Global Hospitality News - ARCHIVE 2002
For today's latest Hospitality Breaking News Click Here
News Archive for October, 2002
October 1 - 15, 2002
October 1, 2002
Prosser to quit Six Continents next year
Sunday Telegraph - Sir Ian Prosser, one of Britain's best-known businessmen, will stand down as chairman of Six Continents, the hotels group, at the end of 2003, following intense pressure from shareholders.
For details,Click Here
Accor committed to UK expansion
French hotel giant Accor is pushing ahead with its ten to 15 hotels a year UK growth plan and eyeing franchising as a route for fast-track expansion.
For details,Click Here
News @ PATA
ACCLAIMED DIPLOMAT TO ADDRESS CONFERENCE
PATA is pleased to announce that Singapore's most acclaimed diplomat, Professor Tommy Koh, will deliver the opening keynote address at the 52nd PATA Annual Conference, April 13-17, 2003 in Bali, Indonesia. His speech, which is also the theme of the Conference, is entitled "Culture and Tourism: From Heritage to Legacy."
For the rest of this weeks PATA news and updates,Click Here
Meritus undergoes rebranding
:Meritus Hotels & Resorts rebranding exercise takes off with three hotels putting master brand in the power position.
For details,Click Here
The Little Wonder Hotels of Rome
True budgeteers will appreciate the irony: The only Rome hotel to rival the five-star Hassler (atop the Spanish Steps) for "Best Room with a View" is Albergo Abruzzi, a backpacker's haven overlooking the incredible 1,800-year-old Pantheon. Few Cheap Sleeps are so well situated, but among the best of the best, each has its own charms.
For detailed report,Click Here
Thailand aims for Tourism Capital of Asia by 2004
Thailand declared its objective to be the tourism capital of Asia by 2004. Deputy Prime Minister Pitak Intrawitayanunt, announcing the goal at the opening ceremony of the Abacus International Subscriber Conference 2002 in Bangkok, said his government had identified tourism as one of the five pillars of the economy.
For details,Click Here
Gold Coast Incentive travel: Hotels unite to boost business
Australia's Gold Coast luxury hotels have joined forces to promote the region to the lucrative international incentive travel market.
For details,Click Here
AH&LA Releases Annual Lodging Industry Profile - Confirms A General Overall Weakening Of The Economy And The After-Effects Of The September 11 Terrorist Attacks
As predicted by industry experts, a general overall weakening of the economy and the after-effects of the September 11 terrorist attacks tremendously affected the lodging industry following 10 years of record-breaking performance. This is reflected in the American Hotel & Lodging Association's (AH&LA) recently released 2002 Lodging Industry Profile (LIP), a statistical analysis of the lodging industry for year-end 2001.
For details,Click Here
12 percent bigger FITUR 2003
Feria Internacional de Turismo (FITUR) 2003 promises to be bigger and better. The International Tourism Trade Fair will take place from January 29 to February 2 at the Juan Carlos I Exhibition Centre, Feria de Madrid in Spain. This time round, the 135,000-sq m exhibition area is bigger by 12 percent whilst a new Residential Tourism Exhibition will be added.
For details,Click Here
"Drums of war" threaten Oz tourism
Australia's disappointing international visitor arrivals figures for August 2002, were colourfully labelled "Drum Beat of War - Black Cloud for Tourism" in a statement released by the Australian Tourism Export Council.
For details,Click Here
October 2, 2002
6C confirms hotels/pubs split
e-Tid.com - Six Continents said today it would hand back ?700m to shareholders as part of a demerger of its hotels and soft drinks business from its pubs and restaurants division.
For details,Click Here
Hotels Are Doing Business on a Last-Name Basis
It has long been common for corporate travelers at luxury hotels to be addressed by name when they call the front desk, the concierge or valet parking. Switchboards equipped with digital displays make this easy. But now many elite hotels are doing such "guest recognition" programs one better, by instructing employees to greet guests by name in hallways, in elevators, even in the gyms.
