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![]() Hospitality Net: Latest Industry NewsTop Stories - Latest Hospitality and Hotel Industry NewsPublished: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:50:45 Last Build Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:50:45
Innovative Hotel Technologies Sought for Newest Version of GUESTROOM 20XInnovative Hotel Technologies Sought for Newest Version of GUESTROOM 20X Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:41:07 (image) Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and the GUESTROOM 20X Task Force, a group of hospitality technology leaders and experts, are searching for the latest and near-future technologies for the newest version of GUESTROOM 20X. The 2012 version of GUESTROOM 20X, a special exhibit showcasing the most innovative technologies for the guestroom, debuts at the 2012 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) June 26-28 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md. USA.
Whitebridge Hospitality | EMEA Hotel Transactions Monitor - Issue 9Whitebridge Hospitality | EMEA Hotel Transactions Monitor - Issue 9 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:33:56 (image) Report summarises hotel performance data in 23 cities, hotel construction costs in 30 countries and notable hotel deals done in the last 6 months of 2011. Whitebridge Hospitality is a specialist advisor to investors, developers and operators in the hospitality industry around the globe. We provide investment, operational and planning advice, and guidance in respect of the entire hospitality spectrum, including: hotels, mixed-use developments, conference and exhibition centres, spas, leisure facilities, casinos, visitor attractions and sporting venues. Our uniquely qualified team can provide services throughout an asset's life cycle, from site selection and acquisition, through master planning and feasibility studies, to operator selection, operational and asset strategy advice, to sale and agency services.
North Korea’s super-size hotel is set to open... 23 years behind schedule | washingtonpost.comNorth Korea’s super-size hotel is set to open... 23 years behind schedule | washingtonpost.com Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:29:15 (image) North Korea’s Ryugyong Hotel ranks among the world’s most remarkable — and mockable — buildings. It’s taller than New York’s Chrysler Building and wider at its base than an average city block. Constructed almost entirely of concrete, it looks like a rocket ship and casts a jagged shadow over Pyongyang’s gray vistas.
Arab Spring one year on – Demand remained under pressure | STR GlobalArab Spring one year on – Demand remained under pressure | STR Global Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:26:10 (image) In Cairo, Egypt, where protests have been widely broadcasted, occupancy declined by 29.5 percentage points to 36.1 percent in 2011 and average daily rate (ADR) declined by 3.3 percent to EGP706.26. In the usually popular leisure destinations of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and Hurghada, Egypt, occupancy reached 48.1 percent (-38.6 percent) and 57.2 percent (-28.7 percent), respectively. Unlike Cairo, ADR decreased more in Sharm El Sheikh (-17.3 percent) to EGP333.69 and Hurghada (-6.2 percent) to EGP329.15, as hoteliers tried to maintain demand volume by lowering rates.
Accor announces Sale of the Novotel New York Times Square under a €160m Sale & Management-Back agreementAccor announces Sale of the Novotel New York Times Square under a €160m Sale & Management-Back agreement Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:12:25 (image) As part of its asset management strategy, Accor announces the sale of the Novotel Times Square in New York under a sale and management-back agreement, for a total value of €160m (€335,000 per room). The selling price amounts to €71m. The buyer has committed to complete a full renovation of the hotel between 2012 and 2013, at an estimated cost of €89m based on a scope defined by Accor. The hotel will remain open while the work is being carried out. In addition, an earn-out amounting up to €12m could be cashed in depending on the results of the hotel after the refurbishment.
The Peabody Ducks Are Marching with a New DuckmasterThe Peabody Ducks Are Marching with a New Duckmaster Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:09:20 (image) The world-famous Peabody Ducks are marching under new leadership these days. Anthony Petrina has stepped into the prominent role of Duckmaster at The Peabody Memphis. In addition, Doug Weatherford has been named Assistant Duckmaster.
