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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: January 2008Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 31, 2008What the heck is hotel website PageRank, anyway?Among the many terms often mentioned among web site knowledgeable people is PageRank. In reality, it has great importance, although I don't think there is a popular consensus for why it is so important to a web site, nor how it functions. By Neil Salerno More... [1250 views] TravelCLICK names Georgetown Inn the 2007 eMarketer of the YearBefore an audience of a thousand hospitality industry leaders from around the world, LXR Hotels & Resorts' Georgetown Inn was named the 2007 eMarketer of the Year by TravelCLICK and the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) More... [649 views] Foreign hotel investors returning to Australia in 2008The re-emergence of South East Asian hotel investors in Australia is set to gain pace during 2008, as well as the emergence of the oil nations. Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, in its 2008 edition of Hotel Investment Outlook, reports that foreign investors are showing heightened interest in hotel development and acquisition opportunities in Australia, most notably at the high-end. More... [681 views] Social consciousness shapes 2008 travel choicesSocial consciousness, including environmental issues, was a hot topic in 2007, and according to a recent Travelocity poll, the trend among travelers shows no sign of slowing down in the coming year. More... [726 views] WORLDHOTELS provides new revenue optimization serviceWORLDHOTELS, the largest European based global hotel group for independently owned hotels, has launched a new Performance and Revenue Optimization (PRO) concept at its Annual Conference for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), held at the WORLDHOTELS member Hotel Husa Princesa in Madrid from 24th to 26th January 2008. More... [725 views] Ian Schrager and Bill Marriott introduce "Edition"Ian Schrager and J.W. Marriott, Jr., kick started their new lifestyle boutique hotel brand, introducing its name, "Edition," and announcing an initial wave of signed development deals that will see the expected opening of the first properties in 2010. More... [2224 views] ILX accommodates Hilton’s learning across the worldILX Group plc (ILX), the training services company that provides flexible training services through e-Learning, traditional classroom and blended learning courses has announced that it has been appointed to provide 25 financial and commercial awareness e-Learning courses to Hilton Hotels as part of a three year deal. More... [734 views] Hotusa Hotels disembarks on Indian and Colombian shoresHotusa Hotels , the chain of independent hotels belonging to the Hotusa Group, continues its international expansion with the addition of its first establishments in India and Colombia. With these new additions, the consortium is now present in 45 countries. More... [612 views] HOSTELWORLD.COM announces top hostels worldwideSome famous Hollywood awards ceremonies may have lost some of their luster this year due to the writers' strike, but the HOStelworld Customers Annual Ratings or Hoscars took center stage in Dublin 29th January. More... [1832 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 30, 2008Women in hospitality - a retrospective and view of that "glass ceiling""You've come a long way, baby!" That chauvinistic expression should drive anyone nuts, because it simply is not enough to triumph the journey when the results are still negligible. Yes, strides have been taken, but the real test resides in the Executive Suite and Board Room, where not only women but also minorities are sadly under-represented. Statistics are great fun, easily manipulated, whereas the real gauge is the old fashioned "observation" technique. By John R. Hendrie More... [1206 views] Hospitality eBusiness Strategies to Present at Eye for Travel's Social Media Strategies for Travel Conference in San FranciscoHospitality eBusiness Strategies (HeBS), the leading Internet marketing consulting firm for the hospitality industry, today announced the firm will present during EyeforTravel's Social Media Strategies for Travel conference to be held in San Francisco March 5-6. This will be the premier travel event in 2008 to be focused 100% on social media. More... [569 views] Stuffed Chicken Chest with Concise Tomatoes and Parma the HamWith a larger than ever Russian presence at Expo Real in Munich, MIPIM in Cannes and the IHIC in Berlin last year it is clear that investment into the Russian real estate sector - including hotels - is at the top of the agenda for many companies. There certainly has never been a better time for the Russian hotel market and with so much activity amongst the key hotel chains with development offices actually in Moscow (Intercontinental, Rezidor, Marriott, Hilton, Accor, Starwood, Hyatt, Kempinski and Wyndham) and new chains looking to enter, the landscape of hotels in regional cities is about to change forever. By David Jenkins More... [740 views] Monaco Spa Event 2008 a great successAt 5.30 p.m. on 20 January 2008, The Monaco Spa Event drew to a close, yet at 4.30, only one hour earlier, the conference room was still packed with visitors who did not want to miss so much as a single word of what the speakers still on stage had to say. There could be no more eloquent evidence of the event's success. More... [639 views] Blackout Dates No More! Hilton HHonors® Opens Up the Calendar for All MembersEver had a dream vacation thwarted because of date restrictions or capacity controls from your hotel loyalty program? Fortunately for Hilton HHonors members, that predicament is now a problem of the past. The Hilton Family of Hotels today announced No Blackout Dates for all members of its HHonors guest reward program beginning February 1. As long as a standard room is available, members will be able to confirm that room using their HHonors points at more than 2,900 Hilton Family hotels worldwide. More... [899 views] Guestline Launches RoomLynx Distribution Channel Management SolutionGuestline Ltd, the leading UK supplier of software solutions to the global hospitality industry, has announced the launch of RoomLynx its new inventory aggregator, channel manager and distribution solution for hotels, which will be showcased at Hostec-Europe (Stand H1225), ExCel, London, from February 18-21st 2008. More... [662 views] Winning the Online RFP Game - Web Cast February 1, 2008All market segments are increasingly using online RFP tools to communicate and solicit bids from hotels. These tools not only encompass RFPs from major RFP platforms but also through the OTAs and email directly to the hotel. In a recent survey of 24 hotels, only one responded to an email inquiry in an acceptable time frame, with a well crafted email response and one with no spelling errors. More... [579 views] Record results for 2007 and new Revenue Optimization Division launched at WORLDHOTELS Regional Annual Conference in KLNearly 150 participants from 17 countries representing the Asian portfolio of WORLDHOTELS, the largest European based global hotel group for independently owned hotels worldwide, convened