resort hotel in Europe after announcing the signing of a management agreement with Grupo IMOCOM for a Conrad in the Algarve, Portugal, near to the renowned Quinta Do Lago resort. More... [840 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 8, 2007Putting the "Hospitality" back in the Hospitality IndustryWhat other industry is so directly involved with serving its customers in many significant areas to their well being? Food, drink, and sleep are three of the most important needs of an individual. But just meeting these needs does not ensure a successful operation or ensures client loyalty. Nor does it ensure that the customer's needs were met with good service in a hospitable manner. By Brenda Fields More... [1403 views] Asian etiquette explained to Middle East travellersWith an increase in trade and travel between Asia and the Middle East, it pays to consider the Asian countries’ dining and drinking customs, whether visiting on business or for pleasure. More... [1597 views] Climate change is key focus for ILTM conferenceInternational Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) has announced the schedule for its opening Conference this year, along with details of an inaugural Industry Report on the state of the luxury travel industry. Sponsored by Departures magazine, this year's ILTM Conference will focus on the core issue of climate change and the impact of global warming on the Luxury Travel industry. More... [592 views] Salvador Dali at Le Meurice Paris and St Regis in New YorkFamous guests at famous hotels leave behind an enduring legacy. More than once a hotel builds a solid PR-campaign on them. Let's take Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali, (1904-1989), a man noted for his personal flamboyance; for his tight-fisted nature; and for his pioneering role in the development of surrealism, as exemplified by such paintings as Persistence of Memory (1931) and in such films as Un Chien Andalou (with Luis Bunuel, 1929). By Andreas Augustin More... [821 views] Record breaking summer for Hostelworld.comBackpackers love to travel and recent statistics from leading budget online travel provider Hostelworld.com show that the summer of 2007 was their busiest yet. More... [567 views] Marriott profit falls, forecast below viewMarriott International Inc (MAR.N), the No. 2 U.S. hotel operator, on Thursday posted a 7.6 percent decline in quarterly profit and forecast future earnings below Wall Street expectations, signaling a slowdown in the booming lodging industry. By Chris Reiter More... [790 views] Monaco spa symposium, a forum for exchangeThe Monaco Spa Event, the leading international exhibition for the luxury spa and wellness industry, presents a complete overview of this fast-expanding sector. In 2008, we are introducing an innovative sensory exhibition – based on the concept of the five senses – that will give visitors a better perspective of the latest trends in beauty, products and treatments, design, construction and management of a luxury spa. More... [775 views] Russian Hotels top choice for investors, despite shortage of stockIncreasing visitor numbers, a growing economy and rising average room rates are fuelling investor interest in Russian hotels. More... [1046 views] Prague Renaissance Hotel to debut as Hilton Prague Old TownThe Prague Renaissance Hotel in Czech Republic will undergo a complete refurbishment and transformation and debut as the new Hilton Prague Old Town on November 1, 2007. The hotel will be operated by Hilton. More... [725 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 5, 2007State of the Lodging Industry: Is the party over? Or is this just the intermission?Hotel Lawyer at the Phoenix Lodging Conference. Morris Lasky's Phoenix Lodging Conference is always one of my favorite hotel gatherings each year, and last night the 13th edition of this event got underway with more than 1,400 people registered -- up from 1,200 last year. By Jim Butler More... [641 views] Five Exercises to Pump-up your Hotel eMarketing MuscleThrough the years, the job of hotel manager has become more complex and increasingly more difficult than ever before. The challenges that hotel managers face today have been further complicated by the popularity and growing importance of the Internet. Today, managers are often forced to assign many tasks to junior management and staff individuals; but, more managers need to hold-onto eMarketing tasks and create a personal relationship with the Internet. By Neil Salerno More... [1214 views] Willard Intercontinental, first hotel in the nation’s capital supported by 100% wind powerThe Willard InterContinental, Washington DC's premiere historic luxury hotel, is now powered by 100% wind energy. Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM) and a leader in renewable electricity, supplies the 332-room landmark hotel with 100% wind renewable energy credits, making the Willard the first urban luxury hotel in the United States to be fully supported in this sustainable manner. More... [632 views] Asia Pacific tourism continues to break recordsThere were close to 356 million international trips to Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) member destinations in 2006, representing region-wide year-on-year growth of 5.3% over 2005. More... [634 views] Luxury travel resource Kiwi Collection welcomes hotel leader Gamal Aziz to esteemed Advisory BoardKiwi Collection (www.kiwicollection.com), an online luxury travel Web site devoted to extraordinary experiences and one-stop shopping in luxury hotels, is delighted to welcome global hospitality leader Gamal Aziz, President and COO of MGM Grand and President and CEO of MGM MIRAGE Hospitality LLC, to its coveted Advisory Board. More... [751 views] InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to be established in MelbourneInterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world’s first truly international luxury hotel brand, is to be established in Melbourne with today’s announcement that the iconic Rialto Hotel on Collins, following its closure and complete transformation, will reopen as an InterContinental hotel by late 2008. More... [725 views] Launch of Adagio City AparthotelGroupe Pierre & Vacances and Accor have launched Adagio City Aparthotel, a city residence brand, which is now being marketed on www.adagio-city.com, www.pv-holidays.com and www.accorhotels.com. More... [655 views] Ritz Carlton and Cap Cana join forcesLuxury resort community Cap Cana, S.A. is proud to announce a two-fold partnership with global powerhouse The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., to develop a world class luxury resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Cap Cana, and a residential venture known as the Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Cap Cana. The 220-room resort will compliment Cap Cana's existing developments and will feature a range of luxury amenities, including a lavish 16,000 square-foot spa, a private beach club, and five restaurants and lounges. The Ritz-Carlton, Cap Cana and the 194-privately owned beachfront and golf Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Cap Cana are scheduled to open in early 2010 and are part of a two-phase $1 billion endeavor (real estate sales and construction). More... [784 views] Red Carnation win new AA AwardOn Monday 17 September the AA, the UK's leading hotel rating authority, held its inaugural annual Hospitality Awards dinner at the InterContinental Park Lane hotel in London. At this, the first black tie event to celebrate its winners, the AA also introduced a new award for Small Hotel Groups, and Red Carnation Hotels were honoured to be named as the first ever recipients of this prestigious accolade from amongst an ever increasing number of excellent competitors. More... [726 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 4, 2007Web 2.0 vs. Search Engines: Are Search Engines Becoming Obsolete in the Web 2.0 Frenzy?Web 2.0 continues to generate much attention in the online travel industry. Inquiring hoteliers want to understand the status and future of search engine marketing and other Internet marketing formats in this new Web 2.0 environment. Are search engines becoming obsolete? Are Web 2.0 sites going to replace the search engines as an advertising media? Will online travel consumers abandon Google as a travel planning and research tool and shift their attention to Web 2.0 sites such as TripAdvisor.com and social networks like YouTube.com? Must a hotel engage in such strategies? By Max Starkov and Jason Price More... [1238 views] The Plaza Hotel celebrates 100 yearsThe Plaza hotel, the setting for dozens of movies and home to the fictional Eloise, celebrated its 100th birthday Monday with a party complete with fireworks and a 1-ton cake in the building's image. By Karen Matthews More... [921 views] Horwath HTL Russia co-hosting the Russia and CIS Hotel Investment ForumThe Moscow office of Horwath HTL Russia is co-hosting the only hotel investment forum focusing on the vast Russia and CIS region. The invitation-only event takes place this week on the 2nd and the 3rd of October in Moscow. The high-profile event will bring together the top decision makers in the local and international hotel real estate industry, including developers, investors, lenders and hotel operators. More... [612 views] 1 Brand to build first green luxury hotel in Washington, D.C.Starwood Capital Group and Perseus Realty L.L.C., a Washington, D.C.-based private real estate investor, have formed a joint venture to build that city's first eco-friendly luxury hotel at 22nd and M Streets, N.W., in the heart of the city's West End neighborhood. The 180-room hotel will be the fourth Starwood Capital five-star, eco-friendly international 1 Brand Hotel. By Michael Fickes More... [735 views] The Good Night Foundation: new philanthropic hospitality effortsThe Good Night Foundation© announced its formation Friday at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in New York City. The Good Night Foundation is a new and innovative non-profit organization created by an award-winning hotelier and a lifestyle media publisher. More... [701 views] Starwood’s founder makes a new splashIN 2005, when Barry Sternlicht left Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, a company he founded and turned into one of the world’s largest hotel chains, few people might have thought that he would be returning to the industry less than two years later. And in such a splashy way. More... [1653 views] Excuse me maam, would you like a steward with the bed?Singapore Girl is going extra big for extra price; AirAsia is going Xtra long for Xtra low. Will we see Extra Long Tiger and Super Kangaroo next, Yeoh Siew Hoon wonders as she wallows in the world's biggest flat bed. More... [1083 views] Mandarin Orientals Hotel Group announces five new general manager appointmentsMandarin Oriental Hotel Group is delighted to announce five new General Manager appointments at its hotels in Hong