The IH&RA Condemns Bombing Attack In Mombassa, Kenya

The International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) condemns in the most vigorous terms possible the terrorist attacks which occurred Thursday, 28 November in Mombassa, Kenya. This tragic event resulted in the loss of life of 13 people, the destruction of the Paradise Hotel in Mombassa, and also coincided with the attempted strike against an Israeli charter airplane carrying 271 people.

IH&RA vigorously condemns this heinous and cowardly act aimed, yet again, at innocent tourists, said IH&RA CEO, Alain-Philippe Feutré, referencing the violent terrorist attacks which took place only one month ago on the island of Bali in Indonesia. We are outraged to see that terrorists are targeting hotels and hospitality establishments whose very aim is to welcome, cater to and provide services for people of all countries and all cultures. On behalf of IH&RA and our members around the world, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

IH&RA represents national hotel and restaurant associations, their members, and international and restaurant chains around the world. The objective of the Association is to protect, defend, promote and inform the hospitality industry worldwide. In close conjunction with international organizations such as the World Tourism Organization, IH&RA is actively working to promote traveller safety and security within hospitality establishments, as well as re-establish traveller confidence. IH&RA is a member of the World Tourism Organisation's Tourism Recovery Committee, created after the tragic events of 11 September 2001 to provide guidance and assistance to those countries whose tourism industries have been negatively affected by the various acts of terrorism. IH&RA is also a member of the Global Coalition of associations representing the various private-sectors of tourism, including hotels, restaurants and airlines, which have been the target of these latest attacks.

The International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) is a network of international and national hotel and restaurant chains and national hotel and restaurant associations in more than 100 countries. Its mission is to protect, promote and inform the hospitality industry worldwide. Through its membership network, IH&RA represents an industry of 300,000 hotels and 8 million restaurants which employ 60 million people and contribute 950 billion USD annually to the global economy.

News@PATA  

AWARDS FOR INNOVATIVE CHAPTERS

Each year, the Spirit of PATA Awards and Awards of Excellence are presented to recognise outstanding achievement by PATA chapters. The awards will be presented at the 52nd PATA Annual Conference in Bali, Indonesia. All PATA chapters worldwide are invited to submit their entries by January 31, 2002. For more information, please contact Ms. Leslie Detter, Director-Chapter Relations and Sustainable Tourism. E-mail: leslie@pata.org. Or download the entry details from http://www.pata.org/ftp/chapteraward03.doc.

PATA UPGRADES MICE KNOWLEDGE IN VIETNAM

The PATA Vietnam Chapter has organised a MICE industry seminar, December 10-11, 2002 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Delegates will hear presentations from Mr. Anthony Wong, Group Managing Director, Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel, Mr. Tom Hulton, Director, International Relations, IMEX-Frankfurt, and PATA Vice President, Mr. Peter Semone. For further information contact Vietnam Chapter Deputy Secretariat, Ms. Dao Hoang Lien. Tel: (84-8) 829-3787. E-mail:  kimdoroyalcity@hcm.vnn.vn.

GOLD AWARDS: YOUR PROJECT NEEDED

December 15, 2002 is the deadline for PATA to receive entries for the 2003 PATA Gold Awards -- the premier awards programme that recognises excellence and innovation in the Pacific Asia travel industry. In order to also attract entries by smaller operators, PATA has introduced awards in new sub-categories such as Government/Destination (National or State/City); Carrier (Regional, International, Domestic); and Industry (Hotel, Car Rental, Attraction, Tour Operator/Travel Agent/DMC/PCO, Distribution Network, Convention/Exhibition Venue, and Credit Card Company). Award recipients will be honoured during a gala luncheon at the 52nd PATA Annual Conference in Bali, Indonesia (April 13-17, 2003). PATA's Gold Awards are sponsored by the Macau Government Tourist Office. Details and entry forms are available at www.pata.org. For more information, contact PATA Manager-Communications, Ms. Paveena Olansuksakul. Tel: (66-2) 658-2000 ext. 116. Fax: (66-2) 658-2010. E-mail: goldawards@pata.th.com.