in Kuala Lumpur last weekend for a WORLDHOTELS Annual Conference dominated by good news and new initiatives. More... [604 views] TravelCLICK wins six Adrian Awards for Excellence in Hotel Internet MarketingTravelCLICK, Inc., the leading provider of emarketing solutions for the global hotel industry, announced that its work has won six awards in the 2007 HSMAI Adrian Awards Competition. More... [607 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 29, 2008Tourism in South America is here to stayThe tourist boom has provoked a rise in hotel investments in the region. Heading this is Argentina where hotels have recovered their rates and high occupancy and became more of a business after the devaluation, generating a multitude of new projects, some of them traditional and others that add something new. By Arturo Garcia Rosa More... [711 views] Kenya: More hotels in Malindi close downAt least ten hotels have been closed down and more than 5,000 workers laid off in Malindi. By Paul Gitau More... [807 views] TravelCLICK selected by Amrâth Hôtels & RestaurantsAmrâth Hotels & Restaurants, a Dutch family-owned luxury hotel group with hotels throughout the Netherlands, has selected TravelCLICK, the leader in hotel emarketing solutions, to provide an integrated hotel distribution and marketing solution for the newly independent European chain. More... [525 views] ITB Asia, WIT team upITB Asia and WIT-Web In Travel have agreed to join forces in an agreement that will see Asia's leading travel distribution and marketing conference held in conjunction with The Trade Show for the Asian Travel market, taking place in Singapore. More... [523 views] BCD Travel identifies travel management challenges in AsiaBCD Travel, the world's third largest travel management company, has identified significant challenges corporations in Asia face as they endeavour to manage costs in 2008. Spurred by a robust economy, business travel in Asia is expected to continue at an all-time high, sparking higher prices and shrinking availability. More... [854 views] Visit the Institute of Hospitality's FREE Seminar Theatres at Hotelympia 2008The Institute of Hospitality is delighted to be hosting the free-of-charge ‘Sustainable Futures' and ‘Careers in Hospitality' Seminar Theatres at Hotelympia 2008 - to be held from 17 to 21 February at ExCel London - and to offer an exclusive membership discount to potential new members who sign-up at the Institute's stand (N1669). More... [516 views] Dusit Thani Pattaya receives ASEAN Green Hotel Recognition AwardDusit Thani Pattaya, represented by the hotel's general manager Chatchawal Supachayanont, recently received the ASEAN Green Hotel Recognition Award from Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Minister of Tourism and Sports and Chairman of ASEAN Tourism Ministers at the Vibhavadee Ballroom of the Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok Hotel. More... [595 views] NxTV announces top 10 performing movie titles for 2007NxTV, Inc.â, the first and largest provider of IP Video on Demand (IPVOD) IPTV and interactive digital IP-based in-room entertainment and technology solutions in the hospitality industry, today announced its list of the top ten movies viewed by guests in 2007. These were the most viewed video on demand Hollywood movies, based on total receipts, in domestic properties served by NxTV during the year. More... [563 views] Hilton begins work on one of Edinburgh's most iconic buildingsRenowned as one of Edinburgh's most iconic landmark buildings, the Caledonian Hilton is set to receive a New Year investment of £22 million to retain its position as a world class full service hotel. More... [741 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 28, 2008Interactive Distribution experts call for boosted training and research in Asia-PacificPronounced by one of the attendees as the best distribution event he had ever attended, Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management's first "Thought Leaders in Interactive Distribution" roundtable held last week, brought together a hand-picked gathering of regional industry leaders in Singapore. More... [649 views] Another good year for hotel performance across EuropeFirst year-end 2007 data from the HotelBenchmark™Survey by Deloitte reveals another good year for European hoteliers despite the lack of sport and cultural events seen in 2006. Overall revenue per available room (revPAR) grew 6.6% to reach €85. More... [1037 views] Pineapple Hospitality proclaims March 9-15 "Green Lodging Education Week"Call to Action! According to Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality, the time has passed on debating the merits of going green, or thinking green is a passing fad. That's why Green Week is not just a chance to talk about the environment. It is a call to action. More... [644 views] Tourism for Tomorrow Awards announce 2008 shortlistThe World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announces the 12 finalists for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2008. More... [897 views] Lexington Collection vows to keep hope alive for world's neediest childrenThe Lexington Collection of fine hotels, plaza hotels, and resorts worldwide is pleased to announce it has joined forces with Plan USA, one of the oldest and largest children's charities in the world, in an effort to Keep Hope Alive for the world's neediest children. The Lexington Collection will serve as the Premier Corporate Sponsor for Plan USA. More... [424 views] MSC embraces corporate responsibility and the environmentMSC Cruises has firmly established itself as a global leader in terms of corporate responsibility and environmental friendliness, winning no less than four environmental protection certifications last year. More... [668 views] The Modern Art Museum of Vienna wins the Eurostars Hotels Photography prizeThis annual event, organized by the Hotusa Group chain of hotels, received over 450 competing images sent in by clients. More... [642 views] Asia Luxury Travel Market 2008 serves dynamic growth of luxury travel industryAsia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM), the region's only event exclusively for the luxury travel industry, will play a significant role in shaping the nature of the luxury travel industry in this region, which is currently experiencing unprecedented growth. More... [739 views] SynXis adds Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to global customer baseSynXis, the Sabre Holdings business that provides hotel distribution and Internet marketing services globally, announced today that Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has chosen SynXis as its long-term distribution partner. More... [695 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 25, 2008Double celebrations for global hoteliersThe global hotel market had an excellent year in 2007 according to first data from the HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte. All regions - Asia Pacific, Central and South America, Europe and the Middle East - are not only celebrating double-digit growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) but also in average room rates. More... [842 views] Hotel Spa profits riseA special analysis of