Kong, Boston, Beijing, Macau and Munich. More... [2312 views] Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts opens 150th propertyFollowing three years of aggressive development activity and brand expansion, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will proudly welcome the opening of its 150th hotel this November – the new-build, 500-room InterContinental Dubai Festival City in the U.A.E. This milestone will be followed days later when the brand opens its first hotel in Vietnam – the 359-room InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. More... [876 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 3, 2007Delivering the brand promiseBrand is the critical tool for achieving differentiation and success in today's competitive hotel market. By Rob Bryant, Partner and Mike Tansey, Deloitte More... [1442 views] Ten hotels that made historyBedding down where Napoleon, Hitler and Diana did. By Farhad Heydari More... [2239 views] Habits of Highly Successful Hotel Sales People - A Seismic Shift in 2008!This annual update of successful habits finds that the process of hotel sales (and hotel sales training that goes with it!) has undergone a seismic shift. If anyone doubts this, read the HSMAI report on the recent hotel sales strategy conference where a panel of meeting and event planners tells hotel sales people that they had ‘better get online for RFPs and bookings'. By Carol Verret More... [1457 views] Marco Polo to expand Davao hotelMarco Polo Hotels Management Ltd. is expanding its facilities here with a convention center and additional rooms as Mindanao's largest city attracts the growing interest of convention organizers and business executives on leisure travel. More... [845 views] Cornell School of hotel administration celebrates 85 yearsMore than 200 alumni of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration gathered on Monday, September 24 at the Union League Club in New York City to celebrate the school’s 85th anniversary. The school’s five living deans attended the event, along with Cornell President David J. Skorton and several school faculty members and leaders. More... [672 views] Rooms with a view: hotels turn to sports venues to boost real estate portfoliosJulie Clark, sports and leisure leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, believes the growth potential for this niche hotel market is worth serious consideration by operators. More... [662 views] HSMAI'S ‘ASIA CONNECT' conference series continues in Singapore and MacauUnique event series for Hospitality Sales and Marketing Managers in Asia Pacific focuses on New Media Marketing and Revenue Generation. More... [630 views] Belmonte reigns high with great success at The Lexington Collection, one year onThe Lexington Collection wrapped up its first year with Steve Belmonte at the helm with an incredible success and growth record. More... [529 views] 18 years with ICEHOTEL and a never-ending creative urgeICEHOTEL #18 opens December 7, but the preparations have already started. ICEHOTEL has become a part of the brand Sweden and constitutes its own area in Scandinavian design. New technique will be tested this year and we commit to better meet the expectations and demands of our guests. In a few days this years' chosen designers and artists will hand in their ice block orders to the production hall in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. More... [711 views] Copenhagen's landmark Hotel d'Angleterre sold to IcelandersIcelanders have bought the d'Angleterre hotel group for EUR 100 million and aim to establish more d'Angleterre hotels. More... [584 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 2, 2007Return to "Normalcy" or "Irrational Pessimism"?Hotel Lawyer at the Phoenix Lodging Conference. The 13th edition of The Lodging Conference in Phoenix is very unique. For the first time in many years, there does NOT seem to be an overwhelming consensus about what is happening -- at least as to the credit markets, and that is the big news here. Lodging fundamentals continue very strong, although occupancy may slip a small amount in 2008, and RevPAR growth will likely slow down (but it will continue to grow). By Jim Butler More... [602 views] ‘Pricey’ hotels are criticised for damaging tourist tradeSoaring hotel prices are damaging the British tourist trade, according to the latest edition of The Good Hotel Guide. By Robert Fairburn More... [698 views] Marriott says to quadruple hotels in ChinaHotel operator Marriott International Inc said it planned to quadruple its hotels in China to 100 in the next five to six years to tap growing demand for tourism and business. More... [752 views] New U.S passports = bigger U.S marketGet ready Asia Pacific! With their bags packed and new passports in hand, US travellers are set to visit the region in ever increasing numbers. More... [701 views] Jumeriah to run its first European resort and spa developmentJumeirah, the fast growing Dubai based luxury international hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, will be running Mallorca’s most prominent new resort and spa development in Port Soller. More... [895 views] The Savoy hotel prepares for the future with prestigious auctionIn preparation for one of the largest hotel restorations in the history of London, The Savoy will hold a unique auction that will allow members of the public the opportunity to purchase items from its past. Bonhams, who will oversee the auction, today announced a list of over 3000 lots