AFTER SPAIN, EASTERN EUROPE BECKONS

Following the success of the PATA Spain Sales Missions in Madrid and Barcelona (November 5 & 7), PATA Europe Division will organise three sales missions prior to ITB 2003: Budapest, February 28, Prague, March 3 and Warsaw, March 4. The Spanish missions had a strong turnout of local buyers of Pacific Asia products. Asian Trails-Myanmar Managing Director, Mr. Laurent Kuenzle, who attended both events, said: "PATA fulfilled the objectives of the participants to meet tourism decision-makers in a time-saving and professional business environment." Attendance at the three eastern European events will cost only US$900 if you register by January 10, 2003. For information on the eastern Europe missions e-mail: europe@pata.mc. Tel: (377) 9205-6132. Fax: (377) 9205-6133.

JOIN THE POPULAR PATA STAND AT ITB

PATA has organised a stand at ITB in Berlin (March 7-11, 2003). Each year, the PATA stand, in a prominent location, becomes a popular focal point for buyers interested in Pacific Asia products. Exhibitors will be provided with fully furnished booths and a reception and hospitality service. Some space is still available. For more information and to register, please contact PATA Europe at e-mail: europe@pata.mc. Tel: (377) 9205-6132. Fax: (377) 9205-6133.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN WRITE?

Young Tourism Professionals who are employees or students of PATA member organisations are invited in 1,500 words or less, to describe their vision for Pacific Asia tourism in 2025. The winner will receive a round-trip economy class ticket to Bali on Singapore Airlines, four nights accommodation at the Sheraton Nusa Indah and full PATA Conference registration. The Conference takes place April 13-17, 2003. The deadline for submissions to PATA headquarters in Bangkok is January 17, 2003. The winner will be announced in February. Please contact Mr. Aaron Tan at aaron@pata.th.com for essay guidelines and a registration form.

PATA TRAVELLER'S CODE

A supply of the PATA Traveller's Code in ticket-jacket size has been sent to all PATA Chapters. The easy to follow six-point code provides customers with helpful tips for responsible travel; at the same time it demonstrates a company’s dedication to the sustainability of its local culture and environment. Chapter members may order more copies directly from PATA Headquarters by e-mailing publications@pata.th.com. A PDF file is also available on the PATA Web site (www.pata.org) for members who wish to download their own printable version. For more information, e-mail Ms. Leslie Detter at leslie@pata.org.

YOUR COLLATERAL IN FRONT OF VIP EYES

PATA will provide a special marketing display area for organisations that wish to exhibit their collateral at the 2003 PATA Annual Conference. The initiative will provide a way for organisations to reach key industry members across the Pacific Asia region. A PATA staff member will work at the display area to ensure all collateral is constantly in stock, take inquiries on behalf of your organisation and furnish a complete report with business cards exchanged after the Conference. PATA’s marketing display area service is priced at US$890 per item for PATA members, US$1,400 for non-members and US$400 for additional items. The display area will be located in the exhibition hall of the Bali International Convention Centre, the Conference venue. The Conference will take place in Bali, Indonesia, April 13-17, 2003. For further information e-mail: events@pata.th.com. Web site: http://www.pata.org/events/ewelcome.cfm?ebid=38.  

SIX OF THE BEST FOR PATA BALI TASK FORCE

PATA is pleased to announce that the PATA Bali Recovery Task Force will comprise six highly-respected professionals from the travel industry:

* Dr. David Perl, Chief Executive, Docleaf (UK)

* Ms. Yeoh Siew Hoon, Editorial Director, Reed Travel & Meetings (Singapore)

* Mr. Anthony Concil, Director, Corporate Communications, Asia Pacific, IATA (Japan)

* Mr. Bert van Walbeek, Managing Director, The Winning Edge (Thailand)

* Mr. Robert Guy, Managing Director, Pacific World Destination Management (Singapore)

* Mr. Jim Hogan, Managing Director, International Tourism and Training Services (Australia).