For detailed report,Click Here
Sale-and-leaseback surprise at PKF forum
e-Tid.com - A debate on whether sale-and-leasebacks are in the long-term interests of hotel businesses produced a 'totally unexpected' result when 72% of a high-profile audience voted 'no'.
For details,Click Here
Dubai firm buys M&M hotel chain for Rs 50cr
The Dubai-based Ramee International has bought out auto major Mahindra & Mahindra's budget hotel chain, Guestline Mercure, for Rs 50 crore. Guestline Mercure was a 50:50 joint venture between M&M and the $5.8bn French hospitality giant, Accor.
For details,Click Here
Canada: Home tourism's up
Fewer foreigners visiting Canada; Tourism boomed at home the second quarter of this year, but on the international scene Canada's travel deficit with the rest of the world rose, Statistics Canada says.
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Thailand pushes for ecotourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and universities and the private sector have jointly launched online ecotourism information center as a resource center for the general public and ecotourism lovers.
For details,Click Here
Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Hotel & Tourism to Host Symposium; "e-Business and Tourism"
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Hotel & Tourism is hosting a symposium to expound the subject of E-business in Tourism on 9 October 2002. Three distinguished speakers from the commercial and academic sectors will be sharing their valuable experience and knowledge in this area.
For details,Click Here
Marriott Leads Industry With 500 Extended-Stay Hotels
Marriott International, Inc announced that the company has officially opened its 500th extended-stay hotel, representing a total of 400 Residence Inn by Marriott and 100 TownePlace Suites by Marriott properties worldwide. Marriott continues to lead the industry, offering the most extended-stay hotels, and marks the milestone with the completion of the 269-room Residence Inn -- Center City Philadelphia and the 95-room TownePlace Suites in Redwood City, Calif. Growth plans call for an additional 33 Residence Inns and approximately 10 TownePlace Suites by year-end 2003.
For details,Click Here
October 3, 2002
Global Staff Movements - Who's Where and doing What
Edited by Benoit Gateau-Cumin President The Boutique Search Firm
For this popular global update on staff-movements,Click Here
6C demerger - what UK papers say
e-Tid.com - Coverage of Six Continents' decision to demerge its hotels and pubs focuses on the immediate impact on its share price of a longer-term dividend cut. Shares in Six Continents, formerly Bass, dropped 10% despite the news that ?700m is being returned to shareholders. A consequence of the demerger is that the overall dividend for 2003 will be reduced by 38%.
For further details, Click Here
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings Release Date
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that it will release the Company's third quarter financial results prior to market open on Thursday, October 24, 2002, followed by a conference call at 10:30 a.m. (eastern).
For details,Click Here
Indonesia foreign tourist arrivals show zero growth in 8-mths to Aug
Indonesia recorded zero growth in foreign tourist arrivals for the first eight months to August, as international perceptions of the country's security situation remain negative while the global economic slowdown has deterred holiday travel.
For details,Click Here
Tokyo levies new hotel tax for tourism promotion
The Tokyo metropolitan government started levying a new hotel tax on Tuesday to promote tourism in the Japanese capital, officials said. Under the new regulation, a 200 yen (1.65 US dollar) daily tax will be imposed on rooms priced over 15,000 yen a night and 100 yen for rooms costing 10,000 to 15,000 yen.
For details,Click Here
Host Marriott Corporation Announces Third Quarter Earnings Call to be Held on October 16, 2002
Host Marriott Corporation will conduct its quarterly conference call for investors and other interested parties on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Christopher Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, and Robert Parsons, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will discuss the company's third quarter results and its business outlook.
For details, Cl.ick Here
Distribution Partnership for WorldRes.com and Hotel.de
WorldRes.com and Hotel.de have completed an XML interface enabling messaging between the WorldRes hotel booking engine and Hotel.de's online reservation system. The XML interface is the first of its kind developed by WorldRes in collaboration with a distribution partner.
For details,Click Here
Hungarian tourism in crisis
With rising prices, deteriorating service and falling visitor numbers, Hungary's tourism industry -- one of the European Union candidate's main money-spinners -- is facing a crisis.