hotel spa department operating statements conducted by PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR) finds that a 9.7 percent increase in hotel spa revenues resulted in an 11.3 percent gain in spa department profits in 2006. More... [1670 views] Bill Clinton spells out a trillion dollar opportunityAbu Dhabi is setting course for the future through a dynamic diversification in a programme which envisages spending a total of $175bn over the next six years to establish a sustainable revamped economy, according to the authoritative The Report: Abu Dhabi 2007, the annual economic profile of the emirate published by the highly acclaimed global publishing, research and consultancy services organization. More... [837 views] Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ shares its guests favorite spots in ‘07New York, Hong Kong, Rome, London and Paris are not only considered world capitals but some of Small Luxury Hotels of the World's guests' favorite destinations in 2007 . . . and for good reason. More... [1044 views] Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Vietnam for the first timeIn its takeover of two City Hotels in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Vietnam, the Swiss premium hotel group has taken another major step in its expansion in Asia. The relevant management agreements have just been signed with the owning company VinaCapital Hospitality Co. Ltd. More... [733 views] Hong Kong Hotel Association hosts Housekeeping Management workshopRecently the Hong Kong Hotel Association invited Lycette&Associates to deliver one of its unique 3-day Housekeeping Management Seminars. The HKHA recognises the need for professional and specialised development of Housekeeping professionals to maintain the highest international standards in the competitive Asian hotel market. More... [1002 views] Polonia Palace Hotel with new top managementNew man at the top of the Polonia Palace Hotel: Alexander Huschka to take over management of Syrena Hotels Warsaw's Polonia Palace Hotel as general manager on January 1st 2008. Prior to relocating to Warsaw, he was managing director of COLUMBIA Hotels & Resorts. More... [526 views] Silversea wins UK Travel Weekly Globe AwardUltra luxury cruise line Silversea was this week voted ‘Best Cruise Company, Luxury' at the UK Travel Weekly Globe Awards at a glamourous ceremony in London's Grosvenor House Hotel. More... [537 views] Eight new hotel openings in 2008More... [1320 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 24, 2008What the heck is hotel web site SEO, anyway?I often wonder how many people truly understand the process of search engine optimization and what it means to have a search engine friendly web site. It seems to me, by the number of clients I've inherited in the last few years, that there are many "SEO experts" out there with a fuzzy understanding of the process. As a result, they produced many disenchanted hotel operators, who spent a fortune, only to receive poor or mediocre results. By Neil Salerno More... [1538 views] Leaders commit to PATA CEO ChallengeMany of the world's travel and tourism leaders have committed to join the inaugural PATA CEO Challenge: Confronting Climate Change. More... [496 views] Cruise Critic announces hot cruising trends for 2008Thinking about taking a cruise in 2008 to explore the coast of China or the Greek islands? How about hopping onboard a luxury cruise ship that caters to your every whim? If you are considering any of these cruise vacations, you are not alone. More... [681 views] Asian hotel sales reach record high of US$10.8 billion in 2007Hotel transaction activity in Asia reached US$10.8 billion during 2007, more than double the previous high of US$5.0 billion recorded in 2006. More... [743 views] Control all important web booking channels via the Extranet of ehotelIn Germany, online hotel bookings are booming, with no sign of slow down insight. Ehotel AG, one of the leading hotel booking platforms, increase both the number of hotels and bookings from month to month! Today, more than 210,000 hotels worldwide are bookable on ehotel.de. More... [875 views] DWC woos corporate investors at tourism eventInternational hotel chains showed keen interest in the gigantic Dubai World Central (DWC) – the 140 square kilometre urban development project in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates – during a showcase seminar on the second day of the Tourism Development Projects & Investment Market (TDIM) exhibition at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. More... [474 views] HPL Hotels & Resorts experiences exponential growth in website bookingsHPL Hotels & Resorts has reported more than 70% growth in online bookings made on its own hotels' websites for the full-year 2007 as compared to two years ago, as a result of more intense Internet marketing and enhanced brand websites. More... [676 views] LDA sponsors first AA London B&B of the Year awardThe AA has announced that the London Development Agency will sponsor the first AA London B&B of the Year award, which will celebrate the quality and personal service of the capital's B&Bs. The winner will be announced at the AA B&B Awards to be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London on Wednesday 4th June 2008. More... [442 views] InterContinental signs agreement to develop InterContinental Doha West Bay in QatarInterContinental Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with H.E. Mohammed Bin Ajaj Al-Kubaisi to develop InterContinental Doha West Bay in Qatar. Targeted to open by March 2009, the 60-storey tower will be located in the city center close to both the main shopping precinct and business district. More... [774 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 23, 2008Engage every customer...One touchpoint at a timeEngaging your customers is not rocket science. With all of the articles, books, blogs, videos and conferences that are available, it can seem that creating an engaging service experience requires a lifetime worth of training. Not true. If you asked me, "how can we improve our service tomorrow?", I would advise you to begin with your touchpoints. By Brian K. Williams More... [2106 views] Hotel room rates push returns higher, investors circlingHotels around Australia have recorded a 10% increase in RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) and caught the attention of investors. The newly released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) accommodation data shows growth came largely on the back of record occupancy levels and strong increases in room rates during the September quarter 2007. More... [630 views] New Zealand provincial hotels trading strong, in hot demandHotel operators and investors in New Zealand can expect a continuation of positive trading performance and potentially greater investment returns during 2008. According to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, demand is also strong for quality assets outside of the major cities where higher yields are being achieved. More... [600 views] Kiwi Collection welcomes aSmallWorld Chariman and founder Erik WachtmeisterThe newest addition to the esteemed Kiwi Collection Advisory Board is Erik Wachtmeister, Chairman and Founder of