News Archive Search
ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: May 2006
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 31, 2006
No longer content to rely on a clerk's smile and a comfy bed, hotel chains are now counting on signature scents to bring guests back. Omni spreads the scent of lemongrass and green tea in hotel lobbies of its 40 North American hotels. Starwood Hotels has been working for about seven months to roll out lobby scents in about 600 hotels By Barbara De Lollis, USA TODAY
More... [1797 views]
Don’t you just love it when an underdog wins the day? Yeoh Siew Hoon explains.
More... [1088 views]
How long does it take to prove loyalty to a company, and how often must it be reproven? For most companies, the answers are a year and annually. Loyalty, however, is not an annual idea. Today, we'll look at how several industries shoot themselves in the foot by forcing users to prove their loyalty on the company's fiscal schedule rather than on the user's own schedule and long-term behavior. By Jack Aaronson
More... [1031 views]
Arabian Travel Market 2006 – the 13th in the annual series of the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event – attracted a record number of trade buyers from 99 countries to the Dubai World Trade Centre – with total numbers up 10% on last year’s figures to reach an all-time high of nearly 11,674. ATM 2006 was attended by 974 media – up 29% - with nearly a third travelling from overseas.
More... [583 views]
Downtown hotels are seeing the awarding of Singapore's first integrated resort project to Sands of Las Vegas as an opportunity rather than as competition.
More... [800 views]
Berthia Parle, MBE, President, and Alec Sanguinetti, Director General of the Caribbean Hotel Association, were on hand in Aruba to officially announce the selection of the island as the site for the 2007 edition of Caribbean Marketplace, the largest trade event showcasing Caribbean travel products and services. The event will take place January 14-16, 2007.
More... [545 views]
Accor’s largest-ever expansion of the Sofitel brand in China racked up another impressive achievement, officially opening two hotels in Nanjing, Sofitel Galaxy Nanjing and Sofitel Zhongshan Golf & Resort – on the same day. This amazing milestone marks the first time anywhere in the world that Accor has launched two Sofitel hotels on the same day in the same city.
More... [689 views]
Some of Norway's biggest hotel operators are mulling new hotel projects in Oslo, after learning the city will host the Nordic World Championships in 2011.
More... [566 views]
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) provided a glimpse of the technologies to be featured in its GUESTROOM 2010 prototype hotel room and adjacent pavilion. The display will debut next month at HITEC (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference) 2006, June 19-22 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
More... [772 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 30, 2006
Billionaires own stocks, bonds, real estate and art. Many also have their own collectible cars, mega-yachts and private planes. And some own hotels. Nice ones. Hotels come in handy, and they can quickly increase in worth. Ten years ago, for instance, Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud paid $150 million for the Four Seasons George V in Paris. A recent independent valuation now pegs it at $750 million. By Suzanne Hoppough, Forbes.com
More... [2584 views]
"It's over for design hotels," says Ian Schrager, the man who invented them. "What once was the exception is now the general rule. It doesn't interest me anymore. I have taken it as far as it can go. This for me is a new beginning. Im trying to change the game again."
More... [1635 views]
In my 30-plus years in this industry, I’ve occasionally seen the issue of unethical behavior rear its ugly head. In the management-company world, the unethical behavior I’ve most frequently seen is like a form of bait and switch. By Kirby Payne and Bill Gillette , HVS International
More... [1170 views]
The year 2005 marked the most profitable year ever (in absolute dollars) for the US Hotel Industry. Based on statistics compiled by Smith Travel Research (STR), the industry generated some $122.7 billion in revenues and $22.6 billion in profits last year.
More... [1168 views]
An increase in demand for rooms in Eastern Europe has boosted the hotel investment market in the last couple of years. Last year saw a massive € 500 million transacted in hotel deals across the region up from €285 million in 2004. “With a massive influx of foreign visitors, an increase in low cost airlines and the expansion of the EU; Eastern Europe has been placed firmly on the map for hotel investors”, said Christophe Härle, Head of CEE for Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels.
More... [785 views]
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to List Over US$100,000 Worth of Luxury Travel Experiences in Charity Auction
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is to launch a global eBay charity auction to benefit Care for Children on June 7, 2006 at 7 AM
More... [602 views]
Poor weather at home will help drive 2.1m UK travellers abroad this bank holiday weekend, reports ABTA. The association said numbers would be boosted by the fact that many school half-term breaks coincide with the bank holiday.
More... [517 views]
Local hotels are more cautious on expanding despite their overseas rivals' aggressive expansion in the top end of the hotel market in Shanghai, which saw an average 80 percent room occupancy rate.
More... [754 views]
Three businessmen from Perm have created a national hotel chain, Amaks Grand Hotels, which operates 13 hotels across Russia. While competitors discount the hotels as outdated, the properties nevertheless bring in a 20 percent annual profit -- not bad for regions in which more than half of the hotels are only breaking even, experts said.
More... [599 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 29, 2006
Do you remember the final scene in the film Jerry Maguire, where Jerry (Tom Cruise) desperately implores his wife Dorothy (Renee Zellweger) to give their relationship another chance? He goes on and on for about five minutes, until she finally tells him to shut up, because he had her “at hello.” In order to attain high guest satisfaction scores and customer loyalty, we have to have our guests “at hello.” By Mark Hamister
More... [1739 views]
The conventional wisdom says that China is the biggest story of our time. Now, as India goes through a similar process characterized by historically high rates of growth and further integration into the global economy, it appears that the path it follows will influence the global economy and business environment. Perhaps, then, India is the next big story.
More... [1090 views]
Television sets in hotel bathrooms aren't unusual fixtures. But now you can watch a TV that's embedded in the bathroom mirror. Rooms and suites at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Mass., have just been equipped with the cutting-edge "TV in the mirror" technology. Point the remote at the mirror, and you can catch up on the news or a favorite show while shaving or brushing your teeth. By Kitty Bean Yancey, USA TODAY
More... [1064 views]
Russia has not quite overcome its Soviet-era reputation for musty hotels with surly staff who are convinced that the customer is always wrong. But several firms are investing heavily to counter the notion that Russian-operated hotels are badly operated hotels.
More... [683 views]
Stephen F. Bollenbach, co-chairman and CEO of Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Roberto E. Wirth, president and general manager of Hassler Roma S.P.A., will be the keynote speakers at the fourth annual International Hotel Conference, to be held at the Cavalieri Hilton in Rome, Italy, on October 11-13, 2006.
More... [764 views]
Greg Champion, an accomplished hospitality executive with more than 25 years of luxury hotel experience, has been named president of Noble House Hotels & Resorts, a privately held real estate development company which owns and manages 12 boutique resorts across the country.
More... [675 views]
Le Gulf Meridien, Al Khobar, opened its doors for guests in 1981, with a commitment to provide the highest international standards of comfort and service. On 28th May the Hotel is proudly completing 25years of successful operation .
More... [602 views]
The Singapore Government announced late Friday that it will award the project to develop the Integrated Resort (IR) at Marina Bay to Las Vegas Sands Corporation (“Sands”).
More... [936 views]
Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group, LLC, the leader in the fast growing boutique/lifestyle hotel segment, today named its president, Michael A. Depatie, 49, to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2006.
More... [657 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 26, 2006
Yeoh Siew Hoon follows a panel discussion at the recent Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' Investment Conference in Singapore.
