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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: April 2008Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 30, 2008Saving a hotel's BaconThe sales manager of the Los Angeles Hyatt Regency was preparing to address a convention of tourist agencies when her head turned to the right and stuck. Arriving half an hour before the scheduled speech, I had no idea what to do. Her head was definitely facing to one side and immovable. She was in perfect health. Hysterical conversion was a possibility, but I was too polite to mention it. By Mike Oppenheim, M.D More... [1904 views] Asia Pacific slowly wakes up to carbon-neutral tourismAsia's carbon-neutral pioneers say this is already bringing them credibility in lucrative longhaul markets such as Europe and North America. These are markets where an increasing number of consumers and tour operators now insist on green benchmarking before booking hotels, tours and ground handling services in Asia Pacific. More... [704 views] CNI professor speaks about revenue management for F&B to Singapore HoteliersSheryl Kimes, holder of the Distinguished Singapore Tourism Board Professorship in Asian Hospitality Management, will address local hoteliers in Singapore about F&B in revenue management More... [1214 views] Renewing Capacity for Tourism DevelopmentUNWTO is actively supporting African destinations which have the capacity to renew their tourism development after having recently suffered from internal crisis or terrorist attacks. These efforts coincide with the overall support provided by the United Nations to foster social and economic stability in the region. More... [615 views] UK Chain Hotels Market Review for March 2008UK Chain hotels recorded an overall drop in occupancy and profit in the first quarter of 2008, according to the latest HotStats survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting. More... [745 views] Golden Tulip announces multiple hotel projects in South East AsiaSwitzerland-based Golden Tulip Hospitality Group today announced that its Bangkok-based subsidiary, Golden Tulip South East Asia, will open 40 hotels in four years in 10 Asian countries. In Thailand and Cambodia, five priority projects have been confirmed: one in each of the popular Thai resorts of Samui and Phuket, two in Bangkok, and one in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. More... [805 views] UNI Strategic Global Green IT Conference 2008 - Energy Efficiency through GreeningFueled by recent trends towards sustainability, the modern use of the terms refers to systematic approaches to using computing technology efficiently. These include issues such as addressing electronic waste, regulatory compliance, telecommuting policies, virtualization of server resources, cost accounting of energy use, datacenter energy crisis and thin client solutions. More... [468 views] Jumeirah group appoints new senior vice president Asia PacificJumeirah, the dynamic Dubai-based luxury international hospitality management group and a member of Dubai Holding, announced today the appointment of Tony Cousens as Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. More... [1347 views] Hostelworld.com's top ten Eco HostelsGlobal warming. Arctic melting. Rising sea levels. No longer relegated to environmental doomsayers and apocalyptic prophesiers, these predictions are now being confirmed by top scientists and world leaders around the globe. With all eyes firmly fixed on the dire state of our fragile ecosphere, citizens and businesses alike are growing increasingly aware of the immediate need for conservation and changes in our gluttonous habits towards the Earth's limited resources - and that's where hostels come in. More... [1354 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 29, 2008In internal politics stupidity is not a handicapRonald Reagan once said : " Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first." And that is why Evil Erik is still in the job, since internal politics is the conspiracy of the unproductive but organized against the productive but unorganized! By Bert van Walbeek More... [1189 views] The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Staging 2nd International Forum on China Hotel Brand DevelopmentAnticipating the need to help develop Chinese hotel chains to gain international reputation, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is proud to host the 2nd International Forum on China Hotel Brand Development together with the School of Business of the Sun Yat-sen University. Sponsored by K Wah Group, the Forum will be held in Guangzhou, China, from 9 to 10 May 2008. More... [822 views] Spanish hotels do more harm than good to Jamaica's tourism productThe surge in Spanish hotel operators building all-inclusive emporiums is said to have benefited Jamaica's tourism product, but is that necessarily the case? More... [2035 views] ‘It’s not a pay to play model’Google's decision to change it's trade mark policy in Europe will ‘hopefully not affect the time you have spent building your brand' said Google USA's, MD of Advertising & Marketing, Rob Torres. ‘Google is in business because of its users' said Rob, speaking at the Travolution Summit in London yesterday. He went on to say that the change had caused few problems in the US and they did not expect it to be a problem in Europe. More... [559 views] KHC seals Monte Carlo hotel saleKingdom Holding Company (KHC) has announced that it has completed the sale of the Monte Carlo Grand Hotel in Monaco with proceeds valued at SR150 million ($40 million). PJ Shoucair executive director for International Investments at KHC said the sale of the hotel was in line with KHC's strategy, under the chairmanship of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, to continue to realise value from hotel assets either through a sale or aggressive operational and financial management across KHC's hotel portfolio. More... [802 views] Parkroyal hotels & resorts targets expansion by way of managementParkroyal Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce its strong performance, revealed in the 2007 Annual Report of Hotel Plaza Limited (HPL), which was released at HPL's 39th Annual General Meeting held at the Pan Pacific Hotel. The 2007 performance results saw HPL's profit before exceptional items, fair value gain and tax increased by 55% to S$59.9million from S$38.8 million achieved in 2006. Of its portfolio of 11 hotels in Asia Pacific, six are branded as Parkroyal hotels. More... [865 views] So you want to be a hotelier?Many consider the hospitality industry as the most glamorous and fashionable industry to work in. A true statement to make for many reasons but hand in hand with those bright lights of a hospitality career goes one key ingredient for success... Hard Work! Here is an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the industry...and your daily dose of laughter! More... [2568 views] Hilton hotels corporation earmarks G.C.C as one of top ten global development marketsHilton Hotels Corporation (HHC), the leading global hospitality company, has earmarked the G.C.C as one of its top ten global development markets worldwide, in particular the U.A.E, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. HHC was the fastest growing international hotel company in 2007, with over 32,000 rooms opened. This milestone underscores the company's stated goal in 2007 to add 1,000 hotels to its international portfolio in ten years. Currently the company boasts the industry's largest global development pipeline for any U.S-based hotel company, and the strongest in the company's history - HHC has more than 900 hotels and 120,000 rooms in its development pipeline globally, a 16 per cent increase on the previous year. More... [883 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 28, 2008Creating effective survey projectsConducting surveys is a science. Since poorly designed instruments waste organizational resources, this article teaches you the fundamentals of survey strategy. Surveys are competitive advanatges only if you can act with confidence on the data. By Jim Houran and Alan Keith More... [1187 views] Classic hotels rebornEvery city in the world has its grande dame hotel-a classic hotel that speaks of a bygone era and often holds cherished personal memories. Your grandmother, maybe, had her prom in the gilded ballroom, or your parents spent an anniversary weekend in a lavish suite. It may be one of your favorite watering holes, thanks to the wood-paneled lobby bar that's manned by a bartender older than Methuselah. By Jill Fergus More... [1020 views] Creating a distribution technology roadmap for independent hotelsFor any accommodation provider, large or small, it is now practically impossible to ignore the internet as a distribution and marketing channel. Competition is rife and hotels with the best marketing and distribution reach dominate. However, whilst the large chains have huge budgets and strong brand recognition, smaller players need to be highly resourceful and innovative in order to harness the distribution power that the internet provides. More... [862 views] Developers remain bullish in the face of changing economic conditionsLodging Econometrics' First Quarter Report Shows the Construction Pipeline, Increased to 5,807 Projects with 779,307 Rooms.
More... [591 views] UNWTO to UNCTAD Conference: "More Support for Sustainable Tourism Needed"Tourism offers the only sustainable development opportunity to many developing and least developed countries. Consequently, UNWTO advocates the reinforcement of this sector's role in assistance programmes and projects by mainstreaming tourism into general policies. This is the message delivered by UNWTO at the XII United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 20 - 25 April 2008, in Accra, Ghana. More... [558 views] PhoCusWright partners with HSMAI Foundation and Sustainable Travel International for groundbreaking new study on Green TravelAs the green movement continues to influence consumer travel decisions, travel industry professionals seek a greater understanding of the potential impact on buyer motivation. PhoCusWright, The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation and Sustainable Travel International will help bring guidance to travel professionals with the travel industry's first in-depth study on green travel in the U.S., Going Green: The Business Impact of Environmental Awareness on Travel. More... [505 views] Over 55 Hotels worldwide participating in "The Giving Room"Preferred Hotel Group, in cooperation with participating member hotels and resorts, announced today that 59 member hotels worldwide will participate in this year's "The Giving Room," more than triple that from last year. From May 1 through August 31, for every night a hotel's designated "Giving Room" is occupied, 10 percent of the selected room or suite's revenue will be donated to the hotel's charity of choice. At the conclusion of the program, donations will be matched by funds from the Ueberroth Family