Travelbeat Accommodation / Hospitality News Update: July 23, 2008 [3 Stories] Vanuatu Golden Chain Extends To Pacific Australia's largest accommodation group, Golden Chain Motor Inns, has expanded to include Vanuatu. The group, which has more properties in more locations than any other accommodation organisation in Australia, has now added the Kaiviti Motel in Vanuatu to its chain. It's the first time the Australian group has moved into the Pacific, although it maintains and affiliation with Golden Chain in New Zealand. Golden Chain's Australian General Manager, Stephen Drew, said the addition of the Vanuatu property was an endorsement of Golden Chain values and added a new opportunity for guests. "It is a major benefit to the group and to the Vanuatu property," he said ... "allowing extension of our range of services and values aimed at our guests. "While we are not seeking to become an International organisation, the addition of the Vanuatu property made sense because of the close links it has with Australia and Australian travellers." The Kaiviti Motel specialises in corporate travellers to Vanuatu with 37 rooms in the 3-storey Colonial style property, including nine 2-bedroom 2-storey apartments. Host Brenton Terry, an ex-pat Australian, said it is ideally located for business travellers, just 5-minutes from the centre of Port Vila and in the midst of restaurants featuring French cuisine. The property features a large swimming pool, and a small bar/snack bar which serves breakfasts and light snacks. (Nicholas Consulting Services Pty. Ltd.) Mexico 100% Agency Commission Guarantee Well-known to travel agents around the world as a reliable partner in the industry, Mexico Boutique Hotels recently confirmed an association with FEI Enterprises in an effort to expand its services. "We've always served as the intermediary between our hotels and travel agents to ensure the latter received their commission checks without any issues," explained Sylvie Laitre, Director of Mexico Boutique Hotels. "Now, thanks to our connection with U.S.-based FEI Enterprises, we can guarantee they'll be paid their commission in a timely manner through an established third-party company." FEI Enterprises is an international financial services agency dedicated to the tourism industry. Among other things, they offer commission payment and accounts receivable services to hotels worldwide, facilitating foreign transactions on both ends of the equation. "They allow us to add another dimension to our relationship with travel agents," said Laitre. (Mexico Boutique Hotels) Australia New Regional Manager For Sofitel Luxury hotel brand Sofitel has announced the appointment of John Morris to the senior position of Regional Director of Sales & Marketing Sofitel Australia. Mr Morris has more than 20-years experience in the travel and hospitality industry, holding key sales and marketing roles and General Manager positions across the Asia Pacific region, primarily with luxury hotel brands Le Meridien and Sheraton. In his new role, Mr Morris will direct the strategic sales and marketing vision for the Sofitel Luxury Hotel brand and its six hotels across the nation which include the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Street, the Sofitel Werribee Park Mansion Hotel & Spa, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, the Sofitel Gold Coast, the Sofitel Brisbane, and the Sofitel Cairns Reef Casino. The Sofitel Luxury Hotel brand continues to grow in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, with a vision to add a further 20 Sofitel hotels in the Asia Pacific region by 2010. By then, the network will have grown to over 70 hotels in 14 countries. In light of this development, Sofitel’s former Regional Director of Sales & Marketing Andrew Loader has relocated to Bangkok to assume the newly created position of Vice President Marketing & Communications Asia Pacific, reporting to Sofitel Senior Vice President Asia Pacific Thomas van Vliet. (Accor Asia Pacific) Update: July 22, 2008 [2 Stories] Australia World Of Accor To Unveil New Hotels And Products World of Accor - the largest hotel expo in Asia Pacific - is on show in Australia next month in Melbourne (August 12) and Sydney (August 14), offering agents, wholesalers, corporate bookers, and MICE organisers a one-stop shop to discover the latest in accommodation and product trends across the region. Travel industry representatives can elect to attend either the morning session (1000-1400) or evening session (1600-1900). Over 50 hotels have been added by Accor in the Asia Pacific region over the past year, with new destinations, new brands and new product unveiled. Representatives from Accor’s 300 hotels across Australia, the Pacific and Asia will be attending, along with representatives covering the wider world of Accor, whose global network has now grown to 4000 hotels in 92 countries. Accor is inviting all interested travel industry professionals, including travel agents, wholesalers, MICE organizers and corporate travel bookers. Melbourne: Tuesday 12th August - Sofitel Melbourne; Sydney: Thursday 14th August - Sofitel Wentworth Sydney. Pre-register at www.worldofaccor The Australian expos are part of an extensive Asia Pacific programme of World of Accor exhibitions that takes in 14 cities across the region. (Accor Asia Pacific) Australia Ownership Of The Hotel Windsor, Melbourne With effect from July 21, 2008 Melbourne's Hotel Windsor is fully owned by The Halim Group. The property development, management and marketing company has acquired the shares previously held in The Hotel Windsor by Adam Garrisson's Oriental Pacific Group for an undisclosed sum. The Halim Group said ... "We are delighted to acquire full ownership of this landmark property and look forward to focusing on a forthcoming refurbishment that will see The Hotel Windsor fully reclaim its status as Australia's only true independent grand hotel. "We will also continue ongoing investment in attracting the best talent available in the sector and ensuring The Hotel Windsor sets the benchmark for impeccable service and hospitality." A multi-million dollar refurbishment programme is expected to begin by mid-2009. The 180-room Hotel Windsor is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary. It was built in 1883 and pre-dates some of the world's leading grand hotels including the Savoy in London, which was built in 1889, the Waldorf Astoria in New York which dates back to 1893, and the Ritz Paris which opened in 1898. (Tango Public Relations) Update: July 21, 2008 [1 Story] Australia Accor Vacation Club Expands In New South Wales Accor Vacation Club today announced the opening of its newest development, the Grand Mercure Apartments Heritage Park, Bowral, which is available for bookings for Club Members and general public. The Grand Mercure Apartments are part of the Bowral Heritage Park residential community development in Moss Vale and Kangaloon Road, in the southern highlands district of New South Wales; 126kms from Sydney. The newly constructed 26 luxury apartments are housed in a 2-storey building and consist of studio apartments, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, with 3-bedroom apartments available by keying a 1- and 2-bedroom together. Two of the studio apartments are wheelchair friendly. Guests are well catered for with full kitchen facilities and laundries in the 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. All apartments feature wireless internet, a private balcony and a gas fireplace. Guests at the property also have access to a barbecue area, swimming pool, gymnasium, guest laundry and on-site parking. Heaven-Sent mobile spa service is available on call for guests in their rooms. (Accor Vacation Club) Update: July 20, 2008 [3 Stories] Singapore IHG Announces Seven Key Appointments IHG Asia Pacific has announced seven key appointments to its marketing and sales leadership team, designed to drive brand performance and support the accelerated expansion of the IHG brands in the region. Jonathan Mills has been appointed Vice President of Sales, IHG Asia Pacific. He was previously Vice President of Sales, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Europe. Jonathan has more than 21-years of industry experience. He previously held senior sales and marketing positions with both Hilton International, Forte and Le Meridien Hotels. Edwin Yap Hawson has been appointed Vice President, Brands for IHG Asia Pacific. Edwin joins IHG directly from Johnson and Johnson China. He previously held senior marketing management positions with Procter & Gamble. Eric Lee has been appointed Vice President, Communications, IHG Asia Pacific, responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for corporate, brand and internal communications in the region. Eric has over 20-years of experience in public relations and corporate communications and has held both in-house and agency consulting roles. Allan Yip, as head of Hotel Indigo, will be based in Singapore as the Indigo brand establishes in Asia Pacific. Hotel Indigo is the industry’s first branded boutique hotel experience. As the new Director of Consumer Insights, Roshni Pandey will lead a team dedicated to gaining in-depth understanding of consumers in Asia Pacific. Roshni has more than 10-years of consumer insight and market research experience. Bruce Ryde has becomef Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Southern Asia and Korea. Bruce started his career with IHG in 2002. He was most recently based in Bangkok as the Area Director of Sales and Marketing for Thailand. Sheo Shanker Rai has been appointed Manager, Public Relations and Communications for IHG Asia Pacific. Prior to this, he served as head, marketing communications, for the Singapore Economic Development Board. (InterContinental Hotels Group) China Wyndham To Expand With Hotel In Shanghai Wyndham Hotel Group International has announced plans to expand the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand in China with the development of the 337-room Wyndham Baolian Hotel in Baoshan District, Shanghai. The group has signed a 10-year