| December 2, 2008 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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- San Francisco hotels put on the ritz, despite economy
High-end hotels in the San Francisco area are going more upscale with the renovations and amenities, despite the tough economy. At the InterContinental San Francisco, that includes a restaurant offering baby calamari and poached egg, and the Hyatt Regency San Francisco completed a multimillion-dollar makeover this year. TheStreet.com
(12/1)      
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- Mumbai attacks put spotlight on hotel security measures
Last week's terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, have launched a discussion on how to install adequate security measures at international hotels that are frequented by business travelers and often attract crowds. The Association of Corporate Travel Executives has issued a list of security practices that it plans to promote to hotels, including training on evacuating guests, installing secondary communications such as a PA system, and providing blueprints and other detailed hotel information to police and fire officials. USA TODAY
(12/2)
- Mumbai hospitality sites look to reopen following attacks
Hotels and cafes in Mumbai, India, that were the scene of terrorist attacks are vowing to reopen as soon as possible. The iconic Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, where 11 employees and the general manager's wife and two children were killed, says it will rebuild to bring the hotel back to its glory. USA TODAY
(12/1)
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Trident hotel to reopen soon, company says: Oberoi says that its Trident hotel in Mumbai, India, should be back in business in 10 to 12 days after being one of the sites of terrorist attacks in the city. Unlike the company's Oberoi hotel, the Trident did not sustain much damage in the attacks; however, 32 people, including three foreigners and 10 hotel staffers, were killed. The Hindu (India)/Press Trust of India
(12/1)
| Market Trends | | |
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- Global economic slump hits international travel
Hotels in Rome and other major cities are watching occupancies drop as the global economic slump keeps many travelers at home. In Rome, occupancies dropped 17.5% in October compared with the same time last year, and the International Air Transport Association reports a 1.3% drop in international passenger traffic for October compared with a year earlier. This comes on top of a 2.9% drop in September. Google/The Associated Press
(12/2)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Job candidates should feel connection with hiring team
The secret to inspiring job candidates to join your company is developing a relationship with them during the interview process. Some candidates might not accept a job offer if they do not feel a connection with the hiring team. Recruiting top performers begins with the first interview, which should be relaxed and friendly in tone. Hotel News Resource
(11/27)
- Why we procrastinate and how to stop
Foot-dragging, it turns out, has a basis in evolutionary biology, but it also damages morale and the bottom line. Some experts say scheduling disagreeable tasks is key. "You have to make a specific commitment to a time and place at which to act beforehand," says one psychologist. Once dawdlers get started, they often find the anxiety was worse than the task itself. Scientific American magazine
(11/2008)
| Development | | |
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- Deutsche Bank sues Trump over construction loan default
Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas has filed a lawsuit claiming that Donald Trump owes the bank $40 million after allegedly defaulting on a $640 million construction loan. The loan in question was for Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago. Meanwhile, Trump said construction of the building will be completed within five months. Trump last month filed suit against Deutsche Bank in an attempt to excuse a repayment of more than $330 million. Meanwhile, Trump's company this week received about $13.2 million from Deutsche Bank to continue funding the construction of the building. Chicago Tribune
(12/1), Chicago Tribune
(12/2)
| AH&LA News | | |
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Get employee health insurance for 25% less
AH&LA provides various medical and dental umbrella-plan packages, including exclusive group health insurance plan quotes from Aetna, all at the best possible values and highest level of service and flexibility. For more information, click here.
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Card-check educational video available for download
Card-check legislation is a serious union threat to your workplace. AH&LA Governmental Affairs' eight-minute online video teaches your managerial staff about card check, what this proposed law will do to a hotel's work force and how it will take away your employees' secret-ballot rights. Learn about organized labor's plans to unionize America's small and large lodging properties -- download this video today.
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