For details, Click Here
London overhauling
London's choice of luxury hotels is about to expand further as properties open and are refurbished on Park Lane, the Thames north bank and May Fair. Swissotel London, The Howard, will open on the riverbank with views of the London Eye, Big Ben and Tower Bridge at the end of October.
For further details,Click Here
Dorchester is Cable enabled
Business travellers have been promised much in the past when it comes to in-room technology and entertainment but at last it appears that a box of tricks at the Dorchester hotel has it all. In 90 of the hotel's 250 rooms are huge walnut chests containing a 42-inch plasma screen, infrared keyboard, PC with CD, DVD and floppy disk drive, plus printer, scanner, copier and fax.
For further details, Click Here
Streams of Accolades for Thai Tourism
British readers of a leading travel and lifestyle magazine have rated Thailand as one of their most popular long-haul holiday destinations. They have also lauded Thailand's accommodation, airline and health & spa facilities as being of high quality and great value for money.
For details,Click Here
October 4, 2002
European hotel industry:
A good summer season for medium-sized cities and seaside hotelsA MKG Consulting Report
In Europe, an increase of 1.8% in the RevPAR for seaside hotels in June - August The revenue per available room fell 3.5% for Europe as a whole. The capitals are in retreat, the medium-sized cities are strongly on the rise An increase in the RevPAR higher than 5% for Marseilles, Manchester, Barcelona, Rotterdam and Antwerp in July - August. In France, the provincial regions and the coasts end the season at a reasonable high (+6% for the RevPAR)
For comprehensive MKG report, Click Here
Marriott International third Quarter income up $2 Million from year ago
Outlook for overall lodging demand continues to be soft, with group
business continuing to outperform transient business
Marriott International, Inc. today reported diluted earnings per share of 41 cents in its 2002 third quarter ended September 6, up 5 percent from the year-ago quarter. Net income for the quarter was $103 million, up $2 million from the year-ago quarter, which ended on September 7, 2001. J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, noted the company's continued earnings strength despite lower levels of lodging demand.
For further details,Click Here
Hoteliers hit by excessive insurance increases
A recent survey by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels has noted considerable variations in the premiums placed on hotel owners for public liability and industrial special risk (ISR) insurance. The findings should serve as encouragement to hoteliers.
For full details,Click Here
Jurys Doyle in expansionary mode
Jurys Doyle has been in an expansionary mode for the past five years and this is set to continue, with plans to have 37 hotels by 2004, up from 30. The campaign has mainly focused on growth in the UK market, where the group will open Jurys Inns in Newcastle, Leeds, Glasgow and Chelsea in the next year or so.
For details,Click Here
Developing Russian Far East Eco-Tourism
The Russian Far East has abundant natural resources. Economic development has focused on mining them. Fishing, mining, oil and gas developments and lumbering are sector examples. However, there is a new natural resource sector emerging. This is the Eco-tourist sector. This sector seeks to protect nature resources, local cultures and wilderness beauty. Advocates promise not only economic development, new jobs and foreign investment but also a sustainable future without natural resource loss.
For comprehensive report, Click Here
Singapore relaxes Chinese visa regulations
To capitalise on China's growing economic prowess, Singapore has relaxed visa regulations for business and leisure travellers from China. Business travellers can now get multiple-entry visas for up to five years.
For details,Click Here
Why Don't You Want What I Want?
The Three Faces of Resistance
There's a one-word reason most ideas never see the light of day: Resistance. Resistance is often behind the glassy-eyed stares you get following a presentation, the sarcastic put-downs you have to put up with when you describe your vision for a new product or service, and other people's abrupt departure from the water cooler when you approach, enthusiastic and ready to share an idea. What people are saying to you, either directly or indirectly is, I've heard your idea and I don't get it, I don't like it, or I don't like you.