agreement with the owner, Shanghai Baolian Real Estate Company Limited, to manage the 15-storey hotel which is scheduled to open in April 2010. The hotel is expected to feature four food and beverage outlets, a signature Wyndham Blue Harmony spa and fitness centre, a swimming pool, a business centre and 1,650sqm of meeting space including a 1,000sqm ballroom. The Wyndham brand is expected to make its debut in Asia Pacific during the 4th quarter of 2008 with the opening of the 609-room Wyndham Xiamen Hotel located in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. (HVS International) Australia Declining Occupancies But Higher Revenue According to latest tourism statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, year-to-date March 2008 figures recorded 67.1% in hotel occupancy across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), reflecting a 7.5% drop as compared to 2007. However, revenue from accommodation increased from US$48-million to US$49-million over the same period. Industry experts have attributed the declining occupancy to the 2006 budget cut in tourism expenditure by the authorities and such cuts typically take up to 2-years to affect visitations. Decreased demand from the Corporate and Government-related segments has further fuelled the downward pressure on occupancies. It is believed that more tourism funding can be utilised to attract Leisure demand to offset the fall in Corporate demand. (HVS International) Update: July 19, 2008 [3 Stories] Spain Hotusa Group And Losan Acquire Venice Hotel Losan Hotels World and the Hotusa Group have announced the acquisition of the Residenza Cannaregio, a hotel with charm set in an ancient 17th century monastery, in one of the most old-world areas of Venice. The operation has been effected by way of a joint venture agreement, in which Losan Hotels Value Added I, S.L. participate with 75 % of the capital and the Hotusa Group with 25% of the total value. This is the second time that the property investment company chaired by César Losada, together with the tourist group under the leadership of Amancio López Seijas, have carried out an operation of this kind, following the joint acquisition in April 2007 of the Dylan Hotel in New York. Moreover, the Hotusa Group operates four more hotels belonging to Losan in Brussels. The Residenza Cannaregio, an establishment that will be included in the Eurostars Hotels chain, is a modern hotel set in an age-old monastery dating from the 17th century, later used as an “Squero”, or gondola workshop. Completely restored in 2003, the establishment enjoys a privileged location in one of the most charming spots in Venice. Amongst other features, it has 66 guestrooms, 39 of which are suites, an elegant restaurant and various conference rooms for staging small-scale meetings. With this operation, Losan continues its growth plan with the objective of investing 1,600-million euros in the acquisition of the best hotels in the nerve centres of the major hotels in Europe and N. America. (Hotusa Group) France HSH Signs Agreement For Hotel In Pais The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) has entered into a heads of agreement (HoA) with Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company (QD) for a proposed hotel development in Paris, France. The building is located on Avenue Kleber, one of the most prestigious arteries off the Arc de Triomphe, in the heart of Paris’ tourist and business districts. Built in the early 20th-century, the building was, until 1936, home to the Majestic Hotel which at the time was one of the top grand hotels in Paris. Subsequently, it was owned by the State, occupied by UNESCO and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs which has recently been using it as the Centre International de Conferences. The building is currently owned by Qatari Diar. Under the HoA, the Company has agreed to purchase a 20% minority interest in the asset from QD and to subsequently jointly re-develop the building into a Peninsula hotel. The financial commitment of the Company in respect of the purchase of the minority interest in the asset, together with its share of the re-development costs, is expected to be in the region of approximately Euros 140-million. The expected date of opening is mid 2012. The HoA is a non-legally binding agreement and the proposed hotel development will be subject to binding agreements being entered into. (Ink Publicity) Japan Sheraton Strengthens Presence Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc has announced an agreement with Joint Hospitality Co., Ltd to open the new-build Sheraton Okinawa Ginowan Hotel. Targeted to open in 2010, the signing of Sheraton Okinawa Ginowan Hotel marks Sheraton’s entry into the dynamic Okinawa market. The new Sheraton will be located in Ginowan City, on the west coast of Okinawa main island, approximately a 15-minute drive from Naha City, the capital of the Okinawa prefecture and approximately 40 minutes from Naha airport. The hotel has an advantageous location of being in close proximity to the Okinawa Convention Centre, the largest convention centre in the city, as well as Ginowan Port Marina. Sheraton Okinawa Ginowan Hotel will comprise 245 guest rooms, of which at least 10% will be suites. Other facilities include a ballroom with 320sqm, a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant, a Japanese restaurant as well as spa and recreational facilities like gym and indoor/outdoor pool. Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture and consists of hundreds of islands known as the Ryukyu, an independent kingdom until 1879 when it became a prefecture of unified Japan. The island is over 1,000 km (621 miles) long, which extends southwest from Kyushu (the southern-most of Japan's four main islands) to Taiwan. (Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts Ltd) Update: July 18, 2008 [4 Stories] Australia Batemans Bay Property Joins Best Western Best Western recently welcomed a new sub tropical getaway to its range of hotels: Best Western Reef Motor Inn in beautiful Batemans Bay. The Best Western Reef Motor Inn offers a wide variety of hotel rooms from standard to double queen. Ideal for business travellers, every room comes equipped with a writing desk and work area, and secretarial services are available on site. Situated only a short walk from Batemans Bay CBD, the Best Western Reef Motor Inn is conveniently located near bars, restaurants, shops, local tourist sites and attractions. Rich in history, Batemans Bay was originally named by Captain Cook. One hundred years later, oyster farming and a timber industry commenced operations. Oyster farming continues, accompanying an excellent supply of local seafood. The area also has spectacular golfing, beaches and bushwalks. (Best Western Australasia) Australia HSMA Invites Entries For Award For Excellence For the second year running the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA) will sponsor the Hotel Motel Accommodation Association (HMAA) Individual Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sales and Marketing. The HSMA Outstanding Contribution to Sales and Marketing award - recognises an individual in the industry who has shown exceptional commitment and innovation in their field of expertise. The Award is open to anybody who spends the majority of their time in sales and marketing within the accommodation industry in Victoria. HMAA's Chairman Ricardo Krauskopf said ... "The continued success of the Victorian Accommodation Industry requires the highest standards from individuals and nowhere is this more important than in sales and marketing - without these incredible individuals our industry could not flourish." Lochlan McLachlan President of HSMA said ... "Our industry continues to go from strength to strength with the results of the incredible sales and marketing professionals in Victoria speaking for themselves. I see these awards as the ideal opportunity to showcase these people." Last year's recipient was Anne Marie Curuso - for her outstanding contribution to the industry. Applications for this year's award are currently open with closing time being Friday, August 1 at 5:00pm. The winner will be announced at the HMAA Awards on the August 20. (Tyrrell Publicity & Promotions) Fiji Outrigger Appoints Senior Executive Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji has appointed Australian hospitality professional, Leon Pink Director of Rooms Division at the 5-Star resort on the Coral Coast. Mr Pink has held senior positions at some of Australia's leading 5-Star hotels and resorts, including Hayman Island and Brisbane's Hilton Hotel. Prior to joining Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Mr Pink was employed by Stella Hospitality Group as Sunshine Coast Area Manager. At Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Mr Pink will assist General Manager, Darren Shaw in overseeing a range of resort operations including housekeeping, front office, guest and tour desk services, together with managing the resort's exclusive Bebe Spa Sanctuary comprising day spa, wedding chapel, and hair and beauty salon facilities. He is also responsible for maintaining the operational standards and systems to ensure consistency in service delivery, quality and yield management. Mr Pink's international hotel experience includes being part of the opening team at London's 5-Star Sanderson Hotel - where he won the prestigious Employee of the Year award in 2000 - together with the 5-Star Blakes Hotel, Amsterdam. Widely experienced across all operational divisions, Mr Pink's role at Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji will enhance the strong, dynamic team employed by the award-winning resort. (MarkPR Pty Ltd) USA Crowne Plaza Hotel For The Heart Of Illinois IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced plans for a Crowne Plaza hotel in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. The $11.5-million conversion hotel is expected to open in Q4 2008, following a complete renovation of a former Holiday Inn that began May 1, 2008. Renovations include a new guest tower roof, new