Each Task Force member will be given a brief which reflects their area of expertise and will be required to visit Bali at their own convenience this month. Task Force members will have access to both private and public sector operators at all levels. The experts will report their findings to the Task Force Chairman, PATA Vice President, Mr. Peter Semone, by December 20. For further information contact communications@pata.th.com.

EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT FOR CONFERENCE

PATA is offering a ten percent earlybird discount for PATA Annual Conference registrations paid by MasterCard by December 15, 2002. The Conference will take place in Bali, Indonesia, April 13-17, 2003. For further information e-mail: events@pata.th.com. Web site: http://www.pata.org/events/ewelcome.cfm?ebid=38.

PATA STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE CENTRE WORLDWATCH ­ BALI SPECIAL

** International Visitor Arrivals to Indonesia for the nine months ended September 2002 were 3.69 million, down 0.5 percent on same period 2001.

** Foreign direct arrivals to Bali for January-September 2002 were 1.1 million, a 1 percent increase on same period 2001. Foreign direct arrivals plummeted 16 percent during October 2002.

** For the month of September 2002, the average daily arrivals were around 5,100 per day with departures 5,200 per day. For the period October 1-11 that figure was approximately 3,100 in per day and 2,900 out per day. Between Oct. 12 and 31 the figures fell to 2,100 each way per day. In November (to the 21st) the average daily inbound count fell to under 1,000.

** Hotel occupancy rates dropped to single digit levels and continue at that rate in many places. Forward bookings for December and January suggest an increase is imminent. However, it will still be some time before numbers and rates return to levels where profitability reappears.

Hotels find Internet both helps, hurts them

Bookings growing, but room rates declining

bizjournals.com  -  The Internet is an increasingly important source of bookings for the lodging industry, but it's also putting downward pressure on room rates, experts say.

Hotels must closely monitor the rates they offer on the Internet, they add, and develop strategies to encourage brand loyalty if they want to keep business and increase profits.

An August report by Bear, Stearns & Co. said online bookings in the lodging industry are expected to grow from about $3.8 billion in 2000 to $15.5 billion by 2006.

Smith Travel Research of Hendersonville, Tenn., estimates that revenue per available room was down 4.8 percent through September compared to the first nine months of 2001.

Annual growth in online lodging revenue is beginning to outpace growth in the larger online travel sector, the report said.

At the same time, hotels are struggling to fill their rooms as the recession and concern about terrorist attacks have decreased corporate travel.

Milwaukee-area hotel operators say the Web offers them another way to find customers and to market distressed inventory, but they must monitor it closely.

Carmen Darland, vice president of marketing for Heart of America Restaurants & Inns in Moline, Ill., said the company only offers lower Internet rates for its distressed inventory, which are room nights that the company typically has difficulty filling. For example, most customers would typically find lower rates for Sunday nights than for weekdays, Darland said.

Heart of America owns the Radisson Hotel Pewaukee and Comfort Suites Lake Country in Pewaukee.

Someone looking to book a room on Election Day, typically a slow day for travel, would get a lower rate than a normal Tuesday, Darland said.

"We may not get as much as we would next week on a Tuesday night, but at least we got revenue from it," she said.

It's important to be on the Web because corporate meeting planners and consumers are shopping online, she said.

"You have to be there," she emphasized.

In today's business environment, "you almost have to be in it, but you have to monitor it," said Patrick Donelly, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. Internet bookings are rising rapidly, he said.

"It's becoming almost a full-time job, just managing the Internet," he said. "You can leave a lot of revenue on the table if you're not aware of what's going on."

During slow times, hotels have to be sure their Internet rates are competitive so they can get any available business, he said. Conversely, if there's a big event in the city, the hotel also must adjust rates to maximize revenue, he said.