For detailed analysis,Click Here
October 7, 2002
Marriott to set up European HQ in Cork?
e-Tid.com - The Washington Business Journal reports that Marriott International will set up its European HQ in Cork, Ireland, spending $8m and creating 250 jobs.The news came before Marriott reported its Q3s (to Sept 6) to the US stock exchange. It exceeded Wall St expectations with earnings of $103m on revenues of $2.45bn. Its EPS came in at 41 cents. Excluding exceptionals, the adjusted EPS came in at 46 cents.
For details,Click Here
Hotel Investment Activity Across Continental Europe in the First Half of 2002 Subdued in Comparison with First Half of 2001
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' latest Digest research reveals that hotel investment activity across continental Europe in the first half of 2002 has been subdued in comparison with the first half of 2001. Many potential sellers appear to have chosen to keep their transaction plans on hold until the trading outlook improves.
For detailed report,Click Here
Why Resistance Matters
Nearly two-thirds of all major changes in organizations fail. Fortune 500 executives said that resistance was the primary reason changes failed. In a similar survey conducted by Deloitte Consulting, 80 percent of the Chief Information Officers surveyed said that resistance was the main reason why technology projects failed. Not lack of skill or resources, but that soft touchy-feely human reaction of resistance.
For further details,Click Here
KPMG Consulting is Now BearingPoint
KPMG Consulting, Inc., one of the world's largest business consulting and systems integration companies, announced that it has changed its name and its brand to BearingPoint, Inc. The new brand underscores BearingPoint's global commitment to set a clear direction for clients so they achieve desired results with their business systems.
For details,Click Here
Starwood Introduces New Sheraton and Westin Prototypes; Innovative Premium Hotel Products for Sprawling Suburban Markets
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. ntroduced its newly designed Sheraton and Westin hotel prototypes for development in suburban markets last night at The Lodging Conference in Phoenix.
For details,Click Here
Singapore arrivals dip for August
August arrivals to Singapore fell by 3.3 percent on the same month last year, a release last week revealed.
For further details,Click Here
Wyndham International Continues Sale of Non-Strategic Assets; Sale of Ramada Beachwood Another Step in Plan to Become a Proprietary-Branded Hotel Operating Company
Furthering its strategy to become a proprietary-branded hotel operating company, Wyndham International, Inc. announced that it has closed the sale of the Ramada Beachwood, Ohio. All net proceeds from the sale will be used to pay down debt. This follows last week's announcement of a definitive agreement with Westbrook Hotel Partners IV, LLC to sell 13 hotel properties for approximately $ 447 million, expected to close within three to four months.
For details,Click Here
Bumper year for Vietnam
While much of Asia feels the pinch this year, Vietnam is set to double its inbound results of last year, says one tour operator.
For details,Click Here
Kimpton Group to sell five hotels
Faced with one of the worst years ever for tourism and leisure travel, San Francisco's Kimpton Group said Thursday it will sell five of its boutique hotels in the city.
For details,Click Here
PATA Gold Awards 2003 aims to mark the best of Pacific Asia
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced the launch of the PATA Gold Awards 2003 -- one of Pacific Asia travel industry's premier awards programmes, recognising excellence, innovation and dedication across the whole spectrum of tourism endeavours in Pacific Asia.
October 8, 2002
6C 'rejected takeover bid'
e-Tid.com - According to the Financial Mail on Sunday, Six Continents rejected a merger with a rival hotel operator in favour of last week's decision to split its hotels and pubs arm into separate listed companies.
For details,Click Here
The Internet: Hotelier's Best Ally or Worst Enemy?
What Went Wrong with Direct Web Distribution in Hospitality?
By Max Starkov
The Internet, which is the greatest direct-to-consumer medium ever created, should prove a fertile ground for the direct sales efforts of proactive, Internet-savvy hotel marketers. And yet, the sad truth is that the majority of hoteliers, far from realizing and exploiting the Web's true potential, often fall prey to the Web-proficient online intermediaries.