aSmallWorld.net – the increasingly popular private online community that allows members to network more effectively with like-minded individuals. More... [814 views] DWC'S tourism potential in spotlight at Inaugural TDIM ShowThe tourism potential of Dubai World Central (DWC) - the 140 square kilometre urban development project in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates - will be in the spotlight at the inaugural Tourism Development Projects & Investment Market (TDIM) exhibition between 20-22 January at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. More... [485 views] Swiss-Belhotel International starts 08 with new resort in OmanHong Kong headquartered Swiss-Belhotel International has announced their sixth hotel in as little as 14 months in the Middle East. Owned by the Al Batnah Hotels Company SOAC and managed by Swiss-Belhotel International, the Sohar Beach by Swiss-Belhotel in Oman opened its doors on 4 January following a takeover and rebranding of the former Sohar Beach Resort. More... [534 views] The Cloud announces strategic acquisition in GermanyThe Cloud, Europe's leading mobile wireless broadband service provider, today announced it has acquired 100% of the share capital of GlobalAirNet AG (Ganag), Germany's leading provider of Wi-Fi services to four and five star hotels. More... [477 views] Globus nourishes appetites for Culinary TourismIn the past three years, more than 25 million Americans engaged in culinary or wine-related activities while traveling, according to the Travel Industry Association and Gourmet magazine. Now, travelers can immerse themselves into local cuisine and wine through Globus' new collection of epicurean-themed vacations and river cruises - journeys that reveal the very heart of each region through its foods and wines. More... [675 views] Hilton Naples receives Florida Green Lodging Program DesignationThe Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently welcomed the Hilton Naples to the Florida Green Lodging Program. More... [572 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 22, 2008The cachet of hospitality is the ultimate brandFolks, we've got it, and others want it. The term, Hospitality, evokes certain emotions and expectations, and we are the practitioners who make it work. We fulfill the dreams and deliver the goods. Hospitality is a most worthy cachet, and we cannot afford to lose that edge. By J. Ragsdale Hendrie, Principal Hospitality Performance More... [985 views] The European hotel industry grows 8.1 per cent in 20072007 was a strong year for the EMEA hotel market with Lisbon, Portugal emerging as the top performer in RevPAR growth with revenue per available room (RevPAR; the most important benchmark in measuring performance in the hospitality industry) increasing 25.5 per cent. More... [920 views] In 2007, hotel chains made 8.5 billion dollars in turnover in FranceOver the course of 2007, hotel chains in France registered an increase of more than 11% in turnover with 8.5 billion euros, and a 9.2% increase in RevPAR, as predicted by MKG Hospitality at the beginning of the year. More... [610 views] Australian hotel sales reach record high of $1.63 billion during 2007Hotel transaction activity in Australia reached A$1.63 billion during 2007, surpassing the 2006 total of A$1.22 billion and the previous high of A$1.59 billion recorded during 2004. The result demonstrates the ongoing positive investor sentiment for Australia’s hotel markets as well as confidence in Asia Pacific’s hotel and tourism sector. More... [623 views] VacationRental.org unveils first Green Certified Vacation Rental ProgramVacationRental.org (VRO) has announced the travel industry's first Green Certified Vacation Rental program. The certification identifies environmentally friendly vacation rentals that meet recycling, energy efficiency and energy conservation standards. More... [453 views] Corinthia Hotels among finalists at the annual Hospitality AwardsCorinthia Hotels' dedicated Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Events (MICE) programme ‘Events@Corinthia' last month featured among the three finalists in the ‘Best Customer Satisfaction Programme in Luxury Hotels' category of the Annual Hospitality Awards 2007, organised by the MKG Group in Paris. More... [514 views] LaSalle Hotel Properties announces that senior unsecured credit facility increases $150 million to $450 millionLaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE:LHO) today announced its Senior Unsecured Credit Facility has total commitments of $450,000,000, an increase of $150,000,000. The additional commitments came from six banks that had previous commitments and one new bank. Terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated Senior Unsecured Credit Agreement were not modified. More... [491 views] Singapore based Banyan Tree partners with Saraya IslandsSingapore stock listed Banyan Tree Holdings, a leading developer, designer and operator of top-tier hotels, resorts, spas and retail galleries worldwide, today announced signing of a management agreement to operate first Banyan Tree Resort in one of the four islands in the Saraya Islands, a residential project in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. More... [618 views] New Sheraton for HuhotFive Pagoda TempleChina Architectural Engineering specializes in the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of high-end curtain wall systems. By Gareth Powell More... [642 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 21, 2008The one resolution hoteliers should pledge for 2008I love this time of year; a time of renewal; a new year with a fresh opportunity to celebrate the hotel world in 2008. The enthusiasm is infectious as we consider the many ideas we read, and make our resolutions with all the vigor we can muster. By: Neil Salerno - Hotel Marketing Coach More... [970 views] Five ways to increase your sales and marketing momentum in 2008A resolution for 2008 is to think about how to maximize hotel revenue in ways other than increasing room rates, and continue to show value for our rooms and the hotel experience. By Leora Lanz, HVS More... [1799 views] Urban travel legendsThe myths and truths about hotels, key cards, and the secret airline code. By Joe Brancatelli More... [1284 views] Hotel rates to surge 29%: StudyHotel room rates for corporate customers are projected to surge 29 per cent in Singapore this year, with demand expected to continue to outstrip supply despite a planned increase of 8,850 new rooms in 2007 and 2008, according to an American Express report yesterday. More... [672 views] Number of Travel Agencies in the US continues to decrease as internet competition proves too fierceResearch and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c79067) has announced the addition of Travel Agencies in the US to their offering. More... [851 views] UK tourism jobs under threatUK inbound CEO Stephen Dowd has warned that up to 8000 tourism-related jobs in the UK could disappear over the next year. More... [788 views] The Leading Hotels of the World directory receives its first accolade for 2008For the second year in a row, The Leading Hotels of the World has been awarded the "Best Hotel Affiliation Guide" in the 2007 Gallivanter's