exterior surfaces, new landscaping and all-new guestroom soft goods. Located 8-miles from the Central Illinois Regional Airport, the Crowne Plaza Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located in Bloomington’s business district and is within a mile of Interstates 55, 74 and 39/51. The Crowne Plaza will be just minutes from several corporate headquarters including State Farm Insurance, Mitsubishi, Country Company Insurance, Caterpillar, Bridgestone-Firestone and Verizon. Guests will also be a short distance from Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University as well as leisure attractions including the Arnold Palmer signature golf course and The Constitution Trail, popular for hikers and bikers. The 5-storey Crowne Plaza will offer 160 guest rooms and a variety of amenities, including a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor pool, business center and restaurant and lounge. (InterContinental Hotels Group) Update: July 17, 2008 [3 Stories] Spain Style Trendy & Elegant Hotels The Hotusa Group has introduced Style Trendy & Elegant Hotels, a new brand specialising in the representation of emblematic and exclusive establishments at international level which have adapted to the lifestyle of the modern tourist. Under the motto Hotels to celebrate life, Style T&E Hotels springs to life with a portfolio of 47 establishments spread over Spain, France, Portugal, Czech Republic, Belgium, U.S.A., Argentina and Mexico. With a solid distribution and marketing basis which is guaranteed by the fact that it forms part of Hotusa, the major European hotel representative, Style T&E Hotels expects to reach figures of 200 hotels, 200,000 hotel nights booked and a turnover of 40-million euros by the end of 2009. The portfolio includes establishments that stand out for their style, impressive architecture and meticulous interior decoration, whether cutting edge, contemporary or classical, with excellent facilities and highly personalised service. All the hotels, in addition, include a 'plus' which turns them into places for experiencing the latest tendencies: the latest in bars, a swimming pool on the terrace with vistas over the city, a chef with a Michelin star, a spa or wellness centre, a golf course, etc. The Style T&E Hotels are located in the most exclusive parts of the world, from Midtown Manhattan to the Champs Elysées in Paris, passing through Lisbon, Prague, Rome, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Barcelona and other, less urban destinations such as Cascais (Portugal) or Ibiza. (Hotusa Press Department) USA IHG Statement Regarding President Americas Region InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), has advised that Stevan Porter, President of IHG's Americas region, is undertaking medical treatment which necessitates him relinquishing his responsibilities. IHG Finance Director, Richard Solomons, has been appointed President of the Americas region on an interim basis, in addition to his existing duties, with immediate effect. (InterContinental Hotels Group) Australia Management Appointments At Stamford Stamford Hotels and Resorts, the largest owner and operator of landmark luxury hotels in Australia and New Zealand, has announced key senior managements appointments at two signature properties within Australia. Stamford Plaza Brisbane has recently welcomed Kym Carter as General Manager. Kym has a wealth of experience having worked with the Raptis Group as Group Hotel Operations Director responsible for the Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast, the Holiday Inn, the Gold Coast International and the Towers of Chevron. She also worked with the Accor group for more than a decade, including the opening of their Beijing hotel, and with Hilton International in Sydney, Adelaide, Tokyo and Chicago. Stamford Grand North Ryde has appointed Amanda Simcic (top photo) as their new Human Resources Manager. Amanda has more than 14-years experience in the recruitment and human resources industry, with 5-years as owner/manager of her own small recruitment agency. She will focus on increasing the training and development of Stamford Grand North Ryde staff members. Kelley Wacher (2nd photo) has also joined the Stamford Hotels and Resorts team bringing with her a career in hospitality spanning over 23-years. Kelley has joined Stamford Hotels and Resorts Australia as the Group Director of Sales. She has worked in various roles incorporating Corporate Travel, Leisure, MICE Inbound, GDS, wholesale, Hotel sales, Industry Training and Industry representation. Also joining Stamford Hotels & Resorts Corporate Head Office is Manoj Raveendranath - who will come on board as the Associate Director of Sales - MICE. Manoj has previous experience working with the Ambassador group, Sheraton as well as Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and more recently at Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport. Marcus Leonard has recently come on board as Stamford Plaza Melbourne's new Director of Sales and Marketing. Marcus has over 18-years of experience in the travel industry following stints as National Sales Manager at Choice Hotels Australasia, Director of National Network Travel and Group Sales Manager at Lancemore Group. (Tyrrell Publicity & Promotions) Update: July 16, 2008 [1 Story] USA Victory Against Massachusetts Hotel Tax Proposal ASTA continued its unbroken record in its fight against anti-travel agent tax provisions at the state level today when Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts corporate tax bill, minus a provision that would have taxed travel agents' service fees for online booking of hotel rooms in the Commonwealth. Had the original provision passed, it would have meant an unprecedented double tax on travel agencies' income stream, posing a serious threat to hundreds of traditional agencies in Massachusetts, 98% of which are small businesses. "Our ongoing success at the state level boils down to the hard work of ASTA's grassroots membership and local leadership such as ASTA's New England Chapter President, Mike Spinelli, Jr. and the invaluable assistance of the Interactive Travel Services Association," said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA President and CEO. "In the case of Massachusetts, members responded to this threat with letters, phone calls, and personal visits to the state house to signal their opposition. "We heard from multiple sources, each confirming that the grassroots efforts of individual travel agents made all the difference in this fight. And, in the end, the conference committee negotiators removed the offending provision from the final version of the bill. "One ASTA member agent even received a personal phone call from his state senator to inform him that the provision had been deleted. I think that's a real testament to what can happen when people are actively engaged in the political process." (American Society of Travel Agents) Update: July 14, 2008 [2 Stories] Australia Woraburi Hotel & Spa Appoints Representative The 4-Star Woraburi Hotel & Spa has appointed Aviation & Tourism International, ATI, as General Sales Agent (GSA) for the Australian and New Zealand market effective July 2008. Located on Karon Beach, Phuket Thailand, the centerpiece of the Woraburi Spa & Resort is a large infinity edged swimming pool, located in the heart of the resort. All 205 guest rooms, housed in three low rise buildings, designed in Southern Thailand architectural style, have their own private balconies with 25 cabana style rooms having own direct pool access. The rooms each have great views of the beautifully landscaped garden. A free shuttle service is provided for guests wanting to visit the Patong Area and markets. (Aviation & Tourism International) Australia New Comfort Inns Join Choice Hotels in beautiful rural locations in New Zealand, Victoria and NSW are the latest additions to Choice Hotels Australasia’s (CHA) expanding network of Comfort Inn properties. The Comfort Inn Explorer Te Anau is situated at the gateway to the stunning world-heritage Fiordland National Park, home to the majestic Milford Sound on New Zealand’s South Island. Bordered by dramatic mountains and waterfalls, the hotel features 17 studio, 1- and 2-bedroom serviced apartments with fully equipped kitchens, wireless internet and spacious lawns with barbeque facilities in a quiet garden setting. Activities within easy reach of the hotel include horse riding, glow worm caves, diving, fishing, jet boating and golf. Equally well located is the Comfort Inn May Park Horsham, Victoria, a short drive to the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks. The recently refurbished hotel features 1- and 2-bedroom suites, wireless internet and a heated indoor pool and spa. Local activities include a round of golf on Horsham Golf Course, trekking through the Grampians and rock climbing at nearby Mount Arapiles. Providing another top golfing option is the Comfort Inn Cobram Barooga Golf Club in the NSW riverside township of Barooga, twin town of Cobram on the Victoria side of the mighty Murray River. The 36-room hotel features a resort-style pool, spa, sauna, tennis court, mini golf course, wireless internet and two private courtyards with barbeque facilities. The property is its located in 2.5 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens beside the Cobram Barooga Golf Course. (MG Media Communications) Update: July 13, 2008 [3 Stories] England REIT Asset Management Sells Three Hotels REIT Asset Management, advised by HVS Hodges Ward Elliott, has sold three hotels from its Brentwood Hotels portfolio to Moorfield Group. The hotels, which have 182 rooms in total, are the St George Hotel in Harrogate, the Eden Arms Hotel in Rushyford and the George Hotel in Chollerford. The hotels were operated under the Swallow Hotels brand; under Moorfield's ownership the operation has transferred to Shearings. HVS Hodges Ward Elliott is acting as agent on behalf of REIT Asset Management for the Brentwood Hotels portfolio. (HVS International) USA Agreement To Help Boost Hotel Commissions Pegasus Solutions, Inc. has