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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: June 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 30, 2009Hospitality Lawyer and Special servicers: Busy now? Realpoint says work will double by year end! Implications for all CRE loans.Hospitality Lawyer with the latest Realpoint Research report on special servicing of CMBS loans. There are important implications of this data for all Commercial Real Estate or CRE loans. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers More... [620 views] 10 don’ts of online hotel merchandisingIntensifying competition, the proliferation of online video and changing travel shopper behavior are a few key drivers encouraging hotel owners and marketers to rethink their existing approaches to online revenue generating activities. More... [1818 views] Aloft hotels launches ground-breaking online experience for the high-tech, Gen Y travelerStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) and its high-tech, style at a steal AloftSM Hotels brand, announced the launch of the newly expanded Aloft Web site, featuring a range of interactive features never before developed by a hospitality brand. The site includes a guided insider's tour of the hotel, maps and city guides for each location and engages visitors through a series of original, branded games that bring the Aloft experience to life. More... [1749 views] Black-biting your way to the topIn an age where information happens at the speed of deed, you no longer have to talk about someone behind their backs. In fact, you can do it to their faces, says Yeoh Siew Hoon. More... [727 views] 10 reasons why Australia will soon get its first hotel indoor waterparkAustralia has no hotels with indoor waterparks. The closest thing is Sea World Resort on the Gold Coast with its own outdoor waterpark. But, it's not the same. An outdoor waterpark, even if it is connected to lodging, is not the same as a hotel with an indoor waterpark. And when Australian hotel/resort owners finally discover the difference that an indoor waterpark can make on the performance of their hotel, new development is going to take off. By Jeff Coy More... [596 views] Win the ultimate Technology make-overMSI (Multi-Systems, Inc.), in concert with Libra OnDemand, is launching the "ULTIMATE HOTEL TECHNOLOGY MAKE OVER", a contest awarding one hotel winner, per category (full service and limited/select service) a complete technology make-over. More... [521 views] Bid2travel prices are 30-50% cheaper than reputed online travel sitesNoble Travels Group, which had launched an online bidding site Bid2Travel.com in April this year, believes the timing of its latest offering is an appropriate one. More... [1021 views] European chain hotels market review – May 2009In May 2009, occupancy levels in the London hotel market increased by 1.5 percentage points compared with May 2008. Whilst average room rate declined by 5.4%, London hoteliers were able to decrease their payroll expenses by 1.6%, resulting in a decline of just 2.9% in profit per available room (IBFC). More... [633 views] Tourism New Zealand chief executive stands downThe CEO of Tourism New Zealand, who has led the marketing organisation for more than a decade, is to stand down at the end of this year. More... [563 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 29, 2009Rate parity – the elusive dream which just got more elusiveHotels claim they've got rate parity. After all, they've been working on it for years. But what's the reality especially in the current market conditions? Has rate parity flown out of the window? Yeoh Siew Hoon reports. More... [1899 views] Ethical challenges posed by the economic crisis are cause of deep concernGiven the present economic crisis, it is particularly important to implement the ethical principles stated in the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. This is the main message to emerge from the recent meeting of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (San José, Costa Rica, 18-19 June). More... [978 views] Peter Morrissey dresses Novotel for successInternational fashion designer Peter Morrissey has dressed some of the world's most beautiful women including Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue and Elle MacPerson....Now he has designed new uniforms for the Australian hotels of global French brand Novotel, with everyone from porters and concierge to housekeepers and front office staff receiving a designer make-over. More... [1076 views] Competitive hotel pricing in uncertain timesThis analysis of the pricing (ADR), demand (occupancy), and revenue (RevPAR) dynamics in the U.S. hotel industry for the period 2001 through 2007 demonstrates the potentially negative consequences of attempting to maintain market share by offering prices below those of direct competitors. By Cathy A. Enz Ph.D., Linda Canina Ph.D., and Mark Lomanno More... [1729 views] LikeMe.Net’s Celebrity guest recommendations let you discover the world through the eyes of your favorite celebrityWhen you travel to a new city, you want to get recommendations from people just like you. Why should celebrities be any different? Those who travel the most - professionals in entertainment, team and action sports, and the media - now have a new resource inLikeMe.Net , the lifestyle social recommendation engine and community that offers personalized suggestions for the best places to eat, sleep, drink, dance and explore around the country. More... [506 views] ITB ASIA 2009 to feature report on help ING SMEs in travel & tourismITB Asia 2009 will continue its focus on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the travel and tourism industry by issuing a report on the responses by Asia Pacific national tourism organisations (NTOs) to the challenges facing their respective SMEs. More... [638 views] DIY Travel: Enterprising travelers are their own travel agentsFor Asia Pacific travelers, overseas trips begin with a visit to the internet to plan their own itinerary, according to the Travel Smart Survey commissioned by Visa. Seventytwo percent of survey respondents seek travel tips to help them decide where to go mainly from the internet (43 percent), travel agents (23 percent) or friends, relatives and colleagues (23 percent). More... [438 views] Annual forum on commercial and hospitality real estateCornell University's School of Hotel Administration and ESSEC Business School jointly organised the first Annual Forum on Commercial and Hospitality Real Estate at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. Led by Professor Dan Quan of the Centre for Real Estate at Cornell University and Professor Michel Baroni of Essec Business School, nearly 100 alumni and other industry executives from the real estate, banking and financial sectors participated in a lively debated on current developments in hospitality finance and real estate. More... [703 views] Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts announces the resurgence of its Americas portfolioEven in today's challenging marketplace, IHG's upscale brand, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, is undergoing a resurgence of its Americas hotel portfolio through the investment of a quarter billion dollars in major renovations by hotel owners through the end of 2009. More... [1229 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 26, 2009Hotel delinquencies predicted to exceed 8% by year end. Red Roof defaults on $361 million in loans. Are there lessons for hotel lenders and investors in the latest California market report?Hospitality Lawyer with some grim predictions and observations for hotel lenders and owners. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers More... [720 views] What does your website say about you?Forget brand value and emotional connection – if your first point of sale to the biggest potential number of customers does not work and does not offer interactivity and engagement, then you’ve got a problem.” By Yeoh Siew Hoon More... [953 views] Don’t burn your bridgesIn today's economy, millions of employees are being laid off as companies rapidly downsize to balance labor costs with declining business. The hotel industry has been particularly hard hit as all forms of travel have either been curtailed or eliminated. The government hasn't helped the situation by reprimanding companies for excessive travel expenditures. I'm sure all of us know at least one person who lost their job and now sits on the sidelines. It is not a fun experience-and bitterness towards the company and the economy is a natural reaction. Another natural reaction is for terminated employee to abscond with company property on the way out the door. If you're facing a similar situation, my advice is don't burn your bridges. The consequences far outweigh the benefits, and you're likely to be caught. Let's look at two examples: By Stephen Rushmore More... [1017 views] Saving time, money and maybe even livesFreshStay properties make a commitment to improving the health of their employees, guests, communities and the environment. More... [594 