Foundation. More... [566 views] ISPA and PriceWaterhouseCoopers form research partnershipAs the voice of the global spa industry, the International SPA Association has taken an important step forward in validating spa industry research. ISPA has formed a partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers to review the association's studies as well as spa-related research produced by other groups. More... [563 views] Benchmark Hospitality sales executives put Corporate Social Responsibility into action at National Sales ConferenceRecently, 175 Benchmark Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Home Office executives, along with the company's General Managers, gathered during Benchmark's National Sales Educational Conference for an afternoon of helping a community become a better place. The conference was held at Benchmark's New Jersey property, The Heldrich, located in downtown New Brunswick -- a city that is in the midst of a highly successful downtown revitalization program. The Heldrich opened last year and is a major anchor to New Brunswick's remarkable renaissance. More... [527 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 25, 2008All marketers are liars - web 2.0 strategies for hotel sales & marketingSeth Godin gets your attention in the first part of the title of his 2005 book, "All Marketers are Liars - The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low Trust World". While he goes on to state "... marketers aren't really liars... they're just really good at telling stories that customers want to believe". By Carol Verret More... [1176 views] Boutique Hotels: Good for the good timesBoutique hotels have been all the rage in the lodging industry. Developers want to build them. Guests want to stay in them. Travel writers want to wax on about their virtues. By Robert Mandelbaum More... [2009 views] Are Travel Agents destined for extinction? PhoCusWright - and $110 billion in travel sales - say otherwise!Some say travel agents are dinosaurs, destined for extinction. A new report from PhoCusWright, the leader in travel industry research and intelligence, proves otherwise. More... [662 views] Dubai heads global room rate statistics; Industry veteran Gerald Lawless says market can maintain new highsThe disciplined manner in which many of Dubai's hospitality real estate projects have reached completion, bringing in their wake a much-needed increase in room inventory and rate, bodes well for the future of the emirate's hospitality sector, according to Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group. More... [855 views] Chisun grand akasaka becomes Japan’s first green Globe-Benchmarked hotelChisun Grand Akasaka managed by Solare Hotels and Resorts Co. Ltd., has become the first hotel in Japan to be benchmarked by Green Globe, an international organization offering benchmarking and certification programs for promotion of sustainable tourism. More... [511 views] Parkroyal Group continues quest for young talents in performing artsAs part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, Parkroyal Hotels & Resorts will continue with its support in 2008 for young talents in the performing arts through its sponsorship of a scholarship programme. More... [552 views] New centralized travel & tourism investment portal is on a rollTourismROI LLC, the world's premier source for Travel & Tourism management and investment information, has signed up its first destination subscribers following its beta-test launch on March 1, 2008. Among the early adopter TourismROI destinations are: Aysén, Chile; Montenegro; the Kingdom of Tonga; St. Lucia; Uzbekistan; Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City, Missouri, USA, and the State of Colorado, USA. More... [442 views] Boom in Western Australia sparks search for hotel roomsFears that Western Australia's flourishing tourism industry will be damaged by the big shortage of hotel rooms has forced Tourism WA to look for buildings that could be converted easily to hotels. By Cathy Saunders More... [641 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 24, 2008‘Blend’ your training investmentThe trickle of our alarm during recessionary times soon becomes a veritable rumble. Everything is at risk, as we attempt to advance revenue and cut costs. We see evidence of our wariness across the landscape: development on hold, support departments, like Marketing and Human Resources, punctured, Operating Budgets slashed, projections diminished - everything on hold, under review or just erased. One of the first areas always targeted is Training and Development monies. By John R. Hendrie More... [690 views] Cornell students spend break mentoring disadvantaged kids in OrlandoWhile most Orlando hotels were focused on filling rooms at maximum nightly rates during March's Easter and spring break holiday, one Orlando hotelier and philanthropist was giving away rooms for free - at a AAA Four-Diamond property, no less. More... [661 views] Content management systems offer their help
A homepage works like the information board of a hotel. Therefore, it is especially important to always keep the contents of the internet pages the most up to date. The purpose must be to be customer focused and to provide all the relevant information which the customer needs. "The best and, above all, the easiest way to do so is by means of so called Content Management Systems", says Hans Jürgen Rüffert from company revway. This works like an administrative system for the website, which can be easily handled without major computer programming knowledge. Computer files, picture media, audio files and electronic documents can be controlled by it. By Hans Jürgen Rüffert More... [679 views] WTTC applauds world leaders in sustainable tourismThe World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) last night announced the winners of the ‘2008 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards' at a gala ceremony, which served as a fitting finale to the eighth edition of the Global Travel and Tourism Summit in Dubai. More... [636 views] Earthday 2008 Momentum for Coral Reef ConservationThe annual Earth Day celebration aims to educate, encourage and draw support in order to conserving the environment. In December 2007, Bali hosted a United Nation Conference in conjunction global warming and climate change, in which countries around the world commit to saving the planet from the impacts of the global warming. More... [434 views] Travelocity's experiencefinder wins 'Innovatior of the year award' from travel industry associationTravelocity won the prestigious "Innovator of the Year Award" for established companies at the Travel Industry Association's annual TravelCom conference for its travel dreaming and planning tool, ExperienceFinder SM . More... [694 views] Starwood hotels' ELEMENT brand to mandate LEED certification in all hotels brand-widen an industry first, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its newest brand, ELEMENT hotels, will require all hotels brand-wide to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED certification. With its first hotel debuting this summer and more than 20 hotels set to open by the end of 2009, ELEMENT will make history as the first major hotel brand to commit to LEED certification. More... [973 views] WORLDHOTELS announces support for “Malaria No More”WORLDHOTELS, the leading European based group of independent hotels, has pledged its support for Malaria No More Deutschland e.V., an organization dedicated to fight Malaria. Each year, more than three million people die of this disease and its consequences. Nearly 90 percent of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 75 percent being children under the age of five. More... [421 views] The Waldorf=Astoria collection signs agreement to open first hotel in IsraelHilton Hotels Corporation and IPC Jerusalem Ltd have today jointly announced the execution of a management agreement to introduce the first Waldorf=Astoria Collection hotel in Israel. To be known as The Palace Jerusalem - The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, the historic property is anticipated to open by the end of 2010 and will form part of development featuring approximately 220 rooms and suites. In addition, approximately 30 Waldorf=Astoria Collection residences are expected to be developed on the site. More... [602 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 23, 2008How to get the right hotel operator: part 1Hotel Lawyer on hotel management agreements. Long-term, no-cut hotel management agreements: How to get the right brand and operator for your hotel project . . . and a deal you can live with. The successful matching of a hotel brand and operator with an asset and its owner is an important determinant of the financial and operational success of a hotel project. Aside from the right "marriage" partners, the terms of the management contract tying them together is critical, because it will likely govern the relationship for decades and is hard to change once cast. By Jim Butler More... [1942 views] Luxury Eco-Resorts '08Going green is not a new concept in the world of travel. For decades, resorts like Maho Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turtle Island in Fiji have demonstrated that eco-awareness and sustainability can coexist with tourism. But in the past five years, the "eco" buzz has been amplified within the travel industry-and throughout popular culture as well. By Stephen Regenold More... [773 views] Bring luggage, but leave the other baggage behindSome say Luang Prabang is losing its way, that it is no longer what it was. Is that necessarily a bad thing? As Yeoh Siew Hoon writes, most heritage towns in Europe or Asia struggle to remain real. What they are not defined by though, is poverty. More... [660 views] Jobless lorry driver 'sold' The Ritz hotel to businessman in £250million conWhen businessman Terry Collins was offered the chance to buy the Ritz Hotel for a knockdown price of £250million it was an opportunity that sounded too good to be true.And it was indeed too good to be true. The hotel, with an estimated market value of around £600million, was not on the market. More... [1643 views] World Earth day marks hotel's pledge to sustainabilityThe Holiday Inn San Juan celebrates Earth Day for the first time by taking stock of its practices as the starting point towards a more sustainable operation. "This is no small move," said General Manager Ricky Newman. "It was clear that green-washing the hotel for image purposes was not acceptable; on the other hand, presuming to become ‘green' overnight is not realistic," he added. The hotel's answer is a pledge that calls for a sustained effort over time to improve its performance step by step. More... [509 views] No five-star forecast for Ireland’s crop of top hotelsMany of the country's finest hotels are slashing rates as tough times descend. By Susan Mitchell More... [789 views] 'Urgent need for more hotel rooms in Abu Dhabi'Business in Abu Dhabi is booming, driving the fortunes of the Omeir bin Youssef Group, which