For full report Click Here
News @ PATA
CALL FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS
The PATA Foundation is now accepting grant applications to be awarded in the second quarter of 2003. Working in the areas of cultural heritage, environment and education, the Foundation gives grants to local conservation efforts where they interface with tourism. PATA chapters are an important part of the Foundation's grant programme, so one of the requirements for application is a reference from a PATA chapter.
For the rest of this weeks PATA news and update,Click Here
U.S. Tourism to Spain Off 25 percent
U.S. tourism to Spain has dropped 25 percent this year compared with the past two years, Spain's secretary of state for trade and tourism said. Juan Costa, who is in New York meeting with travel agents and tour operators, said Spain is focusing not only on seasonal tourism but also on theme tourism, such as golf travel packages. Spain' tourism ministry plans to earmark 5 million euros (some $4.7 million) to promote U.S. travel to Spain in 2003, Costa said.
For details,Click Here
Irish Hotel industry fares well in 2001, study shows
Irish hotels performed much better than expected last year with overall sales marginally down on record 2000 figures. A survey by management consultants Horwath Bastow Charleton found that although smaller hotels experienced a difficult year, average sales for the industry as a whole were just down on 2000 levels, and hotels in the Dublin area actually reported sales growth.
For details,Click Here
Managing Difficult People
by Paul B. Thornton
"He's driving me crazy!"
Managers deal with a wide range of personalities. Most people are cooperative and reasonable. However, some employees are very difficult to be around and work with. A human resources manager states, "They're totally focused on their own agenda and needs. They cause tension and conflicts. Difficult people absorb a lot of a manager's time and attention."
For details, Click Here
Cambodia gears up for ATF 2003
Preparations for the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2003 are underway at Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh. To be staged at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) from 20 to 28 January 2003, the event is expected to attract some 1,500 delegates including up to 350 hosted buyers and media. As at early September, about 90 percent of the exhibition space has already been booked.
For details,Click Here
October 9, 2002
U.S. Tourism industry pushes marketing plan
As America prepares for war, the nation's tourism industry is asking for help in marketing the country to international visitors. The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world that does not spend money marketing itself as a tourist destination. The tourism industry wants the federal government to establish a public-private partnership to promote the United States as a place to visit, with every federal dollar matched by a dollar from the private sector.
For further details,Click Here
China Tipped as World's Top Tourist Destination By 2020
The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region alone earned 1.1 billion yuan from tourism in 2001. The regional government plans to double tourism income by 2005 to take the tourism sector to five percent of the region's gross domestic product.
For details,Click Here
Zimbabwe: 50 Percen Drop In Tourism
Tourism at the ancient walled city of Great Zimbabwe, one of the country's major tourist attractions, has dropped by about 50 percent over the last three years. Director of the Great Zimbabwe national monument, Edward Matenga, says negative publicity has devalued Zimbabwe as a tourist destination.
For details,Click Here
War Dampens Hotel Turnaround in 2003
Research Companies Estimate How War Effects the Recovery for Branded Hotels
Next year looks to be a solid year for the chain-affiliated sector of the hotel industry, as indicated by lodging performance forecasts produced by Boston-based Torto Wheaton Research ('TWR') and the Atlanta-based Hospitality Research Group, the research arm of PKF Consulting ('HRG').
For detailed report,Click Here
Manhattan Leads a Surge in Lower-Cost Hotels
According to Smith Travel Research, the number of chain hotels in these two categories in the New York market that cater to business clients has grown to 26 from 17 just two years ago, and more are planned. A third category, midscale with food and beverage, now has 37 chain hotels in the New York market, compared with 33, in 2000.
For further details,Click Here
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. to release third quarter earnings
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. will release its third quarter earnings on October 21, 2002 to be followed by a conference call that day at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Participating on the call will be FHR's Chief Executive Officer, William R. Fatt, along with Chris J. Cahill, President and Chief Operating Officer, and M. Jerry Patava, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
For details,Click Here
Economy Puts Growth Of Online Travel Sites In Holding Pattern
A slowdown in air travel means tougher going for travel Web sites. Airline figures show fewer travelers are flying due to a sluggish economy and frustration with increased airport security. As a result, some analysts say, online travel agents like Expedia Inc. face slower growth in visitor numbers. The trend is expected to intensify competition in online travel.