More... [1279 views]
There are many traits and techniques to being a better manager, as well as management philosophies (just visit your local bookstore), and a better GM specifically. I want to focus on seven key areas that can help you run a better hotel. Ideally, you should pass this article on to your Department Heads and supervisors also, as a large part of your job is to instill these traits in your management and staff. By Bruce Wienberg, CHA
More... [3549 views]
It used to be petrodollars that excited the economies of Middle East countries – but today it’s tourism. The region is the fourth most visited place in the world, its air passenger traffic is growing faster than anywhere else, and Dubai – the powerhouse of the Gulf – is said to be the fastest growing city.
More... [889 views]
Aside from occasional ceremonial public andwringing, the hospitality industry seems to have accepted the vexing problem of turnover as a cost of doing business. With a solid calculation of the cost of that turnover, however, two Cornell researchers suggest that the industry might renew its interest in reducing turnover costs.
More... [1155 views]
U.S. hotels were able to turn a healthy 8.8 percent rise in total revenue into an impressive 15.5 percent increase in profits according to the recently released 2006 edition of Trends in the Hotel Industry published by PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR), an affiliate of PKF Consulting. This marks the second consecutive year of double-digit profit growth for U.S. hotels. However, expenses continue to escalate at a level more than twice the rate of inflation, causing concern for hotel owners and operators.
More... [814 views]
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Steven J. Heyer and other members of the Company’s senior management team presented Starwood’s business strategy and brand positionings during its first-ever Media Summit held and Investor Day held in New York City. The Company also provided its financial outlook during the Investor Day.
More... [3482 views]
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) today announced that Malcolm Thompson has accepted the position of general manager of The Peninsula Tokyo which will open in 2007. He will join the company in mid-June 2006, based initially in Hong Kong before moving to Tokyo in September to begin steering the hotel's pre-opening activities.
More... [1237 views]
Happy 100th Birthday to The Ritz London! The Ritz has undergone a complete re-furbishment over the past decade and truly looks better than ever, proving that some things only improve with time
More... [789 views]
TravelCLICK's eMonitor results for the first quarter of 2006 show that worldwide electronic hotel revenue from the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and key Internet sites combined was up 12.9%.
More... [607 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 25, 2006
You spend almost as much time with your boss as your sweetie, and finding the right match at work is nearly as important to your happiness as finding the right mate. But finding the right boss isn't a matter of the heart. It's a cold calculation, matching your skills and ambition with the prospects and demands of a new job against the new honcho's management style. Landing the right job requires asking the right questions during the interview and picking up on the office vibe.
More... [2024 views]
Following rapid and substantial growth and leading the way for further expansion, Ian Schrager Company (ISC) announced today the appointment of Mitchell C. Hochberg as President and Chief Operating Officer.
More... [1054 views]
The 6th Australia New Zealand & Pacific Hotel Investment Conference (ANZPHIC) to be held in Sydney from 21-22 June 2006 has received strong interest according to specialist hotel and tourism management consultants Horwath Asia Pacific Ltd director Terry Ngan. Over 400 attended last year including 30 attendees from New Zealand, which Terry Ngan estimates could be exceeded in 2006. Horwath Asia Pacific is one of the three hosts of ANZPHIC.
More... [620 views]
Many hoteliers today agree that the only way to really measure the effectiveness a hotel web site is to track the number of reservations being generated from it. For those of you who are still satisfied with simply knowing how many visitors your site gets, you may be missing the big picture. More visitors don’t necessarily mean you are getting more reservations. By Neil Salerno
More... [2104 views]
After a strong first quarter, the April performance figures for regional hotels were a slight dampener and London room rates dropped, according to the latest figures from PKF hotel consultancy services.
More... [592 views]
InterContinental Hotels Groups’ Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands continue to lead their segments
As reported in the IHG Plc. full year results (to March 31, 2006) stock exchange announcement issued on May 16th, InterContinental Hotels Group, (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms continues to be the company to watch, reporting phenomenal growth momentum around its Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express brands.
More... [674 views]
InterContinental Hotels Group announces addition of Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts' largest indoor waterpark
InterContinental Hotels Group, the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announces its latest indoor water park addition to the Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts portfolio, in Columbus, Ohio. Themed “Fort Rapids,” this 60,000 sq.-ft. indoor waterpark is the largest of the eleven Holiday Inn Indoor Waterparks currently open across the Midwestern U.S., with several more in the pipeline.
More... [642 views]
Accor builds hotel network in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Macau and Qingyuan; partners with China Southern Airlines; and launches a new reservations centre in Guangzhou Accor is targeting the Pearl River Delta, aiming to double its hotel presence in China’s southern economic power-zone.
More... [609 views]
Golden Tulip UK, the hotel development and operating company, has significantly boosted its presence in the hotel sector with the acquisition of four further sites for its Tulip Inn brand.
More... [651 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 24, 2006
Call it the privacy premium.
More... [2060 views]
Selling the assets made their companies more focused - Chief executives of global hotel chains yesterday defended a recent and potentially troubling trend - the way hotel operators have been selling off their assets to focus on management. The largest such sale last year from this part of the world came from Raffles Holdings, which sold US$1.1 billion worth of hotel assets to US-based Colony Capital.
More... [887 views]
Historically high fuel prices are expected to have a negative impact on summer travel and are accompanied by broader economic concerns for many Americans. The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) forecasts travel volume growth of less than 1 percent this year amid relatively soft travel intentions.
More... [550 views]
Europe could receive more American travelers this year than the record 13.12 million set in 2000. In an upward trajectory since 2003, US arrivals in Europe climbed past 12 million, to 12.6 million in 2005 -- four percentage points from 2000, surpassing the European Travel Commission's projected 12.4 million.
More... [1011 views]
Beijing will build 110 star hotels to cope with the demand for accommodation during the 2008 Olympic Games. "The planned 110 hotels will range from one star to five stars, with a majority of them targeting high-end guests," Du Jiang, director of Beijing Tourism Bureau, said at a seminar on economy hotels last Friday.
More... [1183 views]
Hilton Latin America Launches Major Makeover - Unveils $10 Million in Renovations, New Hotels, Expansion Plans
Hilton Latin America continues to set a standard for growth, with a $10 million makeover, new hotels in Nicaragua and Honduras, and development plans in Argentina.
More... [551 views]
Dutch hotel major Golden Tulip Hospitality Group will soon set up its Golden Tulip brand of hotels in India. Golden Tulip Southern Asia (GTSA), a joint venture between Golden Tulip Hospitality Group and US-based Leyland Group, will set up 50 hotels across 40 cities in the region.
More... [763 views]
The biggest challenge facing the Middle East tourism industry today is not the number of rooms occupied but how much tourists spend outside their hotels each day, according to Salem Bin Dasmal, CEO of Dubailand, a member of Tatweer.
More... [684 views]
Now through July 31, all Wyndham(R) guests who book online and stay at any Wyndham hotel, can receive a free Motorola i836 walkie-talkie GPS-enabled cell phone.* Wyndham ByRequest(R) members will automatically be eligible to receive the offer whether booking online or staying at a Wyndham property.
More... [574 views]
InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific plans to manage four new hotels in Thailand by 2008, as well as introducing its "convenience-segment" brand "Express by Holiday Inn". Group to manage four new hotels by 2008; also expanding in Vietnam, Pakistan
More... [767 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 23, 2006
WOW.travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com) edited by edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensations for Staying Solo.....
More... [1386 views]
Hoteliers’ lack of attention to technology details can lead to significant amounts of lost revenue.
More... [2104 views]
Active Hotels, a leading online hotel reservations company (part of priceline.com), has carried out an extensive survey on room rates per country, in conjunction with its sister company Bookings. Based on hotel reservations processed through both sites, this survey highlights key trends in room rates booked online in six major European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and United Kingdom).
