News from Lexis Nexis
Orient-Express Says It Did Not Talk Further With Tatas
Orient-Express Holdings, owners of luxury hotels and trains, on Thursday said it had had no further conversations with India's Tata Group for a strategic alliance between them.
Orient-Express Holdings, owners of luxury hotels and trains, on Thursday said it had had no further conversations with India's Tata Group for a strategic alliance between them.
HPL In Deal To Rebuild Hotels In Libya
HOTEL Properties Ltd (HPL) has forged an agreement with Libya's state pension fund manager to rebuild and refurbish hotels in the country, a deal achieved partly thanks to 'middleman' Philip Yeo. Stephen Yeo, executive vice-president of HPL, said on Wednesday evening at a press conference here that many details have yet to be firmed up. But on the cards is the creation of a 50-50 joint venture company with Libya's Social Security Fund Investments Company (SSFI), which manages three to four billion Libyan dinars ($3S.5 to 4.7 billion) in assets, to refurbish Tripoli's Al Kadir hotel to five-star standard for $30US million. Other projects include the building of a 50-storey mixed-use tower in Tripoli for around 150 million euros ($317S.5 million), and the redevelopment of a hotel in Benghazi city, according to SSFI chairman Issa Tuwegiar. SSFI manages 23 hotels, resorts and tourism villages in Libya on behalf of Libya's pension fund.
HOTEL Properties Ltd (HPL) has forged an agreement with Libya's state pension fund manager to rebuild and refurbish hotels in the country, a deal achieved partly thanks to 'middleman' Philip Yeo. Stephen Yeo, executive vice-president of HPL, said on Wednesday evening at a press conference here that many details have yet to be firmed up. But on the cards is the creation of a 50-50 joint venture company with Libya's Social Security Fund Investments Company (SSFI), which manages three to four billion Libyan dinars ($3S.5 to 4.7 billion) in assets, to refurbish Tripoli's Al Kadir hotel to five-star standard for $30US million. Other projects include the building of a 50-storey mixed-use tower in Tripoli for around 150 million euros ($317S.5 million), and the redevelopment of a hotel in Benghazi city, according to SSFI chairman Issa Tuwegiar. SSFI manages 23 hotels, resorts and tourism villages in Libya on behalf of Libya's pension fund.
CEO Gets Sun To Shine In Zimbabwe
A Zimbabwean businessman has startled the international hospitality industry by achieving the seemingly impossible in a country where the local currency has little value and the economy is on the verge of collapse. Shingi Munyeza (42) is the chief executive officer of an established hospitality company, which he has turned into an major success just five years after leading a consortium of "indigenous" business people in acquiring a 35% share in the Zimbabwe Sun group. He assumed leadership of the company, but although he recognised the enormous tourism potential of his country and was determined to push up international arrivals and profits, the Zimbabwe economy was in trouble.
A Zimbabwean businessman has startled the international hospitality industry by achieving the seemingly impossible in a country where the local currency has little value and the economy is on the verge of collapse. Shingi Munyeza (42) is the chief executive officer of an established hospitality company, which he has turned into an major success just five years after leading a consortium of "indigenous" business people in acquiring a 35% share in the Zimbabwe Sun group. He assumed leadership of the company, but although he recognised the enormous tourism potential of his country and was determined to push up international arrivals and profits, the Zimbabwe economy was in trouble.
Hotels Target Execs' Kids To Boost Leisure Stays
Eager to generate more sales from families, hotels are increasingly stepping up efforts to please guests' children. Even hotels that cater to business travelers, such as Embassy Suites and Omni, have introduced child-friendly amenities to boost leisure bookings and encourage customers to bring family members. Goodie bags, toys and goldfish brought to the room, kid suites and baby-sitting services are among the latest developments. Plans for an entirely new chain aimed at children also are in the works.
Eager to generate more sales from families, hotels are increasingly stepping up efforts to please guests' children. Even hotels that cater to business travelers, such as Embassy Suites and Omni, have introduced child-friendly amenities to boost leisure bookings and encourage customers to bring family members. Goodie bags, toys and goldfish brought to the room, kid suites and baby-sitting services are among the latest developments. Plans for an entirely new chain aimed at children also are in the works.
Armani To Open Armani Hotel in Dubai 2009
(ANSA) - Rome, May 8 - Armani Hotels & Resorts of Italian fashion guru Giorgio Armani will open the Armani Hotel in the Burj Dubai tower in Dubai in 2009, it emerged at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai running until May 9, 2008.
