| December 5, 2012 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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- Dalian Wanda studying hotel, film investment opportunities in U.S.
Wang Jianlin, chairman and founder of the Dalian Wanda Group, says his firm is in talks with a number of major hotel chains for potential mergers and acquisitions in its bid to enter the U.S. lodging market. "[W]e're in negotiations with the city governments of Washington, D.C., New York and other American cities for the construction of hotels, department stores and commercial properties," Wang said. The China-based firm is also negotiating with several Hollywood movie companies to co-produce films. Reuters
(12/3)      
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| Business Update | | |
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| Market Trends | | |
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- Foreign visitors set new spending record in September
Spending by foreign visitors has been increasing in the past three years, and spending in September continued this year's pace toward a new record. A report from the Department of Commerce shows that spending by foreign travelers to the U.S. reached $13.9 billion, a 4% increase over the same month last year. Total spending for the year is on track to break a record. Los Angeles Times/Money & Co. blog (tiered subscription model)
(12/3)
- How hotel retail is evolving with pop-up shops, experiences
When hotels create stores, they aren't just looking to sell merchandise. Instead, pop-up shops in places such as Miami's James Royal Palm hotel are looking to provide guests and customers with an experience. The shop, dubbed "Give," is loaded with merchandise with proceeds that help others. Another example of a niche store is at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, in Wyoming, which features goods made by local artists. USA Today
(12/3)
- Spanish hotels are expected to post weak winter performance
Spanish hotel operators are holding a bleak business outlook for the winter season, a survey by the Confederation of Spanish Hotels and Tourist Accommodations has found. Expected results in terms of rates, profitability, overnight stays and length of stay dropped 31% from those in the previous year. HotelNewsNow.com
(12/3)
| Spotlight on Technology | | |
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- IPad use is gaining ground in the hotel space
The iPad is fast becoming a standard amenity in hotel lobbies and guest spaces as the industry continues to integrate the device more deeply into its operations. These days, iPads in several hotels are being promoted as tools for guests to check in, to check area information, order room service or reserve a table at the hotel restaurant. USA Today/Hotel Check-in blog
(12/4)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Column: Why hotels shouldn't lift cancel, no-show fees
An American Hotel & Lodging Association survey this year found that the percentage of hotels charging for late cancellation in 2012 was 68% -- down nine points from 2010 figures. Although hotels counted on these fees to offset revenue declines during the recession, they may not want to remove them in order to appeal to customers. Gerry Chase, president and chief operating officer of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, says that when space and time are unused due to a cancellation, a hotel cannot recoup the revenue -- or at least part of it -- without a fee. HotelNewsNow.com
(12/3)
| Development | | |
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- Accor launches renovation program for Pullman Hotels in Paris
Five hotels in Paris under Accor's Pullman Hotels brand will be receiving an overhaul under the hotel group's "Pullman Paris Live" project. Interiors at the hotels, including a total of 2,510 rooms and 28,000 square feet of public spaces, will undergo an extensive redesign that is expected to finish in 2014. TravelPulse
(12/3)
- Luxury Collection will conclude restoration project on European hotels
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a Starwood brand, is preparing to unveil the results of a restoration and renovation project on two of its iconic hotels in Europe -- the Gritti Palace in Venice, Italy, and Prince de Galles in Paris. The renovations were part of a $200 million initiative by the Luxury Collection that included work on the Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian, Spain, and the Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville, Spain, both of which reopened this year. Travel Weekly
(12/4), TravelPulse
(12/4)
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| AH&LA News | | |
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Report examines top multicultural groups' spending power
AH&LA's foundation funded a study to quantify the travel and spending power of the top five multicultural groups: African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) and females. Providing a snapshot of the size and potential economic effect if the groups' spending power is harnessed, the report also examines differences in media usage, leisure travel activities and attitudes toward travel. AH&LA members can download for free.
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Young professionals get connected to the industry
AH&LA's Under 30 Gateway offers members free access to the mentorship program, quarterly Webinars and exclusive publications, as well as discounts on training and certification through the Educational Institute and invitations to events just for young professionals. Check out the wealth of resources available at www.ahla.com/Gateway. It's free to anyone employed at an AH&LA member organization, so spread the word.
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