Travelbeat
Accommodation / Hospitality News
Update: March 10, 2010 [4 Stories]
USA
Orbitz 2010 ‘Best in Stay’ Award
Bill Comstock, general manager of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, has announced that the hotel has received yet another accolade, this time from Orbitz Worldwide.
Orbitz.com announced the winners of its 2010 Best In Stay Awards, recognizing more than 50 top-rated hotels based on reviews by Orbitz guests themselves, and the Outrigger Reef on the Beach is one of the only two winners selected from Hawaii.
Orbitz Best In Stay hotel winners were selected based on the overall score they received from Orbitz customers.
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected only from Orbitz customers who have booked and stayed at the hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5, including amenities, maintenance, hotel staff, room comfort, location and value.
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted.
“Outrigger Reef on the Beach recognizes the importance of consistently providing a high level of customer service to our guests,” said Bill Comstock.
“The Orbitz Best In Stay Award is an affirmation that our entire team is committed to providing the best guest experience possible.”
(Outrigger Enterprises Group)
Australia
Crowne Plaza Adelaide To Open In April
It’s taken more than 650 chairs; 320 LCD televisions; 11,000 towels; 4,500 sheets; 1,500 pillows; more than 200 uniforms; 11,000 pieces of china; more than 12,000 glasses; more than 600 pots and pans; 2,000 kitchen items and more than 600 beds but the Crowne Plaza Adelaide is almost ready to open its doors.
Crowne Plaza Adelaide will be the first newly built, internationally branded hotel to open in South Australia in more than 20-years when it opens in April - and the 16th Crowne Plaza in Australia.
The hotel is centrally located in the heart of the CBD on Hindmarsh Square and just metres from the city’s tourist attractions - the shopping precinct of Rundle Mall, the restaurants and
cafes of the east end of Adelaide, North Terrace, the Botanic Gardens, the Clipsal 500 race track and the Adelaide Zoo.
Crowne Plaza Adelaide offers 308 rooms and suites, with many featuring balconies and overlooking leafy Hindmarsh Square, the Adelaide Hills and the city.
All rooms include LCD televisions, WIFI, walk-in showers and contemporary furnishings.
The hotel also features the signature Redsalt Restaurant and Bar, which has a focus on South Australian food and wine in an alfresco dining setting.
Crowne Plaza has lured international chef Bradd Johns back to South Australia, who has returned home after a successful stint in the UK, where he most recently created dishes for the Royal Family.
In addition, Crowne Plaza Adelaide provides a fantastic new venue option for events in the CBD.
(Hughes Public Relations and Communication Counsel)
USA
Hotel Performance For Week Ending February 27
The U.S. hotel industry reported mixed results in the three key performance measurements during the week of February 21-27, 2010, according to data from STR.
In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy ended the week with a 2.5% increase to 55.3%. Average daily rate dropped 4.7% to finish the week at US$96.06. Revenue per available room for the week fell 2.3% to US$53.15.
The Luxury segment was the only Chain Scale segment to end the week with increases in two of the three key metrics. The segment's occupancy rose 11.4% to 68.3% and RevPAR was up 3.3% to US$162.09. Two other segments reported occupancy increases of more than 5%: the Upper Upscale segment (+7.4% to 68.1%) and the Upscale segment (+7.1% to 65.6%).
Among the Top 25 Segments, New Orleans, Louisiana (+20.9% to 76.5%), and San Francisco/San Mateo, California (+20.9% to 70.3%), reported the largest occupancy increases. San Diego, California, posted the largest occupancy decrease, falling 5.6% to 62.8%, followed by Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Virginia, with a 4.7% decrease to 40.7%.
San Francisco/San Mateo reported the largest ADR increase, up 1.6% to US$127.35, followed by Miami-Hialeah, Florida, which ended the week virtually flat with a 0.9% increase to US$176.40. Anaheim-Santa Ana, California, ended the week with the largest ADR decrease, falling 17.2% to US$96.67, followed by San Diego with an 11.0% fall to US$118.52.
San Francisco experienced the largest RevPAR increase, jumping 22.8% to US$89.56. Three other markets reported double-digit RevPAR increases: New Orleans (+15.4% to US$96.09); Miami-Hialeah (+12.0% to US$146.98); and Atlanta, Georgia (+11.3% to US$50.30). Anaheim-Santa Ana led the RevPAR decreases, falling 18.6% to US$60.67, followed by San Diego (-16.0% to US$74.42) and Dallas, Texas (-10.4% to US$48.78).
(STR Global)
Indonesia
Fire At Uma Ubud Spa In Ubud
A late afternoon fire on Friday, March 5 at the Como Shambhala's Uma Ubud in Ubud, Bali resulted in significant damage to the Resort's spa facility.
Three units of the Gianyar fire department assisted by the Resort's fire brigade responded to the blaze.
According to the Bali Post, the fire consumed the spa building which stands apart from the rest of the hotel.
Firefighters reportedly encountered difficulty in accessing the spa which is tucked away in a corner of the Resort property, managing in the end to access the burning building via the grounds of the adjacent Neka Museum complex.
The fire, which lasted for about one hour, destroyed the 2-storey 10 x 8m spa.
Local police and fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.
According to the Resort's management, hotel operations continue uninterrupted with damage limited to the spa.
The Resort's spa services will be housed temporarily in another part of the popular resort while repairs are undertaken.
(Bali Discovery Tours)
Update: March 08, 2010 [4 Stories]
Australia
First Guests To Arrive For Visual Art Feast
Excitement is building in Melbourne in preparation for the first hotel guests to arrive at The Olsen when doors open this Wednesday, March 10.
Standing on the corner of Toorak Road and Daly Street, South Yarra, the $90-million hotel development is the Jewel in the Crown of the Art Series Hotel Group.
Guests can expect all the 5-star creature comforts with the added visual feast of 492 Olsen works across the 229 rooms.
Created by Melbourne architects Rothelowman, the impressive 16-storey hotel is a tribute to Australia’s greatest living painter, Dr John Olsen.
Guests will be greeted by a 6m mural, The Yellow Sun and the Yarra painted for the stunning glass encased entrance.
The hotel is home to a spectacular glass bottom swimming pool, resplendent sun deck, gymnasium, opulent rooftop Olsen Penthouse Suite and high tech conferencing facilities.
For those wishing to stay longer, The Olsen also has a number of exclusive residential suites.
Guests will have the choice of two dining experiences including BlueBottle Restaurant, a Modern Australian seafood bar and the uber chic Steer Bar & Grill that celebrates all things carnevore prepared on a Brazilian Churrasco charcoal grill.
Rooms include the latest technology, with a gourmet kitchen, LCD TV and iPod docking station with preloaded music.
The hotel is part of the $500-million Art Series Hotel project, the brainchild of Melbourne dynamo Will Deague.
The Olsen is the second - following the opening of The Cullen late 2009 - in a series of six art hotels set to open in Melbourne over the next 18-months. The group is part of the Melbourne based, Asia Pacific Building Corporation.
(The Mint Partners)
Fiji
Fiji's Top 5-star Resort
Continued resort upgrades including a full refurbishment, the introduction of new guest services and a consistent approach to staff training have paid off for Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji with two new awards from one of the world's largest insurance groups, AON, at the annual AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji was awarded Best Deluxe Accommodation together with the coveted Frontliner of the Year award going to Executive Chef, Shailesh Naidu.
Shailesh's win is significant as he is Outrigger's second staff member in as many years to win the award, adding to his impressive line-up of accolades over the years.
Outrigger on the Lagoon's General Manager, Peter Hopgood summed up the evening by saying ... "Our two latest awards are testament to the importance we place on building on the superb facilities offered at our 5-star resort together with the heavy emphasis we place on staff training and professional development."
"While we are very proud of these outstanding awards, our resort is only as good as the people behind it and they are the ones that have made our latest accolades possible," Mr Hopgood added.
The AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards is one of Fiji's most anticipated annual tourism events honouring the individuals and businesses that make significant contributions to the local tourism industry.
The gala evening held on Friday February 26, was attended by over 350 guests from Fiji's tourism and business industries and attracted more than 2000 nominations.
Pictured (l-r): Air Pacific's CEO, John Campbell joins General Manager of Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Peter Hopgood; Executive Assistant Manager & F&B Director, Gary Waugh; Resort Manager, Leon Pink; and Director of Sales, Wayne Robinson as they collect their Best Deluxe Accommodation award.
(MarkPR Pty Ltd)
Australia
Major Deal To Teach Korea’s Future Leaders
The University of Queensland's School of Tourism and business partners Club Training Australia and Dickson Wohlsen Strategies have joined forces to bring Korean students to Brisbane.
School of Tourism lecturer Dr Timothy Lee was present at the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will result in more than 100 Korean trainees come in each year for specialist training and education in hospitality.
Dr Lee said Korea was now one of the strongest markets for Australia's growing education and training sector.
"Australia is regarded as a professional environment for training and education so the Korean Government has selected Queensland as a suitable training environment for these trainees," Dr Lee said.
The Korean Government is sponsoring trainees in commercial cooking and hospitality, he said.
Trainees will receive intensive formal training for 3-months in some of Australia's best facilities, before trying to gain work experience in clubs, hotels and restaurants.
Dr Lee and School of Tourism colleague Richard Robinson conduct lectures as part of the training.
Club Training Australia Managing Director John Dickson the memorandum of understanding was an exciting one for his Indooroopilly organisation, with trainees due to start arriving in Brisbane in May.
"This is a major win for our company and for Queensland as an exported of training and education," he said.
"To have a major economy like Korea acknowledge our expertise in this area is wonderful. It's a far cry from the days when Australia was better known for its cultural cringe value. Now we are internationally recognised."
(University of Queensland Communications)
Thailand
Outrigger Launches Phuket Website
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts in Asia has launched a dedicated website for its two resorts in Phuket.
OutriggerPhuket.com makes it easy for holidaymakers to exchange information and comments about the two resorts on social media sites as well as get detailed information, browse photo galleries, and book latest offers from the two resorts.
The website contains the new brand identity for Outrigger in Asia.
The identity builds on Outrigger's 60-plus years' hospitality experience in the Pacific and fuses it with Asian service values.
Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger's Senior Vice President for Asia, said the new website and Outrigger's operations in Asia are being built on four pillars which make up the brand DNA of Outrigger Hotels and Resorts: deep respect, native wisdom, enriching discoveries and quiet strength.