More... [668 views]
Hotel-investment services firm Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels reports that Thailand, in particular Phuket, Hua Hin and Bangkok, continues to be one of Asia's most active hotel-investment markets in 2006, lifted by strong inbound arrivals and national tourism promotions.
More... [839 views]
Room rates are rising and the problem is expected to peak in September when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank roll into town.
More... [744 views]
San Francisco Selected for Starwood’s First New Le Méridien Hotel In North America Since Acquiring the Brand
Starwood Hotels & Resorts and HEI Hospitality announced today that the Park Hyatt Hotel at 333 Battery Street in San Francisco has become a Le Méridien Hotel. According to the terms of the franchise agreement, the hotel will be managed by Merritt Hospitality, a division of hotel owner HEI Hospitality. Starwood acquired Le Méridien in November of 2005 and has announced plans for the aggressive expansion of the brand.
More... [570 views]
Visitors to Asia Pacific spent more on their Visa cards than ever in 2005, injecting US$23.7 billion into the region’s tourism industry, representing a 17% increase over 2004. According to a new Visa Asia Pacific tourism spending report, the biggest increase in tourist spending was in China, where Visa cardholders spent $636 million more last year than they did in 2004.
More... [456 views]
The emergence of the condominium hotel sector is becoming ever more apparent, in the European hotel investment landscape. This alternative investment vehicle is already well established in the US and Asia and is set to become a part of the European hotel scene.
More... [953 views]
The Regent Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, has set a new standard for luxury hotels, spending 30 million dollars on an extreme hotel makeover. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, this hotel is located at one of the world's most famous intersections -- Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard.
More... [914 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 22, 2006
Now that I have come down (slightly) to earth after my trip to Dubai, I am seeing things less through rose-coloured glasses but through sand-covered ones.
More... [1371 views]
Combine what you know with who you know and you have an excellent shot at landing that dream job. It's the updated version of "The Old Boy Network" with a nifty high-tech name: networking. But you don't have to be a snooty Boston blue blood to plug into what many believe is the best way to find a job.
More... [1602 views]
Canada's hotel operators have a positive outlook for the second quarter, despite concerns over labour shortages. Almost one in three hoteliers, or 32 per cent, told Statistics Canada they are experiencing a shortage of unskilled labour.
More... [665 views]
The UK hotel industry is expecting both higher occupancy and higher room rates in the current year, according to a survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting.
More... [664 views]
David Michels, the former chief executive of Hilton Group, has approached City institutions with a view to raising about £1 billion to invest in European hotel properties, The Times has learnt. Mr Michels, who stepped down after the £3.3 billion sale of the company’s hotel business to Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) of America, is understood to have hired Citigroup as his financial adviser.
More... [966 views]
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has announced it is to dispose of its Great Southern Hotels Group (GSHG) portfolio which industry sources estimate is worth around €170 million.
More... [635 views]
Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG takes over the management of the 400-room Dream Castle Hotel in Marne la Vallée, Chessy effective June 1, 2006. With the addition of the Dream Castle Hotel, Vienna International expands its portfolio to a total of 23 hotels in 7 countries.
More... [787 views]
Following the Le Meridien brand acquisition in late 2005, Starwood operations in the Middle East have experienced phenomenal growth, doubling its portfolio from 25 to 48 hotels.
More... [849 views]
Radisson SAS Hotels and Resorts recently re-launched its Business Class and Royal Club room concept, offered at over 180 Radisson SAS hotels and resorts in 45 countries.
More... [700 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 19, 2006
Prestigious accolade a tribute to Mr. Angelini’s achievements in and dedication to the Asia Pacific hotel industry as well as commitment to excellence Singapore, 18 May 2006 – Mr. Giovanni Angelini, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, is named “Asia Pacific Hotelier of 2005” at the 9th Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference hosted by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels at The Ritz- Carlton Millenia Singapore.
More... [1023 views]
Giovanni Angelini, JLL’s Asia Pacific Hotelier of the Year, speaks to Yeoh Siew Hoon about his concerns for the industry and shares the Shangri-La story.
More... [1425 views]
Yesterday morning’s Asia-Pacific Hotel Investment Conference in Singapore organised by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels ended on a high note, with the mood for hotel investment in the region clearly upbeat and owners reportedly happier with their hotels’ current performance than ever. By Raini Hamdi
More... [678 views]
Hiring is always dicey. Get it wrong and, at best, you're stuck with a turkey. At worst, you face the turmoil and expense of firing the loser. In an effort to improve the chances of making a good match, many employers require prospective hires to take a battery of tests to assess job-related skills and suitability for the task. By Scott Reeves, Forbes.com
More... [1217 views]
Grupo Barcelo, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, today announced the formation of a new company within its portfolio: Playa Hotels & Resorts, S.L. (Playa). Playa will focus on the acquisition and development of all-inclusive beachfront resorts in Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. To date, Playa has raised more than $580 million in equity funding commitments from a small group of international institutional investors, including Barcelo, Merrill Lynch Global Principal Investments and Marathon Asset Management.
More... [763 views]
Sri Lanka's leisure industry greeted record 54,746 visitors in March, as key western countries warned nationals to avoid traveling to the north east of the country as violence intensified in the region.
More... [748 views]
Marco Polo Hotels, one of Asia’s most distinctive hospitality brands, is rolling out an enhanced corporate identity in celebration of its 20th years of establishment. The new look is part of the hotel group’s aggressive growth plans in strengthening the brand presence in the Asia Pacific region.
More... [835 views]
Ministerial Roundtable on Asia-Pacific Tourism Policies, the 44th Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is organizing its first Ministerial Roundtable on Asia-Pacific Tourism Policies in Macao, China, to precede the 44th Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the 48th Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for South Asia. These events, scheduled to take place from 13 -15 June 2006, will play a significant role in steering the course of Asia's future tourism activities.
More... [470 views]
A constellation of the brightest talents and outstanding properties from InterContinental Sydney and Crowne Plaza hotels across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory were lauded at Australian Hotel Association (AHA) Regional Awards over the weekend.
More... [725 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 18, 2006
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC tried to play down recent takeover speculation in the company, but acknowledged that its shift to a broadly-based management and franchised hotels operator could prove attractive to a private equity buyer or other franchised hotel operators.
More... [1356 views]
Intercontinental Hotels Group Tuesday posted a 40% rise in underlying first-quarter profit and said the outlook for the rest of the year was positive. The company - which operates the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotel brands - said that operating profit from continuing operations rose to GBP42 million in the three months to March 31 from GBP30 million last year.
More... [647 views]
Tipping Versus Service Charges - Cornell Professor Suggests Hospitality Operators Reconsider Tipping Policies
Although voluntary tipping seems to be the rule for service businesses, several operators have shaken up their industries by dropping voluntary tipping. For instance, the restaurant business took notice last year when Thomas Keller instituted an automatic 20-percent service charge at his Per Se restaurant in New York. One year earlier, Holland America rocked the boat by eliminating its longstanding tipping policy in favor of daily service charges.
More... [1257 views]
Hotels throughout the Middle East have recorded a world-beating 21 per cent growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) last year, contributing to buoyant market confidence as some investors and owners enjoy a return on investment (ROI) in just five years, according to a recent Deloitte survey.
More... [621 views]
Some hotel companies are pushing toward a dynamic pricing model for 2007 negotiations, leaving many corporate travel buyers perplexed and angered at the prospect of revamping hotel programs to account for fluctuating rates that may be higher than fixed, negotiated prices and tougher to estimate and budget.
More... [1068 views]
The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record, with devastation and destruction from hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma costing more than $107 billion dollars. In response, Accor North America (Accor NA), one of the largest hotel chain owner-operators in North America, recently organized a hurricane summit at their corporate headquarters in Carrollton, Texas.