announced an exclusive agreement with Travelport GDS, one of the world’s leading providers of global distribution systems (GDSs), to offer Galileo-connected travel agencies a reduced price on its commission processing services. Initially planned for the EMEA and ASPAC regions, the agreement will enable Galileo agents to more easily reconcile hotel bookings and significantly improve tracking and collection of hotel commissions. The agreement was reached to help agents boost earnings from hotel commissions at a time of reduced commissions in other travel segments. “Our research has shown that Pegasus Commission Processing is the preferred commission service for agents, and we want to make sure agents have the opportunity to take advantage of it,” said Mark S. Dubrow, President of Pegasus financial services. “This exclusive agreement with Galileo facilitates access for Galileo-connected travel agencies at a reduced price so they can break through to the benefits we offer.” Pegasus Commission Processing streamlines commission payments for hotels and suppliers, and facilitates collections for travel agents. Processing more than $500-million in commissions each year, Pegasus delivers agents regularly scheduled, consolidated payments in their preferred currency. (Pegasus Solutions, Inc.) China Swissôtel Grand Shanghai Wins Top Leaders Award The hotel management of Swissôtel Grand Shanghai, after opening the property in spring this year, has been pronounced China's Top LeadersTM in an evaluation organised by Corporate Research Foundation (CRF), a global organisation specialising in quality management and business best practice research projects. John Pelling, Regional Vice President (China), Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, said ... "We are delighted that CRF, a leading and world-renowned organization, have recognized the management of Swissôtel Grand Shanghai as China's Top Leaders. "As an international hotel brand, this is a tremendous honour as it reflects the efforts of this management team who each played a key role in the hotel's opening, furthermore proves our brand's focus on classic Swiss hospitality has a well deserved place in this highly competitive market." The Top LeadersTM Award has been running for 16-years by CRF in ten countries and now the Chinese mainland, with eight award winners selected out of 200 entrepreneures. The assessment was based on seven key criteria: management; strategy; market performance; finance; human resources; flexibility; corporate governance and social investment; and international orientation. The award was accepted on behalf of the hotel management by Roslyn Chan, Director of Revenue and Marketing, who was accompanied by John Pelling, Regional Vice President (China), Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. Other winners are Ma Yun, Chairman and CEO of Alibaba.com; John Wang, CEO of Amdocs China; Simon Ma, CEO of Camelot Information Systems; Tan Zhi, CEO of Focus Media; Edmond Ip, COO of InterContinental Hotels Group; Michael Drake, CEO of TNT China; and the management of PepsiCo China Foods. (Impact Asia Limited) Update: July 12, 2008 [2 Stories] China JIA Shanghai Named Best Hotel Design of the Year JIA Shanghai, the city’s first design-led boutique residence, scooped Best Hotel Design of the Year award in the annual Interior Design China (IDC) Hospitality Design Awards. JIA Shanghai won the top prize for overall Best Hotel Design. The award was presented on June 27, in conjunction with the International Hospitality Design and Innovation Forum at the Shanghai 100% Exhibition. Annually hosted by Interior Design China and Hotels China magazines, China’s leading hospitality design awards recognise the past year’s most outstanding hotel projects. Competition judges included renowned international architects and interior designers, professionals, academics and editors from Interior Design China and Hotels China. JIA’s founder and owner, Yenn Wong, said ... “I am especially thrilled for our talented designers and my own team of specialists who contributed with invaluable input, to collect the prestigious award for Best Hotel Design.” With its prime, central location in a stunning 1920’s building on the corner of Nanjing Road and Tai Xing Road, JIA Shanghai features 55 spacious guestrooms and suites, some with private balconie. Two penthouse suites are located on the top floor, each appointed with ultra indulgent facilities and the Penthouse Plus including a super-size Jacuzzi, steam-room, DJ booth and cocktail bar with a pesonalised bartender. (Grebstad Hicks Communications) USA Crowne Plaza To Open in Chicago Suburb Of Glen Ellyn IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced that a Crowne Plaza in Glen Ellyn, Illinois., will open within a month, after a complete renovation from a Holiday Inn. The completely redesigned Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn-Lombard is located in an affluent suburb of Chicago near major highways and the Interstate 88 research and development corridor. Nearby key businesses include Sara Lee Corporation, Accenture, Deloitte and McDonald’s Corporation. . Socially responsible, the 148,000sqft Crowne Plaza will feature a recycling program, low-emissivity windows to reduce energy loss, and Glen Prairie Restaurant, which supports natural and sustainable farming practices. The hotel has 119 guestrooms, including nine 2-room suites with microwave, refrigerator, wet bar, soaking tub, dual showerhead and two LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access is available throughout the hotel, and wired high-speed Internet access is available in guestrooms and meeting space. The hotel offers an indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, business centre and complimentary shuttle service. The property, located at 1250 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn, is owned by Glen Ellyn Hospitality, LLC, and managed by F and F Realty, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. (InterContinental Hotels Group) Update: July 11, 2008 [1 Story] The Philippines Shangri-La Group To Open Sixth Hotel Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has commenced construction of the Shangri-La at The Fort, in Taguig City, Manila, following a ground breaking ceremony attended by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Located at the former headquarters of the Philippine Army Fort Bonifacio which is now known to be the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the 66-storey Shangri-La at The Fort is expected to feature 500 guestrooms and 234 apartment units with standard rooms and Horizon Club rooms averaging 52sqm and 260sqm in size, respectively. The hotel is also likely to offer 4,600sqm of meeting and banquet facilities, including a grand ballroom, a junior ballroom, 11 function rooms, a boardroom, a business centre, an individual teleconferencing room and an outdoor event area. (HVS International) Update: July 10, 2008 [3 Stories] Hong Kong W Hong Kong Welcomes A New Face W Hotels Worldwide, the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in the world, has appointed Damon Page as General Manager of W Hong Kong. The role marks a milestone for the 3rd generation hotelier, whose passion for hotels has resulted in an impressive career spanning 25-years. From his native Australia to destinations such as New Zealand, Guilin, Moscow, Warsaw, Malaysia and Maldives, Damon is bringing his knowledge and expertise to W Hong Kong. Having worked with the W brand for the past 3-years, Damon's previous role saw him responsible for the opening of W Maldives, the brand's first Retreat & Spa, where he oversaw the hiring, training and motivating of 220 staff from 24 countries around the world. While the location and setting may be different, Damon's expertise and passion for hotels will no doubt play a huge role in launching the 393 luxurious guest rooms with unobstructed views of the famed Hong Kong skyline, the award-winning Bliss® spa, a state of the art gym, 10,000 sqft of convertible event space, two world-class signature restaurants and a destination bar. W Hong Kong is ideally located in the heart of the city's burgeoning West Kowloon commercial, entertainment, and cultural district. The new hotel will be the closest structure to the city's newest commercial landmark, the International Commerce Centre, and the only hotel connected to the city's luxurious Elements shopping mall. (Impact Asia Ltd) Australia Novotel Perth Appoints New Executive Chef The Novotel Perth Langley Hotel has appointed Xavier Pique as Executive Chef, assuming responsibility for the entire food operations of the hotel including the renowned Sen5es restaurant, the entire conference floor business and room service. Xavier has a rich cultural history - being French born and now holding dual Australian and Canadian citizenship, his past experience is all fine dining restaurant and catering since leaving school at the tender age of sixteen to enter the world of cuisine. Prior to commencing at Novotel Perth Langley, Xavier’s experience has been as Sous Chef at the Hilton Bonaventure Hotel in Montreal Canada, at Michelin Star restaurants in London and France, most notably being Arlequin restaurant in London, and Gill and Le Beffroy in France. He has also served as Executive Chef at Origins Restaurant at Sheraton Perth. Typically his daily responsibility will include room service and catering for the Novotel Hotel comprising 253 rooms and suites, Sen5es restaurant, a fine dining restaurant and a buffet restaurant, Fenians Irish pub, and banquet facilities of 7 meeting rooms, catering for up to 600 people. He will also supervise a kitchen staff of 14 chefs, organize all the kitchen’s set up, apply Health and Hygiene rules, manage staff training and development, along with maintaining and monitoring food costs, regular stock takes, the ordering of all fresh produce and dry goods, and the vital menu planning and menu costing. (Accor Asia Pacific) Australia Two New High Quality Sign-Ups For Choice A heritage property in Ballarat, Victoria, and a newly refurbished