"In practice this means we respect local values, listen to needs, and create meaningful experiences that show the best of Phuket. A visit to OutriggerPhuket.com provides a wealth of information on discovering Phuket," he said.
(ScottAsia Communications)
Update: March 06, 2010 [8 Stories]
USA
HVS Hotel Management Introduces New Service
HVS Hotel Management has launched a new service that helps hotel investors, lenders and servicers quickly comprehend a hotel’s current situation to determine how best to move forward with that property.
Called the Hotel Situation AnalysisSM, this service goes beyond the appraisal to deliver specific insights and analysis.
Through an on-site assessment, HVS Hotel Management provides operations, revenue and expense insights, guest service and quality evaluations, and potential alerts to unexpected issues.
The result is a thorough, yet fast report that includes recommendations to maximize asset value.
Even in cases where there is limited access to a property due to operator issues, the Hotel Situation Analysis provides the actionable information to guide a decision maker’s next steps.
“Our Hotel Situation Analysis is the ideal cost-effective, time-efficient solution when you need to quickly understand a property’s challenges and opportunities,” said HVS Hotel Management Co-President Kirby Payne, CHA.
“It’s clear we’ve identified a marketplace need judging from the immediate interest in this service,” said HVS Hotel Management Co-President Terry Bickhardt, CHSP. “In fact, we already have success stories to share.”
(HVS Hotel Management)
Japan
Tokyo Occupancy Rises For 7th Consecutive Month
It was reported that major Tokyo hotels recorded an average occupancy of 68.7% in January 2010, reflecting a nine-percentage-point growth from the same month in 2009.
This year-on-year increase signifies the 7th consecutive month of gains.
The growth in arrivals from Asian feeder markets and strong demand from online bookings by individuals have been attributed as two of the main reasons for growth.
However, it was also reported that business conditions remain challenging as average room rates have been declining while occupancy is still below the breakeven point of 70%.
(HVS International)
India
KBJ Group To Invest US$109 Million In Hotels
KBJ Group, a major jewellery company based in Mumbai, India, has announced that it is planning to invest approximately US$109-million to set up a hotel chain in India through its subsidiary, KBJ Hotels Limited.
The group targets to open five hotels, totalling 469 keys, in religious locations across India.
Forming the first phase of investment by the company, these locations have been identified to be Goa, Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Kushinagar and Khajuraho.
(HVS International)
England
Exclusive Rooms Designed By Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg’s signature style and flair will be the talk of London in June 2010 as the designer and Claridge’s unveil her first interior design project with a series of rooms and suites.
Claridge’s, the Art Deco jewel in Mayfair, has always been at the forefront of design and Diane von Furstenberg, a longtime guest and friend of the hotel, will bring her iconic prints and bold colours as well as original pieces of furniture to the legendary landmark.
Claridge’s and Diane von Furstenberg have enjoyed an intimate relationship since the 1970’s and some of her past collections have even been inspired by the renowned hotel.
“One of my fondest memories was when I was in London as a young, independent businesswoman and stayed at Claridge’s. I knew I had made it. To me, Claridge’s is the most glamourous hotel in the world; I regard it as my home away from home,” said Diane von Furstenberg.
"I am honoured to become part of the hotel’s legacy and rich design history."
“For more than a century, Claridge’s has stood as an emblem of timeless glamour,” said Stephen Alden, CEO Maybourne Hotel Group.
“Our collaboration with the talented Diane von Furstenberg is the latest storyline within our history of forward-thinking design. Diane’s personal love and passion for Claridge’s provides a unique perspective which she will draw upon in executing her creative vision.”
(Grebstad Hicks Communications)
Singapore
Marina Bay Sands To Open In April 2010
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s second integrated resort, has announced that it will open on April 27, 2010.
The opening is expected to consist of 963 hotel rooms, food and beverage outlets and casino, as well as a portion of the shopping facility and convention centre.
It was also announced that the grand opening of the integrated resort is scheduled for late June and this will include the opening of the SkyPark and Event Plaza.
The Marina Bay Sands museum is envisaged to open by December 2010.
(HVS International)
Thailand
Luxury Soars To New Heights At Paresa
Perched high on a cliff top overlooking the azure blue waters of the Andaman Sea and surrounded by sun-drenched tropical forests, new luxury boutique resort Paresa introduces unsurpassed levels of indulgence and pampering ideal for guests seeking the ultimate Phuket getaway retreat.
Just 45-minutes from Phuket International Airport, Paresa is situated in Kamala, the island’s most sought after address known as “Millionaires Mile” where the rich and famous from around the globe have chosen to build their exclusive holiday homes.
Inspiration derived from Southern Thai homes combined with a respect for nature is reflected in the resort’s contemporary reinterpretation of traditional designs and the use of natural materials, while the preservation of all large trees maintains the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Comprising luxurious and elegantly appointed guest suites and villas, most with uninterrupted 270° views across the Andaman Sea, rooms also feature huge bathrooms, private infinity pools, LCD televisions, DVD players, iPods’ with sound stations, and espresso machines.
Paresa offers guests a variety of villas and suites.
The Thai-inspired spa provides much welcomed relaxation and wellness with luxury Thai spa products and fresh locally sourced ingredients promoting rejuvenation.
Guests are spoiled for choice with Paresa dining options. Only the freshest ingredients are featured at Thai-style Talung Thai or Mediterranean-inspired Diavolo.
(Grebstad Hicks Communications)
China
Yue Shanghai Joins WORLDHOTELS
As Shanghai prepares to host World Expo 2010, a stylish new 5-star lifestyle hotel Yue Shanghai has joined WORLDHOTELS as a First Class Collection affiliate.
In the heart of the Chinese metropolis, Yue Shanghai is located in an oasis of greenery beside picturesque Century Park in Pudong.
Parkland views are among the most relaxing in the city, enjoyed from private balconies from most of the 264 rooms and suites.
The distinctive setting is underlined by Yue Shanghai’s slogan “Where nature meets style”, which General Manager Addison Wong describes as “not just a marketing message, but a way of being.”
High-speed internet access, plus 32” LCD TVs, IPTV and Ipod docks are among state-of-the-art room features, designed with travelling business executives in mind.
Recreational facilities include a fitness centre, with sauna and spa for relaxation.
Facilities extend to a club lounge and business centre, while international menus are served at both all-day restaurant Gusto on the Green.
Conference facilities accommodate up to 214 delegates in a theatre setting and 144 in classroom style, with banqueting for up to 130 and receptions for up to 170 guests.
(Grebstad Hicks Communications)
USA
HIL Takes A Step Back In January
Economic research firm e-forecasting.com, in conjunction with Smith Travel Research, announced the U.S. Hotel Industry Leading Indicator-HIL edged down 0.2% in January, the first monthly decrease after nine consecutive months of increases for the indicator. HIL went up 1.4% in December.
HIL, a monthly leading indicator for the U.S. hotel industry, is a composite leading indicator that, on average, leads the industry's business activity 4- to 5-months in advance. The latest increase brought the index to a reading of 109.7. The index is set to equal 100 in 2000.
HIL's 6-month growth rate, a signal of turning points, went up by an annual rate of 10.6% in January, after going up 12% in December. This compares to a long-term annual growth rate of 3.5%, the same as the annual growth rate of the state's overall economic activity. To put this in perspective, the growth rate was down to negative 15.7% during the deepest part of this last recession last January.
Three of the nine components that make up HIL had a positive contribution in January: International Visitors Future Demand; Interest Rate Spread and New Orders for Manufactured Goods. Six of the nine components had a negative or zero contribution to Hotel Industry's Leading Indicator in January: Labor Market Tightness; Weekly Hours in Hotels; Hotel Profitability; Oil Prices; Housing Activity and National Vacation Barometer.
The U.S. Hotel Industry Leading Indicator, or HIL for short, is a monthly leading indicator for the industry. Building off the tracking success of HIP, the real-time indicator for the U.S. hotel industry, HIL was built as a composite indicator that uses nine different components that, on average, when put together have led the industry 4- to 5-months in advance of a change in direction in the industry business cycle.
(STR Global)
Update: March 04, 2010 [4 Stories]
USA
Carlson Unveils Ambision 2015 Strategy
At its Global Business Conference, Carlson Hotels announced Ambition 2015, its global growth strategy.
Through this strategy, the company wants to be known for its innovative and vibrant spirit reflected in the quality of its segment leading brands around the world. It aspires to be the number one hotel company to work for and to invest with. It aims to expand its portfolio by at least 50% by 2015 to more than 1,500 hotels in operation.
“We believe this is a great time to invest in the hotel business. With Ambition 2015, we have a comprehensive and compelling strategy to build the business,” said Hubert Joly, president and Chief Executive Officer, Carlson.
Ambition 2015 will focus on four priority growth initiatives including ...
1. Expanding Radisson as a powerful, globally consistent first-class brand.
2. Accelerating the growth of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson in four key markets: United States, Canada, India and Mexico.
3. Growing Park Inn as a winning mid-scale brand across theaters in key countries.
4. Continuing to grow in key emerging markets, with greater emphasis on mid-scale.
These strategies will be supported by investments in marketing, sales, distribution and technology.
As part of its Ambition 2015 strategy, Carlson Hotels expects to increase the contribution from brand websites to 30% of revenue and to double the number of members in its goldpointsplusSM loyalty programme.
(Radisson Hotels & Resorts)
USA
Comprehensive Strategy For Radisson Brand
As part of its Ambition 2015 plan, Carlson has unveiled a comprehensive strategy for its Radisson brand.
As one of the world’s leading brands, Radisson® is being positioned to deliver vibrant, contemporary and engaging hospitality characterized by the Yes I Can! service philosophy.
The positioning is being supported by a series of innovations including new room concepts, new restaurant concepts and a series of new service concepts focused on the guest experience.
The strategy for Radisson will entail an investment program of up to US$1.5-billion in North America, focused on establishing flagship hotels in key U.S. cities and on upgrading the existing portfolio.
“With 422 hotels in operation and 90 in the contracted pipeline, Radisson is one of the most well-known and fastest-growing brands in the world, delivering market leading guest satisfaction and achieving superior RevPar penetration internationally,” said Hubert Joly, President and CEO of Carlson.
As part of the strategy, Carlson announced the global roll out of five new room concepts - And Relax, Naturally Cool, New York Mansion, Ocean and Urban.
The global strategy also includes two new restaurant concepts. Filini will offer an upscale, sophisticated Italian cuisine, while rbg is a bar-and-grill concept in an inviting, contemporary setting.
