Hotel Industry News

2/8/2012

Kempinski expands strongly with 62 new hotels
(hsyndicate.com)
Where will this lead to? China, India or preferably the Seychelles? To Shanghai, Dubai or Moscow? Kempinski, Europe based and one of the leading premium hotel collections worldwide, accelerates its business momentum. 62 new hotels with a total of more than 15.400 rooms are currently under development, respectively under construction. The largest hotel project is the Kempinski Chernomoritz Park Spa Hotel in Sotchi (TOPHOTELPROJECTS Nr. 9763) with 664 housing units. This building currently emerges in the Sotchi's prime location nearby the Black Sea. It will be completed by the end of 2013. Sotchi will host the Olympic Winter Games from 7th – 23rd February 2014.
Swissôtel Opens in Dresden, Germany | Swissôtel Am Schloss
(hsyndicate.com)
Business and leisure travellers alike from all around the world can look forward to the soon-to-be-opened Swissôtel Dresden Am Schloss. On the 1st of April 2012, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts opens its fourth hotel in Germany, offering Swiss hospitality in a modern atmosphere as well as first class quality combined with personal service, in the very centre of Saxony's capital.
College of Charleston School of Business Launches New MBA Focus in Hospitality Revenue Management
(hsyndicate.com)
One of the fastest growing, highly valued fields in the global hospitality and tourism industry is managing marketing and sales using revenue management strategies. The School of Business recognizes the significant opportunity to meet the demand by offering a new MBA with a focus in hospitality revenue management.
TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION Selected by GSA as Preferred Developer of the Old Post Office Building, Washington, D.C.
(hsyndicate.com)
"The physical beauty of The Old Post Office, coupled with its unrivaled location on Pennsylvania Avenue, affords us the ability to accomplish just that."
One-on-One with The Trump Organization's Donald Trump | hotelmanagement.net
(hsyndicate.com)
The hair. The endless self-promotion. The ubiquitous catch phrase—“You’re fired!”These are often the first things we think of when Donald Trump’s name comes up. But while Trump has been vocal about promoting his celebrity on “The Apprentice” and during his short run for the Republican U.S. presidential nomination, he has been quietly growing the hotel side of his real estate empire. Now, with a strong team of developers behind him—including eldest children Ivanka, Don Jr. and Eric—he is focused on turning what he calls his family’s “labor of love” into a global luxury hotel and resort company. Hotel Management caught up with Trump and his hotel development team at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles last month.
Avia The Woodlands Officially Becomes Hyatt Market Street, The Woodlands
(hsyndicate.com)
Located at Market Street, a premier shopping and entertainment destination filled with more than 90 luxury retailers and 17 restaurants, Hyatt Market Street, The Woodlands combines understated elegance with contemporary style.
Trump scores DC’s Old Post Office Building
(hotelnewsnow.com)

The Trump Hotel Collection was selected Tuesday to develop the Old Post Office Building in Washington, D.C., and will be the investor, developer, brand and operator for the 250-plus room property.
5 things to know: 8 February 2012
(hotelnewsnow.com)