(ANSA) - Rome, May 8 - Armani Hotels & Resorts of Italian fashion guru Giorgio Armani will open the Armani Hotel in the Burj Dubai tower in Dubai in 2009, it emerged at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai running until May 9, 2008.
Luxury Collection Unveils Signature Travel Services
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 65 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries, today announced the launch of two new signature services that will allow guests the luxury of traveling luggage free and having access to a world of newspapers and publications at their fingertips. Through these newly launched partnerships with industry leaders, Luggage Forward and NewspaperDirect, The Luxury Collection has created two new guest services that offer an unrivaled level of travel experiences tailored to its sophisticated global explorers. The award-winning hotels that make up The Luxury Collection are some of the world's most iconic properties, including Hotel Marqués de Riscal, Elciego; Mystique, Santorni; Hotel Imperial, Kuala Lumpur; Grande Bregtagne, Athens; The U.S. Grant, San Diego and The Phoenician, Scottsdale. "We define The Luxury Collection by our guests and the experiences and services they demand and expect. Nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do," said Ross Klein, President of Starwood's Luxury Brands Group. "We are proud to launch the brand's first global partnerships in our continued effort to offer our global guests a portal to the world's most enriching experiences found only within The Luxury Collection." The Luxury Collection Launches Luxury Collection Luggage Liaison
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 65 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries, today announced the launch of two new signature services that will allow guests the luxury of traveling luggage free and having access to a world of newspapers and publications at their fingertips. Through these newly launched partnerships with industry leaders, Luggage Forward and NewspaperDirect, The Luxury Collection has created two new guest services that offer an unrivaled level of travel experiences tailored to its sophisticated global explorers. The award-winning hotels that make up The Luxury Collection are some of the world's most iconic properties, including Hotel Marqués de Riscal, Elciego; Mystique, Santorni; Hotel Imperial, Kuala Lumpur; Grande Bregtagne, Athens; The U.S. Grant, San Diego and The Phoenician, Scottsdale. "We define The Luxury Collection by our guests and the experiences and services they demand and expect. Nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do," said Ross Klein, President of Starwood's Luxury Brands Group. "We are proud to launch the brand's first global partnerships in our continued effort to offer our global guests a portal to the world's most enriching experiences found only within The Luxury Collection." The Luxury Collection Launches Luxury Collection Luggage Liaison
Sunstone Reports Revenue Increase For Q1 2008
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., May 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the "Company")(NYSE:SHO)today announced results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. First Quarter 2008 Highlights (as compared to first quarter 2007): -- Total revenue increased by 9.4% to $248.7 million. -- Total portfolio RevPAR increased 3.1% to $116.69. -- Comparable Portfolio RevPAR increased 1.6% to $115.36. -- Total hotel operating profit margin increased 20 bps to 26.3%. -- Comparable hotel operating profit margin decreased 30 bps to 26.2%. -- Loss attributable to common stockholders per diluted share increased from $0.01 to $0.07. -- Adjusted EBITDA increased 0.8% to $61.4 million. -- Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders increased 1.0% to $30.2 million. -- Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders per diluted share was flat at $0.48.
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., May 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the "Company")(NYSE:SHO)today announced results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. First Quarter 2008 Highlights (as compared to first quarter 2007): -- Total revenue increased by 9.4% to $248.7 million. -- Total portfolio RevPAR increased 3.1% to $116.69. -- Comparable Portfolio RevPAR increased 1.6% to $115.36. -- Total hotel operating profit margin increased 20 bps to 26.3%. -- Comparable hotel operating profit margin decreased 30 bps to 26.2%. -- Loss attributable to common stockholders per diluted share increased from $0.01 to $0.07. -- Adjusted EBITDA increased 0.8% to $61.4 million. -- Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders increased 1.0% to $30.2 million. -- Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders per diluted share was flat at $0.48.