views] Ascott marks 25TH anniversary with over 25 community initiatives worldwideCapitaLand's wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Group Limited (Ascott), marks 25 successful years as the top international serviced residence owner-operator with over 25 community initiatives worldwide. These activities range from supporting the educational needs of underprivileged children to funding their medical treatment. More... [440 views] Sustainability - Putting a face to the NameHVS explores the emerging role in hotel management companies - the Vice President of Sustainability. By Christian Anklin and Pierre Ricord More... [648 views] In the midst of a recession, one business events destination is bucking the trend by going greenDestinations that rely heavily on meetings and conventions have been battered by the current economic storm. Following decades of impressive growth, industry revenues have plummeted as companies scrutinize non-essential travel budgets (in the first two months of this year U.S. corporations alone canceled an estimated $1 billion worth of conferences). So it's no wonder that all eyes have turned toward Melbourne, a city enjoying a 50% growth in business events over the last two years. More... [474 views] Hong Kong visitor arrivals for May 2009In May 2009, total arrivals from the short-haul regions decreased by 14.3%. The impact of swine flu related issues such as catching it and / or being quarantined was particularly pronounced in arrivals from North Asia and South and Southeast Asia, while in Taiwan, other than the human swine flu, the cross-strait direct links continued to affect arrivals. This is of course, in addition to the global economic downturn which is also affecting travel. More... [440 views] UK chain hotels market review – May 2009The impact of the recession on UK hotels lessened slightly in May, according to the latest HotStats survey by industry experts, TRI Hospitality Consulting. More... [647 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 25, 2009Do you want more reservations? Look no further… your website is your ultimate sales toolYour hotel website is vitally important in acquiring reservations, it is the first and more often the last experience a potential guest may have of your hotel. More... [1267 views] July 1st 2009: D Day for the French restaurant industryAn event that has never occurred before (and will not be seen again) will happen on the first of July in France: the VAT rate for the restaurant industry will decrease from 19.6 to 5.5%. By Thierry Poupard More... [2482 views] Jurys Inns to double UK business as city breaks boomThe UK city break market is growing at the expense of visits to seaside, rural and historical locations, according to a new report. Commissioned by Jurys Inns Hotel Group, which operates in 26 UK and Irish cities, the City Tourism Index ranks the tourism performance of the top 20 UK cities in 2000 and 2008. More... [499 views] Failaka...a General Manager's Story - Chapter 7Although we did not know it at the time 2007 was to be our busiest year to date, during 2006 many camera crews came over to the village to use it for various adverts, films and serials, also for many news programmes.....we became quite famous. By Christopher J Hartley More... [856 views] DMOs—do you know what your visitors are looking for?Most destination marketing organizations serve multiple masters, from local governmental bodies to competing in-destination travel suppliers. But arguably no master should be greater than the visitor himself, the all-important customer bringing his dollars into the destination's tourism economy. More... [1180 views] FlightView shares guest-centric strategies that strengthen hospitality brandsHospitality vendors looking to separate from the deeply discounted pack should look beyond the reception desk. Embracing the reality that guests come from somewhere and leave to go somewhere - most frequently relying on air travel - presents a unique opportunity for hospitality leaders. More... [404 views] More than 2,000 applicants show up for Las Vegas Hard Rock hotel's 200 new housekeeping jobsHours before the Hard Rock Hotel's two-day housekeeper job fair was scheduled to open Monday morning, Troy Pierre was putting the finishing touches on the outfit he would wear. By Arnold M. Knightly More... [644 views] Hyatt customer satisfaction scores reach all-time highHyatt Hotels Corporation has achieved record-breaking customer satisfaction scores after implementing a solution to improve the business operations involved in all aspects of servicing groups and meetings, Newmarket International announced. More... [1165 views] Millions get a ‘street view’ of British destinationsMillions of internet users can see a sample of what they are missing in Britain, thanks to a new partnership between national tourism agency, VisitBritain, and the world's most popular search engine, Google. More... [508 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 24, 2009Understanding and living valuesIn last week's column (Global Responses and Personal Stories of Delivering Hospitality and Pride), I shared reader definitions on how they thought HOSPITALITY was real and personal. I have had additional input to be shared in a future article, but some readers started discussing ideas on Values and how challenging it is to identify and keep them. In challenging economic times such as what we are facing today, it can be even more difficult to maintain them. By Dr. John Hogan More... [3194 views] Ten ways to engage your facebook fansAfter you've set up a Facebook fan page, you still have to have something to say! As you build your community of fans, keep in mind that relentless pitching will get you laughed off the virtual stage. Remember, today's fans just might turn into tomorrow's customers, or, even better, your unpaid word-of-mouth sales force. Make sure that you're talking about what they want to hear. By Susan Deluzain Barry More... [1681 views] Let me soothe thy fevered browFlying these days with the swine flu bug around is enough to raise temperatures. Yeoh Siew Hoon suggests ways to beat that fever check. More... [628 views] Family of hoteliers builds empire on glitzSienna Miller regularly sips cocktails at 60 Thompson, and Russell Crowe recently threw a party there. Further downtown, Madonna, Jay-Z and Sean Combs hang out at sister hotel Thompson Lower East Side. Jason Pomeranc, co-founder of the Thompson Hotel Group, can claim much of the credit for attracting these high-profile patrons. The 38-year-old master of style and buzz at the boutique properties understands the celebrity sensibility because he's part of their crowd. By Lisa Fickenscher More... [710 views] What happened to rate parity?Dr. Sheryl E. Kimes, Singapore Tourism Board's Distinguished Professor in Asian Hospitality Management, challenged participants of the recent Revenue Management Roundtable with this question. More... [1009 views] 20|20 Assessment™ at the iDate 2009 ConferenceDr. James Houran will speak to the online dating industry about the psychology and measurement of interpersonal compatibility. This is an important topic to evaluate, since it impacts selection, employee morale and potential employee fraternization. More... [1236 views] Hotel CEOs: softness holds, rebound laterChief executives from such major multibrand hotel companies as Accor, Choice and Starwood this month said corporate hotel rates recently negotiated downward are unlikely to increase anytime soon, and that they expect travel program cost-saving measures to remain long after the economy recovers, but they also expressed confidence that group and transient business travel ultimately would bounce back. By Michael B. Baker More... [549 views] Europe's biggest Holiday Inn Express to open at London Heathrow Terminal 5The first Holiday Inn Express at London Heathrow Terminal 5, opening in 2011, will be the largest Holiday Inn Express in Europe under a franchise agreement signed by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Crimson Hotels Group. More... [1387 views] IHG invites corporate accounts to embrace dynamic pricingIHG is inviting preferred business accounts across Asia Pacific to move to a dynamic pricing model, guaranteeing corporate travellers to always pay less than best unrestricted rates at its InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express in the region. More... [857 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 23, 2009Defining the new luxuryIs the new luxury about stealth and simplicity or is it still about ego and face? It would appear both worlds collide in the new world. Yeoh Siew Hoon reports. More... [2031 views] Thinking beyond hospitalitySeismic upheavals are leading to a paradigm shift in hospitality. Companies have clamped down on travel and the AIG effect has battered the meeting and convention business. Leisure travel is exhibiting anemic and last minute booking patterns. The Internet keeps bubbling along serving up what seems to be the social media flavor of the month. It's no surprise hospitality marketing professionals are thinking