Awards for Excellence. More... [711 views] Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announces new online check-in/check-out programFor today's multi-tasking travelers, time is gold. To help ease the pace, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has created "Web-In" and "Web-Out," convenient, online check-in and check-out systems available at over 100 of its North American properties through the Hyatt.com website. More... [955 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 18, 2008There are two things people want more than sex and money... recognition and praise !Evil Eric did it again, he made a " big " impression on his Christmas repeat guests, so big that they won't come back ever again.....By Bert van Walbeek More... [2735 views] "Mass global travel is clearly heading towards the LCC model": Air Asia X's Azran Osman-RaniThe launch of AirAsia X last year, a low-cost long-haul airline, yet again underlined the fact that the aviation industry continues to embrace new business models with open arms. More... [605 views] HVS Market Intelligence Report: San Juan, Puerto RicoNew developments are making the “Walled City” more welcoming than ever, while limited supply allows occupancies to remain strong and average rates to increase tremendously. By Luigi Major, HVS More... [598 views] Rising world food prices to continueThe old admonishment of finishing up those veggies on your plate may just take on a more serious meaning, with world food prices being expected to increase. Scenes of unrest by disgruntled consumers - once sporadic in the past - are gaining an unsettling regularity, as seen from protests in countries such as Italy over the rising prices of wheat pasta. More... [588 views] Round-up of the top stories in the last six months from WORLDHOTELSWORLDHOTELS increased its membership of independent hotels by 57 in 2007. These hotels join a portfolio of over 500 hotels in more than 300 destinations and 70 countries worldwide. More... [744 views] Twenty companies to do battle in Business Travel Show Innovations AwardsThe battle to win a Business Travel Show 2008 Innovation Award has begun, as organiser Centaur Exhibitions announces 20 companies have been short-listed across the newly-launched seven categories. Just one company has secured more than one short list mention, indicating just how fierce the competition has been up to this point. More... [651 views] New For 2008: Loft Lifestyle HotelsAt the close of the year, NYLO Plano at Legacy became the first loft lifestyle hotel to open in the United States, according to executives at NYLO Hotels. The pioneering hotel, NYLO's inaugural property, is in North Dallas. More... [796 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 17, 2008Economy, tourism hurt by Kenya chaosLounging by the hotel pool in one of Kenya's storied nature reserves, Debbie Shillito sees one small advantage to the travel warnings issued after a presidential election here sparked violence. By Tom Maliti and Tom Odula More... [808 views] Graduate recruitment contract signed between HGR and Ishraq (UAE)Jeff Ross, Managing Director and founder of HGR (Hospitality Graduate Recruitment) recently announced the signing of a new annual contract with Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding Company to assist with the recruitment process for three Express by Holiday Inn hotel projects under development in the United Arab Emirates. More... [588 views] Hotel horoscope: The ideal hotel for each Zodiac signCapricorns appreciate solitude, Scorpios love extremes and only the best will satisfy Leos. When it comes to the perfect holiday accommodation, the tastes of the star signs are as varied as the character traits ascribed to them. WORLDHOTELS now reveals the perfect hotels for each star sign. More... [1757 views] TripAdvisor offers travel outlook for 2008TripAdviso®, the world's largest travel community, recently conducted a survey of more than 2,500 travelers offering an outlook into travel for the new year. Highlights from the survey are provided below. More... [1165 views] Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels announces engagement with Chicago's iconic Palmer House HiltonJones Lang LaSalle Hotels is pleased to announce that they have been engaged by Thor Equities to provide investment advisory and asset management services on the historic Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago. Thor Equities, which purchased the hotel in August, 2005, is nearing completion on a $150 million renovation, restoration and repositioning of the 1,640- room iconic property. More... [474 views] The New Hotel Accommodation in Australia ReportResearch and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c78786) has announced the addition of "Hotel Accommodation in Australia" to their offering. More... [687 views] Ireland aims for 10m visitors by 2010Ireland saw a 5% increase in overseas visitors to a record 7.8m in 2007, its sixth consecutive year of growth. More... [544 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 15, 2008How to make your customers forget about priceA recent experience with a real estate agent gave me a fresh perspective on what it means to be an outstanding salesperson. My agent was so good at her job that she made me-and most likely her other customers as well-completely forget to ask about her commission. Here's how she did it: By Bill Caraway More... [2659 views] Restaurant customers say: "Have our table ready"When restaurant customers make a reservation, they consider it a firm commitment that the restaurant will have their table ready, according to a new study from Cornell University. By Sheryl Kimes More... [1263 views] PATA CEO challenge leading by exampleThe Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) signed a new agreement with EC3 Global, managers of the Green Globe brand, to help significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its landmark new event, the PATA CEO Challenge: Confronting Climate Change. More... [489 views] E-Site Marketing wins five Golden Click Adrian AwardsE-site Marketing, the Sabre Holdings premier Internet marketing company specializing in online business solutions exclusively for the hospitality industry has been awarded five Golden Click Awards in the 51st HSMAI Adrian Awards Competition. The awards showcase industry achievers and results that have demonstrated strong return on investment (ROI) across all sectors of the hospitality industry. More... [786 views] Jumeirah wants ten hotels in China by 2010Dubai-based Jumeirah hotel group looks to build ten hotels in China by the end of 2010. This will be the group's largest expansion into Asia. By Gareth Powell More... [1093 views] Carlson Hotels Worldwide signs with PegasusPegasus Solutions, Inc., which introduced streamlined commission processing 15 years ago, has signed a contract with Carlson Hotels Worldwide to provide payment processing services to the global group's five major hotel brands, Regent® Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts®, Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson® and Park Inn®. More... [668 views] Hotusa Hotels added 316 associated establishments to the list during 2007The hotel consortium has added 28 new hotels over the month of December, of which 15 are international acquisitions and the remaining 13 have increased the national network. More... [614 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 14, 2008The Deloitte CFO Survey: Benchmarking corporate financial attitudesThe credit crunch bites: 2007 Q4 result. More... [1150 views] 2008 forecast/trends in the hotel industry: ‘expect price-cutting' and ‘panic selling'A leading hotel reservations brand is forecasting a period of ‘price-cutting' and ‘panic selling' of bedrooms in the tourism industry starting within a matter of months.
