| December 5, 2008 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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- Smaller hotel sales doing well despite downturn
Despite a big slowdown in the number of hotel sales transactions this year, smaller hotels appear to be faring better. Hunter Realty Associates says it closed three deals for smaller hotels in the past week, and an analysis of third-quarter hotel sales shows that about a third were priced between $10 million and $15 million. GlobeSt.com
(12/4)      
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- Consider guest experience when boosting security
Hotels beefing up security in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks need to consider the impact on guest experience. Smart cards and live video feeds give guests a sense of security, compared to guards and X-ray machines, which may be more alarming, and other measures to increase security include heavy screening of employees and discouraging walk-in customers who do not have reservations. HotelsMag.com
(12/4)
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- Chicago Marriott lobby hosts food and beverage events
The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile hotel has come up with the novel idea of hosting monthly food and beverage events in its recently renovated lobby. The complimentary events have included a wine and cheese sampling and beer and pastry pairings, and the hotel's executive chef is considering bringing expert mixologists to the hotel for a mix-your-own drinks class. Hotels
(12/2008)
| Spotlight on Technology | | |
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- Online hotel group booking tools evolve
Hotels and third-party intermediaries have improved their tools that allow travel and meeting managers to easily book meetings online. Development of the technology for real-time online bookings has taken time, but now that the technology is available, at least one hotel giant said few travel managers are using the new tools. Marriott International introduced its online booking site QuickGroup in June. "We thought that we would see much more group going online, and it hasn't really happened. With our QuickGroup product that we launched this year, frankly we haven't seen the response that we expected," said Amy McPherson, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Marriott. Management.travel
(12/4)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Developing e-mail campaigns that succeed
Marketers can deliver productive, intelligent e-mail campaigns by simply taking advantage of information that is already available to them. A list of six strategies includes sending e-mails reminding customers of items they may have placed in an online shopping cart but then removed, and thanking loyal customers who have sent merchandise information to their friends. MarketingProfs (free registration)
(12/2)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
Honoring Excellence In Travel Marketing
The top hospitality, travel and tourism-related advertising, public relations and Web marketing will be on display at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, January 26, 2009 at the New York Marriott Marquis. This black-tie, multimedia extravaganza celebrates award-winning work and lifetime achievement. Reserve your seats today at www.AdrianAwards.com.
Interested in learning more about advertising in the AH&LA SmartBrief? Contact Susan W. Kim at 703-909-7337 or skim@smartbrief.com.
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| Development | | |
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- Ground broken on new Austin Westin despite downturn
Developers broke ground on a new Westin hotel in Austin, Texas, this week, despite the economic slump. Starwood Hotels and Resorts said it's a perfect time to build because when the hotel opens, the economy should be bouncing back. The developers, White Lodging, plan a 340-room hotel with a restaurant and more than 13,000 square feet of meeting space. Texas Cable News
(12/3)
| AH&LA News | | |
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2009 AH&LA legislative action summit -- save the date
It's an Obama administration. Do you know what the next four years mean for your business? A new national agenda is forming, and you have the power to help shape it. Come to Washington, D.C., on March 16 and 17 and help educate new legislators on key industry issues that affect your bottom line. Registration is now open.
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Get rebates on fuel purchases
AH&LA members can receive a rebate of up to 6.5 cents on every gallon of fuel purchased. That's 2 cents more per gallon than nonassociation members! With special tiered rebates on purchases at BP, and a 2-cent rebate on all gasoline and diesel purchases at other brands, you'll save with every fill-up. Click here for more information.
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- Tuesday, December 02, 2008
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- Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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