| October 18, 2012 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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- Accor reports decreased revenue growth in Q3
Third-quarter revenue growth for Accor slowed to 1.3% on a like-for-like basis compared with growth of 3.1% in the previous quarter, as the company reported deteriorating business in its south European markets. Sales during the quarter reached $1.93 billion, Accor reported. Reuters
(10/16), HotelsMag.com (free registration)
(10/16)      
 | This white paper focuses on how hospitality and gaming organizations can take better advantage of the blending of social media, location-specific searches and mobile device usage. Eleven tips for using analytics to enhance customer-focused marketing are discussed, with a focus on delivering offers that are relevant, personal and immediate. |
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- Starwood's expansion plan in Australia includes Aloft brand debut
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide plans to add more Four Points by Sheraton properties in Australia as it looks to introduce its Aloft brand in the country, the company says. Andrew Taylor, a Starwood director for the Pacific region, outlined the company's goals of having a Four Points by Sheraton hotel in each state capital and as many as 15 Aloft-brand properties in the country within five years. "We're pursuing Aloft and Four Points deals in both new-build projects and rebranding opportunities," Taylor said. Bloomberg
(10/17)
- AMResorts launches new Breathless resort brand
AMResorts has unveiled its sixth brand, Breathless, which will include luxury amenities such as premium-brand drinks, gourmet dining with no reservations required and 24-hour room service. The first Breathless resort, the Riviera Cancun in Mexico, will open in October 2015. Travel Weekly
(10/16)
| Market Trends | | |
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- Hotels cater to travelers' fresh-air fitness needs
A number of hotels have recognized the need of some travelers to exercise outdoors and are offering fitness options that incorporate their properties' surrounding areas, this article says. "There's clearly a group of travelers who like to work out in the gym and others who like to work out outside. Hotels are recognizing that travelers need choices," said Chekitan Dev, an associate professor at Cornell University. Offerings include free use of bicycles and guided walking tours. USA TODAY
(10/18)
- Tourism in Israel blends the old and the new
Israel is emerging as a world-class tourist destination, with several hotels utilizing the country's rich history to boost their charm, this feature says. Guests at some of the finest boutique and luxury hotels are treated to grand views of historic sites while being pampered with modern amenities. Tourist activities include culture trips and explorations of ancient sites to bar-hopping in Jerusalem. Travel Weekly
(10/17)
| Spotlight on Technology | | |
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- Hyatt to unify group billing, tracking with single solution
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts expects to launch a real-time billing technology for group events. Instead of receiving a folder with multiple invoices, groups will receive a single PDF including bills for all services. The system will let meeting planners track bills and reconcile costs daily. Next year, the hotel company is expected to move the data to a cloud system. BusinessTravelNews.com
(10/16)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Column: Luxury spas worth the investment for hoteliers
Spas may be costly to develop, but approximately 50% of guests participating in a Hilton survey say having a spa is an important component when selecting a hotel. Not only can spas provide extra revenue, but positive reviews can boost a luxury hotel's online reputation. eHotelier.com
(10/17)
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- MGM acquires property in Springfield, Mass., for planned casino
MGM Resorts International has acquired property in Springfield, Mass., as part of the company's plan to build a casino in the city. According to MGM spokeswoman Carole Brennan, the $1 million purchase is the company's first property acquisition for its planned gaming facility. Brennan said the parcel would be converted for parking should the city select the gaming company's casino proposal. The Republican (Springfield, Mass.)
(10/17)
| AH&LA News | | |
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Technology webinar series
AH&LA has partnered with Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals to offer a series of short technology and e-business webinars based on AH&LA's Technology Primer documents. Consisting of 12 sessions, the program runs through October 2012, and each webinar offers live audio and interaction and is free to HFTP and AH&LA members. Visit here to learn more.
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Green guidelines detail ROI
Created by AH&LA Green Guru Pat Maher, case studies for improving energy, water and waste have been added to AH&LA's Green Resource Center. From installing waterless urinals and landscape-irrigation systems to recycling mattresses, these guidelines are broken down into easy-to-understand descriptions and implementation procedures, complete with ROI analysis. For more resources, visit www.ahla.com/green.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."
--Guillaume Apollinaire,
French writer, poet and critic
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| | Recent AH&LA SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, October 17, 2012
- Tuesday, October 16, 2012
- Monday, October 15, 2012
- Friday, October 12, 2012
- Thursday, October 11, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Katie Parks
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