including lighting, mirrors, silver and artwork. A donation from the proceeds of the auction will go to benefit Farms for City Children (FFCC). The auction will take place from December 18-20, 2007. More... [883 views] IHG to open its first Crowne Plaza hotel in Hanoi in 2010IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has signed an agreement with Tran Hong Quan Trading to manage the Group’s first Crowne Plaza hotel in Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi. Scheduled to open in early 2010, the new hotel will be known as Crowne Plaza West Hanoi and will be part of a US$65 million mixed-development complex. The complex will also feature an upmarket commercial centre and luxury serviced apartments. More... [708 views] China Construction Bank buys Ritz-Carlton Hotel for HKD 3.6 billionChina Construction Bank (OOTC:CICHF) , the mainland's third largest lender, has bought the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Hong Kong for 3.6 billion Hong Kong dollars, according to Chinese media reports on Thursday 27 September. More... [1111 views] San Francisco luxury competitor properties and the Masonic Center form strategic allianceFor a popular destination meeting city as small as San Francisco, accommodating large groups (over 2,500 persons and 1,000 peak nights) for conferences is a huge challenge. More... [603 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 1, 2007The day travel in Asia changedYeoh Siew Hoon visits The Venetian Macao and runs out of adjectives to describe BIG. This is a place where there is no night and day but make no mistake, a new dawn has broken for Asian tourism. More... [1078 views] WTTC highlights Botswana’s travel & tourism potentialBotswana's Travel & Tourism industry is expected to generate US$1,620 million of economic activity according to the latest Tourism Satellite Accounting (TSA) report produced by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and commissioned by the Government of Botswana and the Botswana Tourism Board. More... [613 views] Accor says will manage more hotels in VietnamAccor will assume management of at least three operational hotel and resort properties in Vietnam until 2008 as part of a strategy to deepen its presence in Vietnam, says a senior executive of the hotel management firm. More... [810 views] Silversea buys expedition ship World DiscovererSilversea Cruises' parent company, Silversea Cruises Group Ltd., has announced that it has purchased the expedition ship World Discoverer. The company took delivery of the vessel in Singapore on September 17. The ship will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment before it begins service in spring 2008. More... [553 views] Key to staff retention; communicate and celebrateThe cost to recruit and train each new staff member is estimated to be around $10,000 says John Primmer, general manager of Wellington’s icon James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor. More... [1353 views] Berlin hotels promote budget vacations with styleBerlin's Mayor Klaus Wowereit once famously described his eternally broke city as "poor, but sexy." A new crop of sleek budget hotels are betting that economy minded tourists and business travelers like it that way. By Kristen Allen More... [627 views] BCD Travel releases 2008 industry forecast for business travelPublished airfares will increase up to 4 percent next year, while hotel average daily room rates in some markets may achieve double-digit increases, according to the just-released BCD Travel 2008 Industry Forecast, powered by Advito. More... [762 views] Inn is out: 5 reasons to skip a hotelYour next hotel might not be a hotel. It could be a condo. Or a rental apartment. Or a home. By Christopher Elliott More... [954 views] Hoteliers seek concessional land rate from TN GovtTamil Nadu hoteliers seek land at concessional rate from the State Government for budget hotels as land prices are so high that it has become unviable for companies to venture into the segment. More... [534 views] 
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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: October 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 31, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 30, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 29, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 26, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 25, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 24, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 23, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 22, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 19, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 18, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 17, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 16, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 15, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 12, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 11, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 10, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 9, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 8, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 5, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 4, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 3, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 2, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: October 1, 2007
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