Lexington Shenyang Rich Gate Hotel Named “Best Business Hotel in China”Lexington Shenyang Rich Gate Hotel Named “Best Business Hotel in China” Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:35:28 (image) The Lexington Shenyang Rich Gate Hotel in Shenyang, China has been consistently recognized with some of the highest hospitality accolades, including "Most Popular Guest Rooms in China" in late 2010 and, most recently, in December 2011, as the "Best Business Hotel in China." The five-star, deluxe, full-service hotel received the award during the "2011 Most Favored Hotels in China" event hosted by the Beijing Review and Expo Weekly.
The American Way | The Life of a Hotel Doctor | By Mike Oppenheim, M.D.The American Way | The Life of a Hotel Doctor | By Mike Oppenheim, M.D. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:31:20 (image) “This is AXA insurance about the patient you saw last month, Mrs. Diaz. We are asking you to accept a lower payment. In exchange, we list you as a preferred provider.” The offer was for less than half what I billed. I declined. AXA would eventually pay my regular rate although a few months would pass. AXA sells travel insurance to Latin Americans. Its US agency and a dozen others phone me to make housecalls. Afterward, I fax my invoice, and (here American doctors will recoil in amazement) the carrier sends a check for the full amount. I’ve made thousands of such visits.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco’s General Manager Offers Lessons In A Lifetime Of HospitalityHyatt Regency San Francisco’s General Manager Offers Lessons In A Lifetime Of Hospitality Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:25:46 (image) In a world where high tech often trumps high touch and relationships develop via digital devices, the hospitality industry remains a bastion of tradition, one in which exceptional service standards elevate hotels to greatness. Achieving that greatness requires an outstanding leader, a get-things-done outside-the-box thinker with the skills of a diplomat, the agility of an acrobat, the acumen of a CFO and the humility of someone truly dedicated to service. And it would be difficult to find a person who better embodies these qualities than David Lewin, General Manager of the John Portman-designed Hyatt Regency San Francisco.
Chip Conley Receives ISHC Pioneer AwardChip Conley Receives ISHC Pioneer Award Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:04:38 (image) Chip Conley, a noted industry influencer and thought leader as well as New York Times best selling author, was just named recipient of the 2012 Pioneer Award by the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC). The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals that made an outstanding contribution, achievement and / or improvement in the hospitality industry. Sean Hennessey, Chairman of ISHC, and Bonnie Buckhiester, President, presented the award at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) held recently in Los Angeles.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts celebrates major global growth | 11 new projects in nine countries reinforce company’s global positionMövenpick Hotels & Resorts celebrates major global growth | 11 new projects in nine countries reinforce company’s global position Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:26:07 (image) Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce 11 new hotel projects across nine countries bringing the company's total number of operating and planned hotels worldwide to 100.
Sandos Hotels & Resorts Announces the Addition of Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience ResortSandos Hotels & Resorts Announces the Addition of Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:18:34 (image) Sandos Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the addition of Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort, the third Mexico resort and first Cancun location for the growing Spanish-owned brand. Formerly managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts under the Le Meridien flag, the 214-room hotel will re-open on March 1, 2012 as part of the Sandos collection, featuring new culinary offerings and all-inclusive programming.
Odawa Casino Resort Installs InvoTech GIMS™ RFID Uniform Tracking SystemOdawa Casino Resort Installs InvoTech GIMS™ RFID Uniform Tracking System Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:15:34 (image) The Odawa Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, realizes the cost saving benefits provided by GIMS™ with less labor required. GIMS™ interfaces with the White Conveyors U-Pick-It System to provide 24-hour automated uniform distribution to approximately 600 Team Members.
NORTHWIND Maestro Expands Professional Services to Achieve Greater Profits and Productivity for Independent OperatorsNORTHWIND Maestro Expands Professional Services to Achieve Greater Profits and Productivity for Independent Operators Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:48:28 (image) NORTHWIND has expanded its Professional Services offering with the addition of Management Strategy Services to ensure hotel owners and managers are using the powerful capabilities of the Maestro hotel management system to maximize their operational efficiencies and productivity levels as well as reduce costs and drive revenue. NORTHWIND provides the Maestro Property Management hotel software Suite for the industry's leading independent hotels, resorts, and multi-property groups. Click here to learn more about Maestro's solutions for profitability and productivity.