has holdings in multiple sectors including tourism and automobiles. Emirates Business spoke to Khalifa bin Omeir bin Youssef (pictured above), CEO of the group, about his take on the recent growth and his criticisms of the handling of amendments to the trade agency law. By Abdel Hai Mohamed More... [932 views] Fairmont Raffles Hotels International appoints Thomas Storey and Michael Glennie to new rolesFairmont Raffles Hotels International ("FRHI") today announced the appointments of Thomas Storey as President of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Michael Glennie as President, Real Estate & Development of FRHI. More... [2029 views] Bird group plans 20 hotels in IndiaBird group subsidiary Bird Hospitality Services (BHS) is contemplating setting up 20 hotels by 2015. The group has recently forayed into the hospitality sector with a 50:50 joint venture (JV) with Thailand-based hospitality chain, Dusit Hotels & Resorts. More... [912 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 22, 2008Snapshot of hotel markets: U.S. still strongest expandingWhere are the fastest growing hotel markets? Tophotelprojects.com is the leading data provider for first class and luxury hotel projects being developed in all major global markets. Tophotelprojects.com tracks the development of more than 1,700 key hotel projects around the world and constantly updates each projects progress and key personnel contact details. More... [942 views] Imperial Vienna turns GreenBy using water-saving modules in the fittings the Hotel Imperial saves four million litres of water per year equalling an incredible amount of 25,000 full baths. "Heat recycling from air conditioning saves 70,000 kilowatt hours per year equalling an annual heat consumption of some 10,000 Viennese households". By Andreas Augustin More... [695 views] Dubai globally recognised as key destination for business tourismProjects with innovative concepts, the most conducive investment-friendly climate as well as a robust exhibitions and events sector have collectively shaped Dubai as one of most thriving destinations for business tourism. More... [944 views] boo.com's Botels - Hotels that FloatLeave your seasickness at home, because boo.com unveils the top three spots to savor the sweet sea breeze. A quirky combination of boat, and hotel, "botels" offers you all the amenities of a hotel with the view and peaceful motion of being on the water. Full service restaurants and comfortable beds makes Botels a one of a kind attraction that offers the perfect getaway combination: basking on the seashore without stepping foot on shore. More... [734 views] Serenity is Nairobi Holiday Inn's biggest secretIt takes you about ten minutes to drive from the city centre past the just renovated National Museums of Kenya for a cup of cappuccino at the outdoor restaurant. With the breeze wafting from the trees by the side of the pool, everything here simulates a relaxed countryside. Then, there are the whispering palm trees swaying, bamboo bushes and a variety of fish swimming in a pond. This conjures up the coastal scenery and its all at the Holiday Inn Nairobi. More... [546 views] Sir Norman Foster revamp of Dublin's U2 hotel 'a massive coup'The revamp of one of Dublin's landmark hotels by a world-class architect would be an incredible coup for the Irish capital, U2's The Edge said today. Speaking outside a planning board hearing into the controversial redevelopment of the Clarence Hotel, owned by Bono and The Edge, the rock star said the scheme would bring life back into the city's quays. By Jon Land More... [763 views] ProfessionalTravelGuide.com partners with SharedBookProfessionalTravelGuide.com, the world's most comprehensive travel and trip planning resource, has signed a new publishing partnership with SharedBook Inc. The partnership enables travelers to create their own unique, professionally printed Pocket Guidebooks by combining relevant online travel content with personal notes and photographs. More... [481 views] Introducing Dellis Cay Island, Turks and Caicos: luxury living designed by seven world-renowned architectsThe O Property Collection (OPC) has enlisted seven internationally acclaimed architects and the award-winning operator Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to create one of the world's rarest living experiences on Dellis Cay, Turks and Caicos, in the British West Indies. More... [1780 views] Alliance marks first-time hotel partnership for renowned fitness organizationSheraton hotels announces exclusive new partnership with Core Performance to develop a 360-degree training & nutrition program More... [645 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 21, 2008Investment in MexicoForeign investment in Mexican real estate is on the rise, and many favorable factors conspire to keep this trend moving forward. By Richard Katzman and Jane Rogers More... [781 views] HGR signs deal to service over 100 Hyatt hotelsHGR (Hospitality Graduate Recruitment, www.h-g-r.com, Luzern, Switzerland) has just secured its first global contract with leading hotel group Hyatt International. The contract which came into effect last month will see the Swiss based recruitment consultancy supporting over 110 hotels with their recruitment strategies. More... [889 views] A toothbrush at midnight? Come get it yourself, senoritaYeoh Siew Hoon finds out how different service can be in Europe and wonders if Asia could be headed that way as costs rise and talent gets scarcer. More... [1355 views] World's best golf spasTiger Woods will begin his attempt to win golf's calendar-year grand slam during the Masters tournament at Augusta National in Georgia this weekend. Nick Mastroianni might suggest starting the tournament with a massage. More... [657 views] Hilton recognizes the top performing hotels of 2007Hilton Hotels today announced the winners of its annual awards recognizing top performing North American hotels based on outstanding performance in the brand's "Balanced Scorecard" rating system in areas such as customer loyalty, service, quality assurance and customer satisfaction ratings - as well as exemplary efforts in hotel renovation and diversity projects. More... [1103 views] Dubai's travel & tourism industry moves into higher growth trajectoryThe current momentum of projects across the leisure and entertainment sector is a strong reflection of the tourism objectives of the Dubai Strategic plan 2015, as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. More... [958 views] UNWTO supporting tourism recovery in AfricaStarting on 20 April, UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli will visit Mauritania, Côte d'Ivoire and Kenya, underscoring the Organization's support of their tourism potential. These countries are now back on track to relaunch their tourism offer and start receiving international visitors under improved conditions. More... [483 views] Domina Hotel Group launches 3 new hotels and the Domina Prestige brand.Domina Hotel Group continues its expansion in North and Eastern Europe with the opening of 3 new hotels and launching the Domina Prestige brand. More... [736 views] Green globe environmental accreditation body appointed to certify global Novotel hotel groupThe Novotel hotel group entered into an agreement with Green Globe, the leading Benchmarking and Certification programme for the tourism and hospitality industry, to achieve worldwide certification of the network's 400 hotels across 61 countries, including the 22 Novotel hotels and resorts in Australia, and five in New Zealand. More... [840 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 18, 2008Online, hotel rates define the "quality" of your facilities & service"He, who reduces his rate, is the only one who knows what his product is really worth". The traveling consumer today is well informed. In the absence of first-hand knowledge of your facilities and service, your rates define your hotel in the marketplace. If you reduce your rates, you could be reducing consumer perception of your hotel. By Neil Salerno, More... [1627 views] Where have all the lenders gone? Find them at Meet the Money® 2008 - Gateway to hotel financingHow bad is the "Crunch"? Is there still capital available for hotels? Here's what some Meet the Money® 2008 conference speakers say . . . By Jim Butler More... [637 views] The French hotel industry keeps warm!The first quarter 2008 displays the good health of the French hotel industry with growth in the RevPAR by 7.1%. The fear of a slackening off has not affected activity at hotel properties. While results in January and February are in keeping with an excellent 2007, March falls short of this. This year's absence of major events in the great provincial cities and the municipal and cantonal elections pull down the overall result. More... [655 views] Sexiest rooftop barsIn recent years, a growing number of luxurious open-air rooftop bars have popped up all over the world. According to Robbie Bargh, founder and managing director of the Gorgeous Group, a U.K. consultancy firm specializing in luxury bars, brands and service, "the smoking ban in European cities and the U.S. has contributed to the rise of rooftop bars." Bargh says there is also a "status" attitude attached to these establishments that contributes to their growing appeal. By Jennifer Murphy More... [1821 views] IHG's VP Distribution Marketing EMEA believes that individual hotels have lost out on technology and support costsTraditional considerations for choosing a particular distribution channel and optimising channel profitability include booking fees, credit card fees and commission fees. But are suppliers ignoring technology costs, support costs and marketing cost? More... [879 views] Americans rolling the dice in '08TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel community, has announced its gambling survey of more than 1,600 travelers worldwide and the lucky seven gambling destinations, according to TripAdvisor travelers and editors. More... [493 views] 10 Ways to celebrate earth day 2008To celebrate this Earth Day, and guide the hospitality industry into taking green mainstream, EcoRooms & EcoSuites has compiled this list of Earth Day activities for hoteliers and their guests, along with online resources that can provide guidance on how to implement them. More... [729 views] IHG begins roll out of new style Holiday Inn hotels globallyIHG announces the first European Holiday Inn hotels to open as part of the US$1 billion global relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand family. 