As part of this strategy, the Radisson brand will be tiered across the upper upscale and upscale segments. Radisson Blu will be applied to the upper upscale segment and Radisson “Green” will be applied to the upscale segment.
(Radisson Hotels & Resorts)
Australia
Base Boosts Distribution through SiteMinder
One of the largest suppliers of budget accommodation in Australia, Base Backpacker Hostels, has also become a product distributor after partnering with channel management company, SiteMinder.
The Base Tourism Group, which represents 17 hostels in Australia and New Zealand, has used SiteMinder’s channel management technology to become a distributor of backpacker rooms.
“The Base connection underlines the many ways SiteMinder can help travel businesses more efficiently manage and sell their product and expand their market reach in what is an increasingly competitive marketplace,” said SiteMinder Sales and Marketing General Manager, Gary Fog.
The Base Tourism Group operates 13 high-quality Base Backpacker Hostels in Australia and New Zealand and also represents four affiliated Base Mates hostels, with more independent backpacker operators signing to its network soon.
Base Tourism Group Marketing Director, Tom Clark, said he was excited the group had become the first supplier business model to become an online product distributor through SiteMinder.
“We wanted our affiliated hostels to have the ability to dynamically manage rates and availability on our website in real time so rather than build our own inventory management system, we have created our own web service and integrated this directly to the well established SiteMinder channel management system,” Mr Clark said.
“This has allowed our affiliates to manage inventory on our booking engine dynamically.
“The new integration with SiteMinder also means that the affiliate hostels joining the network will generate a significantly greater level of brand awareness by leveraging the Base Backpacker web platform."
(Peak PR)
England
Cautious Optimism For India Recovery
The health of India's hotel industry is returning as data from STR Global, the leading provider of market information to the global hotel industry, shows a concerted upward trend and recent positive year-on-year growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR).
India had previously experienced 14-months of RevPAR declines. After years of double-digit growth, the worldwide economic downturn and the tragic terrorist attacks in Mumbai led to performance declines and double-digit misery.
But December 2009 and January 2010 saw a return to significant year-on-year increases, in large part due to favourable comparisons to the weak performance posted in the previous year. The recent results also were boosted by a 21% rise in international tourist arrivals, which highlights an overall quarterly increase of 6.9% after four consecutive quarters of year-on-year declines. (Source: UNWTO World Tourist Barometer)
Such improvement in international tourism arrivals has come as fears about the spread of the H1N1 flu epidemic have begun to fade. The impact of terrorism also is lessening despite the recent bombing in Pune in mid-February in which at least nine people died. However, several countries, including the U.K., the U.S. and Australia still have issued strong warnings to their citizens, urging them to observe high vigilance and to keep a low profile if visiting India.
Factors working in favour of India's hotel market include forecasted economic growth of 8.5% +/- 0.25% for 2010-2011 (Source: Ministry of Finance, Economic Survey 2009-2010), the Commonwealth Games hosted by Delhi during October, and the trial-run of a "visa on arrival" scheme for visitors from Singapore, Finland, New Zealand, Luxembourg and Japan who plan trips on short notice.
(STR Global)
Update: March 03, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
WORLDHOTELS Opens Melbourne Office
WORLDHOTELS, the global marketing and distribution network for independent hotels and hospitality brands, has opened a new sales office in Melbourne, supporting an expanding portfolio of affiliate hotels in Australia and New Zealand.
Helming the Melbourne sales office is Samantha Halpin (pictured), who joins as WORLDHOTELS Global Sales Manager, Australia & New Zealand. She reports to Ganessan Suppiah, WORLDHOTELS Director of Sales, based in Sydney.
A graduate of RMIT in Australia, she brings vast experience in the sales field, from previous experience with British Airways, Marriott Hotels and Hilton Hotels in various roles.
She is assisting in the development of WORLDHOTELS key market sectors such as generating groups and meetings (MICE) business, new corporate RFPs and managing boutique agencies so as to target bookings for affiliate leisure properties and resorts.
Roland Jegge, WORLDHOTELS Vice President for the Asia-Pacific, said ... “Our expansion in Melbourne is a significant step in building on our already strong presence in this very important market, where our portfolio has now extended to 12 prominent hotels and resorts.”
In Australia & New Zealand, WORLDHOTELS affiliates include eight Stamford Hotels & Resorts properties and two casino hotels operated by Australia’s premier gaming and entertainment group Tabcorp - Star City Hotel and Apartments in Sydney and Jupiters Townsville.
(Grebstad Hicks Communications)
Update: March 02, 2010 [2 Stories]
Malaysia
GHM Announces New Luxury Development
GHM, a market leader in stylish luxury hotel conceptualisation, development and management with a portfolio of 10 award-winning hotels and resorts around the world, has announced the development of a new luxury urban resort in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The Chedi Club and Residences.
Located on a 200-acre site in Bandar Enstek, in a district formerly known as Labu, The Chedi Club and Residences is 15-minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
As with all GHM properties, the new Chedi Club and Residences will feature an Asian-inspired design created by one of GHM’s leading International architecture and design partners.
Commenting on the company’s latest property, Mr Hans Jenni, Director and President of GHM said ... “We have a proven track record of developing and managing stylish and successful hotels and resorts in prime locations around the world.
"The Chedi Club and Residences Kuala Lumpur is our latest and most prestigious development in Malaysia and we look forward to welcoming guests with our signature GHM ‘Style to Remember'.”
The signing agreement for the new GHM property took place on Thursday, February 11 in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of YB Datuk Mukriz Mahathir, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia.
(Grebstad Hicks Communications)
Australia
Mantra Pledges Support For Cancer Event
When thousands of people touched by breast cancer stand united within the famed grounds of the MCG in May, leading accommodation provider, Mantra Group will be there in spirit with a pledge to attempt to raise $25,000 towards the ongoing battle against the deadly disease.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is planning to stage a mammoth show of tribute for those affected by breast cancer, with a 'Field of Women LIVE' event on May 7 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground before the AFL match between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
BCNA hopes to have 14,100 men and women participate to bring breast cancer statistics to life.
To show support and encouragement for such a huge and meaningful endeavour, Mantra Hotels, Resorts and Apartments hope to raise $25,000 for the cause by donating half of the best available room rate for stays at Melbourne City properties.
“Breast Cancer Network Australia's mission is to inform, empower, represent and link together Australians affected by breast cancer, and we at Mantra Group believe they deserve as much support as they can get for such a valuable service to our community,” said Bob East, Mantra Group CEO.
(Mantra Group)
Update: February 28, 2010 [4 Stories]
USA
Americas Performance Results For January 2010
The Americas region recorded declines in all three key performance metrics when reported in U.S. dollars for January 2010, according to data compiled by STR and STR Global.
In January 2010, the region's occupancy ended the month virtually flat with a 0.7% decrease to 45.5%, average daily rate fell 6.0% to US$96.68, and revenue per available room dropped 6.7% to US$43.98.
Among the markets in the region, Boston, Massachusetts, reported the largest occupancy increase, jumping 18.3% to 48.9%. Two other markets reported double-digit occupancy increases: Miami, Florida (+10.6% to 74.6%), and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (+10.4% to 76.4%). Alberta, Canada, posted the largest occupancy decrease, falling 9.9% to 46.9%.
Vancouver, British Columbia, experienced the largest ADR increase, jumping 24.9% to US$123.62, followed by Sao Paulo, Brazil, with a 22.8% increase to US$92.14. Three markets reported double-digit ADR decreases: Washington, D.C. (-27.2% to US$132.65); Chicago, Illinois (-14.5% to US$85.99); and San Juan, Puerto Rico (-10.8% to US$190.01).
Three markets ended the month with RevPAR increases of more than 25%: Vancouver (+31.6% to US$64.53); Sao Paulo (+28.3% to US$48.04); and Rio de Janeiro (+26.2% to US$115.79). Washington, D.C., reported the largest RevPAR decrease, falling 32.3% to US$64.19, followed by Chicago with a 16.6% decline to US$33.82.
(STR Global)
England
January 2010 Results For Asia/Pacific Region
Hotels in the Asia/Pacific region experienced increases in all three key performance metrics for January 2010 when reported in U.S. dollars, according to data compiled by STR Global.
In year-over-year measurements, the Asia/Pacific region's occupancy rose 13.9% to 61.0%, average daily rate increased 5.6% to US$130.75, and revenue per available room jumped 20.3% to US$79.81.
"Hotels in the Asia/Pacific region lead the world in terms of occupancy recovery with double-digit growth in three out of the four sub regions and Australia & Oceania improving 3.2%," said Elizabeth Randall, Managing Director of STR Global. "The region achieved the highest occupancy of 61%, some 6.2 percentage points more than the Middle East/Africa region, 12.8 percentage points more than Europe and 15.5 percentage points more than the Americas."
Highlights from key market performers for January 2010: (year-over-year comparisons, all currency results in U.S. dollar)
* Beijing, China, reported the largest occupancy increase among the markets, rising 41.9% to 51.0%, followed by Shanghai, China (+41.4% to 49.1%), and Phuket, Thailand (+32.7% to 86.0%).
* Bali, Indonesia, posted the largest occupancy decrease, falling 7.6% to 68.7%, followed by Seoul, South Korea, with a 7.1% decrease to 69.5%.
* Three markets experienced ADR increases of more than 30%: Brisbane, Australia (+35.9% to US$127.91); Melbourne, Australia (+33.3% to US$166.61); and Sydney, Australia (+31.8% to US$150.48).
* Mumbai, India, ended the month with the largest ADR decrease, falling 8.0% to US$192.79.
* Beijing experienced the largest RevPAR increase, jumping 48.4% to US$46.54. Sydney (+41.6% to US$116.76) and Shanghai (+41.1% to US$51.78) also reported large RevPAR increases.
* Two markets posted RevPAR decreases: Osaka, Japan (-7.4% to US$79.96), and Bali (-4.2% to US$86.32).
(STR Global)
England
STR Global Posts January Results For Europe
The European hotel industry posted mixed results in year-over-year results when reported in U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds for January 2010, according to data compiled by STR Global.
Figures for occupancy, average daily rate and revenue per available room ranged from double-digit losses to double-digit gains, depending on the market and the currency used for comparison.
Highlights from key market performers for January include (year-over-year comparisons, all currency in euros) ...
* Tel Aviv, Israel, experienced the largest occupancy increase, rising 47.9% to 62.2%. Four other markets reported occupancy increases of more than 10%: Frankfurt, Germany (+14.6% to 58.4%); Moscow, Russia (+11.6% to 43.3%); Athens, Greece (+10.6% to 42.3%); and Milan, Italy (+10.4% to 51.9%).