For further details,Click Here
Strategies Offered By HSMAI Last Year, Lessons Learned As Industry Leaders Address 'A New Definition Of Value' At Executive Think
One year after the events of Sept. 11 shook the hospitality, travel and tourism industries, a group of senior executives attending a recent HSMAI Executive THINK in Houston reaffirmed sales and marketing priorities put forward at a previous HSMAI Emergency Strategy Conference last October.
For details,Click Here
October 10, 2002
Accor Signs $ 49M Deal With
Dorint French hotel company Accor SA said Tuesday it has agreed to acquire a 30 percent stake in Dorint AG for about $ 49 million and has an option to take majority control of the German hotel company.
For details,Click Here
EIBTM goes to Barcelona
Barcelona has been chosen as the venue for the 17th EIBTM. The Spanish city will be the host for the first time in December 2004 for a five-year period.
For details,Click Here
Peel Hotels sees pre-tax profits rise 35%
e-Tid.com - AIM-listed Peel Hotels said today pre-tax profits jumped 34.8% year-on-year to ?989,590 in the six months to 1 September. Sales rose 20.1% to ?5.6m and operating profit 24.3% to ?1.4m.
For details,Click Here
Travel expert Peter Greenberg discusses hidden hotel charges
NBC News Transcripts
ANN CURRY, anchor: This morning on TODAY'S TRAVEL, avoiding hidden travel charges. With revenue down for hotels, rental car companies and airlines, travelers may be confronted with charges they weren't aware existed until they get the bill.
For full transcript of Peter Greenberg's comments on this topic,Click Here
Overseas visitors to UK increase
The number of overseas residents visiting the UK continues to rise, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. Figures from the International Passenger Survey show that the number of visitors coming into the UK increased by 8% to 7.95 million in the three months to the end of August, compared with the same period in 2001.
For details,Click Here
Booming tourism spurs China's economy
Tourist destinations across China counted their profits when normal working day was resumed Tuesday after the week-long National Day holiday. Tourism revenue from this year's National Day holiday was reportedly to rise 20 percent over the same holiday last year, with the number of tourists up by almost six percent.
For details, Click Here
Philadelphia Tourism officials try to lure British shoppers to city
Credit-card carrying, shopaholic, Britons are the newest target of Philadelphia tourism groups. As part of a plan to lure those shoppers to the city, the Visitors Bureau brought a group of British journalists to Philadelphia last week, hoping they would write enthusiastically about the malls and designer stores, as well as the prices.
For details,Click Here
October 11, 2002
International Business Travelers Optimistic About Travel for 2003
A new survey of 1,400 business travelers across the world reveals that, despite the global economic slump, the vast majority expect to maintain or increase their current business travel levels over the next year. The new American Express International Business Traveler Survey, released last week, also shows that most globe-trotting business travelers harbor no fears about travel safety, although many report a decline in service in air travel over the past few years.
For detailed report,Click Here
Vietnam Tourism Gets a Push
Vietnam will pump in a dramatically increased amount to achieve the tourism sector's programs for the next three years, a conference in HCM City heard on Monday. In a departure from the previous two years, when it provided a mere VND27 billion (US$1.8 million) to the sector, the Government has earmarked VND441 billion ($30 million) to help carry out a tourism national action program through 2005.
For details,Click Here
Accor and Mahindra & Mahindra sell Mercure Guestline to Ramee International
Accor and Mahindra & Mahindra have announced the sale of three Mercure Guestline properties to Dubai-based Ramee International, effectively ending their joint venture franchise agreement for Mercure hotels in India.
For details,Click Here
Melbourne rated the World's most livable city
Melbourne, Australia, has been rated the best city in the world to call home. In a survey of 130 cities, international newspaper The Economist rated Melbourne and Vancouver in Canada as the best cities in the world in which to live.