11 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) - plus 19 in the United States and six across Asia Pacific - have been chosen to road-test the changes to the world's biggest hotel brand, which includes new bedding, new shower experience and, for the first time, a signature scent and sound package. The first two to open in Europe, both in the UK, are the Holiday Inn London Heathrow and the Holiday Inn Farnborough. More... [865 views] Preview to ATM and special needs tourism highlighted at Skål Dubai, April gatheringThe Dubai Chapter of Skål International gathered at the Qamardeen Hotel in Dubai yesterday, for their monthly networking luncheon. The event showcased two upcoming events, the 4th International Tourism Development Forum for People with Special Needs and the Arabian Travel Market 2008. More... [577 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 17, 2008Hotel lessons learned from a five-star school principalLike hotels, absolute excellence in schools is neither accident nor coincidence, but rather the result of energetic, in-touch leaders who inspire those around them to reach for even higher levels of performance. By Doug Kennedy More... [1311 views] Some practical ways to create a spirit of love in a resortI believe that current ideas about how to create the spirit of service that underpins a resorts guest experience are obsolete and out of tune with the changing times. Moreover, they ignore helpful advances in science. I also believe that hoteliers are settling for a default spirit of service that is very ordinary, clinically clean, and what I imagine corporate lawyers recommend. By Peter McAlpine More... [1743 views] Tool-themed luncheon shows meeting planners how to make job easierForget the cutting and pasting in different documents, and revisions upon revisions of rooming lists. The Hiltons of Washington, DC have been educating local meeting planners about easier solutions to planning and booking group events at Hilton Washington and Capital Hilton with the use of The Hilton Family's group planning tools online resources available 24 hours a day, every day. More... [594 views] European chain hotels market review – February 2008Berlin enjoyed the strongest growth in average room rate in February according to the latest HotStats survey of ten European Cities by TRI Hospitality Consulting. Hotels in the Berlin sample showed a 14 per cent increase in achieved average room rate to €164.44 driven by the Berlinale, an 11-day film festival and key networking event in the international film industry calendar. More... [688 views] Tourism is now Tanzania's leading economic sectorGrowing at a steady rate for the past seven years, Tanzania's tourism is booming. According to the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, Prof. Benno Ndulu, Tourism, earning $1 billion USD, now contributes nearly triple the GDP of Agriculture, which has been the leading contributor to the East African country's coffers for most of its history. More... [474 views] von Essen hotels acquire Seaham hall hotel and serenity spa and the SamlingThe sale of Seaham Hall and The Serenity Spa, and The Samling to von Essen hotels was concluded 19.03.08 for an undisclosed sum. Seaham Hall is the leading luxury hotel and spa resort in Northern England, twenty minutes from Newcastle. Linked to the hotel by a magical underground walkway, The Serenity Spa, designed by Jocelyn Maxfield, has won a string of international awards and has become one of the UK's top destination spas as voted by Best Spa for Style by The Sunday Times and Best UK Spa Destination by Conde Nast Traveller. More... [543 views] Fairmont hotels & resorts & Roco Ki to develop new luxury resortRoco Ki, the ultimate luxury residential and resort community being developed in the Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic, is welcoming the addition of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in luxury hospitality. Fairmont Roco Ki, anticipated to open in 2010, will join picturesque beachfront properties, tropical villas and The Faldo Legacy Golf Course. The resort will offer spectacular vistas of the Caribbean Sea and the Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course, which winds along the beach through a dense mangrove forest and stretches across the property's headland with stunning cliff-top views of the turquoise sea. More... [660 views] WPP group's chairman, ambassador Philip Lader to give views on Middle East as a global playerThe former United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Philip Lader, is set to give his views on Middle East growth at the upcoming Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC). Lader is earmarked to take part in a key session on the Middle East in context to the global marketplace. He represented the United States as Ambassador to Great Britain and Northern Ireland for four years till 2001, and he is currently chairman of global media communications services company, WPP Group PLC and a Senior Adviser to Morgan Stanley. More... [460 views] Australian tourists flock overseas as domestic hotels fight onAustralia is in danger of becoming a net exporter of tourists in 2008 as strong growth in outbound travel outpaces inbound visitor arrivals. The newly released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Overseas Arrivals and Departures data indicates that while arrivals have shown some recovery in the first two months of 2008 (up 1.7%), outbound travel has increased by a staggering 14.5%. More... [733 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 16, 2008Outstanding customer service simply isn’t good enoughWe have a shocking confession: Matt, Kent, and I have absolutely no intention of providing excellent customer and co-worker service. We provide care. What’s the difference? Some people serve willingly, cheerfully, and effectively. They “meet and exceed expectations,” as the cliché goes. Others consider service a burdensome obligation. They half-perform their duties while secretly counting the minutes until the end of their shift. Care, on the other hand, requires the personal engagement of the provider. By Nektaria Hamister, Matt O’Bryan, and Kent Sexton More... [1902 views] Me retire? Never, says HartmanRichard Hartman is back as CEO of M&C Hotels in London. Three days into his new job, he talks to Yeoh Siew Hoon about why he wasn't yet ready to die; how he feels about the "hottest seat" in the business, what he brings to the M&C table; and the state of the global hotel industry. More... [1786 views] On the Move - March 2008Hospitality Executive Movements worldwide is provided by Spectrum International Hospitality Services which specializes in executive recruitment for the hospitality industry exclusively. More... [2300 views] Catch some shut-eye during odd hotel hoursHotels have a special place in every flight attendant's heart. They are our rest and refuge after a long day's work. We get to see a lot of them, too; in fact, most crew members will stay in at least one hotel every time they go to work. Flight crews keep odd hotel hours. We might check in at 2 a.m. and check out at 10 p.m., so getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge. For example, at 8 a.m. the attack of the housekeeping staff begins, accompanied by the whining of vacuums, slamming of doors, and yelling of instructions from one end of the hall to the other. By James Wysong More... [874 views] Portuguese sell London buy-to-let hotel roomsPortuguese hotel group Pestana is set to become the latest buy-to-let hotel company to launch in the UK. The family-owned firm plans to open a 218-room hotel next year at Chelsea Bridge Wharf, next to Battersea Power Station in south-west London. By Helia Ebrahimi, More... [645 views] TravelCLICK hosts Webinar on global hotel distribution performance and trendsTravelCLICK, the leader in hotel emarketing and business intelligence, will host a complimentary webinar on "Global Hotel Distribution Trends: Market Performance in 2007 and Looking Forward." The webinar, which will be held Friday, April 18 at 2:00pm ET, will reveal the 2007 year-end results of TravelCLICK's proprietary eMonitor and eTrak market performance reports as well as forecast trends for 2008 and beyond. More... [623 views] Layia hospitality says time is right for hotel investmentA fresh perspective is sometimes needed to see real opportunity and potential and that is what Layia Hospitality aims to bring to the fourth edition of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), taking place at Madinat Jumeirah, May 3-5, 2008. More... [474 views] HSMAI'S big apple chapter announce annual award winnersAcross a broad range of major hospitality brands, including Mandarin Oriental, Affinia Hotels, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and Disney Vacations, among others, eight professionals emerged as recipients of the 2008 HSMAI Big Apple Chapter Annual Awards. More... [757 views] Rusesabagina responds to Rwanda government book on 'Hotel Rwanda'Here follows Paul Rusesabagina's complete response to the Rwandan government book "Hotel Rwanda or the Tutsi Genocide as Seen by Hollywood." By Paul Rusesabagina More... [653 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 15, 2008Advice from a Hotel DoctorHaving a house doctor may be the best service you provide that doesn't cost the hotel anything. Except... how do you know guests are getting good service? How much control can you exert over a doctor? The answer is: a great deal. You would never dream of setting your family doctor's fees, choosing his office hours, or insisting he respond immediately when you call. Not only can you influence all these factors, you should. If you're reluctant, here are some questions whose answers might unsettle you. By Mike Oppenheim, M.D. More... [3537 views] 7 Principles to fully engage your customersWhen I wrote EngageMe last year, it was a declaration of how customers would like to be served. This was regardless if they happened to be in a hospital, hotel, spa, bank, law office, travel agency, or a taxi. The declaration was clear. If you take care of your customers, value their patronage, and provide them with memorable service, then they will return to give you more business. Simple enough. In my quest to help organizations become more service-centric, I've outlined 7 Principles, which are the key learning points from EngageMe...the voice of your customer. They are... By: Bryan K. Williams, More... [4360 views] Hotel financing takes center stage at Meet the Money®, the Gateway to Hotel FinanceWhat an ironic paradox! There is such an abundance of capital seeking hotel investment. And at the same time, more hotel owners are frustrated in their efforts to find that very capital. Why can't the two find one another? Because the capital market "machinery" that used to match up the hotel lenders and equity sources with borrowers, is broken -- or at least "out of service" for an undetermined time. By Jim Butler More... [550 views] The quiet battle for travel and tourism talentHR professionals share ideas and best practices at PATA event in Colombo More... [689 views] Two is the magic number for WRI Webby honoreesThe Webby Awards, today recognized two of Web Reservations International's (WRI) key travel brands; hostelworld.com and boo.com as Official Honorees, a distinction that recognizes work exhibiting remarkable achievement. WRI was the only company in the travel category to scoop two of the top honors. More... [452 views] Hennessy and Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong presents the “Beauté du