More... [2317 views] RoomKey© "Green" Property Management System launches Environment FundRSI International Systems Inc. ("RSI") (TSX Venture Exchange: RSY), announced the launch of the RoomKey Property Management System Environment Fund. The RoomKey Environment Fund is being created to support initiatives that address environmental concerns in communities around the world. More... [865 views] TravelCLICK elects Robert E. Dowdell ChairmanTravelCLICK, Inc., the leading provider of emarketing solutions for the global hotel industry, today announced that Robert E. Dowdell has been named Chairman of the Board. The selection of Dowdell follows the recent addition of TravelCLICK to the Genstar Capital, LLC portfolio of companies through its acquisition in December. More... [560 views] TRI Hospitality Consulting - 2008 news2008 will see the introduction of a new awards ceremony. Hotel Report is this year holding its inaugural 'Hotel Report Awards' event in February 2008 at the Honourable Artillery Company in the City of London. More... [579 views] Celebrating 80 years of a quest for excellenceThe Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., the prestigious luxury hospitality organization marks its 80th anniversary in 2008. For eight decades, it has set the international gold standard, offering discerning travelers exceptional levels of comfort, service and style. More... [661 views] Smoke-free and going strongRoyal Plaza (RP) on Scotts, Singapore's first completely smoke-free business hotel, continues to get positive results from its move to promote the health of its employees through its non-smoking programme implemented in early 2007. More... [763 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 11, 2008CNI hosts 'Thought leaders in interactive distribution roundtable' 2008The Cornell Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI) is hosting the first ‘Thought Leaders in Interactive Distribution' Roundtable on the 10th and 11th of January 2008 in Singapore. The roundtable, sponsored by Amadeus and TravelClick, features a unique agenda comprised of three breakout sessions in the morning, with the group coming together in the afternoon to hear summary presentations from each of the breakout session leaders. More... [570 views] Armed with new passports, travellers discover a world of possibilities in 2008Despite headaches caused by regulations that went into effect in 2007 requiring passports for air travelers returning to the U.S. from Canada , Mexico , and the Caribbean , the new restrictions may have had some positive side effects. According to a recent poll conducted by Travelocity gauging consumers' travel plans for 2008, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) has actually inspired many to visit these regions and beyond. More... [663 views] China at the crossroadsBuilt as a low-cost machine aimed at the OEM market, China is truly the world's workshop. But the explosive growth has come at a high price. There are big environmental problems of factory pollution and energy shortages. There are quality control problems that are causing many customers to rethink China as a reliable supplier. There are "social responsibility" issues that have led the government to force entrepreneurs to pay higher wages. Managed growth and more controls are in the offing. By Jack Trout More... [632 views] Warwick International Hotels and LRA Worldwide partner on Four Diamond Guest Experience Evaluation ProgramWarwick International Hotels (WIH), a leading provider of luxury hotel accommodations in more than 40 select cities throughout the world, has partnered with LRA Worldwide, Inc. to evaluate the guest experience at its five North American properties. More... [581 views] Hotel sales continue to close in months following credit crunch reports Jones Lang LaSalle HotelsIn the aftermath of the of the credit crunch, which hit last August, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels reports that fundamentals remain sound and transactions continue to close. Since August 1, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels reports closing 24 transactions valued at more than $1.4 billion in the United States and Mexico, leading the industry in both volume and number of transactions. More... [534 views] BDRC announces Hilton as the best performing global hotel brands in 2007Hilton is the no. 1 hotel brand in the regions of Western Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin-America as measured by the BDRC Hotel Business Guest Surveys in 2007. The sole exception is the Nordic area. More... [1475 views] Hcareers.co.uk proves essential for recruiters in hospitalityThe UK, European and Middle East's leading hospitality jobboard, Hcareers.co.uk is strengthening its partnerships with leading Hospitality recruiters. More... [942 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 10, 2008WOW.Travel's seven sensations stayswow.travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com) edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensational Stays while making, or waiting for, a baby.
More... [981 views] To be green or to be sustainable?The idea of the ‘Greening' of the hospitality industry, as defined in John Hendrie's article of December 18, ‘The Chameleon in Us All', is a moot point. Green is no longer the most imperative issue for the industry - its long term survival is what should be addressed. By Laura Hyams, EC3 Global More... [939 views] FreshStay - The world's largest directory of lodging propertiesOne hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan. Another caters to steel workers in northwest Indiana. One in Toronto gets guests from all over the world. Despite the different cultures and geography, all three hotels have one big thing in common: They are all completely smoke-free. More... [641 views] HVS and BISU host 4th China Hotel Investment Summit in April 2008HVS, the world's leading hospitality valuation, consulting and investment services firm, and Beijing International Studies University (BISU) will be co-hosting the China Hotel Investment Summit (CHIS) for the fourth time from 16 to 18 April 2008. The Summit will be organised jointly by HVS and Phoenix Consulting, and the event will be held at Grand Hyatt Shanghai. More... [516 views] Late night emails equate to a double espresso before bedAccording to the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts' research, checking emails before you go to bed has the equivalent effect on the body of drinking a double espresso. More... [1418 views] CPNHospitality Q&A: What lies ahead for the lodging sector?One of commercial real estate's recent success stories has been the lodging sector. But this sector has been challenged by the disruption in the credit markets, and concerns whether the economy will slip into a recession in 2008. More... [548 views] Feature: Q&A with Ng Chee Theam of Millennium & Copthorne HotelsMillennium & Copthorne Hotels plc owns or manages over 110 hotels in 17 countries around the world. Its portfolio includes the Grand Millennium, Millennium, Copthorne and Kingsgate hotels. By Rachel Liu More... [1115 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 8, 2008Shifts in compensationThe past year was another busy one in the gaming industry with Macau surpassing Las Vegas as the top gambling market in the world and international expansion of U.S.