From the desks of the HotelNewsNow.com editorial staff:
• Trump wins bid for Old Post Office Building, plans renovation
• Q4, 2011 revenues up for both Wyndham and Disney
• Highland: Extended-stay Q4 rate growth fastest since 2007
• Starwood owners confirm steady economic climb
• AmEx: Less than 33% of companies have updated travel policies
SAS Analytics' McGuire to discuss hospitality technologies at Cornell student-run conference
(hsyndicate.com)
Kelly McGuire, executive director of the hospitality travel and global practice at SAS, has been confirmed to speak on the "Innovation in Hospitality Technology" panel at the 87th Annual Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC 87), a student-run industry conference at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration (SHA). McGuire, who earned her Master's of Management in Hospitality and PhD degrees from SHA in 2001 and 2008, respectively, will return to campus during the weekend of April 12-15, 2012 to speak about the impact innovations in technology are having on the hospitality industry and its consumers.
Exposing Five Popular Myths of Social Media | By Madigan Pratt
(hsyndicate.com)
Over the past few weeks Joe Buhler and I have been having numerous Google+ conversations concerning the effectiveness of social media. Joe is a principal of buhlerworks, an expert in development and execution of social web marketing strategies. Several conversations dealt with the many myths surrounding social media so I asked Joe to write a guest column on the subject for Hospitality Marketing Blog. For hoteliers simply dabbling in social media, here is your wake-up call. Let us know what you think.
HSMAI Announces 2012 Americas Executive Committee And Board Of Directors
(hsyndicate.com)
The travel and hospitality industry's leading professional association, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), has named its 2012 Americas Region Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
Viceroy Hotel Group Adds the 165-room Cassa Hotel in New York City to its Urban Retreat Collection
(hsyndicate.com)
Conveniently positioned in New York City's central business district on 45th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, the property sets a timeless statement on the New York City skyline. Steps away from Fifth Avenue, a short walk to Broadway and Times Square, and perfectly situated amongst lauded New York restaurants and bars, the hotel caters to busy business executives and leisure travelers alike.
Hilton Worldwide Re-Brands the Elysian in Illinois as the Waldorf Astoria Chicago
(hsyndicate.com)
The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand, which draws its inspiration from the legendary Waldorf=Astoria New York, is known for delivering highly personalized service and is one of the world's fastest growing luxury hospitality brands. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will use the strength of its history, reputation and worldwide presence as it establishes a Waldorf Astoria presence in Chicago in the elegant and celebrated Elysian property which opened in late 2009.
Horwath HTL Contributes Global Market Reports for 2012 Edition of the Hotel Yearbook
(hsyndicate.com)
Horwath Hotels, Tourism and Leisure (HTL), the world's oldest and largest hospitality consulting network, contributed 26 key market reports to the latest edition of the Hotel Yearbook, one of the Hotel industry's most respected publications. The Yearbook, which is published annually, provides in-depth and cutting edge opinion and commentary about the industry for the coming 12 months. One of the key areas of the Yearbook are the global market reports, which highlight specific markets around the world and look at what can be expected during the coming year. These reports are vital for anyone who wants to get a good understanding of expected trading conditions around the world, and provide insightful commentary from one of the world's most respected experts.
ASFONA 2012 Associate Board Members Meeting Addresses Outlook for North American Hotel Market
(hsyndicate.com)
The North American hotel market continues its steady climb out of the economic slump of the past 5 years, according to research presented at the first ASFONA (Association of Starwood Franchisees & Owners – North America) Associate Board Members meeting of 2012. The meeting, which was held at The St. Regis Atlanta in mid-January, was attended by a number of Starwood senior corporate management, together with hotel owners, franchisees and hotel management company executives, as well as ASFONA associate members representing some of the most highly respected suppliers to the hotel industry.
Best Western debuts in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
(hsyndicate.com)
Best Western International has continued its Middle Eastern expansion with the launch of its first ever hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in the booming Gulf city of Al Khobar, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Sand Rose Suite Hotel features 48 rooms and suites, and a range of facilities to excite both business travellers and family groups.
Video: German Hotelier of the Year 2012 | HOTELIER TV
(hsyndicate.com)
It's the Oscar of hotel industry in Germany: The prestigious award 'Hotelier of the year 2012' is given to Dietmar Muller Elmau, owner of wellness resort Schloss Elmau (www.schloss-elmau.de) near Munich and founder of Fidelio. HOTELIER TV International highlights the gala evening at InterContinental Berlin. Special award goes to Robinson Club (www.robinson.com) of TUI Group.
Starwood owners report RevPAR recovery
(hotelnewsnow.com)

The North American hotel market continues its steady climb out of the economic slump, according to data and owner insight at a recent Starwood franchisees and owners meeting.
Arab Spring causes hotel demand pressure
(hotelnewsnow.com)

One year since the beginning of the Arab Spring, demand has yet to return to Egypt, Bahrain and the Levant region, according to the 2011 year-end data from STR Global.
Wyndham reports 15% boost in Q4 revenue
(hotelnewsnow.com)

During 2011, Wyndham Worldwide repurchased 28.7 million shares of its common stock for US$902 million at an average price of US$31.45.
Mövenpick reveals global growth plan
(hotelnewsnow.com)

Eleven new projects in nine countries reinforce the company’s global position.
Easy buttons, the Big Easy and Easy-Bake ovens
(hotelnewsnow.com)

Here are four E.A.S.Y. steps to improve communication at your hotel.
Driftwood eyes 15% growth in portfolio
(hotelnewsnow.com)

2012 is set to be a busy year for Driftwood Hospitality Management, which is looking to continue adding approximately two management contracts per month.
New pricing strategy at work for Gaylord
(hotelnewsnow.com)

Gross advance group bookings are down 5% at Gaylord Entertainment Company, which provides evidence the company’s new, aggressive pricing model is at work, company executives said.
Turkey top Central Asia hotel hot spot: CATHIC
(hotelnewsnow.com)

Turkey was top of mind for investors and developers during the first day of the Central Asia & Turkey Hotel Investment Conference.
Hotel demand peaks in North Dakota
(hotelnewsnow.com)

While there is significantly more demand than supply for hotels in western North Dakota, hoteliers attempting to build in the state face hurdles.