More... [510 views]
Amari Hotels and Resorts has appointed Mr. Christian Lueke as the new ‘Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing’ for the group.
More... [871 views]
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates announced the appointment of Michael Henssler, an 18-year veteran of the hospitality industry, as General Manager. Before coming to Dubai, Henssler spent two years in the same post at the Kempinski Julai’a Hotel and Resort in Kuwait, successfully leading the luxury property to become one of the most sought-after resort destinations in the region.
More... [772 views]
In an effort to provide an easy and uniquely tailored online experience for travel agents, the Hilton Family of Hotels has launched a new travel agent information and booking portal, available at www.hiltontravelagents.com.
More... [1069 views]
The UAE capital Abu Dhabi is to get a new contemporary five-star coastal landmark – The Emirates Pearl – a joint venture project between Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the company charged with leveraging the tourism assets of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), and the Atlas Group, a leading telecommunications company in the UAE.
More... [735 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 17, 2006
A handful of independent hotels provide long-term lodging, but there are only two extended-stay hotels affiliated with national brands: Extended Stay America near LaGuardia Airport in Queens, which opened in 2001, and Residence Inn by Marriott in Manhattan at 1033 Sixth Avenue, near 38th and 39th Streets, which opened in January. By Alison Gregor, The New York Times
More... [608 views]
Travel management companies and hoteliers need to work together 'in partnerships which share common objectives in a progressive manner that will exceed customer expectations, profitably'.
More... [1155 views]
“The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action” - Mr. Bernard Micallef, the General Manager of the Yalta- Intourist hotel the one considered to be the biggest hotel in Ukraine chose this slogan for the organized courses for the middle and top management of the hotel.
More... [910 views]
Asia's venerable luxury hotels such as the Peninsula Hong Kong and the Oriental, Bangkok are perennially ranked among the world's best. But these classics are just a drop in the bucket of a luxury lodging boom across Asia. Travel and tourism in China are growing, and with its capital, Beijing, preparing to host the 2008 Olympics, the city is scrambling to upgrade service and room inventory. By Larry Olmsted, USA Today
More... [771 views]
A German hotel owner who charges guests according to their weight defended himself Thursday against accusations he was discriminating against fat people. Juergen Heckrodt said the 50 cents ($0.64 cent) per kg rate he charges for his Hotel Ostfriesland is competitive for local three-star hotels and added there is a 74-euro ($94) limit for a double room for those who refuse to get on the scale.
More... [1105 views]
In her new role, Baker will lead the company-wide Diversity Center of Expertise (COE) and report to Jim Porter, Carlson's executive vice president of
human resources. Baker will become a member of the Carlson Human Resources Leadership Council and continue to serve on the Diversity Advisory
Team and Multi-Cultural Committee.
More... [577 views]
Raffles Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Peter Lloyd Wynne as General Manager of the legendary Raffles Beijing Hotel.
More... [1012 views]
Reciva Limited, the Internet Radio and Digital Media Player company, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH), owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels, to introduce Reciva Internet Radio products into the company's hotels.
More... [637 views]
The idea behind EMMA was not just the creation of a mascot”, said Denis Richter, Executive Assistant Manager of Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai. “ EMMA is here to make an impact. To create memories and to ensure that our young customers are having a good time, during a hotel stay or at our Friday Family Brunch.
More... [766 views]
As part of continued efforts to provide its guests with the utmost in luxury hotel accommodation and the most efficient business services, Le Meridien Dubai has today announced the unveiling of an exclusive new room category. The 50 Art+Tech rooms at the hotel are targeted at business travellers and, with cutting edge décor, feature a range of specifically tailored facilities such as a 34 inch LCD television with Laptop connectivity; Espresso, Tea and Coffee making machine as well as a dedicated work area, which includes a specially designed desk with plug in Data Port and wireless Internet access.
More... [745 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 16, 2006
Being one of the judges for the DEPA Middle East Hotel Awards last week was an eye-opening experience for Yeoh Siew Hoon.
More... [1063 views]
Looking around the world, with only a few exceptions, it appears the hotel industry is doing very well. Global travel is up, particulary from some of the emerging markets as India and China. By Steve Rushmore, HVS
More... [865 views]
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced today a major victory in an arbitration relating to the ownership and management of two Westin hotels. A three-member arbitration panel issued a unanimous ruling on April 28, finding that Starwood and Westin Hotels Limited Partnership ("WHLP") had prevailed in a 17-month long arbitration proceeding and were not liable for any portion of the more than $200 million Kalmia Investors, LLC ("Kalmia") alleged as damages to the WHLP partnership in which it is an investor.
More... [901 views]
Here's an urban myth that refuses to die: Hotel card keys are gold mines for identity thieves, who extract credit card numbers and other personal nuggets from them.
More... [1168 views]
In this article, we take a look at the impact on hotel values during a time when the hospitality industry in India is expected to deliver results that would qualify as the best performance in a decade! By Siddharth Thaker, HVS
More... [693 views]
InterContinental Hotels Group to deliver 1000 new luxury hotel rooms at the Festival City Development in Dubai
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the world’s most global hotel company, will be enriching its service and product offering within the United Arab Emirates with three key new properties at Dubai Festival City due to open in the first quarter of 2007.
More... [792 views]
The members of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) will convene at the annual Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference, better known as CHIC 2006, to be held June 25-28, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency Miami, in Florida, in association with American Express. The agenda of the four-day conference will be in tune with CHA’s mission to optimize the full potential of the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry. To that end, sessions will focus on strategic approaches for the Caribbean hotel sector to respond to the global tourism challenge.
More... [586 views]
There's a new twist on turndown amenities that's sweeter than the tastiest pillow mint. It's a turndown card entitled "A Good Night from YogaAway," directing travelers to a complimentary 11-minute relaxation video available on their in-room television via On Command. The "Good Night from YogaAway" service begins in May 2006 at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.
More... [1073 views]
Accor Asia Pacific's Sydney office has recently taken over complete control from Paris, of all operations, for its six flagship hotels in French Polynesia.
More... [802 views]
The newly designed corporate website is engineered to provide all visitors up to date services, promotions, corporate and hotel information, and news.
More... [660 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 15, 2006
A hotel web site should be an ever-changing work in progress; Keep your web site current, updated, and compatible with new search engine and web design technology; “If it ain’t broke…break it”. Don’t wait until your site eventually breaks itself and becomes dysfunctional; by that time, you’ve lost business. By: Neil Salerno
More... [1145 views]
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. today announced that the previously announced Plan of Arrangement has been completed and all of Fairmont’s outstanding common shares have been acquired by a company owned by affiliates of Kingdom Hotels International and Colony Capital. Under the terms of the Plan of Arrangement, the Company’s shareholders will receive US$45.00 in cash for each Fairmont common share held. With the completion of the transaction, the Fairmont and Raffles’ portfolios will now be combined, transforming the companies into a global hotel leader headquartered in Toronto, with 120 hotels in 23 countries under four brands (Fairmont, Raffles, Swissôtel and Delta).
More... [925 views]
Across the Middle East, hotel owners are finding ways of squeezing returns to management companies and continue to exert considerable control over the operation of their hotels. Owners are getting better at negotiating ways of saving money and this is reflected in management contracts which have an increasing emphasis on incentive fees, shorter contract periods, fewer renewal options and demanding performance clauses.