Siècle”The legendary cognac brand Hennessy and Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, one of the finest hotels in the world, are to hold an invite-only charity dinner when a very special art piece. "Beauté du Siècle" ("Beauty of the Century"), will be auctioned to benefit "Care for Children", Shangri-La's corporate charity partner More... [1041 views] TMS invites input from 20,000 plus industry personnel for launch of inaugural Asia Travel/Hospitality Industry Salary SurveyTMS Asia-Pacific has this week commenced collating input for its inaugural Asia Travel and Hospitality Industry Salary Survey. More than 20,000 travel industry personnel ranging from senior management to front-line consultants in a wide variety of industry sectors have been invited to participate in the survey. Countries covered by the survey include China (including Hong Kong and Macau), India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Middle East, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. More... [591 views] Institute of hospitality publishes guide to ‘The corporate manslaughter and corporate homicide Act 2007'The Institute of Hospitality has published a guide for hospitality managers on ‘The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007', which came into force on 6 April 2008. The Act introduces a new offence, and therefore a new potential criminal liability, for organizations and companies where serious failures in the management of Health and Safety (H&S) result in a fatality. More... [597 views] Bellstar resorts chosen as employer of choiceBellstar Hotels & Resorts was honored today with four key industry awards as Employer of Choice for best Human Resource Practices at Canmore-based resorts by the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Presented at the 88th Annual AHLA Convention and Tradeshow in Lake Louise, the awards recognize Bellstar for outstanding human resource practices implemented at all levels of the organization. More... [473 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 14, 2008WOW.TRAVEL’s seven sensationalWOW.TRAVEL the online magazine of kiwicollection.com introduces Seven Sensational rooms above the water. By Mary Gostelow, More... [858 views] Super-size me: Why everyone gets upgraded but youUpgrades are less frequent these days now that hotels have implemented sophisticated revenue management practices, but they're still common. They tend to occur when a hotel is sold out because hotels often oversell lower-rated inventory and must upgrade in order to fill all rooms. If you travel frequently and never get upgraded, you might want to take a good hard look at your travel habits. More... [1682 views] Best U.S. Italian RestaurantsItalian food-far more than French cuisine-has conquered the world. So much so, you're as likely to find an upscale ristorante, a homey trattoria and a score of pizzerias in Munich, Osaka, Buenos Aires and Moscow as in Florence, Rome, Venice and Naples. But because of the enormous wave of Southern Italian immigrants who came to the U.S. starting in 1880, America developed an early, unique Italian-American cookery that has, in many ways, become the standard for restaurants around the world. Dishes like chicken parmigiana, spaghetti with clams and veal Valdostana are now staples everywhere. By John Mariani More... [824 views] Barclaycard business travel survey 2008: Clear skies ahead?UK businesses are less pessimistic about the state of the economy than analysts may suggest, according to research released today from the annual Barclaycard Business Travel Survey. The survey, now in its 12™ year, canvasses the views of more than 3,000 business travellers across the country, building a comprehensive picture of the UK's business traveller, gauging views on business travel and travel behaviour. More... [561 views] Hélène Darroze is announced as the new chef at the ConnaughtThe Connaught has announced Michelin-starred French Chef Hélène Darroze, as the Chef at the helm of the landmark hotel in Mayfair, as it completes its nine month £70 million restoration and renovation programme. More... [677 views] Shangri-la trains corporate social responsibility hotel championsShangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, has launched "CSR Champion Training" - an innovative programme to cascade corporate social responsibility goals to the grassroots hotel level and the communities in which Shangri-La operates. The objective of the CSR champion training is to equip staff with necessary skills and knowledge on formulating, prioritising and implementing CSR initiatives by taking account of different cultures and local needs. More... [1055 views] Sofitel hotels become 1st hotel chain in the U.S. o choose wind powerAccor North America has announced a new agreement between its Sofitel Hotels and wind energy supplier Community Energy, Inc. to purchase clean, renewable, wind energy for all nine Sofitel locations in the U.S. This purchase of wind-generated power in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) qualifies Sofitel Hotels as an EPA Green Power Partner, making them the first hotel chain to choose green power for each of the brand's hotel locations in the country. More... [586 views] Hamilton hotel partners appointed to operate 20 hotels in EuropeHamilton Hotel Partners (Hamilton) has been appointed to operate a portfolio of 20 hotels located throughout Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic under a new management agreement with Central European Hotel Investments GmbH (CEHI). More... [1157 views] 10 Years of profit optimization progress pays off for operatorsWhen Tammy Farley, principal at The Rainmaker Group, considered Rainmaker's ten year anniversary this spring, she realized that her company, its clients and the globalprofit optimization industry have each shaped one another positively. More... [673 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 11, 2008InterContinental Hotels & Resorts enjoying unprecedented growth in Asia PacificInterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world's first global luxury hotel brand, is enjoying unprecedented growth in Asia Pacific. Thirty new InterContinental hotels (more than 10,000 rooms) will open in the next three years, including five hotels this year. The brand already has a portfolio of 35 hotels across Asia Pacific and most recently celebrated the opening of InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, which marked its entry into Vietnam. In Greater China alone, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will almost triple its portfolio to 24 hotels by 2010, from nine today. More... [1198 views] America's best party hotelsWalking into one of the best party hotels for the first time is like getting behind the wheel of your first sports car: Your pulse quickens and your palms get damp as you feel the power and potential for endless fun surging through you. The ideal chic party hotel is a place that effortlessly blends fashion and fun, luxury and a certain louche decadence. Maybe it's the rooftop bars, the designer lounges, the private cabanas and exclusive clientele; maybe it's the thrill of receiving top-notch service in such a hip, exciting environment. By Tim Hall More... [1142 views] Caravelle hotel expands reflections range with Swedish chefHo Chi Minh City's historic Caravelle Hotel has further sharpened its contemporary culinary edge, and added some Nordic flair, with the appointment of Swedish executive sous chef Andreas Askling. Askling's innovative approach to sophisticated European cuisine builds on Reflection's long-standing tradition of international fine dining. His background includes stints in kitchens run by Marcus Samuelsson, from New York's Restaurant Aquavit, and Torsten Körling, a former member of the Swedish Culinary team and Chef of the Year. More... [690 views] Utell® hotels & resorts introduces toll free reservations lines for travel agentsUtell® Hotels & Resorts, the leading provider of distribution, sales and marketing services for hotels worldwide, is launching toll free reservation numbers for UK- and Republic of Ireland-based travel agents as part of an ongoing commitment to enabling travel agents and Utell to conduct business efficiently together. More... [592 views] Emaar MGF ties-up with Marriott International for 3 JW Marriott hotels and 1 Courtyard by Marriott hotel in IndiaEmaar MGF, one of India's leading real estate developers, has partnered with Marriott International Inc., a leading international hospitality company, to design, construct and equip luxury-branded JW Marriott Hotels in New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and a Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Amritsar, entailing total investments over USD 400 million. The hotel projects are likely to be completed by end 2010. More... [772 views] Top sales executives awards for the yearBenchmark Hospitality International has announced the recipients of the leading hospitality management company's annual Top Sales Executives Awards. The awards were presented at Benchmark's National Sales Education Conference held recently at The Heldrich, located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Award winners were selected from among more than 175 sales and marketing professionals throughout the Benchmark Hospitality organization. More... [636 views] DHG promotes five to top posts in New York based affinia hotelsIn a move that underscores its accelerated growth, Denihan Hospitality Group (DHG) has promoted five hoteliers to top management positions within its Affinia and Benjamin brands. "As we grow our brands in New York and key cities such as Chicago and Washington, D.C., one of our top priorities is to develop our people and give them the depth and breadth of experience needed to lead the next generation," said Brooke Barrett, co-CEO of DHG. More... [800 views] Baker & Mckenzie advises on hotel management agreement for the award-winning West Sands Outrigger resortBaker & McKenzie has advised Central & City Developments Ltd ("CCDL") on its agreement with Outrigger Enterprises Group ("Outrigger") to manage the new West Sands Outrigger Resort, a 400-room luxury full service hotel and spa located at the West Sands residential and hotel lifestyle resort located on Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, Thailand. More... [521 views] A new brand is born: Grand Pineapple beachEffective immediately, Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and the Royal Plantation Collection, has introduced a new, value-oriented brand - Grand Pineapple Beach. More... [739 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 10, 2008Up-and-coming celebrity chefsName-brand chefs are losing steam, Bobby Flay's Manhattan restaurant Mesa Grill lost a star from influential New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni. And after a disastrous turn as a reality TV star in 2004 that allegedly cost him his restaurant, Rocco DiSpirito recently reemerged as a guest judge on two other reality programs. The Biggest Loser: Couples and Top Chef. Although his TV career seems to be picking up, there is no sign of a return to the kitchen. Maybe it's time for a new generation to step into the spotlight and take over a share of the $558 billion food service industry. By Lauren Sherman, More... [787 views] Marriott & Brazilian state of Amazonas partner to protect rainforestMarriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) and the state of Amazonas today signed an agreement to support the first project of its kind to help protect 1.4 million acres of endangered rainforest. This innovative partnership between government and the private sector is one of the first in the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. More... [714 views] i-escape.com opens up the ‘Boutique Debate’ and suggests a five step boutique test for hotelsHotel review website i-escape.com is opening up a hot debate in the hotel world over the use of the term ‘boutique hotel'. The company is suggesting that the industry should adopt a much stricter definition and employ their suggested five step boutique test in order to use the hallowed term More... [1140 views] RCI® launches first cruise vacation exchange in Asia with a choice of 10,000 cruise itineraries through international cruise & excursionsRCI®, the global leader in vacation exchange and timeshare exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced the launch of RCI Cruise, the first cruise vacation exchange in Asia. RCI entered into an agreement with ICE Gallery Asia Pacific (ICE) to offer RCI subscribing members in Asia a choice of 10,000 cruise itineraries from among the world's leading cruise liners. More... [645 views] Millennium & Copthorne hotels plc appointment of chief executive officerMillennium & Copthorne Hotels plc, the international group with a global portfolio of over 110 hotels announces the appointment of Richard Hartman as Chief Executive Officer with effect from 7 April 2008. More... [996 views] World citizens come together in a global partnership for travel & tourismAgainst a background of continued growth for travel and tourism in a rapidly evolving world, the upcoming Global Travel and Tourism Summit in Dubai, being held from 20-22 April, is designed to facilitate an open exchange of ideas between industry and government on the future responsibilities of the Travel and Tourism sector as its influence increases and expands worldwide. More... [410 views] Marco Polo hotel makes new world recordThe Guinness Book of World Records recently sent Marco Polo Hotel a certificate cofirming the hotel's entry as the new longest wooden chopsticks in the world. At 22.5 feet long, Marco Polo Hotel's pair of chopsticks beat the record of the former record holder from China's Shenyang Province. More... [1273 views] HOTUSA hotels adds 25 new associated establishments to the portfolio in MarchHotusa Hotels has enlarged its portfolio during the past month of March with the addition of 25 new associated establishments, by means of which it reaffirms its privileged position amongst the major hotel consortia world-wide. Of these 25 establishments associated with the chain, 13 form part of its international network while the remaining 12 are to be found spread over Spanish territory. More... [455 views] "Give back getaways" launched by the Ritz-Carton hotel companyGuests at The Ritz-Carlton Hotels around the world can volunteer their time to improve and assist the local community where they are vacationing. The programme, called "Give Back Getaways" offers guests a variety of opportunities from learning traditional rice farming methods in Osaka to restoring heritage homes in the ancient water town of Wuzhen near Shanghai. More... [909 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 9, 2008Does your brand have a backbone?Are your employees on board with your brand? ALL OF THEM? It's a tough but necessary question. We see it all the time; CEOs with a clear understanding of the brand, able to articulate it with charisma and motivation, and yet have it fall on (some) deaf employee ears. How, if any, does this affect the overall efforts in achieving the brand's performance objectives? More... [1538 views] UK chain hotels market review – February 2008Despite the continuing turmoil in the financial markets London's chain hoteliers enjoyed a double-digit rise in profit during February thanks to continuing increases in room rates, according to the latest HotStatssurvey from TRI Hospitality Consulting. More... [637 views] Honk if you love the new Ho Chi Minh CityThe world, whether we like it or not, has truly hit Ho Chi Minh City. As Yeoh Siew Hoon reports, Vietnam's buzzing southern city now has the best and worst of everything. More... [868 views] Spain's hottest hotelsSpain is hot. And it shows no signs of cooling down-at least not where hip hotels are concerned. Foreign investment is sizzling along with the Spanish economy, and not surprisingly, hotel life is experiencing a rebirth. More... [1066 views] 10th anniversary party at Swissôtel Métropole GenevaThe 10™ anniversary party for the Swissôtel Métropole Geneva attracted a great many celebrities and generated an impressive volume of donations: from the famous football player Christian Karambeu and his wife model Adriana through the French actress Marlene Jobert, the comedian Michel Leeb and his daughter, the jazz singer Fanny Leeb, to Miss Swiss Romande Ivana Dugalic along with 150 invited guests - all enjoyed a lively celebration of the very highest standard. The highlight of the evening was the auction with valuable prizes; this resulted in no less than CHF 130,000.00 being collected for the charity SOS Children's villages, supported by Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts since 1999. More... [514 views] Moscow goes molecularTwenty years ago, Moscow had only a few dozen restaurants. Shortages meant many menu items were marked with a handwritten "nyet." The biggest lines in town were at the new McDonald's. By Gregory L. White More... [714 views] Eighth annual resort conference goes greenPlanners of the Eighth Annual Resort Conference, the only conference planned by resort executives for resort executives, are educating attendees about ways to incorporate sustainable practices into their own day-to-day operations while taking steps to become more environmentally friendly. More... [680 views] Mövenpick hotels & resorts fiscal year 2007 show significant EBIT growthFor the fifth consecutive year, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MH&R) has reported consistently strong earnings growth and once again achieved a very positive operating result in fiscal 2007. With overall sales of CHF 831.2 million (prior year: CHF 696.8 million), MH&R was able to improve its EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) result by 53 % relative to the prior year (CHF 8.7 million) to CHF 13.3 million. The group's EBITDA (Earning Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) result improved by CHF 5.9 million or 33 % to CHF 23.7 million. In addition to the opening of eight hotels, management agreements were signed for a total of 16 new projects last year. More... [530 views] American tourism society selects Cairo, Egypt for annual conferenceThe New York-based American Tourism Society (ATS), a professional travel industry organization, announced that its Annual Fall Conference will take place for the first time in Cairo, Egypt, Oct. 27-30, 2008. The ATS conference will be under the auspices of the Egyptian Tourist Authority ETA). The agreement was signed at an ATS Executive Committee meeting in New York by ATS Chairman, David Parry, and Sayed M. Khalifa, Director, USA & Latin America, Egypt Tourist Authority in New York. More... [508 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 8, 2008How to build, operate and finance GREEN hotels nowHotel Lawyer on The Hotel Developers Conference™2008. Here at www.HotelLawBlog.com and in our everyday practice, the hotel lawyers at JMBM's Global Hospitality Group® are always exploring the cutting edge. Annually, at The Hotel Developers Conference™, the Group's hotel attorneys bring together the leading experts to illuminate the hottest topics concerning hotel development. By Jim Butler More... [1092 views] Fabulous far-flung cruisesIf your familiarity with cruises doesn't extend much beyond the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe, you may be surprised to learn that you can sail in comfort and style to most corners of the globe. In fact, many intriguing destinations would be hard, or even impossible, to visit other than by ship. By Theodore W. Scull More... [581 views] Dubai hotel rates up 20% in 2007Hotel room rates in Dubai increased 10 per cent to 20 per cent last year as the city continued to see strong hotel occupancy levels, according to hoteliers and tour operators. They told Gulf News the jump in room tariffs in 2007 was lower than the sharp increases witnessed in 2006 when the shortage of rooms was more acute.Habtoor Hotels chief executive officer Rahim Abu Omar said room rates across the group's properties in the city were on average 18 per cent higher in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period of 2007.By Shakir Husain More... [767 views] Strong turnout of Caribbean tourism investors expected in T&TTrinidad and Tobago will be at the heart of Caribbean tourism investment activity in May when it hosts the 12™ Annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) at the brand new Hyatt Regency Trinidad Hotel and Conference Centre. CHTIC, which runs from May 6-8, 2008, has become the most important annual event for businesspersons and companies interested in investing in the Caribbean - bringing together investors from all over the world. More... [540 views] Asians worried by climate changeAsia's travel industry needs to take heed of the results of recent polls showing that Asian consumers and businesses are increasingly worried about the impacts of climate change, the Pacific Asia Travel Association said today. "Some observers have suggested that Asia lags behind Europe and other regions in expressing concern about climate change," said PATA President & CEO Peter de Jong. But these polls show that Asians are worried and the travel industry needs to be responding to these concerns." More... [549 views] Rooms with a bubble viewFor many investors, the condo hotel may go down as the Pets.com of the real-estate bubble. Many buyers purchased the hotel rooms from developers hoping to get paid every time the room was rented. But condo hotels, which account for as much as 10% of all hotel rooms under construction and a much greater percentage in resort markets such as Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas, are coming back to haunt many of the people who bought the units, the developers that constructed the buildings, and the operators hired to run the hotels. Some projects also are being brought to the attention of regulators by investors. By Michael Corkery, Sara Lin and Ruth Simon More... [733 views] IDeaS joins forces with newmarket’s Delphi