2/7/2012

Disney park/resorts revenue up 10% in Q1 2012
(hotelnewsnow.com)

Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased 10% to US$3.2 billion.
Customer Experience Assassins and Angels | By Dave Fish, Ph.D.
(hsyndicate.com)
Are there customers out there who are just impossible to satisfy? Those who consistently evaluate products and services unfavorably could simply represent a form of response style. Alternatively, those who consistently evaluate products and services low across categories could also represent a type of consumer. My Maritz Research colleagues and I call these customers "Customer Experience Assassins."
HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences Is EI’s Newest Global Academic Program (GAP) Partner School
(hsyndicate.com)
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) has signed a Global Academic Program (GAP) agreement with HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Finland, one of the leading hotel schools of the world.
French Hotel Industry Performances - December 2011
(hsyndicate.com)
After December 2011 was marked by a slowdown in growth for the budget and 2 star sectors. In the 3 star market, the pattern varied throughout France, with Paris and a number of regional towns resisting well and others experiencing sharp declines in occupancy. However, average RevPAR did grow in this category.
Customer Experience Assassins and Angels | By Dave Fish, Ph.D.
(hsyndicate.com)
Are there customers out there who are just impossible to satisfy? Those who consistently evaluate products and services unfavorably could simply represent a form of response style. Alternatively, those who consistently evaluate products and services low across categories could also represent a type of consumer. My Maritz Research colleagues and I call these customers "Customer Experience Assassins."
Hotel Guest Satisfaction: Do you understand who loves what and why? | By Rick Garlick, Ph.D
(hsyndicate.com)
The question of how much demographics play a role in the way people evaluate personal experiences is one that customer satisfaction researchers have asked for years. Are men tougher to please than women? Who is easier to satisfy? Younger people or mature people with more life experience? Are those with a higher income more demanding customers? Or are those to whom money is a more precious commodity more rigorous in their evaluations?
Old Room Distribution Systems to Make Way for Online Automation and Integration for Hotels in 2012
(hsyndicate.com)
A key focus for hoteliers around the world in 2012 will be the integration of their online distributions with their Property Management Systems (PMS) and Revenue Management Systems (RMS) to make their online reach faster, simpler and more powerful, according to online distributor, SiteMinder.
Santa Monica's Eco-Friendly Shore Hotel Opens with INNCOM in Every Guestroom
(hsyndicate.com)
Not only is the Shore Hotel in Santa Monica the newest luxury boutique hotel in the city, but it's the first in sustainability among Santa Monica's luxury hotels and the only newly-built LEED-registered hotel in town thanks in part to INNCOM
Shangri-La Hotel, Doha and Traders Hotel, Doha To Open 2013
(hsyndicate.com)
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts signed an agreement with Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani & Sons Holding Company W.L.L to manage Shangri-La Hotel, Doha, as well as Traders Hotel, Doha. Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2013. The hotels will follow the introduction of their five sister properties in the region; Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai in July 2003, Traders Hotel, Dubai in July 2004, Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat in February 2006, Shangri-La's Qaryat Al Beri Hotel, Abu Dhabi in September 2007 and Trader's Hotel Abu Dhabi in August 2009.
Lodging Interactive, CoMMingle Adds Google+ Service to Enhance Hotels' Social Media Strategies
(hsyndicate.com)
Hoteliers wishing to expand their social media circles but don't have the time or man power to do so can now rely on a social media marketing agency exclusively servicing hospitality to do it for them; Today Lodging Interactive will set-up and manage a hotel's Google+ Business Page while CoMMingle monitors comments and provides responses
The Ascott Limited to Assess OpenWays Mobile Key Front Desk Bypass at Citadines Apart'hotels in Lyon and Cannes, France
(hsyndicate.com)
Mobile Key by OpenWays will enter the France hospitality market this year at Citadines Apart'hotels in Cannes and Lyon. The vibrant urban living experience from Singapore-based The Ascott Limited (Ascott) provides the accommodations and privacy of an apartment while offering travelers and residents the conveniences of a hotel. Ascott will evaluate Mobile Key by OpenWays as a way for travelers and residents to use their mobile phones as apartment keys.