* Gothenburg, Sweden, posted the largest occupancy decrease, falling 11.1% to 42.4%, followed by Hamburg, Germany, with a 10.4% decrease to 48.7%.
* Berlin, Germany, reported the largest ADR increase for the month, up 8.1% to EUR82.11, followed by London, England, with a 7.2% increase to EUR125.60.
* Rome, Italy (-13.6% to EUR113.50), and Dublin, Ireland (-13.5% to EUR75.40), reported the largest ADR decreases among the key markets.
* Tel Aviv experienced the largest RevPAR increase, jumping 51.8% to EUR88.92, followed by Frankfurt (+17.6% to EUR72.36) and Berlin (+14.0% to EUR41.74).
* Two markets posted RevPAR decreases of more than 15%: Barcelona, Spain (-16.2% to EUR38.74), and Munich, Germany (-15.1% to EUR50.32).
(STR Global)
England
Middle East/Africa January 2010 Results
The Middle East/Africa region reported decreases in all three key measurements for January 2010, when reported in U.S. dollars, according to data compiled by STR Global.
The region's occupancy in January fell 2.3% to 54.8%, average daily rate decreased 1.9% to US$170.20, and revenue per available room decreased 4.1% to US$93.23.
"The African sub regions are the ones boosting the overall results for the Middle East/Africa region, which is partly due to exchange rates," said Elizabeth Randall, Managing Director of STR Global. "But the Middle East still achieved the second highest RevPAR of all the world sub regions at US$120, surpassed only by the Caribbean with US$128.
Highlights among the region's key markets for January include (year-over-year comparisons, all in U.S. dollars) ...
* Amman, Jordan, reported the largest occupancy increase, rising 7.1% to 44.1%, followed by Beirut, Lebanon (+6.1% to 57.6%), and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (+6.1% to 72.1%).
* Three markets posted double-digit occupancy decreases: Abu Dhabi, UAE (-27.1% to 56.5%); Muscat, Oman (-21.6% to 53.1%); and Johannesburg, South Africa (-10.1% to 47.9%).
* Three markets experienced ADR increases of 25% or more: Cape Town, South Africa (+49.0% to US$166.30); Johannesburg (+34.6% to US$92.62); and Beirut (+25.7% to US$206.00).
* Muscat led the ADR decreases, falling 25.0% to US$256.73, followed by Abu Dhabi,down 18.3% to US$286.80.
* Cape Town ended the month with the largest RevPAR increase, jumping 46.0% to US$98.58, followed by Beirut with a 33.4% increase to US$118.76.
* Muscat (-41.2% to US$136.27) and Abu Dhabi (-40.5% to US$162.02) reported the largest RevPAR decreases.
(STR Global)
Update: February 27, 2010 [4 Stories]
Macau
Occupancy Down While Supply Increases
According to the figures released by Macau’s Statistics and Census Service, the average occupancy rate of hotels was recorded at 71.6%, reflecting a 2.9-percentage-point decline from 2008.
On the other hand, the total number of hotel rooms recorded at 19,216 in 2009, a 9.9% growth from 2008.
The total arrivals at accommodation were recorded at 697,469 with mainland China and Hong Kong accounting for 48% and 23%, respectively.
The average length of stay of hotel guests increased 0.1 nights to record 1.5 nights.
(HVS International)
USA
Hotel Performance For Week Ending February 20
The hotel industry reported mixed results in three key measurements from February 14-20, according to STR.
In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy ended the week with a 2.4% increase to 55.4%. Average daily rate dropped 4.4% to finish the week at US$95.81. Revenue per available room for the week fell 2.2% to US$53.04.
Among the Chain Scale segments, five of the seven segments experienced occupancy increases for the week. Luxury posted the largest occupancy increase, rising 9.2% to 64.8%, followed by the Upper Upscale segment with a 7.9% increase to 65.5%. The Midscale without Food & Beverage segment ended the week virtually flat in occupancy with a 0.4% decrease to 55.4%. Midscale with Food & Beverage posted the largest occupancy decrease, down 2.9% to 47.6%.
The Luxury segment reported the largest RevPAR increase, up 1.1% to US$161.06, followed by the Upper Upscale segment with a 0.2% increase to US$90.01.
Among the Top 25 Markets, Seattle Washington, experienced the largest occupancy increase, up 17.7% to 63.4%, followed by Boston, Massachusetts, with a 15.7% increase to 54.1% Two markets ended the week with occupancy decreases: Houston, Texas (-8.8% to 58.0%), and Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Virginia (-6.7% to 42.7%). Orlando, Florida, ended the week virtually flat with a 0.6% decrease to 71.2%.
Seattle reported the smallest ADR decrease among the top markets, falling 0.8% to US$106.16. Anaheim-Santa Ana, California, posted the largest ADR decrease, falling 19.8% to US$92.95, followed by Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida (-14.8% to US$95.58), and Phoenix, Arizona (-13.6% to US$118.62).
Three markets experienced double-digit RevPAR increases: Seattle (+16.7% to US$67.29); San Francisco/San Mateo (+11.6% to US$86.87); and Boston (+10.3% to US$61.31). Anaheim-Santa Ana ended the week with the largest RevPAR decrease, falling 18.7% to US$59.58. Three other markets posted RevPAR decreases of more than 10%: Houston (-16.5% to US$53.01); Tampa-St. Petersburg (-13.0% to US$63.86); and Los Angeles-Long Beach (-10.2% to US$74.91).
(STR Global)
England
Macdonald Hotels Open New Windsor Property
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the latest hotel in its portfolio - Macdonald Windsor Hotel - which is scheduled to open in August 2010.
Launched at events industry trade show, International Confex, Macdonald Windsor Hotel, a contemporary townhouse in central Windsor, will boast 120 luxury bedrooms and extensive meetings and events space.
As an ideal business venue, the hotel will have the capacity to host large conferences and events for up to 150 delegates in the Castle Suite, accompanied by the St Georges Suite for up to 70.
Macdonald Windsor is situated on the site of the former Caleys department store originally owned by the John Lewis group in the centre of Windsor.
Although some of the store has been demolished, around 25% of the hotel sits within the original grade 2 listed building and still contains a variety of original features.
David Guile, Chief Executive, said ... “As we approach our 20th anniversary, 2010 will see the Group continue to invest in its portfolio with renewed vigour as the economy strengthens.”
Ruaridh Macdonald, Sales & Marketing Director, said ... “We are extremely excited with the opening of a new flagship property, which will be ideally situated along the M4 corridor.
"Macdonald Windsor Hotel will boast first class facilities for business travellers and the exceptional service that our guests have come to expect from a Macdonald Hotels property.”
(Davies Tanner)
Australia
Passionate Hospitality Professional Appointed
General Manager of Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club, Craig Biber has announced the appointment of David Murray as Duty Manager.
Effective immediately, David Murray has been employed to assist with the continuing growth of operations at Paradise Palms with a focus on the clubhouse entities including 59 Restaurant and Bar, conference centre and newly opened, Pelicans in Paradise.
David adds more than 10-years hospitality experience to the team as well as a passion for a proactive, hands-on style of management with a focus on delivering a positive guest experience.
Most recently David was Restaurant Manager of Hamilton Island’s Beach Club.
Having travelled extensively with his career, other prior roles include Residential Manager of Sebel Harbourside in Kiama, NSW, Restaurant Manager of Voyages Sails in the Desert, Northern Territory, acting Restaurant and Bar Manager/Food and Beverage Supervisor, Voyages Heron Island and various hospitality management roles at Cable Beach Club Resort in Broome, Western Australia.
Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club is situated on Cairns’ northern beaches just 20-minutes north of the city and 30-minutes south of Port Douglas.
(Pip Miller PR)
Update: February 26, 2010 [1 Story]
Spain
GHO Member Hotels Unaffected By Floods In Madeira
Great Hotels Organisation has confirmed that its properties in Madeira - Pestana Casino Park, Quinta da Bela Vista and Hotel Jardim Atlantico - were wholly unaffected by the recent rainstorms and mudslides that occurred in the region and are operating as usual.
Celina Sousa from Hotel Jardim Atlantico said ... “This unfortunate disaster did not affect the hotels on the island nor the airport. The road from the airport to our hotel in Prazeres is in good condition.
"The surrounding area of the hotel and the Natural Park of Madeira was not affected. Hotel occupation is at 90% however there have been a high number of cancellations as tourists have received the wrong information from the media.”
Isabel Vasconcelos from Pestana Hotels and Resorts, said ... “Pestana Group would like to confirm that the hotel area was not affected by the storm, and as such all Pestana Hotels on the island are fully operational, as are our services.
"We’re gathering specialised gardening, cleaning and maintenance brigades to be made available to cleaning operations in the affected areas and we’re also promoting the collection of blankets and clothes among the group’s collaborators to be donated to the official authorities currently coordinating the humanitarian aid to those most affected.”
(Great Hotels Organisation)
Update: February 25, 2010 [4 Stories]
Thailand
Golden Tulip's Key Appointments
Golden Tulip's strategic expansion into Thailand has been consolidated with key appointments of two experienced General Managers for the group's hotels in Pattaya and Phuket.
Golden Tulip Managing Director, South East Asia, Mark van Ogtrop, said Australian national George Hazard has been installed as the General Manager of the Golden Tulip Resort Pattaya and the Golden Tulip Erawan Hotel.
Both Pattaya properties are undergoing extensive renovations to bring them up to Golden Tulip operating standards.
Mr Hazard has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 30-years and joins Golden Tulip from his previous position as the General Manager of the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya and has extensive experience in South-east Asia.
Mr van Ogtrop has also appointed Luxembourg national Claude Baltes as General Manager of the Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort and Spa.
This property will also be the first resort in Thailand practising ancient Ayurveda spa techniques.
Mr Baltes has more than 15-years experience in the hotel industry in South-east Asia. After stints with Shangri-La and Sheraton, he spent over 13-years with Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Six Senses Resorts & Spas in Indonesia and Thailand.
Mr van Ogtrop, said the appointment of Messrs Baltes and Hazard was a key milestone for the group as it expands in Thailand and the region.
(Delivering Asia Communications)
China
China's First Club Med To Open In November
On February 11, Club Méditerranée and Melco China Resorts (Holding) Limited, signed an agreement to open the first Club Med ski Resort at MCR’s Sun Mountain Yabuli resort in November 2010.