beyond hospitality. By Madigan Pratt More... [963 views] Belfast’s RevPAR strong despite declinesData from STR Global, the leading provider of market information to the world's hotel industry, shows the decline of the Belfast hotel market being offset by surprisingly competitive recent revenue per available room. More... [1135 views] The reunion business could probably use some hospitality professionalsTalk about the ultimate Loyalty Program, "reuning" at your old school. I just returned from such an event, celebrating an untold date last century. Others have probably ventured out this month or last to similar events at high schools, colleges, universities, vocational and professional programs. I bet we all noticed the same thing - attendance had dwindled, yet the reunion event planning had gone full-tilt. You do not need a pareto analysis to appreciate that Reunions face a challenge, and that the historical approach to that special weekend must change. By John R. Hendrie More... [442 views] Hotelier of the Week: Chris CahillChris Cahill, chief operating officer for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, talks about how the merger of Fairmont and Raffles hotels is working. By Tom Otley More... [1430 views] Hotels hit as travel eases offThe financial crisis has slashed nearly 30 per cent off the value of Thakral Holdings' hotel portfolio over the past 12 months. By Nicole Lindsay More... [491 views] Condé Nast Johansens Luxury travel guide prepares to launch 2010 guide to recommended hotels, inns, resorts & spas – the Americas, Atlantic, Caribbean, & PacificCondé Nast Johansens, the international luxury travel guide from the most trusted name in travel publishing, Condé Nast Publications Ltd., is getting ready to launch the 2010 Guide to Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts & Spas - The Americas, Atlantic, Caribbean, & Pacific. September will see the eleventh edition of this respected guide to the premier properties throughout the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands. More... [527 views] PhoCusWright debunks major vacation rental myth: SNADIt is the vacation rental industry's dirty four-letter word: SNAD. It stands for "significantly not as described" and refers to a seemingly widely held perception that, all too often, travelers arrive at a home or condo they rented for their vacation to find it is, well, significantly not as it was advertised to them. More... [416 views] Ten years later Westin hotels is still the best in bedTen years later, consumers and critics agree - Westin Hotels & Resorts is still the best in bed. Westin Hotels turned the travel industry on its head and sparked a hotel bedding revolution with the 1999 launch of the Heavenly Bed®: an icon that inspired countless imitators ignited the hotel-bed wars and jump-started the hotel retail phenomenon. More... [1055 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 22, 2009Hospitality Lawyer: PKF says 2009 worst year in lodging history. Robust recovery likely but years awayMark Woodworth and his colleagues at PKF Hospitality Research have released PKF's latest report on the U.S. lodging industry, it's turning points and prospects. I thought you might find it useful as you consider options for dealing with troubled hotel assets, and hope you will keep us in mind as you face coming challenges. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers More... [2226 views] Good exchange rates and Easter breaks help support British tourismNew provisional figures from the International Passenger Survey - the key monitor of international tourism to the UK - out today (18 June) indicate that Britain's tourism industry benefited from additional breaks particularly from the Eurozone during the Easter period despite the challenges facing international travel in the economic downturn. More... [400 views] Tourism workers take to the streets at LAX to launch campaign as height of the Los Angeles tourist season approaches1,000 tourism workers took to the streets today near LAX in a protest marking the beginning of a citywide contract campaign. As Los Angeles enters the height of the tourism season, union contracts that mandate good wages, guaranteed wage increases, free family health insurance and job security are set to expire for 10,000 Los Angeles tourism and hotel workers. More... [439 views] The downturn happens even in paradiseThe global economic downturn negatively impacted the luxury island destinations of Mauritius and the Maldives, according to STR Global. Both destinations experienced occupancy drops for the first four months of the year, as their main European source markets were hit by recession, falling employment and declining consumer confidence. More... [658 views] Compare hotel prices and now see a hotels map of any place in the worldRoadtriphelper.com, the free hotels map search engine that compares hotel prices from separate sites is now able to display a map of hotels anywhere in the world. It contains over 200,000 accommodations making it the world's largest inventory of hotels. Furthermore, it searches more than 30 sites such as Expedia, Priceline, Hotels.com, Travelocity, and others to find the best hotel rate. More... [1275 views] Indian industry shake up theme for India’s 2009 Distribution SummitWhat a shake up the Indian travel sector has undergone since this time last year. For the broader industry it is still a market that promises so much, however some recent developments suggest that this golden chalice of a market has been slapped with a grim dose of reality. More... [450 views] Hilton Foundation goes the distance for local charitiesHilton hotels around the country on Sunday joined forces to collectively travel around the world for charity. More... [1004 views] Delaware North sees bright spots in travel landscapeDelaware North Companies has good news to share on the travel front, despite the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression. More... [437 views] Hilton Shanghai wins double honors at the 2009 International Elite forumHilton Shanghai won highest honors at the 2009 International Elite Forum held in Beijing on 17 April, 2009. In recognition of Hilton Shanghai's exceptional performance in the hospitality industry, the hotel was awarded "Best Business Hotel", and General Manager Mr. Guy Hutchinson was honored with the "Best Leadership Award". More... [608 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 19, 2009How spas can avoid a financial decline in 2009While spas can physically, psychologically, socially and emotionally meet the needs of many people, the challenge is to do so in a financially feasible way. By Judith L. Singer More... [1237 views] Business travel changed for goodA survey compiled by ACTE and released to mark the first Business Travel Market, 17 June at London's ExCeL exhibition centre shows without a doubt that the recession has forced business travel habit changes. More... [856 views] High spending travelers prefer cards when managing holiday budgetFrom airfares and hotel bills to duty free shopping, using payment cards to settle holiday expenses is popular with travelers in Asia Pacific, according to the Travel Smart Survey commissioned by Visa. More... [489 views] Underwater hotel to open soon in DubaiA new hotel off the coast of Dubai in the Arabian Gulf is set to lure tourists this summer and for years to come. What appears to be torn from a science fiction novel is in fact a reality: an underwater hotel. More... [1677 views] Serving up a better planet: Fairmont makes waves with new sustainable seafood pactAs a pioneering voice on environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce an extension of its brandwide Green Cuisine program to include sustainable seafood choices in support of a global effort to conserve precious marine species. More... [971 views] New Israel tourism minister to focus on promoting Israel as the holy landJust weeks after his May 2009 appointment by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel's Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, has ordered a major refocusing of the Ministry's overseas promotional efforts to place greater emphasis on Israel as the land holy to the three monotheistic religions. More... [429 views] Best laptops for business travelersNo matter how adept they might be at typing on a BlackBerry, there are times when business travelers require much greater computing power at their fingertips. Finding the right laptop for adventures outside the office is a balancing act that requires attention to a number of important factors. By Michael Patrick Brady More... [1024 views] Legislature's drink tax increase will cripple New Jersey's hospitality industryHiking liquor taxes will destroy 1,000 hospitality jobs, according to the Distilled Spirits Council, which blasted the State Legislature for targeting the already struggling hospitality industry during a recession. More... [471 views] New TARP regulations highlight need for polices, controls, reportingThe Treasury Department's long-awaited rules on travel and meeting expenses for companies that received Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds have been published, and they look like the best practices corporate travel and meeting managers practice regularly. By Kevin Iwamoto More... [461 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 18, 2009Global responses and personal stories of delivering hospitality and prideFor those of us in this industry, it often becomes second nature to offer that extra effort to provide our guests that sense of welcome and hospitality. A wonderful benefit I receive in preparing these columns is that I often have the opportunity to meet (by email, phone or perhaps at a conference where I am speaking) terrific people from all over the globe who are involved in the daily delivery of hospitality and pride. It is the realization that hospitality is much more than accounting, culinary, engineering, marketing, housekeeping and management - it is the combining of all features into a an exceptional experience. By Dr. John Hogan More... [903 views] 5 creative steps hotels are taking to beat the recessionThe recession has stimulated many hoteliers to use some creative ways to drive sales. Their focal point is to create ways to capture sales in the most cost-effective means possible, with the quickest results possible. Let's face it, few hotels are flush with money right now. By Neil Salerno More... [2703 views] Failaka...a General Manager's Story - Chapter 62006 was an explosive year with many new additions to the village, our sales and marketing worked well effecting good revenues for the year. By Christopher J Hartley More... [941 views] Bing. Pong or Bang?Microsoft has launched Bing Travel, on the back of its new search engine. Will it just create a pong or generate a bang that will change the online travel landscape? Yeoh Siew Hoon pings on the subject. More... [1242 views] Global hotel brand ranking 2009Major Chain hotel brands maintain their international market position, as per MKG Hospitality's global ranking 2009, with Best Western, Holiday Inn and Comfort Inns & Comfort Suites making up the top three. More... [2805 views] What lies ahead for the hotel industry? When do values bottom? When do they recover? Which markets are worst and which will be the best? How to unlock hotel value with JMBM's SAVE™ program . . .Hospitality Lawyer in New York at the NYU hotel investment conference with some interesting projections from Steve Rushmore of HVS. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers More... [638 views] Germany’s top four ADR performersAverage room rate performance for Germany's cities so far this year varies dramatically according to data from STR Global, the leading provider of market information to the world's hotel industry. More... [749 views] Planting seeds of sustainabilityPineapple Hospitality pledges to donate 1 for every attendee at upcoming AH&LA events, helping fund the Nature Conservancy's tree-planting initiatives in the Amazon.By Ray Burger More... [493 views] UK waitress wins payout for tight dressA cocktail waitress has won a $A6,090 compensation payout for having to wear a figure-hugging red dress. More... [1035 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 17, 2009An update on the hotel industry in France and in ParisThe French hospitality industry is about to experience a new turn partly due to Government reforms which have not much to do with the current economic downturn. This note is an update on what is going on in the hotel classification in France and on the luxury segment in Paris. By Thierry Poupard More... [3335 views] Sorry, say Langham & RamsayHumble pie's the meal of the week for Langham Hotels and Gordon Ramsay. More... [1913 views] “Thriving” not just “Surviving” in a Depressed Economy: Tips for the IndependentsAfter almost fifteen years of "feast", the depressed economy, worldwide, has contributed to a dramatic drop in demand and many hotels are operating at significant losses. To respond to the changed conditions, most hoteliers lowered rates and reduced expenses. Although that is a necessary short-term strategy, on its own, it is not enough to generate profits and to compete with large chains and brands. So how can an independent hotel with limited resources, successfully compete? By Brenda Fields More... [1125 views] 41 percent of Brits miss their own bed on holidayThe consumer site for travel information, trivago asked its visitors in their latest survey what they miss most on their holidays. The majority of Brits miss something from home when travelling abroad. More... [853 views] STR reports U.S. hotel Pipeline for May 2009The total active U.S. hotel development pipeline includes 4,907 projects with 522,778 rooms, according to the May 2009 STR/TWR/Dodge Construction Pipeline Report released this week. This represents a 22.2-percent decrease in the number of rooms in the total active pipeline compared to May 2008. The total active pipeline data includes projects in the In Construction, Final Planning and Planning stages, but does not include projects in the Pre-Planning stage. More... [460 views] PKF sees hotel rates continuing to fallPKF Hospitality Research published a report forecasting that rates will continue to fall until the end of 2010, but that the U.S. lodging industry declines would begin to decelerate in the third quarter of this year. More... [650 views] LUXE City Guides launches its new Hotel & Villa Collection online booking siteFor six years, the staff editors from LUXE City Guides and 31 resident city editors have been scouring the world's top cities to find the few special properties that readers will love. More... [565 views] The complete guide to: European theme parksFrom Disney to Asterix, Lego bricks to water slides, these vast playgrounds are likely to be firm favourites with families - and a visit needn't break the bank. By Fred Mawer More... [608 views] Pezula wine steward to represent SA in international Jeunes Sommeliers competitionMortimer Bester, a 24 year-old wine steward at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa has won the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs' Jeunes (Young) Sommeliers competition and will represent South Africa at the finals in the UK this September. More... [398 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 16, 2009Prepare for a future of elder hostels and super granniesGet ready for the travellers of the future - the Grand, the Health and the Tribes. And oh yes, don't expect too many Japanese. Ian Jarrett reports. More... [1751 views] Unlocking the secrets of customers' choicesAnalysis based on field studies demonstrates the benefits of customer choice modeling (CCM) for the purpose of designing and evaluating product and service bundles for food-service and lodging businesses. By Rohit Verma Ph.D. More... [682 views] Hotelier of the Week: Peter BorerPeter Borer is chief operating officer at The Peninsula Hotels which operates eight luxury hotels with 2,781 rooms in key gateway cities of Asia and the USA. This year it opens a hotel in Shanghai with a further property opening in Paris in 2012. By Tom Otley More... [970 views] How to handle online restaurant reviewsTwo publicists who work with high-profile restaurants share the tips they give their clients. By Allison Perlik More... [759 views] How did we get here and when do we get out?Current U.S. travel industry economics aren't a pretty picture-investment has ground to a halt, demand is declining to the worst levels in decades, and prospects for near-term improvement are at best, uncertain, and at worst, distant. But the tough times won't last forever. Certain cyclical and secular (i.e., noncyclical) economic realities will ultimately drive the industry through the recession to recovery and eventually a rebound. The long-term prospects for travel demand and investment are promising. More... [1011 views] Wyndham hotel group kicks off mobile platform strategy for 10 brandsTravelers now have access to an easier and faster way to reach Wyndham Hotel Group hotels through 10 newly created branded mobile Web sites. More... [925 views] Hotel energy efficiency action programme pilot about to startEnergy accounts for one of the highest expenses faced by the local tourism sector. More... [550 views] Turkish hotelier selected by American academy of hospitality sciencesTurkish hotelier Alper Can Bulcum has been selected as one of the Finest Hoteliers Worldwide by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. By Ozgur Tore More... [585 views] Sliding global visitor numbers add to gloom for hotelsThe number of tourists and visitors to Moscow is down, reflecting hard times faced by the global economy. Annually, tourism brings about 7% of the city's income, and despite the downturn more rooms are needed. More... [473 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 15, 2009Hotels keep customers happy despite cuts in staff and serviceCustomer satisfaction with hotels remained strong (unchanged at 82.9) but airlines (-1.9 to 75.8) and rental car (-0.3 to 79.0) scores declined in the first quarter of 2009. Mandarin Oriental Hotels, JetBlue