Orbitz Expands Hotel Presence In Dubai With Emirates Deal
CHICAGO, May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orbitz Worldwide(NYSE:OWW), a leading global online travel company, today announced it has reached a distribution agreement with Emirates Hotels & Resorts, the premier hospitality management division of Dubai-based Emirates Airline. The agreement paves the way for inventory of Harbour Hotel & Residence -- the division's first city-based hotel in Dubai -- to be made available through a portfolio of Orbitz Worldwide online travel brands, including Orbitz ( http://www.orbitz.com/ ), CheapTickets ( http://www.cheaptickets.com/ ), ebookers.com ( http://www.ebookers.com/ ) and HotelClub ( http://www.hotelclub.com/ ). (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070813/AQM125LOGO )
CHICAGO, May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orbitz Worldwide(NYSE:OWW), a leading global online travel company, today announced it has reached a distribution agreement with Emirates Hotels & Resorts, the premier hospitality management division of Dubai-based Emirates Airline. The agreement paves the way for inventory of Harbour Hotel & Residence -- the division's first city-based hotel in Dubai -- to be made available through a portfolio of Orbitz Worldwide online travel brands, including Orbitz ( http://www.orbitz.com/ ), CheapTickets ( http://www.cheaptickets.com/ ), ebookers.com ( http://www.ebookers.com/ ) and HotelClub ( http://www.hotelclub.com/ ). (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070813/AQM125LOGO )
Taiwan Can Cope With Influx Of Mainland Tourists
Taiwan's tourism and airline industries have the capacity to cope with the influx of tourists expected under the incoming government's plan to open the country to more Chinese tourists in July, the Tourism Bureau said Thursday. In a report to the Legislative Yuan's Transportation Committee, the bureau noted there are 146 travel agencies in Taiwan that are licensed to serve tour groups from China.
Taiwan's tourism and airline industries have the capacity to cope with the influx of tourists expected under the incoming government's plan to open the country to more Chinese tourists in July, the Tourism Bureau said Thursday. In a report to the Legislative Yuan's Transportation Committee, the bureau noted there are 146 travel agencies in Taiwan that are licensed to serve tour groups from China.
Australia's Tourism Sector Urged To Innovate
Chanting fills the air and the screen reveals snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, sparkling bays and golden architecture. Camels step through vast deserts, beautiful women dance and richly adorned elephants parade. Then the magnificent Taj Mahal comes into shot and we are invited to "experience India". The promotional video for Indian tourism has just been shown to 600 tourism providers gathered at an industry conference in Newcastle, New South Wales, to discuss the future of Australia's lucrative but stagnating tourism industry.
Chanting fills the air and the screen reveals snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, sparkling bays and golden architecture. Camels step through vast deserts, beautiful women dance and richly adorned elephants parade. Then the magnificent Taj Mahal comes into shot and we are invited to "experience India". The promotional video for Indian tourism has just been shown to 600 tourism providers gathered at an industry conference in Newcastle, New South Wales, to discuss the future of Australia's lucrative but stagnating tourism industry.
Raffles Hotel Set To Sell At Hefty Price
MYSTERY buyers are set to acquire the historic Raffles Hotel for more than treble the $200 million it sold for just three years ago. The 121-year-old hotel and the adjoining shopping arcade are changing hands again after a consortium led by a Singapore-based banker agreed to buy the property, the American and Middle Eastern owners announced yesterday. The eye-popping price tag is about $650 million, The Business Times (BT) reported yesterday.
MYSTERY buyers are set to acquire the historic Raffles Hotel for more than treble the $200 million it sold for just three years ago. The 121-year-old hotel and the adjoining shopping arcade are changing hands again after a consortium led by a Singapore-based banker agreed to buy the property, the American and Middle Eastern owners announced yesterday. The eye-popping price tag is about $650 million, The Business Times (BT) reported yesterday.
Hilton Opens Third Miami Hotel
Travelers to Miami will have even more to choose from as Hilton Hotels & Resorts opened the doors to its newest metropolitan property, the Hilton Miami Downtown. Located in Miami's bustling and burgeoning downtown district, the contemporary 527-room hotel features newly renovated guestrooms, including 58 suites that overlook Biscayne Bay and the downtown skyline. Previously operated as the Miami Biscayne Hotel, the Hilton Miami Downtown is a premier full-service hotel located near the city's financial district, recently built Adrienne Ardsht Performing Arts Center, and world-class restaurants and shopping opportunities. Its location coupled with expansive meeting space makes the hotel an ideal choice for business, leisure and convention guests. The new Hilton joins two others: the Hilton Miami Airport and the Hilton Bentley on South Beach. The Hilton Miami Downtown is operated by Argent Ventures, LLC under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Inns, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation. The hotel is owned by Morgan Stanley and Argent Ventures, and managed by Pyramid Hotel Group.