The signing was attended by Club Méditerranée, Melco China Resorts and its new shareholder Wisecord Holding Limited senior executives.
The upmarket resort that will be home to the first Club Med mountain Resort in China, was extensively redeveloped in 2008 and re-opened in early 2009. It will be aligned with the brand’s standards by November.
Club Méditerranée will operate and market the Resort through a ten-year renewable management contract, while MCR will manage all ski-related activities.
Club Med will cover the cost of aligning the resort for a maximum investment of US$3-million.
The future 4-Trident Yabuli Resort will be dedicated to families, couples and business seminars. It will comprise 284 rooms, with 27 120sqm suites, 22 52sqm deluxe rooms and 235 36sqm rooms.
The Resort is equipped with a spa, a swimming pool and a fitness room. It also has a large number of conference rooms that in particular will host the China Entrepreneur Forum, an annual event held in February that brings together 600 senior executives from leading Chinese companies.
(Club Med Australia)
USA
Hotel Performance For January 2010
The U.S. hotel industry posted declines in all three key performance measurements during January 2010, according to data from STR.
In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy ended the month virtually flat with a 0.4% decrease to 45.1%. Average daily rate dropped 7.1% to finish the month at US$93.93. Revenue per available room for the month decreased 7.4% to finish at US$42.35.
Among the Chain Scale segments, three of the seven segments reported occupancy increases: the Luxury segment (+9.4% to 57.2%); the Upper Upscale segment (+5.4% to 56.1%); and the Upscale segment (+4.0% to 53.1%).
Among the Top 25 Markets, Boston, Massachusetts, reported the largest occupancy increase, up 18.3% to 48.9%, followed by Detroit, Michigan (+11.2% to 44.5%), and Miami-Hialeah, Florida (+10.6% to 74.6%). Houston, Texas, experienced the largest occupancy decrease, due to the lingering effects of Hurricane Ike, falling 15.7% to 49.0%.
Los Angeles-Long Beach, California, ended the month virtually flat in ADR growth with a 0.1% increase to US$119.80. Washington, D.C., which hosted President Barack Obama's presidential inauguration on January 20, 2009, posted the largest ADR decrease, falling 27.2% to US$132.65. Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida, which hosted Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009, also reported a large ADR decrease, falling 25.4% to US$94.27.
Boston experienced the largest RevPAR increase, rising 11.9% to US$56.61. Three other markets reported RevPAR increases for the month: Los Angeles-Long Beach (+6.1% to US$74.07); Miami-Hialeah (+4.2% to US$124.05); and Atlanta, Georgia (+2.5% to US$43.85). Washington, D.C., posted the largest RevPAR decrease, falling 32.3% to US$64.19, followed by Tampa-St. Petersburg (-27.6% to US$48.29) and Houston (-23.8% to US$42.66).
(STR Global)
Australia
New Bar Manager For Cairns' Newest Bar
Simon Neil has been appointed Bar Manager of Cairns funky new restaurant and bar - destined to make a splash on the city’s party scene when it officially opens next month.
With a passion for customer service and mixing the ultimate drink, Simon Neil is the perfect choice to head up Cairns’ newest venue, LILO.
Commencing his career in sales in Brisbane, he later transferred to Port Douglas where he quickly found his feet in hospitality; initially as a food and beverage attendant at the famous Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas.
Following this he worked as second in charge at the award-winning and very popular Beach Shack, was Bar Supervisor at Sea Temple Resort Port Douglas and most recently, another local institution, Salsa Bar and Grill.
LILO - A Wet Bar - located on level 3 of Rydges Plaza Cairns, opened softly on February 5 and will be officially opened on March 12 with an 'invitation-only' event.
(Pip Miller PR)
Update: February 24, 2010 [2 Stories]
England
Silver For Strand In Green Tourism Award
The Strand Palace Hotel’s commitment to green policies has recently been recognised after it received a Silver award in the London Development Agency’s (LDA) Green Tourism for London scheme.
The independent hotel in the heart of London’s West End narrowly missed out on a gold award in its initial grading, which shows a real commitment from the team at the Strand Palace Hotel to take all green matters seriously.
The award follows the hotels ambitious green drive which includes a focus on being more efficient in energy, water and waste management and the communication of this to its staff, suppliers and guests.
“We’re delighted to have been awarded Silver in the Green Tourism Awards;” said David MacRae, General Manager for Strand Palace Hotel.
“CSR is an important consideration for any business and we are working hard together with the advice that the LDA scheme provides, to ensure that we operate in a continually improving green manner.
“With the hotel having benefited from significant investment in recent years and with our centenary celebrations, our award is just one of many steps in an exciting future for the Strand Palace Hotel.”
In recent years the historic Strand Palace Hotel has benefited from a multi-million pound refurbishment throughout the hotel, bedrooms, as well as in bars, restaurants and conference and events space.
(Davies Tanner)
Vietnam
Mercure Hue Gerbera Opens
Accor, the largest international hotel operator in Vietnam, has announced the opening of Mercure Hue Gerbera.
The hotel is now open and welcoming visitors from all over the world to the former imperial capital of Hue.
"Hue is a strategic tourist draw card and has been in need of quality mid-scale international hotels to accommodate its increasing visitor arrivals for some time," said Patrick Basset, Accor's Vice President for Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea and Japan.
"The launch of Mercure Hue Gerbera in this city is a strategic move for Accor in strengthening its presence and commitment to the city and to Vietnam."
Mercure Hue Gerbera is a 110-room contemporary newly built hotel, located conveniently in the centre of the city on Le Loi Street, adjacent the Hue ferry terminal.
With a superb setting by the river, the hotel offers panoramic views of the city, the picturesque Perfume River and Trang Tien Bridge from guest rooms, and an especially stunning view at night from the Sky Bar, the hotel's rooftop lounge bar.
All of the hotel's 110 rooms are designed to reflect the identity and heritage of Hue while embracing the contemporary style of Mercure.
Each room is equipped with premium in-room amenities, en suite bath and shower, satellite TV and internet access. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre.
Le Bordeaux restaurant offers set menus and a la carte cuisine comprising of international and local Hue delicacies for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an al fresco terrace area extending to the poolside.
The hotel can host up to 500 guests for conferences, weddings and events in two conference/meeting rooms..
(Accor Asia Pacific)
Update: February 23, 2010 [1 Story]
Thailand
Best Western Opens New Phuket Hotel
Best Western International - The World’s Largest Hotel Chain® - has opened its latest resort - on Phuket.
The new Best Western Sawaddi Patong Hotel truly is located in the ‘heart of the action’, superbly situated in the island’s most popular tourist enclave of Patong.
Its location means an abundance of shopping, dining, recreational activities, nightlife and other entertainment opportunities are within walking distance.
Patong Beach with all its watersports, beach chairs and swimming is also a short distance from the resort.
Best Western’s 13th property in Thailand and 4th on Phuket, Best Western Sawaddi Patong Hotel’s 146 fully-appointed deluxe rooms and suites are unassumingly comfortable and pleasing to the eye.
All rooms and suites enjoy fully wired convenience characterised by complimentary internet access and 32” LCD TV with cable channels.
The array of facilities at Best Western Sawaddi Patong Hotel includes the Roydi restaurant serving Western and Oriental cuisine, Poolside bar and Ploendi Lobby bar, swimming pool, fitness room, games room, Kid's Club, business centre, meeting room and Vara Spa.
“Best Western Sawaddi Patong Hotel is a much welcome addition to the Best Western family in Thailand," said Glenn de Souza, Vice President International Operations-Asia, Best Western International.
"This beautiful property offers guests a sanctuary of comfortable, value-for-money accommodation and fine service, while all the sights and sounds of exciting Patong can be explored right outside. It really is a great location for a Phuket stay.”
(Best Western International)
Update: February 22, 2010 [2 Stories]
China
Beijing Star-Rated Hotels Revenue Of US$3.2-billion
According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics, star-rated hotels in Beijing recorded approximately US$3.2-billion in total revenue in 2009, of which around US$1.5-billion was rooms revenue.
5-Star hotels in Beijing suffered a 16.9% decline in terms of revenue while 3-star hotels witnessed a 0.8% growth in total revenue as compared to 2008.
During the same period of time, 2-Star hotels recorded a 15.5% growth in revenue and One-Star hotels saw a 22.2% decline.
(HVS International)
Dubai
A Second Jumeirah Resort In The Maldives
Dubai-based Jumeirah Group has entered into an agreement with Xanadu Holdings Private Limited to manage Jumeirah Meradhoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, the Maldives.
The 36-key resort, comprising 20 beach villas of 300sqm in size and 16 240sqm water villas, is located on a 45,000sqm island.
The resort is envisaged to feature three restaurants, a bar and a spa among its facilities.
Currently, Jumeirah has 42 properties which it manages or are under development globally.
(HVS International)
Update: February 21, 2010 [8 Stories]
Dubai
Park Hyatt Dubai's Green Team Desert Clean-up
Wednesday, February 3 saw a group of 40 'friends of the earth' volunteers, from Park Hyatt Dubai travel to the Warqa desert area in Dubai to clean a 2.5km area of debris and discarded camping materials.
Organised by Dave Samuelson, Director of Security, Park Hyatt Dubai, with full support from the Executive team, including hotel General Manager, Mr Stuart Deeson, the Green Team demonstrated Hyatt's cultural characteristic 'we work through teams'.
Chefs, engineers, service staff, housekeeping and laundry personnel were part of the team effort to clean up the area, which is now attractive again for the residents of Dubai and tourists to the UAE to visit and enjoy the beauty of the desert.
(Park Hyatt Dubai)
USA
Hotel Performance For Week Ending February 13
The U.S. hotel industry reported decreases in all three key measurements during the week of February 7-13, 2010, according to data from STR.
In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy ended the week with a 2.3% decrease to 53.7%. Average daily rate dropped 4.7% to finish the week at US$97.12. Revenue per available room for the week fell 6.9% to US$52.19.
Among the Chain Scale segments, the Luxury segment reported the largest occupancy increase, up 3.3% to 63.2%, followed by the Upper Upscale segment (+0.5% to 64.4%) and the Upscale segment (+0.4% to 62.8%).
Among the Top 25 Markets, Dallas, Texas, ended the week with the largest occupancy increase, jumping 17.0% to 61.2%. Three other markets posted occupancy increases of 10% or more: Denver, (+11.4% to 56.8%); Miami-Hialeah, Florida (+11.3% to 82.1%); and New Orleans, Louisiana (+10.8% to 70.8%). Norfolk-Virginia Beach, experienced the largest occupancy decline, falling 13.1% to 40.0%, followed by Washington, D.C., with an 11.0% decrease to 52.8%.
