Hurricane Florence could be eighth-costliest storm in U.S. history: Florence could be especially devastating for the tourism business in the Carolinas because of its unusual westward path. The hurricane is expected to reach land on Friday somewhere between Charleston and Norfolk, Virginia, according to the National Hurricane Center, which warned of life-threatening storm surges along the coast and freshwater flooding that could extend for hundreds of miles. Total losses could reach US$27 billion, a disaster modeler estimated, making it the eighth-costliest storm in U.S. history.
New hotel for Disney’s Swan and Dolphin: New York-based Tishman real estate firm and Metlife Investment Management, the owners of the Swan and Dolphin hotels on Walt Disney World property, announced they have entered an agreement with Disney to build a new tower on the current site of the Swan hotel’s tennis courts. The 14-story, 349-room hotel project is expected to break ground this fall and open in 2020. According to the strength of Orlando’s hotel market continues to grow as tourism increases. The region’s US$70 billion tourism industry, which attracted a record 72 million visitors last year, also is boosted by ongoing investments in the local theme park industry including new attractions, rides and hotels.
More from the Triad Business Journal
Ramada to Vietnam: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts signed its first Ramada Worldwide by Wyndham hotel in Ho Tram, Vietnam. Owned and developed by Ho Tram Project, the Ramada by Wyndham Ho Tram Strip will open in late 2019 within the Ho Tram Strip – Vietnam’s first integrated beach resort destination.
Radisson Blu set for Hainan: Radisson Hotel Group will launch its Radisson Blu brand in Hainan, China with the signing of Radisson Blu Haikou. The new-build hotel, will be located in a Free Trade Zone to be established by the Chinese government in the island province of Hainan. Developed by Hainan Daye Industry, the 48-story, 302-room Radisson Blu Haikou is scheduled to open in Q2 2020.
Alibaba co-founder to step down: Jack Ma, who is also and executive chairman, will resign as chairman, unveiling a leadership succession plan for the Chinese e-commerce giant as it faces a more uncertain environment at home. Ma, who co-founded Alibaba in his apartment 19 years ago, will be succeeded by Daniel Zhang, currently Alibaba’s chief executive. According to the New York Times, “Alibaba said the move was meant to foster long-term growth and reduce its dependence on any one person. At the same time, it took pains to stress that Mr. Ma would remain involved with the company.”
Big heist reported at Ritz: An unnamed member of the Saudi royal family has reported the theft of hundreds of €800,000 (US$926,169) worth of jewels from her suite at The Ritz hotel in Paris. Police reportedly said the jewels were not in a safe in the room and there was no sign of forced entry to the suite. An investigation is underway by France’s organized crime unit.
Explore with Hilton: Hilton has debuted Explore, a new feature on the Hilton Honors mobile app, allowing Hilton Honors members to explore the neighborhood surrounding their hotel with suggestions from people who know the area best – local Hilton Team Members. Beginning Wednesday, the feature will be available in 28 markets covering nearly 1,000 global properties among all Hilton brands, with plans to expand to additional markets in the future.