Airlines, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car ranked number one in hotel, airline, and rental car industry customer satisfaction, respectively. More... [1123 views] Setting room rates on priceline: How to optimize expected hotel revenueThis report and tool combination develops a novel approach to set prices on Priceline.com to maximize revenues received from releasing rooms to Priceline. By Chris Anderson Ph.D. More... [1414 views] Leading advantage business plus plan attracts a new kind of business travelerAs the global economy continues down an uncertain path, and the once-soaring volume of travel from large corporate customers is becoming much more scarce, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. has launched the Leading Advantage Business Plus Plan. More... [916 views] Hotels finding easy profit with “Pillow Talk”We've all used the phrase "Let me sleep on it" when a decision needs thoughtful consideration. And more hotels than ever are restlessly tossing and turning in efforts to create added revenue in this economy. More... [985 views] Key West Inn chain sees 32% increase in reservation revenueKey West Inns, a limited-service hotel chain, announces dramatically higher reservation revenues for 2009. Key West Inns, Inc. reports an increase in total reservations, room nights, and reservation revenues. One of the reasons for this is the brands push towards aggressive internet marketing. More... [493 views] Writing online hotel reviews is gaining popularityThe role of user-generated reviews is exploding. Nearly 1 of 5 travelers say they read online guest reviews of hotels before booking, and about 1 in 10 travelers will write a review after their stay. The percentage of travelers who read reviews prior to booking a hotel has remained stable for the past year, but the number of persons who are writing reviews about their hotel stay is rising. More... [940 views] Blue light marketingThe hospitality industry has adopted the concept of the "blue light special." Here's why. By Nina Zapala More... [695 views] Foodies unite to toast an appetite for excellenceFollowing an intense day of culinary competition, the Electrolux Appetite for Excellence state finalists were announced in three categories: Electrolux Young Chef, Electrolux Young Waiter and Electrolux Young Restaurateur. Now in its fifth year, Electrolux Appetite for Excellence, co-founded by Luke Mangan and Lucy Allon, is dedicated to educating and nurturing emerging hospitality industry professionals. More... [419 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 12, 200920|20 Assessment™ presents the 2009 event planner survey results for the 13th annual HSMAI's afordable meetings® west conference & expositionSimple value-adds and the use of technology for lead generation and CRM the are the hot trends in the event planner industry according to our recent survey with HSMAI. This and other important insights are presented in this executive summary. By Jim Houran More... [1265 views] Hospitality Lawyer on California requirements for proprietary security guardsWe asked Jim Abrams about the California law that governs a hotel's use of security guards -- a area that some hoteliers learn about only after there has been a complaint or a problem with a security guard. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers More... [1377 views] Hoteliers across UK have reason to be optimisticIn depth analysis by Deloitte, the business advisory practice, reveals a clear trend in improvement in UK hotel performance over the last five months. Whilst revenue per available room (revPAR) is still negative, the pace of decline is reducing and some markets are actually showing gains on 2008 numbers with strong leisure demand driving up weekend occupancies and revenues. There is also a trend of improving performance in the weekday corporate business market in London. More... [731 views] The AA announces the winners of the 2009 B&B awardsThe AA, celebrating the best in hospitality for over 100 years, has announced the winners of the AA B&B Awards 2009, at a ceremony at The Langham in London. With prizes provided by AA Hotel Services' long-standing partner Villeroy & Boch, the AA B&B Awards will recognise and reward the excellent services provided by the UK's very best B&B establishments. More... [503 views] Upcoming HSMAI/PhoCusWright webinar: seeing green: communicating with the environmentally conscious travelerThis Webinar, jointly produced by PhoCusWright and HSMAI, will provide the consumer insight and market intelligence needed to pursue a successful green travel strategy. More... [382 views] Global travel and tourism industry to contract in 2009The global economic downturn will lead to the travel and tourism industry shrinking in 2009, with Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe markets faring slightly better, according to Euromonitor International, an international provider of business intelligence and strategic market analysis. By Nina Varghese More... [597 views] Hyatt Regency new Brunswick flips switch on SunPower solar power systemHyatt Regency New Brunswick flipped the switch to dedicate its newly installed SunPower solar power system, marking the hotel's initial step towards generating clean, renewable solar power. The hotel partnered with SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, panels and systems, to design and install the 32,000-square-foot, 421-kilowatt system over the top floor of the hotel's garage. More... [630 views] Hong Kong’s legendary ‘M at the Fringe’ to move after 20 successful yearsAfter 20 successful, multi-award winning years at the forefront of Hong Kong's vibrant and ever evolving dining scene, the legendary M at the Fringe restaurant is to move from its current premises in the historic Hong Kong Fringe Club in Ice House Street at the end of this year and the owners are now seeking a new Hong Kong location. More... [558 views] TCEB promotes Thailand as dynamic and motivational business event destination in AsiaThe Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) reassured confidence in Thailand as a dynamic and motivational business event destination in Asia by forming an alliance and joining with the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) Thai Team from both the government and private sectors. More... [456 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 11, 2009Several killed and scores injured as suicide bomb blast rips through luxury hotel in PeshawarAt least 11 people were killed on Tuesday night and 70 wounded, including one Briton, when a bomb exploded at a luxury hotel in the Pakistani city of Peshawar, police said. By James Sturcke More... [758 views] Failaka...a General Manager's Story - Chapter 5Many things happened in 2005 but basically it was a year of reconsolidation, making sure all our outlets and accommodation was fully operation; also ensuring that all our staff were well trained........Failaka was only 24 kilometers from Kuwait, but it could have been 2,000, as a consequence we could not recruit from hotels on the mainland and had to hire less qualified staff. By Christopher J Hartley More... [1004 views] Dangerous hotel SEO myths exposedSearch engine optimization, or SEO, is the process of making your hotel's website easier to find in search engines. With the majority of people beginning their travel planning process with a web search, SEO has become an increasingly important discipline for hotel marketers. However, there is some misinformation floating around the web, being propagated by quack "gurus." By Josiah Mackenzie More... [1271 views] Germany’s game of three quartersWhilst the circumstances are different, data from STR Global, the leading provider of market information to the world's hotel industry, shows that Germany's hoteliers might be holding their nerve more than in the previous recession. More... [529 views] TMS – light at the end of the tunnel?TMS recruitment specialist sees increase in demand for sales and hospitality staff. More... [545 views] Encouraging the tourism and travel industry towards a low carbon economyIn anticipation of the UN climate conference COP 15, to be held in 6 months time, global business leaders came together at the World Business Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen (May 24-26). At the event, the report ‘Towards a Low Carbon Travel and Tourism Sector' was presented by the World Economic Forum (WEF). This study represents the fruit of a collaboration between UNWTO and several key organisations andis part of a longstanding action by the tourism and travel sector to respond to climate change. For UNWTO it is an important element of the Davos Declaration Process initiated in 2003 with the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). More... [885 views] 'Spoiled brat' business travellers demand more for lessA recession-beating message for hoteliers from the 1200 member Supranational hotels consortium emphasises how ‘spoiled brat' business travellers now demand ‘more for less', but that it is important to let them get their way. More... [1156 views] Bellman decides to stop