Travelbeat Accommodation / Hospitality News Update: September 03, 2010 [2 Stories] China Suzhou's First Regal Hotel To Open In 2013 Regal Hotels International Limited has announced the signing of a hotel project with Suzhou Sicheng Real Estate Company Limited to open a four-star business hotel in Suzhou, the Regal Fanhua Centre Hotel. Situated at Xiang Cheng District, this 4-star property will provide a full range of facilities and services for business and leisure travellers. Within a commercial development complex, the hotel has a total gross floor area of about 28,980sqm, featuring 280 guestrooms and suites, restaurants, Meeting and conference facilities and a complete range of recreational facilities. Construction work will commence this year and the hotel is scheduled to open in 2013. "We are pleased to be working with Regal Hotels Group in this hotel project in Suzhou and believe that the strong brand name and extensive hospitality management experience of the Regal Group will help accelerate the development pace and bring satisfactory business performance for the Hotel." said Mr Gu Yin Fu, Chairman and General Manager of the Sicheng Group. Ms Belinda Yeung, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Regal Hotels Group said ... "We are honoured to be able to partner with Sicheng Group in this major hotel project. "The Regal Fanhua Centre Hotel will be another major addition to our China hotel portfolio in Greater China." Puctured: Ms Belinda Yeung, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Regal Hotels International (left) and Mr Gu Yin Fu, Chairman and General Manager of Suzhou Sicheng Real Estate Company Limited (right). (Regal Hotels International) Australia Industry Gold Award For The Hotel Windsor The Hotel Windsor, Melbourne, has won a Golden Circle award for the most popular hotel in Victoria from one of the world-largest online travel agencies, Agoda. The Golden Circle award is based on positive guest reviews and is a testament to the continuing popularity of The Hotel Windsor, Australia's only remaining luxury grand hotel. The hotel has also been recently nominated for the titles of Australia's Leading Hotel and Australasia's Leading Hotel in the World Travel Awards 2010, and was included in Luxury Travel Magazine's Gold List for Best Australian Hotel. "We are thrilled to be voted the best by our guests. This recognition, along with the hotel's other industry and consumer-based awards, are what keeps us striving for the highest standards of service and reaffirms the hotel's statue as one of Australia' leading hotels," said David Perry, Hotel Windsor CEO and general manager. Agoda is part of the Priceline.com family of companies, one of the three largest publicly traded online travel agencies in the world with headquarters based in North America. (Tango Public Relations) Update: September 02, 2010 [1 Story] Australia Peppers Announces New Retreat In Byron Hinterland Peppers has expanded its collection of retreats, resorts and hotels with the launch of Peppers Coorabell Retreat in the Byron Hinterland, NSW. The tranquil rainforest retreat, which has been managed by Mantra Group since December 2004 and formerly known as Casuarina Lodge, officially became Peppers Coorabell Retreat on September 1 after the completion of a substantial refurbishment programme. Mantra Group CEO, Bob East, said the retreat is a perfect addition to the Peppers collection of well-appointed retreats. “Recent refurbishments have transformed the property. Peppers Coorabell Retreat now perfectly embodies the ideals of the Peppers brand - renowned for its irresistible and indulgent range of escapes selectively located throughout Australia and New Zealand," he said. Located an hour south of Gold Coast Airport and 2-hours south of Brisbane’s Domestic and International Airports, the Retreat offers 18 tastefully decorated Rainforest and Hinterland View Suites which reflect the retreat’s tranquil setting. The retreat’s onsite restaurant Wilson’s by the Creek has also been re-designed and features a tranquil dinning atmosphere with relaxation areas. Peppers Coorabell Retreat is situated at the heart of 66 acres of luscious hinterland and sub-tropical rainforest. First class facilities include a swimming pool and heated outdoor spa, chill-out area, barbeque area, boules and rainforest walking tracks for the more adventurous. (Mantra Group) Update: September 01, 2010 [4 Stories] Thailand Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom Debuts New Concept Rooms Accor is showing its continued faith in Thailand’s tourism with the launch of a new Novotel in the heart of Bangkok’s most famous thoroughfare - Silom Road - on September 15. It will be the first Novotel in Asia Pacific to feature the brand’s new NEXT concept room, which takes 4-star accommodation to new heights. Silom Road represents the heart of Bangkok, lined with many of the city’s major businesses, and a vast array of restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues. The hotel boasts a contemporary interior design combining Thai and Asian accents with western design motifs. Novotel’s NEXT room design maximises space and light, with the clear glass bathroom able to transform into a fully private space with the flick of a button. Stylish padded bed-heads not only provide extra comfort, they make a major design statement. Rooms boast the latest interactive communications, and desks convert into comfortable tables for dining and other activities. The hotel’s 216 guest include 12 suites and 34 Premier Executive Club rooms. Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom features Novotel’s signature The Square all-day dining restaurant, as well as a lobby lounge and sidewalk café. The hotel is well designed for leisure travellers with a fitness centre, a swimming pool and a 1,740sqm shopping arcade. (Accor Asia Pacific) Australia New GM For New Look Mercure Hotel Geelong Mercure Hotel Geelong has appointed Benjamin Krieg as its new General Manager following the hotel’s extensive room refurbishments completed earlier this year. Benjamin’s most recent appointment was as General Manager of the Ibis King Street Wharf in Sydney where he opened the brand new hotel in December 2008 and oversaw a successful 2-years of operation in the competitive Sydney market. Prior to this, he was based at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort as Rooms Division Manager. “Having worked in Accor’s Ibis and Novotel brands to date, I am looking forward to working with Mercure and bringing some of the brand’s fantastic initiatives to our guests - especially now that the hotel has unveiled its brand new rooms and upgraded facilities,” he said. Benjamin’s career with Accor Hotels began in 2003 after completing studies in International Hotel Management and Le Cordon Bleu at the Swiss Hotel Association affiliated International College of Hotel Management Hotel School and a Bachelor of Tourism & Hospitality Management at the University of South Australia. He joined Accor’s in-house National Management Trainee programme, which fast tracks talented employees to a career as a General Manager, providing invaluable experience in all facets of hotel operations across Accor’s brands throughout the Australian hotel network. Mercure Geelong is located an easy 15 minute drive from Avalon Airport with views of the Bay, minutes from Eastern Beach and just a short distance to the splendour of the Great Ocean Road. Located in the Geelong CBD, the Mercure is within easy reach of all business, shopping and entertainment precincts. (Accor Asia Pacific) Australia Quest Launches A GDS Private Label Chain Code In September 2010, Quest Serviced Apartments will launch its own GDS private label chain code, QG - the first serviced apartment provider in Australia and New Zealand to do so. The GDS is the system used by travel agents globally to search prices and packages for services including accommodation, flights, vehicle hire and tours. Nick Suriano, General Manager Quest Serviced Apartments said this is a significant step for the Quest Group, which now has more than 125 properties in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, five of which will open this year alone. “Over the past few years, Quest has experienced substantial and consistent growth and for the 2009/10 financial year, achieving revenue growth of more than 10%," he said. “Quest has the largest network of serviced apartment properties in Australasia, and we have now reached the size and footprint across this market where it makes sense to have our own GDS chain code. “Whether travel agents are looking for accommodation in central business districts, suburban and key regional areas with close proximity to head offices, business centres or cultural attractions, chances are they will find a Quest property. “QG - which stands for Quest Group - will make searching for Quest Serviced Apartments a whole lot easier,” said Mr Suriano. The roll out of the new Quest GDS chain code will commence in early September, with all properties scheduled to be completed by Monday, September 27. (Haystac) Australia New Workplace Relations Advisor Joins HMAA The association representing the Australian accommodation industry, the Hotel Motel & Accommodation Association (HMAA) has welcomed a new Workplace Relations Advisor to the Sydney office at HMAA. Trish Babu joins HMAA from the Law Society of NSW, where she provided support to the committees of NSW Young Lawyers over a 2-year period. Trish is a welcome addition to the Workplace Relations team under the leadership of Rebecca Scott. Trish’s role will consist of advising members on Workplace Relations issues and providing guidance on awards and employment legislation and representing members before industrial courts and tribunals. Workplace Relations Manager, Rebecca Scott, noted ... “I am confident that Trish will prove to be a great resource to HMAA with her specialised background, legal experience and analytical strengths. Trish’s passion for employment law and industrial relations, in addition to her diverse experience, will complement the existing team and be of great benefit to our membership.” Trish is a solicitor, who offers a valuable combination of experience in Human Resources and an understanding of legal compliance issues. She has over 8-years experience of working with HR structures and strategies in a diverse range of global and local companies. Her strong career history includes employee relations, industry award interpretation, workplace policies and procedures, performance management, Hays job evaluation, OH&S, worker’s compensation and compliance with discrimination laws. (AAP Medianet) Update: August 31, 2010 [7 Stories] Australia Professional To Head Up Sales & Marketing Effort The General Manager of Vision Hotels and Resorts, Craig Biber has welcomed Darlene Holdsworth to the team as Director of Sales and Marketing. Ms Holdsworth will assume her role this week which will have her overseeing and implementing the sales and marketing strategies for both Vision Hotels and Resorts’ properties - Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club and The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa. Before taking up this position, Darlene spent the last 7-years working within Tropical North Queensland’s tourism and hospitality industry. Positions include Conference Sales Manager for Hilton Cairns, event manager at Offsite Connections and most recently, sales for Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s meetings, events and incentive department. Mr Biber said the company is fortunate to have Darlene join the team. “Her extensive experience within hotels, and particularly, the conference and incentive market, will be invaluable to the sales and marketing success of both Paradise Palms and The Lakes. Add to this, her deep understanding and passion for marketing the region,” he said. (Pip Miller PR) Iraq 5-Star Hospitality To Range To Karbala UK-based company Range Hospitality is to develop the first 5-star hotel in the town of Karbala, central Iraq. The 12-storey, 624-suite Al Rawdatain Gardens serviced apartment complex will be part of The Range - Karbala mixed-use project, which will also include restaurants and health facilities. Commenting on the project, Mohammed Asaria, vice chairman of Range Hospitality, said ... “We are in the process of operator selection and the calibre of the companies approaching us is clear evidence of the importance of Karbala within ‘New Iraq’ and the wider MENA region.” (HVS International) England Plans Unveiled For The Corinthia London Malta-based Corinthia Hotels has