New Orleans led the ADR increases, rising 7.2% to US$137.32, followed by Miami-Hialeah (+6.3% to US$214.02) and Dallas (+3.6% to US$97.57).
Dallas posted the largest RevPAR increase, rising 21.2% to US$59.67, followed by New Orleans with an 18.8% increase to US$97.23.
Washington, D.C., which was pummeled by a winter storm early in the week, reported the largest decreases in ADR and RevPAR. The market's ADR dropped 20.2% to US$116.09 and RevPAR fell 28.9% to US$61.30.
(STR Global)
England
Two UK Transactions
The Quality Hotel Station - Perth, in central Scotland, is the last Real Hotel Group asset to be sold.
Entrepeneur Mark Kotecha, from property services company Supportico, bought the 69-room hotel for an undisclosed sum.
At the opposite end of the UK in the resort town of Bournemouth, south England, another transaction took place this week.
The freehold interest in the Park Central Hotel was sold by its private owner to Heritage Properties & Hotels for a sum reported to be in the region of £4-million.
The 60-room hotel is due to reopen in March 2010 after a 12-month refurbishment and renovation.
(HVS International)
England
January 2010 Asia/Pacific Hotel Pipeline
The Asia/Pacific hotel development pipeline includes 948 hotels comprising 239,918 rooms, according to the January 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released this week.
Among the key markets in the region, Shanghai, China, ended the month with the most rooms in the total active pipeline with 13,762 rooms.
Three other markets each reported more than 5,000 rooms in the total active pipeline: Bangkok, Thailand (7,929 rooms); New Delhi, India (6,768 rooms); and Beijing, China (6,294 rooms).
Among the Chain Scale segments, four of the seven segments made up more than 80% of the total active pipeline.
The Upscale segment accounted for 23.3% of the total active pipeline with 55,806 rooms, followed by the Unaffiliated segment (22.1% and 52,972 rooms), the Upper Upscale segment (21.7% and 52,033 rooms), and the Luxury segment (17.5% and 42,027 rooms). The Midscale without Food and Beverage segment made up the smallest portion of the total active pipeline with 2.3% and 5,503 rooms.
(STR Global)
USA
January 2010 Caribbean And Mexico Hotel Pipeline
The Caribbean/Mexico hotel development pipeline includes 130 hotels comprising 18,088 rooms, according to the January 2010 STR/TWR/Dodge Construction Pipeline Report.
Among the countries in the region, Mexico ended the month with 10,204 rooms in the total active pipeline, which accounts for more than half of the region's total active pipeline. With 4,305 rooms, Mexico also reported the most number of rooms in the In Construction phase of the pipeline.
Among the Chain Scale segments, the Upper Upscale segment made up the largest percentage of rooms in the In Construction phase with 39.2% and 3,372 rooms. The Luxury segment followed with 17.7% of the rooms in the In Construction phase and 1,525 rooms, followed by the Upscale segment, which accounted for 14.3% of rooms in the In Construction phase and 1,227 rooms.
(STR Global)
England
January 2010 Central And South America Hotel Pipeline
The Central/South America hotel development pipeline includes 125 projects with 19,877 rooms, according to the January 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released.
Among the countries in the region, Brazil reported the largest amount of rooms in the total active pipeline and in the In Construction phase with 8,318 rooms and 3,138 rooms, respectively. Panama followed Brazil with 4,261 rooms in the total active pipeline and 2,090 rooms in the In Construction phase.
Among the Chain Scale segments, the Economy segment accounted for the largest portion of the total active pipeline with 25.0% and 4,968 rooms. The Upscale segment (23.1% and 4,595 rooms) and the Upper Upscale segment (20.4 % and 4.058 rooms) also made up a large portion of the total active pipeline.
(STR Global)
England
Europe Hotel Pipeline For January 2010
The Europe hotel development pipeline includes 602 hotels comprising 101,704 rooms, according to the January 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released.
Among the key markets, London, England, reported the largest number of rooms in the total active pipeline and in the In Construction phase with 6,223 rooms and 3,325 rooms respectively. Moscow, Russia, reported 4,757 rooms in the total active pipeline and 1,815 rooms in the In Construction phase, followed by Berlin, Germany, with 4,354 rooms in the total active pipeline and 1,514 rooms in the In Construction phase.
Among the Chain Scale segments, the Upscale segment accounted for the largest portion of the total active pipeline with 21.7% with 22,031 rooms. The Economy segment made up 19.2% of the total active pipeline with 19,513 rooms, followed by the Upper Upscale segment (14.1% and 14,374 rooms) and the Unaffiliated segment (14.1% and 14,329 rooms).
(STR Global)
England
Middle East/Africa Hotel Pipeline January 2010
The Middle East/Africa hotel development pipeline includes 456 hotels comprising 123,764 rooms, according to the January 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report.
Among the key markets in the region, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, reported the largest number of rooms in the total active pipeline and in the In Construction phase, with 30,222 rooms and 15,563 rooms respectively. Abu Dhabi followed with 13,596 rooms in the total active pipeline and 7,200 rooms in the In Construction phase.
With two development hot spots, the United Arab Emirates reported the most rooms in the total active pipeline and in the In Construction phase among the countries in the region. The country ended the month with 51,515 rooms in the total active pipeline and 27,763 rooms in the In Construction phase.
Among the Chain Scale segments, the Unaffiliated segment made up the largest portion of the total active pipeline with 25.1% and 31,020 rooms, followed by the Upper Upscale segment with 24.2% of the total active pipeline and 29,947 rooms. The Upper Upscale segment accounted for the largest portion of the rooms in the In Construction phase with 30.6% and 22,478 rooms.
(STR Global)
Update: February 20, 2010 [2 Stories]
Australia
New GM For Outrigger Twin Towns Resort
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts has appointed Niel Mason to the position of General Manager at the 360-room Outrigger Twin Towns Resort in the Queensland/NSW border towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads.
Mr Mason (pictured) has almost 20-years' experience in the hospitality industry having held senior roles at a range of hotels throughout Australia.
He was most recently general manager of a 298-room resort at Mermaid Beach where he oversaw a major property refurbishment and the addition of three food and beverage outlets.
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts' Australia Regional General Manager, Grant James said ... "Niel's extensive experience working at strata-managed resorts would be an asset to the Group as it concentrated on expanding the Outrigger brand throughout the Asia Pacific region."
"Niel's broad knowledge across all operational divisions and his exceptional leadership qualities will underpin the skills and professionalism of Outrigger Twin Towns Resort's dynamic team," Mr James added.
Mr Mason will concentrate on building the resort's solid revenue and occupancy growth achieved in the second half of 2009 through the implementation of value-added and innovative guest services while also working closely with local tourism businesses and authorities.
Mr Mason has a natural affinity with Outrigger and the Coolangatta/Tweed Heads region through a previous role as general manager at a resort the Group previously managed in Coolangatta.
(MarkPR Pty Ltd)
England
STR Global Releases European Outlook
The current year for the European hotel trade is likely to be one of recovery rather than growth, predicts STR Global, the leading provider of market information to the global hotel industry.
"With a return to RevPAR growth last December, European hoteliers can look forward to some improvement in market conditions this year provided overall economic circumstances do not further deteriorate," said Elizabeth Randall, Managing Director of STR Global..
"This news must be mitigated by the fact that comparisons are with very poor performances in the last quarter of 2008," Randall explains, "but with demand beginning to trend upwards and supply holding steady there is room for cautious optimism."
Occupied rooms, or demand, had begun to decline well before the financial crisis triggered by the collapse of Lehmann Brothers in September 2008.
On the other hand, the change in the supply of total available rooms in Europe per STR Global's Census database is flat.
STR Global's Pipeline Reports show that expected new hotel rooms to enter the market in the coming years represents only 1.4% of existing stock.
Compare this to 9.8% in the Middle East/Africa region or 7.3% in the USA and Europe's position starts to look more favourable.
(STR Global)
Update: February 19, 2010 [2 Stories]
Germany
Design Announces 36 New Members
International hotel marketing company, Design Hotels™, has announced 36 new member hotels, increasing its membership to 184 hotels worldwide.
In 2009, less than 10% of the hotels applying for membership were accepted.
Throughout 2009 and 2010, Design Hotels™ welcomed new member properties: Crosby Street Hotel, the first venture by Tim and Kit Kemp outside London, opened in New York, bringing British flair and eclectic elegance to the Big Apple.
In Milan, Maison Moschino, a fairytale-like hotel evoking Moschino’s quirky love for surrealism, opens in March. Conceived by hotelier Stefano Ugolini, the property is a fusion of fashion and hotel design.
In June 2010 the charismatic duo behind Hotel Sezz in Paris, hotelier Shahe Kalaidjian and designer Christophe Pillet, will open the Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez. Although different in look and feel, the Mediterranean resort will share the Parisian hotel’s emphasis on personal interaction and bespoke services.
The Waterhouse at South Bund, a project by Loh Lik Peng, is a 19-room property set to open in Shanghai’s Pudong neighbourhood. It will be a modern take on the traditional Shanghai courtyard houses of the 1920s.
In Italy, visionary entrepreneur, hotelier and philanthropist Daniele Kihlgren invites guests to step into another culture and time at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient cave dwellings were transformed into hotel rooms which retain evidence of their use over the centuries.
To viiew the complete list of 36 new members with opening dates, visit Design Announces 36 New Members
(Design Hotels AG)
England
Revamp For Heathrow Boutique Hotel
Heathrow Airport boutique hotel, The Stanwell, will open its doors again in April following refurbishment.
The Stanwell is a privately-owned 4-Star boutique hotel located 2-miles from Terminal 5 (M25, Junction 14) and three miles from Terminal 4, set in almost an acre of grounds.
The Stanwell Hall Hotel first opened in 1951 and was the original airport hotel at Heathrow.
The new Stanwell will be marketed as part of the Inn-genious Hotel Group, a new brand from the owners of the B+B Collection.
The hotel will have 54 bedrooms (previously 19) offering three different accommodation experiences: Victorian Rooms in the main house; Stable Rooms across the courtyard and new Garden Rooms.
The hotel will have a meeting room on the ground floor with natural daylight with capacity for up to 60 delegates.
Manuel Zamora, The Stanwell’s resident chef, returns with new dishes for Zamora’s Restaurant which has been modernised with floor-to-ceiling French windows opening out onto the private rear patio and landscaped gardens.