hopping after 60 years as bellmanCapital Hilton's bellman Joseph Goverman has brought many smiles and hospitality to hotel guests for seven decades since he began working at the historic hotel on May 17, 1949 when Harry S. Truman was President and the cost of a room for a night was less than $20. More... [1957 views] MPI to present Obama for America campaign with Rise awardFor its unprecedented ability to utilize meetings and events to accomplish transformational change, the Obama for America campaign has been chosen to receive Meeting Professionals International's (MPI) first-ever RISE Award for Organizational Achievement, recognizing industry success and excellence. The award will be presented at MPI's annual World Education Congress (WEC) in Salt Lake on July 10, 2009. More... [363 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 10, 2009Ten reasons to use social media for launching a hotelBeen hearing the buzz about social media but not sure how to make it work for you? New construction, conversion, or reflagging hotels can make great use of Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and other social media tools. Here are a few ways to do it. By Susan Deluzain Barry More... [2568 views] What is your definition of leadership?In consulting for clients, in preparation for personalizing workshops and in evaluating topics for this regular column series, I regularly reflect on what the measures for success are. As an avid reader and an aficionado of history, I expand beyond my own career by examining the successes and failures of others to find knowledge. By Dr. John Hogan More... [1550 views] ASIA Pacific construction pipeline Q1 2009There is mounting evidence that the precipitous economic declines in many countries in Asia Pacific may be close to ending. A bottom is likely forming, hopefully to be followed by a modest recovery. Declines from the peak were caused mainly by the dramatic fall-off in the region's manufactured exports brought on by the worldwide recession and the drying up of cross-border financing. More... [1025 views] WOW.TRAVEL’S seven sensational hotels' Italian restaurantswow.travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com) edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensational Hotels' Italian Restaurants. More... [708 views] Hotelier of the week: Andrew MosleyAndrew Mosley took over what was basically a run down training centre and turned it into an award winning deluxe hotel and conference centre. He tells ABTN how it was done. By Stanley Slaughter More... [1545 views] HSMAI and TIG global release white paper targeting online strategies to gain market share in recessionary timesA down economy and the shift of consumers using the Internet for travel information has created a need for travel marketers to take a look at their companies' online marketing strategies. To speak to this topic, the HSMAI Travel Internet Marketing Special Interest Group (SIG) and Internet marketing company TIG Global, have released a white paper titled, "Capturing Market Share & Driving Revenue Online: Effective Internet Marketing Strategies for Recessionary Times," the first in a planned series published by the HSMAI Foundation and offered complimentary to industry professionals. More... [913 views] World’s media tour Britain to support tourism through economic downturnBritain's tourism industry welcomes the world's media to Buckingham Palace on 10 June 2009 as part of a Global Media Tour to encourage consumers to continue to travel despite the economic downturn. 70 of the world's most influential travel writers and broadcasters from 31 countries will enjoy itineraries that highlight Britain's new and value-for-money attractions - and the country's easy accessibility for a short break. More... [399 views] Filinvest Land partners with global hotel chainCEBU, Philippines - Filinvest Land Incorporated partners with international hotel chain Aston Hotels & Resorts for the management of its condotel and resort businesses in Cebu in the next few years. By Ehda M. Dagooc More... [513 views] Spain urged to boost UK marketingThe Spanish Tourist Board must invest more in marketing to boost tourism, according to leading travel executives. More... [475 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 9, 2009Hospitality Lawyer at the 2009 NYU hotel conference -- Sound bitesLast week, we gave you our initial take on the NYU hotel conference. Now here are some of the things we heard that we thought worthy of note. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers More... [1221 views] Hotel brands on the increase in GreeceHotel brands have been expanding their presence in Greece over recent years, yet their share still remains low when compared to other European countries. According to the just published 2009 Greek Hotel Branding Report, 4% of the country's hotels - controlling 19% of the total room capacity - have an affiliation with one of 113 brands. By Dr. Dimitris Koutoulas More... [542 views] Spa leadership using active management principles"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority" says Ken Blanchard co-author of one of my favorite books: The One Minute Manager. By Shirley Meerson More... [1983 views] Use social media to promote your Hotel’s website and get more reservations todayOnline conversations regarding your hotel continually reinforce the online perception of your hotel to your target audience. Therefore the importance of tactical social media and blogging activities cannot be ignored. More... [1392 views] Slightly more Americans saying they will eat out and spend on entertainmentWhile majorities are still inclined to decrease spending on eating out and entertainment, the numbers are better than they had been two months ago. In March, three-quarters of Americans said they were decreasing spending on eating out (74%) and entertainment (74%). Now, two-thirds say they are reducing eating out at restaurants (66%) and 64% say they have reduced spending on entertainment. More... [553 views] Hotels get creative to keep occupancy upGone are the days of sky-high hotel rates that reached higher than most other European capitals. To keep occupancy rates up, Moscow hotels are learning that they'll have to start bargaining. And bargain they have. By Courtney Weaver More... [1278 views] China aims to build 10,000 green hotels in four yearsDi Jiankai, the director of the Trade Service Division of China's Ministry of Commerce, has disclosed to the Chinese media that China will try to create 10,000 green hotels by 2012. More... [586 views] Top hotel chains eye move into Taiwan’s marketNine international hotel chains, including Le Meridien, St. Regis, element and Aloft, are interested in the Taiwanese market because of improving cross-strait ties and the opening to Chinese tourists, a top Sheraton Taipei Hotel manager said yesterday. By Joyce Huang More... [555 views] Meeting and event planners turn to social networks that build upon personal relationshipsThe majority of meeting and event planners prefer social networks that build upon, instead of replace, personal relationships, according to an HSMAI Affordable Meetings® West pre-conference survey conducted by J. Spargo & Associates, Inc. and independently analyzed by 20|20 AssessmentTM - a service of HVS. More... [549 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 8, 2009Europe hospitality ranking – Germany ranked first with 44,812 lodging companiesGermany is leading in Europe - in terms of hotel industry, too. With 44,812 lodging companies, Germany is on rang 1 of the Europe ranking by far of UK ranked on place 2 with 37,852 guest houses and Italy on place 3 with 36,776 accomodations. France however is on rang 4 with "only" 27,914 lodging companies. More... [926 views] Hospitality Lawyer Insights from MTM: #14 BrandsHere is the latest in the Hospitality Lawyer Insights series on some of the most critical issues of our day. #14 - Brands. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers More... [783 views] Hospitality Lawyer Insights from MTM: #15 Challenges and Opportunities