Is price only factor?

Some experts are concerned that increasing online booking will lead to a commoditization of the industry much like what has happened with airlines and that consumers will make their booking decisions based solely on price.

"The character of the hotels is being lost," Hanis said. The Internet can't effectively market the hotel's amenities and services, he said.

As a result, rates offered over the Internet can be substantially lower than the value of the property, he said.

Some inexperienced hotel operators will offer sharply discounted rates on third-party Internet sites and sell their rooms for under their value to capture business instead of using traditional marketing techniques, Hanis said.

"I think that the hotel industry is falling into a real serious trap that the customer is no longer going to be buying the quality of the facility, the services and the amenities that it offers," he said. "We're training the consumer to buy on price, and unfortunately it isn't going to take long for the industry to start feeling the impact."

More experienced hotel operators will maintain their rates and only lower them at the last minute when they have unsold rooms, he said.

True commoditization is unlikely in the near future because hotels do have so many differences in amenities, said Mark Keiser, an analyst with Bear Stearns. The firm believes brand loyalty will diminish, however.

Corporate accounts

Use of online booking sites by business travelers is increasing only slightly, and most major corporations continue to negotiate their rates annually in the fall, Keiser said. Typically, hotels will provide corporations with a 20 percent discount off their standard rate, and the companies agree to book a minimum number of rooms during the year.

"Large corporations are sticking with the program. What we've seen this fall — hearing from both travel planners and those companies — is that none of them are accepting rate increases, and many of them are asking for a 1 to 3 percent (additional) discount for 2003," he said.

Travel planners have leverage in their negotiations because they know that hotels have been discounting rates over the Internet and have seen that they consistently are paying more for the corporate negotiated rate than they would have if they booked over the Internet, the Bear Stearns report said.

Another phenomenon that's developing is the use of reverse online auctions, in which businesses ask hotels to submit anonymous online bids for their business, Keiser said.

Hotel companies are concerned that this format, too, doesn't allow them to market their amenities.

The catalyst that will shift power back into the hands of the hotels will be the return of the business traveler, Keiser said. Hotels then can decrease their dependence on third-party distribution channels, he said.

Many experts say business travel might start showing some improvement in 2003 but will not completely rebound until at least 2004.

Until then, hotels can make sure their rates are consistent across different distribution channels, he said.

They also can offer incentives for customers to book rooms through their own Web sites, using room-upgrade offers or a sweepstakes, so they can avoid paying the average 10 percent commission to a third-party site.

Source:  HotelMarketing.com

Public Fervor for Shanghai's World Expo Bid

Chinese President Jiang Zemin said in a letter to the BIE chairman and secretary-general that a fast-developing China was eager to host the event. A World Expo held in China would not only help popularize the event in the country but also strengthen communication and cooperation among countries and regions across the world, according to Jiang.

After two decades of economic boom, China is on its way to realizing its goal of "building a well-off society in an all-round way" by notching up greater achievements. Shanghai's per-capita Gross Domestic Product has increased from 1,000 US dollars in 1977 to 4,500 US dollars in 2001, laying a solid foundation for the coastal city to help drive the national economy as well as become a world economic, trade, financial and transport hub.

Mayor Chen Liangyu said a World Expo held in Shanghai would benefit not only Chinese people but also the global population through business opportunities surrounding the event.

The expo venue covers 400 hectares and a total of 3 billion US dollars would be poured into developing the area. Companies providing financial, commercial, tourism, management and legal services would be in high demand if China wins the bid.

Zuji takes off on Asian online travel market

(CNN) -- The travel sector has seen better days. It is mired in a major slump, and the terror attacks in Bali and Kenya are likely to put off a recovery.

But despite the gloomy picture, the world's top online travel agencies are aggressively pushing into Asia.

A Website set for take-off and two years in the making, Zuji.com has finally launched in Hong Kong, after waiting out the aftermath of September 11.