boutique hotel in Armidale, NSW, are the latest additions to Choice Hotels Australasia’s (CHA) growing network. Ballarat’s newest hotel, the Quality Inn Heritage on Lydiard, occupies one of the city’s oldest buildings, the former Bank of NSW dating back to the 1860s gold rush. Centrally located on historic Lydiard Street among restaurants and bars, art galleries and theatres, the hotel offers grand accommodation with a modern edge - facilities include a rooftop heated lap pool, spa and sundeck, gymnasium, conference facilities for 100 people, wine and piano bar and spacious guest rooms with chandeliers, gas log fires and wireless internet. Close by are Ballarat’s Botanical Gardens, Prisoner Of War Memorial, Lake Wendouree and Ballarat Wildlife Park. In the leafy university city of Armidale is the 4-Star Quality Hotel Powerhouse, a stylish boutique hotel recently transformed by an extensive $3.5-million refurbishment. Features include a chic restaurant and bar, sauna, indoor pool and spa, business centre, meeting facilities for 110 people, and guest rooms with complimentary wireless internet and underfloor heating. The hotel is close to the town centre and a short drive from Armidale Airport and New England National Park, Dangars Gorge and Wollombimbi Gorge. (MG Media Communications) Update: July 09, 2008 [3 Stories] Per Aquum Appoints Desert Palm GM Per Aquum has announced the appointment of Axel Jarosch as General Manager, Desert Palm, Dubai. Desert Palm is located on a private polo estate just 20-minutes from the city centre. Axel was previously General Manager of The Fortress, Per Aquum’s award winning property in Sri Lanka. Axel takes over the operations of Desert Palm from the pre-opening management couple David and Jacqueline O’Hara who have returned to Australia following completion of their tenure. Tom McLoughlin, CEO, said ... “Axel is a strong operational leader with exceptional knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry. His expertise will ensure we successfully establish Per Aquum in Dubai and bring a different kind of resort experience to this growing destination.” Axel is well travelled with an outstanding career history focusing on luxury operations in the Middle and Far East. His career has encompassed successful tenures with leading high-end hotel groups and he has a solid understanding of running both small and medium sized high-end resorts and hotels. (Ink Publicity) USA Staybridge Suites Opens In Downtown Indianapolis IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced that a new 113-room Staybridge Suites in Indianapolis has opened. The Staybridge Suites Indianapolis City Centre is the area’s 3rd Staybridge Suites hotel. “We’re very pleased to welcome the Staybridge Suites Indianapolis City Centre to our swiftly growing family of upscale extended stay hotels,” said Robert Radomski, Vice President, Brand Management, Extended-Stay Brands, IHG. “We’re seeing an increase in extended-stay demand in many downtown urban areas, and Indianapolis is certainly one of those. "We currently have Staybridge Suites properties under construction in downtown Chicago and New York City as well.” The new all-suite hotel features three well-designed suite options - deluxe studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom / 2-bath. All suites include in-room DVD/CD players; functional, well-lit work stations with ergonomic seating, two-line speaker phones with direct-dial number, personal voice mail and complimentary local phone calls, and fully equipped kitchens. Located in downtown Indianapolis adjacent to the new Lucas Oil Stadium, the property is minutes from area businesses such as General Motors, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and the Eli Lilly and Company world headquarters. The 860,000sqft hotel is also close to key attractions such as the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome, Conseco Fieldhouse and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. (InterContinental Hotels Group Plc) China IHG Academy Doubles Presence IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is tackling the war for talent in China head on. Two years after opening its first IHG Academy, an industry-leading training institute, in Shanghai, the company has announced that it will nearly double the number of IHG Academy locations to 22 from the current 12. The largest international hotel operator in China recently signed partnerships with several leading tourism institutions in the key cities of Nanjing and Hangzhou in eastern China. The 10 new IHG training facilities will cater to an area with a population of nearly 150-million people, training local talent in a variety of hospitality-related fields and subsequently offering employment within IHG’s growing portfolio of hotels. The first IHG Academy was established in June 2006 in Shanghai, to address the demand for trained talent in China’s rapidly-growing hospitality industry. Since then, the IHG Academy has grown rapidly across China and attracted significant interest from young people interested in pursuing a career in China’s burgeoning hospitality industry. The IHG Academy will accommodate up to 4,500 students at any one time, once all 22 locations are up and running. Each IHG Academy offers a selection of certification and diploma programmes that combine theoretical sessions, lectures by IHG executives and internship exposure at IHG’s hotels. Each year, approximately 2,000 IHG Academy graduates are offered employment opportunities at IHG hotels across China under the InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands. (InterContinental Hotels Group Plc) Update: July 07, 2008 [4 Stories] Hong Kong GM Appointments By Hongkong And Shanghai Hotels Mr Clement K.M. Kwok, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH), has announced the following senior executive appointments: Mr Paul Tchen as General Manager of The Peninsula Shanghai, effective July 1; Mr David Batchelor as General Manager, Operations Planning and Support, effective August 25; and Mr Vlad Reyes as General Manager of The Peninsula Manila, effective August 18. Mr Paul Tchen (top picture) joined HSH in 1991 with The Peninsula Beverly Hills and relocated to Hong Kong in 1992. In subsequent years, he took on various executive positions within the Group and in 2007 he was appointed General Manager, Operations Planning and Support, with responsibilities encompassing Peninsula Merchandising and providing support to upcoming Peninsula hotels. In his new capacity, Mr Tchen will be overseeing the launch of the 9th Peninsula hotel in Shanghai, which is due to open in late 2009. Mr David Batchelor (middle picture) is currently General Manager of The Peninsula Manila and will be transferred to Hong Kong to replace Paul Tchen as General Manager, Operations Planning and Support. Mr Batchelor joined the Group in 1994 as Financial Controller of The Peninsula Hong Kong, and was promoted to the position of Resident Manager in 2000. In 2001, he was appointed General Manager of The Peninsula Manila. Mr Vlad Reyes (bottom picture) will commence his tenure at The Peninsula Manila in mid August 2008, succeeding David Batchelor as the hotel’s General Manager. He is currently General Manager of the Hilton Beijing. Mr Reyes has had a long career with Hilton Hotels in the USA and Asia, including General Manager postings to the Maldives, Malaysia and for the past 6-years, Beijing. (Ink Publicity) Switzerland MA Kharafi Group Launches Sovereign MA Kharafi Group, the Kuwaiti conglomerate, has announced the launch of Sovereign Hospitality Holdings, an independent company that will invest in hospitality, tourism and real estate around the world. Sovereign, which has its base in the Swiss city of Geneva, owns and operates a starting portfolio of 21 hotels (more than 4,000 rooms); these are located in Egypt, South Africa, The Gambia, Syria, Lebanon and Albania. Sovereign already has new projects under development in the African nations of Libya, Ethiopia, Mauritania and Senegal. A management agreement has been signed with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) on a 250-room InterContinental hotel in Dakar, the capital of the West African republic of Senegal. Sovereign is to invest more than US$250-million in the 30-hectare mixed-use site in which the hotel will sit. The hotel will be open by 2010. In May, Sovereign and IHG signed an agreement to open a 370-room InterContinental hotel in the Syrian capital Damascus. (HVS International) Malaysia IGB To Develop New Hotel Chain In Asia Pacific Malaysia's IGB Corporation Berhad has announced its plans to invest approximately US$612.6-million to develop a new value-for-money hotel chain, Super Express, across the Asia Pacific region by 2013 or 2014. The investment amount is expected to add some 20,000 rooms for the group. The first Super Express hotel is expected to open in China by 2011, with rooms averaging 11sqm in size, and operations are expected to be highly efficient. By 2010, the group's room inventory is expected to increase from 3,800 rooms to 5,300 rooms as it expands into the Vietnam, Thailand and Australia markets. (HVS International) Malaysia Accor Targets 5,000 Rooms By 2012 Accor, the French hotel and services group, has announced its target to operate 5,000 hotel rooms in Malaysia by 2012. Currently, the group manages the Sofitel Palm Suite in Johor and Novotel Hydro Majestic Kuala Lumpur. Accor has expressed intentions to open a flagship Sofitel, a Pullman and an Ibis in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. In addition, it is also looking to open a Sofitel, Pullman and Novotel in Langkawi as well. The group is presently in discussion with ten parties in Malaysia to expand its existing brands and introduce new brands. In 2007, the revenue contributions from Accor's Asia-Pacific hotels recorded less than 10% of its total revenue, which according to Accor, signals ample growth opportunities. (HVS International) Update: July 06, 2008 [1 Story] Vietnam Nam Hai Resort Welcomes Miss Universe In March, The Nam Hai welcomed owners of some of the world’s most extraordinary