New Vivanta By Taj Opens In Begumpet, Hyderabad
(hsyndicate.com)
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, India's largest hospitality group, announced the 23rd addition to the Vivanta by Taj portfolio with the opening of Vivanta by Taj - Begumpet, Hyderabad. Echoing the city's vibrancy and fast paced business energy, the new hotel promises to offer unique experiences that perfectly blend leisure, business, and hospitality.
The International School of Hospitality Outreaches to Latin America and Spain via Membership in CONPEHT
(hsyndicate.com)
Las Vegas-based hospitality school joins CONPEHT, the Confederation of Pan American Hotel, Gastronomy and Tourism Schools, to expand reach of practical hospitality certificates and diplomas for international students.
Food for Thought: How to cater for disabled guests and diners | bighospitality.co.uk
(hsyndicate.com)
Former Savoy and Churchill chef David Croft has written Food for Thought – part autobiography, part cookbook – to educate the hospitality industry on the best ways to accommodate for disabled customers in the build-up to the 2012 Olympics and beyond.
The Hospitality Industry’s Mobile Web Failure | argophilia.com
(hsyndicate.com)
Having a well thought-out mobile strategy has become critical to online success, as we all know only too well, right? Well, perhaps we like to think that way, but on the contrary, according to a recent intelligence report from a leading digital think tank, it seems that many in the hospitality industry aren’t actually taking the mobile web as seriously as they should…
Gold standards for hospitality – the 19th Master Innholders' Annual General Managers' Conference | caterersearch.com
(hsyndicate.com)
In London's Olympic year, the theme of the Master Innholders' 19th Annual General Managers' Conference, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane, was Going for Gold. Janet Harmer finds out what makes winners and losers in business. With speakers including former Olympians, Sebastian Coe and judo champion Karen Roberts - as well as a host of leading hospitality personalities - the 450 delegates at the Master Innholders' 19th Annual General Managers' Conference were inspired in ways and means of taking their businesses to world-beating level.
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts Adds Historic Haycock Hotel to Portfolio
(hsyndicate.com)
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, the UK's largest privately owned hotel operator with over forty 4 and 5 star hotels throughout the UK and Spain, has further increased its market presence by agreeing terms with the owners of the historic 48 bedroom Haycock Hotel in Wansford near Stamford.
W Hotels Announces Fall 2012 Season of Fashion Next Designers
(hsyndicate.com)
"As W Hotels continues to transform into a global design powerhouse, we are committed to providing a platform for supporting and showcasing what's new and next in fashion to guests and locals alike at our hotels around the world," said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. "This season's forward-thinking group of emerging fashion talent is especially exciting, and we are proud that W is able to continue to support the careers of tomorrow's rising fashion stars."
5 things to know: 7 February 2012
(hotelnewsnow.com)

From the desks of the HotelNewsNow.com editorial staff:
• London hoteliers not deterred by Olympic room returns
• Green Street: Commercial property prices unchanged in January
• New England hotels post respectable 2011 results
• Kayak drops BlackBerry support
• Airlines January on-time performance strong
STR Analytics launches Tour de Data
(hotelnewsnow.com)

Tour de Data, hosted by STR Analytics and the STR family of companies, is an intimate event that gives attendees a look at the latest hotel industry data, as well as innovative ways to examine it.
Springing for indulgence at Bedford Springs
(hotelnewsnow.com)

Traveling to Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa in Bedford, Pennsylvania, I indulged in the limitless activities the resort has to offer.
Armed with solid metrics, Dolce aims for more
(hotelnewsnow.com)

New Jersey-based Dolce Hotels and Resorts’ leader Steve Rudnitsky plans to leverage strong organic growth of performance metrics during 2011 into expansion opportunities.
Distribution experts dissect study findings
(hotelnewsnow.com)

Revenue managers and consultants applaud the authors of the Distribution Channel Analysis study, however, some question the findings.
Gaylord reports Q4 results
(hotelnewsnow.com)

Total RevPAR grew by 7% during the fourth quarter.