-based companies heating up. More... [1085 views] Call to action for Caribbean hospitality employees, professors, and studentsThe Caribbean Hotel Foundation (CHF), the non-profit subsidiary of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), announced the launch of its 2008/2009 Scholarship Program for Caribbean hospitality employees, educators, and students wishing to pursue studies or professional development courses related to the tourism industry. More... [612 views] London hotel guests not put off by high ratesHotels in London were the second most profitable of ten European cities studied by TRI Hospitality Consulting in November 2007. More... [943 views] At hotels, it's dog vs. bedbugIn the 3 1/2 years it's been open, Jurys Boston Hotel has never found bedbugs on its premises, nor have its guests complained about being bitten. Still, the luxury hotel in the Back Bay began dispatching a bedbug-sniffing dog to each of its 225 guest rooms last year. By Nicole C. Wong More... [1025 views] Exclusive Resorts® named one of the year's ''Icons and Innovators''Exclusive Resorts, the world's leading luxury destination club, has been recognized as an "Icon and Innovator" in the January 2008 edition of Robb Report, the definitive guide and authority on luxury living for ultra-affluent consumers. Selected by senior editors at Robb Report as one of the year's most innovative luxury companies, Exclusive Resorts is one of four companies that is changing the luxury landscape and "now enjoying the rewards of redefining luxury." More... [948 views] Hotel's £20m revamp makes room for courtyard loungeA new courtyard lounge would be created as part of a multi-million-pound revamp at Edinburgh's flagship Caledonian Hotel. By Adrian Mather More... [602 views] Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels arranges $7.5M financing of the Wellesley Inn Atlanta AirportOn behalf of United Capital Corp., Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels is pleased to announce they have arranged a $7.5 million ten-year fixed rate loan to recapitalize the Wellesley Inn Atlanta Airport. More... [555 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 7, 2008UK hotel industry achieves growth of 6.9% in 20072007 was a good year for the UK hotel industry with double-digit growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) in the capital and a healthy increase across the regions. Latest results from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte¹ show that during 2007 revPAR in London increased by 10.8%. More... [767 views] Putting on the 'Ritz' for Bush at the King DavidIt's an ordinary weekday at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. Guests sit in the luxurious entrance hall sipping coffee and tea, while staff rush about taking care of their clientele's every request. By Ruth Eglash More... [1052 views] As travel costs spike, 2008 cruise wave season brings value to cost conscious travelersFor many cost-conscious consumers, the 2008 cruise wave season could not have arrived at a better time, as travel costs at home and abroad continue to track higher year over year. With the busiest cruise booking period of the year commencing, Travelocity starts 2008 with its best wave season deals to date along with an inside look at how the cruise landscape is changing. More... [761 views] Hyatt Place(™) Opens 100th HotelHyatt Place raised the bar across the hospitality industry last week by opening its 100th hotel on December 27, 2007, just outside Memphis, securing its place as the clear leader in the lifestyle hotel category. More... [759 views] Hotel room rates in India rise 40% but market to be handled with care, say expertsDemand for upscale hotel rooms in India is on the rise, and so are prices, according to Jonathan Worsley, co-organiser of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), now in its fourth year. More... [2012 views] Prince Alwaleed's $153m hotel project gets perksThe Board of Investments has approved the grant of incentives to a $153 million hotel complex project of Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed, the world's 13th richest person according to Forbes.com. More... [1386 views] TravTech Business Solutions enters Indian market with Voyager CRS.TravTech Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. a leading solution provider for the Travel & Hospitality Industry announced the official launch of its CRS and GDS representation services, utilizing the Voyager CRS distribution system from Trust International, a Travelport brand and a global provider of technology and distribution solutions for the hospitality industry. More... [550 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 4, 2008Caregiving is what really distinguishes an extended stay hotelWant to know how to make your extended stay hotel more profitable? Become caregivers! Go out of your way to do hundreds of little things that are not on your official “Amenities” list. Really and truly care about customers as if they were your own family and friends. By Kent Sexton with Nektaria Hamister More... [1187 views] Hospitality industry undertakes initiatives to strengthen from withinEl Gouna, one of Egypt's biggest home-grown tourism success stories, recently played host to Cornell University School of Hotel Administration's (CU-SHA) Inaugural Senior Executives Program, the first in a series of programs aimed at furthering the growth and development of hospitality professionals in Egypt and the region. More... [560 views] Harrah's gets final regulatory OK for $17B sale to Apollo, TPGHarrah's has just cleared the last regulatory hurdle in its plan to be snapped up by affiliates of Apollo Global Management L.P. and Texas Pacific Group for $17.1 billion plus the assumption of about $10.7 billion in debt. The National Indian Gaming Commission just gave the go-ahead for the transaction to move forward while the organization continues the process of concluding its review. By Barbra Murray More... [572 views] Kenya: Hoteliers dismiss claims of tourist exodusTourism industry players put up a brave face in the wake of negative publicity arising from political violence that followed last Sunday's outcome of the General Election. By Wangui Maina More... [603 views] Old, abandoned = Hotel ConversionWhat requirements are necessary for a developer to convert an existing building into a hotel? There is no set answer. Even local heritage does not guarantee extended life. "Just because a building is historic doesn't mean it's pretty," said