cars, in April the acclaimed resort hosted Southeast Asia’s financial leaders and, most recently, the Nam Hai rolled out the red carpet to welcome the Miss Universe contestants. With cameras flashing, 84 Miss Universe contestants visited the luxury hotel on China Beach as part of a 160-person delegation promoting the 2008 Miss Universe pageant, which takes place on July 13 in Nha Trang The beauty queens toured the award-winning property and were welcomed with cocktails at the pool restaurant. “What a picture-perfect combination: Some of the world’s most beautiful women at one of the world’s most beautiful resorts,” said Wayne Duberly, General Manager of The Nam Hai. “It’s just the start of that kind of synergy here, too. At the end of August, the final round of the 2008 Miss Vietnam competition comes to Hoi An, just a few kilometers down the road. We’ll have at least 40 of those participants staying at The Nam Hai then.” The contingent marked yet another milestone in The Nam Hai’s burgeoning reputation as one of Asia’s most elegant resorts, spas and retreats. Shortly after participants of the prestigious Tiger Car Rally paid a visit to the hotel, the resort convened an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit with 90 influential ministers representing the 10-country alliance. (Grebstad Hicks Communications) Update: July 03, 2008 [3 Stories] Australia Top Destinations For People Escaping WYD lastminute.com.au has revealed the top eight pilgrimages' people are booking to escape World Youth Day (WYD) including; Melbourne, hot spots in Queensland and regional getaways. With over 200,000 youths expected to descend upon Sydney for World Youth Day from July 15-20, deal hunters are resurrecting their desire to skip town for a last minute getaway to avoid the crowds, road closure and motorcades. "Bookings by Sydneysiders to destinations around Australia are skyrocketing as we see a surge of people desperate to escape the mayhem expected around World Youth Day," said Angie Bohlmann, Head of Brand, lastminute.com.au. According to lastminute.com.au, the top eight destinations Sydneysiders are escaping to over the World Youth Day period are ... 1. Melbourne, VIC up 41% 2. Gold Coast, QLD up 66% 3. Perth, WA up 77% 4. Cairns, QLD up 139% 5. Adelaide, SA up 62% 6. Blue Mountains, NSW up 207% 7. Surfers Paradise, QLD up 85% 8. Hunter Valley, NSW up 92 % (Klick Communications) USA New, Innovative Destination Web Site Outrigger Enterprises Group announced today the unveiling of its new, innovative travel destination Web site, OutriggerHawaii.com. The site uses advanced technology to allow visitors to easily navigate Hawaii's myriad destinations, research extensive itinerary options and ultimately guides visitors to a resort, hotel or condominium that best suits their travel needs from a multi-brand portfolio including Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Condominium Collection, OHANA Hotels & Resort, Ala Moana Hotel, Embassy Suites(r)-Waikiki Beach Walk(r), Keauhou Beach Resort and The Wyland Waikiki. Visitors to OutriggerHawaii.com are invited to explore Hawaii destinations through five lifestyle categories: adventure, romance, culture, culinary and business and leisure. The site features online video vignettes that showcase unique experiences of the Hawaiian host culture as well as candid first-person stories of visitors who have travelled Hawaii's unbeaten paths. "We are thrilled to launch a Web site that shares with visitors the authentic treasures one can find throughout the islands," said Rob Solomon, Chief Marketing Officer for Outrigger Enterprises Group. "OutriggerHawaii.com is unlike any other hospitality site and offers valuable new resources for Hawaii travellers." (Outrigger Enterprises Group) Australia An AHA Hat Trick For Olims Hotel Olims Hotel took out three coveted wins at the Australian Hotel Association Awards recently, beating out stiff competition to win Best Redeveloped Licensed Premises; Best Outdoor Entertainment Venue; and Best Sporting and Gaming Venue. The awards are proof Olims remains at the epicentre of Canberra’s social life, having been entertaining locals since 1927. General Manager Brook Paulka said that more than the new infrastructure, it’s still the people that make Olims special. “I would like to thank our staff, whose dedication to our customers and pride in the hotel has ensured our continuing success,” he said. “The awards are also testament to the huge investment the Schwarz family has made in restoring this iconic property to its former glory and I commend them on respecting the hotel’s heritage while bringing it into the 21st century.” Olims will soon complete the second stage of its redevelopment, with a new Bistro kitchen and restaurant, which will create the perfect setting for stylish, yet relaxed dining with family and friends. Last year the hotel celebrated its 80th anniversary and completed a refurbishment to its guest rooms and most public areas. The result is almost like a brand new hotel within the National Trust-listed façade. (Accor Asia Pacific) Update: July 02, 2008 [1 Story] USA Pegasus Names President Of Representation Services Pegasus Solutions has named industry veteran Ric Leutwyler president of Pegasus representation services, including Utell® Hotels & Resorts and Unirez by Pegasus™. Leutwyler joins Pegasus, the hotel industry’s largest third-party marketing and reservations provider, from Best Western. During his 6-year tenure serving in various senior vice president and vice president positions for Best Western, Leutwyler worked with more than 4,100 hotels in 80 countries and territories worldwide to ensure brand quality and maximize member services, eCommerce and field marketing. This international management experience makes him ideal to serve at the helm of Pegasus’ representation services, which are used by nearly 11,000 member hotels in more than 130 countries, according to Mike Kistner, Chief Executive Officer for Pegasus. Prior to joining Best Western in 2002, Leutwyler held various leadership positions with Cendant Travel, Inc., where he also served as General Manager with responsibility for running the leading U.S. travel agency, which had more than $750-million in annual sales, twelve call centres, more than 2,500 employees at the time. Before his 11-years at Cendant, he also held national account positions with AT&T. (Pegasus Solutions) Update: June 30, 2008 [6 Stories] Indonesia New Appointments At Westin Nusa Dua, Bali Bipan Kapur has been appointed General Manager of the 350-room The Westin Nusa Dua and the adjoining Bali International Convention Center (BICC). Before joining The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bipan opened the inaugural Westin-branded property in India, The Westin Sohna Gurgaon Resort & Spa. Bipan has been associated with Starwood since 1992. Past assignment include working as a F&B Manager with Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast, Australia, prior to stints in China, Malaysia and Brunei. A graduate from the Oberoi School of Hotel Management he also holds a Masters degree in Hotel administration from the Institut de Management Hôtelier International (Cornell/ESSEC) - Paris, France. Bipan replaces Jan Bungaard who held the same position at The Westin since April 2005. In a further apointment, Syaiful Imron has been appointed Financial Controller at The Westin and BICC. Prior joining the Resort, Syaiful served as the Financial Controller of Sheraton Surabaya Hotel and Towers and has been associated with Starwood since 1995. He is a graduate from STEI Perbanas majoring in Finance and started his career in the hospitality industry as Income Auditor of Sheraton Surabaya Hotel and Towers. (Bali Discovery Tours) Australia Rising Airfares Ground Aussie Travellers The threat of rising airfares has Aussies reviewing their holiday plans, with many indicating that increased airfares 'would have an affect' on their travel habits, according to a survey conducted by accommodation website Wotif.com. But the results of the survey, which asked over 600 people to consider what affect the threatened price hikes in air travel would have on their travel plans, contained a silver lining for local tourism operators, with over 70% of respondents indicating they'd holiday closer to home. Commenting on the survey, Managing Director, Robbie Cooke, sai ... "People will always love to travel, and while rising airfares may affect the destinations they choose, these results show that it will have a minimal impact on their inclination to travel." Many Kiwi and Asian respondents echoed their Aussie counterparts, with 43% of the international respondents marking Australia as a desirable destination if long-haul airfares become too expensive. Respondents to the survey also said they planned to use the rising costs of airfares as an excuse to extend their breaks, with many intending to spend more time at each destination to compensate for the increased cost of getting there. (Wotif.com) England Swallows Fly To Travelodge Travelodge has added seven hotels and 669 rooms to its ever expanding portfolio in the UK. The company has invested a total of £28.4-million in two Swallow hotels - one in the Scottish capital Edinburgh, the other in the English seaside town of Scarborough - and will spend a total of an additional £7-million converting the hotels to the Travelodge brand by early next year. Travelodge will invest £34.5-million in five other hotels. Two are in North Wales: in Porthmadog and Caernarfon; the others are in London (Finsbury Park), which takes £10.1-million of the money; Egham, in Surrey; and the city of Gloucester. (HVS International) China MGM Mirage In Joint Development MGM Mirage Hospitality, a subsidiary of MGM Mirage, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse and Sinosteel International Plaza Company Limited have announced plans to develop and manage a mixed-use development project, Sinosteel International Plaza, in Tianjin. Scheduled to be completed in two phases, the project will comprise two towers which are expected to house a 350-room luxury hotel, to