More... [1574 views]
What is the love affair Americans have with coffee? Everybody wants a cup of it and it is a part of our corporate culture. How is the hospitality industry responding to this? By Kison Patel & Robin Trehan
More... [970 views]
Leading online accommodation provider, HotelClub (HotelClub.com.au) in conjunction with Getaway and ninemsn, have announced today the winners for the Inaugural HotelClub Australia and New Zealand (including Pacific Islands) Hotel Awards.
More... [707 views]
The senior management team of Davidson Hotel Co. has bought the company from owner Wilton Davidson 'Chick' Hill. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, and the new owners say the transaction was actually finalized at the first of the year. Davidson Hotel Co. ranks among the largest private companies in Memphis, with 2004 revenues of $209 million. The company is the 12th largest independent hotel management firm in the U.S.
More... [649 views]
The Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will tap into the burgeoning China market with plans to roll out the bulk of its 40 new hotels there over the next four years. Shangri-La, which now operates 47 hotels across the world, will open two-thirds of the 40 new hotels in China and India.
More... [1021 views]
Conversion a Key Move in Starwood's Aggressive Expansion of Le Méridien Properties in the U.S. and Worldwide
Starwood Hotels & Resorts and HEI Hospitality announced that the Park Hyatt Hotel at 333 Battery Street in San Francisco has become a Le Méridien Hotel. According to the terms of the franchise agreement, the hotel will be managed by Merritt Hospitality, a division of hotel owner HEI Hospitality. Starwood acquired Le Méridien in November of 2005 and has announced plans for the aggressive expansion of the brand.
More... [791 views]
Hampton, the national brand of more than 1,350 mid-priced Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites hotels, opened 14 properties in February and March, 2006-representing 1,207 new rooms. The 14 new openings include five Hampton Inn hotels and nine Hampton Inn & Suites. All openings are franchised, newly constructed hotels.
More... [625 views]
Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, the brand’s flagship Dubai property, has taken two awards at the DEPA Middle East Hotel Awards, held during Arabian Travel Market.
More... [785 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 12, 2006
Yeoh Siew Hoon wonders where all the staff to man all the hotels being built will come from.
More... [1568 views]
Increasingly intense competition, high customer expectations and retaining quality employees are challenges almost every restaurateur faces. One of the best ways to address these challenges is through consistent delivery and assessment of an employee training program.
More... [1032 views]
In this latest issue of the Deloitte Economic Review, our Economic Adviser, Roger Bootle looks at whether the UK is well placed to take advantage of the opportunities created by the strength of world demand.
More... [565 views]
Israel is an exotic mix of history, culture and luxury hotels and has a great deal to offer tourists. For the past few years, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism has been running a dynamic marketing campaign, encouraging travellers to sample the country’s blend of ancient history and attractive beach resorts, and this is now paying off.
More... [606 views]
Accor Asia Pacific announced the appointment of 5 General Manager positions for their China properties....
More... [1277 views]
Good first-quarter results for 2006 confirm that the purchase of Minotel International by Minotel Suisse at the beginning of 2005 has had a positive effect by creating a more compact structure with improved performance. Pierre Goy, the president of Minotel, says that the move has overcome problems raised by the integration of foreign hotel groups.
More... [469 views]
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is to manage a new hotel in mainland China, the Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin, scheduled to open early 2009.
More... [631 views]
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. continues its aggressive expansion in China, announcing an agreement with Shanghai Forrester (Zhabei) Development Ltd. to manage the Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning. Starwood now has 50 hotels in Greater China, 25 of which are in operation and 25 under construction. Expected to open in 2008, the newly signed Four Points by Sheraton will be the ninth Starwood hotel in Shanghai, and the sixth Four Points by Sheraton in Greater China.
More... [594 views]
Swiss-Belhotel International Limited, a Hong Kong based international hotel management company has recently signed a joint venture agreement with Alpha Tours LLC of Dubai, United Arab Emirates to set up Swiss-Belhotel International Middle East to manage international hotels in United Arab Emirates and other countries in The Middle East African, CIS regions.
More... [683 views]
One of London's prestigious Park Lane hotels has changed hands in a £105m sale to a private Middle Eastern investor.
More... [959 views]
Held at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai, Emirates Palace had an unprecedented win by scooping three platinum awards, the only hotel to achieve such an accolade in their first year of participation in the awards.
More... [741 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 11, 2006
CFO Survey Shows Rising Travel Costs, Natural Disasters and World Events Top List of Business Travel Concerns for Executives Findings Also Reveal That Financial Executives Serve as Good Role Models When It Comes to Business Travel. A recent survey of financial executives conducted in February, 2006 indicates that nearly 92 percent of respondents plan to spend the same or more on travel, primarily because they are traveling more often, but also due to higher business travel costs this year.
More... [532 views]
Cornell Quarterly Article Explains How Businesses Can Build Consumers' Affection The false accusation last year that Wendy's had served tainted chili damaged company sales for many months afterward. Wendy's tried to bounce back with a sales promotion, with mixed results. Instead, the company might better have invoked warm, nostalgic memories to bring customers back, according to an article published in the May 2006 edition of the Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly (CQ).
More... [567 views]
The Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds (Whitehall) today announced that it had recently acquired 130 hotels from the Tharaldson family in a transaction spearheaded by Gary Tharaldson. Mr. Tharaldson founded Tharaldson Motels Inc., the nation's largest independent hotel management and development company.
More... [1010 views]
Hand Picked Hotels has appointed Douglas Waddell as its Operations Director.Douglas joins the board of this unique collection of country house hotels from Thistle, and will report directly into Julia Hands, Chief Executive and founder of the Hand Picked Hotels group. He will be responsible for overseeing operations across the company¹s fourteen hotels in the UK and Jersey.
More... [695 views]
Starwood Preferred Guest has been named Program of the Year – Asia Pacific at the 18th Annual Freddie Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in the travel industry. Since 1999, frequent travelers from around the world have recognized Starwood Preferred Guest as the hospitality industry’s top-rated loyalty program and on the heels of celebrating its seventh anniversary Starwood Preferred guest also took top honors for Best Bonus Promotion, Best Award Redemption and Best Customer Service.
More... [707 views]
The company was voted in the third annual 21st Century Business Herald's "China Hotel Golden Pillow Awards". In addition, Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai and Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong were both ranked in the Top 10 Business Hotels, and Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong named the Best Regional Hotel in the Pearl River Delta Region.
More... [653 views]
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has today announced that it will manage a new 120-room luxury hotel and 90 branded residences which are planned to open in Dallas, Texas in 2009. The project provides Mandarin Oriental with a further opportunity to extend its prestigious brand into another key U.S. destination.
More... [718 views]
Marriott International, Inc. celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Marriott.com, which has been recognized as one of the industry`s fastest hotel sites according to Gomez Advisors. The site now receives more than 13 million visits a month with visitors spending 1.6 million hours on the site. This is six times more than the voice channels
More... [658 views]
A forecast released in Canberra, Australia by Tourism Australia’s Tourism Forecasting Committee (TFC) has predicted the growth in Australian tourism will be driven by arrivals from Asia, specifically China, India and the Gulf (West Asia).
More... [587 views]
Ten lodging establishments in New Mexico received AAA's "Four Diamond" rating at a recent New Mexico Lodging Association's Star of the Industry awards banquet.
More... [503 views]
Introducing The Elise Group; Filling a Need in Hospitality Industry Revenue Management Consulting: ''Hoteliers Helping Hoteliers''
The hospitality revenue management consulting arena is receiving a wake-up call with the entry of The Elise Group into the marketplace, the industry's newest complete revenue management service provider. The Elise Group will offer the hotel and lodging industry an all-inclusive, one-stop-shopping choice in collaborative revenue management consulting.