"We believe now is a right time since we believe that travel, since the tragic events of last autumn, within Asia-Pacific has proved very robust," says Tim Fitzsimmons, chairman of Zuji.com.

"And what is happening is people are looking more and more for the best bargains they can find."

Backed by 16 airlines and the U.S.-based Travelocity, Zuji claims to be Asia's largest online travel store as it sets out to beat some stiff competition.

Zuji is vying with Priceline, the tie-up between Priceline.com of the U.S. and Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing's Hutchison Whampoa, and Expedia, the biggest travel agency on the Net that has plans to invade Asia next year.

"Why are the big brands coming to Asia? Simply because it is a very robust travel market, high growth potential and high Internet usage and we believe that the more big Internet brands that operate in Asia, the better," said Fitzsimmons.

The better to tap an online travel market set to cross $8 billion by 2004, a sky-high forecast for a grounded sector.

Untapped market

Travel took a major hit after September 11. Fears of war and more terror attacks aimed at tourists are undercutting any chance of a strong comeback.

Yet online travel executives say they have never had it so good. Business in the United States and Europe is booming, and fast-growing Asia remains untapped.

All this excitement for an Internet venture sounds a bit passé. But online travel agencies are in the black.

Expedia recently posted a third quarter net profit of $20 million. Last month, Lastminute.com, the UK-based travel and leisure site, posted its first quarterly profit.

Pitfalls

But beware the pitfalls of Priceline. The name-your-own-price service is struggling with sliding revenues due to a heavy dependence on air-ticket sales.

Both the price and turnover of plane reservations are under pressure. To pump up the volumes, agencies must sign on as many airlines as possible. And that, experts say, is where Zuji scores a lead.

"It's an advantage, significant advantage, to have airline backers so you don't have to hunt for products to sell. They're already there," said Ken Chad, director of Enginetic.

Critics say Zuji's backers like Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Singapore airlines could give it favorable fares or even block other airlines from posting on the site.

But Australia's consumer watchdog says Zuji is more likely to boost competition than kill it.

Zuji is cleared to land in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. But the pull of online booking in Asia is still up in the air. 

Singapore visitor arrivals for October 2002

AsiaTravelTips.com  -   Singapore visitor arrivals in October 2002 recorded a double-digit growth of 12.0%, , to a total of 638,237 visitors. All markets, apart from Australia, registered positive growth in visitor arrivals this month. This increase contributed to an increase in hotel average occupancy rate (+2.1 percentage points) this month.

The 12 largest visitor-generating markets were:

Promotions of the opening of the Esplanade by STB contributed to an increase in visitor arrivals from Malaysia (+3.2%).

The growth in visitor arrivals from Hong Kong (+8.6%) could be attributed to the presence of a long weekend which coincided with the opening of the Esplanade. Holiday and group-packaged traffic recorded a double-digit growth of 27.4% and 78.4% respectively.

The increase in holiday (+2.0%) and business-related (+3.6%) traffic contributed to a 1.0% growth in arrivals from Indonesia.

Visitor arrivals from Japan grew significantly by 62.5%, contributed by the overseas school trips (approximately 1,300 pax) and corporate groups to Singapore. Holiday and business-related traffic grew 78.4% and 30.5% respectively over a low base last year.

Aggressive group travel promotions led to a double-digit growth (+35.4%) in visitor arrivals from China. This resulted in a significant increase in group packaged tours (+48.5%) and holiday traffic (+43.1%).

The preference for domestic travel led to a decline in visitor arrivals from Australia (-1.6%). Holiday traffic fell 7.0%.

UK registered a growth of 4.3%, supported by an increase in holiday (+5.9%) and business-related (+8.1%) traffic.

India's arrivals grew 29.7%, boosted by the strong increase in holiday arrivals (+67.0%). There was also a significant rise in FITs (+53.0%).