Ken Geist, partner in Sage Hospitality. By Eugene Gilligan More... [990 views] Asia's oldest casino resort Hotel Lisboa to be rebuiltMacao's SJM (Sociedade de Jogos de Macau) gaming company Wednesday announced that it will launch a project to rebuild Macao's landmark casino resort Hotel Lisboa. More... [671 views] Swire's luxury boutique comingThe Sanlitun Hotel in the Chaoyang District, Beijing, is nearing completion. It is part of the Sanlitun project which Swire is developing in partnership with Gateway Capital - Swire has an 80% stake in the retail development. By Gareth Powell More... [748 views] Carlson Hotels adds new properties to its global portfolioCarlson Hotels Worldwide added eight new locations to its global portfolio during November 2007. More... [850 views] Peru's Casa Andina to open two five-star hotels in Lima and ArequipaCasa Andina hotel chain announced today the official opening of two five-star hotels in February, one in the Limean district of Miraflores and the other in the city of Arequipa, which is have a one-month soft opening. More... [592 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 3, 2008Best new hotels for 2008Some special properties are set to open shortly. Nicky Holford draws up a wish list. More... [2856 views] When Five Star ‘International' Hotels in India start charging for a Cup of Cappuccino...You are on a bed and breakfast package and being a lover of Coffee, decide to order the Cappuccino rather than the normal fare at the Breakfast table. Before the steward has even taken the order, out pops the ‘Its chargeable'. More... [1635 views] Industry Focused Partnership to build new homes for hotel & hospitality employees in need of housingRecently, the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association (GNOHLA) and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) announced a first of its kind "industry focused" partnership to assist hotel and hospitality employees and their families in need of housing. More... [591 views] Thailand's Election Result - good news for Tourism? On Sunday 23rd December 2007, almost 70% of eligible voters turned out to exercise their rights in the country's first general election following the 19th September 2006 military coup, which ousted former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. By Andrew J. Wood More... [865 views] The Asia Foundation Remembers 2004 TsunamiThree years ago, a devastating tsunami hit Southeast Asia, bringing destruction to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the region. In the months and years since, The Asia Foundation has focused on long-term recovery and reconstruction of institutions, economies and livelihoods. With fifty plus years in the region and local partners on the ground, the Foundation has helped survivors rebuild their communities bit by bit. More... [516 views] Park Hyatt Sydney sold for $201.6 millionJones Lang LaSalle Hotels is delighted to announce on behalf of MFS Limited's wholly-owned subsidiary McLaughlins Financial Services Limited (MFSL), the Responsible Entity for the PH Sydney Hotel Trust, the sale of the Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia. Australia's pre-eminent five star Hotel sold to a private Japanese property investor for $201.6 million. More... [1083 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 2, 2008What was the year that is?Year end summaries are marvelous, allowing pundits to espouse their expertise and awe within their industry nooks and crannies. They analyze tirelessly; they assess vigorously. They note laboriously the trends, the winners and the losers. But, the big Hospitality secret is nothing really changed and has not changed dramatically since HO JO's and Holiday Inn represented the Hospitality landscape. Everything is still homogenized, service is still faulty and uneven, the product undergoes mutations and even "wars", but still is mediocre. And, sadly, the poor Consumer sucks it up, pleased to have a bed, a tepid meal and perhaps a blink from the Front Desk. Who is kidding whom. We have made very little progress, and market events are further constricting our opportunity to excel as an Industry, something we are loathe to undertake. By John Hendrie More... [812 views] Extended competition leads to extended recoveryAn analysis of supply change within the extended-stay lodging segment certainly illustrates the appeal of this property type among hotel developers. According to Smith Travel Research, the overall industry has averaged annual changes in supply of 0.9 percent from 2000 to 2006, while the number of new extended-stay rooms has been growing at a 5.1 percent annual pace. By: Robert Mandelbaum More... [527 views] Why smart managers still fail, IQ or EQ !Evil Erik is in trouble again, he needs a new F & B Manager basically to do his job, the last one lasted 4 months, although he was heralded as the biggest gift to F&B Management on earth, it soon turned out to be a wrong choice. By Bert van Walbeek More... [2193 views] General Assembly: Strong Support for World Tourism Day Themes for 2008 & 2009Following the successful World Tourism Day 2007 theme ‘Tourism opens doors for women', the General Assembly underscored the importance of World Tourism Day (WTD) to be conceived as a yearly campaign to raise awareness on the constructive social role of tourism. WTD 2008 will be hosted in Peru and carry a theme around the tourism sector's response to the challenges of climate change. WTD 2009 will be hosted in Ghana and underscore the value of diversity and authenticity of tourism in a globalizing world. These are among the outcomes of the 17th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly, 22-29 November, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. More... [518 views] 2007 British Association of Hospitality Accountants (BAHA) Award Winners AnnouncedThe winner of the prestigious British Association of Hospitality Accountants (BAHA) ‘Hospitality Accountant of the Year 2007' award is Joanna Chugh, Cluster Director of Finance, based at the London Marriott Hotel Kensington in the capital. In the presence of over 300 guests at last week's 2007 BAHA Annual Awards Luncheon - held at the InterContinental London Park Lane - Joanna was presented with her award by the Association's Chief Executive Carl Weldon and Membership Officer Rob Maloney. More... [725 views] Uri Geller Buys Spoons in $3.8 Million Savoy Sale by BonhamsUri Geller, who became famous for his ability to bend cutlery with what he calls "paranormal'' powers, was among the last buyers at an auction of furnishings in London's Savoy Hotel that raised 1.9 million pounds ($3.8 million). By Scott Reyburn More... [818 views] Travel 2.0 offerings influence purchase decisions of active travel shoppersThe majority of travelers visit between two and five Web sites when shopping for travel online, and the number one reason for doing this is to compare prices. At the same time, nearly 20% of travelers visit six or more sites-and this group of active shoppers possesses some distinctive characteristics that should pique the interest of commoditization-weary travel companies. By Cathy Schetzina, Technology Analyst More... [677 views] |
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