| November 17, 2009 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
 |  |
- New Marriott structure will bring Ritz-Carlton under corporate umbrella
Marriott International is undergoing a global restructuring that will divide the company into four divisions and bring Ritz-Carlton brand operations, which has previously operated as a stand-alone division, into Marriott's corporate operations. Under the reshuffling, four continental offices will be set up, each with its own president and resources to operate independently. Travel Weekly
(11/16)
      
 | CATCH INSIDE THE NFL™! Every game, every team, every week all in HD. The Emmy® -winning INSIDE THE NFL is back for a new season on SHOWTIME®. Hosts Phil Simms, Cris Collinsworth, James Brown and Warren Sapp bring you expert insight, incisive commentary and exclusive coverage in heart-pounding HD every Wednesday at 9 PM (ET/PT), only on SHOWTIME. |
| Business Update |  | |
|
- Lift of Cuba travel ban would have most benefit for Sol Melia
A bill being taken up on Capitol Hill this week to end a 46-year ban on U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba could wind up benefiting Spanish hotelier Sol Melia SA more than American rivals such as Marriott International, and could potentially draw business away from U.S.-operated Caribbean resorts. Under the trade embargo, U.S. hotel operators would be prohibited from lodging the 1.1 million American visitors expected to visit the country annually if the ban is lifted, meaning the main economic beneficiary would be Sol Melia, which manages 24 hotels on the communist island. Bloomberg
(11/16)
- Hyatt: Only 6 fired housekeepers have accepted new jobs
Only six of 98 Boston housekeepers who were laid off by Hyatt Hotels Corp. in August and replaced by outsourced workers at lower wages have accepted offers of alternative employment from the company, according to a Hyatt manager. Philip Stamm, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Boston and head of Hyatt's task force on the matter, said the layoffs, which sparked national criticism, were made to protect the company's viability during the downturn, and the company believes the workers have been misinformed about the new jobs offered with affiliate United Services Cos., which would match their previous pay. Reuters
(11/16)
- Ritz-Carlton exec discusses brand's future
 Simon Cooper, president of global operations for Ritz-Carlton, says it's been a "tumultuous year" for the brand. In this interview with Travel Weekly, Cooper discusses the landscape for luxury hotels, Marriott International's reorganization and how it will affect the future of Ritz-Carlton. Travel Weekly
(11/16)
| Market Trends | | |
|
- Analysts forecast jump in Vegas hotel revenue
Some analysts predict that the opening of CityCenter will jump-start the Las Vegas economy, while others maintain that the luxury resort will take business from other casinos. Although MGM Mirage boasted a hotel occupancy rate of 95% for the third quarter, room rates were down $31 on average as compared with last year. CB Richard Ellis forecasts hotel revenue in Las Vegas will increase by 3% to 7% next year with the opening of CityCenter. Las Vegas Sun
(11/16)
- Luxury hotels continue to pop up across Caribbean islands
Developers in the Caribbean appear to believe that if they build it, tourists will come. Despite significant challenges to the global economy as well as the economy in the Caribbean, luxury hotels with lavish spas, large suites and infinity pools are being developed on many of the area's islands. Airlines and tourism boards are helping keep the tone optimistic by adding flights and activities. The New York Times
(11/15)
- Hotel peeping Tom cases spark debate over blame
Although there's plenty of blame to go around in the two recent peeping Tom cases involving hotel guests being unknowingly filmed while in the privacy of their rooms, the main emphasis is misdirected, said American Hotel & Lodging Association President and CEO Joe McInerney. "The whole thing got out of proportion. The question shouldn't be how did (Michael David Barrett -- a suspect) get the room next to (sportscaster Erin Andrews, who was filmed) but how did the pictures get taken. Being in the next room doesn't matter. People are missing the point. If a guest notices that someone is harassing or following them, they should report it," he said. Hotel Interactive
(11/16)
- Poll: Nearly half of Americans to take trip before April
A survey from Deloitte found that about 18% of U.S. consumers said they would take a leisure trip during Thanksgiving week, while 45% said they will do so between Thanksgiving and March. About 27% are planning to spend more on leisure travel this year, 37% expect to spend roughly the same amount as last year, and 35% said they will likely spend less. The survey also delved into changing traveler trends and habits. Yahoo!/The Associated Press
(11/16)
| Best Practices | | |
|
- 5 tips to tame a frantic schedule
To bring more clarity to a busy life, don't attend meetings where there's not a clear agenda or reason for you to be there, writes Steve Roesler. Also, become a more focused and accurate communicator, learn to say "no" and consider consequences before rushing into action. AllThingsWorkplace.com
(11/16)
| Development | | |
|
- Langham Hotels plans Bahamas resort
Langham Hotels International, based in Hong Kong, is planning to make its debut in the Caribbean with a 224-room resort on Long Island, Bahamas. The Langham Place, Port St. George, will be part of a 1,000-acre development to include a marina and golf course, and the scheduled opening is 2013. Travel Weekly
(11/16)
 |
|  |
| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
The Ascend Collection® hotel membership program by Choice Hotels® represents a distinct opportunity for independent hoteliers. Ascend Collection members are able to retain their local identity, individuality and signage while benefiting from Choice Hotels strong, global distribution system. Learn more.
 |
|
|
Interested in learning more about advertising in the AH&LA SmartBrief? Contact Susan W. Kim at 703-909-7337 or skim@smartbrief.com.
 |
| |
 |
|  |
| AH&LA News | | |
|
-
Slash your energy costs now
The AH&LA Energy Program provides a comprehensive solution to lower energy usage and costs for members operating more than 2,000 rooms. Through Burton Energy Group, members secure more competitive electricity and natural gas prices in deregulated markets. Qualifying members can also implement effective energy- and water-conservation measures. Visit www.ahla.com/energy for more information or contact Burton Energy Group at info@burtonenergygroup.com.
-
The Green Guru has your answer
From questions about composting food waste to forming an environmental committee to recycling batteries, AH&LA's Green Guru will research and answer any member's inquiry free of charge. Who is this all-knowing eco-being? Click here to find out and have your questions answered.
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it."
|
| |
| |
|
Read more at SmartBrief.com |
|
A powerful Web site for SmartBrief readers including:
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| | Recent AH&LA SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, November 16, 2009
- Friday, November 13, 2009
- Thursday, November 12, 2009
- Wednesday, November 11, 2009
- Tuesday, November 10, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Angela Giroux-Scheide
Contributing Editor: Nancy Melville
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2009 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|