Travelers to Miami will have even more to choose from as Hilton Hotels & Resorts opened the doors to its newest metropolitan property, the Hilton Miami Downtown. Located in Miami's bustling and burgeoning downtown district, the contemporary 527-room hotel features newly renovated guestrooms, including 58 suites that overlook Biscayne Bay and the downtown skyline. Previously operated as the Miami Biscayne Hotel, the Hilton Miami Downtown is a premier full-service hotel located near the city's financial district, recently built Adrienne Ardsht Performing Arts Center, and world-class restaurants and shopping opportunities. Its location coupled with expansive meeting space makes the hotel an ideal choice for business, leisure and convention guests. The new Hilton joins two others: the Hilton Miami Airport and the Hilton Bentley on South Beach. The Hilton Miami Downtown is operated by Argent Ventures, LLC under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Inns, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation. The hotel is owned by Morgan Stanley and Argent Ventures, and managed by Pyramid Hotel Group.
Raffles Hotel May Change Hands Again For $650M
(SINGAPORE) Raffles Hotel is believed to be changing hands again, along with its adjoining shopping arcade. The overseas buyer is understood to be a family trust, most likely linked to a European family.
(SINGAPORE) Raffles Hotel is believed to be changing hands again, along with its adjoining shopping arcade. The overseas buyer is understood to be a family trust, most likely linked to a European family.
InterContinental Shrugs Off Credit Crunch
InterContinental Hotels shrugged off the effects of the global credit squeeze and signed up close on 20,000 new rooms in the first quarter of 2008. This boosted the group's overall pipeline to 231,553 rooms - the equivalent of 1,720 hotels - with the bulk of the growth coming in the Americas, where over 15,000 rooms were agreed in the three months to the end of March.
InterContinental Hotels shrugged off the effects of the global credit squeeze and signed up close on 20,000 new rooms in the first quarter of 2008. This boosted the group's overall pipeline to 231,553 rooms - the equivalent of 1,720 hotels - with the bulk of the growth coming in the Americas, where over 15,000 rooms were agreed in the three months to the end of March.
Kharafi Group To Create Integrated Hotel Development In Damascus
The M.A. Kharafi Group of Kuwait has established the Kiwan Tourist Investment Company to build, finance, equip, and operate a major tourism & commercial project - the "Kiwan project" - in the heart of Damascus (Omaweyine Square).
The M.A. Kharafi Group of Kuwait has established the Kiwan Tourist Investment Company to build, finance, equip, and operate a major tourism & commercial project - the "Kiwan project" - in the heart of Damascus (Omaweyine Square).
Fairmont To Operate New Hotel In Saudi Arabia
A spokesperson for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts announced that the entity is planning to operate a new hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Gulf News reported. He further added that the hotel is scheduled to open in September of the current year. The hotel, known as the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, will be among the world's tallest towers, standing 577 meters high. The development's unique and distinctive features will ensure a landmark presence, including a 40-metre clock, able to be seen 17 kilometers away. The hotel will be the focal point of the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex, part of the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project. He concluded that the Makkah Clock Royal Tower will house 1,005 guest-rooms and suites and will feature Fairmont Gold which is the company's exclusive hotel within a hotel, as well as numerous dining outlets.
A spokesperson for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts announced that the entity is planning to operate a new hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Gulf News reported. He further added that the hotel is scheduled to open in September of the current year. The hotel, known as the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, will be among the world's tallest towers, standing 577 meters high. The development's unique and distinctive features will ensure a landmark presence, including a 40-metre clock, able to be seen 17 kilometers away. The hotel will be the focal point of the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex, part of the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project. He concluded that the Makkah Clock Royal Tower will house 1,005 guest-rooms and suites and will feature Fairmont Gold which is the company's exclusive hotel within a hotel, as well as numerous dining outlets.
City Hotels See Drop In RevPAR
Birmingham's hotel industry witnessed a fall in revenue per available room (revPAR) during the first quarter of 2008, according to new research from accountants Deloitte. But average room rates are up and there is hope that it could buck the current troubled economic conditions.
Birmingham's hotel industry witnessed a fall in revenue per available room (revPAR) during the first quarter of 2008, according to new research from accountants Deloitte. But average room rates are up and there is hope that it could buck the current troubled economic conditions.
DIY DESIGN: It's Checkout Time
CUSTOM HOTEL -- ARCHITECT Welton Becket, whose firm built the Capitol Records building, designed this 1960s tower near Los Angeles International Airport. Developer Avi Brosh recently reimagined it as a loft-style business hotel whose exposed concrete columns, burnished cinder-block walls and Cementi floor tiles have an industrial feel. The lobby is warmed up with cork stools designed by Jasper Morrison for and woolly sheep sculptures from Moss with wooden legs and leather ears. "They have been kidnapped and found all over the hotel," an amused desk clerk says. "But they always find their way home in the morning." One coffee table sports a photo- engraved concrete top with the image of Becket, an effect that can be duplicated by Texas-based Intaglio Composites for a price. (The Custom's cost $7,760.) An easier look to emulate: artists' flat filing cabinets used as coffee tables, balanced by upholstered sectionals with purple and pink pillows.
