Unified Radisson website: Radisson Hotel Group has launched its new multi-brand and mobile-first global website, RadissonHotels.com, which also serves as the platform for Radisson Rewards members. Complementing the revamped site will be the Radisson Hotels App, available by the end of July 2019. The enhanced site integrates the previous single-brand websites, allowing for one comprehensive platform. It showcases every property from across Radisson Hotel Group’s seven distinctive brands, as well as the art’otel brand managed by strategic partner PPHE Hotel Group.
Big declines in HK: Hong Kong tourism numbers are falling and hotel occupancy rates are slumping after the Chinese-ruled city was rocked by sometimes violent political protests over the last month, adding pressure on its already struggling economy. The declines reported on Wednesday came a day after Hong Kong retailers warned that July and August sales could drop by double-digits from a year earlier as tourists put off their visits. Occupancy rates fell as much as 20% in June from a year earlier, and are expected to drop 40% in July on-year.
Moxy returns to Australia: Moxy Hotels from Marriott International is set to expand its footprint in Australia with the signing of its second hotel, the 150-room Moxy Perth, scheduled to open in December 2021. Owned by 195 Hay Street Pty Ltd as trustee for 195 Hay Street Unit Trust, a consortium of local West Australian business people, the standalone new build hotel is anticipated to commence construction in October 2019.
Legionnaires at Sheraton?: Five guests who stayed at the Sheraton Atlanta have become sick with Legionnaires’ disease, prompting the hotel to shut down on Monday for further investigation into the source of the inflection. The bacterium causing Legionnaires’ has not yet been confirmed at the hotel, which has hired outside experts to conduct testing. More than 400 guests have been relocated to nearby hotels.
Yosemite hotels renamed: A US$12 million settlement reached between a former concessionaire and the National Park Service has restored the original names of most of the service businesses in Yosemite National Park. DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite (Delaware North), the U.S. government and Yosemite Hospitality (Aramark) have settled Delaware North’s lawsuit over the rights to park names under a former concession contract with the park service, the agency said. The agreement will restore the name of the Ahwahnee Hotel, which has been known as the The Majestic Yosemite Hotel since 2016. In addition the Wawona Hotel will get its name back after being known for the past few years as the Big Trees Lodge. Curry Village, which became Half Dome Village while the lawsuit was being decided, has its name back. And the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area will revert to its original name of Badger Pass Ski Area. Under the settlement, the trademarks and service marks will be transferred from Delaware North to Aramark, the NPS said in a statement.
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