Here is the latest in the Hospitality Lawyer Insights series on some of the most critical issues of our day. #15 Challenges and Opportunities. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers More... [588 views] Travel industry and the social media puzzleWith China's leisure travel market growing at the same time as its online usership grows, it's no surprise that a number of players are looking to capture the attention of travel consumers through social media. By Maggie Rauch More... [521 views] America looking cheap again as dollar slidesWith hotels and attractions across America struggling, US holidays are better value than ever, says Chris Haslam. More... [539 views] Andria Lewis honored as woman of the year by Choice HotelsAs Andria Lewis puts it: "Customer service never gets a day off." Those wise words exemplify why Lewis was chosen as the Women's Business Alliance "Woman of the Year" at the 55th annual convention of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH.) The award was announced during an evening gala at the convention last month in Washington, D.C. More... [829 views] Rezidor signs UN Global Compact 'Caring for Climate' initiativeThe Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the first international hotel groups to endorse "Caring for Climate" - a voluntary initiative of the United Nations Global Compact calling for urgent and extensive action on the parts of governments, business and citizens on climate change. More... [418 views] Faull receives tourism award in AustraliaGavin M Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International recently received, along with other senior leaders in tourism and hospitality, The National Tourism Legends Award from Tourism Training Australia. The awards were presented at a dinner attended by more than 500 leaders from the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Sydney, Australia. More... [743 views] Sofitel announces five new hotels across Middle East and ChinaAhead of its new 438-room Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach set to open this September, French-based Sofitel Luxury Hotels announced five additional properties that will strengthen the brand's worldwide portfolio. More... [1005 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 5, 2009Brand awareness: it’s all a ‘twitter’Have you been wondering how Twitter, a free social networking service, can help you build brand awareness for your company? I must admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but after encouragement from a business associate, I decided to give it a whirl and a whirl it has been so far. By Carol Chapman More... [2565 views] Changing times require changing hotel business modelsThe performance of the hotel industry can be either enhanced or limited by the way in which hotel business is conceptualised. This article illustrates how economic trends present opportunities to redefine hotel business models and create value. By Catalin Cighi More... [1040 views] Intelligent Spas publishes first global spa benchmark reportThe Global Spa Benchmark Report presents a plethora of financial statistics for the global spa industry and includes breakdowns of key performance indicators by region for the Americas, Europe, Middle East/Africa and Asia Pacific. By Julie Garrow More... [1390 views] Nowadays, the advantage goes to the travelerThis may actually be a good time to be a business traveler. Industry experts and travelers say service has improved in many ways, prices are down, and the experience, in general, is often better than it has been in a long while. More... [529 views] Through the eyes of a Hotel Butler: Eliciting positive emotions and feelings through the customized services renderedIn a previous article I talked about the Experiencing Hotel Services approach as a new differentiation trend in the Hospitality industry of the XXI century. Creating an experience does not mean coming up with particularly attractive or flamboyant things, but focusing on what the guest feels. It entails conceiving the guest as an emotional being rather than a functional one. By Osvaldo Torres Cruz More... [1453 views] Travelocity issues first-ever ‘traveller confidence’ reportTravelocity's most recent poll shows a dramatic increase in travel intentions, indicating traveler confidence is on the rise. More... [586 views] Frankfurt benefits from trade fairPositive hotel performance news comes from Frankfurt, the city of trade fairs: Recent data from STR Global, the leading provider of market information for the world's hotel industry, shows the direct impact of trade fairs on the region during recent weeks. More... [736 views] PhoCusWright launches social forum for travel leaders to connectPhoCusWright Connect, the new forum for global travel leaders to actively engage and debate the latest industry trends and issues, was launched Tuesday by PhoCusWright. More... [424 views] IHG signs agreements for five new holiday inn and Holiday Inn Express Hotels throughout BrazilFurthering its reach within Latin America's most populous country, IHG announced that it has signed agreements to develop four new Holiday Inn Express properties, as well as for the conversion of an existing independent full-service Holiday Inn, increasing IHG's presence in Brazil to 12 cities. More... [434 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 4, 2009On the Move - May 2009Global Staff Movements for May 2009 provided by Spectrum International. More... [2649 views] Let's be honest, does your hotel's website suck? How & why people choose hotels onlineThere's only one way to know whether or not your website is doing its job and, that is... By Neil Salerno More... [1357 views] The new ‘Tipping Points' in the planners decision process - You may be surprised!The decision making ‘tipping points' for meeting and corporate travel planners have changed dramatically in relation to the recessionary economy. No longer are the perks of spas, golf courses, etc. a valued differentiator. Those perks are now a negative as incentive travel has diminished following the AIG effect. By Carol Verret More... [779 views] Failaka...a General Manager's Story - Chapter 4It is 06:00 hours, 2nd May 2004, the sun is shining and after a good nights sleep I feel better prepared to start this new adventures, which at the time of writing in November 2008, has lasted four and a half years, with more years to come. By Christopher J Hartley More... [1360 views] Hotelier of the week: Stephen DarlingShangri-La Hotels has opened its first property outside the Asia Pacific region in the Canadian city of Vancouver. Its general manager Stephen Darling reveals what persuaded the group to move into new territory. By Stanley Slaughter More... [659 views] IHG's Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites introduce the industry's first extended-stay owner certificationIHG's extended-stay hotel brands, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites® have taken major steps toward sustaining the ongoing health and success of their hotel portfolios through the launch of an in-depth education program for owners of both new and existing hotels. More... [695 views] Europe, Middle East & Africa Construction Pipeline – Q1 2009The global economic crisis, which has affected credit availability and caused decreases in consumer and business travel, resulting in occupancy and room rates declines throughout EMEA, is also having a serious impact on lodging development. More... [1308 views] Australia unveils innovative trade marketing program to increase its share of lucrative business events sectorTourism Australia Managing Director, Geoff Buckley said the innovative trade marketing program would address the decline in business arrivals and promote Australia as an aspirational destination that offers value for money in the current climate. More... [430 views] Survey finds hotel investor confidence “shaken, but not broken’The impact of a recent deterioration in Australian and New Zealand hotel trading conditions, combined with a continuation of adverse capital markets for all categories of real estate have been highlighted by the findings of a leading hotel industry survey. However the survey also revealed some surprising findings that provide cause for hope in the investment outlook. More... [389 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 3, 2009Front desk training is the key to capturing more walk-in businessWhile many hotels have focused attention in recent years on helping reservations agents increase their sales effectiveness, many are still overlooking the numerous other sales opportunities that front desk sales associates encounter everyday. One such opportunity is the walk-in inquiry. Depending on your market segment, brand, and especially your location, walk-in sales can represent a significant source of additional revenue. By Doug Kennedy More... [2583 views] Hospitality Lawyer from the NYU Hotel Investment ConferenceThe NYU Hotel Investment Conference is the grand daddy of them all -- Stephen Brener would be proud if he were alive today to see what his vision had blossomed into. And as much as I love our Meet the Money®, and the Phoenix Lodging Conference, this is the greatest hotel investment conference in the country. It is the place you have to be if you are in the industry and doing business. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers More... [494 views] When times are bad, online and revenue management are the starsYeoh Siew Hoon attends an investment conference and finds the talk is as much about online distribution and revenue management as transactions and deals. More... [1370 views] Through the eyes of a hotel butler: The customised services seen as personalised relational services.When Ellsworth Statler opened the Buffalo Statler Hotel in 1908, he initiated differentiation within the hospitality industry by offering for the first time a private bathroom for each room, a light at the door, a pitcher of water for each guest and the morning paper. By Osvaldo Torres Cruz More... [793 views] Marriott launches green events in EuropeThrough Marriott's Spirit to Preserve program, the company announced it is rolling out "Green Events" at all Continental Europe JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts and Courtyard by Marriott Hotels. More... [661 views] London 2012 announces Holiday Inn as commercial partnerThe London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) announced Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express as the ‘Official Hotel Services Provider to London 2012' and a Tier Three commercial partner. More... [813 views] Thailand unveils three marketing pushes to attract business eventsThe Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has unveiled three initiatives to help boost awareness and confidence in Thailand as a dynamic business event destination. More... [586 views] Desires hotels expands and creates a new international divisionMiami based Desires Hotels reputation for success coupled with ideal market penetration strategies has brought them down a path to cross borders into new markets as they tactically launch Desires Hotels International (DHI), in turn appointing Gary L. Sims as Executive Vice President/Partner of this new division. More... [578 views] Venerable US hotel sees future is greenFrom wealthy clients who agree to have the sheets changed less often to 19th-century chandeliers using low-energy bulbs, one of Washington's oldest and most prestigious hotels is going green. More... [484 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 2, 2009Meet Peter Barge, mentor, pig farmer, trailblazerYeoh Siew Hoon gets to know the man behind the billion-dollar hotel transaction deals and finds a man who's more about people value than asset value. More... [1831 views] If everyone is special, no one is…"Green" rating tools in the hotel industry in Australia - advantages or obstacles? By Vivian Nguyen More... [1371 views] Question of the day…Why do we really do what we do?Today's challenges are very real and many of us are working to make those needed adjustments. Yet as I speak and work with people and hotel owners, I find that many of them are continuing to do things as they have always done with an expectation for a changed outcome. By Dr. John Hogan More... [728 views] Perception is realityThe role of a dedicated conference center in the post global economic crisis climate. By Eric Terry More... [680 views] STR reports U.S. hotel performance for week ending 23 May 2009The U.S. hotel industry posted declines in all three key performance measurements during the week of 17-23 May 2009, according to data from STR. More... [459 views] New national travel MONITOR reveals changes in leisure travellers’ online search behaviourWhile the percentage of leisure travelers who report making reservations online has grown more than thirty-seven percent (37%) since the year 2000, "Consumers' search behavior has changed in recent years as people have become more familiar with search technology and the number of travel planning/purchasing sites has grown exponentially," said Peter C. Yesawich, chairman and CEO of Ypartnership. More... [581 views] Wyndham hotel group integrates Hawthorn suites with Wyndham hotels and resorts brandMore than 350 owners, managers and staff attending the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts conference last week heard new brand President Jeff Wagoner announce that the brand's footprint would be expanded by affiliating it with the midscale extended-stay Hawthorn Suites® brand. More... [810 views] Australian Event Awards gathers momentum as industry leaders join the Industry Judging PanelWith entries for the 2009 Australian Event Awards opening today, the co-chairs of the judges have announced the big names and experts in Australian events joining the independent Industry Judging Panel. More... [444 views] Global hotel slump persists; NYC rates drop 25%Hotel performance results for April, released by Smith Travel Research, illustrated the global nature of the economic downturn, with all four major regions-the Americas, Europe, Asia/Pacific and Middle East/Africa-showing double-digit percentage decreases in occupancy and revenue per available room and RevPAR in many markets plummeting by 30 percent or more. More... [577 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 1, 2009STR Global posts April 2009 results for Asia/Pacific regionHotels in the Asia/Pacific region reported double-digit decreases when reported in U.S. dollars for all three key performance metrics for April 2009, according to data compiled by STR Global. More... [1213 views] STR Global posts Americas performance results for April 2009The Americas region reported declines in all three key performance metrics when reported in U.S. dollars for April 2009, according to data compiled by STR and STR Global. More... [755 views] STR Global posts April 2009 results for EuropeThe European hotel industry reported mixed year-over-year results when reported in U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds for April 2009, according to data compiled by STR Global. More... [939 views] STR Global posts Middle East/Africa April 2009 resultsThe Middle East/Africa region reported declines in all three key measurements in year-over-year results when reported in U.S. dollars for April 2009, according to data compiled by STR Global. More... [684 views] Hospitality Lawyer Insights from MTM: #13. REITs and other institutional investorsHere is the latest in the Hospitality Lawyer Insights series on some of the most critical issues of our day.#13. REITs and other institutional investor. By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers More... [459 views] Gradigio's summer season marketing tips for hotelsEvery summer I come back to Northern Michigan to spend a few months at my summer home here. The nature is beautiful, the Great Lakes are gorgeous, and there's no place on earth I'd rather be for those few months. But when summer ends, the communities around the lake nearly become ghost towns. It's amazing what happens in just a few weeks. Maybe your town experiences the same thing, and the summer tourist season is critical for your hotel's financial success. You need a way to make the most of the next few months from a marketing perspective. By Josiah Mackenzie More... [452 views] Hoteliers and passionate travelers suggest a rebound is nearIn April 2009, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. engaged Market Metrix, the leader in feedback solutions for the hospitality industry, to conduct two surveys to gauge the views and behaviors of its hoteliers and consumers during the current economic downturn. The resulting white paper, authored by Market Metrix Co-Founder and Vice President of Research, Dr. Jonathan Barsky, provides interesting insights from around the world, and draws five, significant conclusions that help us understand the marketplace, and the industry's future. More... [1389 views] Sage advice for wannabe hoteliersGeneral Managers and Hotel Owners who met for a recent Operations Career Track Advisory Board Meeting hosted by the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI) had sage advice for the Masters of Management in Hospitality (MMH) students - be passionate, with strong people skills in order to succeed in the hospitality industry. More... [727 views] Tripadvisor is taking care of business with first-of-its-kind business hotel popularity index and innovative business travel centerThe U.S. corporate travel market was estimated to be a $101 billion market in 2008 according to PhoCusWright and 52 percent of respondents to a 2008 TripAdvisor survey said they travel for business at least 1-2 times a year. TripAdvisor is addressing this market demand with the Business Travel Center. More... [1510 views] 
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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: June 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 30, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 29, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 26, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 25, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 24, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 23, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 22, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 19, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 18, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 17, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 16, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 15, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 12, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 11, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 10, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 9, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 8, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 5, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 4, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 3, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 2, 2009Global Hospitality Newsletter: June 1, 2009
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