CUSTOM HOTEL -- ARCHITECT Welton Becket, whose firm built the Capitol Records building, designed this 1960s tower near Los Angeles International Airport. Developer Avi Brosh recently reimagined it as a loft-style business hotel whose exposed concrete columns, burnished cinder-block walls and Cementi floor tiles have an industrial feel. The lobby is warmed up with cork stools designed by Jasper Morrison for and woolly sheep sculptures from Moss with wooden legs and leather ears. "They have been kidnapped and found all over the hotel," an amused desk clerk says. "But they always find their way home in the morning." One coffee table sports a photo- engraved concrete top with the image of Becket, an effect that can be duplicated by Texas-based Intaglio Composites for a price. (The Custom's cost $7,760.) An easier look to emulate: artists' flat filing cabinets used as coffee tables, balanced by upholstered sectionals with purple and pink pillows.
Global Hyatt Begins 2008 With Aggressive Growth Pace
Hyatt Has More Than 60 Full-Service Hotels in the Pipeline Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 8 May 2008 - On the heels of the recent announcement of its new luxury brand, Andaz, and reaching the 100-hotel milestone of Hyatt Place hotels in the United States, one of the worlds leading hospitality companies, continues its global development pace at an unprecedented speed. With more than 50 full service hotels in the pipeline, Hyatt has announced 14 hotels under development in greater China alone, as well as five hotels in Russia/CIS with other high-profile properties to open in Europe, Middle East, and The Americas. Global projects recently opened or underway include: EUROPE AND MIDDLE EAST Hyatt Regency Kiev (234 Rooms, Opened July 2007) - Sleek and stylish, Hyatt Regency Kiev opened with 234 generously sized deluxe rooms, including 25 suites. Rooms are geared towards the comfort and needs of the global business traveler with high-tech communications and ergonomic working areas. Luxurious bathrooms with under floor heating, deep-soaking baths and exceptional rain showers set the scene for a unique in-room experience.
Hyatt Has More Than 60 Full-Service Hotels in the Pipeline Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 8 May 2008 - On the heels of the recent announcement of its new luxury brand, Andaz, and reaching the 100-hotel milestone of Hyatt Place hotels in the United States, one of the worlds leading hospitality companies, continues its global development pace at an unprecedented speed. With more than 50 full service hotels in the pipeline, Hyatt has announced 14 hotels under development in greater China alone, as well as five hotels in Russia/CIS with other high-profile properties to open in Europe, Middle East, and The Americas. Global projects recently opened or underway include: EUROPE AND MIDDLE EAST Hyatt Regency Kiev (234 Rooms, Opened July 2007) - Sleek and stylish, Hyatt Regency Kiev opened with 234 generously sized deluxe rooms, including 25 suites. Rooms are geared towards the comfort and needs of the global business traveler with high-tech communications and ergonomic working areas. Luxurious bathrooms with under floor heating, deep-soaking baths and exceptional rain showers set the scene for a unique in-room experience.
Rosewood Hotels Launches Dubai Project
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has launched the Rosewood Dubai project at the Arabian Travel Market. The 154-room and 36-suite Rosewood Dubai is to offer two world-class restaurants, an exquisite ballroom, and 49 Rosewood Residences for extended stays. In addition, guests can enjoy the Rosewood Spa, an 18,000-square-foot sanctuary offering a rooftop pool and fitness centre, 12 treatment rooms, including one exclusively for men, a Hammam, and two private spa suites. Spacious, high-tech meeting and banquet facilities with the personalised services of a meeting butler, a Grand Ballroom for up to 400 persons, four individual state-of-the-art meeting venues catering for 20 - 200 guests, and three executive boardrooms are to be offered too.
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Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has launched the Rosewood Dubai project at the Arabian Travel Market. The 154-room and 36-suite Rosewood Dubai is to offer two world-class restaurants, an exquisite ballroom, and 49 Rosewood Residences for extended stays. In addition, guests can enjoy the Rosewood Spa, an 18,000-square-foot sanctuary offering a rooftop pool and fitness centre, 12 treatment rooms, including one exclusively for men, a Hammam, and two private spa suites. Spacious, high-tech meeting and banquet facilities with the personalised services of a meeting butler, a Grand Ballroom for up to 400 persons, four individual state-of-the-art meeting venues catering for 20 - 200 guests, and three executive boardrooms are to be offered too.
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