More... [727 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 10, 2006
Skills that are necessary for you to reach the productivity demanded at your property or in your department can be separated into Professional & Organizational Skill Sets. Use the FMDC as the ultimate performance feedback & professional growth tool. Whether you are familiar with the TV version of Mission Impossible that aired between 1966-1973, or the more up-to-date movie versions that began in 1996 and that are continuing with the third of its kind movie due out in early May, you should be aware that: By Gene Ference
More... [1225 views]
TOTAL REWARDS – A Critical Strategy for Chain Restaurant/Retail Companies to be considered the "employer of choice"
It is critical for Chain Restaurant/Retail companies to execute a Total Rewards program in order to attract, retain and motivate employees. Here are the five key components of an effective Total Rewards program. By David Mansbach and Shai Kushner, HVS International
More... [1030 views]
Spain is back on the map for hotel investors, according to research from Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. The level of transactions will remain strong and in the mid-term, Spain is positioned to become one of Europe’s hottest transaction markets in 2006.
More... [699 views]
Six Senses has appointed a General Manager to its new Evason Hideaway at Zighy Bay, Oman and opened a PR Office in India. Naim Maadad has been appointed Area General Manager of the Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Zighy Bay, an 85 pool villa property scheduled to open in early 2007. He joins Evason Hideaways from the Sunset Beach Resort at Al Kobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he held the role of Resort Manager.
More... [691 views]
B&G Hotels & Resorts, the leading Egyptian hotel management company, has announced the signing of an exclusive franchising agreement with Germany’s REWE Touristik Hotels & Investments (RTH) Group, a subsidiary of REWE Group, to launch three international hotel brands in the Arabian Gulf region. B&G Hotels & Resorts will now be the sole franchisee of premier hotel brands including Calimera Active Hotels, LTI International Hotels and PrimaSol Hotels.
More... [653 views]
e-Learning company Brightwave has been commissioned to design and deliver eight bespoke e-learning modules and one master assessment module to Hilton University, the learning and development portal for Hilton International.
More... [834 views]
South Korea’s premier 5-star hotel group, The Shilla, is extending beyond native soil into China. An affiliate company to the giant Samsung Group, Shilla has earned numerous international accolades for its two luxury home grown properties – The Shilla Seoul and its sister resort on the southern island of Jeju, The Shilla Jeju.
More... [644 views]
Rocco Forte’s The Balmoral in Edinburgh has won two national Business Excellence Awards in the leisure, travel and tourism industry, at the recent Gala Awards Dinner held in London.
More... [572 views]
''eMusicologist'' to Develop Customized Soundtracks for All Westin Hotels Around the World
More... [799 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 9, 2006
Identifying the touch points that tip a potential customer positively or negatively is an important issue in hotel sales training. Most sales training deals with all or some of the aspects of the sales process – ho, hum! By Carol Verret
More... [1673 views]
One of the oldest cannons of business is to know your customer. The hotel industry has taken this piece of advice and made a science out of it. Endless surveys and studies tell us that the majority of guests are male corporate clients whose main expectations are a quick check-in, a clean room, and a quick check-out. By Kent Sexton, Hamister Hospitality Group
More... [1534 views]
Almost 10% increase of RevPAR for France during the Easter weekend and holidays - Excellent performance in Marseille but poor results in Parisrong increase in occupancy rate (+6.3 points) at a stable average daily rate. Equally the Easter weekend brought excellent results with a RevPAR gain of almost 10%.
More... [570 views]
Hilton Garden Inn Introduces New Travel Category: 'Personal Business' And Addresses Duality of Life on the Road
Launch of New and Interactive Print Campaign Recognizes that Life is About Blending for Today's Travelers Propelled by extensive consumer research, and in direct response to America's changing travel landscape, Hilton Garden Inn(R) today launched its new advertising campaign, titled "Where are you going?"
More... [712 views]
Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, the first-class, full-service international brand of Rezidor SAS Hospitality, announces the opening of the Radisson SAS Style Hotel, Vienna, formerly The Style Hotel Vienna.
More... [699 views]
Quinlin Private is preparing to build a new group of up to a dozen boutique hotels in key cities in Central and Eastern Europe.
More... [969 views]
Vail Resorts today announced that Keith Fernandez has been named the new president of the Company's real estate subsidiary, Vail Resorts Development Company . Fernandez will assume his responsibilities on June 1, 2006, and will office in the Company's new corporate headquarters in Broomfield, Colo., scheduled to open in late July.
More... [1189 views]
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai once again gave Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts an opportunity to be at its best and highlight its reputation as one of the Middle East’s leading hotel groups. The Swiss international hotel group announced the take over of a resort in Phuket/Thailand and a new project in Yanbu/Saudi Arabia, and was again among the big winners at the prestigious MENA Travel Awards 2006.
More... [620 views]
Nicholas L. Ribis, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Resorts International Holdings, LLC announced the appointment of Anthony Rodio as Regional President of the Atlantic City Hilton and Resorts Atlantic City. Rodio will continue to serve as the Chief Gaming Executive of the Hilton.
More... [564 views]
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. announced that its joint venture in the Netherlands with Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP, the Dutch pension fund, and Jasmine Hotels Pte Ltd, an affiliate of GIC Real Estate Pte Ltd, the real estate investment company of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation Pte Ltd, completed the purchase of four hotels from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. ("Starwood"). The Company also announced that it contributed the Sheraton Warsaw Hotel & Towers to the joint venture.
More... [657 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 8, 2006
Something old, something new--and a $40,000 honeymoon? Ten luxury honeymoon destinations. By Sophia Banay, Forbes.com
More... [1114 views]
I love the circus. It's teeming with energy and creativity. Everyone seems to enjoy their job from the hawkers selling tickets to the ladies riding the elephants. And somehow, though the characters are the same and the animals are the same and the employees are the same, every year the circus is different and better than the year before. Shouldn’t businesses be like that, and how can we learn a lesson from the circus?By Jerry Cedicci, & Robin Trehan
More... [812 views]
Shares in InterContinental Hotels rose sharply in London on Thursday, amid speculation that the hotel operator could be in line for a bid from private equity group Permira.
More... [1069 views]
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released its 2006 Travel & Tourism forecasts for the Middle East today at an inaugural meeting of the WTTC Middle East Chapter. Today's announcements kicked off a week of industry events in Dubai including the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and Arabian Travel Market.
More... [659 views]
For the three months ended March 31, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005: - RevPAR at worldwide Core Hotels(2) increased 11.7%. RevPAR at US Core Hotels increased 12.6%. - Gross operating margins at worldwide Core Hotels increased to 32.4%. At US Core Hotels, gross operating margins increased to 30.2%. - Revenues under management increased 15.1% to $692.3 million......
More... [577 views]
Accor Asia Pacific is pleased to announce 7 General Manager appointments at Accor hotels in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines....
More... [1627 views]
Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, the first-class, full-service international brand of Rezidor SAS Hospitality, will take over the management of the InterContinental Hotel Dubai, the first five-star hotel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) located in the city's business district, beginning October 1, 2006. The hotel will become the Radisson SAS Hotel Dubai, Deira Creek.
More... [662 views]
Thirty two of Benchmark Hospitality International's vice presidents, managing directors and general managers recently concluded their Annual General Manager's Meeting by donning work gloves, flexing their muscles and joining together to clean up the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's East Chattanooga Rail Yard.
More... [685 views]
Accor has signed management contracts for two new hotels, Novotel 1 Borneo, Kota Kinabalu and Mercure Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu, each located in distinct districts of the fast growing capital city of Sabah East Malaysia.
More... [712 views]
Tim Cordon, general manager of the Radisson SAS Hotel London Stansted Airport, has won the Alpha Forum Prize for young managers at this year’s British Travel Industry Hall of Fame dinner.