released the details of its flagship London property, which is expected to open in early 2011. The Corinthia London will be the brand’s 9th hotel and it is currently being constructed in a Victorian building overlooking Trafalgar Square and the River Thames. According to Corinthia, once open, the 294-room hotel will have the largest suite in London, at 470sqm. (HVS International) Sweden Pandox Snaps Up Norgani Swedish hotel property company Pandox is to purchase Norway-based Norgani Hotels for an acquisition price of €1-billion. The deal, which is conditional on funding and the approval of competition regulators, will see Pandox’s portfolio swell by 73 hotels and one conference centre located across Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark (a total of 12,900 rooms). After the acquisition, the value of Pandox’s hotel portfolio will reportedly rise to €2.3-billion. Some of the Norgani properties need work, such as investment and revised lease structures, and Pandox has estimated the cost of this work to be €125-million. (HVS International) USA Asia Pacific Pipeline For July According to STR’s Global Construction Pipeline Report for July, the Asia Pacific development pipeline will comprise 1,029 hotels, totalling 256,060 rooms. China has the largest number of rooms, with 139,193 rooms in the total active pipeline and 98,515 rooms in the In-Construction phase. Looking at the key markets in the region, Shanghai has the largest number of rooms for July at 13,980 in the total active pipeline. The Upper Upscale and Upscale segments combined accounted for nearly 50% of the rooms in the total active pipeline. (STR Global) France Accor Announces A Mid-Year Sale Accor has signed a memorandum of understanding for a transaction which will result in the sale of 48 of the group’s Novotel, Ibis, and Etap hotels in France (31 properties), Belgium (10) and Germany (7) for €367-million. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The hotels will retain their brands and will continue to be managed by Accor under 12-year variable lease deals, which will be renewable six times at Accor’s option. (HVS International) Cambodia Masterplan Revealed For An ‘Asian Riviera’ The Royal Group (TRG), a Cambodian corporation in property and infrastructure development, has unveiled a masterplan to develop Koh Rong into Asia's first environmental resort destination. The plan, which aims to transform the island into the next ‘Asian Riviera’, will cover elements such as infrastructural development of an airport, a marina, a port and roads, as well as resorts, hotels, golf courses, shopping, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. TRG has been granted a 99-year lease for the development, which has a 5-year schedule for the first phase and eventual completion in 25-years’ time. (HVS International) Update: August 28, 2010 [3 Stories] USA Hotel Performance For Week Ending August 21 The U.S. hotel industry reported increases in all three key performance measurements during the week of 15-21 August 2010, according to data from STR. In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy increased 8.2% to 65.3%. Average daily rate rose 1.5% to US$97.32. Revenue per available room increased 9.8% to US$63.59. Among the Top 25 Markets, Phoenix, Arizona, experienced the largest decrease in all three key performance metrics. The market's occupancy fell 5.3% to 43.5%, ADR dropped 6.3% to US$70.55, and RevPAR plummeted 11.2% to US$30.72. Detroit, Michigan, achieved the largest occupancy increase, rising 23.9% to 67.3%, followed by New Orleans, Louisiana (+22.3% to 52.9%), and St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois (+15.4% to 65.5%). Two markets reported double-digit ADR increases: New York, New York (+13.1% to US$206.73), and San Francisco/San Mateo, California (+10.4% to US$135.02). Following Phoenix, Nashville, Tennessee, fell 5.2% in ADR to US$83.73. New Orleans led the RevPAR increases for the week, rising 27.0% to US$45.76, followed by Detroit (+21.8 % to US$51.62) and Boston, Massachusetts (+20.3% to US$116.28). (STR Global) Germany Japanese Language Central Reservation System Trust International’s popular yourVoyager Central Reservation System (CRS) for hotels is now available in Japanese, making it the first comprehensive Japanese language CRS available for both domestic and international reservations. The new Japanese language version is the first of several Asian language versions being developed by Trust, and marks a substantial investment in the rapidly expanding Asian travel industry for the company. “Japan is a very important market for Trust International. We are building a strong foundation for growth with both existing and new customers in this market as demonstrated by our launch of the customized version of yourVoyager and the concurrent development of several other solutions,” said Richard Wiegmann, Managing Director, Trust International. Trust launched yourVoyager just 10-months ago and almost immediately began developing a comprehensive Japanese version. “As a truly international business partner, we’re rolling out the Japanese language release in record time, and expect to soon announce releases in other Asian languages,” Mr Wiegmann said. (Grebstad Hicks Communications) Australia Industry Leaders Join Forces To Self-Regulate Signifying an important step towards self-regulation for the holiday and short term rental industry, Australia’s leading holiday rental portals Stayz.com.au and Occupancy.com (TakeABreak and rentahome.com.au) have developed a set of national Holiday and Short Term Rental Guidelines for agents, owners and guests. “At a national and community level, these Guidelines will help managers self-regulate while promoting best-practice and unity for all stakeholders within the industry,” said Kirsty Shaw, General Manager, Stayz.com.au. The Holiday and Short Term Rental Guidelines establish a set of industry practices that satisfy the needs of local communities, property owners, tourism operators and guests. Justin Butterworth, Joint CEO at Occupancy.com, said ... "These Guidelines help ensure the sustainable growth of this popular form of affordable accommodation which has a 140-year tradition in Australia.” As a condition of listing on Stayz.com.au and Occupancy.com property owners and agents will need to comply with the Guidelines which cover: property management, letting agreements, bonds and payments, recycling and garbage, parking, and complaints. They also cover visitor obligations regarding noise levels and compliance with council by-laws. Effective from September 9, 2010, the guidelines are based on the already successful Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) Holiday Rental Guidelines and were developed in collaboration with key state tourism bodies, local councils, state and territory real estate institutes and guests. (Reservoir Network) Update: August 27, 2010 [1 Story] Australia Leading Stradbroke Resort Joins Accor One of the world’s leading hotel management groups has added the boutique $35-million Stradbroke Domain Resort to its internationally recognised stable of properties. The Accor group will market the iconic Australian beach resort that is nestled on one of the largest sand islands in the world, under its All Seasons brand from September 20. The resort features 82 stylish Beach Shacks and Villas and is located adjacent to Home Beach on Stradbroke Island just off Brisbane. Domain Resorts & Residences chief executive officer Cameron Arnold said the branding agreement with Accor is a great a coup for the resort and the region. “By joining with Accor network through its All Seasons brand we are opening up our doors to a global market,” he said. “It puts us in the same calibre as renowned destinations such as Kangaroo Island, Philip Island and Magnetic Island and cements Straddie as an iconic Australian holiday destination. “Our exceptional onsite management team will remain in place and new signage and marketing will commence at the end of September. “Over the past 5-years the resort has established itself as one of Straddie’s finest boutique properties and the partnership cements that. We will now be marketed on an international level with new distribution channels and can tap into the highly regarded Accor Advantage Plus members sector. “The new brand is fantastic for the resort and is also a very positive thing for the island itself.” Stradbroke Domain Resort was awarded a finalist in the 2009 and 2010 Deluxe Accommodation category by the prestigious Redlands on Moreton Bay Tourism Awards. (Promedia) Update: August 26, 2010 [1 Story] Australia Tradewinds Gets Behind A Good Dose Of Laughter Matthew Hurley, General Manager of Rydges Tradewinds Cairns said his passion for community events and having a good laugh were key in continuing the hotel’s exclusive accommodation partnership with Cairns Buskers Festival. Cairns Buskers Festival manager, Melinda Norris said she is delighted to welcome Rydges Tradewinds back on board for another year. “The international performers love staying at this beautiful and centrally located resort. In fact, I just got word from the streets of Edinburgh Fringe Festival that Cairns Buskers Festival has some of the best accommodation of all the international street theatre festivals. “In addition to generously providing accommodation for all performers and crew, Rydges Tradewinds also plays host to both opening and closing events. If it wasn’t for the support and sponsorship of Rydges our festival would not have been able to grow and develop as it has in just three short years,” said Ms Norris. The Opening Night Gala - The One Night Stand will kick off the festival at Rydges Tradewinds at 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 22 with the Lafter Party on Sunday, September 26 from 7:30pm. This year Cairns Buskers Festival will run from September 22-26, performing over 50 shows in 5-days at three new CBD venues as well as comedy cabaret shows for the 18 and overs and Circus Under the Stars every night on the Esplanade. For further information, visit: www.cairnsstreetbuskersfestival.com (Pip Miller PR) Update: August 25, 2010 [4 Stories] Australia Jobs And Business Accommodation For Campbelltown Quest Serviced Apartments will open a new property in Campbelltown on Monday, September 13, 2010, employing 18 locals and contributing approximately $4-million to the local economy. Paul Constantinou, Chairman Quest Serviced Apartments said the new $16-million development is a much needed addition to the growing region. “Campbelltown is a thriving business district, experiencing rapid residential and industrial growth,” he said. “This growth has spurred an increase in demand for serviced apartment accommodation, which is the reason we identified Campbelltown as the perfect location for a new Quest property. “The development will provide accommodation to business travellers staying in the area to conduct business for extended periods of time,” said Mr Constantinou. Quest Campbelltown offers spacious and modern serviced apartments with a range of features and services to provide a ‘home away from home’ experience. “After 2-years in development and construction, Quest and our franchisees Mark and Fiona Drinkwater are very much looking forward to opening in Campbelltown and making a positive contribution to the community and local economy,” said Mr Constantinou. The anticipated 4.5-star AAA Tourism rated property is located at 1 Rennie Road, Campbelltown and features 81 studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom serviced apartments. Quest Campbelltown also offers: on-site car parking, gymnasium, broadband internet access, local restaurant chargeback arrangements, a pantry shopping service, and 30 person conference room. (Haystac) England Arild Hovland Chosen For Leadership Award The Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference has announced that Arild Hovland, Senior Vice President of Business Development of The Rezidor Hotel Group, has been selected as the 2010 Leadership Award recipient. The RHIC Leadership Award will be given to Hovland during an awards presentation on Wednesday, October 27. The award was designed to celebrate an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of the hospitality industry and leisure and tourism sectors within the region. “Arild is truly a leader in the region and is highly deserving of this award. Since 2004, Arild has grown The Rezidor Hotel Group portfolio in Russia & CIS and the Baltic states to the 26 open today with another 28 under development, which is an astounding feat,” said Gideon Dean, EVP of Questex Media Group, co-organisers of the RHIC. “He brings valuable and extensive experience of hotel operation and development to the region after serving more than 44-years in the industry and we are proud to celebrate his achievements at RHIC 2010.” “Rezidor was one of the first international hotel groups to arrive in Russia and is today the leading international operator in the region thanks to Arild’s ambitious development strategy in the Russian Federation and CIS countries,” said Jonathan Worsley, Bench Events Chairman, co-organiser of the RHIC. “He has truly made a difference to the development of the hospitality industry in the region and embodies the definition of leadership.” (Bench Events) China New General Manager For Mandarin Oriental, Sanya Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Paul Jackson as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Sanya effective immediately. Mr Jackson has more than 24-years experience in the hospitality industry, and began his career with Mandarin Oriental in 2006 as Executive Assistant Manager, Food and Beverage at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. He was then promoted to Resident Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok in 2008 where he was instrumental in successfully managing the renovation of the hotel's rooms and suites and maintaining the service and product quality of this flagship property. Prior to his time with Mandarin Oriental, Mr Jackson held a variety of roles with The Savoy Hotel Group, The Royal Household and The Ritz, London. Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Hirst, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's Operations Director, Asia said ... "I am delighted to announce this well deserved appointment. I have no doubt that Paul will excel in his new role, and will ensure that Mandarin Oriental, Sanya continues to be positioned as Hainan Island's most luxurious retreat." (Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group) India Accor Celebrates Expansion With Special Industry Rates Accor is celebrating the opening of two new Mercure hotels in Lavasa and Hyderabad with the launch of special travel industry rates for a number of its hotels across the country. The Mercure Lavasa (pictured) is the first international hotel in one of India’s most unique destinations - a fully planned Hill Station, 3,000ft above sea level, located between Mumbai and Pune. Cradled in the heart of the Sahyadri mountain range, and with a vast range of natural and man made attractions, Lavasa is a popular destination for Indians escaping the heat and congestion of the city. To celebrate the opening, a special Industry rate is available: Valid for booking and staying before September 30: · Rate: Rs 3333/- Sgl occupancy; Rs 4333/- Dbl Occupancy(Includes Breakfast only) Taxes Extra · ID required on check in: Please quote Mercure Lavasa Opening Package/PK1 · Bookings can be made by calling reservations on +91 20 6792 9000; or by logging on to www.mercurelavasa.com Also available is a great industry deal at the Novotel Hyderabad Airport, just 30-minutes from the city centre and 30km from Hi Tech City, the Hyderabad Convention Centre, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills. The hotel features 305 rooms and suites with WiFi access, along with two restaurants, two bars, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and meeting rooms accommodating up to 400 guests, a spa, a 24-hour fitness centre and car parking. Special industry offer: Valid for booking and staying - before September 30: · Rate per night: 30% off on Best Unrestricted Rate of the day (Room only rate, excludes taxes and service charge, subject to availability) · Contact Accor's Call Centre: in Australia - 1300 65 65 65 / India - 1860 500 2020 / Hotel Direct at +91 (040) 6625 0000 (Accor Asia Pacific) Update: August 23, 2010 [7 Stories] England East Midlands Airport Sees Blu The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced plans to open the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport in the first quarter of 2012. The hotel will be 800m from the airport and will boast 208 guest rooms, in addition to another eight suites, food and beverage outlets, and 750sqm of conference and meeting space. The hotel will be Rezidor’s 5th airport hotel in the UK and Radisson Blu’s 250th hotel. The opening of the hotel emphasises Rezidor’s position as a leading operator of airport hotels. (HVS International) England London Attracts Chinese Investors The Bank of China has agreed on a £50-million loan for the development of the 254-room InterContinental Queen Anne’s Chambers hotel near New Scotland Yard, ahead of other UK banks. This is the bank’s first substantial hotel investment in the UK. The hotel is expected to open in the latter part of 2011, just in time for the London Olympics, and it will be the Splendid Hotel Group’s largest project to date. (HVS International) England A Splash Of Indigo In The Northeast A new £20-million Hotel Indigo is being developed in Newcastle by Sanguine Hospitality Management. The 4-star, 148-room Hotel Indigo Newcastle will transform the once prestigious Eagle Star House site into a state-of-the-art boutique-style complex. Nick Taplin, managing director of Sanguine, said ... “We looked at six sites in Newcastle, and Eagle Star House blew us away. It’s an incredible space.” Planning to open by Christmas 2011, the Hotel Indigo brand, owned by InterContinental Hotels Group, is hoping to attract a Michelin-starred chef to operate its Brasserie, spearheading Hotel Indigo’s first venture into the UK’s northeast and only the 4th in the UK overall. (HVS International) England Bespoke Tailor Made To Manage Six Merchant Inns UK Hotel Management Company, Bespoke Hotels, is set to manage six former Merchant Inn properties following Merchant Inn being placed under administration last year. The properties are: The Black Boy Inn, Oxon; The Carnarvon Arms, Newbury; The Horse & Groom Inn, Wiltshire; The Lambert Arms, Oxfordshire; The Saracens Head, Essex; and The Talbot Inn, Surrey. Robin Sheppard, managing director of Bespoke Hotels, said ... “The six properties are perfectly positioned to apply the Bespoke Hotel blend of strong internal systems coupled with our philosophy that every hotel benefits from a little individuality and a little bit of tailoring to bring out its true heart and soul.” (HVS International) Scotland Edinburgh’s Eleventh Travelodge Opens Travelodge has opened the doors to its 11th hotel in Edinburgh in time for the popular Edinburgh Festival. The 96-room Edinburgh Central Waterloo Place, Travelodge’s 5th hotel in the city in the last 15-months, brings the hotel company’s room count in Edinburgh up to 1,000. Guy Parsons, Travelodge’s chief executive officer, said ... “Growth in Edinburgh has been one of our priorities as it is such an important tourism economy. "We have committed around £50-million to new hotels in the city over the past 3-years, acquiring existing hotels that had fallen below the standards that the modern day consumer expects.” (HVS International) Croatia A New Blu For Croatia The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened the luxury Radisson Blu Resort Split in Croatia. Located on the Adriatic coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the island of Brac, the 240-room hotel is the former Hotel Split, which underwent extensive renovation and reconstruction to become the Radisson Blu Resort Split. Commenting on the opening of this hotel, president and chief executive officer of Rezidor, Kurt Ritter, said ... “We are delighted to add a further outstanding first class hotel to our Croatian portfolio. "Rezidor aims to grow its young and successful resort business further - and Croatia as an emerging holiday destination in Europe offers not only beautiful landscapes but also the needed infrastructure and manpower.” (HVS International) Egypt Sol Meliá Goes Fourth In Egypt Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts has just seen the opening of its first property in Sharm El Sheikh, the Meliá Sharm, its 4th hotel in Egypt. The 5-star hotel is in Montaza Ras Nasrany Bay, one of the main tourist destinations in the Red Sea. The 468-room hotel has four restaurants and five bars, as well as an exclusive area to be inaugurated on October 1 that will include a private beach, swimming pool, lounge area and bar; butler service; and VIP rooms and services. (HVS International) Update: August 22, 2010 [6 Stories] Libya Work To Begin On Luxury Resort Later this year, architects Dexter Moren Associates will start work on a £100-million project on the Libyan coast: the Wadi Alswani Resort. The resort, perched on the clifftop with uninterrupted views to the Mediterranean, is expected to have 350 luxury rooms and 45 villas with access to a private beach. The desert site is on a plateau south of an existing village and features Ottoman ruins and an Italian memorial. Commenting on Libya’s hotel market, director Jacqui Labb said ... “It is a growing market and, from our experience over the last year, it is a region with huge potential – particularly in the tourism sector, which is based on historic and cultural interest.” (HVS International) England July 2010 Asia/Pacific Hotel Pipeline The Asia/Pacific hotel development pipeline comprises 1,029 hotels totalling 256,060 rooms, according to the July 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released last week. China reported the largest number of rooms in the total active pipeline (139,193 rooms) and in the In Construction phase (98,515 rooms). India followed with 46,562 rooms in the total active pipeline and 29,819 rooms in the In Construction phase. Among the key markets in the region, Shanghai, China, ended the month with the largest number of rooms in the total active pipeline (13,980), with more than 80% of its rooms in the In Construction phase (11,411). Bangkok, Thailand, reported 9,642 rooms in the total active pipeline and 5,411 rooms in the In Construction phase, followed by New Delhi, India, with 7,399 rooms in the total active pipeline and 5,040 rooms in the In Construction phase. Two of the seven Chain Scale segments, combined, accounted for nearly 50% of rooms in the total active pipeline: the Upper Upscale segment (25.2% with 64,472 rooms) and the Upscale segment (24.4% with 62,575). The Midscale without Food and Beverage segment made up the smallest portion of rooms in the total active pipeline with 2.4% and 6,119 rooms. (STR Global) USA Caribbean/Mexico Hotel Pipeline For July 2010 The Caribbean/Mexico hotel development pipeline comprises 137 hotels totaling 17,208 rooms, according to the July 2010 STR/TWR/Dodge Construction Pipeline Report released last week. Among the countries of the region, Mexico reported the largest number of rooms in the total active pipeline with 10,819 rooms, with nearly 50% of its rooms in the In Construction phase (5,121 rooms). The Dominican Republic (1,929 rooms) and Puerto Rico (1,210 rooms) also reported more than 1,000 rooms in the total active pipeline. Among the Chain Scale segments, the Midscale without Food and Beverage segment accounted for the largest portion of rooms in the total active pipeline with 29.8% and 5,134 rooms, followed by the Upscale segment with 20.6% and 3,545 rooms. The Economy segment made up the smallest portion of the total active pipeline with 4.0% and 696 rooms. (STR Global) USA Central/South America Hotel Pipeline For July 2010 The Central/South America hotel development pipeline comprises 133 hotels totalling 20,770 rooms, according to the July 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released last week. Among the countries in the region, Brazil reported the largest amount of rooms in the total active pipeline with 7,042 rooms, followed by Panama with 5,400 rooms. Two other countries ended the month with more than 1,500 rooms in the total active pipeline: Argentina (1,700 rooms) and Colombia (1,509 rooms). Among the Chain Scale segments, three segments each accounted for more than 20% of the total active pipeline. The Upscale segment made up 24.6% of the total active pipeline with 5,116 rooms, followed by the Upper Upscale segment (23.4% with 4,864 rooms) and the Economy segment (22.9% with 4,748 rooms). (STR Global) England Europe Hotel Pipeline For July 2010 The Europe hotel development pipeline comprises 678 hotels totalling 118,126 rooms, according to the June 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released last week. The region reported 314 projects in the In Construction phase with 58,577 rooms. Among the countries of the region, the United