Fairmont builds fabulous castle hotel in DubaiFairmont builds fabulous castle hotel in Dubai Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:34:12 (image) Fairmont is considered to be among the ten most famous hotel groups of the world, says the international hotel critic Heinz Horrmann. Fairmont's top brand Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) is present in Germany with the more than one hundred years old Four Seasons Grand Hotel in Hamburg as well as the recently entirely renovated Savoy Hotel London. Now the FRHI push their worldwide expansion. And another 26 luxury hotels are currently in the process of planning or under construction – the largest of them currently arises currently in Dubai: The Fairmont Kingdom of Sheba (TOPHOTELPROJECTS Nr. 5737) will have 500 hotel rooms, 50 Heritage Place Homes and 400 residences.
Hospitality Executive Search Success Depends on RelationshipsHospitality Executive Search Success Depends on Relationships Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:25:35 (image) When a hotel or casino has to fill a senior executive position they need someone with very specific skills and experience. However, this kind of executive is usually already employed. So it makes sense that they often turn to a hospitality executive search specialist. They know these people have a pool of highly qualified candidates in their network.
Devising Travel Marketing Strategies As Per the Strength of the Devices | Ritesh Gupta Devising Travel Marketing Strategies As Per the Strength of the Devices | Ritesh Gupta Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:22:14 (image) IN-DEPTH: Travel is one of those few and lucky verticals that is so broad and engaging that it actually works on various screens – but travel content and service providers need to be thoughtful about what to optimize for each screen and what to carry through to all to convey a consistent and integrated experience and message, says Katherine Bose, Director, Mobile Partnerships, Americas, TripAdvisor.
BrightEdge and VIZERGY® Partner to Offer the Hotel Industry’s Leading SEOBrightEdge and VIZERGY® Partner to Offer the Hotel Industry’s Leading SEO Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:07:23 (image) VIZERGY, a hospitality digital marketing leader, has partnered with BrightEdge, a best-in-class SEO technology provider, to offer advanced search engine optimization (SEO) services for the hospitality industry. BrightEdge collects and analyzes competitor data allowing VIZERGY to develop a strategic on-site SEO offense and proprietary, hotel-specific link building, further enhancing the company's award-winning marketing services. The combination of VIZERGY's professionally trained SEO team and BrightEdge's technology will help hotels outdo their competition in search engines and drive direct bookings.
ITB Berlin Convention: Power shifts in the hotel industry ITB Berlin Convention: Power shifts in the hotel industry Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:04:46 (image) The power of brands, safety in hotels and future workforce issues – leading international hotel experts and CEOs to debate the latest trends and challenges at the ITB Hospitality Day on 8 March 2012. Safety at hotels, the shortfall in staff in the hotel industry and the consolidation trend among hotel portals: these are items on the agenda at this year's ITB Hospitality Day at the ITB Berlin Convention. On Thursday, 8 March 2012 experts and CEOs representing the hotel and tourism industries will be discussing the latest topics. Now in its seventh year, the forum has developed into one of the industry's leading events. Maria Pütz-Willems, editor-in-chief of hospitalityInside.com, is responsible for its content.
The Hotel Police | Going undercover with the arbiter of greatness in hospitality | forbes.comThe Hotel Police | Going undercover with the arbiter of greatness in hospitality | forbes.com Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:58:26 (image) I’m tagging along with an inspector for Relais & Châteaux, the hotel-and-restaurant association whose members pride themselves on what they call their “five Cs”: courtesy, charm, character, calm and cuisine. We’re “reinspecting” hotels in France and Austria, which, as with all members and would-be members, are rigorously secret-shopped by anonymous inspectors. Like many of the nine inspectors, my host, whom I’ll call M., comes from a hospitality background, having graduated from Swiss hotel school and worked at the likes of the Ritz in Paris and Claridge’s in London. “Hotels are excelling when they provide pleasure, and it’s my job to be receptive and have pleasure,” he tells me on the drive.
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