More... [714 views]
Egyptian Tourism on Track to Receive Additional One Million Tourists in 2006 - Egypt is experiencing record-breaking growth in tourism numbers, achieving a total of 8.6 million visitors in 2005, and poised to welcome an additional 1 million in 2006, according to senior government figures at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.
More... [558 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 5, 2006
This month's update on international Executive Staff movements... check it out...
More... [4539 views]
A National Law Firm called me last week, seeking permission to use some comments I wrote in an article published last Summer, “Ready for Pluckin”. They were planning a program for Hospitality Management on Preventative Employee Relations and how to prepare and defend unionization attempts in Hotel properties. Flattered, I, of course, said yes, and we began to discuss the issues, which are bigger than just Lodgings, for it is about all Hospitality Businesses, as well as Health Care. It is a pleasure to sing in the same choir, but alarming when you realize that your congregation is missing, checked-out. Consultants and lawyers are absolutely salivating with the prospects, for it appears that the lights in your rooms are on, but no one is manning the Front Desk. The inaction and arrogance out there is downright discouraging and shocking! By John R. Hendrie
More... [732 views]
Over the years, our company has assumed management or conducted operational reviews of hundreds of hotels. Obviously, many—but not all—of them had big problems, so we’ve had the opportunity to have an intimate look at the workings of all types of hotels, both good and bad, and we’ve noticed some commonalities we think are symptomatic—and, therefore, instructive.
More... [2413 views]
Nestled between the State Opera and the Albertina Museum, amid all the Imperial Habsburg grandeur of the Austrian capital, the Hotel Sacher Vienna is like a discreet but flavorful note of sweet jam amid layers of rich cake. Ever since 1832, when Franz Sacher - a 16-year-old kitchen apprentice at the court of Prince Metternich - created his namesake torte, the Sacher name has been evocative of the good life, Viennese style
More... [823 views]
InterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s most global hotel company, is set to enrich its service and product offering within the UAE as it looks toward the opening of three key properties at Dubai Festival City.
More... [730 views]
Hilton UK & Ireland has introduced a new Planet Hilton Kids Menu and a new Kids Stay and Eat for Free policy in time for summer. Kids up to 15 years of age can stay for free and children up to 10 years now stay and eat for free - all year round.
More... [890 views]
Industry professionals also highlight the hotel’s interior design in dual DEPA award win. Grosvenor House Dubai has been named New Hotel of the Year at the DEPA Middle East Hotel Awards, held during Arabian Travel Market. The Dubai hotel also took home the Excellence in Interior Design Award at the same ceremony.
More... [763 views]
At its 10-year milestone, Candlewood Suites today announces it has approved two locations for the first Candlewood Suites properties outside the U.S., in Canada. With nearly 90 properties in the pipeline that will nearly double the brand’s current portfolio, the brand is also pursuing development in several large metropolitan markets, including New York City.
More... [441 views]
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that it has closed on the sale of four hotels to an affiliate of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. These hotels are part of the portfolio of 35 hotels to be sold to Host. The closing of these hotels was deferred as a result of certain notice periods and consents that had not been received prior to the closing of the sale of 28 of the hotels on April 10, 2006.
More... [737 views]
In line with its strategy to expand its presence in Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MH&R) has just signed a management agreement with Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI) for an exclusive 5-star resort on Karon Beach in Phuket. The existing 383 room- and apartment-property is known as the Crowne Plaza Karon Beach and will be re-branded as the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket as of 28 June 2006.
More... [630 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 4, 2006
By arguing against price cuts as a form of competitive reaction when you perceive a competitive threat, we hope to convince you to plan your responses more carefully and consciously by thinking through the consequences first. In some situations, your competitor may force you to make this decision, because it has cut prices itself or entered your market at a much lower price point.
More... [1621 views]
Accor, one of the world's largest hotel and services groups, has today confirmed its Middle East strategy for the next three years at Arabian Travel Market with the company expected to increase its operations from 18 to 58 hotels by the end of 2009.
More... [805 views]
The Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism show which opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has registered continued strong growth with 39% more occupied floor space than last year and over 1750 exhibitors from 59 countries.
More... [690 views]
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will design a new-style, industry-focused annual 'summit' to replace the 55-year old PATA Annual Conference. The first summit will take place in 2008. Destinations that had been appointed to organise the 2007 and 2008 Conferences - Chinese Taipei and Sri Lanka respectively - have been advised to cease preparations. New bid books for the inaugural 2008 summit will be circulated to all PATA member destinations later this year.
More... [474 views]
The luxury hotel, apartment and office complex currently being built at a cost of US$247 million on the sites of the former Hotel Indonesia and Hotel Inna Wisata will be officially opened some time next year. The hotel would be named the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, while the apartments would be called the Kempinski Residences
More... [668 views]
In March 2006, Singapore welcomed 819,000 visitors, registering an 11.7% growth over the same period a year ago. Visitor days were estimated to reach 2.6 million, an increase of 6.5% in comparison to March 2005. This is the first time that visitor arrivals for the month of March have exceeded 800,000.
More... [479 views]
The booming Gulf city state of Dubai will add another feather in its cap with the construction of the world's longest hotel strip at a cost of $27-billion, developers said on Monday.
More... [1024 views]
Less than 12 months after the opening of the iconic Grosvenor House in Dubai, the property’s owner, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has announced the development of a second tower for the property.
More... [665 views]
Nakheel, developer of more than US$30 billion in real estate in Dubai, and The Trump Organization have unveiled a new design for the Trump International Hotel & Tower, a centerpiece of The Palm Jumeirah.
More... [664 views]
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has bolstered its popular Ritz Kids program by launching a new and exclusive program called, “Very Important Kids” (V.I.K.).
More... [1080 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 3, 2006
There is something perversely satisfying about soaking in a tub of beer. First there is the yeasty aroma of malt and hops, followed by a warm and sticky sensation as the brown liquid envelopes your body. You think to yourself: this must be every lad's dream. Whatever comes next will surely have to involve a supermodel, an Aston Martin and a fat cigar.But bathing in beer is much more than just a fantasy made real. During the last decade, a pack of beer spas have opened in the hills and lowlands of Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, promising health, wellness and the chance to bathe in your favorite suds. By Evan Rail, The New York Times
More... [1206 views]
Guidance Financial Group and Kempinski Hotels have joined forces to launch a new $500m fund in order to create a new luxury hotel brand called Shaza Hotels, reported Gulf News.
More... [1202 views]
Oxford Hotel Projects and Gleeson Building Ltd have formed a joint venture company to build quality mid-range hotels. The two companies have joined forces to develop up to 15 internationally branded mid-market hotels, to be located in good urban and business park locations in the UK
More... [664 views]
The Beau-Rivage Palace by the port of Ouchy in Lausanne, Switzerland, ranks among the most prestigious hotels in Europe. Since 1861 and the days of the Victorian Grand Tour, this Belle-Epoque gem has been letting out rooms and now has a guest book to rival any.
More... [829 views]
Hilton Hotels Corporation today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006. First quarter highlights, which include approximately five weeks of combined company results following the acquisition of the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc ("HI") on February 23, are as follows: Reported diluted EPS of $.26 vs. $.16 in 2005, an increase of 63%. Recurring diluted EPS of $.20 vs. $.15 in 2005, an increase of 33%. Total company Adjusted EBITDA of $328 million up 30%.
More... [634 views]
Reid's Palace reopened on April 14 after completing an €8.5 million (approximately US $10.5 million) renovation and spa construction. The hotel has been closed since January 16, 2006.
