Statement on Hurricane Matthew: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) released a statement expressing sadness and concern in the aftermath of Hurrican Matthew, which swept through the region last week. “We are especially concerned about the people of Haiti, where the loss of life has been great,” the CHTA said, adding that it would work with partners to coordinate relief efforts.
Managing in London: Starwood Capital Group appointed Cycas Hospitality to manage four extended-stay hotels in Earls Court/Kensington, London Bridge, Bermondsey and Tower Bridge. The portfolio comprises 640 studios and one- and two-bedroom suites that are undergoing a refurbishment that’s expected to be complete in 2017.
Brazil’s boost: Rio de Janeiro’s hotel industry saw a bigger impact as host of the 2016 Summer Olympics than either London in 2012 or Beijing in 2008, according to STR data. The city saw a 278.6% increase in RevPAR during the month of August. That’s compared with Beijing’s 184.2% and London’s 44.4%. The challenge now for Rio is more hotel rooms in a less stable market than London, an STR director says.
Wynn seeks protection: Elaine Wynn, ex-wife of Wynn Resorts’ Steve Wynn, asked Nevada’s Supreme Court for whistleblower protection for disclosures she made to the company’s audit committee about potential securities law violations. A lower court had denied the request. Elaine Wynn is seeking to sell her US$900 million stake in Wynn Resorts.
Mövenpick in Bangladesh: Swiss hotel management company Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a third location in Bangladesh. The company says it is the first international hotel chain in the city of Khulna; its expansion plans include managing 30 hotels by 2020 in South and Southeast Asia.
Ashford completes Palm Desert sale: Ashford Hospitality Trust completed its previously announced sale of a two-hotel portfolio that includes the 151-room Courtyard Palm Desert and the 130-room Residence Inn Palm Desert, both in California, for US$36 million, or US$128,000 per key.
Trump Taj Mahal closes: The Trump Taj Mahal casino has closed its doors, putting 3,000 people out of work. After years of losses, talks with the hotel’s union had broken down, according to owner Carl Icahn.