| November 13, 2012 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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- Hotel analysts forecast industry growth despite storm damage
The U.S. lodging industry is expected to see performance improvements this year and in 2013 despite loss of business caused by Hurricane Sandy, a panel of industry experts said during the AH&LA Fall Conference held this week alongside the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show in New York. "Despite Sandy, the underlying trajectory of travel remains," said Warren Marr, a managing director at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Hotel Management online
(11/11)      
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PwC expects weaker revenue growth for hotel industry: PricewaterhouseCoopers reduced its estimates for hotel-revenue growth this year and in 2013 over the effects of Hurricane Sandy and underwhelming third-quarter results from hotel firms. The group cut its growth forecast for revenue per available room this year to 6.6% from the 7.2% growth predicted in August. RevPAR growth in 2013 is expected to reach 5.4%, against an earlier forecast of 5.6%. The group predicts that room rates this year will rise 4.1%, down from 4.6% predicted earlier. Travel Weekly
(11/12)
| Business Update | | |
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- AH&LA selects Kimpton vice president as new chairman
AH&LA has chosen Ron Vlasic to become the group's new chairman, taking over for Nancy Johnson, who is Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group's executive vice president of development for the Americas. Vlasic serves as regional vice president for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in the Midwest and Northwest regions and has served as vice chairman at AH&LA. "Our industry moves fast and customer demands are constantly evolving, so it's crucial that we, as an association, stay on top of developing trends. As chair, I will ensure the programs and initiatives provided by the association are what you, our members, want and need," Vlasic said. Travel Weekly
(11/12), TravelPulse
(11/12)
| Market Trends | | |
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- Global tourism is on the rise, report says
Tourist arrivals are expected to exceed 1 billion in 2012, a 3.4% increase over 2011, the World Travel Market Global Trends Report says. Travel to the Asia-Pacific region and Europe is expected to drive growth. This feature details hotel trends and breaks them down by region. HotelNewsNow.com
(11/9)
- Caribbean hotel markets continue to perform
Several hotel markets in the Caribbean region are enjoying steady business growth as occupancy continues to strengthen, analysts said during last week's HVS Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit in Nassau, Bahamas. "With limited supply entering the market, we expect occupancy levels to increase. Hotels will be able to push average rate, and that's what the market needs," said Parris Jordan, a director at HVS Global Hospitality Services. Demand in the region rose 5.5% year-to-date through September as revenue per available room grew 11.2%. Occupancy during the period rose 6%, and average daily rate was up 4.2%. HotelNewsNow.com
(11/12)
- Atlantic City looks to improve Boardwalk experience with public art
Atlantic City, N.J., officials are hoping to bring in more tourists and enhance the experience of walking along the Boardwalk by adding more attractions such as public art and displays. "We do think it will create interest in people who maybe had never thought of coming to Atlantic City. It really does appeal to the creative class," said Liza Cartmell, president and CEO of the Atlantic City Alliance. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.)
(11/9)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Column: Social-media strategies for a memorable guest stay
Social media can be a powerful tool for hoteliers looking to differentiate their properties through better hospitality, writes Edward Perry, a senior director at Worldhotels. Hoteliers can provide special Twitter addresses that guests can use to ask for destination information or hotel amenities, for instance. "The key here is that people that use social media don't necessarily want to talk to you in person. ... Why not enhance your hotel's guest experience by making it easier for them to engage you on their level?" Perry writes. EyeforTravel
(11/9)
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| Government Affairs | | |
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- AH&LA will pursue vital industry issues during Obama's second term
In the wake of last week's election, AH&LA said it would continue to actively defend the industry's interests during the development of new regulations during President Barack Obama's second term. The association detailed a number of initiatives affecting the lodging industry that it expects the administration to pursue, such as immigration reform, the JOLT Act and labor regulations. HotelsMag.com (free registration)
(11/12)
| 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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