be called MGM Grand Tianjin, a 50-key all-suite hotel named the Skylofts at MGM Grand and a 60-unit MGM Grand condominium residence, accompanied by facilities such as a spa and restaurant. Construction works for the first phase of the development are expected to begin in mid-2008. (HVS International) China China Telecom Group To Sell 30% Of Hotel Subsidiary China Telecom Group is selling a 30% stake of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tong Mao Hotel Holding Company Limited (Tong Mao), for approximately US$105 million. Currently, Tong Mao holds a portfolio of 11 hotels in seven Chinese provinces, including two 5-Star hotels in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, six 4-Star hotels in Shanghai, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Jiejiang, Hefei and Guangxi and three 3-Star hotels in Jiejiang and Shaanxi. As of end-2007, Tong Mao reported an operating revenue and net profit of approximately US$99.4-million and US$1.3-million, respectively. Potential buyers are expected to invest an additional minimum amount of US$132-million in cash to eventually hold a 49% stake in Tong Mao. (HVS International) Australia Kuwaiti Sheikh Opens New Ibis Hotel Sheikh Mubarak, an heir to the Kuwaiti royal throne, under his investment vehicle, Action Australia Group, has announced the official opening of the US$24.5-million Hotel Ibis at Glen Waverley in Melbourne. The 155-room hotel is the company's first hotel investment in Australia and a collaborated project with Accor. The hotel is expected to target the mid-market and provide quality and value-for-money accommodation. (HVS International) Update: June 29, 2008 [6 Stories] USA Promoted To Chief Marketing Officer David Carey, President & CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group, has announced the promotion of Rob Solomon to Chief Marketing Officer for Outrigger Enterprises Group. In this new and expanded capacity, Mr Solomon will provide strategic marketing leadership for the entire Outrigger portfolio of brands and lines of business that spans from Hawaii to the Pacific-Asia region. "As Outrigger develops our markets into more places, the need to focus on global marketing is even more paramount than ever before," David Carey said. "Rob's expanded role as Chief Marketing Officer acknowledges the broader role marketing is taking across our company's portfolio of businesses and the inter-related nature of going to market on a global basis." Mr Solomon was most recently Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing and has led Outrigger Enterprises Group's marketing and sales efforts for over 10-years. During that time the company has received many accolades, including recognition as the American Marketing Association's Marketer of the Year. In 2005, Mr Solomon was recognized by his peers in the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International as one of the 25 most extraordinary minds in marketing. Mr Solomon is an active and respected member of Hawaii's visitor industry, serving as a member or board representative for industry organizations such as the Oahu Visitors Bureau and the Japan Hawaii Tourism Council. (Outrigger Enterprises Group) Australia Rydges Sabaya Appoints Executive Assistant Manager General Manager of Rydges Sabaya Resort, Port Douglas, Kellie Eustace has welcomed David James Penney to her management team in the position of Executive Assistant Manager. Mr Penney is an experienced hotel executive who has relocated from Rydges Oasis Resort in Caloundra to take up this position at Rydges Sabaya Port Douglas. He brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous position of Front Office Manager and has been part of the Rydges family for several years. Launching his career with Rydges Hotels Resorts as a Porter, Mr Penney rapidly moved up the ranks attaining experience in many different facets of hotel management from working as a Front Desk Receptionist, Night Auditor and Assistant Night Manager in Rydges Melbourne to Food & Beverage Supervisor, Hotel Duty Manager and Front Office Manager at Rydges Carlton before moving to the Sunshine Coast’s Caloundra resort. While currently studying a Certificate 4 Business – Frontline Management, Mr Penney’s former hospitality training in areas such as business negotiation and occupational health and safety is diverse. He has also embarked upon a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering at Melbourne’s Swinburne University. (Pip Miller PR) Australia Appointment At Outrigger Twin Towns Resort Outrigger Twin Towns Resort on the Queensland/New South Wales border has appointed Penny Shaw, Reservations Manager. Overseeing the central reservations process at the 343-room two-tower resort, Penny previously held positions in a range of hotel operations including duty manager, head reception and reservations, and motel relief management. Penny recently crossed the Tasman from New Zealand's South Island for the warmer climes of Australia's popular border towns of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta following a successful 7-year hospitality career. She holds a National Certificate in Hospitality from Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand, to which she later returned as a guest lecturer in Reservations and Front Office Procedures. Having worked at a number of leading tourism establishments, Penny brings a good understanding of reservations operations to Outrigger Twin Towns Resort and her position is viewed as an integral role to support a dynamic team. (MarkPR Pty Ltd) Australia Rydges Southbank Secures Swag Of Awards Boutique hotel Rydges Southbank Townsville took home a swag of accolades at the recent 2008 Restaurant and Catering North Queensland Awards. The Rydges Southbank Convention Centre was awarded ‘Best Corporate Caterer’ and ‘Best Wedding Caterer’, while the hotel’s signature dining outlet, Southbank Grill, was successful in winning ‘Best Steak Restaurant’ award. The 4-Sar hotel and conference centre awards automatically qualify for September’s state finals in Brisbane. If successful, Rydges Southbank Townsville will proceed to the national awards in October. The Restaurant and Catering Awards recognise the cream of the crop in hospitality throughout Australia. Paul Burke, General Manager said of the awards ... “It great to be recognized for the superior product we have but most importantly, the outstanding staff that works tirelessly to make it all possible.” (Pip Miller PR) Germany Design Hotels™ Introduces Eco-Luxury Experience This September a stunning new hotel concept will hit the Balearic Islands: the Aguas de Ibiza Spa & Resort. The waterside hotel is proudly “anchored” in Ibiza’s Santa Eulalia Bay marina. Built by local architect Juan de los Ríos, designed by Barcelona-based Triade Studio and run by the Torres family, the Aguas de Ibiza boasts an elegant and modern ambience. In all, Aguas de Ibiza offers 112 individually styled rooms and suites. The deluxe rooms and suites distributed across the first 3-floors all come with private terraces and large glass windows. But the utmost in luxury is reserved for the exclusive Cloud 9 club on the 4th floor - essentially, a hotel within the hotel, complete with its own check-in desk, design scheme, services and amenities. Cloud 9’s luxurious lofts, and the one and only Presidential Ibiza Loft feature hardwood parquet floors, private terraces partially with oversized bathtubs and spectacular harbour views. Alberto Torres, seasoned hotelier and owner of the new resort, said ... “Aguas de Ibiza will be the most luxurious hotel on the island. We are blending the charming character of a rural finca with the services and the style of a contemporary hotel like you would find in New York.” The Aguas offers a gym, climatized pools with mineral salts, three outdoor pools - including one on the rooftop with impeccable views over the marina - a beauty salon and a boutique, with wireless Internet available throughout the hotel. The Business Centre spans 4,300sqft and consists of a private garden as well as a multi-use hall for up to 300 people. (Design Hotels AG) Australia Hilton Melbourne South Wharf Hits Its Height Melbourne’s newest views were unveiled on June 26 when Victoria's Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Tim Holding, celebrated the new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf reaching its full height at a “topping off ceremony” on site. “Topping off” at 20 floors, the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf is starting to take shape alongside the new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in the $1.4-billion South Wharf redevelopment along the Yarra. Ashley Spencer, Vice President of Hilton Hotels Australasia was thrilled with the progress of the hotel and said ... “the hotel will feature 396 rooms incorporating 364 oversized guest rooms and 26 suites with floor to ceiling windows capturing Melbourne’s newest views of the Yarra River. "The hotel offers the highest level of convenience for corporate travellers and convention delegates being the only hotel fully-integrated with the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre." The Hilton Melbourne South Wharf will be the 3rd Hilton in Melbourne, the 10th Hilton Hotel in Australasia and is due to open in early 2009. Construction commenced in May 2006 and is due for completion in early 2009 Pictured at the 'Topping Off' ceremony - Steve Wise (Plenary Group), Ashley Spencer (VP Hilton), Minister Tim Holding, and Leigh Harry (MCEC). (Hilton Hotels Australasia) Update: June 27, 2008 [1 Story] USA Best Chef Mid-Atlantic Award Winner Chef Eric Ziebold of CityZen was named Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic at the James Beard Foundation Awards 2008. Chef Ziebold is one of ten chefs receiving this year's prestigious Best Chefs in America title, displaying outstanding achievement in their region. This is the first time in Mandarin Oriental culinary history for a chef to receive this elite award. In the 18-years of the James Beard Foundation Awards, Chef Ziebold is only one of six Washington, D.C.