Visitor arrivals from South Korea registered a double-digit growth of 19.4%, partly as a result of diversion of holiday traffic to Singapore after the Bali incident. Holiday (+34.4%) and business-related (+9.5%) traffic recorded increases.

The increase in visitor arrivals from USA (+35.1%) could be attributed to the low base last year. Holiday and business-related arrivals grew by 47.4% and 42.8% respectively.

Overall, holiday arrivals from the top 12 markets grew strongly by 22.9%. Growth was registered from Japan (+78.4%), India (+67.0%), USA (+47.4%), China (+43.1%), and South Korea (+34.4%). Australia and Malaysia were the only markets that experienced decreases in holiday arrivals of 7.0% and 5.5% respectively.

For a second consecutive month, business-related1 traffic had experienced a positive growth in arrivals. The growth of 7.5% was largely contributed to the strong performances from USA (+42.8%), Japan (+30.5%), China (+15.2%) and South Korea (+9.5%). On the other hand, business-related traffic from Thailand (-9.1%), Hong Kong (-7.0%) and India (-7.0%) declined.

Hotel Sector Performance in October 2002

Maximum room-nights: 952,708 (+1.0%); Available room-nights: 884,366 (+1.7%)

Gross lettings: 666,534 (+4.6%); Paid lettings: 656,215 (+4.4%)

Standard AOR: 75.4% (up 2.1 percentage points over October 2001)

Standard ARR: $126.2 (-5.1%) 

Visitor Arrivals in January - October 2002

Visitor arrivals in the first ten months of 2002 dropped marginally by 0.8% over the same period in 2001, to a total of 6,268,214 visitors. However, visitor arrivals from Indonesia, China, South Korea and India continued to register increases.

The 12 largest visitor-generating markets were:

Holiday arrivals from the top 12 markets registered a positive growth of 1.7%. Markets that grew were China (+42.6%), India (+22.3%) South Korea (+4.4%), Hong Kong (+3.3%) and Indonesia (+3.3%). Conversely, USA (-14.8%), Japan (-14.2%), Malaysia (-13.1%) and Australia (-4.8%) posted declines in this segment.

Business-related traffic fell 2.5%, caused primarily by the drop in business-related traffic from Hong Kong (-11.3%), Malaysia (-8.8%), Taiwan (-8.2%), Japan (-5.4%), and UK (-5.0%). Markets that registered growth were China (+15.0%), South Korea (+6.9%) and Indonesia (+1.4%).

Hotel Sector Performance in January - October 2002

Maximum room-nights: 9,337,940 (+1.1%); Available room-nights: 8,728,209 (+0.5%)

Gross lettings: 6,502,487 (-3.1%); Paid lettings: 6,400,769 (-3.2%)

Standard AOR: 74.5% (down 2.7 percentage points over January - October 2001)

Standard ARR: $126.8 (-5.9%) AOR = Average Occupancy Rate 
ARR = Average Room Rate

Figures for the Hotel Sector Performance is updated as at 15 November 2002 

Source:  Search ASIA Travel Tips .com

Indonesia to open tourism offices in Japan, Australia and Europe

Indonesia is to open three overseas offices to promote tourism in the wake of the Bali bombings.

The Culture and Tourism Development Agency says embassies in Japan, Australia and an unnamed European country will soon feature the tourism offices.

Revenue from tourism was beginning to recover from the affects of the terrorist attacks on the United States in September last year, but has now fallen again in the wake the October bombings on the resort island of Bali.

Interstate Hotels to Move

Interstate Hotels & Resorts said it plans to move its headquarters from Georgetown to Arlington next year.

The hotel management company has been in the District since 1987, but since it merged with a Pittsburgh-based hotel firm it needs more space. Interstate and its affiliate company, MeriStar Hospitality, plan to move 250 employees to 4501 N. Fairfax Drive in Ballston.

The companies signed a 10-year lease for 83,000 square feet. The move would consolidate offices in Pittsburgh, Orlando and Cleveland.

