Some current conversation starters…
Cornell University Hotel School to boost executive skills for Australian hoteliers
The world's most famous hotel training academy – the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration – will return to Australia for the first time in 25 years, when it offers its Summer School development programs for Australian hotel executives in May 2014. A 'who's who' of Australian and world hoteliers have attended Cornell's Hotel School, which was the first collegiate program of its kind when it was established in 1922, and now the School will come to Australia to offer local hotel executives the opportunity to hone their skills in the industry.
Saudi tourists spent £78m in London in 2012
Initial estimates on foreign tourist purchases in London during this summer season are estimated to be worth £4 billion. Official statistics have not yet been disclosed. The contribution of Arab citizens to this figure is estimated to be worth £1.3 billion, says the British Commercial Association. The average spending of a Saudi tourist reached about £2,487, followed by that of the UAE at £2,395, then Kuwait at £1965 per head and Russia and Singapore at £1169 and £980 per head. There has been a 36-percent increase in sales due to the contribution of Arab tourism in London. This is translated to a 13.5-percent increase in employment rates. The positive effects of Arab tourism in the UK are not confined to the huge revenues reaped by shops and businesses as a result of Arab procurement, but also contributed to the revival of the hospitality sector as well.
Taiwan to become the next hot spot for hotel investment?
Since the opening of Taiwan's tourism market to mainland tourists in the middle of 2008, visitor arrivals from the mainland have soared 880 per cent, reaching 2.59 million last year. They accounted for about one third of total arrivals on the island – although the figure is still insignificant compared to the 34.9 million mainland visitors to Hong Kong last year. However, with visitor numbers continuing to rise, driven by the seemingly insatiable appetite of mainland tourists for shopping, with a particular focus on luxury goods, is Taiwan set to follow Hong Kong's lead and significantly boost its economy by creating a viable alternative international shopping destination for the region? There is no doubt that the influx of mainland capital and tourists has had a profound impact on Hong Kong's retail and real estate markets. Taiwan's property sector has yet to see any dramatic changes as a result of deregulation which began in 2008, but its retail sector is already being transformed.
Key Appointments in the Industry
Congratulations to these new appointments…
The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS) announced the promotion of Thomas F. Kissinger, 53, to senior executive vice president of The Marcus Corporation. In addition, the company announced the promotions of Steven S. Bartelt to director of legal affairs and Mary Beth Castino to director of risk management. Kissinger will continue to serve as The Marcus Corporation's general counsel and secretary, and will assume added responsibilities for the human resources and corporate real estate departments. He will also work with the company's two divisions on strategic planning.
Accor Appoints Sébastien Bazin as Chairman and CEO. The Board of Directors of Accor that convened on August 27, 2013, chaired by Philippe Citerne, decided to appoint Sébastien Bazin as Chairman and CEO of Accor. To take on this new role, Sébastien Bazin has ended all his duties at Colony Capital, which he had been heading since 1997. Philippe Citerne has been appointed as Vice-Chairman of Accor's Board of Directors.
The Latest in Hotel Openings
Hilton broadens footprint on South Island. Two years after its opening, Hilton Queenstown has expanded its ambitions on the country’s South Island and re-established itself as Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa. “We felt somewhat confined by the original name, which didn’t quite communicate the expansiveness of the guest experience here,” said Andrew Nisbet, general manager. “As a resort and spa, we’re really embracing this destination as a place to experience some of the greatest natural wonders and most exhilarating pursuits available in all New Zealand.” Nisbet added.
Hyatt to acquire The Peabody Orlando. Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced that a wholly owned Hyatt subsidiary plans to purchase the 1,641-room Peabody Orlando hotel for $717 million from UST Hotel Joint Venture, Ltd., comprised of affiliates of Belz Enterprises and Estein & Associates USA, Ltd. The transaction is expected to close on October 1, 2013, and the hotel will be rebranded as Hyatt Regency Orlando Convention Center upon closing.
IHG signs first Hotel Indigo in Finland. InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the signing of its first Hotel Indigo in Finland: Hotel Indigo Helsinki – Boulevard. Due to open in 2015, the 120-room hotel is a conversion of an existing building. It will open under a franchise agreement with International Restel Hotels; a trusted partner who already operate all eight of IHG’s existing hotels in Finland. The hotel will be located in the Kamppi/Punavuori districts of Helsinki which are famous for 19th Century art and architecture, nestled in amongst trendy restaurants and art galleries. Hotel Indigo Helsinki – Boulevard will be designed in every respect to reflect its neighbourhood, the character and history of the surrounding area. As well as boasting a rich historic and cultural offering for tourists, Helsinki is also the international business capital of the Nordics. Helsinki was chosen as World Design Capital in 2012.
Vimana Franchise Systems, LLC has added a new property to their Key West Inn brand. This 52 room property located near the heart of Newport News, VA is just minutes to Colonial Williamsburg and the beach and is in close proximity to the Newport News airport. "Key West offers the best possible franchise agreement out there and that made our choice very simple," said owner, Vishal Amin, "and the executives at Vimana could not be better. I truly feel they have my best interests in mind."