Kingdom ended the month with the largest number of rooms in the total active pipeline with 26,653 rooms, followed by Germany (16,825 rooms) and Russia (16,067 rooms). The U.K. also reported the largest number of rooms in the In Construction phase with 11,381 rooms. London, U.K., led the key markets in the region with 8, 072 rooms in the total active pipeline. Three other markets reported more than 3,000 rooms in the total active pipeline: Berlin, Germany (4,095 rooms); Moscow, Russia (3,999 rooms); and Vienna, Austria (3,256 rooms). Among the Chain Scale segments, three segments each accounted for 15% or more of rooms in the total active pipeline: Upscale segment (24.0% with 28,331 rooms); Midscale with Food and Beverage segment (16.8% with 19,806 rooms); and the Upper Upscale segment (16.1% with 18,993 rooms). (STR Global) England Middle East/Africa Hotel Pipeline For July 2010 The Middle East/Africa hotel development pipeline comprises 455 hotels totalling 126,273 rooms, according to the July 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released last week. The United Arab Emirates reported the largest number of rooms in the total active pipeline (55,165 rooms), among the countries in the region, with more than half in the In Construction phase (299,751 rooms). Saudi Arabia followed with 17,283 rooms in the total active pipeline and 8,714 rooms in the In Construction phase. Among the key markets in the region, Dubai, UAE, ended the month with the largest number of rooms in the total active pipeline (32,686 rooms) and in the In Construction phase (17,162 rooms), followed by Abu Dhabi, UAE, with 14,641 rooms in the total active pipeline and 8,544 rooms in the In Construction phase. Among the Chain Scale segments, three segments each accounted for more than 20% of rooms in the total active pipeline. The Upper Upscale segment made up the largest portion of rooms with 27.2% and 34,364 rooms, followed by the Unaffiliated segment (25.5% and 32,167 rooms) and the Luxury segment (21.5% and 27,187 rooms). (STR Global) Update: August 21, 2010 [7 Stories] USA Hotel Performance For Week Ending August 14 The U.S. hotel industry reported increases in all three key performance measurements during the week of August 8-14, 2010, according to data from STR. In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy increased 6.9% to 68.3%. Average daily rate rose 1.9% to US$98.88. Revenue per available room increased 9.0% to US$67.52. Among the Top 25 Markets, New Orleans, Louisiana, achieved the largest occupancy increase, jumping 21.5% to 60.5%, followed by Atlanta, Georgia (+16.9% to 61.7%), and Anaheim-Santa Ana, California (+14.6% to 87.3%). Three markets reported occupancy decreases: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota-Wisconsin (-2.3% to 76.0%); Seattle, Washington (-1.3% to 84.2%); and Phoenix, Arizona (-1.1% to 45.7%). New York, New York, posted the largest ADR increase, rising 11.5% to US$208.06, followed by San Francisco/San Mateo, California, with an 11.2% increase to US$141.21. two markets reported ADR decreases of more than 5%: Nashville, Tennessee (-7.4% to US$81.22), and Phoenix, Arizona (-5.2% to US$71.93). Three top markets experienced RevPAR increases of more than 20%: New Orleans (+25.1% to US$53.06); Anaheim-Santa Ana (+21.7% to US$106.05); and Atlanta (+20.9% to US$51.53). Minneapolis-St. Paul posted the largest RevPAR decrease, falling 6.9% to US$71.21, followed by Phoenix with a 6.2% decrease to US$32.84. (STR Global) Thailand Laguna Resorts And Hotels Sells Dusit Thani Hotel Laguna Resorts and Hotels (LRH) in Phuket, has sold the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Hotel on its property for US$81.3-million. The successful bidder in the closed bid tender was Dusit Thani Ltd. The 226-room, 5-star luxury hotel offers facilities such as six restaurants, a spa and four conference rooms. The sale is pending approval from LRH’s shareholders at a meeting that will take place on September 29 this year. If approval is given, the transaction is expected to be completed on November 30, 2010. (HVS International) USA Hotel Performance For July 2010 The U.S. hotel industry posted increases in all three key performance measurements during July 2010, according to data from STR. In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy was up 7.0% to 67.9%. Average daily rate ended the month with a 1.3% increase to US$99.14. Revenue per available room for the month rose 8.5% to finish at US$67.35. "The U.S. hotel industry's performance recovery continued very nicely in July," said Mark Lomanno, president of STR. "The demand for rooms continued to be well above 2009 levels, and we are finally beginning to see signs of room rate recovery, especially in the higher end of the market. In the coming months, we hope to see more balanced RevPAR growth as operators begin to accelerate room rate growth." Among the Top 25 Markets, all but one market reported occupancy increases and 8 top markets reported double-digit increases. Detroit led the occupancy increases, rising 20.9% to 61.5%, followed by Oahu Island, Hawaii (+15.9% to 89.6%), and New Orleans (+13.1% to 72.6%). Phoenix posted the only occupancy decrease, falling 1.4% to 43.6%. New York achieved the highest and only double-digit ADR increase, up 11.6% to US$204.68. Dallas reported the largest ADR decrease, falling 4.1% to US$77.72, followed by Nashville (-3.3% to US$82.94), and Houston (-3.2% to US$83.12). Five top markets experienced RevPAR increases of more than 15%: Oahu Island (+20.8% to US$139.58); New Orleans (+17.9% to US$77.82); Detroit (+17.7% to US$45.57); New York (+16.3% to US$170.67); and Denver (+15.6% to US$74.03). Phoenix posted the largest RevPAR decrease, falling 4.2% to US$31.91, followed by Houston with a 1.7% decrease to US$46.03. (STR Global) Thailand Thailand's First Westin Resort The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Westin’s first resort in Thailand, has officially opened it doors to visitors. Located in Siray Island on the east coast of Phuket, the resort is 8-minutes’ drive from Phuket Town and 45-minutes’ drive from Phuket International Airport. The resort will offer 261 guestrooms, suites and villas, with some of them having their own private pools and rooftop relaxing areas overlooking Siray Bay. Guests will also have a wide selection of cuisines from the resort’s six restaurants and bars, all of which feature ocean views. (HVS International) Malaysia First Doubletree By Hilton Hotel In Southeast Asia Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of its first Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Southeast Asia. The 34-storey Doubletree by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur is situated in the heart of Malaysia’s capital city, within its Golden Triangle district, just northeast of KL City Centre. The 540-guestroom hotel is owned by MGPA Asia Fund II and is part of an integrated property called The Intermark, which also includes a retail podium, and a grade A office tower. The hotel offers a wide array of conference and event facilities, with more than 1,850sqm of flexible function space, including a pillar-less grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. (HVS International) Hong Kong Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong To Be World's Tallest Hotel Located at the heart of the city, the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong will be the tallest hotel in the world when it opens in the first quarter of 2011. The 312-guestroom hotel will occupy Levels 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Kowloon. At the podium of the ICC will be a 1,000,000sqm shopping mall, Elements, which will feature different luxury brand names under one roof. Other than its six dining venues offering a wide range of cuisines, the hotel also has one of the largest ballrooms in Hong Kong at 930sqm. The hotel is situated just 20-minutes from Hong Kong International Airport and 5-minutes from Central Hong Kong. (HVS International) Australia Best Western City Sheridan Opens In Cairns Best Western has added a new property in Cairns, growing its market share in Queensland. The Best Western City Sheridan is an easy 10-minute walk to the city centre, Reef Hotel Casino, Convention Centre and the popular esplanade area with its restaurant precinct. It also makes the perfect base to explore the tropics of far North Queensland, Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef and offshore islands. The motel features a licensed restaurant offering fresh local seafood and delicious pasta dishes; cocktail bar; and outdoor swimming pool with cascading waterfall. The modern and spacious rooms boast private balconies, Austar channels, free in house movies, mini bar, air-conditioning, room service, and free wireless internet. As part of the Best Western brand, Best Western City Sheridan features BestRequests™, frequently requested guest amenities and services including: iron and ironing boards, hair dryers, coffee/tea makers in all rooms, designated non-smoking rooms, complimentary toiletries available upon request, bottled water available on-site, photocopy facilities on-site during reception hours and much more. Best Western Chief Executive Rob Anderson, said ... “Cairns is a destination already popular with leisure guests, and growing its corporate business. We’re pleased to offer this quality hotel to domestic and international visitors.” (Best Western Australasia) Update: August 20, 2010 [1 Story] India Accor And InterGlobe To Continued Expansion Accor and InterGlobe have affirmed their combined ambitions for growth in one of the worlds leading opportunity markets for hotel expansion - India. Gilles Pelisson, Chief Executive Officer of Accor said ... “India today is one of the world’s most exciting growth markets with strong demand across all segments. "Together with our partners InterGlobe, Accor is capitalizing on this demand with a bold growth strategy that will see it have 90 hotels in India by 2015.” The full story ... Accor And InterGlobe To Continued Expansion (Accor Asia Pacific) Update: August 19, 2010 [1 Story] Australia IBIS Perth Gets A 'Princely' Makeover Ibis Perth has received a $4-million birthday present to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The Murray Street hotel, which opened as Princes Hotel back in 1985, today reveals a full makeover of its rooms, including new bathrooms, a stylish contemporary interior design, and the latest in-room communications, including flat-screen TVs and IPod docking stations. The latest renovation follows the launch of a restyled restaurant and bar in 2008. “It’s a revolution in economy hotel accommodation for Perth,” said Accor’s Regional Manager for Western Australia, Llewellyn Wyeth. “We’ve spent a princely sum on the former Princes hotel and we believe the Ibis now offers Perth’s finest 3-star accommodation. “Ibis is now Australia’s - and the world’s - leading 3-star brand, so it is great that visitors to Perth can also experience an Ibis with the latest in design and facilities. “The re-launch comes at a very important time for the Perth hotel market, as demand is almost back to pre-GFC times and there are few new hotels on the horizon.” Accor took over the Princes hotel in the early 1990s and re-branded to its Ibis brand in 1997. Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and CEO of Tourism WA, Stephanie Buckland will help celebrate the Ibis’ birthday at an official anniversary lunch today. (Accor Asia Pacific) Update: August 18, 2010 [4 Stories] Singapore New Director Media Relations For Asia Pacific Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Susie Lim-Kannan as Director Media Relations, Asia Pacific. Ms Lim-Kannan will oversee the eleven Swissôtel properties in the region, including the newly-opened Swissôtel Kolkata. She will provide strategic support to the marketing communications department of each hotel as well as build and manage the Asia Pacific media network. (Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts) Australia ‘Best New Restaurant' At 2010 Awards Positively Parisian restaurant, Privé 249, located at Sofitel Brisbane Central hotel, has been awarded ‘Best New Restaurant’ at the 2010 Queensland Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence. Launched in September last year, French flavoured Privé 249 was awarded the prestigious prize in the ‘Best restaurant for under 50 guests’ category. Sofitel Brisbane Central General Manager Tony Chisholm, said ... “This award is wonderful acknowledgment that salutes the intimate dining style, superior service and elegant atmosphere that defines the Privé 249 experience. We strive each day for quality, simplicity and authenticity so I am pleased for the team to have them recognised for this. “it’s a terrific achievement for them. The amazing ability of our Chef de Cuisine Mathieu Astier and excellent service and leadership of our Restaurant Manager Francois Laran is an unbeatable combination.” (Sofitel Australia Pacific) Australia Best Western Launches First 'Ladies Only' Floor One Brisbane hotel is giving female guests preferential treatment - by offering them access to their very own, gorgeously girlie 'Ladies Only' floor. In what is believed to be an Australian first, the Best Western Portal Hotel is one of a handful of international hotels catering for the growing number of independent female travellers who demand luxury and security in equal measure. According to owner Georgie Woods, the decision to ban boys - from one floor at least - was based on demand within the market. “These days, women account for around 40% of Australia’s business travellers - that’s a lot of ladies travelling alone, often in unfamiliar cities without a good working knowledge of the area,” Ms Woods said. It’s not surprising, then, to learn that 60% of women identify safety as their main concern when choosing travel accommodation. Heightened security is provided by secure access elevator keycards and even the hotel staff employed to carry out duties on the floor are exclusively female. Conveniently located within a stone’s throw of Brisbane’s central business district, the Best Western Portal Hotel boasts 84 individual rooms - 11 of which are dedicated Ladies Only accommodation. The hotel itself has just undergone a quarter of a million dollar refurbishment, transforming it from humdrum city lodgings into a stylish boutique destination filled with bespoke furniture and antique pieces. (Best Western Australasia) China Sofitel Luxury Hotels' Promotions And Appointments Sofitel Luxury Hotels has made several new appointments across Greater China. Johnson Zhang, Damian Niesel, Tony Colella, Maarten Dirks, Rudy Rodas, Danny Yeo and Kitty Qi, have been appointed across Greater China, with effect from July to September 2010 respectively. * General Manager - Sofitel Wanda Ningbo - Johnson Zhang (top photo); * General Manager - Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental / Area General Manager Sofitel Oriental Hotels China - Damian Niesel; * General Manager - Sofitel Dongguan Humen Oriental - Tony Colella; * Regional Director of Talent Development & Training Sofitel Greater China / Director of Quality Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 - Maarten Dirks; * General Manager - Sofitel Qingdao - Rudy Rodas; * General Manager - Sofitel Dongguan Royal Lagoon & Sofitel Dongguan Golf Resort - Danny Yeo; * Director of Marketing & Communications - Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich - Kitty Qi (2nd photo). (Impact Asia Ltd) Update: August 17, 2010 [4 Stories] England Beirut Blossoms: New hotels Open At Right Time The latest hotels in Beirut could not have timed their entrance to the market much better. The new properties in the Lebanese capital are benefitting from the recent upswing in revenue per available room as illustrated by data from STR Global, the leading provider of market information to the global hotel industry. RevPAR for year-to-date June 2010 has averaged US$149.79 compared with US$39.56 for the same period in 2007, the worst performance for a first half of a year since 2005. This RevPAR improvement comes as the result of gains in average room rates. The openings included Le Gray (87 guestrooms, November 2009), the Arjaan Raouche Beirut (176, December 2009) and the Four Seasons Beirut (230, January 2010). At a time when many other Middle Eastern hotel markets still are struggling, Beirut is blossoming as it benefits from newfound political stability following the signing of the Doha Agreement in May 2008 and the endeavours of the ongoing Solidere project that promotes the renewal of the city after its wartime destruction. In the lead up to the current time of prosperity, the city's hoteliers have demonstrated sound revenue management by maintaining ADR in the face of declining occupancies. In the turbulent times following the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005 and the subsequent Lebanese war of 2006, ADR certainly fluctuated but held remarkably steady in light of weakening demand. "Hotel performance in Beirut at that time clearly demonstrates that when there is little demand to stimulate, there is no point in dropping rates," said Elizabeth Randall, managing director of STR Global. (STR Global) New Zealand New General Manager For Terrace Downs Resort Terrace Downs Resort, Canterbury, has appointed a new General Manager and unveiled a bold plan to increase the international profile of the popular high country Resort. Seasoned hotelier Dilan De Silva has taken over the reins of the Resort having previously worked as a General Manager of hotels in Vietnam, Qatar, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Terrace Downs owner Jonny Hendriksen said Mr De Silva’s appointment is one of the most positive developments at the Resort in recent times. “Dilan has more than 18-years of hospitality experience and has been the General Manager for several of the world’s leading service and hospitality providers," said Mr Hendriksen. "He is eager to improve the existing offerings at the Resort, as well as develop new markets in an effort to push Terrace Downs to the forefront of New Zealand tourism." Mr De Silva said he will be putting extensive efforts into the marketing of the resort to key overseas markets as well as promoting it to the domestic market. “This is an exciting time for Terrace Downs and I’m looking forward to helping the Resort reach its full potential as one of the premier destinations in the Southern Hemisphere – a destination famed for both the beauty of its surrounding and the level of service it offers." (Mode Partners) USA Herve Humler To Preside Over Ritz-Carlton Marriott International has announced the appointment of Herve Humler as President & Chief Operations Officer of its Ritz-Carlton brand. Mr Humler was one of the original founders of the brand in 1983, and before joining Ritz-Carlton he held senior management positions with both Hyatt Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group. Mr Humler, who will also oversee Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, will take over the role from Simon Cooper, who is to take up the position of Marriott’s President & Managing Director for Asia Pacific. Commenting on the news, Robert J McCarthy, Marriott International Group President, said ... “Herve is a true international hotelier with more than 35-years in the luxury lodging business and has helped to build The Ritz-Carlton into a world-class brand.” (HVS International) England Hotel Finance & Investment Summit In September The 10th Annual European Hotel Finance & Investment Summit is to take place at the Hyatt Regency Churchill Hotel in London, from September 7-8. Some of the questions to be addressed at this year’s event are ... - Has the hotel industry turned a corner? - Is 2010 the year in which owners and operators can start to look again to the future after a turbulent couple of years? - How are lenders and investors viewing the growing market confidence? Among the abundant crop of industry experts speaking at the conference is HVS London’s managing director Russell Kett. For more information or to register for the event visit euromoneyseminars.com. (HVS International) Update: August 15, 2010 [3 Stories] Australia Best Western Award Winners Announced Best Western Australasia is proud to announce its list of award-winning properties and staff for 2010. Rob Anderson, Chief Executive said ... “I’m delighted by the quality of this year’s entries. "The competition was stiff and the panel thought long and hard about which properties deserved the awards the most." The full story ... Best Western Award Winners Announced (Best Western Australasia) Saudi Arabia Two New Hiltons For Riyadh Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with the King Saud University Endowment programme for two new properties in Riyadh. The 241-room Hilton Riyadh King Saud University and the 155-room Hilton Riyadh King Saud University Residence, are both expected to open by 2012. Hilton currently has one hotel in operation in Riyadh, the 180-room Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya, and this announcement brings its pipeline in the city up to four properties. Commenting on the new signing, Paul Brown, President, Global Brands & Commercial Services, Hilton Worldwide, said ... “We are delighted to have signed two properties in the capital, in line with our goal to increase the presence of our brands in Saudi Arabia and around the world.” (HVS International) Egypt A Ramada Plaza For Sharm El Sheikh CHI Hotels & Resorts has signed a 15-year technical services and management agreement with the El Salam Company for the Ramada Plaza-Naama Bay in the resort of Sharm El Sheikh, on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The 254-room hotel, which previously operated as the Royal Plaza Hotel, is the first Ramada Plaza-branded property to open in the resort. This is the second management agreement that CHI has signed in Egypt; the first being for the 335-room Tiran Island Hotel. (HVS International) Update: August 14, 2010 [9 Stories] China Langham To Open 2nd Property In Xintiandi Langham Hotels International has announced plans to open The Langham, Xintiandi, Shanghai, its 2nd property in the city after the The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai. Located in the lively Xintiandi district, the 24-storey hotel will be a landmark building with interiors by leading hospitality designer, Peter Remedios. The Langham, Xintiandi, Shanghai will offer 357 rooms and 23 suites, a modern ballroom and eight large meeting spaces to cater to different types of events. The hotel will be the group’s 21st property in its expanding global portfolio. (HVS International) Fiji Investment Opportunity: Momi Bay Integrated Resort The Fiji National Provident Fund is highlighting an investment opportunity in the Fiji Islands. The Fund is inviting investors to submit Expression of Interest (EOI) to acquire or to form a joint venture of the Stage One of Momi Bay Integrated Resort Development. Located on the coast at Momi Bay, the total site is understood to cover 643 acres of land, of which 305 acres are freehold and the balance are leasehold with State (107 acres) and Native (231 acres). The site is approximately 28km from Fiji’s main international airport, which is capable of handling wide bodied jet aircraft. Stage One of the development comprises, amongst others, 228 resort duplex villas and room blocks, 22 over-water resort luxury villas and a partially completed nine holes out of an 18-hole USPGA standard golf course. (HVS International) Cambodia New Resort In Phnom Penh The Pavilion, with projects such as Kabiki and Blue Lime under its portfolio, has begun the construction phase for its latest project, The Plantation. The 72-room hotel is situated within a 5,200sqm park in the heart of Phnom Penh’s tourist area. The colonial-style development is also within close proximity to the Royal Palace and the National Museum and is due to be completed in November 2011. Facilities for the resort include a 25m pool surrounded by cabanas, a spa, a fitness club and two bars. (HVS International) USA STR Reports US Hotel Pipeline For July 2010 The total active U.S. hotel development pipeline comprises 3,412 projects totaling 359,264 rooms, according to the July 2010 STR/TWR/Dodge Construction Pipeline Report released this week. This represents a 26.4% decrease in the number of rooms in the total active pipeline compared to July 2009. The total active pipeline data includes projects in the In Construction, Final Planning and Planning stages, but does not include projects in the Pre-Planning stage. Among the Chain Scale segments, the Economy segment reported the largest decrease in rooms in the total active pipeline, falling 64.2% to 5,286 rooms, followed by the Luxury segment, which fell 52.7% to 5,209 rooms. The Midscale without Food and Beverage segment posted the smallest decrease, falling 20.0% to 114,084 rooms in the total active pipeline. The Luxury segment fell 72.1% to 1,591 rooms in the In Construction phase, followed by the Upscale segment (-62.7% to 14,755 rooms) and the Unaffiliated segment (-56.7% to 8,809 rooms). The Midscale without Food