Accor grows in private rental: Private home and villa rental company, onefinestay, founded in 2010 and now part of Accor, is expanding into 14 new destinations across Europe and Rocky Mountain resorts in the U.S. The latest expansion will grow onefinestay’s collection by more than 500 villas and chalets. It most recently debuted in Cannes, France, and the Greek island of Santorini.
PwC surveys travel sentiments: In a recent study by PwC, more than 1300 people were asked about travel preferences for 2021. The results show that 70% of respondents favour vaccination verification, with only 14% saying they would be upset if asked for proof of vaccination. In terms of brand loyalty, 60% of respondents said the most important reason for switching is better pricing, offers or packages. Flexibility was also cited as a key factor. The study also focused on business travel: 40% of business travelers believe they will meet or exceed pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022. However, 75% are unexcited about or indifferent to traveling again for work.
Good news for US travelers to Europe: The EU digital COVID-19 certificate for travel can be opened to non-EU international travelers, including those from the U.S., according to an EU Commission spokesperson. This would be subject to individual member states’ acceptance of proof of vaccination, a negative test result or recovery from COVID infection. The decision would rest with each individual member state. The spokesperson also said the EU Commission was in talks with the United States on a U.S. COVID-19 certificate which EU states could accept as equivalent. This comes after news that seven European countries had started issuing EU digital COVID certificates for travel within the bloc.
UNWTO report on international tourism: The UNWTO Confidence Index shows signs of a slow uptick in confidence, even though International tourist arrivals were down 83% in the first quarter of 2021 due to widespread travel restrictions still in place. Between January and March 2021, destinations around the world welcomed 180 million fewer international arrivals compared to the first quarter of last year. The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer also shows the economic toll of the pandemic. International tourism receipts in 2020 declined by 64% in real terms (local currencies, constant prices), cutting the overall worldwide exports value by over 4% in 2020. Lack of coordination is also impacting tourism’s rebound, according to UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
Fiduciam saves hotel in time for G7: London-based lender Fiduciam has completed a £7.5 million loan to enable the Treloyhan Manor Hotel in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, England, to resume trading in advance of the G7. The Treloyhan will be used to house G7 police forces for the event, June 11-13. The hotel’s previous owner was Methodist Guild Holidays Ltd., which went into administration in March 2020. It took over a year to find a new operator. The hotel is now operated by Northhold Group and affiliates.
Dubai’s future: KPMG research shows that 75% of Dubai hoteliers expect the COVID vaccine to boost business. Fully, 50% expect occupancy rates above 60% for 2021 and 75% expect occupancy to surpass pre-COVID 2019 level by 2023. In addition, half expect ADR of US$120-150 this year, while 25% expect more than US$150. Fully, 83% expect ADR to reach pre-COVID levels in 2023. In April 2021, Dubai occupancy hit 60% after hitting 12-month highs during the winter months.
Aloft Santa Clara under new management: HRI Lodging is set to take over management of the 175-room Aloft Santa Clara in San Jose, California. It will become the company’s first managed property in San Jose. HRI will provide a renovation to the hotel’s rooms and public areas to further enhance the guest experience.