For full details of this survey,Click Here
J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr. to Chair Hotel Investment
Conference in Berlin, Germany - March 11-13, 2003
Hosts of the 6th Annual International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) have announced that J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr. will serve as the chairman of next year's event. The 2003 IHIF will be held 11-13 March. The Hotel Inter?Continental Berlin, Germany, once again, will serve as the location for this prestigious hotel industry gathering.
For details,Click Here
Starwood eyes regional expansion, identifies China as most important market for Asia/Pacific
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, operator of the Sheraton and Westin chains, plans to have up to 35 hotels in the mainland within the next five years to 10 years.
For further details,Click Here
Club Med to go after the Chinese market
Club Med intends to go after the Chinese tourist market by adopting the same approach that has made South Korea such a growth engine in the last decade, its chief executive said in an interview.
For details, Click Here
M&C keen to expand in Asia
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (M&C) is setting sights on key Asian cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo and Bangkok, to expand its portfolio in the region. M&C is looking at acquiring hotels or securing management contracts in the four and five-star category in these key cities.
For details,Click Here
Australian Travel Industry Slugged With Higher Tax Bill
Research on Australia's travel sector shows air travellers are paying $A30 ($US16.36) more in taxes and charges since September 11. In the three months following September 2001 the tax bill rose from $A51.87 to A$81.40.
Business travelers were particularly hit by the higher charges, said the commissioner of the research FLIGHT CENTRE's corporate manager Daniel O'Brien. Queensland Tourism Minister Merri Rose said the industry paid more taxes than any other exporter.
October 14, 2002
At least 187 dead, hundreds missing in Bali bombings
The death toll from the Bali nightclub bombing -- most recently confirmed at 187 -- is expected to rise after authorities said there were still more than 200 people missing.
At least another 300 people were injured by the blasts -- believed to be the work of terrorists -- which ripped through two Bali nightclubs.
For details, Click H ere
Bali: Tourist magnet unused to violence
Every year millions of tourists flock to the Indonesian island of Bali, lured by its lush green forests and unspoilt white sandy beaches.
Known as "The Island of the Gods", it sits off the most easterly point of Java island and is home to a predominantly Hindu culture that has flourished in what is the world's most populous Muslim nation.
To read more about Bali,
Click Here
Marriott, Operators Discuss Fees
Marriott International said that it has met with the bulk of its hotel owners and franchisees that have large or multiple properties to explain how it charges those properties for its management services. Marriott said it began disclosing the information in an effort to be more communicative after several owners filed lawsuits against the giant hotel-management company, accusing it of mismanagement and racketeering.
For details,Click Here
Positive Growth in the Second Quarter
The Data Collection and Research Department of HVS International recently completed a study of major hotel transactions that occurred between the first and second quarters of 2002. Our findings indicated a positive trend both in increased transactions (albeit a modest increase) and the aggregate dollars transferred. Barring any unforeseen catastrophes, hotel sales activity is rising from their recent recessionary nadir and showing signs of gaining a foothold toward stabilization.
For detailed report,Click Here
Jarvis Hotels deal will pay ?85m to investors
Jarvis Hotels is to return up to ?85m to investors after agreeing a ?150m sale and leaseback of nine of its 66 hotels.
For details,Click Here
Luxury Hotels Feel Sting of Fewer Business Guests
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks brought leisure travel almost to a standstill and worsened the slowdown in business travel, which had been limping along since early that year. Now that leisure travel has been inching up in recent months, midscale and economy hotels are showing slight improvement. Luxury hotels have also begun to show some improvement, at least in number of occupied rooms, though they have had to make sharp discounts.
For details,Click Here
Georgia Tourism Helping in Economic Recovery Efforts
Georgia's hospitality industry is proving to be the catalyst that is helping lead the State's economic recovery. Despite the nation's continuing economic doldrums, Georgia's Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism (GDITT) is reporting tourism is up and at some destinations flourishing.