-based chefs to receive the prestigious honour. The other chefs are Roberto Donna (1992, 1996), José Andres (2003), Ann Cashion (2004), R.J. Cooper (2007) and Frank Ruta (2007). In 2007, Michel Richard received the highly-coveted Outstanding Chef award. The James Beard Foundation Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars of Food", honour the finest chefs, restaurants, journalists, cookbook authors, restaurant designer and electronic media professionals in the United States. More than 600 culinary professionals comprise the voting process and winners receive a bronze medallion engraved with the image of the late James Beard. Eric Ziebold opened CityZen, the signature restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C., in September 2004. (Impact Asia Ltd) Update: June 26, 2008 [1 Story] Australia Popular Port Stephens Resort Joins Accor Accor Hotels have added the All Seasons Port Stephens Salamander Shores to their NSW network, providing a coastal addition to its four other hotels in the Hunter region. Surrounded by tranquil waterways and landscaped gardens with spectacular ocean views, the 3.5-Star All Seasons Port Stephens Salamander Shores provides a choice of accommodation types and facilities to suit many tastes and budgets. The resort’s 89 guest rooms include a selection of Garden View, Sea View and Family rooms all offering private balconies with water or landscape garden views, mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities, Fox Sports and Fox Classic movie channels and dial up internet. Garden and Sea View rooms offer queen and single bedding with sofa bed and private en-suite with spa baths available in some rooms. The well-appointed 2-bedroom family rooms consist of a queen Bed, two single beds and sofa and separate en suite. The Shoreline Restaurant and Bar offering casual dining with a menu featuring local seafood delights in a relaxing atmosphere, complementing a comprehensive selection of restaurants and cafes around the coastline. (Accor Asia Pacific) Update: June 25, 2008 [5 Stories] Mauritius Summer Opening For Four Seasons Resort The much anticipated Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita will be welcoming its first guests in Summer 2008 and bringing a new level of service to the idyllic island. Situated off the coast of Madagascar to the east of Africa, Mauritius is less than 2,000sqkm and surrounded by coral reefs and over 150km of white, sandy beaches. Backdropped by the lush Bambou Mountains, the Resort is ideally-situated on the east coast of Mauritius, on the edge of a calm, incandescent, blue lagoon - one of the largest lagoons on the island. The Four Season Resort Mauritius at Anahita is part of the Anahita World Class Sanctuary, a private mixed-use development including 45 Four Seasons Private Residences as well as an 18-hole golf course designed by Ernie Els. Four Seasons will offer the first all-villa resort in the east of Mauritius. With 61 sea front villas each with its individual plunge pool situated on a private island called Ile aux chats and 30 pool villas on the mainland, the accommodations will ensure that guests are able to combine absolute comfort and privacy. The private island also features a 2-bedroom Presidential Villa for the ultimate in serenity and privacy. Four Seasons Mauritius will offer both a Kids Club and a Young Adults Activities Centre complete with indoor and outdoor activities. In addition, the Resort will include watersport activities for all ages, like scuba diving with a Padi dive centre instructor, snorkeling, water skiing, sailing, surfing - wind, water and kite - and deep sea fishing. (Devahasdin Communications) Turkey IHG Signs Two Further Hotels In Istanbul IHG has signed an agreement to open two new hotels in Istanbul - including Turkey's first Holiday Inn Express. The agreement, with Turkish real estate investment company ORA Istanbul Real Estate Investment and Development Co. (ORA), will bring the total number of IHG hotels in the country to eleven - seven of which are in Istanbul. IHG signed a 20-year management contract with ORA to develop a 281-room Crowne Plaza and a 146-room Express by Holiday Inn in Istanbul's Bayrampasa district. Both hotels are due to open in the first quarter of 2010. The announcement comes the same week IHG opened its 263-room Crowne Plaza Ankara. The Crowne Plaza Istanbul Bayrampasa and the Holiday Inn Express Istanbul Bayrampasa are being developed as part of ORA Istanbul Urban Entertainment Center, an entertainment, retail and exhibition complex located between the city centre and the airport. "Turkey is among the fastest growing tourism markets in the world, particularly Istanbul, its largest city," said IHG Chief Operations Officer Europe Division Robin Wicks. "The opening of these two hotels in Istanbul, as part of such a key development for the city, will make these properties a strong addition to the IHG portfolio - it's great to see the first Holiday Inn Express coming to Turkey. "We are delighted to be working with ORA which brings great local knowledge to the development." (InterContinental Hotels Group) USA Ohio's 8th Crowne Plaza to Open In Toledo IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, has announced that the 241-room Crowne Plaza Toledo will open within a month. The contemporary 14-storey property is a conversion from a Wyndham Hotel. “We are thrilled to welcome back the Crowne Plaza Toledo into to our Midwestern hotel portfolio,” said Gina LaBarre, Vice President, Brand Management, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. “This property once existed as a Crowne Plaza hotel, and we are pleased to return to such a well-traveled downtown market. "Our industry-leading meetings programme makes the Crowne Plaza Toledo an ideal choice for business travelers visiting the area.” Crowne Plaza Toledo will 18,600sqft of meeting and banquet space including a 10,000sqft ballroom; a 120 seat waterfront restaurant featuring American cuisine with a Mediterranean flare; a full service Starbucks Café; an indoor swimming pool; a 24-hour business centre and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The Crowne Plaza Toledo is located at Two Seagate, 444 North Summit St., Toledo, Ohio, 43604. The hotel is owned by Paradise Hospitality, Inc., and managed by Lane Hospitality, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. (InterContinental Hotels Group) Thailand 'Veranda Chiang Mai - The High Resort' Opens Veranda Chiang Mai - The High Resort, a serene luxury spa retreat dedicated to pure relaxation, has opened in a private valley with spectacular panoramic views over the forested hills of northern Thailand. The new resort is sister to the chic and highly successful Veranda Resort Hua Hin, a favourite getaway for Bangkok’s trendsetters. Terraced gardens, water features including a dramatic infinity-edged hillside swimming pool and feng shui landscaping create a zen-like symphony of natural balance and harmony amid this superb example of contemporary Asian design. The boutique hideaway is nestled in hills on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, the ancient northern capital renowned for its rich culture, traditional crafts and a wealth of tourist attractions. Veranda Chiang Mai - The High Resort comprises two distinct zones - one representing the cultural heritage of the north and the other in contemporary Asian style. It features just 69 rooms, in four different styles, all with large private balconies and stunning views over the forest, mountain streams, rice and tea terraces. These include 56 Valley Deluxe open-plan rooms overlooking the valley, 6 Jacuzzi Pavilions (as in image) with sunken spa Jacuzzis, 6 Rice Terrace Pavilions overlooking rice terraces with private plunge pools, and an exclusive Presidential Pool Villa with 2-bedrooms, a living room with piano, pantry and dining area, a private study, swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Dining options include The Higher Room, a fusion of contemporary northern Thai design, set high above the valley, serving international cuisine and Rabiang Cha, on the lower plains of the valley, surrounded by rice and tea terraces. Meeting and Banquet facilities are available for groups from 10 to 200 in a choice of three venues. The resort is a member of Small Luxury Hotels (SLH). (Grebstad Hicks Communications) Australia Newest And Largest Accommodation Facility Melbourne's newest and largest multi purpose accommodation facility - Rydges Bell City - is set to open in Melbourne's inner northern suburb of Preston on August 1, 2008. Located centrally between the Melbourne CBD and the Tullamarine International Airport - the new Bell City precinct will be the most exciting accommodation development to open in the Northern suburbs in many years. Boasting a whopping 924 bed capacity - the Bell City development will be Rydges Hotels and Resorts largest property in Australia sitting on a site of more than 2.7 hectares. The $240-million dollar landmark complex will feature 201 one and 2-bed Manhattan style studio apartments branded Rydges Residences, a further 182 one and 2-bed studio apartments operating as a 4.5-Star Rydges Hotel. The precinct is ideally located 20-minutes by car north of the CBD and just 20-minutes from Melbourne Airport. The precinct will boast the 140 seat Chill Restaurant and Bar, the Pantry Café and convenience store, as well as an in house gymnasium, dry cleaning and laundry services as well as 40 serviced offices and car parking for over 600 cars. Also on site is the Bell City Events Centre featuring 21 state of the art conference rooms and event spaces. The centre is well placed to meet a range of conference and event needs and budgets - offering a resort environment with the convenience of a city location capable of catering for up to 450 guests in the new Bell Ballroom facility. Occupying the site already and open for business since 2004 will be the rebranded accommodation in the Bell City East Tower - accommodating the budget conscious traveller in the Sleep & Go brand. (Tyrrell Publicity & Promotions) Back to Front Page