and Beverage segment reported the smallest decrease in rooms in the In Construction phase, falling 45.6% to 25,773 rooms. The STR/TWR/Dodge Construction Pipeline Report is co-produced by Torto Wheaton Research, Dodge Construction, and dedicated pipeline team at STR. (STR Global) Bangladesh Best Western Joins Forces With Fort Hotels Group Best Western International - The World’s Largest Hotel Chain® - has announced a partnership with Fort Hotels Group Ltd to open the luxury Best Western Premier hotel in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Due to open in 2014, the new 720 room luxury hotel in Cox’s Bazar will rise on the world’s longest white sand beach. Catering for family vacationers and up to large corporate conferences, the property’s facilities will include four restaurants and two juice bars, three swimming pools, world-class health centre and beauty services, spa, bowling track, theatre hall, mini golf, tennis court, board room, seminar room, business centre and two Grand Banquet Halls with capacity for 3,000. With state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology, green architecture and carbon-neutral establishment, the hotel is designed to offer the utmost safety and security. “The partnership between Best Western International and Fort Hotels Group will position Best Western as the largest international hotel group in Cox’s Bazar," said Best Western International’s Vice President of International Operations - Asia and the Middle East, Mr Glenn de Souza. The chain’s strong sales and marketing network and extensive distribution channels will be instrumental in bringing international guests to the destination and boosting Bangladesh’s national tourism industry.” The addition of this hotel marks the arrival of the chain’s luxury Best Western Premier brand in the country and is part of Best Western’s key strategy to expand the presence in Bangladesh. Best Western’s growth will add the chain’s world-renowned hospitality to Bangladesh’s tourist appeal, along with its expertise in hospitality and tourism marketing. (Best Western Australasia) USA Hotel Performance For Week Ending August 7 The U.S. hotel industry reported increases in all three key performance measurements during the week of August 1-7, 2010, according to data from STR. In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy increased 6.7% to 70.2%. Average daily rate rose 1.6% to US$99.13. Revenue per available room increased 8.4% to US$69.57. "Several significant increases in group occupancy helped performance this week," said Steve Hood, senior VP at STR. "Oahu Island, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Anaheim-Santa Ana, California; Seattle Washington; and San Diego, California, were among the markets to report big bumps in group occupancy for the week due to an increase in convention / conference activity last week. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues throughout the month of August." All Top 25 Markets reported occupancy and RevPAR increases for the week. Detroit, Michigan, achieved the largest occupancy increase, rising 26.1% to 69.1%. Three other top markets posted occupancy increases of more than 15%: Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Virginia (+17.0% to 87.5%); Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida (+15.6% to 62.4%); and Chicago, Illinois (+15.5% to 78.9%). San Francisco/San Mateo, California (+0.3% to 91.1%), and Orlando, Florida (+0.2% to 68.4%) ended the week virtually flat in occupancy. New York, New York, experienced the only double-digit ADR increase, rising 12.4% to US$215.63, followed by Boston, Massachusetts (+6.6% to US$137.34), and San Francisco/San Mateo (+6.5% to US$143.51). Nashville, Tennessee, reported the largest ADR decrease, falling 5.3% to US$80.45. Detroit increased 22.8% in RevPAR to US$52.08, reporting the largest increase in that metric, followed by Chicago (+20.3% to US$91.13) and Anaheim-Santa Ana, California (+19.9% to US$110.17). (STR Global) Indonesia Ascott To Sell Country Woods Jakarta CapitaLand has announced that its Ascott Residence Trust (Ascott REIT) has entered into an agreement to sell a rental housing property, Country Woods, in Jakarta for approximately US$24.9 million. The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the 4th quarter this year, will give Ascott REIT an estimated net gain of approximately US$4.2-million from the divestment. The transacted price is 60% above the property’s valuation as at June 30, 2010. (HVS International) India The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Reopens Palace Wing As India celebrates its 64th Independence Day, the iconic Taj Mahal Palace will re-open its doors to the magnificently restored Palace wing in Mumbai. Mr Ratan Tata’s promise made to the world in 2008 has been a compelling force and a testament to the Taj Group’s commitment to resurrecting India’s original luxury hotel. "When we open the heritage wing and do whatever it takes to get back its old glory; we will send a stronger message - a message that strongly resonates among all of us that we can be hurt, but we cannot be knocked down," said Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, on December 21, 2008. At a preview press conference, Mr Raymond Bickson, Managing Director, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, said .. “Today, we have fulfilled our promise of rebuilding the Taj to its former glory. The Taj Mahal has always reinvented itself and its storied past which makes it the icon that it is. "The palace wing has been lovingly and painstakingly restored, and we now offer our guests an even more customized experience. It is a befitting tribute to the spirit and resilience that is The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai; and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the hotel. "As India celebrates its 64th year of independence, we warmly welcome our guests to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.” August 15 is a day India made her tryst with destiny. Echoing the same sentiments, staff and management of The Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai, make their tryst with destiny and have pledged to reinvent the magic that made the Taj the institution it is. (Black Communications) Australia A Creative Edge In Corporate Accommodation The Blackman Hotel will open on St Kilda Road, on Sunday, August 15, the third hotel to open in the $500-million Art Series Hotel development over the past 10-months. The hotel joins the plethora of development activity on St Kilda Road and the greater Melbourne CBD, fulfilling an unprecedented need for hotel rooms and high-end residential style accommodation in Australia’s cultural capital. The 16-floor, 209-room hotel is inspired by Australia’s most famous figurative artist Charles Blackman. Set behind Airlie Mansion in Melbourne’s commercial hub 2.5km from the CBD, The Blackman will accommodate the corporate traveller and residents relocating to Melbourne or on temporary projects. The Blackman will have the trademark Art Series Hotel approach expected from the group: including an in house art curator, art channel, inspired, knowledgeable staff and an art library in every suite contributing to a total art experience. The rooms will offer a mixture of King and Queen suites boasting a combination of large terraces and balconies, each with sweeping views over Melbourne’s CBD and offering a an abundance of space, some 30sqm in size. Crowning the building will be two penthouses in Blackman style, a dreamlike sky room perched above Melbourne. Catering to hotel guests, local corporates and The Blackman’s high tech conferencing facilities, will be two European inspired culinary destinations. Depot de Pain, sister to renowned French Fantasies Boulangerie and designed by award winning architects Foong Sormann, will be a traditional style brasserie and patisserie serving a classic French menu with pastries and a range of luxe food items from a well heeled deli. Classico will serve timeless Italian fare, offering an all day grazing menu through to more formal dining options. (The Mint Partners) Update: August 13, 2010 [2 Stories] Hong Kong MOHG President, Sales & Marketing, The Americas Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Emily Snyder as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for The Americas, with effect from September 7, 2010. Ms Snyder has been promoted to the role from her previous post as Director of Sales and Marketing at the Group's North American flagship, Mandarin Oriental, New York, where her exceptional sales and marketing performance has helped to establish the property as one of the world's best hotels. In her new role, Ms Snyder will be responsible for all aspects of Mandarin Oriental's sales efforts in the Americas. Ms Snyder will also be responsible for building new business relationships in the region. Reporting directly to Michael Hobson, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's Chief Marketing Officer based in Hong Kong, Ms Synder will direct a team of 25 sales colleagues from the Group's New York office. Ms Snyder, who has more than 25-years of experience in the hospitality industry, began her career at Mandarin Oriental in 1992, first joining the Group's regional sales office in The Americas overseeing corporate transient sales. In 1995, she left Mandarin Oriental to further her experience amongst other luxury hotels in New York. She then rejoined Mandarin Oriental, New York in 2003 as Director of Sales, where she was an integral member of the opening team. She was promoted to the leadership role of Director of Sales and Marketing in 2007. (Impact Asia Ltd) USA STR Releases Optimistic Forecast For 2010, 2011 The U.S. hotel industry is projected to end 2010 with increases in two of the three key performance measurements, according to STR's forecast update. STR projects 2010 occupancy will increase 4.4% to 57.1%, average daily rate is expected to end the year virtually flat with a 0.1% decrease to US$97.74, and revenue per available room to rise 4.3% to US$55.77. "Room rate growth trajectory will determine the magnitude of recovery," said Mark Lomanno, president of STR. "We're still a little bit worried about the ADR part of the equation. The industry is currently facing a lot of challenges, and there are all kinds of pressure on that ADR number: the OTAs, and still rebounding group business to name just two." Supply is expected to grow 2.2% during 2010, and demand is projected to increase 6.6%. STR projects the industry will end 2011 with increases in all three key metrics. Occupancy is forecast to rise 1.4% to 57.9%, ADR is expected to be up 3.9% to US$101.55, and RevPAR is projected to rise 5.3% to US$58.75. Supply during 2011 is expected to end the year with a 1.1% increase, and demand is projected to rise 2.5%. (STR GLobal) Update: August 12, 2010 [1 Story] Thailand Resort Launches Private Plane Service The luxurious InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has become the first hotel in Hua Hin to launch its own private air service to shuttle guests from Bangkok to the beachside city. The exclusive service departs from either Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muaeng Airport direct to Hua Hin before a resort limousine whisks guests away for the 10-minute drive for check in. The InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has quickly established new benchmarks for luxury in the historical town on the shores of the Gulf of Siam and General Manager, Pattama Yoshimura, said the 8-seat Cessna Grand Caravan would raise the bar in Thailand towards opulent, yet convenient, services. The plane flies in InterContinental livery and has a full-time crew on permanent standby to make the 35-minute flight between Bangkok and Hua Hin at a moment's notice. "Right from the conceptualisation stage of this resort, we have always strived to set new benchmarks in services we can offer to guests and we think that a private plane service is very hard to beat," Ms Yoshimura said. "It is something we are quite proud of." Ms Yoshimura added the service had been popular since its recent launch and the resort was also combining accommodation and flight packages, which are in demand. "When we launched this exclusive service, we were not quite sure how it would be received, but it has been in demand from discerning guests who prefer the privacy of a quick transfer to Hua Hin from Bangkok," Ms Yoshimura added. (Delivering Asia Communications) Update: August 11, 2010 [5 Stories] Vietnam Sofitel Legend Metropole Wins PATA Award The Sofitel Legend Metropole will glitter