For details,Click Here
FBD Holdings raises stake in Tower Hotel Group to 75% from 50%
FBD Holdings PLC said it reached agreement to increase its holding in Tower Hotel Group Ltd to 75% from the current 50% for 9 million euro in cash.
For details,Click Here
Marriott International Loans Executive To The Teaching Hotel At Cornell University
In an innovative move designed to bring increased awareness of current hospitality industry perspectives to its operations, the Statler Hotel has announced the appointment of Christopher J. Allen, on loan from Marriott International, as Director of Food and Beverage.
For details,Click Here
Thai Hotels' Occupancy Rates Dip Slightly
A slow recovery in the global tourism and travel industry and the threat of a possible US attack on Iraq led to a decline in Thailand's hotel business in the first nine months of this year.
For details,Click Here
Study Shows Spas as Tangible Asset to Resorts
The spa consulting firm, Health Fitness Dynamics, Inc. (HFD) has just announced the results of its most recent economic study, The HFD Study of Revenue Per Occupied Room for Resort Spas. Twenty-eight (28) properties participated in the study. The spa gross revenues did not include membership fees and dues or hotel-related room nights and F&B related to spa packages. Most spas have a market from people in the community who use it as a day spa and this income is part of the spa gross revenues.
For details,Click Here
October 15, 2002
Bali Bombings: Devastating blow to Bali tourism
The tourist island paradise of Bali could take years to recover from the devastating blow to its image caused by the weekend bomb attacks, travel agents predicted. Britain's Foreign Office advised Britons not to travel to Bali and thousands of Europeans as well as Australians and Americans were expected to cancel their bookings, with many on the island leaving straight away.
For details,Click Here
Hotel Investor Interest Remains Strong, Despite Lack Of Transaction Activity
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' latest Digest research reveals that hotel investment activity across continental Europe in the first half of 2002 has been subdued in comparison with the first half of 2001. Many potential sellers appear to have chosen to keep their transaction plans on hold until the trading outlook improves. According to the Digest the situation is similar in the UK hotel investment market, although interest remains strong. The research suggests that this situation will continue in the short term, although there are signs that more assets are being brought to the market.
For details,Click Here
News @ PATA
PATA CONDEMNS BALI BLASTS
PATA condemns the bombings in Bali on October 12 as acts of barbarity and cowardice, but says the spirit of fraternity which guides peace-loving people to travel will prevail. In a press release to global media, PATA President & CEO Mr. Peter de Jong said: "To strike at innocent civilians, many of them young people, is a barbaric act of cowardice which defies the morality of all civilised people. Our condolences go out to the families and friends of the dead and injured ? and to the peace-loving people of Bali and Indonesia who, like us, are in deep shock today."
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Peace talks for WTM
World Travel Market will be playing host to the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) on November 11. The event is the platform for outlining details of the Second Global Summit on Peace through Tourism organised by IIPT in partnership with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), taking place at the UN Conference Centre, Geneva, Switzerland from February 5-8 2003.
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Marriott has become Air China's co-pilot
Hotel giant Marriott International and Air China, the nation's largest airline, have teamed up to find new ways of building customer loyalty. They announced the alliance in Beijing last Friday. Guests of Marriott's 2,300 hotels will receive air miles, while Air China customers will receive discounts on their hotel accommodations.
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Domestic China travel hits 80 million this month
The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) reports 80.71 million mainland Chinese travelled throughout the country throughout the weeklong October National holiday, up more than 26 percent over last year.
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Public Entities & New Hotels - A Fine Balance
In today's real estate development and capital market environments, developing new hotels may be the toughest and most complicated projects to complete. Debt and equity markets are often very restrictive in terms of access and cost. Depending on the scale of a proposed hotel development project, deal economics (development costs versus cash flow potential) often inhibit the investor's ability to achieve an adequate return on capital.
For full HVS International report,Click Here
Hanoi venue for 8th Mekong Tourism Forum
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold the 8th Mekong Tourism Forum from March 28-30, 2003 at the Hanoi Daewoo Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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AH&LA's President Joe McInerney Updates
To read this weeks update,Click Here