Interstate was formed from the August merger of MeriStar Hotels & Resorts and Pittsburgh-based Interstate Hotels.

2002: An award winning year for Conrad Hotels

Conrad Hotels, the luxury name within the Hilton Family of brands, has gained major recognition and success with the introduction of the Conrad Service Culture, and through its growing hotel portfolio and ongoing refurbishment programmes.  

Intensive training focused on service enhancements combined with the acquisition of new properties in Ireland in 2002 (Mount Juliet Conrad) and in the USA, (The Waldorf Towers in New York) in 2001, have positioned Conrad Hotels above many competitors in the luxury hotel segment.

In October 2002, the readers of Condé Nast Traveler voted Conrad amongst the best luxury hotel groups in Asia and Europe.  In addition, over the past few months individual Conrad hotels were also rewarded with20 top awards including

Clem Barter, President of Conrad Hotels commented: ”We are delighted at this year’s successes.  It is a tribute to all our staff, particularly as business has been particularly challenging since September 2001 for every hotel group.  It is also in keeping with our tradition of winning awards, as we have collected 229 international distinctions over recent years.  However we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to enhance our hotel product and services around the world”.

Conrad Hotels represents the luxury portfolio amongst the Hilton family of brands.  Established in 1985, Conrad Hotels has earned a reputation for exceptional style and personalised service among the world's most demanding business and leisure travellers.  There are presently 14 Conrad hotels operating in major gateway cities and exotic resort destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America. 

Conrad Hotels is expanding and continues to explore opportunities to further enhance the brand's presence in the luxury hotel segment in suitable locations around the world.  New Conrad hotels will open next year.  The  Conrad Bangkok will welcome its first guests as of 1^st January 2003 and the Conrad Bali Resort is expected to open in the third quarter of 2003.

For information or reservations, visit our new website at www.ConradHotels.com

At last for Lastminute

Lastminute.com has celebrated its first profit, with a £320,000 (US$498,000) profit in its first quarter, before goodwill amortisation and exceptional costs.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the profit, comes as rival Ebookers.com unveiled its first ever profit at ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) level.

The paper notes, “While neither company can boast what City analysts might yet call a proper profit, they are undoubtedly moving in the right direction, as are their share prices.”

Lastminute and Ebookers shares have risen in value by almost four times this year.

Source: TravelWeeklyEast.com

Park Plaza To Unify and Strengthen Brand Worldwide

Park Plaza hotels, part of Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, has announced an agreement with its brand partners - London-based Park Plaza Hotels Europe and Sarovar Park Plaza Hotels of India - to unify many areas of the company, including GDSs, marketing and brand management. 

While the entities will continue to operate within their current leadership structures, each has agreed to work in tandem to create global consistency in reservations, operations, marketing, and employee development. Specific points of the agreement include creating unified graphics standards, sales collateral, website booking capabilities, and signage. In addition, they will work together to establish a global corporate rate program and marketing consortia to pool marketing resources worldwide.

"This agreement simplifies the process for booking Park Plaza hotels around the world by offering one-stop shopping," said Jetse Pottinga, executive vice president, Park Hospitality, parent organization of Park Plaza. "The inventory of all hotels are now listed in our 'Curtis-C' reservation system, making booking and finding information on all Park Plaza hotels a seamless process for clients."

The organizations are Park Hospitality, a division of Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide; London-based Park Plaza Hotels Europe, owner and operator of the Park Plaza brand in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; and Sarovar Park Plaza Hotels, master franchisor of Park Plaza hotels in India. Similar agreements were signed in 2001 with partners in Asia-Pacific and Canada.

For travel agents, this agreement means they will book the global Park Plaza brand using the chain code "PK" for Park Plaza locations. Also, the inventory for all Park Plaza hotels will be listed in the "Curtis-C" reservation system which increases the booking and earning potential for travel agents who participate in the Look To Book travel agent relationship program.
 

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