again at the PATA Gold Awards 2010 ceremony, taking place on September 17 in Macau, when it accepts a prestigious gold award in the Heritage category. The award lauds the hotel for its refurbishment of one of Southeast Asia’s most treasured properties. Sofitel relaunched the Metropole in 2009 as the hotel group’s first Legend property. “The challenge for any hotel in the Heritage category is achievement of a very delicate balance between celebration of historical charm, and satisfaction of tomorrow’s expectation,” said Kai Speth, General Manager of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. "Where so many hotels are only thinking about today and tomorrow, we have an obligation to think about today, tomorrow and yesterday. The PATA Award persuades us that we’re on the right track.” The refurbishment maintained the original 1901 architecture, enhanced with new facilities, the creation of themed suites and a range of guest’s experience according to the way of living heritage within the spirit of centennial establishment. The restoration began in 2004 and was revealed as a “fait accompli” last year with the Legend launch. The new facilities include, Angelina, a chic Italian restaurant that raised the bar on sophisticated nightlife in Hanoi. The hotel also opened Le Spa du Metropole last year. Remarkably, this was the first spa to be opened in the hotel’s 108-year history. The Metropole’s themed suites indulge the property’s connections to legendary people like Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene, each of whom stayed at the hotel. (Accor Asia Pacific) Australia Accor Supports Sydney's 'City To Surf' Race An impressive 80-strong Accor Hotels team pounded the pavement for charity at this year’s City to Surf event in support of international aid organisation, Plan International Australia, raising more than $5,000. Staff from Accor’s Sydney hotels participated in what was reported to be the largest ever City to Surf in the event’s history, running, walking, ducking and weaving through 80,000 competitors to achieve a combined total of 1,120km. Stretching a whole lot further than the 14km distance the City to Surf race covers between Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach however is the money raised by Accor for the event, helping to fund education programmes for the children of the remote Mangyan community in the Philippines - the Plan project nominated by the Accor team. “Thanks to Accor’s efforts vital funds have been raised that will help give children in the Philippines the opportunity to access education,” said Plan International Australia Corporate Relations Manager, Meg Hamilton, who joined the team from Melbourne for the race. “Education is a fundamental human right and when we ensure that children have access to quality education we are helping to end generational cycles of poverty and providing the foundation for sustainable development.” Accor team organiser Nick Hilton, National OH&S Manager, was impressed with the effort from his group - not only for their fundraising efforts but also for some impressive times set. “Accor is always pleased to support Plan and their worthy projects and on this occasion it also translated into positive steps for our own health and wellbeing,” said Nick. (Accor Asia Pacific) Australia Mantra's New Face In Darwin Mantra's top job in Darwin will have a fresh face from September 20 - David Brill will take over as General Manager of Mantra Pandanas and Area Manager for Darwin. David’s appointment to this key position reflects the esteem he is held within Mantra Group, after his positive contribution to the Sunshine Coast as Area Manager over the last year. During August and until David’s commencement, Gyan Pillay will act as relief GM for Mantra Pandanas. Former Mantra Pandanas GM of 2-years, Andrew Charlton, has decided to pursue a new venture outside of Mantra Group. His contribution to both BreakFree Aanuka in Coffs Harbour, NSW, and Mantra Pandanas, and his efforts as Darwin’s Area Manager, have been greatly appreciated over the years. (The Mantra Group) Australia Best Western Adds Another Property In WA Best Western has expanded its presence in Western Australia with the addition of Best Western Albany Motel & Apartments in Albany. With a prime location in the centre of the scenic coastal town of Albany, the motel caters for families, couples and the business travellers alike. The property is situated within an easy stroll to the main street, shops, restaurants and cafés, the waterfront and historical attractions such as the Old Gaol Museum and the Brig Amity Replica. The motel offers 36 well-appointed rooms comprising of standard, deluxe, family units, self-catering apartments and a King Spa Suite. All rooms offer light cooking facilities, TV with free 24-hour latest in-house movies and reverse-cycle air-conditioning. Services at the property include guest laundry and same day dry-cleaning, business facilities including conference room, fax, photocopying and wireless internet access, and free parking. Best Western Australasia CEO Rob Anderson, said ... “Albany is a thriving community, and the new property will further support increased trade and tourism to the area. We’re excited to bring this property into the Best Western fold.” (Best Western Australasia) Colombia Safer For visitors, Prompting New Hotels Colombia is attracting international hotel chains through its improved security, tax breaks and economic growth. President Alvaro Uribe, who is about to leave office, officiated at the debut of the JW Marriott Hotel in Bogota. "I don't have words to express my thanks for the confidence you show in Colombia," Uribe said. "It means a lot to this great city and country that we can count on your expansion here." (Los Angeles Times) Update: August 10, 2010 [5 Stories] Thailand Hotel Rate Debate Raises Awkward Issues Dropping rates to fight Bangkok's low hotel occupancies and airline load factors is a failed strategy. But Thailand seems doomed to repeat its history of pricing mistakes due to a myriad of issues. These were some of the insights revealed by travel industry leaders with long and bitter experience in Thailand's travel industry price wars. They were addressing a debate entitled, 'Rates Versus Value: Are We Going Off the Deep End?' organized by the PATA Thailand Chapter, July 28 in Bangkok. The full story ... Hotel Rate Debate Raises Awkward Issues (Pacific Asia Travel Association - Thailand Chapter) England Out With The Budget, In With The Boutique A former budget hotel, the Elizabeth Hotel, in Victoria, London, is to reopen as boutique hotel the Eccleston Square Hotel, following a £6.5-million renovation to the Grade II-listed building. Due to open in spring 2011, the 40-room Eccleston Square Hotel is now owned by David Byrne who has previously operated hotels in Paris. (HVS International) Germany Bremen’s First Marriott The Courtyard by Marriott Bremen, Marriott International’s first hotel in Bremen, has opened under a franchise agreement with Baum Hotelbetrieb Bremen GmbH. Of the 155 bedrooms, 70 are housed in the renovated Lloyd Building, which dates back to 1913 and was formerly used as a railway building, while the remaining 85 bedrooms are in a newly constructed wing of the hotel. Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe said of the opening ... “We are excited to add the Courtyard Bremen to our growing portfolio in Germany and to be represented in this dynamic and historic city.” There are currently 30 Marriott hotels in Germany. (HVS International) Russia Rezidor Announces Two New Park Inns Rezidor Hotel Group has announced two new Park Inn hotels: the Park Inn Veliky Novgorod and the Park Inn Sofia. The Park Inn Veliky Novgorod is the rebranded former 225-room Beresta Palace Hotel in the Russian city of Veliky Novgorod. Kurt Ritter, president and chief executive officer of Rezidor, said ... “The property brings our portfolio of Park Inns in Russia/CIS to 25 hotels in operation and under development - a clear sign of our commitment to this emerging region.” The 113-room Park Inn Sofia is Rezidor’s first Park Inn in Bulgaria and it is scheduled to open in the 3rd-quarter of 2010. This property is the rebranded former Greenville Hotel and Apartments, which originally opened in 2005. Commenting on the Park Inn Sofia, Mr Ritter said ... “This new property will strengthen our presence in Sofia; it complements our successful Radisson Blu Grand Hotel which is located opposite the National Assembly.” Further Park Inn hotels are under development or in operation in other Eastern European locations such as Krakow, Bratislava, Prague, Ostrava, Sárvár and Wroclaw. (HVS International) Egypt Jumeirah Heads For The Hills The Dubai-based Jumeirah Group has signed a management agreement with Egyptian development company Palm Hills Developments (PHD) for the Jumeirah Gamsha Bay Resort. The 250-room hotel is part of PHD’s mixed-use Gamsha development on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The resort stretches for about 37-miles along the coast, north of Hurghada. This is Jumeirah’s first management agreement in Egypt. (HVS International) Update: August 08, 2010 [5 Stories] USA Hotel Performance For Week Ending July 31 The U.S. hotel industry reported increases in all three key performance measurements during the week of July 25-31, 2010, according to data from STR. In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy increased 6.8% to 71.0%. Average daily rate rose 1.5% to US$99.27. Revenue per available room increased 8.5% to US$70.45. Among the Top 25 Markets, 22 markets reported occupancy increases for the week. New Orleans, Louisiana, achieved the largest increase, rising 27.4% to 68.3%, followed by Detroit, Michigan, with a 15.6% increase to 62.1%. Three markets posted occupancy decreases: St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois (-4.4% to 71.8%); Seattle, Washington (-3.1% to 86.9%); and Phoenix, Arizona (-2.9% to 47.2%). New York, New York, achieved the largest ADR increase, rising 13.5% to US$209.94. Nashville, Tennessee, fell 5.6% in ADR to US$84.10, reporting the largest decrease in that metric, followed by Detroit (-5.0% to US$73.74), and Dallas, Texas (-4.6% to US$80.95). New Orleans, Louisiana, soared 39.8% in RevPAR to US$65.65, reporting the largest increase in that metric. Four other markets experienced RevPAR increases of more than 20%: Anaheim-Santa Ana, California (+24.8% to US$113.28); Oahu Island, Hawaii (+24.3% to US$149.58); Denver, Colorado (+22.2% to US$79.97); and Los Angeles-Long Beach, California (+20.6% to US$107.18). St. Louis reported the largest RevPAR decrease, falling 5.8% to US$60.48. (STR Global) Indonesia Ascott Enters Bali Market With Citadines Ascott Group has entered the Bali market with an agreement to manage Citadines Bali Kuta. The 174-unit serviced residence, to be developed by property developer Rudy Indopratama Sejahtera, is targeted to open in April 2012. Facilities for the Citadines Bali Kuta include small meeting rooms, a restaurant, a gymnasium and a spa. Apart from the Kuta development, three other Citadines are also scheduled to open between this year and 2012 in Jakarta. Ascott currently has five properties in Jakarta and Surabaya under the Ascott, Somerset and Citadines brands. (HVS International) Japan First InterContinental Hotel In Osaka InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) marks its entry into Osaka with an agreement to develop an InterContinental luxury hotel and high-class residences in the city. The project is located in Osaka Station North Yard, a special urban redevelopment zone which will feature urban amenities, high-end offices, modern accommodation options and a 10,000-sqm plaza and pedestrian mall. The development will feature 200 rooms and 50 residential apartments as well as restaurants and banquet facilities. The project also marks IHG’s foray into the Japanese residential market. (HVS International) Singapore IBIS Singapore On Bencoolen Sold IBIS Singapore on Bencoolen has been sold by LaSalle Investment Management and Accor to a Singapore private investor for over US$148-million. Opened in February 2009, the 538-key hotel is jointly owned by property investor LaSalle Investment Management and hospitality group Accor. (HVS International) Thailand Change In Zoning Laws May Impact Developments A change in the zoning laws in Phang Nga Province, which is just above Phuket, may slow down the development of beachfront villas and hotels in the area. The new regulations cover the Kok Gloy and Tai Muang southern coastal areas of Phang Nga Province, and will take