More... [593 views]
Kerzner International Limited, through its subsidiaries a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels, and an investor group which is being led by the Company's Chairman, Sol Kerzner and its Chief Executive Officer, Butch Kerzner, today announced that they have amended the definitive agreement under which the Company will be acquired by the investor group to increase the price per ordinary share from $76.00 to $81.00 in cash.
More... [599 views]
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled the Bawadi hospitality project in Dubai - a AED 100 billion hospitality and tourism development which will see the construction of the world's largest hotel. The development will also feature the largest concentration of leading hotels anywhere in the world.
More... [1201 views]
Dubai World Central – a massive, multi-phase development centred around the world’s largest international airport – today made urban planning history when the final master-plan and branding of the 140 square kilometre city, almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island, was unveiled at Arabian Travel Market 2006 – the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism exhibition.
More... [883 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 2, 2006
It's an expensive time to be wealthy. Luxury goods are available everywhere, at both lower and higher price points than ever. You can spend $215,000 on a bottle of perfume from perfumer Clive Christian or $120 on a hamburger at DB Bistro Moderne in New York City. Not to be outdone, hoteliers are keeping pace. By Sophia Banay, Forbes.com
More... [3298 views]
Part 5 - The last time I stood in front of my students I was asked what is more important, attitude or skill ? Therefore I assigned two groups and let one faction discuss the advantages of skills and the other team the advantages of attitude, I also asked them to look for examples in our industry . Soon it became obvious to the students that what really counts is attitude and the example of the airline industry was brought up by one of the student with a lot of air travel experience. By Bert van Walbeek
More... [1398 views]
Cornell's Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship Names Charles Mund, Bruce Reinstein and Larry Reinstein as Recipients of the 2006 Hospitality Innovator Award
The Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration has named Charles Mund ‘51, Bruce Reinstein ’79 and Larry Reinstein ’77 as recipients of the 2006 Hospitality Innovator Award. The award, launched this year, honors entrepreneurs who have created and built distinctly successful ventures in the hospitality field.
More... [714 views]
The Steigenberger Hotel Group has ended its financial year 2005 with positive results. Despite continued market sluggishness the Frankfurt-based company was able to increase both turnover and operating profit. Average occupancy rates increased by 1.7 percent to 63 percent, thereby reaching their highest levels since 1991. Yield was up 2.1 percent or 1.01 Euros to 48.29 Euros.
More... [549 views]
Case Study: Starwood Hotels Uses Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) to Improve Guest Services and Cut Costs
Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is catching on fast: According to a recent IDC report, SOA spending will reach $8.6 billion in 2006—a 138 percent increase from 2005, when spending totaled $3.6 billion. By 2010, IDC estimates companies will spend upwards of $33 billion on SOA services.
More... [1331 views]
Raffles Holdings said its net profit for the first quarter to March came in at 11.6 mln sgd, up from 11.1 mln a year ago, due to higher interest income earned from the balance of proceeds of its hotel divestment.
More... [537 views]
Hilton International announced the appointment of Wendy Gallina as Director of Sales, Hilton Sales Worldwide in Hong Kong.
More... [837 views]
InterContinental Hotels Group ’s recent landmark signing with Chengdu International Exhibition & Convention Group to manage six hotels and 4,500 rooms in Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou in China’s Sichuan province has been named “Deal of the Year” by HVS International, the world’s largest hotel consulting, valuation and investment services group.
More... [629 views]
Britain’s tourism industry could do more to make accommodation, attractions and destinations more accessible to the 10 million disabled people and 10 million over-65s currently living in the UK. National tourism agency, VisitBritain, and national registered charity, Tourism for All UK, are working together to ensure that older people – and those with sensory and mobility impairments – can enjoy the same holiday experiences as the rest of the population.
More... [567 views]
WORLDHOTELS, the largest and longest established Europe based hotel group for independent hotels and regional hotel brands worldwide, is using Arabian Travel Market to launch new growths strategies within the Near & Middle East region.
More... [604 views]
Budget hotel groups are fast expanding their business in the lower end of the Chinese mainland's hotel market even as international hotel brands are enjoying significant profit in the top end sector.
More... [767 views]
Global Hospitality Newsletter: May 1, 2006
The Check-in at the Front Desk: a mechanical, soulless interaction, prompted by computer inquiry, dictated by robotic responses, and final direction down that dark corridor. Food Service: bland presentation, perfunctory placement of entrée, and perhaps a disinterested, “Bon Appetite”. Retail Store: languid associate, movement an effort, haughty sales techniques, an insincere, “My, that looks fabulous on you”. Ticket Taker: a sullen, “next”. These are the opportunities missed to engage our Visitor, Guest, and Customer and transform a typical Transaction into a memorable Relationship. This connection guarantees high Brand Loyalty and Customer Satisfaction. By John R. Hendrie and Brecca Loh
More... [1523 views]
Many people, including some sales trainers, believe that learning takes place in the training classroom. Don’t believe it. The important task that takes place in the classroom is the introduction of new ideas which create interest in and peak curiosity for improving sales performance. Real learning, however, only begins after they leave the classroom and put the new ideas into actual practice. By: Neil Salerno
More... [498 views]
Liverpool – recently designated European Capital of Culture – and now widely seen as a ‘cool’ place to be, has plenty to smile about. In 2005, the city’s hotels reported their strongest growth yet, outperforming any other market in the UK. According to the HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte, Liverpool’s hoteliers saw revenue per available room (revPAR) increase by an amazing 21% in 2005.
More... [542 views]
In spite of the continuing cold weather, UK hoteliers enjoyed an early spring boost with sap-rising performance figures for both London and regional hotels in March, according to preliminary figures released today by PKF hotel consultancy services.
More... [490 views]
The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference has conferred its 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award on His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai, in recognition of the realisation of his vision for the emirate.
More... [557 views]
In a move to fulfill a strategic priority by strengthening its position in the midscale lodging segment, Cendant Hotel Group today said it intends to merge its AmeriHost Inn(r) franchise system into the recently acquired Baymont Inn & Suites(r) brand.
More... [522 views]
Turkey tipped as next hot market; intra-Arab regional travel will grow; reinvestment in Middle East will achieve sustainable growth. The global approach to business in the Middle East is changing as corporations switch to a long-term strategy in the region, according to speakers in the opening sessions of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in the Middle East.
More... [593 views]
Is Bucharest still one of the markets in Eastern Europe with hotel investment opportunities, or is it already too late? Will future supply growth outpace the projected demand growth? When all hotels under construction have opened, which market segments will warrant further development?
More... [648 views]
Starwood Resorts & Hotels appoints Marketing Manager for its rapidly expanding Greater China & Taiwan division
Starwood Resorts & Hotels has recently appointed Ms June Seah as Marketing Manager for its ever-growing Greater China & Taiwan division.
More... [1097 views]
Closing speakers at the 55th PATA Annual Conference pinpointed poverty reduction, enhanced charitable efforts and corporate social responsibility as the keys to the travel industry's success in the year ahead.
More... [551 views]
Traditional travel agents are battling to hold their ground during the "online revolution". Panellists at the 55th Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Conference April 26 plenary session on "Making Sense of Technological Trends" addressed the travel agents' role in the Internet age.
More... [572 views]
In the newly released 2006 'Luxury Brand Status Index Survey,' the independent researchers at the New York-based Luxury Institute found Small Luxury Hotels of the World to be one of the top rated hotel brands overall and the highest scoring brand in the categories of Exclusivity, Price Worthiness and Willingness of Wealthy Consumers to Provide Referrals.
More... [1245 views]
Visit our sponsors