Director of Sales Sue Bertram, said ... “The Stanwell is a breath of fresh air from Heathrow and a real alternative for small businesses looking to hold meetings, conferences and events on touch down in a contemporary environment.”
(Meetpie.com)
Update: February 18, 2010 [1 Story]
USA
Hotel Industry Pulse Growth Stagnant
Economic research firm e-forecasting.com in conjunction with Smith Travel Research announced HIP declined in January after improving 2.8% in December. HIP, the Hotel Industry's Pulse index, is a composite indicator that gauges business activity in the U.S. hotel industry in real-time, similar to a GDP measure. The latest monthly change brought the index to a reading of 82.4. The index is set to equal 100 in 2000.
HIP's 6-month growth rate, which historically has signaled turning points in U.S. hotel business activity, improved from the previous month with a reading of negative 1.9% compared with negative 3.4% in December. As a benchmark, during the worst of the hotel industry recession, which was last March, the 6-month growth rate hit negative 23.4. This compares with a long-term annual growth rate of 3.2%, the same as the 38-year average annual growth rate of the industry's gross domestic product.
"As we noted in October, the road to recovery for the hotel industry is going to be a bumpy one, with some months gaining ground while others reduce those gains. This month's reading leaves the industry nearly flat for the first month of the year," said Evangelos Simos, Chief Economist of e-forecasting.com. The probability of business improvement decreased slightly in January to 96.4% after a stronger reading of 98.4% was recorded in December.
The Hotel Industry Pulse index, or HIP for short, is a hotel industry indicator that was created to fill the void of a real-time monthly indicator for the hotel industry. The indicator provides useful information about the timing and degree of the industry's linking with the U.S. business cycle for the last 40-years. Simply put, it tracks monthly overall business conditions in the industry, like an industry GDP, and points in a timely way to the changes in direction from growth to recession or vice versa.
(STR Global)
Update: February 17, 2010 [3 Stories]
Australia
Construction Begins At Quest Heatherton
Quest Serviced Apartments continues to expand as construction begins at its newest multi-million dollar development, Quest Heatherton, Victoria.
Construction also continues at Quest Palmerston in the Northern Territory and Quest Cheltenham, Victoria.
Pellicano Builders Pty Ltd - one of Australia's leaders in design and construction - is building the latest Quest development in Heatherton, lead by Pellicano Builders Development Manager, Ian Kennedy.
Quest Chairman, Paul Constantinou, said .. "Quest is excited to forge ahead with three suburban developments across Melbourne and Darwin.
"Quest Heatherton, Quest Palmerston and Quest Cheltenham will each offer business travellers a home away from home."
The $12-million Quest Heatherton property investment will employ approximately 250 local consultants, project managers, site managers and tradesmen. The anticipated 4.5-Star property will feature 60 studio, one, 2- and 3-bedroom serviced apartments over 2-levels. Property features include an on-site gymnasium, BBQ area and conference facilities.
The $14-million Quest Cheltenham property investment will employ approximately 300 local consultants, project managers, site managers and tradesmen. On completion, the anticipated 4.5-Star property will feature 60 studio, one, 2- and 3-bedroom serviced apartments.
The $14-million Quest Palmerston property investment will employ approximately 300 local consultants, project managers, site managers and tradesmen.
When complete, the anticipated 4.5-Star property will feature 84 studio, one, 2- and 3-bedroom serviced apartments.
(Haystac)
Dubai
Staff Appointments At Park Hyatt Dubai
Park Hyatt Dubai fas announced the appointments of Director of Sales and Marketing Ms Waike Papke; Spa Manager, Amara, Ms Simone Lange; and Chef de Cuisine, Café Arabesque, Mr Ali Al Haj Hasan.
The full story ... Staff Appointments At Park Hyatt Dubai
(Park Hyatt Dubai)
USA
STR Reports Performance Of Luxury Hotel Spas
Tennessee-Luxury hotel spas showed mixed operating results for the full year 2009. The summary Spa STAR data shows that the Average Treatment Rate (ATR) was reported at US$135.39, a 4.5% decline compared with full-year 2008. For full-year 2009, Average Treatment Room Utilization (ATRU) increased 3.5% to 31.1%.
The results were helped by a relatively strong 4th quarter, benefitting from the positive comparison against the 4th quarter of 2008, which was the beginning of the global recession.
The trend of luxury hotel spas 'buying' utilization or occupancy by sacrificing rate and revenue is mirroring the performance of the U.S. luxury hotel industry. For that segment, Average Daily Rate (ADR) declined 16.3% in 2009 to US$243. For the same period, demand declined 0.6%, but the unprecedented influx of almost 8,000 new rooms, or 8.9% of existing supply, caused occupancy to fall 8.7%.
"The positive growth in the treatment room utilization (+3.5%) is more robust than the decrease in guestroom occupancy (-8.7%), which seems to be an indicator of the spa's ability to capture hotel guests as well as attract a local audience to the spa," said Jan Freitag, STR's Vice President of Global Development.
For salons in luxury hotel spas, Average Salon Rate (ASR) and Average Station Utilization (ASU) declined for the year. Again, the relatively strong 4th quarter comparables eased the poor performance through September. For 2009, ASR declined 3.6% to US$59, and ASU dropped 9.3% to 19.5%.
STR expects the U.S. lodging industry to show signs of stabilization during 2010, starting at the upper end of the chain-scale spectrum. This top-down recovery should also aid the participants in our luxury Spa STAR sample as group and transient business travelers take to the road once more and leisure travellers continue to shop for value.
(STR Global)
Update: February 16, 2010 [3 Stories]
Australia
Promoted To Executive Assistant Manager
Experienced hospitality professional Tarnya Paton has been promoted to the position of Executive Assistant Manager at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach Resort.
She has worked as Front Office Manager at the Queensland Sunshine Coast property for the past 2-years.
Tarnya brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the role having worked in senior positions for 6½-years including caretaking at BreakFree Alex Beach Resort.
(Mantra Group)
Australia
Experienced Professional To Manage Restaurant & Bar
A hospitality professional with 20-years experience in sales and food & beverage management, Louise Kong, has been appointed manager of Cairns’ funky new venue, LILO Wet Bar - located on level 3 of Rydges Plaza Cairns.
Before taking up her position this month, Louise was most recently employed in the open crew at Salthouse Bar and Restaurant.
Prior to that Louise sub-leased and managed Diggers Restaurant in Cairns Queenslander apartments for 3-years.
Louise’s new position marks a return to Rydges Plaza Cairns having worked as Conference Sales Manager from December 1994 to April 2002.
Louise said she is excited at the prospect of managing what is a completely new and innovative style of venue for Cairns bar-scape.
“From bathers to business suit, espresso to mohito - breakfast to dinner - and everything in between, LILO really is shaping up to be a versatile and exciting new place to meet, eat and chillax.
"There are no less than five different lounge and dining domains - providing ample opportunity for special occasions, events and entertainment,” she said.
LILO - Wet Bar had its soft opening on February 5 and is expected to be fully complete on Friday, February 19, 2010.
The official opening party (by invitation only) is set for Friday, March 12, 2010.
(Pip Miller PR)
USA
Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, To Close
Luxury property, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, in Henderson, Nevada, will close on May 2 with about 400 employees losing their jobs.
The resort just received its first AAA Five Diamond Award in November.
The grand, 349-room, lakefront resort opened to much fanfare in 2003.
Its owners, Village Hospitality LLC (an arm of Deutsche Bank), purchased it just last year after the previous owners went into reorganization.
It is uncertain what they plan to do with the property in the future.
“It’s a sad reality of the economic decline in travel and tourism and especially of the disproportionate impact it’s had on the Las Vegas area,” said Ritz-Carlton spokeswoman Vivian Deuschl in an interview with the Las Vegas Sun.
“When the economy was good, this hotel was an extremely popular destination resort. It’s been one of the real jewels in the crown of the company for us," said Deuschl.
(Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas)
Update: February 14, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Australian Rep For The Paradise Koh Yao Resort & Spa
Aviation & Tourism International has been appointed Australian representative for The Paradise Koh Yao Resort & Spa in Thailand.
Located on Yao Noi Island, North East of the Island of Phuket, Koh Yao is reached by taking a flight to Phuket and then a transfer by boat.
The Paradise Koh Yao is a blend of boutique beach resort and health spa; a tasteful and simple symbiosis of nature, comfort and style, amongst protected national parkland. Private villas and studios nestle adjacent to 400m of private untouched beach providing year-round natural luxury.
The resort is set in the middle of Thailand's Phang Nga Bay National Reserve area, an emerging hidden treasure which remains one of the world's best kept secrets.
Since its discovery by a western traveller back in the 19th century, this geological wonderland teeming with indigenous plant and animal life has captured the imagination of the world.
Phang Nga Bay’s towering limestone crags never fail to stimulate speculation of massive geological upheavals in ancient times.
Koh Yao Island is set into the heart of these incredible natural phenomena.
(Aviation & Tourism International)
Update: February 13, 2010 [3 Stories]
USA
Hotel Performance For Week Ending February 6
The U.S. hotel industry reported decreases in all three key measurements during the week of January 31 - February 6, 2010, according to data from STR.
In year-over-year measurements, occupancy ended the week virtually flat with a 0.8% decrease to 48.4%. Average daily rate dropped 4.8% to finish the week at US$95.34. Revenue per available room for the week fell 5.6% to US$46.14.
Among Chain Scale segments, the Luxury segment reported increases in two of the three key metrics. The segment's occupancy rose 7.7% to 58.4% and RevPAR increased 3.4% to US$141.90. Two other segments posted occupancy increases: the Upper Upscale segment (+4.1% to 59.1%) and the Upscale segment (+2.3% to 56.7%).
Among the Top 25 Markets, Miami-Hialeah, Florida, host of Super bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010, was the only market to experience increases in all three key metrics. The market's occupancy rose 11.3% to 76.0%, ADR jumped 40.5% to US$249.66, and RevPAR increased 56.4% to US$189.74.
New York, NY, posted the largest occupancy increase among the Top 25, up 15.9% to 65.5%, followed by Seattle, Washington, down 12.7% to 55.1%. New Orleans reported the largest occupancy decrease, falling 16.1% to 58.3%.
Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida, which hosted Super bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009, reported the largest decreases in both ADR and RevPAR. The market's ADR dropped 30.7% to US$97.82, and RevPAR decreased 37.0% to US$56.35.