effect from July 3, 2010 to July 2, 2015. The new laws have designated most of the beachfront land in the area as forest conservation zones or agricultural zones, limiting new projects to single housing units or government use. In addition, more green area as a percentage of a plot is required, limiting the amount of development on a piece of land as a result. (HVS International) Update: August 07, 2010 [2 Stories] USA STR Announces Best Performing Hotel Award Winners The winners of the inaugural 2010 STR Best Performing Hotel Award were announced on August 5 during the 2010 Hotel Data Conference, presented by Gaylord Hotels, and hosted by HotelNewsNow.com and STR. The conference was held at the Loews Vanderbilt Nashville Hotel. The seven winners were chosen based on reported performance by hotels, including occupancy, average daily rate, and revenue per available room, compared with their respective market-scale performance. "STR is excited to honour these top-performing hotels," said Randy Smith, CEO of STR. "With the tough economic road the industry has travelled, it is nice to recognize a group of hotels that stood strong and were top performers in the industry." The award was given to one hotel in each of the seven Chain Scale segments. The 2010 STR Best Performing Award winners ... * Luxury Segment: Four Seasons Hotel New York; * Upper Upscale Segment: Westin Sunset Key (Florida) Guest Cottages; * Upscale Segment: Homewood Suites Jackson (Wyoming); * Midscale-with-Food-and-Beverage Segment: Quality Suites Oceanfront Jacksonville Beach (Florida); * Midscale-without-Food-and-Beverage Segment: Hampton Inn Chicago Majestic Theatre District; * Economy Segment: Days Inn & Suites Jekyll Isle Oceanfront (Jekyll Island, Georgia); and * Independent Segment: White Elephant Hotel (Nantucket, Massachusetts). (STR Global) USA Immigration Law Costs Arizona Hotels $15-million Backlash against Arizona related to the state's controversial immigration law has cost hotels in the state at least $15-million, and that's a conservative figure, according to the Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association. Some of the losses might not be directly related to groups boycotting the state but to groups that fear that holding their meeting in Arizona could cause low attendance as a result of the controversy. (American Society of Travel Agents) Update: August 06, 2010 [3 Stories] South Africa Red Carnation Scoops More Awards The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in South Africa, and The Milestone Hotel in London, both part of the Red Carnation portfolio, were recognised by readers of prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine's 15th annual reader survey of the absolute best hotels in the world. The 'World's Best Hotels' provides readers the opportunity to rate the world's top hotels, destinations, airlines, cruises, outfitters and transportation companies. This year's record response, made the awards more credible than ever before. The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, with a near perfect score of 93.62, was rated 34th in the list of the world's top 100 hotels, and 8th in the list of the best lodges and resorts in Africa and the Middle East - the highest rating for any hotel in Cape Town. This newly refurbished luxury 5-star hotel is described in the awards supplement as "a sanctuary where mountain views, sea breezes, and heady indigenous plant life converge" and enthuses about the "lush landscape fragrant with fynbos (wild shrubbery), hammock-swagged picnic spots, and private mountain trails bordered with pelargonium blossoms." The Milestone Hotel in London also achieved a very creditable score of 89.47 and was rated 9th in a shortlist of small city hotels in Europe. The awards citation describes it as a ... "stately red-brick Victorian hotel with plush, antiques-filled interiors, opposite Kensington Palace... all perfectly refined and with the best service around. The property has a residential feel, thanks to its intimate size and personal gestures. The top pick for service in the 2008 Worlds Best Service awards, The Milestone Hotel is so much better than being at home." (Red Carnation Hotels Management Services Ltd) USA HVS Executive Search Appoints New Director Of Marketing HVS Executive Search has announced the appointment of Pooja Vir as global Director of Marketing. Pooja will be in charge of leading HVS Executive Search’s global communications and marketing efforts across all its service lines, and coordinate a team which, over the last several years, has strengthened its position as the premier executive search and advisory firm for the hospitality industry. Pooja Vir is an Economics graduate and began her hospitality career in hotel and restaurant public relations, including as a key member of the Grand Hyatt Mumbai pre-opening team. She joined HVS Executive Search as an executive search consultant in 2006 specialising in compensation consulting assignments for clients throughout the EMEA region. Over the past year Pooja took on additional responsibilities of corporate PR and the coordination of marketing activities at the firm’s five offices around the world, leading to her recent promotion. Announcing the promotion, Keith Kefgen CEO of HVS Executive Search said ... “We are moving forward with a worldwide branding and marketing strategy that will make us one of the top 50 search firms in the world. It was imperative to hire a dedicated marketing executive who could execute our vision. "Pooja’s promotion is well deserved and evidence that our branding strategy is of high priority.” (HVS Executive Search) Australia Marie Claire Foodie Joins Marriott For Charity High Tea National freelance food stylist and chef, Michele Cranston, will join the 5-star Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa next month for its luxurious charity high tea in conjunction with Cancer Council Queensland. To be held on September 10, the high tea will be hosted by ex-Olympic Hockeyroo Captain Nikki Hudson and will pay tribute to those affected by women’s cancer. The annual event has raised in excess of $10,000 over the past few years and has become one of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious high tea charity events. Michele Cranston has been named as special guest for the event. Michele was the food editor at Marie Claire for 6-years and has just completed her 10th Marie Claire cook book due to be released next year. Event organiser Eda Mrsnik said the high tea is about bringing women from all walks of life together to raise awareness and funds for the charity. “All proceeds of the day will go to Cancer Council Queensland,” said Eda Mrsnik. “The high tea has been designed by our executive chef Andrew Fraser especially for the day and is sure to impress our guests.” There will be two major auction prizes up for grabs on the day. The first prize includes an accommodation voucher for a 3-night stay at a quintessential island retreat - the new Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa on the gleaming white sands of Mai Khao Beach in Thailand. The second is an overnight stay in a luxurious executive suite including breakfast for two people at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa. Tickets are limited and can be purchased by phoning 07 5592 9740. (Promedia) Update: August 04, 2010 [4 Stories] England STR Global Expands Presence In Asia STR Global, the leading provider of market information to the global hotel industry, is pleased to announce the expansion of its Asia Pacific operations with a presence in Tokyo as of August 1, 2010. "The appointment of Megumi Ishida to focus on the Japanese market strengthens our existing footprint of representation in Singapore, Beijing, Jakarta and Sydney," explained Jonas Ogren, area director of STR Global Asia. The introduction of STR Global's data recruitment efforts in Tokyo, a collaboration with Deloitte Tohmatsu FAS, comes at a time when the performance of the Japanese hotel market is sluggish compared with the region as a whole. The June STR Global Asia Pacific Hotel Review shows Japanese year-on-year growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 7.1% for the year-to-June 2010. This is below the 20 percentage plus performance for the Asia Pacific and northeastern Asia regions. Additionally, year-to-date performance for the major Japanese cities of Tokyo & Osaka is mixed. Whilst both cities outperform the national average in terms of occupancy, as seen in the chart below, the average daily rate (ADR) for Osaka of -2.8% is considerably below the national average of -0.2%, and yet Tokyo is significantly above with 6.2%. "We are delighted with our cooperation with Deloitte and with the development of our data recruitment effort, which will allow us to deliver more comprehensive market data and benchmarking to the important Japanese market," said Elizabeth Randall, managing director of STR Global. "We intend to build on our current growth in the country by increasing our presence in Tokyo (40 properties) and Osaka (25) respectively and expanding well beyond these two cities." (STR Global) Australia Another Quality Tasmanian Attraction The Premier, David Bartlett, today officially opened Tasmania's newest luxury resort, Saffire-Freycinet, on the state’s east coast. Mr Bartlett said Saffire is an enormous new asset to Tasmania's thriving tourism industry. "This $32-million project marks a new triumph for Tasmanian tourism, with major economic benefits for the state," Mr Bartlett said. The resort employs 48 staff - 27 full-time, and 21 casual. "Three quarters of the staff are Tasmanian, with many from the local area. The rest have been hand-picked for their specialist skills, and will help support the up-skilling of Tasmanians in the tourism and hospitality industries," Mr Bartlett said. “The resort will also benefit other local businesses, with guests accessing local attractions like the oyster producer Freycinet Marine Farm, and eating local produce on the menu,” he said. Mr Bartlett congratulated the developer, Federal Group, on their significant investment in Tasmania’s tourism industry. “This is yet another sign of strength in Tasmania’s tourism industry, and shows developers are confident about investing in sustainable projects that suit the location,” Mr Bartlett said. Mr Bartlett also acknowledged the work of Tasmanian architects Morris Nunn and Associates. "Saffire is already receiving valuable international media attention for our State," he said. (Tasmanian Government Communications Unit) Australia Metro Hotels Partners With 'Mother Africa' 'Mother Africa', a high energy circus spectacular featuring 40 performers from all over Africa, will be performing in Australia from October to November 2010 - with Australian hotel chain Metro Hotels accommodating the cast. Metro Hotels COO George Bedwani said the Australian hotel chain offered the cast accommodation at Metro Hotels in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, while they are performing in those States. "Metro Hotels is keen to support major international acts while in Australia, having recently hosted the Japanese performing troupe Drum Tao in Sydney, and last year hosting performers from the theatrical dance spectacular 'The Merchants of Bollywood' for the duration of their shows," said Mr Bedwani. Described by critics as 'enthralling', 'a theatrical treasure', a 'feel good spectacular par excellence', 'solid entertainment' and 'fun, fun, fun', the international smash hit 'Mother Africa' has toured for 8-years worldwide, and has been enjoyed by over 2-million people. "Australia is a wonderful multicultural country that embraces its diversity and offers insights into other cultures," Mr Bedwani said. "This show demonstrates the vibrant African culture in a way that is wonderfully joyful and entertaining. Metro Hotels is proud to be accommodating the cast in our hotels and hopes it will attract people from intra-state to visit the city to enjoy the production." (Peattie Public Relations) USA Hotels Raise The Bar On Fitness Rooms Hotels in cities such as Miami and London increasingly are beefing up their fitness room facilities by incorporating some of the best-known gyms into their offerings. The stylish new Gansevoort Miami Beach, for instance, is home to the Miami branch of the David Barton Gym, a massive 2-level, Moroccan-inspired fitness complex featuring everything from boxing classes to endurance spinning. Meanwhile, in London, St. Martin's Lane houses the upscale Gymbox, considered the largest hotel gym in Europe. (American Society of Travel Agents) Back to Front Page