Sales & Catering systemIDeaS Revenue Optimization, the leading provider of hospitality revenue management and optimization solutions, today announced the integration of Newmarket's Delphi 9.2 with the IDeaS V5i 3.2 Revenue Management Solution. The integration allows group sales managers to price potential Group business using the powerful IDeaS Group Pricing module without leaving the Delphi application. More... [832 views] Holiday Inn Express to launch in TaiwanIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms, today announced the signing of its first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Taiwan. The hotel will be located in Taichung, Taiwan's third largest city, and will be the city's first global hotel brand. Holiday Inn Express is one of the fastest growing brands in the hotel industry, opening on average two hotels a week in the world. This latest development represents a key milestone in the ongoing expansion of Holiday Inn Express in Asia Pacific. More... [480 views] Call for better quality data and consolidated revenue reportsRepresentatives from leading multi-national corporations and the hospitality industry came together to speak candidly at a roundtable discussion, hosted by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and HSMAI Asia Pacific, to address hot issues affecting both parties. More... [694 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 7, 2008The Ritz-Carlton Case - Why it may not matter that muchThe recent award of $10 million in punitive damages in proceedings P.T. Karang Mas Sejahtera (KMS) and Marriott International Inc. and The Ritz-Carlton Company LLC (Ritz-Carlton) has provoked considerable discussion on the effect of that decision for the hotels industry. The purpose of this article is to examine the decision in its proper context, and to look at what general application it has (if any) on owners and operators in similar situations. More... [3271 views] Travel professionals explore the "Convergence of Disciplines" at HSMAI's travel internet marketing conferenceHospitality and travel professionals will discuss the increasing convergence among the disciplines of internet marketing, revenue management, distribution, CRM, and sales and the struggle for power and control among them at the 10th Travel Internet Marketing Strategy Conference, held in conjunction with TIA's TravelCom, April 8 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. More... [548 views] The greenest hotel of all?A new hotel inspector is making it his mission to improve the industry's eco-credentials. By Richard Hammond More... [1063 views] Best Western opens its area development office in Philippines targetsThe Bangkok-based Best Western International Asia head office has appointed Tajara Leisure and Hospitality Group as the Best Western Area Developer for the Philippines, a company with a proven track record of hospitality and leisure consulting services with respect to new hotel and resort projects, guiding clients through strategic planning and development process, helping design property plans that appeals to the lifestyle needs of its target market. More... [522 views] Newmarket international and cvent partner to enable powerful connection between meeting planners and hospitality venuesThe partnership will enable a seamless and direct connection between meeting buyers, including Fortune 500 corporations, associations and educational organizations and event suppliers. The integration between Cvent's Supplier Network and Newmarket's MeetingBrokerSM solution makes sourcing group and meeting business online easy for both meeting planners and suppliers. More... [560 views] Asia's first wine fund earns 73% return in five yearsThe earnings represent an annual return of nearly 12 per cent. The group's first fund to mature, Wine Performance Inc., is one of four currently under management for local clients including tycoons, celebrities and private banks. Launched in 2002, the fund's profitable investments included cases of Chateau Lafitte-Rothschild 1986 purchased at US$3,400 and sold for US$14,200 -- more than four times their original price and equivalent to a 33 per cent annual return. More... [656 views] Rainbow embarks on hotel upgradingRainbow Towers will spend US$10 million over the next 24 months upgrading its hotels, half of it being spent on the group's flagship Rainbow Towers. Chief executive Mrs Chipo Mtasa said the upgrades would be funded from group cash flow and concessionary finance. More... [419 views] Hotel Investment Conference teams up with NativeEnergy to fight global warmingDelegates attending the upcoming Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) 2008 are being encouraged to join ranks and help reduce global warming. Long-distance swimmer, Lewis Gordon Pugh, also known as ‘Aqua Al Gore', is set to reel in travel and tourism experts, decision makers and professionals with his keynote address on global climate change at AHIC 2008. More... [520 views] WORLDHOTELS continues expansion in India partnering with Imperial Palace Hotel MumbaiThe Imperial Palace Hotel, part of an exclusive new 240-acre estate in the heart of Mumbai western suburbs in India, has joined WORLDHOTELS as a member of the Deluxe Collection. More... [620 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 4, 2008Comparable worth - What would you pay for the experience We all know E-Bay. Many of us have attended those Charity galas with silent and loud auctions. We in Hospitality are always asked to contribute to educational, fraternal, civic and special interest events - a room night here, a fine dinner there, a basket of goodies, a trip on the Morning Dew vessel, a condo exchange, a day of skiing - you name it. We try to establish a value for these goods and services, helpful to the organization and our deductible Charity budget. Let's turn the Hospitality paradigm upside down and consider our business where the Consumers decide what to pay. By John R. Hendrie More... [784 views] It's Time for Businesses to be a Force for Positive ChangeGlobal travel industry leaders are saying it's now time for travel businesses to adopt new attitudes towards the environment and social justice. That is the view being expressed by many of the business leaders attending the PATA CEO Challenge, Confronting Climate Change, organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Bangkok, April 29-30. According to one of the world's leading tourism strategists, Ms Anna Pollock, CEO of the UK-based DestiCorp, it's indicative of where corporate social responsibility in the travel industry is going. More... [511 views] Hyatt new online travel communityYatt'it, the new online travel community from Hyatt Gold Passport, offers travelers an essential combination of candid, fellow-traveler advice and insider knowledge with a unique advantage - credibility. Designed for members of the Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty program, but rich in benefits for all travelers, yatt'it is the first travel site to offer expert insight and tips from local Hyatt concierges in over 40 destinations worldwide along with advice from confirmed frequent travelers. More... [624 views] Zurich's iconic Dolder Grand re-opens as a luxury city resortThe Dolder Grand which dates back to 1899 as a Curhaus health spa, has been reborn following a four-year conversion and renovation combining innovative building and design technology with restoration of many original architectural features to their former glory. More... [682 views] The key dilemmaIn many cities around the globe, hotel guests enjoy hi-tech conveniences. Lobby doors whiz open automatically; the faucets in public restrooms begin spurting water as soon as a hand approaches and toilets flush when the user stands up. Most important, entering one's room is easier than ever before: Instead of the cumbersome, old-fashioned key, the door unlocks with the mere swipe of a card. By Rukhl Schaechter More... [724 views] The Connaught unveils magnificent £70 million restorationThe Connaught, the legendary Mayfair hotel built in 1897, has gently opened its doors on Carlos Place after a £70 million restoration and renovation programme. The detailed work includes a magnificent redesign of the guest rooms, suites and interiors, and has brought together some of the world's finest designers and craftsmen. More... [815 views] IHG academy expands to its sixth Chinese cityIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), announced today in Shenzhenthe launch of its 12th IHG Academy. The IHG Academy in Shenzhen is established in partnership with the Shenzhen Tourism College of Jinan University, and its opening marks the expansion of the IHG Academy into its sixth Chinese city. More... [663 views] Cayman’s hotels go green with new tourism environment initiativeFrom this month, seven resorts in the Cayman Islands are piloting a new initiative, being put in place jointly by the destination and its private tourism sector, to bring about improved environmental performance within the industry. More... [545 views] Hospitality Business Group launches new websiteHospitality Business Group launched its new website for job seekers and employers today. www.hospitalityjobsforu.com provides a new platform for worldwide recruitment and job placements. More... [646 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 3, 2008Chasing your own private equityHVS Executive Search explains the logic of granting equity to key executives, especially for startup scenarios or takeovers. By Christian Anklin More... [814 views] Wotif.com reveals the top Asian destinations for 2007Year-round demand from business and leisure travellers saw both Singapore and Hong Kong in high demand throughout 2007 taking the top two spots in the list of cities booked through Wotif.com for the year. More... [738 views] Chic & Swanky: boo.com’s Hottest Hotel BarsSwanky, whimsy or shamelessly classic, upscale hotel bars are topping the list of the world's hottest hotspots. To help your readers discover top-notch atmosphere, perfect cocktails and elite nightlife, boo.com has uncovered some of the world's coolest hotel bars: More... [1149 views] Oberoi replaces Hilton with TridentFive months after ending a marketing alliance with the Hilton group, the Oberois have re-branded some of their properties. Eight hotels, including one located at Gurgaon, will henceforth be called Trident Hotels. Mumbai's Hilton Towers will now be called Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai. The change is effective from April 1, 2008. By Lalatendu Mishra, More... [766 views] Expansion nearly complete at Paralympic family hotelThe renovation project for the Beijing Paralympic Family Hotel is expected to be completed in mid-April, Xinhua reports. The hotel, Swissotel Beijing, is undergoing a comprehensive expansion meant to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes the renovation of 55 rooms and washrooms, as well as the addition of wheelchair ramps and a designated parking lot. More... [449 views] Hyatt renews partnership with Clear®Hyatt