Two markets, besides Tampa-St. Petersburg, experienced ADR decreases of more than 15%: New Orleans (-17.6% to US$110.45) and Houston, Texas (-17.0% to US$88.41).
Behind Tampa-St. Petersburg, New Orleans reported the largest RevPAR decrease, falling 30.9% to US$64.37, followed by Houston (-27.9% to US$47.80), Oahu Island, Hawaii (-17.2% to US$104.32), and Orlando, Fla. (-15.8% to US$49.70).
(STR Global)
China
New Marriott Hotel Opens
Welcoming the Year of the Tiger, the 501-room Shanghai Marriott Hotel Changfeng Park opens this week to guests, offering luxurious accommodations, exquisite food and beverage outlets and great meeting facilities.
The hotel is owned by the New Development Group Co., Ltd. and operated by Marriott International under a long-term management agreement.
Located in the Changfeng Ecology Commercial District, the 32-storey hotel faces the picturesque Changfeng Park and overlooks Suzhou River.
The 501 spacious guest rooms are designed to accommodate both leisure and business visitors, featuring plush new bedding, bathrobes, flat screen television, ergonomic chairs, high speed internet and a well lit full-sized desk.
The executive lounge on the 31st-floor boasts a panoramic view of the scenic Changfeng Park and Suzhou River.
The hotel also offers seven restaurants and bars featuring international cuisine and local favourites.
The Shanghai Marriott Hotel Changfeng Park has a fully equipped fitness centre comprised of the latest cardio machines, strength training gear, free weights and a 25m indoor swimming pool.
Guests can also experience the ultimate relaxation at Marriott’s award-winning Quan Spa.
The hotel is furnished with the newest audio and visual equipment, offering more than 1,500sqm of flexible space, with 13 function rooms and a ballroom of almost 770sqm for gatherings of up to 700 guests.
(8th Day Communication)
China
STR Reports On Chinese Contrasts
Dramatic declines in China's hotel performance during 2009-underscored by revenue per available room (RevPAR) falling 26.2% compared with a year ago-contrast strongly with the continuing good performance of the Chinese economy.
An 8.7% year-on-year increase in GDP (Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China) for 2009 has experts predicting China's economy will overtake Japan's in 2010 and become the world's second-biggest economy after the U.S. Data from STR Global, the leading provider of market information to the global hotel industry, shows the decline in RevPAR was largely due to falling average daily rate (ADR) of 21% with further impetus from declines in occupancy of 6.5%. The fall off in occupancy came amid significant increases in hotel supply during the last few years. STR Global's Census database shows a 5-percent increase in available rooms across the country for 2009 compared to the prior year.
The nationwide downturn in hotel performance nevertheless reflects the impact of the global financial crisis of late 2008 and 2009. The dramatic fall in RevPAR for Beijing of 43.2% also reflects the impact of the 2008 Olympics, whilst Hong Kong and Shanghai also suffered but not to the same extent. Hong Kong was the only Chinese destination to see an increase in arrivals in 2009, albeit only 0.5%, whilst arrivals for the country as whole were down 6% year-on-year (Source: china.org.cn). Domestic travel is expected to remain strong in the coming year, making a significant contribution towards the 70-million visitors expected at Expo 2010 Shanghai between May and October. The 16th Asian Games hosted by Guangzhou in November also will boost performance in what is already a relatively strong market.
STR Global's office in Beijing collates data from more than 220,000 guestrooms across China. In Beijing, the sample of 149 hotels comprises almost 33% of the available guest rooms in the capital, whilst in Shanghai, 105 hotels account for 41%, and 47 hotels in Hong Kong account for 43%.
(STR Global)
Update: February 12, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Accommodation Industry Snapshot
An industry survey conducted by the Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association (HMAA) has found the GFC does not appear to be as hard hitting as initially predicted, although it has rated as the major concern amongst 58% of accommodation providers.
Survey results also indicate that the accommodation sector has proved somewhat resilient in the face of recession.
The survey, which was conducted prior to the Christmas holiday period amongst HMAA members, found that 39% of operators have experienced slightly higher occupancies in the last year.
HMAA Chief Executive, Lorraine Duffy, said . “Whilst occupancies in some regions and sectors are of a major concern, of a greater concern is the return on capital investment and room rates as we have seen operators forfeiting profits for occupancy.”
Whilst staff levels amongst member properties also appear to be relatively stable, there has been some clear nervousness with the introduction of the new Hospitality Industry General Award as 19% of properties revealed that they had more casual staff than in the same period the year prior.
Rising fuel prices along with AAA Tourism’s STAR Rating Scheme and the issue of staff retention and recruitment also rated as key concerns respectively.
Over half of the survey respondents (56%) indicated they felt federal government did not support the accommodation industry. 57% felt that state and territory governments failed to do likewise.
(AAP Medianet)
Update: February 11, 2010 [5 Stories]
Australia
Call For Holistic Industry Approach To STAR Ratings
Peak body for the Australian accommodation industry the Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association (HMAA), who represent nearly 2,000 members nationwide, has called for a holistic approach to the STAR Ratings Scheme.
The call comes after AAA Tourism CEO, Peter Blackwell, announced a strategic review of the Australian STAR Ratings business.
The full story ... Call For Holistic Industry Approach To STAR Ratings
(AAP Medianet)
Thailand
Newest Gem In City Of Angels
Towering over Bangkok’s premiere shopping and business district, the 333-room Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel has opened under a management agreement with Maneeya Realty Company, Limited.
The hotel is the second Renaissance Hotels property in Thailand, with a third set to open in Phuket later this summer.
Stefan Gruber is General Manager and Julie Codus is Director of Sales and Marketing of the new hotel.
“Bangkok is such an exciting and vibrant metropolitan city and we are thrilled to bring Renaissance here,” said Tina Edmundson, Senior Vice President Lifestyle Brands and Renaissance operations.
“The design and décor of every inch of this hotel has been hand-picked to reflect the graceful Thai influence in colour and style while utilising modern textures and lines.”
Infused with Southeast Asian style, guestrooms are classically designed in warm, vibrant colors and feature oversized windows and glass enclosed bathrooms.
The Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel has four restaurants and three additional lounge areas.
For socialising and relaxation, Azure Lounge is an easy-listening champagne bar that offers light snacks and cocktails.
H2O is a sleek pool bar with unmatched views of the city. A 21st-floor club lounge is available for executive level guests.
The Quan spa offers five individual treatment rooms on a split level floor overlooking the pool and Bangkok skyline.
The hotel offers 11 meeting rooms complete with reception areas, open kitchens and a large landscaped terrace that allows meeting participants to step out into the open air during breaks.
The ballroom with state of the art equipment is nearly 7,000sqft with 3,000sqft of additional pre-function space.
(8th Day Communications)
Germany
The Standard Hotels Join Design Hotels
Design Hotels™ has announced the signing of four of André Balazs’ properties: The Standard, Hollywood; The Standard, Downtown LA; The Standard Spa, Miami Beach and The Standard, New York.
Conceived by visionary hotelier André Balazs, The Standard brand, which debuted in 1999 in West Hollywood, California, is anything but “standard.”
Each of The Standard hotels has its own identity and distinctive design.
The Standard, New York is a colossal new building standing tall over the High Line, a former elevated railway, now rehabilitated into a public park in Manhattan’s historic Meatpacking District. The 18-floor, 337-room hotel is supported on massive concrete pillars and contains a striking combination of custom details, inspired by a century of modern design.
Originally built in 1957 as The Lido Spa, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is located on Belle Isle, a lush residential island on Biscayne Bay. The fresh, Scandinavian design draws on Modernist elements evident in the white marble walls, terrazzo floors and vintage Danish furniture.
The Standard, Downtown LA occupies an elegant Carrara-marble clad office building from 1952. 207 spacious rooms are outfitted with platform beds and oversized desks. The hotels' amazing rooftop encompasses a heated swimming pool, red Astroturf deck, dance floor, bar, outdoor fireplace, vibrating waterbed pods and a grassy knoll with sculptured topiary.
The Standard, Hollywood dazzles from the moment guests walk into its white terrazzo-tiled lobby. The sleek, sexy environment features a tattoo parlour, a DJ spinning smooth tunes and an almost-naked model-turned-performance artist in a glass case behind the front desk. The 139 rooms feature plenty of post-modern and retro-futurist references.
(Design Hotels AG)
Singapore
Swissôtel Appoints Director Of Operations
Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Jeff Ross as Director of Operations at Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore, as of February 1, 2010.
He will assist the General Manager of Swissôtel The Stamford Aiden McAuley in overseeing the hotel's daily operations.
Boasting a career that spans over 20-years and various countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Jeff brings to Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts extensive international hospitality experience, particularly from the luxury hotel segment.
Jeff joins Swissôtel The Stamford from The St Regis Bali, Indonesia, where he was Hotel Manager.
He was a member of the pre-opening and opening team of the hotel which in just over a year since its opening, has distinguished itself winning several accolades.
Previously, Jeff has held several senior executive positions. More recently, he was Director of Operational Excellence and Six Sigma at Hotel Alfonso XIII, The Luxury Collection, Seville, Spain, and The Westin La Quinta Golf Resorts, Marbella, Spain, and thereafter, Executive Assistant Manager at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.
Jeff is a graduate of Centre International de Glion - Swiss Hotel Management School, Certified Hotel Administrative, and also Lycée Technique Hotelier Diekirch - Luxembourg Hotel School, CATP Hotelier & Restaurateur.
(Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts)
Sweden
Scandinavia's First Courtyard By Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott has opened its first hotel in Scandinavia, the Courtyard Stockholm Kungsholmen under a franchise agreement with Scandinavian Hospitality Group (SHG).
With 278 guest rooms and more than 1,000sqm of meeting space, the hotel is the largest Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Europe.
Located in Sweden’s stylish capital city, the hotel is located in the Kungsholmen neighborhood of Stockholm, within walking distance of the city centre and next door to one of the city's main metro stations.
The public space at the Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen evokes a contemporary feel and gives guests the space and functionality to both work and socialise with flexible seating options.
The 278 guest rooms are some of the largest in the city with 26sqm of space for guests to spread out.
Stylish and comfortable, amenities include complimentary high-speed internet access, large well-lit work desks, ergonomic chairs and coffee makers.
The Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen features Bjork Bar & Grill, an urban, loft-style restaurant for dining and lounging.
With more than 860 locations in 30 countries, Courtyard is Marriott’s largest brand; 200 additional Courtyard by Marriott hotels will open around the world over the next 3-years.
(8th Day Communications)
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