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Hotel News in Brief

Oct 02, 12 | 12:09 am

Some current conversation starters...

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced on Thursday a multi-use waterfront development in Staten Island that will include a 200-room hotel and the world's tallest Ferris wheel.

The New York Wheel will be built just to the north of the ballpark and be 625 ft (190 m) tall, which is 84 ft (25 m) higher than the Singapore Flyer, currently the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It will also be taller than the planned High Roller wheel for the Las Vegas Strip, which is set to rise to 550 ft (157 m). "The New York Wheel will be an attraction unlike any other in New York City - even unlike any other on the planet. It will offer unparalleled and breathtaking views, and is sure to become one of the premier attractions in New York City and the latest exciting addition to our newly revitalized waterfront," said Bloomberg.

Worldhotels has honoured Kenji Shiojima, Managing Director and General Manager of Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, with its 2012 Leadership Award.

The prestigious accolade recognises outstanding hoteliers in the global network of independent hotels for "extraordinary achievements as individuals as well as leaders". It was bestowed on Mr. Shiojima at Worldhotels' annual Leadership Conference at Hotel Gray d'Albion in Cannes, France on September 20. The award follows the Japan Hotel Association paying tribute to him as ‘Hotelier of the Year in 2010. A hotelier for 30 years, Mr. Shiojima earned widespread praise and admiration for his contribution to relief efforts for victims of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake. His hotel created various avenues for donations and he personally delivered 7.5 million Yen to the Miyagi, Fukushima and Iwate prefectures. With a lifelong commitment to the Japan hotel industry, he has also served on the Leaders of General Managers Committee in Tokyo since 2010, and was Training Commissioner of the Japan Hotel Association from 1988-2007.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, received the highly coveted title of Best Business Hotel Brand in Asia-Pacific plus six other titles at the 2012 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific's 21st Travel Awards.

Regarded as one of the travel industry's most anticipated events, the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Readers' Poll is held annually, surveying its readers mainly in Asia Pacific, both frequent business and leisure travellers. For the 12th consecutive year, the title of Best Business Hotel in the World went to Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, and the title of Best Business Hotel in Manila went to Makati Shangri-La, Manila. Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong won Best Business Hotel in Asia Pacific and in Hong Kong; Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen and Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai each won the Best Business Hotel awards in their respective cities. "We are honoured and delighted that Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has been named Best Business Hotel Brand in Asia-Pacific for the 12th year running and we would like to sincerely thank our guests and the readers of Business Traveller for their support. We will continue to offer our distinct brand of hospitality from the heart to guests from all around the world," said Greg Dogan, president and chief executive officer of Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd.

Key Appointments in the Industry

Congratulations to these new appointments...

Fairmont Raffles Hotels International today announced the appointment of Wayne Taylor as executive vice president, global development.  In this senior management role, Taylor will be responsible for the growth objectives of the company, a mandate that includes signing new hotel management agreements, successfully opening new builds, transitioning and re-flagging acquisitions, and strengthening the company's overall position as a global leader in the hotel marketplace. He'll also look to build on the company's 2012 momentum, which has already seen FRHI sign, open or acquire a number of hotels including the Swissôtel Resort Phuket; Swissôtel Grand Mumbai; Swissôtel Dresden Am Schlos; Swissôtel Chengdu; Swissôtel Jadaf Dubai; Fairmont Austin, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa; Fairmont Ajman; Fairmont Jaipur; Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv; and Fairmont Heritage Place, El Corazon.  Most recently, Taylor served as the company's senior vice president for hotel transactions. Prior to this, he was the vice president of development at Delta Hotels & Resorts and also held a number of operational and senior management positions with the Canadian-based hotel group.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group today announced the appointment of Franck Courmont as general counsel, Asia Pacific with effect on November 1. Based in Singapore, Franck will report directly to Simon Barlow, president for Asia Pacific. Prior to this appointment, Franck was vice president, legal, at Rezidor Hotel Group in Brussels for seven years. At Rezidor, Franck successfully negotiated more than 100 management agreements and licences for Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson and Hotel Missoni in EMEA. He was also responsible for setting up and managing joint ventures for real estate investments in emerging markets. He has 20 years of legal experience and has previously held positions including global head of legal at AXA Investment Managers and legal team leader at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, based in London. He also worked at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher; White & Case; as well as Arthur Andersen International in Paris.

The Latest in Hotel Openings

Best Western International - the World's Largest Hotel Chain® - is expanding its beach resort portfolio with the launch of a new hotel on the tropical Thai island of Phuket. Located just a few minutes' walk from the golden sands of Patong Beach - Phuket's most popular tourist area - the new resort is sure to be a hit with the increasing number of leisure travelers and family groups to this exotic island. This Patong project will join the midscale BEST WESTERN collection and become the chain's fourth property in Phuket, cementing the company's position as a leader in the island's mid- to upscale market. It will also become the 18th addition to Best Western's fast-expanding Thailand portfolio.

Hilton Worldwide has announced that it has signed a management agreement with Carvalho Hosken Hotelaria Ltda. for the 298-room new-build Hilton Barra, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil - Hilton Worldwide's first hotel in Rio de Janeiro. The project, currently under construction, is expected to open in June 2014 and will provide travellers a new place to stay during the 2016 Summer Olympics. "Hilton Hotels & Resorts is experiencing a period of tremendous global growth and this project brings our name to one of the most important cities in Latin America," said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "As one of the most visited cities in South America and the upcoming 2016 Summer Games, Rio is a major market for international travel and key to our presence in South America."

Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, the first ever upscale hotel in Tseung Kwan O, has opened its doors to welcome guests from all over the world. This iconic hotel built alongside the PopCorn shopping complex in Tseung Kwan O, is a stylish addition to the Hong Kong skyline. Situated at a prime location, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East is accessible by MTR and only minute's drive from Hong Kong's famed shopping and leisure venues, 20 minutes from Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), and a short 45-minute drive from Hong Kong International Airport. Positioning itself as a hotel for "Strivers", Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East creates a refreshing hotel experience and a home away from home concept to business travellers who are looking at "Travelling for Success". The modern architecture, creative dining experiences, fancy ballrooms and new service hallmarks would make any traveller feel at home instantly.