Hotels & Resorts struck a partnership with Clear two years ago (February, 2006) on the heels of the U.S. government's announcement that a fast lane program at major airports would soon launch. Hyatt was the first hotel group to align with Clear, demonstrating its leadership in providing its guests with cutting edge new products and services. Clear cards are now accepted in 17 airports including the newly-launched Washington Reagan National and Dulles International Airports, and Oakland International Airport. Fliers are also anticipating the launch of the fast pass program in Atlanta. Clear Cards will be accepted in Atlanta no matter what provider the Airport selects. More... [634 views] WORLDHOTELS continued to generate double digit growth in 2007For the fifth year in a row, WORLDHOTELS, the largest Europe based global hotel group for independent hotels, has achieved a double digit growth in 2007 setting a new record in sales and revenue with 307 million USD revenue generated across the whole portfolio of approximately 500 hotels (104,000 rooms) and a global room night production of 1.6 million. More... [598 views] Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning wins China hotel development of the year awardFour Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning has been awarded China Hotel Development of the Year Award at the 4th Annual China Hotel Development and Financing Seminar in Beijing on March 28, 2008. The seminar was hosted by Horwath HTL which was established in 1987 as the regional firm responsible for all Hotel, Tourism and Leisure consulting for Horwath International - the world's largest consulting organization specializing in the hospitality industry. More... [528 views] Hilton hotels reduced energy consumption by 10%Hilton Hotels has revealed that it has delivered energy savings of over 10 per cent in 2007 across its portfolio of more than 80 properties in Europe. Water consumption also fell by an impressive five per cent, the equivalent to nearly 75 Olympic sized swimming pools or a staggering 187 million litre water bottles. More... [1837 views] Sydney's hotel sector remains buoyant despite the credit squeezeA surge in hotel room rates will maintain healthy returns from the Sydney hotel sector and help offset the impact of the current credit squeeze, according to new forecasts from CB Richard Ellis. Speaking at the firm's annual Valuation & Advisory Mortgage Industry Forum in Sydney, CBRE Hotels Regional Director Ken Smith said the hotel sector appeared to the "bright light" on the horizon given the issues facing some other sectors of the property investment market. More... [551 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 2, 2008Soft economy, economic downturn, & the R-Word before you hit the panic button…Consider this!Well, here we go again; the economy is in a state of flux. Downturn, slowed economy, recession; all the dreaded words come back to us once again. However, before you hit that panic button, just remember that tough times require tough work by tough people. We always get through these "tough times" by managing operations spending, maintaining mar@hotelmarketingcoach.comketing commitments, and working harder. More... [1018 views] MKG hotel groups world ranking 2008The Bristish group IHG reinforces its first place on the world Top 10 list, according to the MKG Hospitality database, with a significant increase of its supply of 5.2%. From January 1st 2008, IHG represents 3 949 hotels and 585 094 rooms throughout the world and should reach 600 000 rooms in the near future. Its development pipeline is in good shape with more than 1 600 hotels and 225,000 rooms for the years to come. More... [1046 views] Empowering women through tourismThe positive contribution of tourism to women empowerment can only be determined if poverty reduction and the enhancement of women's dignity and role in the work place are addressed. These are among the issues in UNWTO's action plan to empower women through tourism, unveiled during ITB Berlin 2008 in early March. The Organization is committed to play a leading role in economic empowerment of women in the tourism sector. More... [726 views] interTouch buyout of MagiNet "audaciously strategic", says ReedWhat was the thinking behind interTouch's acquisition of MagiNet? Will it lead to indigestion as the two companies integrate? Charles Reed, CEO, and the man behind the deal, tells Yeoh Siew Hoon the full story. More... [673 views] Irish hotel chain to check into Scottish capitalAn Irish-American hotel operator is set to expand into Scotland - on a prime site in Edinburgh city centre. More... [529 views] Award winning chef John Cirillo embarks on his next culinary creationIn the Spring of 2007, Chef John Cirillo, C.C.C took the first steps towards the building of his lifelong dream. Now, a full year since it was first revealed, Cirillo's Culinary Academy (CCA) is set to open its doors! Combining his background in classical European cuisine, with a flair for innovative Canadian cuisine, and 25 years of culinary experience Cirillo's Culinary Academy will be a warm, inviting, and state-of-the-art teaching facility where students can slice and dice, sizzle and frizzle, puree and soufflé to their heart's content-all with the supportive and nurturing guidance of one of Toronto's top chefs. More... [1323 views] Great hotels organisation predicts Middle East hotel bubble could burst by 2010Currently the Middle Eastern hotel market is enjoying a period of sustained growth due to the fact that demand for rooms outstrips supply. During 2007, the Middle East hotel industry was the third fastest growing in the world, with occupancy levels increasing by 5% to an average of 71.6%. Dubai continues to achieve the highest absolute occupancy at 84.2%, yet Oman has emerged as having the region's strongest growing market. More... [968 views] IHG enjoys robust growth in India with 14 new-look Holiday Inn hotels under developmentIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms, is enjoying robust growth in India with 14 new-look Holiday Inn hotels in various stages of development across the country. Accounting for more than 3,700 rooms, these hotels are scheduled to open over the next three years in 11 cities nationwide. More... [579 views] The Hotusa group recorded a 714 million Euro turnover in '07'This figure, representing an increase of 18% with regard to the 606 million euros of the previous year, consolidates the growth experienced over the past few years by the Group which is chaired by Amancio López Seijas. The Tourist Division - encompassing, amongst others, Hotusa Hotels, Keytel, Restel y Hotelius.com - contributes 72.2% of the Group's total turnover with 515.6 million euros. In the Hotel Division area, of which Eurostars Hotels forms part, the Group continues to soak up the limelight in global sales contributing more than 198.5 million. More... [629 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: April 1, 2008The prognosis for occupancy and average rate in a slowing economyGiven the current state of the economy, and the growing consensus that a recession is near, if not here, what is the outlook for the hotel industry? This article reviews past cycles, to gain some insight into future occupancy and average rate trends. By Anne Lloyd-Jones More... [1852 views] Dynamic room pricing still a static conceptHotel companies this time last year were pushing dynamic pricing on their high-volume corporate accounts, spurring controversy, but wholesale enactment of the concept--in which hotel rates fluctuate based on season and market demand--seems to have lost its steam as the industry prepares for an economic downturn, according to the National Business Travel Association's hotel committee. by Lauren Darson More... [1300 views] Another firm joins the commercial space raceThe race to become the first private company capable of launching paying customers into space got more crowded last week as a small but well-respected California firm announced plans to have a two-seat spacecraft ready within two years. By Marc Kaufman More... [406 views] Meeting planners need cost - saving options in 2008More than 75 percent of meeting planners attending the 8th Annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's (HSMAI) Affordable Meetings® Mid-America Conference & Exhibition April 9 - 10, 2008, at Chicago's Navy Pier, stated planning budgets remain the same for 2008, despite media coverage of an economic recession. Even though the slumping economy may not impact budgets, planners still feel a need for cost-saving options, according to the conference's pre-survey. More... [600 views] Saudi tourism in transitional stageSaudi's tourism industry is currently passing through a transitional stage following the approval of the cabinet to reform the sector, said a top Saudi tourism official. Secretary general of Higher Tourism Commission Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz was speaking at an open meeting with tourism investors held on the fringes of the first Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) in Riyadh. More... [580 views] Angsana Maldives Ihuru welcomes coral scientist to the Maldives marine labDuring his second stint at the Lab in March 2008, Prof Harrison will be working closely with the Lab's renowned Director of Conservation, Mr. Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, in training the Marine Lab associates, interacting with resort guests, giving presentations to the Ministry of Fisheries, and setting up long term programmes to collect raw data for future scientific research purposes. More... [462 views] High tourism figures are simply not trueOverwhelming growth in the country's tourism statistics is misleading and not always what it seems, says Cape Town-based tourism expert Peter Koblmiller. In an exclusive interview with the Weekend Argus last week, Koblmiller, editor of the German tourist magazine Kaapstadt.com, said a large percentage of foreigners visiting South Africa were from neighbouring countries and were automatically included in our national tourism statistics. More... [534 views] Hospitality Design magazine is presenting day of eco-friendly programmingFor the first time, Hospitality Design magazine will present an entire day of eco-friendly programming, HD Green Day on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 co-located with HD Expo at the Sands Expo Center/Venetian Conference Center in Las Vegas. For designers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, architects and other creative professionals dedicated to improving the environment through their work, HD Green Day is a one of a kind experience, offering the opportunity to impact the future of sustainable design through an interactive panel on design standards. More... [743 views] Sea cruise tourism has great potentialHoliday ship tourism in Vietnam is far behind its full potential, according to Pham Tu, Deputy Director of the National Administration of Tourism. More... [494 views] |
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